bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role and mechanism of miR-130a-3p in the chemosensitivity of retinoblastoma cells to vincristine
Authors: Lu Xiulan , Tu Huifang , Tang Dongrun , Huang Xiaoming , Sun Fengyuan
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Chemoresistance remains the primary obstacle threatening the prognosis of retinoblastoma (RB). microRNAs (miRNAs) are acknowledged as critical regulator of drug resistance. This study explored the molecular mechanism of miR-130a-3p affecting the chemosensitivity of RB to vincristine (VCR).
Methods

miR-130a-3p expression of VCR-sensitive and VCR-resistant RB tissues was detected using RT-qPCR. VCR-resistant RB cell line Y79/VCR was induced. miR-130a-3p expression of Y79/VCR cell line and its corresponding parental cell line was detected. Y79/VCR cells were subjected to miR-130a-3p overexpression treatment. The cell proliferation was measured using MTT assay, and the IC50 value and drug resistance index were examined using CCK-8 assay. The targeting relationship between miR-130a-3p and PAX6 was predicted through bioinformatics analysis and verified using dual-luciferase assay. Functional rescue experiments were conducted to confirm the role of PAX6 in chemosensitivity of RB cells. The effect of miR-130a-3p on tumorigenesis and VCR sensitivity was observed in vivo.
Results

miR-130a-3p was downregulated in VCR-resistant RB tissues and cells. Overexpression of miR-130a-3p repressed the proliferation of VCR-resistant RB cells and enhanced chemosensitivity. miR-130a-3p targeted PAX6 expression. Overexpression of PAX6 reversed the effect of miR-130a-3p on chemosensitivity of RB. Overexpression of miR-130a-3p suppressed tumor growth and reduced VCR resistance in vivo.
Conclusion

miR-130a-3p enhanced the chemosensitivity of RB cells to VCR by targeting PAX6 expression.
Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage (DAH) Associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): A Case Report
Authors: Wali Haytham , Tabb Deanne , Baloch Saeed A.
Published: July 2021

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a rare syndrome resulting from the accumulation of intra-alveolar red blood cells (RBCs) originating most often from the alveolar capillaries and, less frequently, from precapillary arterioles or postcapillary venules. The causes of DAH can be divided into infectious and noninfectious. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans, and it is responsible for the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) infection. The long-term complications of COVID-19 are not entirely known and are still being investigated. Here, we present a case of DAH that is believed to be a consequence of COVID-19 infection.
Ecosystem Services Provided By Urban Forests In The Southern Caucasus Region: A Modeling Study In Tbilisi, Georgia
Authors: Alpaidze Levan , Pace Rocco
Published: July 2021

All cities globally are growing considerably as they are experiencing an intensive urbanization process resulting in significant economic, social, and environmental challenges. One of the major risks is the deterioration of living environment in urban areas due to the high soil consumption and pollution of environmental components. For this reason, cities are required to adopt measures to reduce air pollution concentration and CO2 emissions, preserve biodiversity and mitigate the urban heat island effect. In this context, tree planting has been suggested as a cost-effective strategy because green infrastructures can provide important environmental and social functions which contribute to the quality of life and health of city dwellers.Tbilisi is the largest city in Georgia, with a population of over 1,100,000 inhabitants (about 30% of total population of Georgia). The green space availability in Tbilisi (5-6 m2 per inhabitant) is low compared to other European cities, and in recent years the need to increase the amount of urban vegetation has been underlined at planning level.In our study, we implemented for the first time in a Southern Caucasus city the i-Tree Eco model to quantify the main ecosystem services provided by urban forests. Trees in two parks in Tbilisi, Expo Park (694 trees) and Red Park (1027 trees), have been measured and a model simulation was performed for the year 2018. These green infrastructures store large amounts of carbon in their woody tissues (198.4 t for Expo Park and 126.5 t for Red Park) and each year they remove 4.6 and 4.7 t of CO2 for Expo Park and Red Park. They also positively contribute to the air quality by removing 119.6 and 90.3 kg of pollutants (CO, NO2, O3, PM2.5, SO2), and reducing water runoff of 269.5 and 200.5 m3, respectively.This analysis highlights the key role of urban forests in improving the environmental sustainability of the city of Tbilisi and provides important decision support for tree species selection in this geographic area with the aim of maximizing the benefits trees can supply to cities.
Efficient Access Method for Multi-access Edge Servers in Dynamic Map Systems
Authors: Hosono Kohei , Maki Akihiko , Watanabe Yosuke , Takada Hiroaki , Sato Kenya
Published: July 2021

Research and development on connected cars equipped with communication functions is being conducted, and dynamic maps are being researched and developed as an information and communication platform for cooperative automatic driving. There is a concern about scalability when dynamic maps are constructed on a cloud server to aggregate a wide range of vehicle information. The problem can be alleviated by deploying edge servers that divide the geographic area where vehicles travel and manage each of them. The IP addresses of the edge servers need to be resolved on the basis of the location information of the moving vehicles. Using TCP improves reliability but reduces efficiency because the vehicles move. In this study, we developed a novel method for accessing edge servers that achieves higher reliability and efficiency by adopting UDP using anycast for transmission from vehicle to edge server and implementing a retransmission function. The effectiveness of this access method was verified by using a vehicle driving simulation.
Sleep Disorder During the Third Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic among Malaysian Adults
Authors: Marzo Roy Rillera , Shekhawat Kuldeep Singh , Chauhan Shekhar , Patel Ratna , Kyaw Thin Mon , Amran Balqis binti , Mat Muhammad Alif Isyraff bin , Rajendiran Villasini A/P , Noor Muhamad Aliff bin Mohd , Acharya Swosti , Shrestha Sunil
Published: July 2021

