bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical Modeling of Barium and Sulfate Transport in Porous Media and Its Application in Seawater-Breakthrough Monitoring
Authors: Wang Yanqing , Li Xiang , Lu Jun
Published: May 2021

Seawater injection is widely used to improve oil recovery in offshore oil reservoirs. However, injecting seawater into reservoirs can cause many flow-assurance issues, such as scaling and reservoir souring, which are strongly related to the percentage of seawater breakthrough. Thermodynamic models have been developed to evaluate the effects of barite deposition on oil production, but the reservoir stripping effect has not been fully considered. In this study, a new model that incorporates both chemical reaction (barium and sulfate reaction) and physical reactions (ion adsorption/desorption) is developed to investigate the in-situ barite-deposition process. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, ion adsorption/desorption is integrated by coupling the adsorption/desorption isotherm to the reservoir simulator. The barium and sulfate chemical reaction is modeled by incorporating the solubility product constant into the model. The model accuracy is verified through convergence rate tests and comparison with the coreflood experimental results. The simulation results of both barium and sulfate concentration profiles are greatly improved by integrating the ion adsorption/desorption process. The new physicochemical model is further used to investigate barite deposition under various scenarios. Simulation results indicate that most barite deposits are in the deep reservoir for the areal model. Barite that deposits in the reservoir before seawater breakthrough accounts for 45% of total barite deposition and the barite deposited during the seawater-breakthrough period makes up 54%, while the deposition during the tailing period, where the seawater fraction is larger than 95%, is negligible. For a homogeneous reservoir, the barite-deposition period at the near-wellbore area of the producer is between 30% and 65% of the seawater-breakthrough percentage, and heterogeneity leads to a broader deposition period. For vertical heterogeneous reservoirs, a considerable amount of barite forms in the wellbore, which accounts for 17% of total barite deposition. Based on the accurate simulation of barium and sulfate transport in the reservoir, barium and sulfate concentration profiles can be used to determine the seawater-breakthrough percentage and help optimize production operations that aim to mitigate flow assurance issues.
Colonization with Extensively Drug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Prognosis in Critically Ill Patients: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Zheng Yue , Xu Nana , Pang Jiaojiao , Han Hui , Yang Hongna , Qin Weidong , Zhang Hui , Li Wei , Wang Hao , Chen Yuguo
Published: May 2021

BackgroundAcinetobacter baumannii is one of the most frequently isolated opportunistic pathogens in intensive care units (ICUs). Extensively drug-resistant A. baumannii (XDR-AB) strains lack susceptibility to almost all antibiotics and pose a heavy burden on healthcare institutions. In this study, we evaluated the impact of XDR-AB colonization on both the short-term and long-term survival of critically ill patients.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled patients from two adult ICUs in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from March 2018 through December 2018. Using nasopharyngeal and perirectal swabs, we evaluated the presence of XDR-AB colonization. Participants were followed up for 6 months. The primary endpoints were 28-day and 6-month mortality after ICU admission. The overall survival rate was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. We identified risk factors associated with 28-day and 6-month mortality using the logistic regression model and a time-dependent Cox regression model, respectively. ResultsOut of 431 patients, 77 were colonized with XDR-AB. Based on the Kaplan-Meier curve results, the overall survival before 28 days did not differ by colonization status; however, a significantly lower overall survival rate was obtained at 6 months in colonized patients. Univariate and multivariate analysis results confirmed that XDR-AB colonization was not associated with 28-day mortality, but was an independent risk factor of lower overall survival at 6 months (HR = 1.749, 95% CI = 1.174–2.608).ConclusionsXDR-AB colonization has no effect on short-term overall survival, but is associated with lower long-term overall survival in critically ill patients.
Piloting A Self-Reported Symptom Assessment Tool In Three Outpatient Oncology Palliative Care Clinics
Authors: Patel Mallikaben Bhanubhai , Bryant Ashley Leak , Mayer Deborah K , Winzelberg Gary
Published: May 2021

Background: Palliative care outpatient clinics should assess patients’ symptoms and quality of life prior to visits to guide care and response to treatments. We describe the implementation of a quality improvement initiative to increase symptom and quality of life screening in the outpatient oncology palliative care (OOPC) clinics of one National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Method: Our quality improvement project structure was based on the RE-AIM framework. Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) approach, we focused on assessing effective implementation of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS-r ) and one Quality of Life (QoL) question at each OOPC visit. At the end of each 3-week PDSA cycle, barriers and facilitators were recognized and addressed. The implementation’s effectiveness was determined by percentage of adherence using the following formula: [(number of ESAS-r +1 QoL forms completed per clinic/Number of OOPC completed patient appointments per clinic) x 100].Results: A total of 372 patient appointments were completed during the four PDSA cycles, with overall 59% adherence. The first PDSA cycle compliance was 69%, 58% in the second, 52% in the third, and 65% at the last PDSA cycle. The primary barrier was staff turnover.Conclusion: We were able to implement the ESAS-r + 1 QoL form in a complex clinical outpatient setting. We identified barriers for sustainability, including staff turnover. We addressed these barriers by providing robust instructions that outlined an overview of the clinic workflow and education for all staff members involved in the implementation process. Based on our experience, we suggest integrating this form into the electronic medical record to monitor patient outcomes in the outpatient oncology clinics.
Detection of A Novel PAX6 Mutation In A Chinese Family With Multiple Ocular Abnormalities
Authors: Ouyang Junyi , Cai Ziyan , Guo Yinjie , Nie Fen , Cao Mengdan , Duan Xuanchu
Published: May 2021

