bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geometric Adaptive Controls of a Quadrotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle With Decoupled Attitude Dynamics
Authors: Gamagedara Kanishke , Lee Taeyoung
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a geometric adaptive position tracking control system for a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle. In particular, the attitude control system is designed on the product of the two-dimensional unit sphere and the one-dimensional circle such that the direction of the thrust that is critical for position tracking is controlled independently from the yawing direction that is irrelevant to the position dynamics. Compared against the prior work with coupled attitude controls on the special orthogonal group, the proposed controller prevents large yaw errors from causing an undesirable performance degradation in tracking a position command. Further, the control input is augmented with adaptive control terms to mitigate the effects of disturbances, and it is formulated globally on the spheres to avoid singularities and complexities of local coordinates. The efficacy of the proposed control system is illustrated by both numerical examples and indoor/outdoor flight experiments.
Influence of structure and composition of diamond-like nanocomposite coatings on cell viability
Authors: Grenadyorov Alexander S. , Solovyev Andrey A. , Oskomov Konstantin V. , Santra Tuhin S. , Gupta Pallavi , Korneev Dmitriy S.
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates the influence of the structure and properties of diamondlike nanocomposite (DLN or a-C:H:SiOx) coatings synthesized by plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition on cell viability and coating biocompatibility. The structure and properties of the DLN coatings are changed by the negative pulse amplitude of the bipolar bias voltage of the substrate. The structure of the obtained DLN coatings is studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Atomic force microscopy provides angstrom-level surface-profiling information. The microhardness testing of the DLN coatings is performed on a nanohardness indenter of a three-sided Berkovich pyramid. It is shown that the higher roughness of the substrate surface, the growth in the crystalline graphite content in the coating, and Si—C bonds improve the DLN coating biocompatibility deposited at a −500 V bias voltage and the cell viability (>98% of HeLa cells), resulting in a lower cell death (1–2%). It is demonstrated that DLN coatings can be applied in biomedicine.
Influence of HfO2 and SiO2 interfacial layers on the characteristics of n-GaN/HfSiOx capacitors using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition
Authors: Nabatame Toshihide , Maeda Erika , Inoue Mari , Hirose Masafumi , Irokawa Yoshihiro , Ohi Akihiko , Ikeda Naoki , Onaya Takashi , Shiozaki Koji , Ochi Ryota , Hashizume Tamotsu , Koide Yasuo
Published: October 2021

We investigated the growth per cycle (GPC) for SiO2 and HfO2 on n-GaN/native oxide and p-Si/SiO2 substrates by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition using tris(dimethylamino)silane and tetrakis(dimethylamino)hafnium precursors, respectively, and O2 plasma gases. On the basis of the estimated GPC, we also examined the characteristics of n-GaN/Hf0.57Si0.43Ox/Pt capacitors with an inserted interfacial layer (IL) such as subnanometer-thick HfO2 and SiO2. We found that the GPC for SiO2 on n-GaN/native oxide was slightly smaller than that on p-Si/SiO2, whereas the GPC for HfO2 was the same on both substrates. The GPC for ALD-SiO2 could be reasonably plotted on the basis of the relationship between the GPC and the difference in electronegativity between the metal and oxygen in the metal-O underlayers including native oxide (Ga2O3) on GaN. On the basis of the GPC on n-GaN, Hf0.57Si0.43Ox (23 nm) capacitors were fabricated without and with a HfO2-IL (0.3 and 0.5 nm) or SiO2-IL (0.3 and 0.6 nm). These capacitors exhibited similar leakage current properties and a high breakdown electric field greater than 8.3 MV cm−1. No frequency dispersion and a flatband voltage (Vfb) hysteresis smaller than 50 mV were observed for all of the capacitors. Compared with the SiO2-IL [Si-rich HfSiOx (Si: > 0.43)] capacitors, the HfO2-IL [Hf-rich HfSiOx (Hf: > 0.57)] capacitors showed a smaller interface state density [(1.2–1.7) × 1011 cm−2 eV−1 at −0.4 eV from the conduction band] and a smaller negative Vfb shift. Therefore, the Hf-rich HfSiOx (Hf: > 0.57) grown using a HfO2-IL at the n-GaN/HfSiOx interface plays a substantial role in improving the electrical properties of n-GaN/HfSiOx capacitors.
Transformative neural representations support long-term episodic memory
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhang Hui , Yu Tao , Ren Liankun , Ni Duanyu , Yang Qinhao , Lu Baoqing , Zhang Liang , Axmacher Nikolai , Xue Gui
Published: October 2021

Greater representational transformation during encoding is associated with stronger semantic formats and better long-term memory.
Systemic and mucosal immune profiling in asymptomatic and symptomatic SARS-CoV-2–infected individuals reveal unlinked immune signatures
Authors: Ravichandran Supriya , Grubbs Gabrielle , Tang Juanjie , Lee Youri , Huang Chang , Golding Hana , Khurana Surender
Published: October 2021

Mucosal SARS-CoV-2 immune profiles are divergent in asymptomatic versus symptomatic SARS-CoV-2–infected individuals.
Essay content and style are strongly related to household income and SAT scores: Evidence from 60,000 undergraduate applications
Authors: Alvero AJ , Giebel Sonia , Gebre-Medhin Ben , antonio anthony lising , Stevens Mitchell L. , Domingue Benjamin W.
Published: October 2021

