bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exercise load monitoring: integrated approaches to advance the individualisation of exercise oncology
Authors: Carter Stephen J , Baranauskas Marissa N , Ballinger Tarah J , Rogers Laura Q , Miller Kathy D , Nabhan Dustin C
Published: August 2021

Whether slowing disease progression or combatting the ills of advancing age, the extensive utility of exercise training has contributed to the outright declaration by the American College of Sports Medicine that ‘exercise is medicine’. Consistent with general framework of adaptation, the advantages of exercise training are indiscriminate—benefitting even the most susceptible clinical populations. Still, the benefit of exercise training presupposes healthy adaptation wherein progressive overload matches sufficient recovery. Indeed, a difference exists between healthy adaptation and non-functional over-reaching (ie, when internal/external load exceeds recovery capacity)—a difference that may be blurred by cancer treatment and/or comorbidity. Recent advances in smartwatches make them ideally suited to non-invasively monitor the physiological stresses to exercise training. Resolving whether individuals are successfully adapting to exercise training via load monitoring bears clinical and practical relevance. While behaviour-change research aims to identify positive constructs of exercise adherence, further attention is needed to uncover how to optimise exercise prescription among cancer populations. Herein, we briefly discuss the constituents of exercise load monitoring, present examples of internal and external load and consider how such practices can be applied to cancer populations.
HTLV-1 encephalitis
Authors: King-Robson Josh , Hampton Timothy , Rosadas Carolina , Taylor Graham P , Stanton Biba
Published: August 2021

A 53-year-old woman developed subacute onset of upper limb weakness, sensory loss and cerebellar dysfunction. She was known to have human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy. MR scan of the brain showed extensive T2 hyperintensity within the deep and subcortical white matter, with punctate contrast enhancement. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was lymphocytic with very high levels of HTLV-1 provirus in both CSF and peripheral blood lymphocytes. We diagnosed HTLV-1 encephalomyelitis and started high-dose methylprednisolone followed by a slow corticosteroid taper. She recovered well and regained functional independence in the upper limbs. Neurological manifestations of HTLV-1 infection extend beyond classical ‘tropical spastic paraparesis’ and are under-recognised. We review the literature on HTLV-1 encephalitis and discuss its diagnosis and management.
Can bryophyte groups increase functional resolution in tundra ecosystems?
Authors: Lett Signe , Jónsdóttir Ingibjörg S. , Becker-Scarpitta Antoine , Christiansen Casper T. , During Heinjo , Ekelund Flemming , Henry Gregory H.R. , Lang Simone I. , Michelsen Anders , Rousk Kathrin , Alatalo Juha M. , Betway Katlyn R. , Rui Sara B. , Callaghan Terry , Carbognani Michele , Cooper Elisabeth J. , Cornelissen J. Hans C. , Dorrepaal Ellen , Egelkraut Dagmar , Elumeeva Tatiana G. , Haugum Siri V. , Hollister Robert D. , Jägerbrand Annika K. , Keuper Frida , Klanderud Kari , Lévesque Esther , Liu Xin , May Jeremy , Michel Pascale , Mörsdorf Martin , Petraglia Alessandro , Rixen Christian , Robroek Bjorn J.M. , Rzepczynska Agnieszka M. , Soudzilovskaia Nadejda A. , Tolvanen Anne , Vandvik Vigdis , Volkov Igor , Volkova Irina , Zuijlen Kristel van
Published: August 2021

The relative contribution of bryophytes to plant diversity, primary productivity, and ecosystem functioning increases towards colder climates. Bryophytes respond to environmental changes at the species level, but because bryophyte species are relatively difficult to identify, they are often lumped into one functional group. Consequently, bryophyte function remains poorly resolved. Here, we explore how higher resolution of bryophyte functional diversity can be encouraged and implemented in tundra ecological studies. We briefly review previous bryophyte functional classifications and the roles of bryophytes in tundra ecosystems and their susceptibility to environmental change. Based on shoot morphology and colony organization, we then propose twelve easily distinguishable bryophyte functional groups. To illustrate how bryophyte functional groups can help elucidate variation in bryophyte effects and responses, we compiled existing data on water holding capacity, a key bryophyte trait. Although plant functional groups can mask potentially high interspecific and intraspecific variability, we found better separation of bryophyte functional group means compared with previous grouping systems regarding water holding capacity. This suggests that our bryophyte functional groups truly represent variation in the functional roles of bryophytes in tundra ecosystems. Lastly, we provide recommendations to improve the monitoring of bryophyte community changes in tundra study sites.
Influences of initial anisotropy and principal stress rotation on the undrained monotonic behavior of a loose silica sand
Authors: Fakharian Kazem , Kaviani-Hamedani Farzad , Imam S.M. Reza
Published: August 2021

