bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radical radiotherapy for stage I/II non-small cell lung cancer in patients not sufficiently fit for or declining surgery (medically inoperable): a systematic review
Authors: Rowell N P , Williams C J
Published: July 2021

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness of radical radiotherapy in medically inoperable stage I/II non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the extent of treatment related morbidity.

METHODS

Randomised trials were sought by electronically searching the Cochrane Clinical Trials Register, and both randomised and non-randomised trials were sought by searching Medline and Excerpta Medica (Embase). Further studies were identified from references cited in those papers already identified by electronic searching. The studies included were those of patients of any age with stage I/II NSCLC receiving radiotherapy at a dose of >40 Gy in 20 fractions over 4 weeks or its radiobiological equivalent.

RESULTS

Two randomised and 35 non-randomised studies were identified. One randomised and nine non-randomised studies did not meet the selection criteria, leaving one randomised and 26 non-randomised studies for analysis. In the randomised trial 2 year survival was higher following continuous hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy (CHART; 37%) than following 60 Gy in 30 fractions over 6 weeks (24%). An estimated 2003 patients were included in the 26 non-randomised studies; overall survival was 22–72% at 2 years, 17–55% at 3 years, and 0–42% at 5 years. Following treatment, 11–43% of patients died from causes other than cancer. Cancer specific survival was 54–93% at 2 years, 22–56% at 3 years, and 13–39% at 5 years. Complete response rates were 33–61% and local failure rates were 6–70%. Distant metastases developed in approximately 25% of patients. Better response rates and survival were seen in those with smaller tumours and in those receiving higher doses although the reasons for prescribing higher doses were not clearly stated. The outcome was worse in those with prior weight loss or poor performance status. Assessment of treatment related morbidity and effects on quality of life and symptom control were inconclusive because of the lack of prospective evaluation and paucity of data.

CONCLUSIONS

No randomised trials compared a policy of immediate radical radiotherapy with palliative radiotherapy given when patients develop symptoms. In the absence of such trials, radical radiotherapy appears to result in a better survival than might be expected had treatment not been given. A substantial, though variable, proportion of patients died during follow up from causes other than cancer. The optimal radiation dose and treatment technique (particularly with respect to mediastinal irradiation) remain uncertain.
Interventions for smoking cessation in hospitalised patients: a systematic review
Authors: Munafò M , Rigotti N , Lancaster T , Stead L , Murphy M
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

An admission to hospital provides an opportunity to help people stop smoking. Individuals may be more open to help at a time of perceived vulnerability, and may find it easier to quit in an environment where smoking is restricted or prohibited. Providing smoking cessation services during hospitalisation may help more people to attempt and sustain an attempt to quit. The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the effectiveness of interventions for smoking cessation in hospitalised patients.

METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group register, CINAHL, and the Smoking and Health database for studies of interventions for smoking cessation in hospitalised patients. Randomised and quasi-randomised trials of behavioural, pharmacological, or multi-component interventions to help patients stop smoking conducted with hospitalised patients who were current smokers or recent quitters were included. Studies of patients admitted for psychiatric disorders or substance abuse, those that did not report abstinence rates, and those with follow up of less than 6 months were excluded. Two of the authors extracted data independently for each paper, with assistance from others.

RESULTS

Intensive intervention (inpatient contact plus follow up for at least 1 month) was associated with a significantly higher cessation rate compared with controls (Peto odds ratio (OR) 1.82, 95% CI 1.49 to 2.22). Any contact during hospitalisation followed by minimal follow up failed to detect a statistically significant effect on cessation rate, but did not rule out a 30% increase in smoking cessation (Peto OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.31). There was insufficient evidence to judge the effect of interventions delivered only during the hospital stay. Although the interventions increased quit rates irrespective of whether nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) was used, the results for NRT were compatible with other data indicating that it increases quit rates. There was no strong evidence that clinical diagnosis affected the likelihood of quitting.

CONCLUSIONS

High intensity behavioural interventions that include at least 1 month of follow up contact are effective in promoting smoking cessation in hospitalised patients.
Effects of inhaled salbutamol in exercising non-asthmatic athletes
Authors: Goubault C , Perault M-C , Leleu E , Bouquet S , Legros P , Vandel B , Denjean A
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Beta-2 agonists such as salbutamol are used, not only by asthmatic athletes to prevent exercise induced asthma, but also by non-asthmatic athletes as a potentially ergogenic agent. We have investigated whether inhaled salbutamol enhances endurance performance in non-asthmatic athletes.

METHODS

A prospective double blind, randomised, three way crossover design was used to study the effects of 200 μg and 800 μg inhaled salbutamol versus a placebo in 12 trained triathletes. The treatments were compared in three identical cycle ergometer sessions at 85% of the predetermined maximal oxygen uptake. Lung function, endurance time, metabolic parameters (glucose, potassium, lactate, free fatty acid, and glycerol), and psychomotor performance were evaluated.

