bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adherence to discharge protocols and prostate‐specific antigen surveillance plans in men without a prostate cancer diagnosis
Authors: McAllister Bría Joyce
Published: December 2021

Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) surveillance testing is a valuable tool in the ongoing care of men who have undergone investigations into potential prostate cancer, with a benign outcome. A literature review was conducted to assess the published evidence into discharge protocols for men who have undergone investigations into prostate cancer with benign outcomes, and compliance with, and attrition from, these protocols in this patient group. When insufficient literature was retrieved, the search was broadened to include men with low‐grade prostate cancer on active surveillance pathways. There is little evidence in the published literature surrounding the issue of compliance with discharge plans in the target group. Concordance with active surveillance plans is better documented, but evidence remains relatively scarce. Evidence from research into men with low‐grade prostate cancer shows that compliance with discharge plans is a complex issue with many factors affecting outcomes. The attitudes of physicians, along with those of patients, are a major component, as is the availability of consistent and accessible guidelines. The literature surrounding men who have had benign outcomes from investigations into potential prostate cancer tends to make little reference to the issues surrounding concordance, and it is clear that this is not a well‐researched area. Concerns were raised surrounding the finding that up to 50% of men who have not adhered to their PSA surveillance plans have had other routine bloods drawn by their general practitioners (GPs) raising the issue of GP non‐compliance. The issue of compliance with PSA surveillance plans in men without a prostate cancer diagnosis is clearly a complex one which is compounded by the lack of nationally standardized discharge protocols. Further research is required to design a standardized discharge protocol to improve compliance with surveillance pathways, thereby improving early detection of developing cancers.
Expression of the miR‐17~92a cluster of microRNAs by regulatory T cells controls blood glucose homeostasis
Authors: Zhang Yangnan , Skinner Jarrod P , Chong Mark MW
Published: December 2021

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized immune cell type that play important roles in regulating immune responses. However, those found in adipose tissue, particularly visceral adipose tissue (VAT), have also been shown to exert metabolic regulatory functions. This study investigated the requirement of the miR‐17~92a cluster of microRNAs in VAT Tregs and the impact on blood glucose. This cluster of microRNAs is one that we previously showed to be important for the fitness of Tregs found in secondary lymphoid organs. It was found that male mice with Treg‐specific miR‐17~92a deficiency are resistant to impaired glucose tolerance induced by a high‐fat diet. However, high‐fat feeding still impaired glucose tolerance in female mice with Treg‐specific miR‐17~92a deficiency. There was an increase in KLRG1− naïve Tregs and a loss of KLRG1+ terminally differentiated Tregs in the VAT of Treg‐specific miR‐17~92a‐deficient male mice but not in female mice. The protection of male mice from high‐fat feeding was also associated with increased interleukin‐10 and reduced interferonγ expression by conventional CD4+ T cells and reduced interleukin‐2 expression by both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the VAT. Together this suggests that expression of miR‐17~92a by VAT Tregs regulates the effector phenotype of conventional T cells and in turn the metabolic function of adipose tissue and blood glucose homeostasis.
Validity of the strategic management simulations to predict real‐world productivity
Authors: MacNaughton Piers , Cockerill Anthony
Published: December 2021

The performance of individual businesses and the economy as a whole hinges on the productivity of human capital, yet measuring productivity at an individual level has proved difficult. The Strategic Management Simulation (SMS) methodology comprises several decision‐making assessment tools that have been used for several decades to estimate real‐world productivity. Performance on productivity measures using a shorter version of the SMS methodology was gathered from a sample of 111 knowledge workers from major corporations in the U.S. and compared with their income level. In linear models, every percentile increase in SMS performance was associated with a $791–$1,113 increase in income in each of the four domains of decision‐making performance provided by the SMS tool. The models had R2’s ranging from 0.65 to 0.75, indicating high levels of correlation between SMS performance and income levels. This study is the first to show linear relationships between SMS performance and other indicators of productivity, indicating that the SMS is a valid predictor of productivity and that SMS scores can be used to predict job satisfaction and performance.
Limits of Law in the Multilevel System: Explaining the European Commission's Toleration of Noncompliance Concerning Pharmaceutical Parallel Trade*
Authors: Zhang Yaning
Published: December 2021