Essay content and style have stronger relationships to household income than do SAT scores and strongly predict SAT scores.
Transient lipid-bound states of spike protein heptad repeats provide insights into SARS-CoV-2 membrane fusion
Authors: Chiliveri Sai Chaitanya , Louis John M. , Ghirlando Rodolfo , Bax Ad
Published: October 2021

Heptad repeat regions of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein transiently disrupt membrane integrity while driving cellular entry.
Multimodal sensing and intuitive steering assistance improve navigation and mobility for people with impaired vision
Authors: Slade Patrick , Tambe Arjun , Kochenderfer Mykel J.
Published: October 2021

A robotic white cane enables people with impaired vision to improve their mobility and overcome major navigation challenges.
The Human STAT2 Coiled-Coil Domain Contains a Degron for Zika Virus Interferon Evasion
Authors: Parisien Jean-Patrick , Lenoir Jessica J. , Alvarado Gloria , Horvath Curt M.
Published: October 2021

Zika virus infection can cause mild fever, rash, and muscle pain and in rare cases can lead to brain or nervous system diseases, including Guillain-Barré syndrome. Infections in pregnant women can increase the risk of miscarriage or serious birth defects, including brain anomalies and microcephaly.
Perturbing HIV-1 Ribosomal Frameshifting Frequency Reveals a
cis
Preference for Gag-Pol Incorporation into Assembling Virions
Authors: Benner Bayleigh E. , Bruce James W. , Kentala Jacob R. , Murray Magdalena , Becker Jordan T. , Garcia-Miranda Pablo , Ahlquist Paul , Butcher Samuel E. , Sherer Nathan M.
Published: October 2021

HIV-1 infectivity requires incorporation of the Gag-Pol (GP) precursor polyprotein into virions during the process of virus particle assembly. Mechanisms dictating GP incorporation into assembling virions are poorly defined, with GP levels in virions traditionally thought to solely reflect relative levels of Gag and GP expressed in cells, dictated by the frequency of a −1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting (PRF) event that occurs in
gag-pol
mRNAs.
Complete Genome Sequence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Multilocus Sequence Type ST7363 Isolated from Thailand
Authors: Cherdtrakulkiat Thitima , Wongsurawat Thidathip , Jenjaroenpun Piroon , Sutheeworapong Sawannee , Leelawiwat Wanna , Woodring Joseph V. , Dunne Eileen F. , Papp John R. , Srifuengfung Somporn , Tribuddharat Chanwit
Published: October 2021

A
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
multilocus sequence type (MLST) ST7363 strain was isolated from a patient at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, in 2010 and completely sequenced. This strain is susceptible to ceftriaxone and cefixime. A complete circular chromosome and circular plasmids were assembled from combined Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) and Illumina sequencing.
Chromosome-Scale Assembly of the Complete Genome Sequence of Porcisia hertigi, Isolate C119, Strain LV43
Authors: Almutairi Hatim , Urbaniak Michael D. , Bates Michelle D. , Al-Salem Waleed S. , Dillon Rod J. , Bates Paul A. , Gatherer Derek
Published: October 2021

Porcisia hertigi
is a parasitic kinetoplastid first isolated from porcupines (
Coendou rothschildi
) in central Panama in 1965. We present the complete genome sequence of
P. hertigi
, isolate C119, strain LV43, sequenced using combined short- and long-read technologies. This complete genome sequence will contribute to our knowledge of the parasitic genus
Porcisia
.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pasteurella multocida Serotype A Strain MOR19, Isolated in Morocco
Authors: Semmate Noha , Boumart Zineb , Bamouh Zahra , Khayi Slimane , Omari Tadlaoui Khalid , Fellahi Siham , El Harrak Mehdi
Published: October 2021

Pasteurella multocida
causes pneumonia in large ruminants. In this study, we determined the genome sequence of the capsular serotype A
Pasteurella multocida
strain MOR19, isolated from a calf that died from acute pneumonia.
Oral Microbiome Alterations and SARS-CoV-2 Saliva Viral Load in Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Miller Emily Happy , Annavajhala Medini K. , Chong Alexander M. , Park Heekuk , Nobel Yael R. , Soroush Ali , Blackett John W. , Krigel Anna , Phipps Meaghan M. , Freedberg Daniel E. , Zucker Jason , Sano Ellen D. , Uhlemann Anne-Catrin , Abrams Julian A.
Published: October 2021

Alterations to the saliva microbiome based on SARS-CoV-2 viral load indicate potential biologically relevant bacterial-viral relationships which may affect clinical outcomes in COVID-19 disease.
Development of an Amplicon-Based Next-Generation Sequencing Protocol to Identify
Leishmania
Species and Other Trypanosomatids in Leishmaniasis Endemic Areas
Authors: Patiño Luz H. , Castillo-Castañeda Adriana C. , Muñoz Marina , Jaimes Jesus E. , Luna-Niño Nicolas , Hernández Carolina , Ayala Martha S. , Fuya Patricia , Mendez Claudia , Hernández-Pereira Carlos E. , Delgado Lourdes , Sandoval-Ramírez Claudia M. , Urbano Plutarco , Paniz-Mondolfi Alberto , Ramírez Juan David
Published: October 2021