Triaxial compression and extension tests have been conducted under different initial anisotropy conditions to investigate the undrained response of a crushed silica sand. The loose to medium specimens were prepared using the moist tamping method. Five stress paths with different stress ratios (q/p′) were employed to prepare anisotropically consolidated specimens. Several specimens were consolidated under a specific condition in which a stress rotation occurred under undrained monotonic shearing similar to a reversed cyclic shear stress loading during an earthquake. The effects of initial induced anisotropy at consolidation on the onset of liquefaction, phase transformation, and critical state are investigated within the framework of Anisotropic Critical State Soil Mechanics (ACSSM). In addition, fabric evolution during shearing towards the critical state is evaluated using bidirectional bender element tests. The results illustrate the fact that there is a unique anisotropic critical state representing anisotropic fabric, irrespective of initial anisotropy, and the states of stress. Similar to the critical state line, the phase transformation line has the same loci for different initial anisotropies.
Surviving or thriving? Trade-offs between growth, defense, and reproduction in a native versus an invasive Rubus
Authors: Thexton Brady J. , Bajcz Alex W.
Published: August 2021

Little is known about limits to reproduction in plants, especially as to how their other life history functions (growth and defense) may constrain reproductive investment. Understanding these constraints can help researchers refine best practices for cultivating species like Rubus (Rosaceae) that produce nutritious fruits as well as for controlling invasive species. Here, we sought to elucidate potential trade-offs between growth, defense, and reproduction in native Rubus allegheniensis Porter (common blackberry) and invasive Rubus phoenicolasius Maxim. (wineberry) while accounting for the effects of varying insect herbivory and resource availability levels. We observed traits related to physical defense (e.g., prickle intensity), growth (e.g., cane length), and floral reproduction (e.g., ripe fruits), as well as carbon availability (e.g., canopy cover). We then used multiple regressions to characterize relationships between these variables for both species. We found potential evidence for 2 induced defenses in the invasive wineberry. Also, 5 models returned significant results indicative of trade-offs between reproduction and growth, reproduction and defense, and defense and growth in a single or both species. Our results highlight the importance of understanding the defensive strategies utilized by these species because inducible defenses may result in trade-offs that could reduce yields and (or) increase the invasive potential of Rubus species.
Candidatus Thiovulum sp. strain imperiosus: the largest free-living Epsilonproteobacteraeota Thiovulum strain lives in a marine mangrove environment
Authors: Sylvestre Marie-Noëlle , Jean-Louis Patrick , Grimonprez Adrien , Bilas Philippe , Collienne Amandine , Azède Catherine , Gros Olivier
Published: August 2021

A large (47.75 ± 3.56 µm in diameter) Thiovulum bacterial strain forming white veils is described from a marine mangrove ecosystem. High sulfide concentrations (up to 8 mM of H2S) were measured on sunken organic matter (wood/bone debris) under laboratory conditions. This sulfur-oxidizing bacterium colonized the organic matter, forming a white veil. According to conventional scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations, bacterial cells are ovoid and slightly motile by numerous small flagella present on the cell surface. Large intracytoplasmic internal sulfur granules were observed, suggesting a sulfidic-based metabolism. Observations were confirmed by elemental sulfur distribution detected by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) analysis using an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) on non-dehydrated samples. Phylogenetic analysis of the partial sequence of 16S rDNA obtained from purified fractions of this Epsilonproteobacteraeota strain indicates that this bacterium belongs to the Thiovulaceae cluster and could be one of the largest Thiovulum ever described. We propose to name this species Candidatus Thiovulum sp. strain imperiosus.
Emergent universe in $$D \ge 4$$ dimensions with dynamical wormholes
Authors: Paul Bikash Chandra
Published: August 2021

We present a flat emergent universe (EU) in Einstein gravity with non-linear equation of state (nEoS) in the usual four and in higher dimensions. The EU is assumed to evolve from an initial Einstein’s static universe (ESU) in the infinite past. For a homogeneous Ricci scalar we determine the shape function and obtain a new class of dynamical wormholes that permits EU. The nEoS $$p= A\rho -B \sqrt{\rho _o \rho }$$

p
=
A
ρ
-
B

ρ
o

ρ

is equivalent to three different cosmic fluids which is identified with barotropic fluid for a given A. We obtain EU models in flat, closed and open universes and tested the null energy condition (NEC). At the throat of the wormhole which is recognized as the seed of ESU, we tested the NEC for a given size of the neck. As the EU evolves from an asymptotic past and approaches $$t=0$$

t
=
0

, it is found that NEC does not respect. This triggers the onset of interactions at $$t=t_i$$

t
=

t
i

, and a realistic flat EU scenario can be obtained in four and in higher dimensions. The origin of the ESU at the throat of the wormhole is also explored via a gravitational instanton mechanism. We compare the relative merits of dynamical wormholes for implementing EU.
Design and Analysis of High-Precision Weighted Linear Least-Squares Fitting Algorithm for Fluorescent Optical Fiber Temperature Sensor
Authors: Yang Jian , Jin Xiangliang , Peng Yan , Luo Jun
Published: August 2021