RESULTS

Neither endurance time nor post-exercise bronchodilation were significantly different between the treatments. Metabolic parameters were affected by exercise but not by treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Inhaled salbutamol, even in a high dose, did not have a significant effect on endurance performance in non-asthmatic athletes, although the bronchodilating effect of the drug at the beginning of exercise may have improved respiratory adaptation. Our results do not preclude an ergogenic effect of β2agonists given by other routes or for a longer period.
Smoking cessation, decline in pulmonary function and total mortality: a 30 year follow up study among the Finnish cohorts of the Seven Countries Study
Authors: Pelkonen M , Notkola I-L , Tukiainen H , Tervahauta M , Tuomilehto J , Nissinen A
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Permanent smoking cessation reduces loss of pulmonary function. Less is known in the long term about individuals who give up smoking temporarily or quitters with lower initial pulmonary function. Little is known also about the relationship between decline in pulmonary function and mortality. We examined these aspects and the association between smoking, decline in pulmonary function, and mortality.

METHODS

Two middle aged male Finnish cohorts of the Seven Countries Study and their re-examinations on five occasions during a 30 year period of follow up were analysed.

RESULTS

During the first 15 years (n=1007) adjusted decline in forced expiratory volume in 0.75 seconds (FEV0.75) was 46.4 ml/year in never smokers, 49.3 ml/year in past smokers, 55.5 ml/year in permanent quitters, 55.5 ml/year in intermittent quitters, and 66.0 ml/year in continuous smokers (p<0.001 for trend). Quitters across the entire range of baseline FEV0.75had a slower decline in FEV0.75than continuous smokers. Among both continuing smokers and never smokers, non-survivors had a significantly (p<0.001) more rapid decline in FEV0.75than survivors. The adjusted relative hazard for total mortality was 1.73 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41 to 2.11) and 1.24 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.52) in the lowest and middle tertiles of decline in FEV0.75. Never smokers, past smokers, and quitters had significantly lower total mortality than continuous smokers, partly because of their slower decline in FEV0.75.

CONCLUSION

These results highlight the positive effect of smoking cessation, even intermittent cessation, on decline in pulmonary function. Accelerated decline in pulmonary function was found to be a risk factor for total mortality. The beneficial effect of smoking cessation on mortality may partly be mediated through a reduced decline in pulmonary function.
Systemic anti-inflammatory mediators in COPD: increase in soluble interleukin 1 receptor II during treatment of exacerbations
Authors: Dentener M A , Creutzberg E C , Schols A M W J , Mantovani A , van‘t Veer C , Buurman W A , Wouters E F M
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the chronic inflammatory process present in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is due to a defective endogenous anti-inflammatory mechanism.

METHODS

Systemic levels of the anti-inflammatory mediators soluble interleukin 1 receptor II (sIL-1RII), soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor p55 (sTNF-R55) and sTNF-R75, and of C reactive protein (CRP) and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) were analysed in 55 patients with stable COPD (median forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 34% predicted (range 15–78)) and compared with levels in 23 control subjects. In addition, changes in these mediators were studied in 13 patients with COPD (median FEV134% predicted (range 19–51)) during the first 7 days in hospital with an exacerbation of the disease.

RESULTS

Patients with stable COPD were characterised by a systemic inflammatory process indicated by an increased leucocyte count (7.2 (4.7–16.4)v4.8 (3.5–8.3) × 109/l), raised levels of CRP (11.8 (1.1–75.0)v4.1 (0.6–75.0) μg/ml) and LBP (45.6 (8.1–200.0)v27.9 (14.1–71.5) μg/ml), and moderate increases in both sTNF-Rs. In contrast, the sIL-1RII level did not differ between patients and controls (4.53 (2.09–7.60)v4.63 (3.80–5.93) ng/ml). During treatment of disease exacerbations, systemic levels of both CRP (at day 3) and LBP (at day 7) were significantly reduced compared with day 1, whereas sIL-1RII levels increased.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest an imbalance in systemic levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators in patients with stable COPD. The increase in the anti-inflammatory mediator sIL-1RII during treatment of exacerbations may contribute to the clinical improvement.
Sector subsampling for basal area ratio estimation: an alternative to big BAF sampling
Authors: Dai Xiao , Ducey Mark J. , Kershaw John A. , Wang Haozhou
Published: July 2021

Big basal area factor (big BAF) sampling is a widely used subsampling method to select measure-trees. Several studies have shown big BAF sampling to be an efficient sampling scheme. In this study, we use sector sampling (Smith et al. 2008, For. Sci. 54: 67–76) as an alternative subsample selection method. Based on some simulated mapped stands derived from three balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) spacing trials in western Newfoundland, we show that sector subsampling is comparable to big BAF sampling in terms of estimated mean basal area ratios and their associated standard errors. Differences between big BAF sampling and sector sampling methods showed less than 1% difference across the three sites. As with big BAF sampling, changes in sample intensity had no significant (p < 0.05) effects on the accuracy of estimating mean biomass to basal area ratios and the resulting estimated mean biomasses per unit area.
Anthropogenic disturbance promotes the abundance of a newly introduced butterfly, the European common blue (Polyommatus icarus; Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), in Canada
Authors: Rivest Stephanie A. , Kharouba Heather M.
Published: July 2021