Traditionally, there has been a frequent, yet incorrect assumption that phlebotomine vectors, animal reservoirs, and human hosts are susceptible to
Leishmania
infection by a single parasite species. However, current evidence supports that these new vector-parasite-reservoir associations lend vectors and reservoirs greater permissiveness to certain
Leishmania
species, thus promoting the appearance of coinfection events, particularly in disease-endemic regions.
Determination of potential risk characteristics for cauda equina compression in emergency department patients presenting with atraumatic back pain: a 4-year retrospective cohort analysis within a tertiary referral neurosciences centre
Authors: Angus Michelle , Curtis-Lopez Carlos M , Carrasco Roberto , Currie Vicki , Siddique Irfan , Horner Daniel E
Published: October 2021

Objective

Atraumatic back pain is an increasingly common presentation to the ED. A minority of these cases will have significant structural pathology, resulting in acute cauda equina compression (CEC). Although clinicians often look for ‘red flags’ to identify potential CEC, the prognostic accuracy of these presenting symptoms and clinical examination findings is unclear. We sought to evaluate the accuracy of individual clinical features in a large cohort of ED patients with atraumatic backpain and reference standard imaging, for the diagnosis of CEC.

Methods

A retrospective case note review from 2014 to 2018 within an established ED atraumatic back pain pathway, undertaken at the largest tertiary spinal referral centre in the UK. We analysed routine data, collected prospectively by treating clinicians within a structured electronic health record clinical proforma. Data on signs and symptoms in 996 patients with suspected CEC referred for definitive MRI over a 4-year study period were extracted and compared against a final reference standard diagnosis.

Results

We identified 111 patients with radiological evidence of CEC within the cohort referred for definitive imaging (111/996, 11.1%), of whom 109 (98.2%) underwent operative intervention. Patients with CEC were more likely to present with bilateral leg pain (OR=2.2), dermatomal sensory loss (OR 1.8) and bilateral absent ankle or ankle and knee jerks (OR=2.9). Subjective weakness was found to be associated with CEC on univariate but not multivariate analysis. We found no relationship between digital rectal examination findings and the diagnosis of CEC.

Conclusions

In our cohort, factors independently associated with CEC diagnosis on MRI included bilateral leg pain, dermatomal sensory loss. Loss of lower limb reflexes was strongly suggestive of CES (likelihood ratio 3.4 on multivariate logistic regression). Our findings raise questions about the diagnostic utility of invasive digital rectal examination.
Pityocampal Erucism in a British Serviceman in Croatia - A Case Report
Authors: Croft A M , Winfield D A
Published: October 2021

We present a case of erucism (caterpillar dermatitis) in a British serviceman deployed in Croatia on Operation Resolute. The aetiology, clinical features and diagnosis of erucism are discussed. Erucism should be highlighted as an environmental hazard in future troop deployments to the Mediterranean area.
The use of Local Anaesthesia in Peripheral Venous Cannulation: Current Practice of Junior Doctors
Authors: Norris William D
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To determine the rate of use of local anaesthetic in peripheral venous cannulation by pre-registration house officers and to determine reasons why they do not use it.

Design

Analysis of anonymous questionnaires distributed to pre-registration house officers at scheduled weekly education meetings.

Setting

One regional hospital and three district general hospitals in the United Kingdom.

Results

71 questionnaires were distributed directly to respondents and subsequently analysed. 46 respondents (65%) stated that they never used local anaesthetic for peripheral venous cannulation. Of those who used local anaesthetic the average rate of use was 6%. Of those who used local anaesthetic 48% stated they used EMLA and 84% stated they used lignocaine. 4% stated they would use local anaesthetic for 22 gauge cannulae, 8% would use it for 20 gauge, 24% for 18 gauge and 40% for 16 gauge and 28% for 14 gauge cannulae.

45% stated that using local anaesthetic was too time consuming, 35% stated it was not indicated, 21% stated that it made cannulation difficult, 13% stated that local anaesthetic was not available on the ward, 13% stated that it was logistically difficult, 4% stated that there was peer pressure not to use it, 4% stated they were not allowed to use local anaesthetic and 3% stated that it was practically difficult. 20% of respondents gave no reason.

Conclusions

Despite good clinical evidence that the pain of peripheral venous cannulation can be successfully obviated using local anaesthetic, the rate of use by pre -registration house officers is low. It is suggested that during formal cannulation training, more emphasis be placed on the provision of analgesia. This should aim to increase the quality of care to those patien s requiring intravenous cannulation as well as offering other potential benefits to doctors.
“It’s Good To Talk” - An Audit of the Communication of Post-Operative Thromboembolic Complications
Authors: Brinsden M D , Mercer S J , Rawlings I D
Published: October 2021

The risk of venous thromboembolism after surgery, with its associated morbidity and mortality, is an important component of obtaining informed consent for a surgical procedure. This risk of thromboembolic complications extends beyond the post-operative hospital stay; patients suffering such complications after discharge are generally not re-admitted under the care of the operating surgeon. A retrospective opening loop audit was undertaken to investigate the communication of post-operative thromboembolic complications between specialties in a large district general hospital. The operating surgeon was unaware of 87% of cases of pulmonary embolism and 20% of cases of deep vein thrombosis affecting patients in their post-operative period. The interspecialty communication of post-operative complications is important to maintain a high standard of patient care and allow surgeons to make informed decisions about clinical practice.
Testing the Effectiveness of Techniques for Reducing Heat Strain in Royal Navy Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Cleansing Stations' Teams
Authors: House J R , Lunt H , Magness A , Lyons J
Published: October 2021

