bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro, Ex Vivo, Penetration (EpiDermTM) and in Vivo Dermatokinetics of Ketoconazole Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Topical Delivery
Authors: Ramzan Mohhammad , Gourion-Arsiquaud Samuel , Hussain Afzal , Gulati Jaspreet Singh , Zhang Qihong , Trehan Sonia , Puri Vinam , Michniak-Kohn Bozena , Kaur Indu Pal
Published: May 2021

The study focused to optimize, evaluate and investigate mechanistic perspective of ketoconazole (KTZ) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (KTZ-SLNs) for enhanced permeation across rat skin. KTZ-SLNs were evaluated for size, distribution, zeta potential (ZP), percent entrapment efficiency (%EE), drug release, morphology, thermal behavior (DSC), compatibility (FTIR) and solid state characterization (X-ray diffraction, XRD). Moreover, ex-vivo permeation and drug deposition into rat skin were conducted using Franz diffusion cell. Mechanistic evaluations were confirmed using confocal laser scanning microscopy and vibrational ATR methods using EpiDermTM model. An in vivo dermatokinetics study was performed to ensure KTZ access to the dermal region. Accelerated and photostability studies were conducted at different temperatures (0, 30, and 40 °C) for 12 months. The spherical optimized KOF1 showed optimal particle size (291 nm), and high negative ZP (-27.7 mV). Results of FTIR, DSC, and XRD confirmed compatibility of KTZ with excipients, purity of KTZ & dissolved KTZ in lipid matrix, and amorphous nature of KTZ-SLNs. In-vitro release was found to be slow and sustained whereas ex vivo permeation parameters were significantly high in KTZ-SLNs as compared to drug suspension and marketed product. Drug retention was 10- and -5 fold higher than KTZ-SUS and marketed product, respectively. Pharmacokinetic parameters were improved by SLNs formulation. Confocal raman spectroscopy experiment showed that KTZ-SLNs could penetrate beyond the human stratum corneum into viable epidermis. Fluorescent microscopy confirmed improved penetration of KTZ-SLNs was through human follicular pathway. KTZ-SLNs stable over 12 months under set conditions.
Seismicity Parameters Analysis In Space-Time Distribution For Northeast India.
Authors: Pandey Auchitya Kumar
Published: May 2021

A complete homogeneous earthquake catalogue is prepared to estimate seismicity parameters and their spatial-temporal variation in nine seismogenic source zones for Northeast India. The value of seismicity parameters like a-value, b-value, and MC value i.e., 7.37, 0.93(± 0.013), and 4.6, respectively have been estimated from the frequency-magnitude distribution. Moreover, the maximum-likelihood method has been utilized to map the spatial variation of the above parameters. The spatial variation of low b-values is dominant in the Indo-Burman Range, the Main Boundary Thrust, and the vicinity of the Sagaing fault. High seismic activity rate has been obtained in the Indo-Burman range as observed from spatial variation of a-value parameter. Furthermore, the return periods and the annual probability of an earthquake have been calculated for each zone. The results of this seismicity parameter provide useful information about the hazard level of a particular zone and further helps in preparing the hazard map of Northeast India.
Understanding The Surface Integrity of Laser Surface Engineered Tungsten Carbide
Authors: Hazzan Kafayat E , Pacella Manuela , See Tian L
Published: May 2021

The study investigated the effect of fibre laser processing (1060 nm, 240 ns pulse duration) on tungsten carbide (WC). Fluence, frequency, and the interaction effect of these were the most influential factors on the surface integrity and crack formation. In this paper, a crack classification system was developed, and a crack density variable was introduced to estimate the number of cracks and crack type within a 1 mm2 area size. ANOVA was used to analyse how fluence (0.05–0.20 J/cm2) and frequency (5–100 kHz) altered the crack density. The crack density increased between 0.050–0.099 J/cm2 across all frequency settings then decreased as the fluence increased to 0.20 J/cm2. Superficial cracks were present in all frequency settings but particularly with lower fluence settings. Micro-cracks were more likely to form between 0.050–0.135 J/cm2. Deep cracks did not present until 40 kHz or above 0.099 J/cm2 across the frequency settings and were situated around balling and splatter defects. The crack density was minimised at 0.149 J/cm2 fluence and 52.5 kHz. To the author’s knowledge for the first time a quantitative analysis of the crack formation mechanism for brittle materials is proposed (post laser processing). In addition, a linear model generated to predict surface roughness performed best at moderate to medium level of processing (fluences in the region of 0.050–0.099 J/cm2) with an error between 1 % to 10 %. The model failed to predict the material response as accurately at higher fluences with percentage errors between 15 % to 36 %.
Understanding the Barriers to Sustainable Solid Waste Management in Society 5.0 Perspective Under Uncertainties: A Hybrid Method Approach
Authors: Bui Tat-Dat , Tseng Ming-Lang
Published: May 2021