The frequency of introductions of non-native species is increasing worldwide, but only a few introduced species undergo rapid population growth and range expansion, and even fewer become invasive, leading to negative impacts on native communities. Predicting which non-native species are likely to become widespread and abundant can be difficult when there is a lack of species’ information in the early stages of colonization. Here, we investigate the ecology of a newly introduced butterfly in Canada, the European common blue (Polyommatus icarus (Rottemberg, 1775)), by modelling its local- and landscape-scale habitat suitability in Montréal, Quebec, Canada, and the surrounding region, and by assessing its dispersal ability using a mark–release–recapture study. At a local scale, we found that P. icarus abundance was highest at sites with moderate levels of habitat disturbance (e.g., mowed every 2–3 years), the presence of their preferred larval host plant and low proportional cover of grasses. At a landscape scale, P. icarus abundance increased with an increasing proportion of urban area and decreasing proportion of forests. We also found that P. icarus is a low to moderate disperser relative to other butterflies. Our results suggest that P. icarus may become widespread in disturbed and urban areas across Canada, but that further investigation into additional potential range-constraining factors (e.g., microclimate), especially larval preferences, and modelling of the trajectory of P. icarus range expansion is needed.
Gray wolf (Canis lupus) predation patterns following recent recolonization in a multi-predator, multi-prey system
Authors: Orning Elizabeth K. , Dugger Katie M. , Clark Darren A.
Published: July 2021

Predator–prey interactions are among the most fundamental of ecological relationships. Recolonizing gray wolf (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) populations present new challenges for wildlife management in multi-prey, multi-carnivore systems. We documented diet composition and kill rates for wolves in a recently recolonized area over winter and summer seasons (2014–2015). Elk (Cervus canadensis Erxleben, 1777) were the primary ungulate prey (63%) located at wolf kill sites. Deer (mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus (Rafinesque, 1817)) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann, 1780))) were less prevalent than elk in wolf diets, but the amount of deer in diets (40%–50%) varied by pack and season. Juvenile elk were the most prevalent class of prey in wolf diets during summer (63.3%) and winter (36.3%), with adult elk (32.5%) observed nearly as often as juveniles in winter. Kill rates varied by season, with rates 2.3 times higher in summer (mean = 3.5 ungulates/week per pack) than winter (mean = 1.5 ungulates/week per pack), consistent with increased availability and use of neonate prey. Prey biomass acquisition did not vary by pack or season (summer = 243 kg/week per pack; winter = 182 kg/week per pack). Our study quantified predation patterns for a recolonizing wolf population, and patterns that we documented were similar to other multi-prey systems in North America.
Study on soliton solutions of the longitudinal wave equation and magneto-electro-elastic circular rod dynamical model
Authors: Darwish Adel , Seadawy Aly R. , Ahmed Hamdy M. , Elbably A. L. , Shehab Mohammed F. , Arnous Ahmed H.
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we use the improved modified extended tanh-function method to obtain exact solutions for the nonlinear longitudinal wave equation in magneto-electro-elastic circular rod. With the aid of this method, we get many exact solutions like bright and singular solitons, rational, singular periodic, hyperbolic, Jacobi elliptic function and exponential solutions. Moreover, the two-dimensional and the three-dimensional graphs of some solutions are plotted for knowing the physical interpretation.
Analyzing the Mental States of the Sports Student Based on Augmentative Communication with Human-Computer Interaction
Authors: Zhong Qiang , Yang Qingling
Published: July 2021

A system is proposed for mental condition assessment (MCA) system in adaptive testing complexes. The complexity involves the Emotiv Epoc+ neuroheadset with fourteen channels of the EEG digital network and the ECG-recorder for collecting signals for cardiac output (HRV). In various processing States, biochemical values were recorded in Ten healthy individuals: history (available remainder), TOVA-test (psychological stack), hypotension (physiological load), and after cutting. The somewhat reduced HRV continuum’s strength was observed to change dramatically, induced by a supremacy-segmental heartbeat regulatory effect. There is also observed a decline in the prefrontal cortical treatment techniques ([Formula: see text]-rhythmic activity). Simultaneously, unregulated motions increase the mean accelerometer interests’ magnitude to locate the head’s maximum steady location compared to the gravity matrix.
A Note on Super Connectivity of the Bouwer Graph
Authors: Gu Mei-Mei , Chang Jou-Ming
Published: July 2021