Microwave hyperthermia is a new method of treating cancer, where the therapeutic effect is determined by the heating temperature. Traditional active temperature sensors are interfered by high frequency so that the accuracy of temperature measurement cannot be guaranteed. It is of great significance to study the high-precision fluorescent optical fiber temperature sensor with complete insulation. This paper has realized a compact and practical fluorescent optical fiber temperature sensor after studying the optical path, circuit, data processing algorithm. In order to improve the accuracy of the system, the weighted linear least-squares fitting algorithm is improved in this paper. Through experimental tests, compared with the standard linear least-squares fitting algorithm and the unimproved weighted linear least-squares fitting algorithm, the accuracy of the algorithm is improved by about 98% and 65.5%, respectively. In addition, the response time is reduced by about 36.5%, compared with the unimproved weighted linear least-squares fitting algorithm. This algorithm fully meets the precision requirements of microwave hyperthermia.
On some estimates and topological properties of relative orbits of subsets
Authors: Bac Dao Phuong
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we give some topological properties and estimates of orbit of certain subsets of [Formula: see text]-points of varieties under actions of algebraic tori. These results are concerned with an analogue of Bruhat-Tits’ question on the set of [Formula: see text]-adic integral points of algebraic tori.
An Intelligent Approach to Evaluating CAD Software Packages Through Hesitant Fuzzy AHP
Authors: Ayağ Zeki
Published: August 2021

The evaluation of computer-aided design (CAD) packages among the rising number of alternatives in the market has been a critical process for companies because it directly affects the performance of their design/engineering-related activities in a new product development (NPD) as well as in R&D departments. Moreover, it is seen as an important step towards the computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) environment. On the other hand, the evaluation process of CAD software packages is a multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem in the presence of sets of alternatives and evaluation criteria, which should be solved using one of the MCDM methods in the current literature. Therefore, in this study, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), successfully implemented in both academic research and practices, is used for CAD software selection problem. The method is also used with the group decision-making approach to reach a more reliable solution. Additionally, due to the fact that the crisp pairwise comparison in the traditional AHP method seems to be insufficient and imprecise to capture the right judgments of decision makers (DMs), the hesitant fuzzy linguistic term-sets are integrated with the AHP approach (the hesitant F-AHP) to model the vagueness and uncertainty on judgments of the DMs. This proposed approach is also supported with a user-friendly Excel template that provides an effective tool for companies to evaluate and rank CAD software packages without many tiresome fuzzy comparisons and complex calculations. Moreover, in the paper, a numerical example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed approach to potential readers and practitioners. In this example, five CAD software options are evaluated based on six criteria by three DMs; and the best alternative is determined.
Identification of the Root Causes for Blowhole Defect in Castings Using Quantitative Risk Ishikawa Diagrams
Authors: Chokkalingam B. , Priya M. , Immanual R. , Varun B.
Published: August 2021

The primary objective of this work is to reduce blowhole defect occurring in a cast iron transfer box. The transfer box moulds were produced using green sand moulding process, and cores were made using CO2 process. It was found that the transfer box had a rejection rate as high as 60%, and it was mainly due to a blowhole on the top surface of the casting. The Ishikawa and risk Ishikawa diagrams were used to analyze this major defect. The risk Ishikawa diagram was constructed by assigning weights to the major and sub-causes due to which the defect occurs. Further, the probability of risk and its impact values were employed to compute risk scores for the main causes and also global risk. From the work carried out, it was found that that the moulds and the sands along with melting and pouring parameters were the major causes for this defect while damp chill, pouring delays and high moisture content in sand were identified as the root causes for the blowhole defect. The main root cause for the blowhole defect was pouring delay that eventually causes dampness in the chill pieces kept inside the moulds. The remedial measures of keeping the moisture content of the sand within 3.5% and pouring the moulds in the shift II within half an hour after closing them were implemented to eliminate it.
Optimization of Parameters and Prediction of Response Values Using Regression and ANN Model in Resistance Spot Welding of 17-4 Precipitation Hardened Stainless Steel
Authors: Mallaradhya H. M. , Kumar M. Vijay , Chandra M. S. Veeresh
Published: August 2021