This article aims to explain the under‐researched phenomenon of why the European Commission (the Commission), as ‘guardian of the Treaties’, tolerates member states’ noncompliance with the EU law. While major accounts of selective enforcement depict the Commission as a self‐serving political entrepreneur, this paper assumes that it is a trustee guardian of EU treaties that aims to safeguard the stability and integrity of the EU legal order. For this purpose, the Commission is theorized to strategically utilize toleration of noncompliance to evade jurisdiction overlap and norm collision. Relying on the detailed tracing of the Commission's enforcement leniency towards Slovakia regarding pharmaceutical parallel trade, this illustrative case study indicates that toleration of noncompliance is a necessary evil for the Commission and other stakeholders to navigate through a legal and political impasse. And it simultaneously preserves the delicate integrity of the existing legal order of EU free movement law.
Postoperative delirium screening tools for post‐anaesthetic adult patients in non‐intensive care units: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Sujeong , Choi Eunju , Jung Youngsun , Jang Insil
Published: December 2021

Aims and Objectives

To identify the most accurate postoperative delirium screening tools for detecting postoperative delirium among patients who underwent general anaesthesia surgery in general wards.

Background

The lack of detection of postoperative delirium can negatively affect the patient's condition, along with their postoperative treatment and rehabilitation, and it can prolong their hospitalisation, persists cognitive dysfunction and increases mortality. Screening for postoperative delirium in hospitalised patients as nursing assessment is routine clinical practice for early detection.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, KoreaMed and Cochrane electronic databases were searched using the key words delirium, postoperative, assessment or screening, and adult for articles published up to April 2020, with no limit on the year of publishing. Only prospective cohort studies reporting sensitivity and specificity values were included. We followed the recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Reviews and the PRISMA checklist. The Quality Assessment of the Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 tool was used for data extraction and quality assessment, while a bivariate random‐effects meta‐analysis model was used for pooling and comparing diagnostic accuracy and providing a summary of evidence.

Results

Six delirium assessment tools were evaluated from nine papers including 3088 patients. Due to the limited number of papers, the meta‐analysis included the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and its variants, Delirium Detection Score (DDS) and Nurses' Delirium Screening Checklist (NuDESC). Overall, NuDESC demonstrated higher sensitivity than CAM or DDS, while all showed high specificity (0.90 or greater).

Conclusion

This review suggested that NuDESC can be employed as an accurate screening tool with high specificity for assessing postoperative delirium during routine checkups. However, it is necessary to consider suitable cut‐off values, which is the reference point, in accordance with the clinical setting and the patients’ condition.

Relevance to clinical practice

NuDESC reported the best evidence of diagnostic accuracy, and we recommend clinical nurses to employ this easy‐to‐use and validated tool for daily screening of postoperative delirium in general wards to facilitate its early detection and the accurate estimation of its prevalence.
Religion‐State Interaction at the Local Level: Key Findings from a Survey of Religion and Local Elected Officials
Authors: Adler Gary J. , Mayrl Damon , Coley Jonathan S. , Sager Rebecca , Plutzer Eric
Published: December 2021

Relationships between religion and state are a core focus for social scientists, but little is known about a central set of actors in “church‐state” relations in the United States: local elected officials (mayors, town councilpersons, city commissioners). We report on a unique, representative survey of local elected officials, examining their religiosity, their interactions with religion through governance (prayers, meetings, symbol placement requests), and their preferences for religion‐state relations. Our results show that local elected officials are no more religious than the general adult public, that they interact with religion in their formal governance at low rates, and that a quarter strongly prefer increased state engagement with religion. Minority religious affiliation, Democratic political affiliation, and urban context predict opposition to religion‐state engagement. We describe how local elected officials may produce local regimes of religion‐state interaction that vary by geographic location and suggest pathways for future research.
Multiplexed CRISPR/Cas9 editing of the long‐chain acyl‐CoA synthetase family in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum reveals that mitochondrial ptACSL3 is involved in the synthesis of storage lipids
Authors: Hao Xiahui , Chen Wenchao , Amato Alberto , Jouhet Juliette , Maréchal Eric , Moog Daniel , Hu Hanhua , Jin Hu , You Lingjie , Huang Fenghong , Moosburner Mark , Allen Andrew E. , Gong Yangmin
Published: December 2021