The Bouwer graph [Formula: see text], proposed in 1970, is defined for every triple [Formula: see text] of integers greater than [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]. It has many good properties, such as vertex-transitive and edge-transitive. Conder and Žitnik used a cycle-counting argument to prove that almost all of the Bouwer graphs are half-arc-transitive in 2016. In this paper, by exploring the structure properties of [Formula: see text], we investigate some reliability measures, including super connectivity and super-edge connectivity, and show that the super connectivity and super-edge connectivity of the Bouwer graph are both [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
A Note on the Multi-Colored Bipartite Ramsey Number for Paths
Authors: Qiao Hanxiao , Wang Ke , Renqian Suonan , Cuo Renqing
Published: July 2021

For bipartite graphs [Formula: see text], the bipartite Ramsey number [Formula: see text] is the least positive integer [Formula: see text] so that any coloring of the edges of [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] colors will result in a copy of [Formula: see text] in the [Formula: see text]th color for some [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we get the exact value of [Formula: see text], and obtain the upper and lower bounds of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denotes a path with [Formula: see text] vertice s.
Taylor coefficients of Anderson generating functions and Drinfeld torsion extensions
Authors: Maurischat A. , Perkins R.
Published: July 2021

We generalize our work on Carlitz prime power torsion extension to torsion extensions of Drinfeld modules of arbitrary rank. As in the Carlitz case, we give a description of these extensions in terms of evaluations of Anderson generating functions and their hyperderivatives at roots of unity. We also give a direct proof that the image of the Galois representation attached to the [Formula: see text]-adic Tate module lies in the [Formula: see text]-adic points of the motivic Galois group. This is a generalization of the corresponding result of Chang and Papanikolas for the [Formula: see text]-adic case.
Quadratic points on non-split Cartan modular curves
Authors: Michaud-Rodgers Philippe
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we study quadratic points on the non-split Cartan modular curves [Formula: see text], for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Recently, Siksek proved that all quadratic points on [Formula: see text] arise as pullbacks of rational points on [Formula: see text]. Using similar techniques for [Formula: see text], and employing a version of Chabauty for symmetric powers of curves for [Formula: see text], we show that the same holds for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. As a consequence, we prove that certain classes of elliptic curves over quadratic fields are modular.
The generalized Catalan equation in positive characteristic
Authors: Koymans Peter
Published: July 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be a finitely generated field over [Formula: see text] and fix [Formula: see text]. We study the solutions of the Catalan equation [Formula: see text] to be solved in [Formula: see text] and integers [Formula: see text] coprime with [Formula: see text]. Our main result corrects earlier work of Silverman.
COVID-19 in Three Global Cities: Comparing Impacts and Outcomes
Authors: Marcotullio Peter John , Schmeltz Michael
Published: July 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted cities around the world. Global cities theory suggests that cities articulated to the global economy should be affected by such flows similarly. We start from this perspective and examine the impacts and outcomes of COVID-19 in three global cities: New York City, London and Tokyo. Our results focus on the speed, intensity, scale and characteristics of COVID-19 related cases and deaths in these cities and their respective countries. We find that while there are similarities between the experiences of global cities, there are also significant differences. The differences can be partially explained by policy, socio-economic and cultural differences. Our findings suggest that cities articulated to the global system could benefit from developing their own locally unique early warning and emergency response system, integrated with but separate from national systems.
Crossover between Re-Nucleation and Dendritic Growth in Electrodeposition without Supporting Electrolyte
Authors: Kharbachi Chams , Tzedakis Théo , Chauvet Fabien
Published: July 2021

This work deals with the formation of dendritic structures by electrodeposition of Cu2+ and Ag+ without supporting electrolyte in Hele-Shaw cells. The transition between the two main patterns, ramified branches and dendrites, is specifically addressed at the scale of branch microstructure using careful SEM observations. Ramified branches, composed only of grain assemblies, are obtained at low current densities because of a re-nucleation process induced by space charge dynamics (Fleury, Nature, 1997). For current densities higher than a given threshold, ramified branches are also formed by re-nucleation but another growth mode, the dendritic growth, is also observed while, at the macro-scale, the pattern remains fractal and isotropic. This shows that 1) pattern transition originates from a morphological transition at microstructure scale and 2) the re-nucleation process enables a freedom in local growth direction allowing the pattern to be fractal at the macro-scale. The onset of the dendritic growth mode, from shape instability of the grains, is considered with Mullins & Sekerka model. This latter disagrees with the observations by predicting that the grains are always unstable. It is proposed that the space charge plays a key role by controlling the shape stability and thus the transition between the two growth modes.
Innovation in the teaching of human physiology at university and school: pedagogical process based on interdisciplinarity and learning station rotation
Authors: dos Santos Layla S. B. , Benevides Raquel G. , Amorim Cláudio R. N. , Santos Rogério M. F. , de Oliveira Simone Souza , Granjeiro Érica M.
Published: July 2021

