bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Acid Sphingomyelinase Inhibitor Amitriptyline Ameliorates TNF-α-induced Endothelial Dysfunction via the MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ji Yang , Chen Jing , Pang LiHua , Chen Changnong , Ye Jinhao , Liu Hao , Chen Huanzhen , Zhang Songhui , Liu Shaojun , Liu Benrong , cheng chuanfang , Liu Shiming , Zhong Yun
Published: March 2022

Purpose
Inflammation associated endothelial cell (ECs) dysfunction is key to atherosclerotic disease. The soluble endo-lysosomal protein, acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) plays a crucial role in atherosclerosis. However, the mechanism by which ASMase regulates the inflammatory reaction in ECs remains unknown. Numerous studies have demonstrated that in addition to the antidepressant effects, amitriptyline can also effectively inhibit ASMase. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the effects of amitriptyline protect against inflammation in TNF-α-induced ECs.
Methods
HUVEC were pre-incubated with 2.5 µM amitriptyline (1 h) and subjected to 23 h TNF-α (20 ng/ml). EdU, tube formation, transwell and monocyte adhesion assay were performed to investigate the endothelium function. Vascular tone measurement was used to detected endothelial-dependent relaxation in mice. Protein levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, MCP-1, MAPK and NF-κB were detected using western blot.
Results
We demonstrated that preconditioning with the amitriptyline down-regulated TNF-α-induced expression of proinflammatory proteins including ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and MCP-1 in ECs, as well as the secretion of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1. Additionally, we demonstrated that amitriptyline suppressed TNF-α-induced MAPK phosphorylation as well as the activity of NF-κ B in HUVEC. Results also indicated that with treatment of TNF-α, the aorta of ASMase−/− mice showed elevated endothelial-dependent relaxation compared to wild-type counterparts.
Conclusion
These results suggest that the AMI reduces endothelial inflammation, consequently improving vascular endothelial function. This study showed that amitriptyline might protect ECs from TNF-α-induced inflammation. Thus, identification of amitriptyline as a potential strategy to reverse endothelial function is of importance to preventing vascular diseases.
New Binary and Ternary Quasi-Cyclic Codes with Good Properties
Authors: Akre Dev , Aydin Nuh , Harrington Matthew , Pandey Saurav
Published: March 2022

One of the most important and challenging problems in coding theory is to construct codes with best possible parameters and properties. The class of quasi-cyclic (QC) codes is known to be fertile to produce such codes. Focusing on QC codes over the binary field, we have found 113 binary QC codes that are new among the class of QC codes using an implementation of a fast cyclic partitioning algorithm and the highly effective ASR algorithm. Moreover, these codes have the following additional properties: a) they have the same parameters as best known linear codes, and b) many of the have additional desired properties such as being reversible, LCD, self-orthogonal or dual-containing. Additionally, we present an algorithm for the generation of new codes from QC codes using ConstructionX, and introduce 33 new record breaking linear codes over GF(2), GF(3) and GF(5) produced from this method.
The Factors of Fiducial Marker Motion and Individual Margin Assessment in Postoperative Breast Cancer Radiotherapy
Authors: Luo Jiaojiao , Peng Haiyan , Luo Huanli , Jin Fu , Wang Ying
Published: March 2022

Introduction: The fiducials were often used in breast cancer radiotherapy, and its motion relative to the tumor bed during treatment is nonnegligible. So, this motion should be included in the calculation of the Planning Target Volume (PTV) margins to reduce the risk of geographical miss. we assessed the correlation of fiducial motion with breast size and fiducial position, and expected to provide the reference for individualized PTV margin. Methods: Fifteen patients with radiotherapy after breast conserving surgery were included, and all signed informed consent form. The Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) was performed twice a week. The mammary basal diameter (D), the mammary height axis (H) and D times H (D×H) were measured at the slice of the tracheal bifurcation to represent the breast size. The clinical target volume (CTV) was divided into four quadrants with the tumor bed centroid as the origin. The lateromedial, anteroposterior and craniocaudal motion of fiducials were calculated (MLR, MAP, MSI), and the distance from fiducials to the innermost, foremost and uppermost of the CTV (DSLR, DSAP, DSSI) were recorded.Results: The fiducial motions tended to the right, dorsal and caudal. In the first quadrant, when D×H<99.89 cm2, the MAP was strongly correlated with D×H(r=0.805). Both MLR and MAP were positively linearly related to DSLR, DSAP, DSSI [r(R2) =0.94(0.87),0.94(0.86),0.91(0.80) And 0.87(0.76),0.91(0.80),0.92(0.83)]. The MSI was strongly linearly correlated with DSAP and DSLR, [r(R2) =0.94(0.87), 0.91(0.80)]. In the fourth quadrant, when D×H<90.71 cm2, the MAP and DSLR, the MSI and DSAP all showed strong linear negative correlations [r(R2) =-0.96(0.91), -0.95(0.87)], while the MLR and DSLR showed strong linear positive correlation [r(R2) =0.91(0.77)]. The PTV margin varied significantly between the first and fourth quadrant (p<0.05), and the largest margin was 12.4 mm in the craniocaudal direction of the first quadrant with D×H≥99.89 cm2 .Conclusion: The fiducial motion was anisotropic, and also susceptible to the breast size and fiducial position. The Individualized PTV margins should be determined based on breast size and the quadrant position of the lesion.
Sex determination through metric analysis of teeth crown
Authors: Ahn Hyo-Sang , Woo Eun Jin , Lim Joong Yeon , Kim Hee-Jin , Hu Kyung-Seok
Published: March 2022