Nine personnel simulating the work of an NBC cleansing station (CS) in conditions expected in Middle Eastern waters had a limited work duration due to incapacitating heat strain. When the subjects were allowed five minutes rest periods after every 10 minutes of work, the endurance of seven of the subjects was limited to between 75-105 minutes due to heat strain and heat illness. By the point of withdrawal mean (SD) rectal temperature (Tre) had risen by 1.8°C (0.4°C). The other two subjects were withdrawn earlier because they reached cardiac safety limits. When the hands were immersed (HI) in 10°C water during the five minute rest periods heat strain was significantly lower (P<0.01) and work endurance times were increased. One subject was withdrawn early on reaching cardiac safety limits, two on reaching Tre limits (39°C) at 105 minutes, and six subjects completed the 180 minute exposure with a final Tre of 38.4°C (0.3°C). Using ‘iced’ (0°C) rather than 10°C water for HI further reduced heat strain (P<0.01) and increased endurance times. Three subjects were withdrawn early on reaching cardiac safety limits, the remaining six completing the 180 minute exposure, with a final Tre of 38.3°C (0.5°C). Using an ice-vest (IV) in conjunction with HI further reduced heat strain (PcO.Ol) and increased endurance times. Two subjects were withdrawn early on reaching cardiac safety limits, the remaining seven completing the 180 minute exposure, with a final Tre of 38.2°C (0.8°C) when 10°C HI water was used, and Tre 38.0°C (0.4°C) when 0°C HI water was used. There were no reports of finger numbness or loss of dexterity due to HI, and all personnel were able to remove their own Individual Protective Equipment (IPE) without difficulty. It is expected that using HI will not reduce the ability to decontaminate or undress others. The HI technique and IV equipment should be introduced into the Fleet. ‘Iced’ water should be used in preference to 10°C, although any water colder than 25°C will provide some benefit. The IVs increased torso girth and personnel should try them on (with frozen ice packs inserted) prior to their use and ensure that their protective clothing still fits, or obtain a larger size.
A Complicated Stress Fracture of the Femoral Neck - A Case Report
Authors: Selzer G , Ross R A , Spalding T J W
Published: October 2021

A case is presented of a stress fracture of the femoral neck complicated by complete fracture. Additional complications arose when the repaired fracture went on to non-union due to bending of the DHS screw, requiring revision surgery with a valgus osteotomy. The case is important because this type of stress fracture has previously been considered to be safe from risk of complete fracture. The failure of the operative treatment has implications for young patients treated similarly.
‘A Procedure Without a Problem’, or the face transplant that didn’t happen. The Royal Free, the Royal College of Surgeons and the challenge of surgical firsts
Authors: Bound Alberti Fay , Hoyle Victoria
Published: October 2021

Face transplants are an innovative and unusual form of modern surgery. There have been 47 face transplants around the world to date, but none as yet in the UK. Yet in 2003, the UK was poised to undertake the first face transplant in the world. The reasons why it didn't take place are not straightforward, but largely unexplored by historians. The Royal College of Surgeons, concerned about the media attention given to face transplants and the ethical and surgical issues involved, held a working party and concluded that it could not give approval for face transplants, effectively bringing to a halt the UK’s momentum in the field. This extraordinary episode in medical history has been anecdotally influential in shaping the course of British surgical history. This article explores and explains the lack of a face transplant in the UK and draws attention to the complex emotional, institutional and international issues involved. Its findings have implications beyond the theme of face transplants, into the cultural contexts and practices in which surgical innovation takes place.
Reliability of patient-reported comorbidities: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Chung Mun Alice , Ng Nathan , Orman Alexander , Clement Nicholas D , Deehan David J
Published: October 2021

Self-reported questionnaires have become a widely adopted method of reviewing patients in clinical practice. This systematic review aimed to determine the reliability of patient-reported comorbidities and to identify which patient factors influence the reliability. Included studies assessed the reliability of at least one patient-reported comorbidity against their medical record or clinical assessment as gold standard. Twenty-four eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis. Only endocrine diseases (Cohen's Kappa Coefficient (CKC) 0.81 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.85)), consisting of diabetes mellitus (CKC 0.83 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.86)) and thyroid disease (CKC 0.68 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.86)), showed good-to-excellent reliability. Factors most frequently reported to influence concordance included age, sex and educational level.

This systematic review demonstrated poor-to-moderate reliability for most systems, except for endocrine which showed good-to-excellent reliability. Although patient self-reporting can be a useful guide to clinical management, several patient factors were demonstrated to affect reliability therefore it should be avoided as a standalone measure.
Possibilities for personalised medicine in rheumatoid arthritis: hype or hope
Authors: Heutz Judith , de Jong Pascal Hendrik Pieter
Published: October 2021