This study contributes to identifying a valid and reliable set of barriers to sustainable solid waste management framework rooted in society 5.0 perspectives in Taiwan. In nature, the hierarchical structure is with the causal interrelationships under uncertainties. The perspective empowers the creation of a new biosphere based on technological progress, but in the sustainable solid waste management field, it is difficult to encounter and shape the systematized processes due to barriers and challenges. To address this shortcoming, this study evaluates the technical challenges faced in the field of sustainable solid waste management toward society 5.0. The valid attributes are usually described the qualitative information. The fuzzy Delphi method is applied to acquire the valid and reliable attributes. Fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory experiment is to visualize the causal interrelationships among the attributes. Choquet integral with respect to the nonadditive attributes over the valid set provides an overall perspective function. The results establish an understanding of sustainable solid waste management barriers in the perspectives under uncertainties. Community uncertainty, policy and regulation problems, city architecture, and technology interaction are the factors that influence sustainable performance. In practices, (1) diverse disciplines and sectors in local, national, and global communities, (2) a lack of mobility and reliability, (3) mass production and mass consumption, (4) an insufficient level of artificial intelligence application, and (5) failures related to data management and security hinder the improvement of sustainable solid waste management toward society 5.0.
Emerging Concerns on Air Pollutants from Chemistry Laboratories of University: Ozone Formation Potential, Emission Characteristics, and Emission Inventory in Beijing, China
Authors: Wang Chenlong , Zhang Xiaoxi , Wang Kun , Gao Jiajia , Zuo Penglai , Liang Quanming , Zhang Yun , Tong Yali , Tong Li , Han Yue , Yue Tao
Published: May 2021

Chemical laboratories of Universities are an important source of air pollutant emissions in urban area, but their detailed emission factors have rarely been investigated. This study determined the concentration level and chemical composition spectrum of air pollutants from 21 typical chemical laboratories of universities in Beijing. Based on quantitative analysis using a GC-MS/FTIR/FID system, the emission intensity of each laboratory area was estimated, the ozone formation potential (OFP) was calculated, and the emission inventory of atmospheric pollutants in chemical laboratories of universities in Beijing was estimated. According to the results, the atmospheric pollutants discharged by the laboratories could be characterized by wide species distribution and low concentrations of single components. The average concentrations of atmospheric pollutants from the three outlets were 20.6 ± 8.9 µmol/mol (mean ± S.D.), 26.5 ± 4.8 µmol/mol, and 14.7 ± 5.8 µmol/mol. VOC emission was significantly affected using organic solvents. Pollutant emissions from the laboratories exhibited strong periodicity, and the raw materials used in the experiments were the main factor affecting the final pollutant concentration. The emission intensities of atmospheric pollutants from the three outlets were 35.06 ± 38.08 g/(m2·d), 22.83 ± 18.88 g/(m2·d) and 24.03 ± 28.78 g/(m2·d), and their TOFP were 27.8 ± 39.1 µmol/mol, 22.0 ± 21.2 µmol/mol, and 14.5 ± 28.9 µmol/mol. The total emission of atmospheric pollutants from university chemical laboratories in Beijing in 2019 was estimated at approximately 2630.8 ± 2710.3 t, including 675.8 ± 610.6 t of inorganic gaseous pollutants and 1932.0 ± 2081.2 t of VOCs, with Haidian District as the largest contributor.
Transcriptome and translatome analyses reveal the regulatory role of betaine in high fat diet (HFD)-induced hepatic steatosis
Authors: Huang Tengda , Yu Jingsu , Luo Zupeng , Yu Lin , Liu Siqi , Wang Peng , Jia Mengting , Wu Tian , Zhang Yurou , Miao Weiwei , Zhang Haojie , Song Ziyi , Zhou Lei , Li Yixing
Published: May 2021

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disease with a multitude of complications. Increasing evidence shows that the dietary supplement with betaine, a natural chemical molecule, can effectively reduce the fat accumulation in the liver. Translational regulation is considered to play a vital role in gene expression, but whether betaine functions through the regulation of gene translational level is still unclear. To this end, RNC-seq (ribosome-nascent chain complex bound mRNA sequencing) and RNA-seq co-analyses were performed to identify betaine target genes by using the liver samples from high-fat diet + betaine treated and high-fat diet treated mice. The results showed that betaine does play a lipid-lowering role by regulating the expression of gene translation levels; some NAFLD- and lipid metabolism- associated genes were differentially expressed at translational level, for example. And the mRNA translation ratio (TR) of gene significantly increased after betaine treatment. Besides, it is found that the regulation of some genes at transcriptional level is opposite to that at translational level, which indicates that transcriptional regulation and translational regulation may be independent from each other. Finally, we identified several candidate genes, especially Gpc1 , which may mediate the lipid-lowering effect of betaine in the liver. To sum up, this study depicted the molecular portrait of mice liver with or without betaine treatment from the angel of translatome and transcriptome, giving insights into the molecular mechanism of betaine-mediated lipid-lowering effect and also providing new clues for understanding and prevention of NAFLD.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions on Mental Health Disorders According Student Status
Authors: Macalli Melissa , Texier Nathalie , Schück Stéphane , Côté Sylvana , Tzourio Christophe
Published: May 2021