Background: The outbreak of coronavirus posits deleterious consequences on global healthcare system while affecting human life in every aspect. Despite various measures undertaken to limit the socio-economic effect of coronavirus, various challenges remain pervasive, and one such challenge is mental health, particularly sleep disorders. Therefore, this study examines the prevalence and determinants of sleep disorders among Malaysian adults.Methods: An online survey was conducted from 11 January to May 2021. Structured questionnaire link using Google form was sent to the adults through E-mail in Malaysia. The study utilized Holland Sleep Disorder Questionnaire (HSDQ) to screen out the various sleep disorders, namely; Insomnia, Parasomnia, Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder (CRSD), Hypersomnia, Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS/PLMD), and Sleep-disordered Breathing (SDB). Percentage distribution and logistic regression analysis were used as study tools.Results: Around 70% of the surveyed population had one or another sleep disorder. One-third reported RLS/PLMD (34.8%) and CRSD (33.9%). More than one-fourth of the adults reported Insomnia (29.7%) and Hypersomnia (25.8%). Increased risk of sleep disorders was found to be associated with being unemployed (OR=2.4, C.I.=1.17-4.89). The risk of insomnia and hypersomnia was higher among female adults (OR=1.6, C.I.=1.11-2.3) and unemployed adults (OR=2.4, C.I.=1.23-5.04), respectively.Conclusion: Immediate interventions to prevent aggravation of sleep disorders should be promoted. It is recommended to bring forth psychiatric and psychological support to those suffering from various sleep disorders in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Government shall impart counselling through various online channels consisting of psychologists and sleep experts to improve the quality of sleep.
Dental pulp stem cells as a therapy for congenital entero-neuropathy
Authors: Yoshimaru Koichiro , Yamaza Takayoshi , Kajioka Shunichi , Sonoda Soichiro , Yanagi Yusuke , Matsuura Toshiharu , Yoshizumi Junko , Oda Yoshinao , Iwata Naoko , Takai Chiho , Nakayama Shinsuke , Taguchi Tomoaki
Published: July 2021

Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR) and its allied disorders are congenital entero-neuropathies with life-long implications in many cases. Here we report the effects of intravenous transplantation of cultured dental pulp stem cells derived from deciduous teeth (dDPSCs) into ‘Japanese fancy-1’ (JF1) mice with entero-neuropathy caused by Ednrb mutation. Intravenously injected dDPSCs (multipotent neural crest cells with low immunogenicity) migrated to affected regions of the intestine through interactions between stromal cell-derived factor-1α and C-X-C chemokine receptor type-4. Notably, transplanted dDPSCs differentiated into both enteric neurons and pacemaker interstitial cells to correct abnormalities in the electrical and mechanical activities of the proximal colon. dDPSC transplantation also led to repair of the small intestinal mucosa, changes in the gastrointestinal microbiota, improvements in nutritional status and prolongation of survival. We anticipate that dDPSC transplantation could be developed into a novel cell-based therapy for HSCR and its allied disorders.
An Emergency Supplies Scheduling for Chemical Industry Park: Based on Super-Network Theory
Authors: Yuan Yu , Wang Fei
Published: July 2021

In a concentrated area of Chemical Industry Parks (CIPs), emergency relief efficiency is not only affected by the rescue capability of themselves, but also their relationships with other CIPs. Academic literature suggests the use of multiple networks such as transport network and information network, in the emergency process after unexpected events, but rarely integrates them ideally in practice. This paper utilizes the super network theory to propose a regional emergency scheduling model to bridge the logistic and relation among CIPs. The proposed super-network model is composed of resources flow network and relationship network that fill a gap of only considering emergency logistic supply chain. Therefore, the main problem is to how coordinate all the disaster relief actors including primary relief centers (PRC) local relief centers (LRC) and CIPs. The proposed model provides an optional answer regarding the optimal configuration (one-stage or two-stage), the optimal type, number and transportation direction of resources. We turn the optimization problem into a variational inequality problem and develop a modified projection algorithm to solve the problem and compare the performance under several disaster scenarios. The practicability of the model is proved by the result of the numerical example given.
A Natural History Comparison of SOD1-Mutant Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis between Chinese and German Populations
Authors: Tang Lu , Dorst Johannes , Chen Lu , Liu Xiaolu , Ma Yan , Günther Kornelia , Michels Sebastian , Müller Kathrin , Freischmidt Axel , Weishaupt Jochen H. , Fan Dongsheng , Ludolph Albert C.
Published: July 2021