Long‐chain acyl‐CoA synthetases (LACS) play diverse and fundamentally important roles in lipid metabolism. While their functions have been well established in bacteria, yeast and plants, the mechanisms by which LACS isozymes regulate lipid metabolism in unicellular oil‐producing microalgae, including the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, remain largely unknown.

In P. tricornutum, a family of five genes (ptACSL1–ptACSL5) encodes LACS activities. We generated single lacs knockout/knockdown mutants using multiplexed CRISPR/Cas9 method, and determined their substrate specificities towards different fatty acids (FAs) and subcellular localisations.

ptACSL3 is localised in the mitochondria and its disruption led to compromised growth and reduced triacylglycerol (TAG) content when cells were bubbled with air. The ptACSL3 mutants showed altered FA profiles in two galactoglycerolipids and phosphatidylcholine (PC) with significantly reduced distribution of 16:0 and 16:1. ptACSL5 is localised in the peroxisome and its knockdown resulted in reduced growth rate and altered molecular species of PC and TAG, indicating a role in controlling the composition of acyl‐CoAs for lipid synthesis.

Our work demonstrates the potential of generating gene knockout mutants with the mutation of large fragment deletion using multiplexed CRISPR/Cas9 and provides insight into the functions of LACS isozymes in lipid metabolism in the oleaginous microalgae.
Epidemic control with endogenous treatment capability under popular discontent and social fatigue
Authors: El Ouardighi Fouad , Khmelnitsky Eugene , Sethi Suresh P.
Published: December 2021

This paper investigates how the optimization of policymaker interventions against an epidemic disease is affected by contextual factors related to (i) a cost‐centered approach to countering the epidemic, (ii) eventual correlative popular discontent, and (iii) growing social fatigue engendered by nontherapeutic interventions. Three nontherapeutic policies—mobility restrictions (MR), securing social interactions (SSI), and a combination of both (MR + SSI)—are compared in terms of effectiveness and efficiency in preventing infections and saving lives. The costs associated with these policies are economic as well as operational. The objective is to select the lowest cost policy that is the least sensitive to the cited contextual factors. In many ways, our model applies to the Covid‐19 pandemic in its prevaccine phase. Our study shows the significant influence of popular discontent on epidemic control policies. We show that in contrast to the standard delayed peak strategy, which seeks to delay and flatten the epidemic peak, there is an alternative strategy, counter to conventional wisdom, which consists of accelerating the onset of the epidemic peak. Although the delayed peak strategy is contingent on popular neutrality, the advanced peak strategy results from popular discontent as a corollary of a cost‐centered approach. We also find that social fatigue does not affect the social cost much but, in contrast to the controlled scenarios without social fatigue, it amplifies the peak of infections. In this context, the inclusive policy that incorporates MR + SSI mitigates the negative impact of social fatigue, although it comes at the cost of tighter restrictions than either of the exclusive policies. We conclude that, as opposed to popular discontent, social fatigue should be disregarded for the sake of greater effectiveness and efficiency in infection and death prevention. Our results can be used by policymakers to allocate resources appropriately in MR, SSI, or both and to build treatment capability.
Brawn with Brains
Authors: Sukel Kayt
Published: December 2021