The objective was to compare the frequency of depressive symptoms, anxiety and suicidal thoughts in students and non-students enrolled in the same study in France according to key periods of the COVID-19 epidemic. Students were more likely than non-students to having high scores of depressive symptoms and anxiety, particularly during the 1st and 2nd lockdowns. These findings suggest that restrictive measures i.e. lockdown and curfew have an alarmingly stronger negative impact in students than in non-student and underlines the frailty of students’ mental health and that greater attention should be given to this population.
Identifying COVID-19 Progression by Day Five From Symptoms Onset
Authors: Gentilotti Elisa , Savoldi Alessia , Compri Monica , Górska Anna , De Nardo Pasquale , Visentin Alessandro , Be Giorgia , Razzaboni Elisa , Soriolo Nicola , Meneghin Dario , Girelli Domenico , Micheletto Claudio , Mehrabi Sara , Righi Elda , Tacconelli Evelina
Published: May 2021

Background: A major limitation of current predictive prognostic models in patients with COVID-19 is the heterogeneity of population in terms of disease stage and duration. This study aims at identifying a panel of clinical and laboratory parameters that at day-5 of symptoms onset could predict disease progression in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.Methods: Prospective cohort study on hospitalized adult patients with COVID-19. Patient-level epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data were collected at fixed time-points: day 5, 10, and 15 from symptoms onset. COVID-19 progression was defined as in-hospital death and/or ICU and/or respiratory failure (PaO2/FiO2 ratio<200) within day-11 of symptoms onset. Multivariate regression was performed to identify predictors of COVID-19 progression. Discrimination power was assessed by computing area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) values. Results: A total of 235 patients with COVID-19 were prospectively included in a 3-month period. The majority of patients were male (148, 63%) and the mean age was 71 (SD 15.9). One hundred and ninety patients (81%) suffered from at least one underlying illness, most frequently cardiovascular disease (47%), neurological/psychiatric disorders (35%), and diabetes (21%). Among them 88 (37%) experienced COVID-19 progression. A model assessed at day-5 of symptoms onset including male sex, age >65 years, dyspnea, cardiovascular disease, and at least three abnormal laboratory parameters among CRP (> 80 U/L), ALT (> 40 U/L), NLR (> 4.5), LDH (> 250 U/L), and CK (> 80 U/L) showed an AUC of 0.73 (95%CI: 0.66 - 0.81) for predicting disease progression by day-11. Conclusion: An easy-to-use panel of laboratory/clinical parameters computed at day-5 of symptoms onset predicts, with fair discrimination ability, COVID-19 progression. Assessment of these features at day-5 of symptoms onset could facilitate assessment of clinicians’ decision making. The model can also play a role as a tool to increase homogeneity of population in clinical trials on COVID-19 treatment in hospitalized patients.
Outcome of Infragenicular Prosthetic Grafts with and Without Distal Anastomotic Modification – A Retrospective Single Center Study
Authors: Setia Abhay , Yousefi Omid , Samp Patrick Felix , Knez Peter , Adili Farzin
Published: May 2021

Background: Peripheral revascularization with below-knee bypass (REBEL) utilizing prosthetic grafts demonstrate inferior patency and amputation-free survival rates, as compared to venous conduits. Because of improved hemodynamics, adding a venous modification to distal anastomoses in REBEL with prosthetic grafts is assumed to improve both patency and amputation-free survival. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of prosthetic grafts with and without venous modifications of the distal anastomosis (MOD) and compare the results with venous conduits, in terms of patency rates, amputation prevention and survival. Methods: The present single center retrospective, non-randomized observational study involved 221 REBEL in 201 patients. Data was collected by viewing hospital records and follow-up clinical and duplex ultrasound examinations (up to 48 months). For analysis, the patients were divided in 3 groups; REBEL using prosthetic grafts with MOD (PGY) or without (PGN) anastomotic modification and REBEL using plain venous conduits without anastomotic modifications (VG). Primary patency, assisted primary patency, secondary patency, amputation-free survival and overall survival was analyzed.Results: The median follow-up was 27 months. The most common site of distal anastomosis in PGY were the crural arteries (77.8%) and 50% of PGY patients had already undergone vein-harvesting for peripheral revascularization. Average duration of surgery for PGY was 284 minutes, >70 minutes more as compared to PGN (p=0,001). In PGY a statistically insignificant tendency to decreased primary and secondary patency rates as compared to PGN was observed at 12 and 36 months. PGY displayed a significant lower amputation-free survival rate at 12 and 48 months as compared to PGN (62.9% vs 87.6% and 43.4% vs 69.75%; p=0.038). Overall survival for the three groups was not different (p=0.375). Conclusion: To summarize, modification of the distal anastomotic site using venous cuff techniques did not result in improved patency or amputation prevention. Nonetheless, from a technical view of facilitating the creation of anastomoses between relatively rigid, large bore prosthetic grafts and calcified delicate small diameter infrapopliteal arteries, anastomotic modelling offers potential anatomic and hemodynamic advantages, thus improving outcome on long term follow up. However, prospective randomized studies are required to corroborate this hypothesis.
The role of Medieval road operation on cultural landscape transformation
Authors: Słowiński Michał , Brauer Achim , Guzowski Piotr , Związek Tomasz , Obremska Milena , Theuerkauf Martin , Dietze Elizabeth , Schwab Markus , Tjallingii Rik , Czaja Roman , Ott Florian , Błaszkiewicz Mirosław
Published: May 2021