Teeth that are resistant to external stimuli and have little diversity for individuals can be an important identification factor. This study aimed to present a method that can be used easily and accurately to identify individuals using their teeth, specifically to determine their sex.In this study, all teeth were extracted from 166 cadavers and, from these teeth, the crown length, mesiodistal width, and buccolingual width were measured using a digital caliper. The measurements were then analyzed using SPSS and MATLAB software.First, tooth crown morphology was compared between males and females. Regression analysis was performed for each measurement separately for both males and females. Finally, each linear discriminant was calculated from the measurements of all tooth crowns to confirm accuracy.Since teeth began to be used for individual identification, most methods required various types of teeth and measurements for sex determination, even if high accuracy was presented. Considering these limitations, sex determinants were derived from all teeth, suggesting that an easy and objective way could be derived to determine sex, even in a limited situation where all teeth could not be used.
Removal of Congo Red Using Iron-Based Nanoparticles Synthesized by Citrus Family Peel Extracts
Authors: Aydogan Tugce , Dumanli F. Tugce Senberber , Derun Emek Moroydor
Published: March 2022

Iron-based nanoparticles were synthesized without addition of any pH stabilizers, stabilizers and capping agent. The particles were prepared using lemon, tangerine, orange and grapefruit peel extracts. The optimum reaction parameters were determined with UV–Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmittance electron microscopy (TEM) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG) were used. XRD results identified binary formation of Fe3O4 and Fe2O3 with powder diffraction file numbers of “01-074-1910” and “03-065-0390”, respectively. According to morphological results, the smallest particle size range of 155–225 nm was observed in LP-Fe Np (iron-based nanoparticles synthesized by using lemon peel extract). UV-Vis indicated the iron nanoparticle formation in the range of 220–380 nm. The decomposition processes of the synthesized samples were occurred in multiple stages between 30 and 518°C. The smallest particles were measured at TP-Fe Np as 1.36–30.76 nm in TEM analyses. The adsorption of Congo red on the synthesized nanoparticles were also determined. The highest removal rate was obtained for the GP-Fe Np as 36.5%.
Recommendations for weight management in osteoarthritis: a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Lim Yuan Z. , Wong Jeffrey , Hussain Sultana Monira , Estee Mahnuma Mahfuz , Zolio Luigi , Page Matthew J. , Harrison Cheryce L. , Wluka Anita E. , Wang Yuanyuan , Cicuttini Flavia M.
Published: March 2022

Background: While targeting obesity is central to osteoarthritis management, recent meta-analyses demonstrate that significant weight loss has only modest effects on symptoms, and no effect on structure. In countries such as USA, adults gain on average 0.5 to 1 kilogram per year from early to middle adulthood. Preventing weight gain is easier to achieve and sustain than weight loss and reduces knee pain. The World Health Organisation has recommended that effective management of obesity should include prevention of weight gain, weight maintenance as well as weight loss; however, it is unclear whether such recommendations appear in guidelines for osteoarthritis. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the recommendations and approaches for weight management in all current clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for osteoarthritis. Methods: Nine databases were searched (1st January 2010 to 15th March 2022) to identify guidelines informing the non-pharmacological management of osteoarthritis. Three reviewers appraised guidelines according to the AGREE II instrument, and independently extracted data on their characteristics. One author extracted and summarised guideline recommendations on weight management. This systematic review is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021274195). Results: Fifteen CPGs from developed and developing countries were included. Weight loss was recommended for knee (12 of 13 guidelines) and hip (10 of 11 guidelines) but not hand (0 of 4 guidelines) osteoarthritis. Combination approaches of diet and/or exercise were recommended for overweight or obese individuals in knee (8 of 12) and hip (4 of 10) osteoarthritis, with 2 guidelines specifying ≥5% weight loss. One of 15 guidelines specified strategies for weight loss and maintenance of lost weight. Two of 15 guidelines recommended controlling body weight for osteoarthritis, regardless of obesity status. There was discordance between strength of recommendation for weight loss and level of evidence in 3 of 15 guidelines. The included guidelines had a median AGREE II domain score of 78.7% (interquartile range 71.4, 87.9). Conclusion: Most CPGs for knee and hip osteoarthritis recommend weight loss to manage obesity in osteoarthritis despite evidence for modest benefit. Given weight gain is common in adults, other approaches such as preventing weight gain should be considered to improve outcomes in osteoarthritis.
Upregulated ONECUT2 impeded the efficacy of 5-FU treatment to relapsed patients and might be an emerging indicator of chemotherapy in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Xu , Zhu Haifeng , Chen Shu , Long Weiguo
Published: March 2022