Background:Aniridia is a congenital, panocular disease which could affect cornea, anterior chamber angle, iris, lens, retina and optic nerve. PAX6 loss-of-function mutations were the most common cause of aniridia. Mutations throughout the PAX6 gene have been linked to a range of ophthalmic abnormalities. Distinct mutations at a given site in PAX6 lead to distinctive phenotypic findings. This study aimed to characterize genetic mutations associated with congenital aniridia in a Chinese family.Methods:The proband and family underwent ophthalmologic examinations as well as exome sequencing. Results have been confirmed by Next Generation Sequencing.Results:A novel mutation(c.114_119delinsAATTTCC:p.Pro39llefsTer17)in the PAX6 gene was identified in subjectsⅡ-1, III-1 and III-2 in these family who exhibited complete aniridia and cataract. Proband and the proband’s brother also exhibited glaucoma, high myopia, and foveal hypoplasia.Conclusions：We identified a novel PAX6 frameshift heterozygous deletion mutation in a Chinese family and infered this mutation a probable cause of various eye abnormalities in carriers. Trial registration：We did not do any health-related interventions on the participants.
Opposition-Based Multi-Objective Whale Optimization Algorithm with Multi-Leader Guiding
Authors: Li Yang , Li Wei-gang , Zhao Yun-tao , Liu Ao
Published: May 2021

Over the years, heuristic algorithms have been widely studied, especially in multi-objective optimization problems (MOPs). The multi-objective whale optimization algorithm based on multi-leader guiding (MOWOAMLG) is proposed in this paper, which is the multi-objective version of whale optimization algorithm (WOA). The proposed algorithm adopts several improvements to enhance optimization performance. First, multiple leadership solutions guide the population to search the sparse space to achieve more homogeneous exploration in per iteration, and the leadership solutions are selected on the Pareto front by grid mechanism and the principle of maximum crowding distance. Second, the differential evolution (DE) is employed to generate the offspring for the leadership solutions, while WOA is employed for the ordinary solutions. In addition, a novel opposition-based learning (OBL) strategy is developed to improve the distribution of the initial population. To show the significance of the proposed algorithm, it is tested on the 20 bi-objective and tri-objective unconstrained benchmark problems of varying nature and complexities. The result of numerical experiments shows that the proposed algorithm has competitive advantages in convergence and distribution while compared with other 10 classic or state-of-the-arts algorithms. The convergence curve of IGD indicates that MOWOAMLG is able to obtain good Pareto front in cost of fewer optimization iterations. Moreover, it is tested on load distribution of hot rolling, and the result proves its good performance in real-world applications. Thus, all of the aforementioned results have indicated that MOWOAMLG is comparatively effective and efficient to solve MOPs.
In vitro and In Silico Approach For Characterization of Antimicrobial Peptide From Probiotics Against Staphylococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli
Authors: Bindu Amrutha , Devi Lakshmi
Published: May 2021

The focus of present study was to characterize antimicrobial peptide produced by probiotic cultures, Enterococcus durans DB-1aa (MCC4243), Lactobacillus plantarum Cu2-PM7 (MCC4246) and Lactobacillus fermentum Cu3-PM8 (MCC4233) against Staphylococus aureus and E. coli. The growth kinetic assay revealed 24 h of incubation to be optimum for bacteriocin production. The partially purified compound after ion-exchange chromatography was found to be thermoresistant and stable under wide range of pH. The compound was sensitive to proteinase-K, but resistant to trypsin, a-amylase and lipase. The apparent molecular weight of bacteriocin from MCC4243 and MCC4246 was found to be 3.5 KDa. Translated partial amino acid sequence of plnA gene in MCC4246 displayed 48 amino acid sequences showing 100% similarity with plantaricin A of Lactobacillus plantarum (WP_0036419). The sequence revealed 7 β sheets, 6 α sheets, 6 predicted coils and 9 predicted turns. The functions on cytoplasm show 10.82 isoelectric point and 48.6% hydrophobicity. The molecular approach of using Geneious Prime software and protein prediction data base for characterization of bacteriocin is novel and predicts “KSSAYSLQMGATAIKQVKKLFKKWGW” as peptide responsible for antimicrobial activity. The study provides information about broad spectrum bacteriocin in native probiotic culture and paves a way towards its application in functional foods as biopreservative agents.
Preoperative Risk-Stratification of Pediatric Malignant Brainstem Glioma based on a validated nomogram: A SEER based Analysis
Authors: Che wenqiang , Lyu Jun , Li Chengzhuo , Wang Xiangyu
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Pediatric patients diagnosed with brainstem malignant gliomas (BSMGs) have a poor prognosis. Our study aimed to construct and validate a prognostic nomogram to predict the cancer‐specific survival preoperatively (CSS) rates and then a risk-stratification given to these patients.Methods: From 1998 to 2016, we extracted patients' data from Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. A total of 1160 patients were enrolled and randomly divided into training and validating groups. Subsequently, the Cox regression analysis was used to screen variables. Then, the nomogram was constructed. Lastly, we calculated C-indexes and plotted calibration curves and the utility of decision curve analyses (DCAs) to assess our survival model's benefits.Result: Here, after multivariate cox regression analysis, we established four variables for constructing nomogram for CSS rates. Subsequently, the C-index, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, and calibration curves were used to confirm the nomogram's good performance. DCAs of the nomogram indicated that both groups obtained good 1-, 3-, and 5-year net benefits. Conclusion: The nomogram model for preoperatively predicting CSS provided a convenient and practical tool to assess pediatric patients' prognosis with BSMG.
Development of a Neural Statistical Model for the Relative Humidity Levels Prediction in the Region of Rabat-Kenitra (Morocco)
Authors: Elazhari Kaoutar , ABDALLAOUI Badreddine , DEHBI Ali , ABDALLAOUI Abdelaziz , ZINEDDINE Hamid
Published: May 2021