This paper presents the description and analysis of a didactic experience involving the participation of a university and a community school, developed as part of the National Science and Technology Week, at a public university in northeastern Brazil. For this purpose, the use of learning station rotation enabled innovation in the teaching of physiology integrated with biochemistry and health education contents. The didactic approach consisted of creating a learning circuit comprising seven stations. The central theme of the stations emphasized physiology, with specific foci on biochemistry and cardiorespiratory and endocrine health. Each station provided unique activities related to the central theme, including a station concerning digital technology in physiology. The school students were divided into small groups (6 or 7 people) that rotated through the stations, with a total of 81 students visiting each station. A qualitative assessment was performed using a Likert-scale questionnaire to measure the level of satisfaction of the students. It was found that this didactic approach increased the receptivity of the students to the contents, facilitated student-teacher dialogue, and provided an excellent tool for establishing an interface between the university and the community school. Overall, 76.5% of the students rated the activity as excellent.
Low dietary fiber promotes enteric expansion of a Crohn’s disease-associated pathobiont independent of obesity
Authors: Lau Trevor C. , Fiebig-Comyn Aline A. , Shaler Christopher R. , McPhee Joseph B. , Coombes Brian K. , Schertzer Jonathan D.
Published: July 2021

It is commonly thought that obesity or a high-fat diet alters pathogenic bacteria and promotes inflammatory gut diseases. We found that lower dietary fiber is a key factor that expands a gut pathobiont linked to Crohn’s disease, independent of obesity status in mice.
[Retracted] Security Control Technology and Simulation of Network News Communication under the Environment of Internet of Things
Authors: Zhou Xudong , Wang Jing , Zhou Xiao
Published: July 2021

Internet of Things is an application of network news communication technology. Based on the Internet, it uses physical access technologies such as radio frequency tag and wireless sensor network news communication and network news communication information transmission technology to build a network news communication information system that can cover people and things. In the physical layer, the relative position of the object is calculated by using multipoint cooperative localization, so as to determine the minimum anonymous region. Generate and maintain the anonymous tree topology on the network news dissemination layer, and provide storage management support for multiple anonymous groups. In the application layer, the object determines the corresponding anonymity degree according to the identity and uses the frame structure to construct and return the new anonymous group consistent with the existing anonymous group, which can prevent the persistent multiprecision query attack. A real‐time control method for intrusion response of a security control system is designed, which includes two stages: response task generation and integrated scheduling. An intrusion response task set generation method based on an improved nondominated sorting genetic algorithm is presented, and a distributed integrated task scheduling and optimization algorithm based on a genetic algorithm and a directed acyclic graph is designed. The numerical simulation results show that this method can quickly and smoothly implement the response strategy of information security intrusion without affecting the normal execution of system tasks.
Comparison of Crushed-Zone Skin Factor for Cased and Perforated Wells Calculated with and without including a Tip-Crushed Zone Effect
Authors: Abobaker Ekhwaiter , Elsanoose Abadelhalim , Khan Faisal , Rahman Mohammad Azizur , Aborig Amer , Butt Stephen
Published: July 2021

A number of different factors can affect flow performance in perforated completions, such as perforation density, perforation damage, and tunnel geometry. In perforation damage, any compaction at the perforation tunnels will lead to reduced permeability, more significant pressure drop, and lower productivity of the reservoir. The reduced permeability of the crushed zone around the perforation can be formulated as a crushed-zone skin factor. For reservoir flow, earlier research studies show how crushed (compacted) zones cause heightened resistance in radially converging vertical and horizontal flow entering perforations. However, the effects related to crushed zones on the total skin factor are still a moot point, especially for horizontal flows in perforations. Therefore, the present study will look into the varied effects occurring in the crushed zone in relation to the vertical and horizontal flows. The experimental test was carried out using a geotechnical radial flow set-up to measure the differential pressure in the perforation tunnel with a crushed zone. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software was used for simulating pressure gradient in a cylindrical perforation tunnel. The single-phase water was radially injected into the core sample with the same flow boundary conditions in the experimental and numerical procedures. In this work, two crushed zone configuration scenarios were applied in conjunction with different perforation parameters, perforation length, crushed zone radius, and crushed zone permeability. In the initial scenario, the crushed zone is assumed to be located at the perforation tunnel’s side only, while in the second scenario, the crushed zone is assumed to be located at a side and the tip of perforation (a tip-crushed zone). The simulated results indicate a good comparison with regard to the two scenarios’ pressure gradients. Furthermore, the simulations’ comparison reveals another pressure drop caused by the tip crushed zone related to the horizontal or plane flow in the perforations. The differences between the two simulations’ results show that currently available models for estimating the skin factor for vertical perforated completions need to be improved based on which of the two cases is closer to reality. This study has presented a better understanding of crushed zone characteristics by employing a different approach to the composition and shape of the crushed zone and permeability reduction levels for the crushed zone in the axial direction of the perforation.
[Retracted] Industrial Waste Water Recycling Using Nanographene Oxide Filters
Authors: Yuvarani P. , Vijayachitra S. , Ranganayaki V. , Sathish Kumar S. , Srujan Raju K. , Sivachitra M. , Komalnu Raghavan Ishwarya
Published: July 2021