Background: The gene coding the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase ( SOD1 ) was the first-identified causative gene of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and the second most common genetic cause for ALS worldwide. The promising therapeutic approaches targeting SOD1 mutations are on the road. The purpose of the present study was to compare the mutational and clinical features of Chinese and German patients with ALS carrying mutations in SOD1 gene, which will facilitate the strategy and design of SOD1 -targeted trials.Methods: Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected from two longitudinal cohorts in China and Germany. Chinese and German patients carrying SOD1 mutations were compared with regard to mutational distribution, age of onset, site of onset, body mass index (BMI) at diagnosis, diagnostic delay, progression rate, and survival.Results: A total of 66 Chinese and 84 German patients with 69 distinct SOD1 mutations were identified. The most common mutation in both populations was p.His47Arg. It was found in 8 Chinese and 2 German patients and consistently showed a slow progression of disease in both countries. Across all mutations, Chinese patients showed a younger age of onset (43.9 vs 49.9 years, p=0.002), a higher proportion of young-onset cases (62.5% vs 30.7%, p<0.001) and a lower BMI at diagnosis (22.8 vs 26.0, p<0.001) compared to German patients. Although riluzole intake was less frequent in Chinese patients (28.3% vs 81.3%, p<0.001), no difference in survival between populations was observed (p=0.90). Across both cohorts, female patients had a longer diagnostic delay (15.0 vs 11.0 months, p=0.01) and a prolonged survival (248.0 vs 60.0 months, p=0.005) compared to male patients.Conclusions: Our data demonstrate the distinct mutational and clinical spectrums of SOD1 -mutant patients in Asian and European populations. Clinical phenotypes seem to be primarily influenced by mutation-specific, albeit not excluding ethnicity-specific factors. Further large-scale transethnical studies are needed to clarify determinants and modifiers of SOD1 phenotypes.
The Effect of Aerobic Exercise Training on Cancer Markers and Quality of Life Women with Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kocamaz Deniz , FIDANCIOGLU Nahide AYHAN , Yılmaz Ramazan Cihad , Düger Tülin , Yakut Yavuz
Published: July 2021

Background

Exercise interventions in order to improve disease-related symptoms and improve quality of life in cancer patients are an approach that has received a lot of attention in recent years. The aim of our study is to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise on cancer recovery and to determine the change of cancer markers before and after treatment.
Methods

70 women between 18–65 years were included in this study during chemotherapy. They were part of two groups; aerobic exercise (Group I) and control (Group II) groups. Their demographic features, quality of life and some cancer markers were evaluated. Assessments were done pre-chemotherapy and post-chemotherapy. In aerobic exercise group third a week aerobic exercises on submaximal level applied. A 12-week exercise program was planned, conducted under the supervision of a physiotherapist.
Results

As a result of this study, the quality of life in the aerobic exercise group was significantly higher in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment (p < 0.05). The three most commonly used cancer markers were measured in the blood of women with breast cancer pre and post treatment. In the pre-treatment period, the mean serum levels of CEA, CEA 15 − 3, and CEA 19 − 9 were similar in Group I and Group II (p > 0.05). In terms of post-treatment evaluation results, the women in Group I had a greater decrease in CEA, CEA 15 − 3, and CEA 19.9 values than the women in Group II (p < 0.05).
Conclusion

Aerobic exercise has a positive effect on physical function, role function, cognitive state and emotional state, which are subtitles of quality of life. It has been determined that the decrease of cancer markers in blood serum is greater with aerobic exercise.
In Vitro Impact Preliminary Assessment of Airborne Particulate From Metalworking and Woodworking Industries
Authors: Pavlovska Ilona , Ramata-Stunda Anna , Martinsone Zanna , Boroduskis Martins , Patetko Liene , Martinsone Inese , Seile Anita , Vanadzins Ivars
Published: July 2021

Inhalation is the main route of exposure to airborne pollutants. To evaluate the safety and assess the risks of occupational hazards different testing approaches are used. 3D airway epithelial tissues allow to mimic exposure conditions in vitro, generates human-relevant toxicology data, allows to elucidate mode of action of pollutants. Gilian 3500 pumps equipped with Standard Midget Impingers were used to collect the airborne particulate from woodworking and metalworking environments. EpiAirway™ tissues were used to model half working day (4 h), full working day (8 h), and 3 working day exposures to occupational pollutants. Tissue viability was assessed using MTT assay. RT-qPCR analyses performed to analyze the expression of gelsolin, caspase-3, and IL-6. Tissue morphology was assessed by hematoxylin/eosin staining. Acute exposure to workspace pollutants slightly affected tissue viability and did not change the morphology. Both types of particles suppressed expression of gelsolin, with metalworking samples showing the most pronounced effect. A slight reduction in caspase-3 expression was observed. Particles from metalworking suppressed IL-6 expression. 3D Epithelial tissues can be used to model exposures to airborne pollutants. Exposure to particles from woodworking and metalworking had a minor effect on tissue viability but affected the expression of inflammation and apoptosis-related genes.
Time-Series Uncertainty Quantification of Foundation Settlement with Kernel Based Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Fan Honghui , Xiang Wei
Published: July 2021