This work provides the development of a powerful artificial neural network (ANN) model, for the prediction of relative humidity levels, using other meteorological parameters of the Rabat-Kenitra region. The treatment was applied to a database containing a daily history of five meteorological parameters of 9 stations covering this region for a period from 1979 to mid-2014. We have shown that for the prediction of relative humidity in this region, the best performing three-layer ANN (input, hidden and output) mathematical model is the multi-layer perceptron (MLP) model. This neural model using the Levenberg-Marquard algorithm, having an architecture [5-11-1] and the transfer functions Tansig in the hidden layer and Purelin in the output layer was able to estimate values for relative humidity very close to those observed. Indeed, this was affirmed by a low mean squared error (MSE) and a fairly high correlation coefficient (R), compared to the statistical indicators relating to the other models developed as part of this study.
Putting the Meaning Into Meaningful Change Research
Authors: Braid Jessica , Clinch Susanne , Staunton Hannah M , Corey-Lisle Patricia K , Kovic Bruno , Connor Siobhan , Ciobanu Teofil , Willgoss Thomas
Published: May 2021

PurposeMethods for deriving clinically meaningful change thresholds have advanced considerably in recent years, however, key questions remain about what the identified change score actually means for an individual patient or group of patient. This is particularly important in the case of ClinROs where the translation from clinically meaningful change to patient-relevance in daily living is not clear. This paper provides case studies from an Industry perspective, where we have addressed this challenge using varied approaches. We have explored meaningful change at both the group and individual level.MethodsWe provide several case studies to illustrate different approaches to understanding and communicating a meaningful outcome on a ClinRO. These include alternative methods for interpreting group-level MCIDs, and several examples of linking ClinRO items to patient-relevant real-world concepts e.g. through exit interviews, translation of ClinRO items into patient-friendly concepts, and use of the Rasch model to equate ClinRO items to real-world functional measures.ResultsEach case study provides unique learning opportunities. For example, contextualising group-level differences, converting MCIDs into other metrics like numbers needed to treat and responder deltas supports interpretation of clinical meaning, especially for clinicians. For interpreting individual-level meaningful change, exit interviews and the development of patient-friendly versions of ClinROs provide a means of linking clinician-focused content to real-world functional outcomes in a meaningful way for patients. Finally, the Rasch model can help predict probable item scores on a ClinRO associated with the threshold at which a function is gained or lost.Conclusion﻿While methods for deriving meaningful change thresholds have evolved, there remains a significant challenge in communicating what observed changes mean to the patient, a challenge which is further complicated in ClinROs. These case studies showcase novel approaches to addressing this challenge and may provide a useful addition to the COA scientist’s toolbox.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Costus Afer On Trace Metal Mixture Treated Rats Mediated By Regulation of Oxidative Stress Markers, Inflammatory Cytokines And Bio-Metal Chelation
Authors: Anyanwu Brilliance Onyinyechi , Ezejiofor Anthonet N. , Nwaogazie Ify L. , Orisakwe Orish Ebere
Published: May 2021

Technological developments have led to exposure to various substances that are harmful to the environment and public health, including heavy metals. In the environment, these grades of metals are usually diverse mixtures shown to cause physiological, biochemical and neurological dysfunctions in humans and laboratory animals. Cadmium, Lead, and mercury have been envisaged to exhibit their hepatotoxic effects by oxidative induction damage and synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The current work evaluated the protective activity of aqueous leaf extract of Costus afer (ALECA)) on liver damage arsing from exposure to trace metal mixture (TMM): cadmium chloride (CdCl2), lead chloride (PbCl2), and mercury chloride (HgCl2). Five groups of weight matched Sprague Dawley rats were treated for 90 days. Metal mixture and deionized water were used to treat the 2 groups of rats whereas the other 3 groups were treated with various doses of the ALECA through oral gavage alongside the metal mixture. Hepatic function parameters, oxidative biomarkers, inflammatory cytokines, Morphological changes and trace metals (concentrations were monitored in the liver). TMM treatment resulted in significant increase in ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, IL-6, MDA, but decreased albumin, total protein, IL-10, SOD, CAT and GSH levels. TMM also caused some morphological changes and increased the heavy metal (Pb, Cd and Hg) concentrations in the liver. The leaf extract gave a reasonable protective effect on the hepatotoxicity caused by trace metal mixture - through the mechanisms of metal chelation, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant although this depends on the dosage to the rats. ALECA may be beneficial in the management of liver toxicity.
Weighted k-domination problem in fuzzy networks
Authors: Chen Xue-gang , Sohn Moo Young
Published: May 2021