Knowledge of pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has improved over the past decades, which resulted in new treatment options and strategies that led to better clinical outcomes. At the same time, we have come to understand that RA is a heterogeneous disease on a clinical as well as a pathophysiological level. Despite this heterogeneity, current management recommendations still adopt a ‘one-size-fits-all’ treatment approach, where ideally individualised treatment, or personalised medicine, is preferred. The first step towards personalised medicine in RA would be to designate different treatment strategies to distinct clinical or molecular phenotypes of patients. This viewpoint discusses current evidence and elaborates on future possibilities for personalised medicine in RA.
Significant differences between solid state and solution photochemistry and photophysics of mesogenic organometallic gold complexes
Authors: Tanner Kevin , Marineau-Plante Gabriel , Schlachter Adrien , Karsenti Paul-Ludovic , Soldera Armand , Harvey Pierre D.
Published: October 2021

Five new gold complexes 4-ROC6H4C≡CAuN≡CC6H4-4-OR′ (R/R′ = CH3/C9H19 (C1N9 ), C15H31/C9H19 (C15N9 ), C6H13/C15H31 (C6N15 ), C9H19/C15H31 (C9N15 ), C12H25/C15H31 (C12N15 )) were synthesized and characterized (1H and 13C NMR, IR, Raman spectroscopy, and high resolution mass spectrometry). Their organized smectic phases were investigated by TGA, DSC, powder XRD, and polarized light optical microscopy, and the solids are found to have crystalline and amorphous domains. No evidence for Au•••Au interactions was observed. The steady state and time-resolved absorption and emission properties at 298 and 77 K were examined, and surprisingly, the excited lifetime of the triplet excited state in the solid state is extremely short-lived (<100 ps) in comparison with the microsecond time scale recorded for the solution and at 77 K. The photosensitization of 1O2 was observed in solution but not in the solid state. The nature of the singlet (ligand-to-ligand charge transfer) and triplet (ethynyl/intraligand ππ*) excited states were assessed using DFT and TD-DFT computations. The thermal and UV-photochemical formation of gold nanoparticles were performed in solution (slow) and in the solid state (faster). The thermally generated nanoparticles are found to be larger (2–20 nm; TEM) and exhibit well-defined shapes, whereas the photochemically generated ones are smaller (1–10 nm) and show ill-defined shapes.
The influences of pre- and post-smolt captive rearing environments on growth, maturation, body size, and reproductive success of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) released as adults
Authors: Van Doornik Donald M. , Berejikian Barry A. , Moore Megan E. , Claiborne Andrew M. , Downen Mark R. , Waltermire Joy Lee , Doctor Katy K. , Endicott Rob
Published: October 2021

Conservation hatcheries designed to aid in recovery of imperiled fish population often implement atypical rearing and release strategies. We evaluated a conservation hatchery program for steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) that hydraulically removed naturally spawned eggs and captively reared them in different freshwater hatcheries to the smolt stage and reared smolts in both fresh water and seawater to sexual maturity, before releasing the sexually maturing adults onto the spawning grounds. The adult steelhead added to the spawning population, accounting for most of the adults observed during snorkel observations. They produced 32% of the juvenile offspring sampled, and females were 2.9 times more successful than males. Reproductive success was positively correlated with female body size, which was influenced by pre-smolt and post-smolt rearing conditions and their effects on growth rate and age-at-maturity. Juvenile offspring of the released adults showed size and age differences from offspring of naturally returning steelhead, but exhibited very similar early marine survival rates.
Soil microbial community composition in a paddy field with different fertilization managements
Authors: Wang Limin , Huang Dongfeng
Published: October 2021

Microbes play vital roles in soil quality; however, their response to N (nitrogen) and P (phosphorus) fertilization in acidic paddy soils of subtropical China remains poorly understood. Here, a 10-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different fertilization treatments on microbial communities by Illumina MiSeq sequencing. The results showed that different fertilization treatments did not exert a significant effect on microbial alpha diversity, but altered soil properties, and thus affected microbial community composition. The microbial communities in the T1(optimized N and P fertilizer) and T2(excessive N fertilizer) treated soils differed from those in the T0(no N and P fertilizer) and T3(excessive P fertilizer) treated soils. In addition, the bacterial phyla Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Acidobacteria, and the fungal phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota dominated all the fertilized treatments. Soil total potassium (TK) concentration was the most important factor driving the variation in bacterial community structure under different fertilization regimes, while the major factors shaping fungal community structure were soil TN and NO3–-N (nitrate N). These findings indicate that optimization of N and P application rates might result in variations in soil properties, which changed the microbial community structure in the present study.
Deletion of the type IV secretion system promoter VirB in Brucella abortus A19 strain attenuated the virulence of the bacteria and promotes autophagy
Authors: Deng Xiaoyu , He Jinke , Wang Yueli , Yang Qin , Yi Jihai , Zhang Huan , Wang Yong , Miao Yuhe , Wang Zhen , Chen Chuangfu
Published: October 2021

Brucella abortus is a gram-negative intracellular parasite bacteria that causes serious health hazards in humans and animals. The type IV secretion system (T4SS), encoded by the virB promoter, has been identified as an important virulence factor for Brucella abortus, but its impact on Brucella abortus A19 remains unclear. In this study, the T4SS of Brucella abortus A19 was inactivated by deletion of the virB promoter, resulting in a mutant strain A19ΔvirB. Real-time PCR and western blotting analysis demonstrated that T4SS-related proteins were not expressed after virB promoter deletion. Moreover, the survival rate of A19 in high-salt and strong acidic environments decreased after virB promoter deletion. Compared to the parental strain A19, the A19ΔvirB mutant strain showed reduced growth rate in TSB, decreased invasion ability to macrophages and dendritic cells, and reduced virulence of the mutant strain in macrophages, dendritic cells, and mice. In addition, the A19ΔvirB mutant strain showed enhanced autophagy in macrophages and dendritic cells compared with A19, and the A19ΔvirB mutant strain was able to upregulate IL-6 and downregulate IL-10 in macrophages. These data help us to better understand the T4SS of the A19 vaccine strain and contribute to our efforts to improve Brucella vaccines.
Perturbation theory of the quadratic Lotka–Volterra double center
Authors: Françoise Jean–Pierre , Gavrilov Lubomir
Published: October 2021