17-4[Formula: see text]PH steel, also known as UNS 17400 steel or called SAE type 630 stainless steel, is a very important category of steel which has tremendous and extraordinary properties. The superior properties include high corrosion resistance, high hardness and high strength due to the conversion or phase change of the austenite to martensite by cooling the material to room temperature after heating to a temperature around 1030[Formula: see text]C. Normally, this procedure is called as precipitation hardening and hence the name. Due to its extensive properties, the 17-4[Formula: see text]PH steel finds its applications in a variety of industries including pump shafts, oil path, mechanical seals, and within the aerospace industry, parts of the aircrafts, chemical industries and petroleum industries. When a material is used in any kind of applications, fastening is the major process involved. Hence, there should be a standard welding procedure involved in generating a permanent fastening. In this work, resistant spot welding is considered as the welding process and the major parameters are considered which have a crucial effect on the whole process. The responses are considered to be the nugget diameter and tensile strength which denote the weld quality majorly. The process parameters with the help of literature are considered and they are electrode force, voltage and weld current. Taguchi method is used to design the experiments along with the NN tool to generate and predict the new response values. The results show that the major affecting factor is electrode force followed by current and then the voltage. Comparison is done to choose a better model for predicting the optimum responses with the given values of the input parameters. The results are pretty much accurate for both but still the regression model yields better results and almost similar values to the experimental values. Therefore, better results can also be obtained by ANN model by continuous training of the model.
Infinite-Volume Limit of Stochastic s-d System with Single-Component Impurity and s-Electron Spins
Authors: Maćkowiak Jan
Published: August 2021

A Hamiltonian [Formula: see text], with locally smeared Ising-type s-d exchange between s-electrons and magnetic impurities, in a dilute magnetic alloy, is investigated. The Feynman-Kac theorem, Laplace expansion and Bogolyubov inequality are applied to obtain a lower and upper bound (lb and ub) on the system’s free energy per conducting electron [Formula: see text]. The two bounds differ, in the infinite-volume limit by a term [Formula: see text], linear in impurity concentration: lb[Formula: see text], ub[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] denoting the Hamiltonian of the approximating mean-field s-d system. [Formula: see text] represents randomly positioned impurities interacting with a mean field implemented by the gas of conduction s-electrons, the latter interacting with the field of barriers and wells (according to the s-electron’s spin orientation) localized at the impurity sites. The inequality [Formula: see text] demonstrates increasing accuracy of the mean-field [Formula: see text]-theory, with decreasing impurity concentration.
The number of representations of squares by integral quaternary quadratic forms
Authors: Kim Kyoungmin
Published: August 2021

Let f be a positive definite (non-classic) integral quaternary quadratic form. We say f is strongly s-regular if it satisfies a strong regularity property on the number of representations of squares of integers. In this paper, we show that there are exactly 34 strongly s-regular diagonal quaternary quadratic forms representing 1 (see Table 1). In particular, we use eta-quotients to prove the strong s-regularity of the quaternary quadratic form [Formula: see text], which is, in fact, of class number 2 (see Lemma 4.5 and Proposition 4.6).
Enhanced One-Photon and Two-Photon Amplified Spontaneous Emissions of CsPbBr3 Thin Films by Insulating Polymer Coating
Authors: Liang Jianshu , Li Yang , Guo Zhouyi
Published: August 2021

Lead halide perovskite is an attractive candidate for fabricating low-cost one-photon and two-photon-pumped lasers. However, the presence of vast trap sites and the leakage of electric fields limit the efficient amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) performances. Herein, we show that incorporating an insulating polymethylmethacrylate layer with a proper thickness onto perovskite films can play an important role in not only reducing both one-photon and two-photon ASE thresholds but also improving the light exposure stability remarkably. By means of spectroscopic investigation and optical simulation, the enhancement was ascribed to the trap passivation and electric field restraint and improved light outcoupling due to the dielectric confinement by the formation of symmetric waveguides structure. This work indicates the possibility of simple and effective approaches to realize efficient ASE and lasing.
Frictional Performance of an Ionic Liquid/Graphene Composite Additive in Lubricating Oil
Authors: You Shengli , Zhou Ming , Wang Mingyue , Chen Xin , Jin Long , Mo Youtang
Published: August 2021

In this study, we used a four-ball friction and wear testing machine to test the tribological properties of [HPy]BF4 ionic liquids (ILs), low-layer graphene (G), and IL and G compounds (IL/G) as lubricant additives at variousconcentrations, loads, and speeds. The morphology of the wear scar was characterized by a white-light interferometer and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that the optimal concentrations of IL and G were 0.10[Formula: see text]wt.% and 0.05[Formula: see text]wt.%, respectively. When the IL concentration was 0.10[Formula: see text]wt.%, the friction coefficient and the wear scar diameter (WSD) reduced by approximately 18% and 8%, respectively, compared to the base oil. When the concentration of G was 0.05[Formula: see text]wt.%, the friction coefficient and WSD reduced by approximately 23% and 12%, respectively, compared to the base oil. After adding the optimal concentration of the IL/G composite additive under the same test conditions, the average friction coefficient of the steel ball reduced by approximately 30%, and the average WSD reduced by approximately 18%. IL/G nanoadditives could be easily attached to the pit area on the friction surface of the steel ball, which made the contact surface of the friction pair smoother and the area of the oil film bearing the load larger, compared to those using the base oil. These two combined phenomena promoted synergistic antifriction and antiwear effects, which significantly improved the frictional performance of the base oil.
The projective 3-annihilating-ideal hypergraphs
Authors: Ramanathan V. , Selvaraj C.
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we investigate the crosscap of 3-annihilating-ideal hypergraph [Formula: see text] of a commutative ring [Formula: see text] and the topological embedding of [Formula: see text] to the nonorientable compact surfaces. Furthermore, we determine all Artinian commutative non-local rings R (up to isomorphism) such that [Formula: see text] is a projective graph.
[Retracted] Impact of Different Electrolytes on the Machining Rate in ECM Process
Authors: Saravanan K. G. , Prabu R. , Venkataramanan A. R. , Beyessa Eden Tekle
Published: August 2021