The dynamic building foundation settlement subsidence are threatening the urban business and residential communities. In the temporal domain, the building foundation settlement often suffers from high level dynamics and needs real-time monitoring. Accurate quantification of the uncertainty of foundation settlement in the near future is essential for the in-advance risk management for buildings. Traditional models for predicting foundation settlement mostly utilizing the point estimates approach which provide a single value that can be close or distant from the actual one. However, such estimation fails to offer the quantification of uncertainties of estimation. The interval prediction, as an alternative, can provide a prediction interval for the ground settlement with high confidence bands. In this paper, a lower upper bound estimation (LUBE) approach integrated with kernel based extreme learning machine (KELM) is proposed to predict the ground settlement levels with prediction intervals in the temporal domain. Comparison with the artificial neural network (ANN) and classical extreme learning machine (ELM) are conducted in this study. Building settlement data collected from Fuxing City, Liaoning Province in China has been used to validate the proposed approach. Comparative results show that the proposed approach can construct higher quality prediction intervals for the future foundation settlement.
Seasonal Variation Imparts The Endophytic Bacterial Community Dynamics in Mango Plants and Its Hemiparasites
Authors: Adhikary Rajsekhar , Mandal Sukhendu , Mandal Vivekananda
Published: July 2021

Assessment of bacterial community dynamics helps to estimate the endophytic community structure and ecological behaviour imposed by them. Such community composition is essential to understand the molecular interplay that lies between them and the host plants. The present study aims to explore the endophytic bacterial communities and their dynamics in the pre-flowering and post-flowering seasons in the horticulturally important Mango (Mangifera indica L.) and its hemiparasites Loranthus sp., and Macrosolen sp. through a metagenomic approach using the sequence of V3 region of 16S rRNA gene. Bacillus was found to be the most abundant genera, followed by Acinetobacter, and Corynebacterium, which belong to the phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. It has been found that during the post-flowering season, twigs and leaves of mango have lower endophytic bacterial loads. Furthermore, the alpha-diversity indices of the representative genera were highest in Loranthus sp. during the post-flowering seasons of mango. The ecological, taxonomic, and complex correlation studies unravelled that the hemiparasites act as the potent reservoirs of endophytic community throughout the year, and during favourable conditions, these bacterial communities disseminate to the mango plant.
A Pilot Study Evaluating the Development and Implementation of a Feasible, Evidence-based, Group Cognitive Training Program Within an Older People’s Mental Health Service
Authors: Woolf Claudia , Gately Danielle , Kaplan Leanne , Shahnawaz Zeeshan , Norrie Louisa Margaret , Burke David , Naismith Sharon Linda , Mowszowski Loren
Published: July 2021

Background and objectivesIn the absence of a cure for dementia, investigation of novel strategies aimed at delaying or preventing the onset of dementia are gaining momentum. In this regard, using the RE-AIM framework, we outline steps taken to adapt and implement an evidence-based cognitive training program for older adults ‘at risk’ of developing dementia within a clinical setting of a major metropolitan hospital. The primary aim was to explore feasibility (or ‘reach’), tolerability (or ‘implementation’), and acceptability (or ‘adoption’). The secondary aim was to explore the most sensitive clinical outcomes and measurement tools (i.e. ‘efficacy’) to inform a subsequent formal feasibility randomised controlled trial. MethodThis was an exploratory feasibility pilot study, using a pre-post single-arm study design. We conducted this study within the Older People’s Mental Health Service at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, Australia. Seventy-nine participants, with a mean age of 78 years (SD=5.8, range=67-94) were enrolled. All enrolled participants engaged in ‘Club Connect’ an adaptation of a 10-week, group-based multifaceted program, comprised of psychoeducation and computer-based cognitive training. At baseline and follow-up, all participants completed a battery of neuropsychological tests and several questionnaires related to mood and psychosocial functioning. ResultsImplementing cognitive training within a clinical setting was feasible, well tolerated and accepted by participants. Further, cognitive training was associated with large to very large effect size improvements in verbal learning, memory for verbal and visual information, and semantic fluency, as well as quality of life, and reductions in anxiety and stress. We also found small to medium effect size improvements for other cognitive and psychosocial outcomes. ConclusionsOur preliminary findings support the feasibility of translating a group-based cognitive training program into the clinical setting, and provide key data to facilitate the next phase of implementation.
Effective Adsorption of Nutrients from Simulated Domestic Sewage by Modified Maifanite
Authors: Liu Zisen , Zou Yilingyun , Liu Yunli , Luo Feng , Wang Rou , WU Zhenbin , Zhang Yi
Published: July 2021

Modified maifanite (MMF) was prepared by synthesized method with sulfuric acid treatment and high temperature calcination, and evaluated as an effective adsorption material to remove the nutrient salt in waste watery. Compared with the raw maifanite (RMF), the MMF exhibited the higher adsorption capacity and higher removal efficiency. The results showed that the adsorption rates of total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), nitrate nitrogen (NOx-N) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) by MMF (RMF) were86.7% (76.7%), 44.9% (34.5%), 29.1% (20.8%) and 79.8% (13.0%) respectively at 20 ℃ for 24 h. MMF kept the basic structure and composition of maifanite with stronger surface roughness and more adsorption active sites. This study suggests that MMF can be further applied to treat domestic sewage and eutrophic water.
Prognostic Impact of Postoperative Systemic Inflammatory Response in Patients with Stage II/III Gastric Cancer
Authors: Kuroda Kenji , Toyokawa Takahiro , Miki Yuichiro , Yoshii Mami , Tamura Tatsuro , Tanaka Hiroaki , Lee Shigeru , Muguruma Kazuya , Yashiro Masakazu , Ohira Masaichi
Published: July 2021