There are now many organizations that are utilizing some form of artificial intelligence or machine learning-powered robotics to help with automation capabilities. These companies are learning just how many duties that were once considered too hard for robots these AI-powered machines can handle.
Interrogating the Lead-Up to a Critical Speed in Rotordynamics
Authors: Virgin Lawrence N.
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a new approach to predicting an incipient critical speed in a rotating shaft. Based on the classical governing equations of motion for an eccentric mass on a flexible shaft (the Jeffcott rotor model), the approach is centered on examining the behavior of small perturbations or random disturbances to infer the approach of a critical speed (resonance). Such disturbances, that may be based on intentional probing, or simply the result of naturally occurring fluctuations, cause small transients. It is the changing nature of these transients (as characterized by their associated eigenvalues) that is used to assess the proximity to a critical speed. In this paper, the material developed is based on analysis, but generating the data from simulations or experiments will be the next step. The approach is a kind of stress-test, conceptually not dissimilar to structural health monitoring and damage detection but here directed toward the lead-up to resonance.
What Female Sport Management Professors Think: Adherence to Gender Roles and the Impact on Salary Negotiation
Authors: Grappendorf Heidi , Veraldo Cynthia M. , Farrell Annemarie , Grube AJ
Published: December 2021

Female faculty earn 81.4% of what male faculty earn. Salary negotiation is a critical component of job offers and can have lasting implications for pay during a career. To better understand the salary negotiation process for female sport management professors, this study examined perceived barriers held by participants. A qualitative approach was taken, utilizing in-person and phone interviews to collect the participant’s experiences with salary negotiation. Results indicated that female sport management professors perceived the main barrier in salary negotiation to be the expected adherence to gender roles. Subthemes that emerged from the expected adherence to gender roles included believing stereotypes and lacking confidence. Understanding the influence of gender role adherence in salary negotiations can contribute to the education and skills necessary for students as well as professors in implementing pedagogical strategies related to salary negotiation. Implementing these strategies can contribute to a field that continues to strive to embrace diversity and promote an inclusive environment.
Filling gaps in trustworthy development of AI
Authors: Avin Shahar , Belfield Haydn , Brundage Miles , Krueger Gretchen , Wang Jasmine , Weller Adrian , Anderljung Markus , Krawczuk Igor , Krueger David , Lebensold Jonathan , Maharaj Tegan , Zilberman Noa
Published: December 2021

Incident sharing, auditing, and other concrete mechanisms could help verify the trustworthiness of actors
Enterovirus Sequence Data Obtained from Primate Samples in Central Africa Suggest a High Prevalence of Enteroviruses
Authors: Ngay Lukusa Ipos , Takuo Jean-Michel , Lumbu Banza Christelle , Le Doux Diffo Joseph , Mbala Kingebeni Placide , Ntumvi Nkom F. , Atibu Losoma Joseph , Tamoufe Ubald , Gillis Amethyst , LeBreton Matthew , Ayukekbong James , Joly Damien O. , Schneider Brad S. , Monagin Corina , Makuwa Maria , Wolfe Nathan D. , Rubin Edward M. , Muyembe-Tamfum Jean-Jacques , Lange Christian E.
Published: December 2021

Enteroviruses infect humans and animals, can cause disease, and some may be transmitted across species barriers. We tested Central African wildlife and found
Enterovirus
RNA in primates (17) and rodents (2). Some sequences were very similar, while others were dissimilar to known species, highlighting the underexplored enterovirus diversity in wildlife.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Strain NSMJ15
Authors: Jung Ji Young , Han Kook-il , Jin Hyun Mi , Nam Young Ho , Kang Hye Kyeong , Lee Mi Hwa
Published: December 2021

We report here the complete genome sequence of
Lacticaseibacillus paracasei
NSMJ15, isolated from makgeolli (a traditional Korean fermented liquor) and shown to have potentially probiotic characteristics. The genome consisted of a 2.79-Mbp chromosome contig and four plasmids having a total of 2,947 genes, including 2,690 coding sequences.
Supplemental Material: A waning Saxothuringian Ocean evidenced in the Famennian tephra-bearing siliceous succession of the Bardo Unit (Central Sudetes, SW Poland)
Authors: Racki Grzegorz , al. et
Published: December 2021