Electrochemical machining is a nonconventional machining process in which the metal removal is achieved by the electricity and chemical solution known as an electrolyte. It is the reverse electrolysis process where the application of electricity facilitates the current travel in between anode and cathode. The mechanism of the ion movement is similar to the electrolysis process. Electrochemical machining (ECM) is a type of advanced machining process which employs electricity to perform the machining process on the workpiece. It is also known as a reverse electroplating process where metal removal is achieved instead of metal deposition on the metal surface. There are various parameters that affect the metal removal process in the ECM process, such as electrolyte, power supply, workpiece material, and tool material. The electrolyte is one of the key factors impacting the machining rate, surface finish, and reliability of the produced parts. In this project, a brief study is carried out regarding the electrochemical process and the electrolytes where the properties, functions, merits, and demerits are evaluated. The impact of the various electrolytes and their suitability for machining of various metals is also discussed. The findings of the effect produced by using the mixture of the electrolyte in the electrochemical machining process are discussed in this project. The effects of the complexing agents on the electrolyte and the electrochemical process as a whole are also reviewed.
Sulodexide Prevents Peritoneal Fibrosis by Downregulating the Expression of TGF-β1 and Its Signaling Pathway Molecules
Authors: Duan Zhiqiang , Yao Jia , Duan Nan , Wang Min , Wang Shiwei
Published: August 2021

Peritoneal dialysis is one of the main renal replacement treatments. However, long-term peritoneal dialysis keeps the peritoneum in contact with the sugar-containing nonphysiological peritoneal fluid, which leads to recurrent peritonitis, peritoneal fibrosis, and failure of ultrafiltration. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), related cytokines, and inflammatory factors are closely related to peritoneal fibrosis. Sulodexide (SLX) is a new type of glycosaminoglycan preparation, which is involved in the formation of an anionic charge barrier and can maintain the selective permeability of vascular endothelial cells. In this study, the innovative analysis of SLX specifically prevents the process of peritoneal dialysis peritoneal fibrosis by downregulating the expression of TGF-β1 and its signaling pathway molecules. We randomly divided 30 rats into three groups. The blank control group received no treatment. The peritoneal dialysis model group was injected with 4.25% peritoneal dialysate (PDF) 20 ml daily, and the SLX group was injected with 4.25% PDF 20 ml + sulodexide (SLX) 20 mg/kg daily. After 8 weeks of dialysis, the rats were sacrificed, and the peritoneal function test was performed to determine the amount of glucose transport and ultrafiltration. The thickness of peritoneal per unit area was observed under high magnification. The level of inflammation in peritoneal tissue and the expression of TGF-β1/Smad were detected. The results showed that SLX can significantly improve peritoneal tissue thickening and inflammation, can downregulate the expression of TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, and Smad7 in peritoneal tissue, and improve the progression of peritoneal fibrosis.
Artificial Intelligence Algorithm with ICD Coding Technology Guided by the Embedded Electronic Medical Record System in Medical Record Information Management
Authors: Wang Cheng , Yao Chenlong , Chen Pengfei , Shi Jiamin , Gu Zhe , Zhou Zheying
Published: August 2021

The study aims to explore the application of international classification of diseases (ICD) coding technology and embedded electronic medical record (EMR) system. The study established an EMR information knowledge system and collected the data of patient medical records and disease diagnostic codes on the front pages of 8 clinical departments of endocrinology, oncology, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, neurosurgery, and cardiovascular medicine for statistical analysis. Natural language processing-bidirectional recurrent neural network (NLP-BIRNN) algorithm was used to optimize medical records. The results showed that the coder was not clear about the basic rules of main diagnosis selection and the classification of disease coding and did not code according to the main diagnosis principles. The disease was not coded according to different conditions or specific classification, the code of postoperative complications was inaccurate, the disease diagnosis was incomplete, and the code selection was too general. The solutions adopted were as follows: communication and knowledge training should be strengthened for coders and medical personnel. BIRNN was compared with the convolutional neural network (CNN) and recurrent neural network (RNN) in accuracy, symptom accuracy, and symptom recall, and it suggested that the proposed BIRNN has higher value. Pathological language reading under artificial intelligence algorithm provides some convenience for disease diagnosis and treatment.
A New Quantitative Approach for Element-Mineral Determination Based on “EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy) Method”
Authors: Liu Peigang , Wang Zhelin , Zhang Zhiqiang
Published: August 2021