Connecting pathways are essential for cultural and economic exchange and play an important role in human life. Commonly, historians investigate the role of routes for cultural development, whereas the environmental consequences of historical route construction attract less attention. Here we present, for the first time, a high-resolution reconstruction of the impact of the major trade route via Marchionis in the southern Baltic lowlands on landscape evolution since its construction more than 800 years ago. We utilize precisely dated annually laminated lake sediments from Lake Czechowskie located alongside Via Marchionis to establish multiproxy data at 5-year resolution for an integrated interpretation with historical data. The transformation from a quasi-natural to a cultural landscape was promoted by the operation of Via Marchionis and occurred in three main phases. Superimposed on the long-term development were repeated interruptions by short-term downturns related to societal crisis caused by wars and partly overlapping with climatic deterioration.
Clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes following surgery combined with adjuvant radiotherapy for patients with frontal sinus malignancies
Authors: Wang Zekun , Zhang Jianghu , Wu Runye , Zhang Ye , Yi Junlin , Gao Li , Xu Guozhen , Luo Jingwei
Published: May 2021

Objective: This study aimed to determine clinicopathologic characteristics of primary frontal sinus malignancies (FSMs) and provide long-term survival results.Materials and methods: A retrospective study of six cases of primary FSMs at our center from 2006 to 2016 was performed. The demographics characteristics, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities and survival outcomes were recorded. Results: In this series, the median age was 48 years (30-53 years) and all patients were male. There were five cases with squamous cell carcinoma, and one with osteosarcoma. All cases presented with locally advanced disease without regional lymphatic metastasis, including 5 cases of stage Ⅲ and one of stage Ⅱ. The two most common pathways of tumor invasion were as follows: local tumor broke posteriorly through bone wall and invaded dura mater, followed by frontal lobe; local tumor infiltrated downward through the floor of frontal sinus into ethmoid sinus, thereafter invaded laterally orbit and orbital contents. All patients received surgery followed by postoperative radiotherapy at the total doses of 50Gy to 75.95Gy. Among them, only one patient underwent R0 resection, the rest of patients underwent R1/R2 resection. With a median survival time of 56 months (32 to 76 months), two patients receiving R1/R2 resection developed treatment failure and died within 5 years, including one case with local recurrence, and one with local recurrence thereafter distant metastasis. Conclusion: The majority of FSMs presented with peripherally invasive progression lesions, which led to a high ratio of R1/R2 resection. Surgery combined with postoperative radiotherapy might result in satisfactory efficacy.
Effect of Long-term Adjuvant Temozolomide Chemotherapy on Primary Glioblastoma Patient Survival
Authors: Huang Bin , Yu Zuan , Liang Risheng
Published: May 2021

Objective: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant central nervous system (CNS) tumor. The Stupp regimen is the standard treatment , although the optimal number of temozolomide (TMZ) treatment cycles remains controversial. We compared the effects of standard 6 cycles versus >6 cycles of TMZ chemotherapy post-surgery with concurrent chemoradiotherapy on primary GBM patient survival. Patients and Methods: We performed a single center retrospective study of GBM patients that underwent total resection, concurrent chemoradiotherapy, and at least 6 cycles of adjuvant TMZ chemotherapy from June 2011 to August 2018. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on adjuvant TMZ treatment plan: Group A（n=27）: standard 6-cycle adjuvant TMZ therapy and Group B(n=26): >6 cycles of adjuvant TMZ therapy. Primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Continuous variables were analyzed by ANOVA, and the Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate PFS and OS. Univariate and multivariate COX analyses determined correlation between survival rates and covariates.Results: After follow-up, median PFS was 15 months in in Group A (95%CI 9.5-20.5) and 20.1 months in Group B (95%CI 15.9-24.4). Group A median OS was 19.4 months (95%CI 15.5-23.2), compared to 25.6 months in Group B (95%CI 20.4-30.8). The 2-year survival rate of Groups A and B was 36% was 66%, respectively (P=0.02). and 5-year survival was 7% in both. Multivariate COX regression analysis showed association between patient PFS and long-period adjuvant chemotherapy, but not OS. Conclusions: Long-term adjuvant TMZ chemotherapy benefits PFS and 2-year survival rate but not OS. We do not suggest prolonging TMZ maintenance therapy beyond six cycles in patients with glioblastoma after total resection.
Theoretical Study on Pentiptycene Molecular Brake: Photoinduced Isomerization and Photoinduced Electron Transfer
Authors: Wang Hailong , Guan Qiuping , Wang Xueye
Published: May 2021