Background: Several studies have shown that postoperative infectious complications correlate with poor prognosis in various malignancies, but the prognostic significance of the postoperative inflammatory response in patients with gastric cancer remains unclear. This study examined whether the systemic inflammatory response present in the early phase of the postoperative state correlates with long-term outcomes and to identify markers in patients with stage II/III gastric cancer.Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed 444 consecutive patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for stage II/III gastric cancer. We evaluated maximum serum C-reactive protein (CRPmax) and white blood cell count (WBCmax), defined as the maximum serum CRP level and maximum WBC count during the interval from surgery until discharge, as systemic inflammation markers.Results: In univariate analyses, CRPmax, WBCmax and infectious complications were significantly associated with both overall survival (OS) (p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.011, respectively) and relapse-free survival (RFS) (p<0.001, p=0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that high-CRPmax (>9.2 mg/dL) was an independent prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio (HR) 1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18–2.42, p=0.004) and RFS (HR 1.42, 95%CI 1.02–1.98, p=0.038), while WBCmax and infectious complications were not. Conclusion: CRPmax, which reflects the magnitude of systemic inflammation induced by surgical stress and postoperative complications in the early phase after surgery, may be a promising prognostic indicator in patients with stage II/III gastric cancer who undergo curative resection.
Single-Dose Intraoperative Steroid Administration Does Not Impact Early Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence
Authors: Agboola Kolade M. , Dietrich Michael , Karki Roshan , Lodhi Fahad , McGill Trevon , Asirvatham Samuel J. , Deshmukh Abhishek J. , DeSimone Christopher V.
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of single-dose intravenous dexamethasone on AF recurrence following radiofrequency catheter ablation. Methods: A cohort of 94 adult patients (>18 years) underwent catheter ablation at Mayo Clinic Rochester from January to March 2019. Only first-time ablation patients were included, with all re-do ablations excluded to minimize heterogeneity. Administration of intraoperative dexamethasone 4 mg or 8 mg was determined by chart review from the procedure. At our institution, intraoperative intravenous steroids are administered for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) prophylaxis at the discretion of the anesthesiologist. AF recurrence was determined by ECG or cardiac monitoring at less than 3 months or between 3 months and 1 year with an in-person follow-up visit. Results: A total of 36.2% of patients received intravenous dexamethasone compared to 63.8% who did not (providing a 2:1 comparison group). The incidence of documented AF or flutter lasting greater than 30 seconds was 20.6% in the dexamethasone group versus 21.7% in the non-dexamethasone group, p value 1.00. AF or atrial flutter recurrence from 3 months to 1 year was 20.6% in the dexamethasone group compared to 21.7% in the non-dexamethasone group, p value 1.00. Conclusion: These data suggest that intraoperative intravenous dexamethasone administered during AF ablation for postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis does not have a significant effect on AF recurrence rates.
Tsallis Entropy of Uncertain Random Variables and Its Application
Authors: He Zhenhua , Ahmadzade Hamed , Rezaei Kamran , Rezaei Hassan , Naderi Habib
Published: July 2021

Tsallis entropy ia a flexible extension of Shanon (logarithm) entropy. Since, entropy measures indeterminacy of an uncertain random variable, this paper proposes the concept of partial Tsallis entropy for uncertain random variables as a flexible devise in chance theory. An approach for calculating partial Tsallis entropy for uncertain random variables, based on Monte-Carlo simulation, is provided. As an application in finance, partial Tsallis entropy is invoked to optimize portfolio selection of uncertain random returns via crow search algorithm.
Analysis of energy absorption characteristics of corrugated top beam of anti-impact hydraulic support
Authors: MAO JUN , GUO Chenghu , XIE MIAO
Published: July 2021

To solve the problem that the response of the walking platform of bricklaying robot is slow and uncertain factors such as load change and friction of hydraulic cylinder affect the adjustment accuracy, an electro-hydraulic servo system with four hydraulic cylinders is designed. The system is an improved ADRC method. The available information of the whole system is fully considered, and the piston rod position deviations of the hydraulic cylinder is taken as the input of the whole controller to reduce the phase lag caused by the extended observer and improve the response speed of the control system. The position deviations of the piston rod in a cylinder is compensated by observation, and the high-order term and uncertain disturbance in the whole control system are defined as total disturbance, so the structure of the controller is simplified appropriately. Finally, MATLAB and AMESim are used for simulation analysis. The simulation results show that the improved ADRC method can significantly improve the response speed of the system and the suppression of uncertain disturbance. This research provides a theoretical basis for the research of masonry robot mobile platforms.
Video Reflexive Ethnography Methodology to Explore the Use of Variable Rate Intravenous Insulin Infusions
Authors: Iflaifel Mais , Lim Rosemary H , Crowley Clare , Greco Francesca , Iedema Rick
Published: July 2021