In real-life scenarios, both the vertex weight and edge weight in a network are hard to define exactly. We can incorporate the fuzziness into a network to handle this type of uncertain situation. Here, we use triangular fuzzy number to describe the vertex weight and edge weight of a fuzzy network G. In this paper, we consider weighted k-domination problem in fuzzy networks. The weighted k-domination (WKD) problem is to find a k dominating set D which minimizes the cost $f(D):=\sum_{u\in D}w(u)+\sum_{v\in V\setminus D}\min\{\sum_{u\in S}w(uv)|S\subseteq N(v)\cap D, |S|=k\}$. First, we put forward an integer linear programming model with a polynomial number of constrains for the WKD problem. If G is a cycle, we design a dynamic algorithm to determine its exact weighted 2-domination number. If G is a tree, we give a label algorithm to determine its exact weighted 2-domination number. Combining a primal-dual method and a greedy method, we put forward an approximation algorithm for general fuzzy network on the WKD problem. Finally, we describe an application of the WKD problem to police camp problems.2010 Mathematics Subject Classiﬁcation. 05C69, 05C35, 03E72
Joint Emission Reduction Dynamic Decisions and Coordination in a Supply Chain Considering Altruistic Behavior and Reference Low-Carbon Effect
Authors: zhang ziyuan , Yu Liying
Published: May 2021

In the context of low-carbon economy, supply chain members’ joint emission reduction issue has become a research hotspot, while there are few researches which synthetically studies the effect of consumers’ reference low-carbon effect and supply chain members’ altruistic behavior on their decisions. To study the impact of supply chain members’ altruistic behavior and consumers’ reference low-carbon effect on their joint emission reduction decisions and profits, we build optimization models under four decision scenarios, in which we solve the manufacturer’s and the retailer’s optimal emission reduction strategies and other equilibrium solutions by differential game theory. We obtain some findings. First, consumers' reference low-carbon effect will harm the profits of the manufacturer and the retailer, discourage the manufacturer's enthusiasm to reduce emissions and retailer's enthusiasm for low-carbon publicity. Second, the altruistic behavior of the manufacturer and the retailer can not only weaken the negative impact of the reference low-carbon effect, but also promote both parties to actively reduce emissions, help achieve Pareto improvement of their own profits and utilities, and obtain additional social welfare. Third, the cost-sharing contract can encourage the manufacturer to increase emission reduction investment without affecting the retailer’s low-carbon publicity investment, and can achieve a Pareto improvement of both parties’ profits and utilities. In addition, the cost-sharing ratio is only proportional to the marginal profits and altruistic intensity of both parties, and is not affected by the reference low-carbon effect. Meanwhile, the cost-sharing ratio will decrease as the manufacturer’s marginal profit and altruistic intensity increase, and will increase as the retailer’s marginal profit and altruistic intensity increase. In particular, when the retailer is completely altruistic, the cost-sharing contract can achieve perfect coordination of the supply chain.
Implementation of Sustainable Bioeconomy in European Union Countries: The Decomposition Analysis Approach
Authors: Liobikiene Genovaite , Krikštolaitis Ričardas , Miceikienė Astrida
Published: May 2021

Sustainability is highlighted in renewed European Union (EU) bioeconomy strategy. Sustainable bioeconomy requires improvement in the productivity level of bioresources, which is included in almost all national bioeconomy strategies. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to reveal how productivity (or conversely, intensity) level contributes to the changes in biomass extraction in all EU countries. Applying the IPAT approach, the results showed that in separate EU countries and analyzed periods, the changes in biomass extraction were different. During the period of economic growth (2000-2007) and transition (2008-2012), biomass extraction decreased in more than half of all EU countries. The decline of value added in the agriculture sector and/or reduction in biomass intensity level were the main determinants of these changes. Meanwhile, during the bioeconomy strategy period (2013-2018), the reduction of biomass extractions was observed in only 6 EU countries. During this period it was only in Greece, Italy and Malta that the productivity level of biomass offset the driving forces: economic and population growth. Meanwhile, in Estonia, Germany and Poland, despite the reduction of value added in the agriculture sector, the growth of the intensity level of biomass determined the increase in extraction of biomass. Therefore, this study showed that achievement of sustainable bioeconomy principles in the majority of EU countries remains a great challenge, and countries should make all efforts to enhance the productivity level of biomass.
The Value of Gut Microbiota to Predict Feed Efficiency and Growth of Rabbits Under Different Feeding Regimes
Authors: Velasco-Galilea María , Piles Miriam , Ramayo-Caldas Yuliaxis , Sánchez Juan P.
Published: May 2021