The isomerization of the double bond plays an important role in the braking and de-braking of the light-driven molecular brake. Therefore, the Pp-type light-controlled molecular brake system containing the C=C double bond was theoretically studied. Combining the 6-31G(d) basis set, the ωB97XD functional with dispersion correction was applied to implement the (E)-configuration and (Z)-configuration initial optimization. Next, using the 6-311G(d,p) basis set, the relaxed potential energy surface scans of the rotation angle were operated, and then the optimization calculations of the transition states at the extremum high points. Analyzing the stagnation points and the rotational transition state on the MEPs, the rotation mechanism and basic energy parameters of the molecular brake were obtained. Then the DFT computations at ground states and the TD-DFT computations of vertical excitation energy was put into practice at the accuracy of the def-TZVP basis set for the two configurations, and using the natural transition orbital (NTOs) analyses combining the excitation energies and absorption spectrums of the molecules, the electronic transition characteristics and electron transfer properties of light-driven molecular brake were studied. Afterwards, in order to investigate the photo-induced isomerization reaction, the C=C double bond was scanned on the relaxed potential energy surface, and the intermediates of the isomerization reaction was searched and analyzed, thus, the braking mechanism of the light-driven molecular brake was proposed.
Recanalization After False Lumen Stent Placement During Iatrogenic Coronary Dissection: A Case Report.
Authors: Li Jing , Dong Liang
Published: May 2021

Iatrogenic coronary artery dissection is an uncommon but life-threatening complication of coronary angiography and angioplasty. It may result in devastating consequences if not promptly treated with immediate revascularization. We report a case of recanalization after false lumen stent placement during iatrogenic coronary dissection.
Online Pregnancy-Related Information: Reliability and Worries Among Expectant Women In Qatar
Authors: Al-Dahshan Ayman , Chehab Mohamad , Selim Nagah
Published: May 2021

Background: Although the internet can be a source of reassurance and clarification for expectant women, it ‎could cause concerns or feelings of worry when reading about pregnancy-related ‎information. The current research sought to assess the feelings of worry and perceived reliability towards online pregnancy-related information and the associated factors among expectant women attending antenatal clinics at primary healthcare centers in Qatar.Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed. The participants were recruited through a systematic random sampling technique. ‎A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants. Descriptive and analytic statistics were used when appropriate‎.Results: A total of 327 expecting women completed the questionnaire. Most participants were aged between 26-34 years (74.1%), held a college/university degree (76.4%), and multigravidas (73.1%). About one-third of the women ‎(31.2‎%) reported feeling worried due to something they read online. The participants coped with these feelings by consulting their antenatal care provider at the next appointment (51.0%) or by talking with relatives and friends (47.0%). Furthermore, most women (79.2%) considered online pregnancy-related information to be reliable or highly reliable. Holding a college/university degree, primigravidae, and having no children were factors significantly associated with a high perception of reliability of online health information.Conclusion: Although online pregnancy information caused feelings of worry for some pregnant ‎women, most women perceived such information to be reliable. Thus, antenatal care providers should be equipped to guide pregnant women on how to access high-quality web-based information.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) Enabling Integrated Primary Care for Complex Patients: A Protocol for a Scoping Review
Authors: Tahsin Farah , Armas Alana , Kirakalaprathapan Apery , Cunningham Heather , Kadu Mudathira , Sritha Jasvinei , Gray Carolyn Steele
Published: May 2021

IntroductionAn increasing number of individuals are living with multiple chronic conditions, often combined with psychosocial complexities. For these patients with complex conditions, an integrated primary care model that provides care coordination and a team-based approach can help manage their multiple needs. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are recognized as a critical enabler of integrated primary care. A better understanding of the use of ICTs in an integrated care setting and how ICTs are being leveraged would be beneficial to identify knowledge gaps and could lead to successful implementation for ICT-based interventions.ObjectiveThis study will systematically scope the literature on the topic of ICT-enabled integrated healthcare delivery models for patients with complex care needs to identify which technologies have been used in integrated primary care settings. MethodThis study protocol outlines a scoping review of the peer-reviewed literature, using Arksey and O’Malley’s (enhanced by Levac et al.) scoping review methodology. Peer-reviewed- literature will be identified using a multi-database search strategy. The results of the search will be screened, abstracted, and charted in duplicate by 6 research team members. Discussion﻿The key findings of the study will be thematically mapped to describe the implemented ICTs aimed for complex patients within the integrated primary care model and interactions of the elements (ICT, health model, and targeted patients). This review will be the first step to formally identify how ICT is used to support integrated primary health care models. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and special interest groups.
A Jigsaw Puzzle based Reconfiguration Technique for Enhancing Maximum Power in Partial Shaded Hybrid Photovoltaic Array
Authors: M Palpandian , David Prince Winston , Elavarasan Rajvikram Madurai , Periyasamy Pounraj , Pugazhendhi Rishi , Shafiullah GM , Natarajan Sendhil Kumar
Published: May 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
The Transfer Function of the SARS-CoV-2 Spread in Different Countries with Stability, Observability, and Controllability Analysis
Authors: Šajić Jasmina Lozanović , Langthaler Sonja , Stoppacher Sara , Baumgartner Christian
Published: May 2021