Background: The use of variable rate intravenous insulin infusion (VRIII) is a complex process that has consistently been implicated in reports of error and consequent harm. Investment in patient safety has focused mainly on learning from errors, though this has yet to be proved to reduce error rates. The Resilient Health Care approach advocates learning from everyday practices. Video reflexive ethnography (VRE) is an innovative methodology used to capture, reflect on and thereby improve these. This study set out to explore the use of VRIII with VRE, a secondary aim being to describe VRE’s feasibility and acceptability. Methods: This study was conducted in a Vascular Surgery Unit. Quantitative data (e.g. blood glucose measurements) were collected from electronic patient records. Qualitative data were collected using VRE methodology. The latter involved videoing healthcare practitioners caring for patients treated with VRIII and discussing the resulting video-clips with participants in reflexive meetings. Transcripts of these were subjected to thematic analysis and the quantitative data used to judge the outcomes of the video-observed tasks. Feasibility in relation to recruitment and data collection, as well as the acceptability of using VRE, were assessed based on participant responses during the study.Results: The use of VRE in conjunction with quantitative data revealed that context-dependent adaptations (seeking verbal orders to treat hypoglycaemia) and standardised practices (using VRIII guidelines) were strategies used in everyday work. Reflexive meetings highlighted the challenges faced while using VRIII (lack of knowledge of the appropriate medications to be prescribed with VRIII) and encouraged participants to suggest solutions (face-to-face, VRIII-focused training). The use of VRE was judged acceptable, based on the researcher’s interpretation of participants’ willingness to participate, and feasible, since all patients and 83% of the healthcare practitioners who were approached to participate agreed to do so. Conclusions: VRE deepened understanding of VRIII by shedding light on its essential tasks and the challenges and adaptations entailed by its use. The use of VRE to explore VRIII in a single unit was judged feasible and acceptable. However, future research might focus on collecting data across various units and hospitals to develop a full picture of the use of VRIIIs.
The Catalytic Mechanism of Intercalated Chlorine Anions as Active Basic Sites in Mgal-layered Double Hydroxide for COS Hydrolysis
Authors: Li Changming , Zhao Shuying , Yao Xiaolong , He Li , Xu Simin , Shen Xianbao , Yao Zhiliang
Published: July 2021

In order to make clear the role of intercalated anions in layered double hydroxides (LDHs) for catalytic hydrolysis of COS, the adsorption and reaction characteristics of COS over the simple Mg2Al-Cl-LDH model catalyst were studied by both theoretical and experimental methods. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations by CASTEP found that the chloride ions in LDH function as the key Brønsted-base sites to activate the adsorbed H2O with enlarged bond length and angle, facilitate the dissociative adsorption of intermediates including mono-thiocarbonic acid (MTA) and hydrogen thiocarbonic acid (HTA), and participate in the formation of transient states and subsequent hydrogen transfer process with decreased energy barriers during COS hydrolysis. COS hydrolysis will preferentially go through the dissociated intermediates of mono-thiocarbonates (MT) and hydrogen thiocarbonates (HT) with dramatically decreased energy barriers, and the rate-determining step of COS hydrolysis over Mg2Al-Cl-LDH will be the nucleophilic addition of C=O in COS by H2O (Ea = 1.10 eV). The experimental results further revealed that the apparent activation energy (0.89 eV) of COS hydrolysis over Mg2Al-Cl-LDH is close to theoretical value (1.10 eV), and the accumulated intermediates of MT, HT or carbonate were also observed by FT-IR around 1363 cm-1 on the used Mg2Al-Cl-LDH, which are well in accordance with the theoretical prediction. The demonstrated participation of intercalated chlorine anions in the evolution of intermediates and transient states as Brønsted-base sites during COS hydrolysis will give new insight into the basic sites in LDH materials.
Upregulated microRNA-210-3p Improves Sevoflurane-induced Protective Effect on Ventricular Remodeling in Rats With Myocardial Infarction by Inhibiting ADCY9
Authors: Wu Yahui , Wang Taofu , Qiao Liang , Lin Hongqi
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveMyocardial infarction (MI) is a significant cause of death and disability, and sevoflurane (sevo) can protect myocardium in clinic. We aim to assess the effects of miR-210-3p on MI rats undergoing sevo treatment with the involvement of adenylyl cyclase type 9 (ADCY9).MethodsRat MI models were constructed by ligation of the left anterior descending and the modeled mice were respectively treated with sevo, miR-210-3p agomir/antagomir or overexpressed ADCY9. Then, miR-210-3p and ADCY9 expression, cardiac function, myocardial injury and fibrosis, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in rats were evaluated. Target relation between miR-210-3p and ADCY9 was detected.ResultsMiR-210-3p was downregulated while ADCY9 was upregulated in MI rats. Sevo was able to promote cardiac function and attenuate myocardial injury and fibrosis, as well as cardiomyocyte apoptosis in MI rats. These effects of sevo were strengthened by miR-210-3p elevation while abolished by miR-210-3p inhibition. The role of elevated miR-210-3p in MI rats was reversed by overexpression of ADCY9.ConclusionUpregulated miR-210-3p improves sevo-induced protective effect on ventricular remodeling in rats with MI through inhibiting ADCY9.
An Analysis of The Impact On ICERs Due To A Change In The Discount Rate From 5% To 1.5% A Kerfuffle Over Changes In CADTH Guidelines
Authors: Nauenberg Eric , Hussain Mofakhar , Guo Jennifer
Published: July 2021