Gut microbiota plays an important role in nutrient absorption and could impact rabbit feed efficiency. This study aims at investigating such impact by evaluating the value added by microbial information for predicting individual growth and cage phenotypes related to feed efficiency. The dataset comprised individual average daily gain and cage-average daily feed intake from 425 meat rabbits, in which cecal microbiota was assessed, and their cage mates. Despite microbiota was not measured in all animals, consideration of pedigree relationships with mixed models allowed the study of cage-average traits. The inclusion of microbial information into certain mixed models increased their predictive ability up to 20% and 46% for cage-average feed efficiency and individual growth traits, respectively. These gains were associated with large microbiability estimates and with reductions in the heritability estimates. However, large microbiabililty estimates were also obtained with certain models but without any improvement in their predictive ability. A large proportion of OTUs seems to be responsible for the prediction improvement in growth and feed efficiency traits, although specific OTUs have a higher weight. Rabbit growth and feed efficiency are influenced by host cecal microbiota and considering microbial information in models improves the prediction of these complex phenotypes.
Influence of Cr2O3 Nanoparticles on the Structural, Optical, Thermal and Electrical Properties of PEO/CMC Nanocomposites
Authors: Gaabour Laila
Published: May 2021

In the present paper, different concentrations of chromium oxide (Cr2O3) nanoparticles were incorporated within PEO/CMC polymer blend to produce nanocomposite films using the casting method. The X-ray diffraction was performed on PEO/CMC-Cr2O3 nanocomposites. The main X-ray peaks of Cr2O3 were observed and defined as cubic structure and orthorhombic shape with an average particle size of the Cr2O3 ~ 50-80 nm. The decrease of some IR bands after the addition of Cr2O3 nanoparticles was found attributed to the interactions between PEO/CMC and Cr2O3. Effect of Cr2O3 nanoparticles on optical properties such as absorbance and optical energy gap (Eg) were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The Eg was reduced after the addition of Cr2O3 nanoparticles. The AC conductivity (sac), dielectric constant (ε′), dielectric loss (ε′′) and the dielectric modulus (M′ and M′′) were calculated at frequency range 0.1 Hz-7 GHz. The increases of direct conductivity (σdc) imply that the free charge density or of the charge mobility that results. The estimated values of both ε′ and ε′′ were decreased with increases of frequency. The addition of Cr2O3 nanoparticles causes the formation of a charge-transfer complex. The Cole-Cole plot between (M′ and M′′) shows a semi-circular shape confirm discuses according to a non‐Debye method.
Replantation of Spinous Process-lamina Complex in the Treatment of Cervical Spine Tumor : Two Cases Report and Literature Review
Authors: Jiahui Xu , Bin Ma , Chenggang Wang
Published: May 2021

Purpose: The primary aim of our study was to prove that the replantation of spinous process-lamina complex is beneficial to restore the anatomical structure and function of the spine, and to find if it can reduce postoperative complications.Methods: We report two cases of cervical intraspinal tumor, whose postoperative pathological diagnosis, Respectively, are Neurilemmoma and meningioma. They all underwent the resection and replantation of spinous process-lamina complex, in which the resected spinous process-lamina complex was replanted at the end of the procedure, allowing a complete reconstruction of the posterior element of the spinal canal. Results：After the surgery, the symptoms were relieved, and no dysfunction of upper limbs and sphincter was observed. The tumors were benign pathologically and were diagnosed as Neurilemmoma and meningioma. The patient recovered and at 6-month follow-up had no complaints and in good health.Conclusion: After tumor resection, the replantation of spinous process-lamina complex is beneficial to restore the anatomical structure and function of the spine.
Geological, Geomechanical and Geochemical Analysis on Claystone Of The Warukin Formation
Authors: Supandi Supandi
Published: May 2021

This study was conducted to determine the characteristics of Warukin claystone by carrying out 3G approach (geology – geomechanics and geochemistry). The aim of this is to provide the latest information on characteristics of Warukin claystone which may later be used for various purposes. Results of the study showed that the provenance of Warukin claystone was from recycled orogen. This was corroborated by the geochemical data which stated that the claystone was composed by clay-sized quartz minerals. Clay-sized quartz minerals indicate that there has been a long process of transport and weathering of the quartz minerals that have high resistance according to the Goldich series, until they become clay-sized. This finding has changed the paradigm so far that says that the Warukin claystone is composed of clay minerals, which is actually composed of clay-sized quartz minerals. The other geochemical data result is the absence of minerals from volcanic rocks that appear at the beginning of the Bowen series, which have fragile property. As a result of the recycled process, the fragile minerals were not found in claystone of the Warukin Formation. Mg is the fragile element that was not found and the mineral is an element binding in montmorillonite, so the presence of the montmorillonite in claystone of the Warukin Formation was also not found. Geomechanical data result shows that Warukin claystone had strength of around 100 kPa with internal friction angle of about 14° and cohesion of about 29 kPa. The results of 3G analysis had provided new answers that claystone of the Warukin Formations is composed by clay-sized quartz and the existence of montmorillonite is unlikely to be found in the Warukin Formation. Both of these corroborate the analysis that claystone of the Warukin Formation is from recycled orogen.
Exploration of Factors Influencing Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor’s Competency Using Structural Equation Model
Authors: Wu Jinyi , Wang Xiaohe , Tao Qing , Mu Lan
Published: May 2021