With the continuous development of hydrocarbon exploration, how to efficiently, economically, accurately, and comprehensively obtain mineral species, composition, and structure and diagenesis information has become one of the hot topics in both the academia and industry. By scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), a new method of qualitative mineral identification and quantitative measurement is established. Typical tight sandstone reservoir rock samples in the Ordos Basin are selected; through the element surface scanning image of “mineral element composition” and “pixel element combination”, mineral types are distinguished, and mineral parameters such as types, characteristics, and content are rapidly and accurately determined. Meanwhile, such results achieved via the new method are compared with conventional XRD and TIMA methods. The results show that the new method exhibits several advantages: cost advantages compared to XRD experiment analysis technology and TIMA system and ability to analyze low content minerals which XRD techniques are hard to identify; it allows quantitative characterization on the phenomenon of mineral miscibility, which is of great significance to explore the mineral diagenetic evolution.
[Retracted] Construction and Analysis of Green Investment Risk Evaluation Index System Based on Information Entropy Fuzzy Hierarchical Analysis Model
Authors: Huang Yuqi
Published: August 2021

This paper adopts the information entropy fuzzy hierarchical analysis model to conduct an in‐depth study and analysis of the green investment risk evaluation system and to process and analyze its indicators. The entropy method‐fuzzy hierarchical analysis is used to evaluate the green financial capital operation risk. Firstly, I point out the research trends and shortcomings, define the concepts of fund operation, operation risk, risk evaluation, and green finance, and elaborate the relevant basic theories to lay the theoretical foundation for the later research; secondly, I identify the external and internal fund operation risks by describing the development plan, overall operation, and specific operation plan of green finance; then, according to the existing fund operation risks, I integrate commercial banks’ risk. Then, based on the existing fund operation risks, I integrate the risk types of commercial banks, combine the characteristics of green finance business, design the green finance fund operation risk evaluation index system, initially determine the index weights through hierarchical analysis method, introduce the entropy value method to improve the index weights, and use the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to obtain the final evaluation results: in the process of green finance fund operation, internal risk is the most important risk, among which credit risk and financial innovation risk have the most significant impact; external risk is the second most important risk, among which economic risk and political risk are the most important. External risks are the second most important risks, among which economic risks and political risks are more obvious. The risks are judged from single‐factor aspects, and the scoring values are used to determine the higher possibility of schedule risks caused by human factors, and finally, the schedule risk level of the reservoir project is determined to be medium through a comprehensive evaluation. The reasonableness of the calculation results shows that the entropy theory and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method are still applicable to the assessment of green investment risks.
Cornuside Alleviates Diabetes Mellitus-Induced Testicular Damage by Modulating the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Liu Liping , Shu Anmei , Zhu Yihui , Chen Yuping
Published: August 2021

Background. Male reproductive damage, as a common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), is getting more attention lately. We aimed to explore the protective effects and mechanism of cornuside (Cor) modulating gut microbiota to alleviate diabetes mellitus- (DM-) induced testicular damage. Methods. KK-Ay mice with reproductive damage were randomly divided into the model and Cor treatment groups, and the C57BL/6J mice were used as the normal group. These mice were orally administered Cor for 8 weeks. Results. Cor administration ameliorated the diabetes-related symptoms of polydipsia and polyphagia and lowered the fasting blood glucose (FBG) level. The results of pathological injury showed that Cor improved testicular lesions (the rupture of seminiferous tubules, degeneration of germ cells, and structural shrinkage and separation from each other) in DM model mice. Cor significantly increased the testis/body weight ratio, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in KK-Ay mice. Cor also protected from reproductive damage by inhibiting apoptosis in the testes of KK-Ay mice. Moreover, Cor significantly increased the sperm count and sperm motility. Additionally, 16S rDNA sequencing analysis showed that Cor could notably reverse the changes in the distribution of gut microbiota and decrease the abundance of Weissella confusa (Weissella), Clostridium sp. ND2 (Clostridium sensu stricto 1), uncultured bacterium (Roseburia), Anaerotruncus colihominis DSM 17241 (Anaerotruncus), [Clostridium] leptum (Anaerotruncus), unidentified (Ruminococcus 1), and uncultured bacterium (Bilophila), which may be a potential biomarker for diagnosing the testicular injury caused by DM. Meanwhile, the heat map of phylum level suggested that the testicular injury caused by DM is closely related to gut microbiota. Conclusions. Cor could alleviate DM-induced testicular damage, probably by modulating the gut microbiota.
Some Fixed‐Point Theorems on Generalized Cyclic Mappings in B‐Metric‐Like Spaces
Authors: Weng Shengquan , Zhu Quanxin
Published: August 2021