Background Chemotherapeutic resistance is a main obstacle for prolonging the lifetime of gastric cancer (GC) patients, so new emerging solutions still remain to be investigated. We aim to identify an effective target, ONECTU2, for chemotherapy of GC patient, particularly relapsed patients.Methods STAD patients matched with clinical features and transcriptome sequencing data from TCGA were used in this study. Gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA) were performed using 100 patients who were divided average according to ONECUT2 level. Cytotoxic assays for 5-FU and cisplatin were used to test the role of chemotherapeutic resistance of ONECUT2 in GC cells. 30 relapsed patients with previously resected tumor samples were collected to validate the efficacy of ONECUT2 in GC chemotherapy.Results ONECUT2 was a crucial regulator of Disease-Free Interval (DFI) in GC patients with reoccurrence once having chemotherapeutic treatment. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) results suggest that upregulated ONECUT2 is positively correlated with the increased ability of xenobiotic drug metabolism, which might contribute to the pharmaceutical resistance in GC. Targeting ONECUT2 reduced half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 5-FU and cisplatin in GC cells. The efficacy of 5-FU treatment was negatively correlated with ONECUT2 mRNA level of tumor samples derived from GC patients who relapsed after surgical resection.Conclusions These findings indicate that ONECUT2 displays a drug-resistant function in GC, providing a new therapeutic target for GC treatment.
Investigating the Benefits of Target Selective Treatment by Average Daily Weight Gain Against Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Morada Nova Lambs
Authors: Santos Isabella Barbosa dos , Anholeto Luís Adriano , de Sousa Gustavo Avelar , Nucci Alessandra da Silva , Gainza Yousmel Aleman , Figueiredo Amanda , Santos Leonardo Aparecido Lima dos , Minho Alessandro Pelegrine , Barioni-Junior Waldomiro , Esteves Sérgio Novita , Niciura Simone Cristina Méo , Chagas Ana Carolina de Souza
Published: March 2022

Gastrointestinal nematodes are the major obstacle to sheep farming, and their rational control depends on reliable parameters that guarantee both productivity and animal health. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate a method of targeted selective treatment (TST) of Morada Nova lambs, using the average daily weight gain (DWG). For this, 114 lambs in the rainy and 102 in the dry season were randomized into three treatments: Control (CT), Routine (RT - treated every 42 days), and Targeted Selective (TST - treated according to DWG). Packed cell volume (PCV) and eggs per gram of feces (EPG) tests were performed. Intending to investigate the resistance of parasites to anthelmintic, the EPG count reduction test (FECRT), RESISTA-Test© and molecular test (detection of a 63 bp indel in the acr-8 gene in Haemonchus contortus) were performed. For CT, RT and TST groups, the following results were obtained: mean EPG were 4665.1, 3063.5 and 3462.1 in the rainy season and 4475.1, 1341.7 and 2863.4 in the dry season, respectively; mean PCV were 32.1, 33.4 and 32.3% in the rainy season and 33.9, 36.0 and 35.1% in the dry season; mean DWG were 0.087, 0.101 and 0.094 kg in the rainy season and 0.102, 0.113 and 0.112 kg in the dry season; efficacies of levamisole in FECRT were 66.4, 24.1 and 76.4% in the rainy and 90.7, 12.4 and 64.8% in the dry season, respectively; in the RESISTA-Test© LC50 were 0.482, 1.926 and 0.117 µg.mL-1 in the rainy and 0.437, 0.851 and 0.045 µg.mL-1 in the dry season, respectively; in the molecular test, the frequencies of the homozygous resistant genotype were 57.1, 71.4 and 40.0% in the rainy season and 47.8, 55.9 and 41.9% in the dry season. In conclusion, TST allowed less resistance development through refugia maintenance, without productive losses, contributing to the sustainability of the sheep chain.
Surgical administration of indocyanine green in hepatectomy for improved bile leakage detection
Authors: Hanaki Takehiko , Goto Keisuke , Morimoto Masaki , Murakami Yuki , Matsunaga Tomoyuki , Yamamoto Manabu , Tokuyasu Naruo , Sakamoto Teruhisa , Hasegawa Toshimichi , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To study the effect of fluorescence imaging systemically administrated indocyanine green (ICG) for preventing bile leakage (BL) from the cut surface of the liver. Detection of ICG leakage from the resected surface of the liver was used to identify BL. We compared the bilirubin levels in drainage effluent between patients in whom BL from the resected liver was observed using conventional assessment with the naked eye and those in whom ICG leakage was used as an indicator of BL.Methods: Our sample comprised 26 patients who underwent hepatectomy without ICG (conventional observation group, CO-G) and 23 hepatectomy patients who underwent intraoperative detection of BL using systemically administrated ICG (ICG observation group, IO-G). In the IO-G, we also compared the number of BL spots on the resected plane visible to the naked eye with the number of visible spots on an ICG camera.Results: Three days after surgery, the bilirubin levels in the drainage fluid of the IO-G were significantly lower than those in the CO-G (1.3 vs. 1.9 mg/dL, p = 0.019). Two cases (7.7%) of ISGLS grade B biliary fistula occurred in the CO-G, but none in the IO-G. In the IO-G, the number of BL spots detected just after hepatectomy was significantly higher using ICG camera observation than the naked eye observation (0.22 vs. 0.91 spots, p < 0.001).Conclusion: Observation with systemically administrated ICG can detect BLs with more sensitivity than conventional observation with the naked eye. This enables rapid repair and may prevent biliary fistula.
Functional Specialization and Coordination in the Amygdala-Hippocampus Circuit Support Working Memory
Authors: Li Jin , Cao Dan , Dimakopoulos Vasileios , Yu Shan , Xiao Xinyu , Imbach Lukas , Stieglitz Lennart , Sarnthein Johannes , Jiang Tianzi
Published: March 2022