Background Traditional Chinese medicine doctors have traditional advantages in the treatment of non-disease, basic medical treatment, chronic disease treatment, health care and rehabilitation. This research is to find the competency of TCM doctor using structural equation model and help to select proper candidate of TCM doctor. Results Based on the items extracted from competency theory, the data of 400 TCM doctors in Hangzhou, Guangzhou and Wuhan were identified by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). On this basis, the interaction among the factors is analyzed, and the competency model is established by using the structural equation model (SEM). A total of 21 projects were identified as critical to TCM doctor capability, which were further tested and attributed to five factors: (1) professional value attitude; (2) basic medical knowledge; (3) communication skills; (4) clinical skills; (5) information management. The subsequent analysis shows that all factors have a significant impact on a person's ability, and ability contributes the most to the formation of a person's ability, while the intermediary role of personal characteristics and thinking can not be ignored in theory or practice. The results show that the competency model composed of these three factors has the same structure as the classic competency model. Conclusion This study presented a tentative approach for assessing clinical management assistant's competency, as well as emphasized to the managers the criteria to find and evaluate a TCM doctor.
Diagnostic Support System for the Detection of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Using EOG Signals
Authors: Demirci Esra , Esas Mustafa Yasin , Altıntop Çiğdem Gülüzar , Taştepe Neslihan , Latifoğlu Fatma
Published: May 2021

Although Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood disease, objective diagnostic methods are insufficient still. Current diagnostic methods include the subjective influence of the evaluator. In this context, in our study, we aimed to minimize the subjective effect of the evaluator with the objective diagnosis support system for ADHD.In our study, a visual stimulus follow-up test developed by us was applied to the patient with ADHD and healthy individuals, and electrooculogram (EOG) signals were recorded simultaneously. With the features extracted from EOG signals, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) were used for the classification study of patients and healthy individuals, and it was determined that the classification of ADHD and healthy group could be distinguished by 81.76% performance. Thus, the outcomes that will contribute to the objective diagnosis of ADHD have been presented. The results are remarkable and important findings have been obtained that will contribute to the literature.
Analysis of The Fairness of Child Health Services In China 2010-2019
Authors: Wu Ji , Jin Hao-Nan , Lao Yi-Lei , Qu Xian-Guo
Published: May 2021

Background: The imbalance of child health services caused by the huge income gap between urban and rural residents and uncoordinated regional development has become increasingly prominent. This article analyzes the basic situation and equity of child care services in China from 2010 to 2019.Methods: Evaluate the equity of child health services by concentration index.Results: From 2010 to 2019, neonatal visit rate and system management rate of under-three children in Chinese child health service projects showed an upward trend, and the perinatal mortality rate decreased. The perinatal mortality rate is the highest in the western region, and the level of child health services in the central region is lower than the national average, but the gap between regions has gradually decreased. Child health services concentrate in provinces with high economic levels, and the perinatal mortality rate is the most unfair. Conclusion: The decline in the mortality rate of under-five children is related to the improvement in the child health services. We should improve the health services of perinatal infants and pay attention to the health of children aged 1 to 4 years. The fairness of child health service is affected by the two-child policy. We should rationally allocate resources and strengthen support for the central and western regions.
Development and Characterization of 37 SNP Markers For The Largemouth Bass (Micropterus Salmoides) By Using PCR-RFLP Method
Authors: Jiang Zhou , Cui Jiao , Shao Jiaqi , Dong Chuanju , Du Jinxing , Shen Yubang , Li Shengjie , Zhang Meng , Li Xuejun
Published: May 2021

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) is an economically important species in China. Contrary to its rapidly increasing yield during the last decades, the domestic genetic diversity of largemouth bass has gradually declined. For further rationally excavation and utilization of largemouth bass germplasm resources, 37 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were developed based on genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) data and characterized by genotyping 32 individuals using the PCR-RFLP method. The effective number of alleles (Ne), observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity (He), and polymorphic information content (PIC) of these SNPs ranged from 1.168 to 1.998, 0.156 to 0.844, 0.146 to 0.507, and 0.134 to 0.375, respectively. Totally, five loci deviated significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p < 0.05), while there existed no linkage disequilibrium at all loci. These novel polymorphic markers will lay the foundation for future population and conservation genetics of M. salmoides.
Two-Component Signal Transduction System VraSR Contributes to Neuroinflammation in Streptococcus Suis Meningitis
Authors: Dou Beibei , Yang Xia , Yang Fengming , Yan Kang , Peng Wei , Tang Jia , Peng Mingzheng , He Qiyun , Chen Huanchun , Yuan Fangyan , Bei Weicheng
Published: May 2021