In this paper, it is concerned with the cyclic mapping in b-metric‐like spaces. The definition of W‐type cyclic mappings is proposed, and then, the existence‐uniqueness of the fixed points of these cyclic mappings and the corresponding fixed point theorems are studied. In b-metric‐like spaces, the promotion of the concept of cyclic mapping is an interesting topic; then, it is worthy to continue to this part of the promotion. On this basis, the concept of φ‐type cyclic mapping is proposed in this article, and the existence‐uniqueness of fixed‐point problems and the corresponding fixed‐point theorem are considered and studied. The results of this paper further generalize and extend some previous results.
Chemical and Antimicrobial Analyses of Juniperus chinensis and Juniperus seravschanica Essential Oils and Comparison with Their Methanolic Crude Extracts
Authors: Khamis Al-Dhafri S. , Chai Lay Ching
Published: August 2021

Juniperus chinensis and Juniperus seravschanica are commonly used in the traditional folk medicine to treat microbial infection. In this study, the essential oils obtained from the leaves of J. chinensis growing in Malaysia and J. seravschanica growing in Oman were analysed by head space-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) and screened for antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli (NCTC 10418), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (NCTC 10662), Bacillus subtilis ATCC6059, Micrococcus luteus (ATCC 9341), Staphylococcus aureus (NCTC 6571), and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA; ATCC 33591). To compare the antimicrobial activities of extracts using different extraction methods, methanol extraction was performed to obtain crude extracts from the leaves of J. chinensis and J. seravschanica for antimicrobial analysis. The HS-SPME-GS-MS analysis of the essential oils from the leaves of J. chinensis and J. seravschanica identified 37 and 36 components, respectively. Essential oils from these two species had distinctive chemical component profiles, with α-pinene (27.2%) as the major component of J. chinensis essential oil, while dl-limonene (45.2%) constitutes the major component of J. seravschanica essential oil. Essential oils of these two species shared only six similar terpenoids compounds: α-pinene, β-pinene, γ-elemene, sabinene, elemol, and 3-cyclohexen-1-ol. Overall, the essential oils showed antimicrobial activities against all the six bacterial strains tested, with the highest antagonistic activity against M. luteus and B. cereus; while, methanolic crude extracts showed the highest activities against S. aureus and MRSA strains. The methanolic crude extracts demonstrated significantly higher antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive bacteria (

p
<
0.005

); while, the essential oils of Juniperus did not show significant differences between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Future studies are needed to investigate the active compounds present in the essential oils and methanolic crude extracts that confer the selectivity in the antimicrobial activity.
High-Resolution Microscopy to Learn the Nuclear Organization of the Living Yeast Cells
Authors: Wang Renjie , Huang Aiwen , Wang Yan , Mei Pengxin , Zhu He , Chen Qianqian , Xu Sankui
Published: August 2021

The spatial organization of the nucleus is a key determinant in all genome activities. However, the accurate measurement of the nuclear organization is still technically challenging. Here, the technology NucQuant we created previously was utilized to detect the variation of the nuclear organization, including the heterogeneity of the nuclear geometry, the change of the NPC distribution along different cell cycle stages during interphase, and the organization of the nucleolus. The results confirmed that not only the growth rate and the NPC distribution are influenced by the carbon source; the nuclear shape is also impacted by the carbon source. The nuclei lost their spherical geometry gradually when the cell was cultured from the most to a less favorable carbon source. We also discovered that the nucleolus prefers to locate at the nuclear periphery, which was called the “genes poor region,” especially when the cells entered quiescence. Furthermore, the distribution of the NPC along the different stages during the interphase was analyzed. We proposed that with the growth of the cell, the nucleus would grow from the surface of the NE flanking the nucleolus firstly.
Liquid Biopsy for Cancer Detection: Clinical and Epidemiologic Considerations
Authors: Wentzensen Nicolas , Clarke Megan A.
Published: August 2021

Detection of circulating nucleic acids, also referred to as liquid biopsy, has been evaluated for detection of cancer in a variety of settings. We describe important clinical and epidemiologic considerations for liquid biopsy applications in cancer early detection and for monitoring of cancer recurrence.

See related article by Jeannot et al., p. 5869
Current Advances and Trends inKRASTargeted Therapies for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Teo Michelle Yee Mun , Fong Jung Yin , Lim Wan Ming , In Lionel Lian Aun
Published: August 2021