Both the hippocampus and amygdala are involved in working memory (WM) processing. However, it is still an open question how the two structures interact to represent and maintain WM content. Here, we simultaneously recorded intracranial EEG from the amygdala and hippocampus of epilepsy patients while performing a WM task. Using a series of univariate, multivariate, and connectivity analyses, our results revealed a functional specialization of the amygdala-hippocampus circuit: The mnemonic representations in the amygdala were highly distinct but decreased from encoding to maintenance. The hippocampal representations, however, were less specific but remained stable in the absence of stimulus. Furthermore, the amygdala and hippocampus coordinated their activity during WM: The hippocampal representation was reinstated in the amygdala during maintenance, with task induced low-frequency information flow from the hippocampus to the amygdala. Importantly, the functional specificity and coordination were correlated only when they appeared in correct trials. Our study provides new evidence that successful WM processing in humans relies on specialized and coordinated functions within the amygdala-hippocampus circuit.
A Priority Based Congestion Avoidance Scheme for Healthcare Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Gholipour Majid , Mazloomi Neda
Published: March 2022

The Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is a self-organizing network consisting of a number of sensor nodes located in the monitoring area. One of the main applications of wireless sensor network is in the field of health care and remote patient monitoring. One of the most important challenges of such networks is controlling network congestion and transmitting data in a way that improves quality of service (QoS) parameters. Thus, it increasing grid performance and reducing energy consumption. Energy consumption increases due to various reasons such as unsuccessful delivery of packets to the receiver, congestion in the network, retransmission of packets, and delay in delivery packets to the sink, low received signal strength and so on. Given the importance of some data in the field of health, congestion should be avoided and secure data transmission should be ensured. This study divides the collected data into two groups based on their intrinsic characteristics by presenting a congestion management protocol: 1) critical data 2) non-critical data. The proposed protocol provides a dynamic routing algorithm based on the TOPSIS model for non-critical data transmission. In addition, an algorithm for transmitting critical data through the shortest possible path is also provided based on support vector machines. This improves the network performance through using multi-classification that is obtained from Support Vector Machines. The simulation results indicate that the proposed method works better than other methods and leads to better performance in delay, network performance and power consumption.
First Report of Cryptosporidium spp. in Cattle from Jamaica
Authors: Morris Amanda J. , Noble Simmoy , Lindo John F. , Ong Corinne S.L.
Published: March 2022

Background: Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite associated with gastrointestinal illness in humans and a wide range of vertebrate animals. Cattle, particularly calves, are widely recognized as major reservoir hosts of zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp. Despite this, and cattle being one of the most significant economic mainstays in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, there is no publish record on the presence of Cryptosporidium in Jamaican cattle nor their potential role as zoonotic reservoirs. Methods: In the present study, 119 fecal specimens were collected from dairy and beef cattle from 10 farms in St. Elizabeth parish. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), amplifying the 18S rRNA gene, confirmed Cryptosporidium presence in 10 (8 %) of samples. Results: Sequence analysis of PCR products identified three C. parvum isolates (previously reported in calves) and one C. hominis isolate among calves experiencing diarrhea at the time of sample collection. Further nested PCR and sequence analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene, identified the C. hominis IbA9G2 subtype, previously reported in a calf. Conclusions: This reports the first molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. from cattle in Jamaica, and their potential role as zoonotic transmitters of the protozoan parasite. Further molecular investigation is warranted to better understand direct and indirect transmission dynamics of cryptosporidiosis between livestock and humans on the island.
The host bone marrow stem cell repopulation is crucial to the permanent tolerance in 50% liver transplantation
Authors: chen guoyong , Tang gaofeng , zhao huibo , wei sidong , guo xiaoyan , liu fanhzhou , lu Di , Guo Hui , zhou shaotang
Published: March 2022

The severe toxicities and side-effects derived from lifelong anti-rejection therapy following organ transplantation necessitates operational tolerance, a immunosuppression-free state in which the allograft functions well and no immunological rejections occur, no operational tolerance is in use globally. Here we introduce that operational tolerance, based on the hypertrophy to hyperplasia transition upon liver regeneration, is early acquired and permanently maintained in 50% adult rat liver allograft transplantation through the host bone marrow stem cell repopulation and 9-day cyclosporine A use. Compared with whole and partial liver transplantations as the controls, longer-term survivals (over 500 days) were observed in the tolerant hosts (p=0.001), the allograft functioned well and no acute or chronic rejections were confirmed by histology examinations. Further study revealed that the allograft was reinstituted by host-derived stem cells marked with CD34, which migrated, repopulated and differentiated after mobilization. However donor-specific hypo-response was not achieved through skin transplantation, indicating no adaptive immune activity occurrence. Our protocol is characteristic of targeting the allograft and non-immunological intervention, offering a novel avenue to operational tolerance induction which is of highly clinical relevance
Item distribution, scalability and internal consistency of the QUALIDEM quality of life assessment for patients with dementia in acute hospital settings
Authors: Lüdecke Daniel , Dichter Martin Nikolaus , Nickel Stefan , Kofahl Christopher
Published: March 2022