This paper presents the determination of the transfer function of the spreading pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 in different countries. The methodology of system identification, well known in control system theory, based on the number of infected was used. Appropriate hypotheses have been adopted to determine the transfer function of the system. Each country is viewed as a separate system, and comparisons of determined systems are given. The systems are also presented in the state space, the stability of the systems is analysed, and the matrices of controllability and observability are determined. After analysis, it is shown that the spread of the SARS-CoV-2, for each country, can be described with the same order of transfer function and differential equation.
How Spatial Attention Affects the Decision Process: Looking through the Lens of Bayesian Hierarchical Diffusion Model & EEG Analysis
Authors: Ghaderi-Kangavari Amin , Rad Jamal Amani , Parand Kourosh , Ebrahimpour Reza
Published: May 2021

Model-based cognitive neuroscience consolidates the cognitive processes and neurophysiological oscillations which are reflections of behavioral performance (e.g., reaction times and accuracy). Here, based on one of well-known sequential sampling models (SSMs), named the diffusion decision model, and the nested model comparison, we explore the underlying latent process of spatial prioritization in perceptual decision processes, so that for estimating the model parameters (i.e. the drift rate, the boundary separation, and the non-decision time), a Bayesian hierarchical approach is considered, which allows inferences to be done simultaneously in the group and individual level. Moreover, well-established neural components of spatial attention which contributed to the latent process and behavioral performance in a visual face-car perceptual decision are detected based on the event-related potential (ERP) analysis. Our cognitive modeling analysis revealed that the non-decision time parameter provides a better fit to the top-down attention with the measures of two powerful weapons, i.e. the deviance information criterion called DIC score and R-square. Also, using multiple regression analysis on the contralateral minus neutral N2 sub-component (N2nc) at central electrodes and contralateral minus neutral alpha power (Anc) at posterior-occipital electrodes in the voluntary attention, it can be concluded that poststimulus N2nc can predict reaction time (RT) and non-decision time parameter relating to spatial prioritization. Whereas, the poststimulus Anc only can predict the RT and not the non-decision time relating to spatial prioritization. The result suggested that the difference of contralateral minus neutral oscillations was more important to reflect the modulation of the top-down spatial attention mechanism in comparison with the difference of ipsilateral minus neutral oscillations.
Two-Photon–NIR-II Antimicrobial Graphene-Nanoagent for Ultraviolet–NIR Imaging and Photoinactivation
Authors: KUO WEN-SHUO , Chang Chia-Yuan , Wu Ping-Ching , Wang Jiu-Yao
Published: May 2021

BackgroundNitrogen doping and amino-group functionalization, which result in strong electron donation, can be achieved through chemical modification. Large π-conjugated systems of graphene quantum dot (GQD)-based materials acting as electron donors can be chemically manipulated with low two-photon excitation energy in a short photoexcitation time for improving the charge transfer efficiency of sorted nitrogen-doped amino acid–functionalized GQDs (sorted amino-N-GQDs). ResultsIn this study, a self-developed femtosecond Ti-sapphire laser optical system (222.7 nJ pixel−1 with 100-170 scans, approximately 0.65-1.11 s of total effective exposure times; excitation wavelength: 960 nm in the near-infrared II region) was used for chemical modification. The sorted amino-N-GQDs exhibited enhanced two-photon absorption, post-two-photon excitation stability, two-photon excitation cross-section, and two-photon luminescence through the radiative pathway. The lifetime and quantum yield of the sorted amino-N-GQDs decreased and increased, respectively. Furthermore, the sorted amino-N-GQDs exhibited excitation-wavelength-independent photoluminescence in the near-infrared region and generated reactive oxygen species after two-photon excitation. An increase in the size of the sorted amino-N-GQDs boosted photochemical and electrochemical efficacy and resulted in high photoluminescence quantum yield and highly efficient two-photon photodynamic therapy. Conclusion﻿The sorted dots can be used in two-photon contrast probes for tracking and localizing analytes during two-photon imaging in a biological environment and for conducting two-photon photodynamic therapy for eliminating infectious microbes.
miR-20a-5p/RBM24 Axis Alleviated Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage via Regulating HIF1α/VEGFA Signaling Pathway
Authors: Xu Li , Mo Chuangqi , Lu Ming , Wang Pingping , Liu Yue
Published: May 2021

Background: Hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage presented high incidence and high mortality owing to its difficult to diagnose. However, the molecular mechanism of HICH remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the key miRNAs and the mechanism of the key miRNAs in HICH. Methods: miRNAs chip was used to explore the differentially expressed miRNAs in HICH patients. In vitro and in vivo HICH models were established by Ang-II. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), flow cytometry, transwell assay and tube formation analysis were used to detect cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration and tube formation, respectively. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to evaluate the intracerebral hemorrhage in vivo HICH model. The regulatory mechanism of miR-20a-5p in HICH was confirmed by dual luciferase reporter assay, immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, western blot and rescue experiments. Results: miR-20a-5p showed the most downregulated in HICH patients compared with healthy individuals and significantly associated with clinicopathological characteristics of HICH. Upregulation of miR-20a-5p promoted cell proliferation, migration and tube formation while inhibited apoptosis in vitro and ameliorated the development of HICH in vivo. RBM24 is a direct target of miR-20a-5p and silencing RBM24 could partially recovery the development of HICH caused by miR-20a-5p inhibition both in vivo and in vitro. miR-20a-5p regulated the development of HICH depending on HIF1α/VEGFA pathway. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that miR-20a-5p/RBM24 axis regulated hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage via regulating HIF1α/VEGFA signaling pathway, in support of further investigation into miR-20a-5p therapies for HICH treatment.
Classic Ciliated Muconodular Papillary Tumor of the Lung With Braf Mutation: The New We Should Know
Authors: Zhang Minfen , Zhao Li , Liu Shaoyan , Tan Xuexian , Jiang Qingping , Wang Na
Published: May 2021