Background: In 2017, The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) made a large change in their Guidelines for the Economic Evaluation of Health Technologies, by decreasing the reference case discount rate from 5% to 1.5%. This change may substantially impact the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) submitted to Canadian funding authorities. Since it is not required to include the 5% discount rate in sensitivity analysis, decision makers may find comparing ICERS calculated at different time-points challenging.Methods: This paper constructs look-up tables for making such comparisons under three scenarios that involve either constant costs and benefits and linear changes in costs and/or benefits over time. Results: Cost-benefit projections that most closely emulate patterns observed with surgical interventions often combined with short-term prescription drug therapies can produce ICERs that are over 30% higher when a 5.0% discount rate is applied in comparison to one at 1.5%.Conclusions: There are occasions when original data and methodologies are unavailable that can be leveraged for reanalysis when discount rates change. In the instance of the Canadian context, the recommended change in reference discount rate as of 2017 was substantial requiring methods for comparing cost-effectiveness analyses conducted both before and after the change in discount rate. This paper offers a method for making such comparisons.
[Co(TPP)]–Catalyzed Carbene Transfer from Acceptor–Acceptor Iodonium Ylides via N-enolate Carbene Radicals
Authors: Epping Roel , Hoeksma Mees , Bobylev Eduard , Mathew Simon , de Bruin Bas
Published: July 2021

Square-planar cobalt(II)-systems have emerged as powerful carbene transfer catalysts for the synthesis of numerous (hetero)cyclic compounds via cobalt(III)-carbene radical intermediates. Spectroscopic detection and characterization of reactive carbene radical intermediates is limited to a few scattered experiments, centering around mono-substituted carbenes. Here, we reveal the unique formation of disubstituted cobalt(III)-carbene radicals derived from a cobalt(II)-porphyrin complex and acceptor–acceptor λ3-iodaneylidenes (iodonium ylides) as carbene precursors and their catalytic application. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that iodonium ylides generate novel bis-carbenoid species via reversible ligand modification of the paramagnetic [Co(TPP)]-catalyst. Two interconnected catalytic cycles are involved in the overall mechanism, with a mono-carbene radical and an unprecedented N-enolate-carbene radical intermediate at the heart of each respective cycle. Notably, N-enolate formation is not a deactivation pathway, and both the N-enolate and carbene radical moieties can be transferred to styrene. The findings are supported by extensive experimental and computational studies.
COVID Detection From Chest X-ray Using MobileNet and Residual Separable Convolution Block
Authors: Kakarla Jagadeesh , Isunuri Bala Venkateswarlu
Published: July 2021

A newly emerged coronavirus disease affects the social and economical life of the world. This virus mainly infects the respiratory system and spreads with airborne communication. Several countries witness the serious consequences of the COVID pandemic. Early detection of COVID infection is the critical step to survive a patient from death. The chest radiography examination is the fast and cost-effective way for COVID detection. Several researchers have been motivated to automate COVID detection and diagnosis process using chest X-ray images. However, existing models employ deep networks and are suffering from high training time. This work presents transfer learning and residual separable convolution block for COVID detection. The proposed model utilizes pre-trained MobileNet for binary image classification. The proposed residual separable convolution block has improved the performance of basic MobileNet. Two publicly available datasets COVID5K, and COVIDRD have considered for the evaluation of the proposed model. Our proposed model exhibits superior performance than existing state-of-art and pre-trained models with 99% accuracy on both datasets. We have achieved similar performance on noisy datasets. Moreover, the proposed model outperforms existing pre-trained models with less training time and competitive performance than basic MobileNet. Further, our model is suitable for mobile applications as it uses fewer parameters and lesser training time.
Multiple Land-Use Fugacity Model to Assess the Environmental Fate of PAHs – A Mega-City Under COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Li Qian , Vilela Paulina , Nam Kijeon , Yoo ChangKyoo
Published: July 2021

Along with the accelerated process of urbanization, the contradiction between social development and environment become increasingly conspicuous. Herein, we access the transport and fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by a newly proposed multiple land-use fugacity (MLUF) model to provide comprehensive understanding of PAHs distribution in an urban and suburban areas. PAHs behave differently towards distinct soil types and land covers within the soil phase. We suggest and implement the MLUF model to estimate the PAHs distribution in diverse land types. Moreover, we introduce a multivariate interpretation and systematic model calibration framework to validate the MLUF model adaptability in different land-use area. Accordingly, the organic film on impervious surfaces holds the highest PAHs concentration than other compartments, also soil and sediment phases keep most of PAHs. The potential cancer risk of PAHs in different land-usecompartments follow the order of urban green space > agricultural area > forest and semi-nature area. Besides, the dynamic MLUF model is developed and implemented to the period of COVID-19 pandemic for quantitively estimating the dynamic variations of the PAHs concentration. Finally, we can realize the better scientific understanding of the typical PAHs environmental pollutants transfer phenomena and distribution fates in urban and suburban areas.
Acacia Mangium × A. Auriculiformis Micropropagation in a Non-Sterile Environment
Authors: Lu Yanping , Huang Liejian , Wang Hong , Shahid Muhammad Qasim
Published: July 2021