Background
Quality of life (QoL) of people with dementia (PwD) is an important indicator of quality of care. Studying the impact of acute hospital settings on PwD’s QoL requires assessment instruments that consider environmental factors. Until now, dementia-specific QoL instruments have not demonstrated their feasibility in acute hospitals. Therefore, validated instruments to study QoL-outcomes of patients with dementia in hospitals are needed.
Methods
Data stem from a study that analysed the impact of a special care concept in acute hospitals for patients with dementia on their QoL. Total sample size consisted of N = 526 patients. QoL was assessed with the QUALIDEM. This instrument consists of nine subscales that can be applied to people with mild to severe dementia (N = 344), while six of the nine subscales are applicable for people with very severe dementia (N = 182). Scalability and internal consistency were tested with Mokken scale analysis.
Results
For people with mild to severe dementia, seven out of nine subscales were scalable (0.31 ≤ H ≤ 0.75). Five of these seven subscales were also internally consistent (ρ ≥ 0.69), while two had insufficient reliability scores (ρ = 0.53 and 0.52). The remaining two (positive self-image, feeling at home) subscales had rather low scalability (H = 0.17/0.16) and reliability scores (ρ = 0.35/0.36). For people with very severe dementia, all six subscales were scalable (0.34 ≤ H ≤ 0.71). Five out of six showed acceptable internal consistency (ρ = 0.65 to 0.91). Only the item social relations had insufficient reliability (ρ = 0.55).
Conclusions
In comparison with a previous evaluation of the QUALIDEM in a long-term care setting, the application in a hospital setting leads to very similar, acceptable results for people with mild to severe dementia. For people with very severe dementia, the QUALIDEM seems to fit even better in a hospital context. Results suggest either a revision of unsatisfactory items or a general reduction to six items for the QUALIDEM, for all PwD. In general, the QUALIDEM can be recommended as instrument to assess the QoL for PwD in the context of hospital research. Additionally, an investigation of the inter-rater reliability is recommended.
Simulating androgen receptor selection in designer yeast
Authors: Yuan Yingjin , Zhang Haoran , Zhang Lu , Xu Yipeng , Chen Shaoyong , Ma Zhenyi , Yao Mingdong , Li Fangyin , Li Bo
Published: March 2022

We established a designer yeast assay to simulate natural androgen receptor (AR) selection using AR antagonists. Yeast HIS3 gene transactivation was associated with the ligand-induced recruitment of steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) by AR mutants, where yeast growth in histidine-free medium was determined as the outcome. Our simple and efficient assay can enable precise one-pot screening of AR mutants.
Nontraumatic spontaneous bilateral renal hemorrhages (Wünderlich syndrome) with chronic infection of Chlamydia pneumoniae: A case report
Authors: Matsumoto Ayaka , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Terayama Takero , Seno Soichiro , Sekine Yasumasa , Kiyozumi Tetsuro , Saitoh Daizoh
Published: March 2022

Background: Nontraumatic spontaneous renal hemorrhage is caused by tumor such as renal cell carcinoma or angiomyolipoma in most cases. Vasculitis including periarteritis nodosa or antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-mediated vasculitis may also be the next underlying background. Herein, we report the first case of nontraumatic spontaneous bilateral renal hemorrhage combined with chronic infection of Chlamydia pneumoniae.Case presentation: The patient serially suffered from left and right back pain within 78 days due to bilateral spontaneous renal hemorrhages. Transcatheter arterial embolization was successfully performed twice to treat serial spontaneous bilateral renal hemorrhages. The serological examination apparently revealed his chronic infection of Chlamydia pneumoniae and a slight elevation of anti-deoxy nucleotide antibodies. Furthermore, computed tomography (CT) angiogram and 67galium citrate scintigram also suggested underlining severe arteriosclerosis without severe inflammation in bilateral kidneys. Chronic infection of Chlamydia pneumoniae and underlying autoimmune vasculitis may pull a trigger of bilateral spontaneous renal hemorrhages although the real mechanisms remain unknown. Conclusions: In conclusion, we reported an extremely rare case of nontraumatic spontaneous bilateral renal hemorrhage of unknown etiology. Severe atherosclerosis caused by chronic infection due to Chlamydia pneumoniae may predispose to the vascular vulnerability of the bilateral renal arteries in close association with hypertension, oral intake of antiplatelets, and underlying autoimmune vasculitis.
Regional Precipitation frequency analysis for 24-hour duration using L-moments approach in Shaoguan, South China
Authors: Chen Xiaoyang , Zhu Dehua , Wang Min , Liao Yifan
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study was to obtain the 24-h precipitation frequency estimates for return periods of 1-1000 years in Shaoguan, South China, to provide scientific suggestions for flood disaster warning and urban flood control planning. Annual Maximum Precipitation (AMP) respectively from observational rainfall and Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) gridded rainfall which can supplement precipitation information in areas without rain gauges was used for the calculation of estimates using Regional L-Moments Analysis (RLMA) method. Then the quantiles at grids were corrected by Mean Bias Correction (MBC) method with the estimates at sites. The results showed that there has more and stronger extreme precipitation in the northwest of Shaoguan. The number of homogeneous regions as well as the spatial distribution of parameters (Cv , Cs and Ck) for two datasets is different. When the return periods are larger than 100 years, the estimates at sites are also larger than that at grids and the difference will increase as return period increases. After modified, the quantiles from IMERG are more reasonable and combine the spatial distribution characteristic of estimates from two cases, which indicates that the rainstorm high-risk area of Shaoguan is in the southwest to the central, as well as in the west-central.
Art Resistance against Russia’s “Non-Invasion” of Ukraine
Authors: Kozak Nazar
Published: March 2022