Nanomaterials play a vital role in healthcare, electronics, manufacturing industries, biotechnology, and security systems. One such material is graphene and its oxides are specifically used for recycling industrial waste water. Graphene, a single layer in honeycomb cross section, provides excellent attention because of its significant optical, mechanical, and physical properties. GO was utilized to decrease the acidic or essential centralization of the mechanical wastewater into reusable water for the modern reason utilizing graphene channels. In this paper, sample solution (waste water) is taken from paper industry. Graphene channels can be created from the pencil graphite. Graphene has the high goals of separating capacity, and graphene is considered as “a definitive RO film” in light of its stronger, thinner, and more chemically safe nature than the polymer layers. Graphene oxide layers are likewise to be used in the desalination plant in place of the RO membrane.
Noninvasive High-Frequency Shock Ventilation Based on Chest X-Ray Reconstruction Algorithm for Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Sang Xu , Zhang Zhen , Wu Yumeng , Peng Wansheng , Chen Xin
Published: July 2021

Objective. To explore the use of the noninvasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation and CPAP ventilation mode in the treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and to compare the treatment effect and the incidence of complications and whether it can reduce the time to go to the hospital and the number of hospital stays. Methods. Seventy-four children with RDS treated in hospital were selected and divided into the noninvasive high-frequency group (NHFV group, 36 children) and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation group (NCPAP group, 38 cases), and they were compared with the changes in arterial blood gas, the occurrence of complications, and the time on the machine before and after the operation on 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Results. In the NHFV group, PO2, a/APO2, and SaO2 were higher than those in the NCPAP group at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after the respiratory support was given, and the differences were statistically significant (all

P
<
0.05

). PaCO2 in the NHFV group was given respiratory support. After support, the results at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h were lower than those in the NCPAP group, and the difference was statistically significant (both

P
<
0.05

). The children in both groups were cured and discharged from the hospital, with air leakage, persistent pulmonary hypertension, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia; there were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of complications such as retinopathy, pulmonary hemorrhage, and intracranial hemorrhage (

P
>
0.05

). The NHFV group had less tracheal intubation, operation time, and hospital stays than the NCPAP group. The differences were significant. Statistical significance was at

P
<
0.05

. Conclusion. Noninvasive high-frequency ventilation is effective in the treatment of RDS, and compared with the CPAP ventilation mode, it can reduce CO2 retention, increase the oxygenation index, and reduce time of operation and length of hospital stay in children with RDS. It is worthy of clinical promotion and application.
Characteristics of the Interface between Bamboo Grids and Reinforced Soil of High‐Filled Embankments in Loess Areas
Authors: Zhang Jingwei , Li Jia , Wang Julong , Xu Shuaiqi
Published: July 2021

There are a large number of high‐filled and deep‐dug highways in loess areas. The differential settlement between the filled and undisturbed soils is the main cause of damage. Bamboo grids are good reinforcement and flexural tensile materials for highway subgrades, and the properties of the interface between the bamboo grid and loess soil affect the safety and stability of embankments. First, the feasibility of bamboo grid application in high‐filled embankments in loess areas was verified based on a durability analysis and test of the mechanical properties of bamboo. Then, a series of large‐scale direct shear tests were carried out to determine the shear properties of the interface between bamboo grids and loess soils. The influential factors of vertical stress, shear rate, grid spacing, and compactness on the shear properties were studied, and the related mechanism was discussed. The results show that bamboo grids enhance the shear strength of loess soils more than geogrids under different vertical stresses because of the passive friction resistance between the vertical and horizontal ribs and soil particles, the bite force of particle skeletons, and the surface friction of grids. Bamboo grids enhance the stability and shear resistance of soils because of their good deformation performance, and thus, the shear rate effect within 7 mm/min can be negligible. The greater the relative compaction of the subgrade soil, the better the reinforcement effect owing to the greater cohesive force, greater internal friction angle, and better bite force. The variation in grid spacing changes the embedded effect of soil, side friction resistance, and size of the contact area. The shear resistance has an optimal value, which first increases and then decreases. Therefore, in practical applications, it is necessary to test the optimal bamboo grid spacing for a project.
Chondrosarcoma Arising from the Posterior Iliac Crest Extending into the Spinal Canal
Authors: Wada Kota , Sakamoto Akio , Kato Rei , Noguchi Takashi , Shimizu Takayoshi , Otsuki Bungo , Murata Koichi , Fujibayashi Shunsuke , Matsuda Shuichi
Published: July 2021