We revisit the bifurcation theory of the Lotka–Volterra quadratic system [Formula: see text] with respect to arbitrary quadratic deformations. The system has a double center, which is moreover isochronous. We show that the deformed system can have at most two limit cycles on the finite plane, with possible distribution [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]. Our approach is based on the study of pairs of bifurcation functions associated to the centers, expressed in terms of iterated path integrals of length two.
The eigenvalue problem for Hessian type operator
Authors: Mei Xinqun
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we establish a global [Formula: see text] estimates for a Hessian type equation with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary. By the method of sub and sup solution, we get an existence and uniqueness result for the eigenvalue problem of a Hessian type operator.
ASSESSMENT OF TC-99M MDP ABSORBED DOSE AND RESIDENCE TIME AFTER BONE SCAN EXAMINATION: PERSONAL DOSIMETER MEASUREMENTS AND SEMI-EMPIRICAL FORMULA FOR 210 PATIENTS IN TAIWAN
Authors: WANG CHUN-CHIEH , LIN SHIH-TSUNG , CHIU SHAO-WEN , PAN LUNG-FA , PAN LUNG-KWANG
Published: October 2021

Subject: This study assessed the absorbed dose for patients who underwent Tc-99m Methylene Diphosphonates (MDP) bone scan examination based on a series of personal dosimeter measurements and a derived semi-empirical formula. Material and methods: 210 volunteers among the patients, who were administrated 925 MBq Tc-99m MDP for the bone scan examination in the Department of Nuclear Medicine in the Dalin Tuzchi Hospital, Taiwan, underwent personal dosimeter measurements at 30, 120, and 180[Formula: see text]min after the injection. A personal dosimeter was held at a 30[Formula: see text]cm distance from the patient’s stomach. The acquired data were analyzed to derive the residence time of Tc-99m radionuclide in the patient’s body. Five biological parameters (gender, age, BMI, eGFR, and creatinine) of these 210 patients were collected and processed by the STATISTICA program, yielding a nonlinear 16-term first-order semi-empirical formula for the radionuclide residence time prediction. The respective four- and three-factor calculations, excluding creatinine and eGFR, provided poor correlation. Results and Conclusion: According to the phantom concept, treating a patient’s body as a homogenous spherical ball, a simplified formula was used to assess the absorbed dose rate and magnitude. Therefore, the derived residence time, dose rate, and absorbed dose were [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]min, [Formula: see text]Sv/min, and [Formula: see text]Sv, respectively. These results were lower than those obtained in previous studies, which can be attributed to accelerated radionuclide excretion of patients who drank 2000 cc of water after the procedure, yielding shorter residence times.
Value of Information Analysis in Models to Inform Health Policy
Authors: Jackson Christopher H. , Baio Gianluca , Heath Anna , Strong Mark , Welton Nicky J. , Wilson Edward C.F.
Published: October 2021

Value of information (VoI) is a decision-theoretic approach to estimating the expected benefits from collecting further information of different kinds, in scientific problems based on combining one or more sources of data. VoI methods can assess the sensitivity of models to different sources of uncertainty and help to set priorities for further data collection. They have been widely applied in healthcare policy making, but the ideas are general to a range of evidence synthesis and decision problems. This article gives a broad overview of VoI methods, explaining the principles behind them, the range of problems that can be tackled with them, and how they can be implemented, and discusses the ongoing challenges in the area.
Reliability of Hijacked Journal Detection Based on Scientometrics, Altmetric Tools, and Web Informatics: A Case Report Using Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus
Authors: Khosravi Mohammad R. , Menon Varun G.
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a case report on detecting hijacked journals. Towards identification of a fake journal website and preventing a hijacked paper, we can use different tools including Google Scholar and Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus (both as scientometric databases) to distinguish a fake website from a legal journal website. Our evaluation shows that analysis of a doubtful website for a targeted journal based on Google Scholar is not reliable. In fact, the use of scientometric tools for tracking prior publications of the targeted journal is compulsory. Another result of this study is that in some uncommon cases, fake websites (clone versions) may sometimes convince a scientometric database in order to be fully/partially indexed along with an abstracting of their hijacked papers while these websites steal identity of the legal journals. Therefore, as a result, we should check both of WoS and Scopus at the same time for verifying a fake website to obtain more reliability.
Intelligent Solutions in Chest Abnormality Detection Based on YOLOv5 and ResNet50
Authors: Luo Yu , Zhang Yifan , Sun Xize , Dai Hengwei , Chen Xiaohui
Published: October 2021

Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) has nearly fifty years of history and has assisted many clinicians in the diagnosis. With the development of technology, recently, researches use the deep learning method to get high accuracy results in the CAD system. With CAD, the computer output can be used as a second choice for radiologists and contribute to doctors doing the final right decisions. Chest abnormality detection is a classic detection and classification problem; researchers need to classify common thoracic lung diseases and localize critical findings. For the detection problem, there are two deep learning methods: one-stage method and two-stage method. In our paper, we introduce and analyze some representative model, such as RCNN, SSD, and YOLO series. In order to better solve the problem of chest abnormality detection, we proposed a new model based on YOLOv5 and ResNet50. YOLOv5 is the latest YOLO series, which is more flexible than the one-stage detection algorithms before. The function of YOLOv5 in our paper is to localize the abnormality region. On the other hand, we use ResNet, avoiding gradient explosion problems in deep learning for classification. And we filter the result we got from YOLOv5 and ResNet. If ResNet recognizes that the image is not abnormal, the YOLOv5 detection result is discarded. The dataset is collected via VinBigData’s web-based platform, VinLab. We train our model on the dataset using Pytorch frame and use the mAP, precision, and F1-score as the metrics to evaluate our model’s performance. In the progress of experiments, our method achieves superior performance over the other classical approaches on the same dataset. The experiments show that YOLOv5’s mAP is 0.010, 0.020, 0.023 higher than those of YOLOv5, Fast RCNN, and EfficientDet. In addition, in the dimension of precision, our model also performs better than other models. The precision of our model is 0.512, which is 0.018, 0.027, 0.033 higher than YOLOv5, Fast RCNN, and EfficientDet.
Aggressive CD5-Positive Primary Bone Marrow Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma with Leukemic Presentation
Authors: Evans Mark G. , Rezk Sherif A. , Pinter-Brown Lauren C. , Zhao Xiaohui
Published: October 2021

Primary bone marrow diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is an exceedingly rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It may demonstrate a leukemic presentation, and a proportion of cases have CD5 expression. The prognostic implications of this CD5-positivity remain unknown. Here, we present a 78-year-old man who presented with circulating peripheral blood lymphoma cells and a hypercellular marrow involved by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, germinal center B-cell subtype. The patient responded favorably to six cycles of etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and rituximab (EPOCH-R) and intrathecal methotrexate. He unfortunately relapsed in several enlarged inguinal lymph nodes and succumbed to the lymphoma approximately one year after diagnosis, demonstrating the particularly aggressive clinical course of his disease.
Study on Influence of Joint Distribution on Surrounding Rock Failure of an Underground Tunnel
Authors: Liu Wanrong , Peng Chao , Zhang Baoliang
Published: October 2021

Due to geological structure and artificial disturbance, a large number of joints and fissures are formed in the surrounding rock of an underground tunnel. In order to study the influence of joints on the failure characteristics of tunnels, three test schemes with different joint lengths, joint spacing, and joint positions are designed. The results show that the bearing capacity of the tunnel decreases with the increase in the joint length. With the increase in joint spacing, the bearing capacity of the tunnel decreases first and then increases. The crack propagation law of the three test schemes has experienced four stages: no crack, crack initiation, crack rapid development, and crack gradual reduction. The location of joints has the greatest influence on the failure mode of the tunnel. The crack is most likely to appear at the top of the tunnel and expand along the joint, mainly because it is easy to form tensile stress at the top of the tunnel and compressive stress concentration at the joint tip. Therefore, when excavating the tunnel in the underground space, the influence of joints on the tunnel should be considered. Analyzing the relationship between the tunnel and joints has important practical guiding significance for the control of the surrounding rock of the tunnel. Finally, the failure results of the indoor physical model and numerical model are compared and analyzed. They are in good agreement, which also reflects the rationality of numerical simulation.
Gas Jet Coal-Breaking Behavior: An Elliptical Crushing Theoretical Model
Authors: Wang Gongda , Wang Yuanyuan , Yang Xin , Song Xin
Published: October 2021

Coalbed methane (CBM) is a source of clean energy and has been recovered in past decades all over the world. Gas dynamic disaster is the primary disaster in outburst coal, and methane drainage plays a key role in eliminating this danger. As an efficient technology, a gas jet is widely used in CBM development and methane drainage. In this work, the full impinging process of coal and rock fracturing by a supersonic gas jet was studied. To understand how jet parameters affect coal and rock fracturing results, an elliptical crushing theoretical model was proposed. In addition, a laboratory experiment was designed to examine the proposed model, and four key parameters affecting the fracturing results were studied. The results show that different from the monotonic variation of theoretical values, there is a turning point in the variation of experimental values under some parameters. Considering the influence of the depth and radius of the erosion pit, the rock-breaking effect is better when the nozzle size is 2.75 Ma. The optimal target distance is 30 mm, and the impact pressure of a gas jet should be continuously increased in order to achieve certain rock-breaking effects under the impact of the jet.
Role of SIRT1 in Hepatic Encephalopathy: In Vivo and In Vitro Studies Focusing on the NLRP3 Inflammasome
Authors: Jiao Fangzhou , Wang Yao , Chen Qian , Cao Pan , Shi Chunxia , Pei Maohua , Wang Luwen , Gong Zuojiong
Published: October 2021