When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014, the Russian media ran what I propose to call a simulation of “non-invasion”—a spectacle aimed to distance Russia from the war. This essay explores activist art resistance against this simulation. Specifically, I discuss three art projects that were staged during the first, most violent year of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict: Mariia (Maria) Kulikovs'ka’s performance at “Manifesta 10” in St. Petersburg, Serhii Zakharov’s guerrilla installations on the streets of occupied Donetsk, and Izolyatsia’s #onvacation occupation of the Russian pavilion at the 56th Venice Biennale. These art projects, I argue, not only attacked the simulation from the outside as independent entities, but, by penetrating the simulation on site and online, they disrupted it from within.
I offer three reasons to support this claim. First, these art projects superimposed images of the invasion over the physical sites where the “non-invasion” simulation dwelt and, in this way, not only made the war visible but also produced “a glitch in the matrix” effect—a conflict within the simulation visual regime that was inconsistent with its concealment function. Second, they “hailed” (in Louis Althusser’s terms) actants of the simulation as subjects of Putin’s regime, provoking suppressive reactions that proved Russia’s participation in the war—which the simulation, thus, failed to downplay. And third, with carefully orchestrated strategies of online outreach to the public, these art projects attached themselves to the media dimension of the simulation, making the simulation’s media proliferation work against itself.
Exploring the alternative solutions and strategies of toledo city government for the damaging impact of single-use plastic bag in the environment
Authors: Genon Jamaica , Mabunay Jessa , Opsima James , Zamora Rochelle , Repaso Jay , Sasan John Michael
Published: March 2022

The object of research: The aim of this research is to gain a better understanding of residents' personal concerns about improper plastic disposal and to give voice to their thoughts about the Toledo City Government's prospective ideas and approaches for minimizing the city's plastic pollution.

Investigated problem: Residents of Magdugo, Toledo City have been subjected to increasing levels of plastic pollution. The vast number of discarded plastic items that eventually end up in canals, drainage systems, and city streets, generating flooding that poses a severe challenge in agriculture, health, and sanitation.

The main scientific results: According to the findings, the city's inefficient waste management system has resulted in a massive accumulation of durable plastics. Toledo City, on the other hand, has improved waste management, restored cleanliness, and minimized the environmental effect of plastics through regulatory initiatives.

The area of practical use of the research results: The majority of citizens in Toledo City have enthusiastically embraced the city's ordinance prohibiting the use of plastic bags. Plastic bag littering has been shown to decrease throughout the city, resulting in a cleaner and healthier environment. The city's achievement might serve as a model for other places that have yet to abolish plastic bags.

Innovative technological product: As a result of a cleaner and healthier environment, people have become more productive, and tourists have returned to the city, contributing to the city's economic growth.

Scope of the innovative technological product: Policy management in the reduction of plastic pollution
A study on the effects of plasma spraying parameters on the adhesion strength of Cr3C2-NiCr coating on 16Mn steel
Authors: Thao Dang Xuan , Duc Cuong Pham
Published: March 2022

This paper experimentally studied the adhesion strength of Cr3C2-30 %NiCr coating created on 16Mn steel substrate by plasma thermal coating technique in relation to spraying parameters. Experiments were carried out according to the central composite design (CCD) experimental matrix with three parameters: current intensity, powder feeding rate, and spray distance. Samples consisting of an annular disc and a latch made of 16Mn were fabricated according to the JIS H8664-1977 standard. Cr3C2-30 %NiCr coating was then created on the top surface of the disc including end of the latch. Adhesion strength of the coating to the substrate was measured through the tensile test. ANOVA analysis of variance was performed to evaluate the influence of the spraying parameters on adhesion strength and to build an empirical regression function representing the relationship between those parameters and the adhesion. Optimization problem was solved by ANOVA method and genetic algorithm (GA) to determine the value of the spraying parameters at which the coating has the greatest adhesion strength to the substrate. The results showed that the spraying parameters greatly affected the adhesion of the Cr3C2-30 %NiCr coating to the 16Mn substrate. Among them the spray distance has the greatest influence while the powder feeding rate has the least. Secondly, the regression function was well reflected the relationship between the three parameters and adhesion strength of the coating on the substrate. Using the values of spray parameter obtained from the GA optimization to create Cr3C2-30 %NiCr coating on 16Mn steel, the adhesion strength of the coating to the substrate reached a value of 98.4 % compared to the prediction
A research on application of the measurement of alternatives and ranking according to compromise solution method for multi-criteria decision making in the grinding process
Authors: Thinh Hoang Xuan , Trung Do Duc
Published: March 2022