Background: Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is an important zoonotic pathogen that can cause high morbidity and mortality in both humans and swine. As the most important life-threatening infection of the central nervous system (CNS), meningitis is an important symptom of S. suis infection. The VraSR is a critical two-component signal transduction system that affects S. suis ability to resist against host innate immune system and promotes the ability of S. suis to adhere to hBMEC. Whether and how VraSR contributes to the development of S. suis meningitis are currently unknown.Methods: The in vivo colonization, in vivo BBB permeability, histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry were applied to compare and characterize the degree of destruction of brain tissue in response to wild type SC19 and mutant ΔvraSR. Western blotting and real-time PCR were combined to identify the breakdown of tight junction proteins (TJ proteins). The secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the serum were detected on a BD FACSVerse flow cytometer.Results: We found an important role of VraSR regulatory system in S. suis SC19-induced meningitis. A mouse infection model demonstrated that ΔvraSR had significantly attenuated inflammatory lesions in the brain tissues compared with wild-type S. suis. In vitro, we characterized that SC19 could increase the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability through downregulating the TJ proteins compared with mutant ΔvraSR. Moreover, we found significant generation of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the serum including IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-12p70 compared with ΔvraSR infected mice.Conclusions: For the first time, our work investigated the VraSR regulatory system of S. suis played an important role in streptococcal meningitis and revealed VraSR to be an important contributor to the disruption of TJ proteins. Characterization of these BBB disruption will facilitate further study of meningitis mechanisms in humans, thereby offering the development of novel preventative and therapeutic strategies against infection with S. suis.
Expression Characteristics and Clinical Significance of HMGB1 in Gastric Cancer: A Meta – Analysis
Authors: Zhang Xu , He Xiao-dong , Zhang You-cheng , Yang Ke-hu , Tian Jin-hui , Chen Yao-long
Published: May 2021

Objective: To clarify the expression of HMGB1 and its relationship with clinical features of gastric cancer.Methods: Multiple databases were systematically searched for relevant studies from 1997 to 2021. We screened case - control studies stating that the association between HMGB1 protein expression and clinical characteristics in gastric cancer.Results: In total, eight independent studies with 872 patients were included. Meta – analysis indicated higher odds of HMGB1 being present in gastric tumor tissues compared to para - tumor controls ［OR ＝ 4.15, 95％ CI (3.09, 5.58), P ＜ 0.01］. High HMGB1 expression was also associated with poor differentiation rate ［OR ＝ 0.73, 95％ CI (0.54, 0.99), P ＝ 0.04］, TNM stages Ⅲ - Ⅳ ［OR ＝0. 28, 95％ CI (0.18, 0.44), P ＜ 0.01］, lymphatic metastasis ［OR ＝ 2. 08, 95％ CI (1.52, 2.84), P ＜0.01］ and diffuse type of Lauren classification [OR ＝ 0.57, 95％ CI (0.38, 0.84), P ＜0. 01］. However, there was no significant correlation between HMGB1 expression between gender and age.Conclusion: Our results illustrated that HMGB1 protein was strongly associated with adverse clinicopathological features of gastric cancer. HMGB1 may be a promising target in the development of gastric cancer.
Design of Pill Filming System and Automatic Pill Classification System
Authors: Lee Juhui , Kwon Soyoon , Kim Jong Hoon , Kim Kwang Gi
Published: May 2021

Background Invent Pill classification system that can detect and classify into one tablet unit by deep-learning and Pill filming system that generate comprehensive and multi-dimensional data for learning.Methods Pill filming system and Pill classification system, they have two chapters consisted of structure design, model introduction, and controller design. Pill classification system's structure categorization is Input box, Linear conveyor, and Output box. In Data preprocessing, a similarity map is obtained with Structure Similarity Index Measure(SSIM). And RetinaNet is used as a pill classification learning model. Mean Accuracy Precision (mAP) is 0.9842, and we take experiment about measuring the number and accuracy of the classified pills for each experimenter's classification time. Conclusion Pill filming system and Pill classification system are expected to reduce labour losses for simple tasks. It helps medical personnel focus on significant and urgent tasks. And It can contribute to experiments about that deep-learning control the mechanical device.
Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Effectiveness of a Serious Game Targeting Interpersonal Emotion Regulation in Early Adolescents
Authors: Mittmann Gloria , Zehetmayer Sonja , Schrank Beate
Published: May 2021

Background: Adaptive interpersonal emotion regulation (iER) is a vital tool for positive relations. During early adolescence, peer relations become increasingly important, making this age group a relevant target group for interventions promoting positive interactions with each other, yet no evidence-based intervention exists for early adolescents specifically.Methods: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to test effectiveness and feasibility of a serious game training iER skills in early adolescents by comparing outcomes with a control group playing a game without psychoeducational content in a pre- and post-test design. German- and English-speaking early adolescents (10-14 years) are eligible for participation. IER skills improvement as assessed by a vignette task is the primary outcome and will be analysed with a chi-square test. Secondary outcomes include feasibility and acceptability, emotional competence, personal emotion regulation, gender, and sex.Discussion: This RCT will test whether playing a serious game about iER strategies results in an improvement of iER skills and whether the game is feasible and acceptable for early adolescents with the ultimate aim to implement the game in schools and help early adolescents achieve positive peer relationships.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04808102, Registered 19 March 2021, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/
Species Richness Interacts with Drought to Affect Litter Decomposition via its Effect on Litter Nitrogen Concentration
Authors: Wang Jiang , Ge Yuan , Cornelissen J. Hans C. , Wang Xiaoyan , Gao Song , Bai Yi , Chen Tong , Jing Zhongwang , Zhang Chongbang , Liu Wenli , Li Junmin , Yu Feihai
Published: May 2021