Background Ciliated muconodular papillary tumor (CMPT) was initially recognized as three typical types of cells (ciliated cells, mucinous cells and basal cells) and two typical structures (papillary and tubular). It is found that the proportion of various cells is different and papillary structure is not necessary. So some scholars propose that CMPT is a proximal-type bronchiolar adenoma (BA) which expands the concept of CMPT. At the same time they propose revising the terminology. These morphological variations bring great challenges to the diagnosis. Case presentation: Multiple small nodules in bilateral lungs were found in 79-year old female patient. A frozen examination was performed. Grossly, there were jelly-like nodules with clear boundaries, and the maximum diameter was about 4mm. Microscopically, glandular ducts, papillary and even micropapillary structures were seen. The cavities were lined by columnar cell and mucous cells. In a low-power field the conspicuous mucin pool was observed, as well as floating tumor cells in the mucin pool. So atypical adenomatous hyperplasia of the lung was reported in intraoperative rapid diagnosis, and the surgeon performed a lobectomy for the patient. In typical HE, this tumor was made up of three kinds of cells in different proportions, including ciliated columnar cells, mucous cells, and basal cells which were confirmed by CK5/6 and P63 immunohistochemistry staining. Immunohistochemical analysis reveals thyroid transcription factor1 (TTF-1) and CK7 expression by ciliated columnar epithelial cells, basal cells, and nonciliated columnar and cuboidal epithelial cells, but not mucous cells. All the cells do not express CK20. BRAF V600E protein express in the tumor. At the same time, the tumor harbores the BRAF gene mutation, while EGFR, KRAS, ALK, HER-2, RET, ROS-1, PIK3CA and NRAS mutation are negative.Conclusion We report a classic CMPT. The tumor has BRAF mutation and BRAF protein expression. Classic lesions are easy to identify, while for morphological variant cases, the key to the diagnosis of the disease is the diversity of cell components and the presence of basal cells.
Geriatric Care Competencies for Undergraduate Medical Curriculum: a Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Nojomi Marzieh , Goharinezhad Salime , Delavari Somayeh , Aletaha Azadeh
Published: May 2021

Background: Rapid demographic change and aging population demand that health professional’s especially general physicians need to be better competent around older adults' care and managing multiple conditions of them. Evidence shows that the current gap in health care professionals’ skills and the lack of medical school training for caring well the aging population. Therefore, health professions need to improve geriatric competencies in the curriculum to care for and met older adult’s preferences.Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to identify core competencies relevant to geriatric care in the undergraduate medical curriculum.Methods: This scoping review protocol is based on the Arksey and O’Malley framework and further developed by Levac et al. Four databases including PubMed, ERIC, Scopus, and Web of Science will be searched. Citation searching for identifying additional studies, through reference lists checking of studies and reviews will be applied. Studies in English and Persian language, published from 01/01/ 2015 to 12/31/2020, will be included. Data will be extracted based on ACGME (Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education) Core Competencies Framework. Selected studies will be reviewed and data extracted by two independent reviewers, and presented in table or chart, and synthesized in thematic format.Conclusion: All analyses in this study will be based on the previously published papers. The present scoping review will provide evidence-based information on core competencies for revising the undergraduate medical curriculum related to geriatric care.
Investigation of Nonlinear Creep Behaviour of Millettia Laurentii Wood Through Zener Fractional Rheological model
Authors: Prisca Atchounga Kuida , Michel Njankouo Jacques , Emmanuel Foadieng , Kisito Talla Pierre
Published: May 2021

Nowadays one of the principal difficulties that wood structural development and construction have to face is wood creep. Nevertheless, the secret to master and solve the creep deformation of wood relies on a sensible and exact rheological model for numerical analysis. In this research work our goal is to study the nonlinear creep behaviour of the Cameroonian wood species Millettia Laurentii known as Wengé wood through fractional calculus approach. So, we have conducted a nonlinear creep constitutive model of Millettia Laurentii wood, that is the Zener fractional rheological model, and the parameters of this model have been determined. We have studied the influence of stress level σ and fractional order n on the Millettia Laurentii wood creep process by a sensitivity analysis of the model parameters. The outcomes of this sensitivity analysis are of paramount importance because they can be used in reality to inspect the creep process and deformation amount of Millettia Laurentii wood in practical engineering. Moreover, guidance for the secure construction of Millettia Laurentii wood engineering can be given by the means of the findings of this research.
Lithosphere–asthenosphere Boundary Beneath the Sea of Japan From Transdimensional Inversion of S Receiver Functions
Authors: Akuhara Takeshi , Nakahigashi Kazuo , Shinohara Masanao , Yamada Tomoaki , Shiobara Hajime , Yamashita Yusuke , Mochizuki Kimihiro , Uehira Kenji
Published: May 2021