The efficiency of cutting methods in general and the grinding method in particular is evaluated through many parameters such as surface roughness, machining productivity, system vibrations, etc. The machining process is considered highly efficient when it meets the set requirements for these parameters such as ensuring the small surface roughness, small vibrations, and high productivity, etc. However, for each specific machining condition, sometimes the set criteria for the output criteria are opposite. In these cases, it is required to solve the Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) which means making the decision to ensure the harmonization of all criteria. In this study, a study on multi-criteria decision making in the grinding process of 9CrSi steel using CBN grinding wheels is presented. The experimental process was carried out with sixteen experiments according to an orthogonal matrix that designed by the Taguchi method. The workpiece velocity, feed rate, and depth of cut were changed in each experiment. At each experiment, the responses were determined including surface roughness (Ra), the vibration of the grinding wheel shaft in the three directions, corresponding to Ax, Ay, and Az, and material removal yield (Q). Four determination methods of weights for criteria were used. The Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution (MARCOS) method was applied for multi-criteria decision making. The objective of this study is to identify an experiment that simultaneously ensures the small values of Ra, Ax, Ay, and Az and large value Q
Development of spreadsheet simulation models of gas cylinders inventory management
Authors: Gribanova Ekaterina , Mitsel Artur , Shilnikov Alexandr
Published: March 2022

The solution of the problem of managing the inventory of an enterprise whose activities are related to the purchase and sale of gas cylinders is considered. To solve the problem, it was necessary to investigate and choose the best inventory management strategy that provides the minimum value of the average inventory balance in the warehouse with the established upper limit of the average deficit. The problem of determining the best strategy is presented as a discrete programming problem, the required variables of which depend on the replenishment method. With a periodic replenishment strategy, the controlled variables are the volume of the delivery line and the delivery interval, with a threshold one, the minimum inventory level and the volume of the delivery line. Let’s also consider replenishment with a predicted inventory level, where the delivery level and the minimum inventory level are used as control variables. Three tabular simulation models with a given delivery time and random demand are proposed. Using the Chi-square test, it was found that the quantity demanded has a normal distribution law. By carrying out computational experiments, the optimal values of controlled variables were determined. The best objective function values were obtained using a model with a predicted inventory level and a threshold replenishment strategy. Experiments conducted on the basis of historical data have shown the advantage of the two model strategies compared to the strategy currently used in the enterprise. The use of a model with a predictable inventory level would reduce the average inventory balance by 46 %, and, consequently, save working capital. The results of the study can be useful for managers of enterprises whose activities are related to inventory management
Analysis of the crystal structure of the Ba3TeO6 compound
Authors: Zavodyannyi Viktor
Published: March 2022

The object of research is the crystal structure of the Ba3TeO6 compound. It is known from the literature that this material has photoluminescent properties and crystallizes in the tetragonal system with the space symmetry group I41/a (88) and lattice periods a=19.3878 А; b=19.3878 Аº, c=34.909 Аº. At the same time, there are data on two other polymorphic modifications of this compound, which are in the PDF-2 database for 2009. Therefore, information about the crystal structure of this compound is incomplete. The existence of different spectra for a given compound mentioned in the literature may be due to different methods of synthesis of this compound. A study of the crystal structure of the compound Ba3TeO6 under the number 00-035-0995 in the PDF-2 database for 2009 is proposed.

The study used the 2009 PDF-2 database. As well as the HighScorePlus 3.0 program (Netherlands), which makes it possible to refine the microstructural parameters of a structural model using the Rietveld method.

The diffraction spectrum for the study was generated using the HighScorePlus 3.0 program and the 2009 pdf-2 database connected to it in UDF format.

As a result, it was found that this diffraction spectrum of the studied compound can correspond to the following structural model: orthorhombic system with lattice periods a=4.2910 A; b=4.4062 A; c=4.3459 A. The space symmetry group Pnnn(48) is possible.

Analyzing the results obtained, it should be recognized that the studied structure of the compound crystallizes in its own structural type. At the same time, the crystal structures of the polymorphic modifications of this compound are similar.