Kirsten Rat Sarcoma (KRAS) gene somatic point mutations is one of the most prominently mutated proto-oncogenes known to date, and accounts for approximately 60% of all colorectal cancer cases. One of the most exciting drug development areas against colorectal cancer is the targeting of undruggable kinases and kinase-substrate molecules, although whether and how they can be integrated with other therapies remains a question. Current clinical trial data have provided supporting evidence on the use of combination treatment involving MEK inhibitors and either one of the PI3K inhibitors for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to avoid the development of resistance and provide effective therapeutic outcome rather than using a single agent alone. Many clinical trials are also ongoing to evaluate different combinations of these pathway inhibitors in combination with immunotherapy for patients with colorectal cancer whose current palliative treatment options are limited. Nevertheless, continued assessment of these targeted cancer therapies will eventually allow patients with colorectal cancer to be treated using a personalized medicine approach. In this review, the most recent scientific approaches and clinical trials targeting KRAS mutations directly or indirectly for the management of colorectal cancer are discussed.
Mitochondrial Fragmentation Triggers Ineffective Hematopoiesis in Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Aoyagi Yasushige , Hayashi Yoshihiro , Harada Yuka , Choi Kwangmin , Matsunuma Natsumi , Sadato Daichi , Maemoto Yuki , Ito Akihiro , Yanagi Shigeru , Starczynowski Daniel T. , Harada Hironori
Published: August 2021

Ineffective hematopoiesis is a fundamental process leading to the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, the pathobiological mediators of ineffective hematopoiesis in MDS remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that overwhelming mitochondrial fragmentation in mutant hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors (HSC/P) triggers ineffective hematopoiesis in MDS. Mouse modeling of CBL exon deletion with RUNX1 mutants, previously unreported comutations in patients with MDS, recapitulated not only clinically relevant MDS phenotypes but also a distinct MDS-related gene signature. Mechanistically, dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1)–dependent excessive mitochondrial fragmentation in HSC/Ps led to excessive reactive oxygen species production, induced inflammatory signaling activation, and promoted subsequent dysplasia formation and impairment of granulopoiesis. Mitochondrial fragmentation was generally observed in patients with MDS. Pharmacologic inhibition of DRP1 attenuated mitochondrial fragmentation and rescued ineffective hematopoiesis phenotypes in mice with MDS. These findings provide mechanistic insights into ineffective hematopoiesis and indicate that dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics could be a therapeutic target for bone marrow failure in MDS.

Significance:

We demonstrated that excessive mitochondrial fragmentation is a fundamental pathobiological phenomenon that could trigger dysplasia formation and ineffective hematopoiesis in MDS. Our findings provide mechanistic insights into ineffective hematopoiesis and suggest dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics as a therapeutic target for treating MDS.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1
Evolutionary Mechanisms of Cancer Suggest Rational Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Balzerano Alessio , Paccosi Elena , Proietti-De-Santis Luca
Published: August 2021

The goal in personalized therapeutic approaches for cancer medicine is to identify specific mutations with prognostic and therapeutic value in order to tailor the therapy for the single patient. The most powerful obstacle for personalized medicine arises from intratumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution, which can promote drug resistance. In this scenario, new technologies, such as next-generation sequencing, have emerged as a central diagnostic tool to profile cancer (epi)genomic landscapes. Therefore, a better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying cancer evolution is mandatory and represents the current challenge to accurately predict whether cancer will recur after chemotherapy with the aim to tailor rational therapeutic approaches.
Ultrasound and Fetal MRI Complementary Contributions to Appropriate Counseling in Small Bowel Obstruction
Authors: Didier-Mathon Hortense , Grévent David , Khen-Dunlop Naziha , Sonigo Pascale , Rousseau Véronique , Ville Yves , Boddaert Nathalie , Kermorvant Elsa , Mahallati Houman , Salomon Laurent J. , Millischer Anne-Élodie
Published: August 2021

Objective: Bowel obstructions beyond the duodenum represent a heterogeneous group of congenital anomalies with a highly variable prognosis, the main issue being postnatal short bowel syndrome (SBS). The objective of our study was to evaluate the contributions of fetal MRI in cases of bowel obstruction. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of all newborns, for whom both ante-natal ultrasound and fetal MRI were available, referred to our center for suspected bowel obstruction was performed. Examinations were reviewed blinded to the postnatal outcome. Key outcome measures included exact diagnosis and the existence of postoperative SBS. We evaluated the contribution of MRI in determining precise location and etiology of the bowel obstruction, dilatation of the proximal bowel loops, and assessment of the quality of the remaining distal bowel loops. Results: Twenty-five newborns were included. There were 19 single obstructions and 6 complex forms (4 apple peel syndromes and 2 multiple atresias). MRI correctly identified the affected segment of the small bowel in 59.1% of the cases. MRI identified the mechanism of obstruction in 72% of cases. MRI reliably predicted an abnormal appearance of the bowel distal to the obstruction in 100% of the severe cases (3/3) and in 66.7% of complex forms (4/6). Conclusion: Our study suggests that fetal MRI, when done in addition to prenatal ultrasound, is contributory in the management of fetuses with suspected bowel obstruction. MRI may be particularly useful in determining the location and origin of the bowel obstruction and in assessing the quality of the bowel distal to the obstruction, which might assist in the prediction of SBS and more detailed prenatal counseling.