The evolution history of the Sea of Japan back-arc basin remains under debate, involving the opening of sub-basins such as the Japan and Yamato Basins. Detailed knowledge of the lithospheric structure will provide the key to understanding tectonic history. This study identifies the lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary (LAB) beneath the Sea of Japan back-arc basin using S-receiver functions (S-RFs). The study area, including the Japan and Yamato Basins, has been instrumented with broadband ocean-bottom seismometers (OBSs). S-RFs from these OBSs show negative Sp phases preceding the direct S arrivals, suggesting the LAB. The S-RFs also show abnormally reduced amplitudes. For further qualitative interpretation of these findings, we conduct transdimensional Bayesian inversion for S-wave velocity models. This less-subjective Bayesian approach clarifies that the low-velocity seafloor sediments and damped deconvolution contribute to the amplitude reduction, illuminating the necessity of such considerations for similar receiver function works. Inverted velocity structures show a sharp velocity decrease at the mantle depths, which we consider the LAB. The obtained LAB depths vary among sites: ~45 km beneath the Japan and Yamato Basins and ~70 km beneath the Yamato Rise, a bathymetric high between the two basins. The thick lithosphere beneath the Yamato Rise most likely reflects its continental origin. However, the thickness is still thin compared to that of eastern Asia, suggesting lithosphere extension by rifting. Notably, the Japan and Yamato Basins show a comparable lithospheric thickness, although the crustal thickness beneath the Yamato Basin is known to be anomalously thick. This consistency in the lithospheric thickness implies that both basins undergo similar back-arc opening processes.
Finite-time Projective Synchronization for Semi-markovian Neural Networks Systems via Event-triggered Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Ren Junchao , Li xuejiao
Published: May 2021

This paper investigates the projection synchronization problem of stochastic neural networked systems based on event-triggered sliding mode control (SMC) covering a finite-time period. For improve transmission efficiency and save network resources, a related event-triggered scheme is proposed for the error system, which can identify whether the measurement error should be transmitted to the controller. For finite-time projective synchronization under given event-triggered mechanism, a semi-Markov jump system model is proposed. Secondly, by creating Lyapunov Krasovsky functional and using linear matrix inequality (LMI) technology, as well as considering a proper sliding surface, a sliding mode controller is designed to implement finite-time projection synchronization of different neural networks. Finally, numerical simulations are exploited to illustrate the effectiveness of the main results.
Nickel-catalyzed annulations of ortho-haloarylimines
Authors: Kolluru Srinivas , Singh Manvendra , Gaskins Bryce , Boskovic Zarko
Published: May 2021

We report the discovery, development, and mechanism of a nickel-catalyzed annulation reaction between o-haloarylimines and electron-poor olefins. The reaction produces two adjacent anti stereocenters and a free secondary amine. Spirocycles are formed from cyclic imines. We characterized the key oxidative addition intermediate and identified a major path leading to competing homo-coupling products. The activation energy of oxidative addition, and the rate of oxidative addition complex isomerization were determined. Sensitivity of the reaction to reaction conditions was established in a quantitative manner and both the scope and limitations of the method are presented.
Efficient Data Undersampling for Rule-Based Retrosynthetic Planning
Authors: PARK MIN SIK , Lee Dongseon , Kwon Youngchun , Kim Eunji , Choi Youn-Suk
Published: May 2021

Computer-aided retrosynthetic planning for organic molecules, which is based on a large synthetic database, is a significant part of the recent development of an autonomous robotic chemist. As in other AI fields, however, the class imbalance problem in the dataset affects the prediction performance of retrosynthetic paths. Here, we demonstrate that applying undersampling methods to the imbalanced reaction dataset can improve the prediction of retrosynthetic rules for target molecules. We report improvements in the top-1 and top-10 prediction accuracies by 13.8% (13.1, 5.4%) and 8.8% (6.9, 2.4%) for the undersampling based on the similarity (random, dissimilarity) clustering of molecular structures of products, respectively. These results demonstrate the importance of a deep understanding of the statistical distribution, internal structure, and sampling for the training dataset. For practical application, the target-oriented undersampling method is proposed and confirmed by the improved prediction performance of 9.3 and 4.2% for top-1 and top-10 accuracies, respectively.
One demonstration of the minimum entropy theorem ruling the fluid flow field.
Authors: Hotta Takashi
Published: May 2021

The minimum entropy theorem of the several fields is well known, but there is no clear review that it shows the possibility of minimum entropy theorem mainly rules the general viscous fluid flow field. In this article, I define appropriately total external energy function and is resolved by variational method, and shows that stationary condition always satisfies the continuity and general Navier-Stokes equations. So on that condition, the minimum entropy theorem could decide directly the general viscous fluid flow field.