The study of the crystal structure of the compound contributes to a better understanding of its physical properties, in particular, photoluminescence
Prioritising the Maintenance of University Hostels to Improve Students’ Satisfaction
Authors:   Centre for Building, Construction and Tropical Architecture (BuCTA), Department of Building Surveying, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA, Au-Yong Cheong Peng , Ali Azlan Shah ,   Centre for Building, Construction and Tropical Architecture (BuCTA), Department of Building Surveying, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA, Pavaraj Anantheraj ,   Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA
Published: March 2022

The maintenance of university hostels is found to be unsatisfactory due to budget constraint in general. Hence, the purpose of this study is to find out a solution to improve the building maintenance and students’ satisfaction within the budget allocation. The development of maintenance prioritisation framework through the association between conditions of building components and students’ satisfaction is done to achieve the purpose of this research. Seven main building components were listed after a thorough literature review. Then, a total of 415 valid questionnaire responses were analysed to measure the conditions of building components and to establish the relationship between the conditions of building components and students’ satisfaction. Moreover, semi-structured interviews were carried out to validate and further interpret the survey findings. The research findings confirmed that utilities and floor as the significant building components to be prioritised in maintenance. It is worthwhile to be served as a guide to other university hostels. Furthermore, it opens a research opportunity to cover other institution hostels. This research is informative to the university hostel managements in efforts to improve the maintenance efficiency within limited budget. This study proposes a solution to tackle the maintenance issues in university hostels.
Tails of Instability and Decay: a Hydrodynamic Perspective
Authors: Castro-Alvaredo Olalla , De Fazio Cecilia , Doyon Benjamin , Ziolkowska Aleksandra A.
Published: March 2022

In the context of quantum field theory (QFT), unstable particles are associated with complex-valued poles of two-body scattering matrices in the unphysical sheet of rapidity space. The Breit-Wigner formula relates this pole to the mass and life-time of the particle, observed in scattering events. In this paper, we uncover new, dynamical signatures of unstable excitations and show that they have a strong effect on the non-equilibrium properties of QFT. Focusing on a 1+1D
integrable model, and using the theory of Generalized Hydrodynamics,
we study the formation and decay of unstable particles by analysing the release of hot matter into a low-temperature environment. We observe the formation of tails and the decay of the emitted nonlinear waves, in sharp contrast to the situation without unstable excitations. We also uncover a new phenomenon by which a wave of a stable population of unstable particles may persist without decay for long times. We expect these signatures of the presence of unstable particles to have a large degree of universality. Our study shows that the out-of-equilibrium dynamics of many-body systems can be strongly affected not only by the spectrum, but also by excitations with finite life-times.
Stability of production and trading companies considering their economic security
Authors: Mazaraki Anatolii , Zubko Tetiana
Published: March 2022

The economic security of any company depends on its solvency and financial stability. It is also affected by uneven economic development due to the global financial crises, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, increased competition from industrial and commercial companies, and military conflicts. Thus, it is necessary to assess the stability of companies as a basis for their economic security, taking into account the indicators of solvency and financial stability. The paper used systematization, comparative analysis, ranking, expert interview (in-depth interview), and Fishburne’s method. First, the scheme of ensuring the financial stability and solvency of production and trading companies is proposed. Second, the evaluation indicators system is developed, and the rating scale of stability of production and trading companies is determined. According to the results, evaluation indicators were formed; some were calculated according to companies’ financial statements and management accounting. Finally, to increase the efficiency of technical and economic parameters, areas for regulating the activities of companies and ensuring their stability were identified. According to an in-depth interview with experts, the sampled company received 69 points and corresponded to a sufficient level of stability. Factors that negatively affected the stability of companies’ activities include quality indicators, namely compliance with standards, company image, digitalization, compliance with corporate culture, and personnel management policy.
Alometría generalizada para la estimación de la biomasa aérea total de plantas leñosas: marco teórico general y aplicaciones
Authors: Paz Pellat Fernando , Velázquez Rodríguez Alma , Sánchez Sánchez Cristóbal , Salas Aguilar Víctor , Méndez González Jorge , Acosta Mireles Miguel , Nájera Luna Juan Abel
Published: March 2022

La cuantificación de la biomasa aérea y carbono total es importante en el contexto de los mercados del carbono y la productividad forestal, por lo que es necesario el desarrollo de métodos cuantitativos costo-efectivos que reduzcan la incertidumbre en sus estimaciones. El uso de ecuaciones alométricas entre la biomasa aérea total y volumen del fuste o total y entre el diámetro normal y la altura total es práctica común en la evaluación de recursos forestales, donde se usan modelos específicos y generalizados, con diferentes niveles de incertidumbre. En la literatura se han propuesto diversas metodologías para simplificar el uso de tales relaciones alométricas, sugiriendo algunas con bases correctas, pero sin explorar sus implicaciones y matemáticas asociadas. En este trabajo se presenta un marco teórico general de las relaciones entre constantes y exponentes, así como entre exponentes, de ciertas ecuaciones alométricas, usando bases matemáticas relativamente simples. Seguido del desarrollo del marco teórico, se usa una base de parámetros de relaciones alométricas y un conjunto de bases de datos de mediciones de campo. Con lo anterior se obtiene, como resultado las estimaciones que son comparables a las ecuaciones alométricas clásicas, pero con el uso de solo la relación altura total-diámetro normal. Se exploran las consecuencias de la propuesta teórica y se generan recomendaciones para cambiar el paradigma en los desarrollos alométricos tradicionales para plantas leñosas.