Background: Autoclaving is used to eliminate contamination during tissue culturing, however, it is a complicated process, time-consuming and costly. Chemical sterilization of tissue culture can effectively eliminate contamination, is a simple procedure, and cost effective. However, studies on the chemical sterilization mostly focus on bud induction, while the effects of chemical sterilization overall process of tissue culture, including bud induction, proliferation, and rooting, remain to be determined. Here, we investigate the effect of chemical sterilization on bud induction, proliferation, and rooting of Acacia mangium × A. auriculiformis.Results: The results showed that chlorothalonil (0.2 g/L) was a suitable chemical sterilant, and bud induction medium was 1/8 Murashige and Skoog medium + agar 7 g/L + chlorothalonil 0.2 g/L + 6-benzylaminopurine 0.5 mg/L The highest induction rate (99.54%) was observed in the third to fifth buds’ stem segments collected in October treated with 0.8 g/L carbendazim for 3 min, with a contamination rate of 0. The rooting medium was agar 7 g/L + chlorothalonil 0.2 g/L+ indolebutyric acid 1.5 mg/L + naphthylacetic acid 0.5 mg/L, and the rooting rate was 97.62%. The proliferation rate and subculture duration showed a positive correlation, while the proliferation rate was 3.58 times higher at the fourth subculture rooting. Conclusions: Our results suggest that chlorothalonil can effectively replace autoclaving during bud induction, proliferation, and rooting of A. mangium × A. auriculiformis. The findings of this study provide technical support for rapid seedlings propagation, accelerates the breeding process of Acacia, and can be applied in other tree species.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography of The Macular Microcirculation in Acute Primary Angle Closure Treated With Phacoemulsification
Authors: Fu Lin , Chan Yau Kei , Fang Jia , Liu Junbo , Wen Shumei , Shen Li Jun , Wang Jun , Yu Guan Shun , Nie Li
Published: July 2021

Purpose
To measure the changes of macular microcirculation in cases with unilateral acute primary angle closure (APAC) who were managed by phacoemulsification.
Methods
Patients with unilateral APAC and managed by phacoemulsification were enrolled. The contralateral unaffected eyes were served as fellow group, and normal individuals were recruited as control group. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) was performed to analyse the macular whole image vessel density (wiVD) and parafoveal vessel density (pfVD). The retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thicknesses were assessed using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.
Results
A total of 36 APAC patients and 35 eyes from 35 normal individuals were recruited. In the APAC eyes, the mean wiVD (42.1% ± 3.7%) and pfVD (45.2% ± 3.8%) in the superficial layers (wiVD-SL and pfVD-SL) were both significantly reduced, compared to fellow eyes (45.7% ± 3.1%, 48.7% ±3.1%) and control eyes (44.4% ± 4.7%, 47.4% ± 5.1%) (P < 0.05). They were all statistically correlated with RNFL, GCC, visual field pattern standard deviation (PSD), and mean deviation (MD).
Conclusion
The macular OCT-A parameters including wiVD-SL and pfVD-SL were significantly reduced in the eyes with APAC compared the fellow unaffected eyes and normal control eyes. They were correlated well with RNFL, GCC, PSD and MD. The macular vessel density parameters may help monitor the progression of APAC.
Spatial Correlation Based Transmit Antenna Selection Assisted Fully Generalized Spatial Modulation for Peer-to-Peer Communications
Authors: Kumaravelu Vinoth Babu , Vardhan Gudla Vishnu , S Asha , P Prakasam , Murugadass Arthi , Soria Francisco Rubén Castillo
Published: July 2021

The next generation technologies like device-to-device ( D2D ) and small cells employ small scale multiple input multiple output ( MIMO ) systems for peer-to-peer ( P2P ) communications. Due to higher spectral and energy efficiencies , spatial modulation (SM) has become one of the dominant next generation technologies. To maximize spectral efficiency and user experience, high rate SM variants like fully generalized spatial modulation ( FGSM ) can be employed for P2P applications. Due to insufficient spacing between antenna elements of devices, access points (AP), millimetre wave ( mmWave ) and sub- THz bands of operations, the performance of SM variants are hindered in P2P scenarios. The average bit error rate ( ABER ) performance of FGSM is severely degraded by atleast 13 dB under spatially correlated channel conditions. To enhance the performance of FGSM , three different transmit antenna selection ( TAS ) schemes are utilized, which eliminate transmit antennas with maximum spatial correlation. First TAS scheme performs antenna selection based on spatial correlation angle alone, whereas other two schemes use channel capacity in addition to spatial correlation angle. Through extensive Monte Carlo simulations, it has been proved that TAS based on spatial correlation ( TAS -SC- FGSM ) scheme offers a performance gain of at least 8 dB over conventional FGSM without antenna selection ( FGSM - NTAS ). TAS -SC- FGSM also outperforms other two hybrid TAS schemes at the cost of higher computational complexity.