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric disorder resulting from acute or chronic liver failure. This study is aimed at investigating the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of SIRT1 in thioacetamide‐ (TAA‐) induced rat HE models. A selective activator (CAY10602) and inhibitor (EX527) of SIRT1 were used in this study. All male rats were separated into control, TAA, CAY10602+TAA, and EX527+TAA groups. Histological damage, liver function, serum ammonia, behavioral changes, and brain oxidative stress were measured in each group. Western blotting was used to measure SIRT1, NLRP3, ASC, and IL‐1β protein expression. The results showed that CAY10602 alleviated liver injury, improved neurological decline, reduced microglial activation and brain oxidative stress, and improved the survival rates of HE rats. Moreover, CAY10602 inhibited activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia of the brain cortex in HE rats. Next, cell experiments confirmed that CAY10602 inhibited activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in BV2 microglial cells. However, inhibition of SIRT1 by EX527 or lentivirus could enhance activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in this process. Finally, CAY10602 reduced the neurotoxicity induced by high levels of ammonia in HT22 cells. Taken together, CAY10602 alleviates TAA‐induced HE by suppressing microglial activation and the NLRP3 inflammasome and reducing the neurotoxicity of NH4Cl in HT22 cells. A pharmacologic activator of SIRT1 may be a promising approach for the treatment of HE.
Correlations between Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis in Patients with Grade II Glioma
Authors: Ning Liang , Liang Weidong , Guo Hongjun , Liu Jun , Xie Lanjun
Published: October 2021

Objective. Grade II gliomas are mostly astrocytomas and oligodendrocytomas. The treatment method is mainly surgery, combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. According to statistics, young patients under the age of 40 years with grade II gliomas have a 50% chance of more than 5-year survival through reasonable treatment and normal eating habits. The survival time of middle-aged and elderly patients over 40 years old is about 2-3 years under the same conditions. The study aimed at analyzing the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of 60 patients with glioma. Methods. A total of 60 patients diagnosed pathologically with grade II glioma according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification in 2007 admitted into our hospital from January 2016 to December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. The Kaplan–Meier curve was plotted to reflect 5-year survival according to patients’ clinical characteristics. The Cox regression model was used to analyze prognostic factors of grade II glioma. Results. Preoperative KPS scores <60, 60–80, and >80 accounted for 25.00% (15/60), 40.00% (24/60), and 35.00% (21/60), respectively. The largest tumor diameter LTD was less than 5 cm revealed in 60.00% patients, of which astrocytoma accounted for 65.00%. Subventricular zone (SVZ) expansion occurred in 23.33% of the patients and peritumoral edema occurred in 16.67% of the patients. The median follow-up time was 54 months. 5-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates of all patients were 70.0% and 56.7%, respectively. The Cox regression model indicated SVZ expansion, surgical resections, and recurrence were the independent prognostic factors of grade II glioma. Conclusion. These data suggested that SVZ expansion, surgical resections, and recurrence were independent factors affecting the prognosis of grade II glioma. According to the above clinical indexes of patients, individualized therapies can be established to prolong the survival time of patients.
Bifurcation Analysis of a Discrete Food Chain Model with Harvesting
Authors: Khan Abdul Qadeer , Qureshi Shahid Mehmood
Published: October 2021

We explore existence of fixed points, topological classifications around fixed points, existence of periodic points and prime period, and bifurcation analysis of a three-species discrete food chain model with harvesting. Finally, theoretical results are numerically verified.
Intravenous Drip of Somatostatin Followed by Restricted Fluid Resuscitation to Treat Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: He Xuni , Dai Zhuhua , Shi Peina , Hong Jiemin
Published: October 2021

Objective. Liver cirrhosis is a common, often progressive, and usually fatal disorder. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a leading cause of death in patients with liver cirrhosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of somatostatin combined with restricted fluid resuscitation in the treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods. From January 2018 to December 2020, 84 patients with liver cirrhosis complicated by upper gastrointestinal bleeding admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology of Ningbo Yinzhou No. 2 Hospital were selected as study participants. They were randomly assigned into the study group (n = 42) and control group (n = 42). All patients were given intravenous drip of somatostatin. The study group was supplemented with restricted fluid resuscitation therapy. The hemoglobin (Hb), platelet, fibrinogen, hematocrit, transfusion volume of red blood cells, hemostatic time, hemostatic rates in 0 h–24 h, 24 h–48 h, and >48 h, rebleeding rates, resuscitation rate, and incidence rates of complications were compared between the two groups 48 h after treatment. Results. It was found that the Hb, platelet, fibrinogen, and hematocrit were notably increased in the study group compared to the control group 48 h after treatment

P
<
0.01

. The proportion of patients with excellent response was notably higher in the study group than in the control group

P
<
0.05

. The overall response rate of the study group was 90.48%, which was significantly higher than 71.43% in the control group

P
<
0.05

. The study group had lower transfusion volume of red blood cells, shorter hemostatic time, and lower rebleeding rates than the control group

P
<
0.01

. The hemostatic rate of 0 h–24 h in the study group was remarkably higher than that in the control group

P
<
0.05

. The hemostatic rate of >48 h in the study group was lower than that in the control group

P
<
0.05

. The overall incidence rate of complications in the study group was 9.52%, which was significantly lower than 30.95% in the control group

P
<
0.05

. Conclusion. These data suggest that intravenous drip of somatostatin followed by restricted fluid resuscitation leads to a better clinical efficacy in treating upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis considering higher resuscitation rate and hemostatic rate and reduced incidence of complications, which is conducive to the recovery of patients and worthy of further clinical promotion.