Chondrosarcoma is a malignant tumor characterized by the production of a cartilage matrix. Extension into the spinal canal from the extracannular space is seen mainly for neurogenic tumors, but it is rare in nonneurogenic tumors. A 75-year-old woman suffered from sciatic pain and numbness in her lower left extremity. The diagnosis was of a low-grade conventional chondrosarcoma, which originated from the posterior ilium with an intraspinal extension at the level of the sacrum, compressing the cauda equina. The tumor extended further into the S1 sacral anterior foramen, in the shape of a dumbbell. The tumor was resected in several blocks posteriorly, and the dumbbell-shaped tumor in the S1 foramen was resected by widening the S1 foramen from behind. The posterior extension of the iliac tumor seemed prevented by the posterior sacroiliac ligament, and the tumor extended into the canal. Here, we report that the iliac chondrosarcoma extending into the spinal canal is rare for this tumor type. An understating of the tumor extension is important for planning the surgical strategy.
Research on High-Speed Railway Freight Train Organization Method considering Different Transportation Product Demands
Authors: Yu Xueqiao , Zhou Lingyun , Huo Mingkun , Yu Xiao
Published: July 2021

The sustained and stable growth of China’s market economy promotes the continuous improvement of transportation demand and puts forward higher requirements for transportation products. At present, as a new product, high-speed rail freight has played an important role in cold chain logistics and high-value-added transportation, which is of great significance to effectively reduce the pollution caused by road transportation and further promote the sustainable development of economy and logistics industry. In the previous study, we studied the organization optimization method of high-speed rail freight train operation scheme and the compilation method of high-speed rail freight train diagram based on the overall demand of freight transportation but did not consider the influence of different high-speed rail freight transportation products on the organization scheme. Therefore, in order to ensure the sustainable development of high-speed rail freight business, based on the demand of high-speed freight products (the freight product for short in the following text), this paper focuses on the optimization method of high-speed rail freight train organization scheme considering different demands. A two-stage freight demand analysis method considering customers’ choice intention and actual supply capacity was designed, comprehensively considering the relationship between operation cost and income, and a model based on different products in order to meet the needs of large-scale case solving was established. In addition, a column generation algorithm was designed. The computational results are encouraging and demonstrate the effectiveness of the model and solution method.
Comparison of Different Phenotypic Tests versus PCR in the Detection of Carbapenemase-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates in Hamadan, Iran
Authors: Beig Masoumeh , Taheri Mohammad , Arabestani Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2021

In recent years, the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates has become a worldwide concern. Rapid and accurate detection of carbapenemase-producing P. aeruginosa isolates is so important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the phenotypic methods such as Modified Hodge test (MHT), CarbaNP (CNPt), combined double-disk synergy test (CDDT), and carbapenem inactivation method (CIM) for rapid and accurate detection of clinical carbapenemase production of P. aeruginosa isolates. This study was performed on 97 P. aeruginosa strains, which were isolated from clinical samples in Hamadan hospitals, western Iran in 2017-2018. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by E-test method. We evaluated the performance of MHT, CarbaNP, CDDT, and CIM tests in comparison to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of carbapenemase-producing isolates. Additionally, the presence of carbapenem-resistant genes was investigated using the PCR method. Our findings showed that the highest resistance was to cefoxitin (94.8%). Moreover, among the carbapenem antibiotics, the highest resistance was to imipenem (49.4%). Among the 49 carbapenem-resistant isolates, 42 (85.7%) isolates were MIC positive. The results of phenotypic tests showed that CarbaNP, CIM, CDDT, and MHT tests were positive in (48/49, 97.95%), (46/49, 93.87%), (27/49, 57.44%), and (25/49, 53.19%) of isolates, respectively. CarbaNP and CIM tests showed high sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV) compared to PCR in P. aeruginosa isolates. CarbaNP and CIM tests are highly sensitive and specific tests for identifying carbapenemase-producing P. aeruginosa isolates.
Oxidative Stress Links Aging‐Associated Cardiovascular Diseases and Prostatic Diseases
Authors: Zhao Ming-Juan , Yuan Shuai , Zi Hao , Gu Jia-Min , Fang Cheng , Zeng Xian-Tao
Published: July 2021

The incidence of chronic aging‐associated diseases, especially cardiovascular and prostatic diseases, is increasing with the aging of society. Evidence indicates that cardiovascular diseases usually coexist with prostatic diseases or increase its risk, while the pathological mechanisms of these diseases are unknown. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of both cardiovascular and prostatic diseases. The levels of oxidative stress biomarkers are higher in patients with cardiovascular diseases, and these also contribute to the development of prostatic diseases, suggesting cardiovascular diseases may increase the risk of prostatic diseases via oxidative stress. This review summarizes the role of oxidative stress in cardiovascular and prostatic diseases and also focuses on the main shared pathways underlying these diseases, in order to provide potential prevention and treatment targets.
The Prognostic Determinant of Interleukin-10 in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: An Analysis from the Perspective of Disease Management
Authors: Sun Wen , Wang Shuhui , Nan Shanji
Published: July 2021