Biodiversity loss, exotic plant invasions and climatic change are currently the three major challenges to our globe and can each affect various ecological processes, including litter composition. To gain a better understanding of global change impacts on ecological processes, these three global change components need to be considered simultaneously. Here we assembled experimental plant communities with species richness levels (1, 2, 4, 8 or 16) and subjected them to drought (no, moderate or intensive drought) and invasion (invasion by the exotic annual plant Symphyotrichum subulatum or not). We collected litter of the native plant communities and let it decompose for nine months within the communities. Drought decreased litter decomposition, while the exotic plant invasion had no impact. Increasing species richness decreased litter decomposition under the mesic condition (no drought), but had little impact under moderate and intensive drought. A structural equation model showed that drought and species richness affected litter decomposition mainly via influencing litter nitrogen concentration, but not via altering the quantity and diversity of soil meso-fauna or soil physio-chemical properties. The negative impact of species diversity on litter decomposition under the mesic condition was mainly ascribed to a sampling effect, i.e. via particularly low litter nitrogen concentrations in the two dominant species. Our results indicate that species richness can interact with drought to affect litter decomposition via effect on litter nitrogen. We conclude that nitrogen-dependent litter decomposition should be a mechanism to predict integrated effects of plant diversity loss, exotic plant invasions and climatic change on litter decomposition.
The Efficacy and Safety of Fruquintinib Plus PD-1 Inhibitor in ≥3 line MSS Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Wang Xiangyi , lin li , liang jun
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Based on the suggestion of REGONIVO study, we reviewed the data of 26 MSS mCRC patients to elaborate the efficacy and safety of fruquintinib (a VEGFR inhibitor) plus PD-1 inhibitor and explore the potential predictors for survival in 3+ line microsatellite stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients.Patients and methods: This retrospective study enrolled 26 MSS mCRC patients who progressed after at least 2 lines of systematic chemotherapy but didn’t receive PD-1 inhibitors. Fruquintinib of 3mg was administered once daily with 21 days on/7 days off plus PD-1 inhibitor 200mg every 3 weeks until intolerable toxicity or disease progression. Results: Median overall survival (mOS) was 6.1m (ranged 1.8m-NR 95%CI: 2.60-9.60); median progression free survival (mPFS) was 2.3m (ranged 1.5m-NR 95%CI: 0.93-3.67). There was one complete response (CR) and no partial response (PR). Stable disease was observed in 11 patients (42%) and progression disease (PD) was observed in 14 patients (54%). The object response rate (ORR) was 4% (1/26) and disease control rate (DCR) was 46 %( 12/26). Grade ≥3 AEs were observed in 5 patients (19.2%). Grade 5 AEs (immune related encephalitis and cardiotoxicity) were observed in 2 patients. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between NLR < 3.06 and longer survival (P=0.000) for MSS mCRC patients treated with fruquintinib plus PD-1 inhibitor. Conclusions: Fruquintinib plus PD-1 inhibitor may be a choice for 3+ line MSS mCRC patients，especially with pretreatment NLR<3.06.
Oral Health Status of a Utah Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) Population
Authors: Pinzon Lilliam Marie , Petukhova Yuliya , Pham Sarah , Knighton Ryan , He Jiajia , Phan Hanthao Thi , Garcia-Godoy Franklin , Rackham Lauren , Powers John M
Published: May 2021

Background: There is a paucity of literature on the state of oral health in the minority populations of Utah. The purpose of this study was to analyze the oral health needs of individuals in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) regions in Utah, many of whom belong to minority groups.Methods: The study was conducted through the use of a retrospective analysis of survey data collected as part of the standard of care from outreach activities of the University of Utah School of Dentistry. Events targeted specific populations with traditionally poor access to oral health care, including low-income, Hispanic, refugee, elderly and rural populations. Dental students conducted clinical exams and oral interviews with each patient; participant responses were entered directly into an online database using REDCap. The data was analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. Approval for this retrospective data analysis was obtained from the University of Utah Institutional Review Board.Results: This research identified pervasive treatment needs, with almost half of those studied needing moderate to urgent oral healthcare (49%). This HPSA population (60%) struggles to access appropriate care, with financial barriers being particularly problematic. Important gaps in oral health knowledge also suggest the potential for educational interventions to improve the oral health status of this population.Conclusion: The information provided by this study will allow for the future development of focused strategies in meeting HPSA population’s oral healthcare needs, including targeted seeking of funds for treatment from Federal and State authorities.