Background. In patients with ischemic stroke, the role of anti-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-10 (IL-10) in predicting risk and outcomes is not very clear. This study is aimed at prospectively assessing the prognostic determinant value of IL-10 in patients with acute ischemic stroke in a cohort of Chinese people. Methods. In a prospective cohort study, consecutive first-ever patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to our hospital were included from October 2019 to October 2020. The serum level of IL-10 was measured at baseline. A structured follow-up telephone interview was performed on day 90 after admission. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the prognostic value of IL-10 to predict the poor functional outcome (defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 3 to 6) and mortality. Results. The median age of the 236 enrolled patients was 65 years (interquartile range (IQR), 56-76), and 57.6% were male. There was a negative correlation between the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and IL-10 serum levels (

r
 

Spearman

=
−
0.221

,

P
=
0.001

). Patients with elevated IL-10 levels (> the highest

quartile
=
5.24
 
pg
/
mL

;

n
=
79

) were at significantly lower risk of poor functional outcomes (odds ratio (OR), 0.35; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.19 to 0.63;

P
<
0.001

) and mortality (

OR
=
0.24

; 95%

CI
=
0.11

–0.52;

P
<
0.001

) compared with patients with IL-10 levels in the lowest three quartiles. Conclusions. Reduced serum levels of IL-10 were independently associated with both the clinical severity at admission and a poor functional prognosis in ischemic stroke patients, suggesting that the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was an important prognostic determinant.
Effect of Yiqi Huoxue Granules on Platelet Activation Induced by Thrombin
Authors: Lei Zhen , Gao Shuibo , Wang Xinzhou , Gao Haixia , Han Yongjun , Wang Zhentao , Wu Hong
Published: July 2021

Objective. To study the effects of Yiqi Huoxue (YQHX) granules on platelet activation and aggregation induced by thrombin. Methods. The effect of YQHX on platelet aggregation rate was detected by platelet aggregation instrument; the effect of YQHX on thrombosis time was observed by the mouse mesentery thrombosis model. DAMI cells were induced to transform into platelet-like granules using PMA, and the effects of SCH (PAR-1 inhibitor) on thrombin-induced changes in platelet intracellular calcium concentration, PAR-1 protein expression, and phosphorylation of MAPK were examined. Results. Compared with the control group, the platelet aggregation rate, PAR-1 protein expression, phosphorylation of ERK1/2, and p38 protein in the YQHX group decreased (

P
<
0.05

), and there was no significant difference between the YQHX + SCH group and YQHX group (

P
>
0.05

). Conclusion. YQHX suppresses the platelet activation induced by thrombin by inhibiting PAR-1 expression.
Effect of Cognitive Distraction on Physiological Measures and Driving Performance in Traditional and Mixed Traffic Environments
Authors: Hua Qiang , Jin Lisheng , Jiang Yuying , Guo Baicang , Xie Xianyi
Published: July 2021

Distracted driving is a dominant cause of traffic accidents. In addition, with the rapid development of intelligent vehicles, mixed traffic environments are expected to become more complicated with multiple types of intelligent vehicles sharing the road, thereby increasing the opportunities for distracted driving. However, the existing research on detecting driver distraction in mixed traffic environments is limited. Therefore, in this study, we analysed the effect of cognitive distraction on the driver physiological measures and driving performance in traditional and mixed traffic environments and compared the parameters extracted in the two environments. Sixty drivers were involved in the data collection, which included normal driving and two distracting tasks while driving in a simulator. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to examine the effect of cognitive distraction and traffic environments on all parameters. The results indicate that the effects of the pupil diameter, standard deviations (SDs) of the horizontal and vertical fixation angles, blink frequency, speed, SD of the lane positioning (SDLP), SD of the steering wheel angle (SDSWA), and steering entropy (SE) were significant. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for identifying the most appropriate parameters to detect cognitive distraction in traditional and mixed traffic environments to help reduce traffic accidents.
Seismic Performance and Risk Assessment of Traditional Brick‐Wood Rural Buildings Based on Numerical Simulation
Authors: Chen Baokui , Fan Li , Xiong Jingang , Wen Ming , Liu Yaru
Published: July 2021

The recent earthquakes have caused serious damage to Chinese rural houses. Research on the seismic performance and reinforcement for traditional rural houses is strongly needed. In this study, the seismic performance of traditional brick‐wood structural houses in Jiangxi province and surrounding areas is analyzed and confirmed by site investigation and numerical simulation. And, the traditional constructions, such as the purlin roof and the cavity wall, are considered. These construction types can reduce the seismic behavior of rural houses, and limited research has been carried out. This study found that the structure will produce plastic deformation and local damage above 6‐degree earthquake fortification action. The damage positions occurred in the walls close to purlins and the walls close to doors and windows. Given the above seismic safety problems, a reinforcement method of reinforced cement mortar strip and mesh surface is proposed, which is suitable for engineering applications for traditional rural houses. The seismic strengthening effect is analyzed by numerical simulation. Comparing the calculation results, it is found that the seismic performance of the structure after reinforcement is significantly enhanced, and the stress concentration of the walls is improved.