Supplemental Material S1: Conodont alteration index discussion; Supplemental Material S2: Radioisotopic data; Supplemental Material S3: Geochemical analytical and correlation dataset; Supplemental Material S4: Additional geochemical figures.
Type Specimens of the Small-Headed Flies (Diptera, Acroceridae) in the Collection of the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg
Authors: Nartshuk E. P. , Paramonov N. M. , Suleymanova T. A.
Published: December 2021

A catalogue of the types (holotypes, paratypes, and a lectotype) of the species of the family Acroceridae described by L.F. Hildebrandt, F.D. Pleske, and E.P. Nartshuk, deposited in the collection of the Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia, is presented. Photographs of the specimens and labels of the holotypes and lectotype are given.
Long-term outcomes following severe COVID-19 infection: a propensity matched cohort study
Authors: McPeake Joanne , Shaw Martin , MacTavish Pamela , Blyth Kevin G , Devine Helen , Fleming Gillian , Griffin Justine , Gemmell Lisa , Grose Pauline , Henderson Mark , Henderson Philip , Hogg Lucy , King Kirstin , McInnes Iain , O'Brien Peter , Puxty Kathryn , Rainey Callum , Sharma Varun , Sim Malcolm , Strachan Laura , Siebert Stefan , Quasim Tara
Published: December 2021

Background

There are limited data describing the long-term outcomes of severe COVID-19. We aimed to evaluate the long-term psychosocial and physical consequences of severe COVID-19 for patients.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre observational cohort study; between 3 and 7 months posthospital discharge, patients who had been admitted to critical care due to severe COVID-19 were invited to an established recovery service. Standardised questionnaires concerning emotional, physical and social recovery, including information on employment, were completed by patients. Using propensity score matching, we explored outcomes between patients admitted to critical care with and without COVID-19, using data from the same recovery programme.

Results

Between July 2020 and December 2020, 93 patients who had been admitted to critical with COVID-19 participated. Emotional dysfunction was common: 46.2% of patients had symptoms of anxiety and 34.4% symptoms of depression. At follow-up 53.7% of previously employed patients had returned to employment; there was a significant difference in return to employment across the socio-economic gradient, with lower numbers of patients from the most deprived areas returning to employment (p=0.03). 91 (97.8%) COVID-19 patients were matched with 91 non-COVID-19 patients. There were no significant differences in any measured outcomes between the two cohorts.

Interpretation

Emotional and social problems are common in survivors of severe COVID-19 infection. Coordinated rehabilitation is required to ensure patients make an optimal recovery.
Non-fatal gunshot injuries during criminal acts in Mexico, 2013–2019
Authors: Weigend Vargas Eugenio , Perez Ricart Carlos
Published: December 2021

Introduction

As the volume of firearms (legal and illegal) in Mexico grows, gun violence has become a major public health challenge. While studies have focused on gun-related homicides and robberies, there is a dearth of research addressing non-fatal gunshot injuries. At the same time, official government sources report limited information and undercount these injuries.

Objective

The objective of this article is threefold. First, to provide data of non-fatal gunshot injuries sustained during crimes in Mexico; second, to estimate their initial individual healthcare costs; finally, to compare those costs to those resulting from other forms of injuries. This article contributes to discussions on gun violence in Mexico and its impact on public health.

Methods

We analysed Mexico’s National Crime Victimization Survey from 2014 to 2020.

Findings

We estimated that there were approximately 150 415 non-fatal gunshot injuries during crimes perpetrated from 2013 to 2019. We found that most non-fatal criminal gunshot injuries occur during a robbery and that victims tend to be men and young people between 18 and 35 years of age. Most of these injuries occur in urban areas and public spaces. While non-fatal gun-related injuries are not as common during crimes as other non-fatal injuries, their initial individual healthcare expenses are significantly higher. Crimes involving gun-related injuries reported an average expense of 16 643 pesos and crimes involving other forms of injuries reported an average of 1281 pesos. This discrepancy highlights the health burden associated with gun violence.
Epilepsy and pregnancy: identifying risks
Authors: Craig John J , Scott Shona , Leach John Paul
Published: December 2021

Pregnancy is a time of physical, physiological and psychological challenge. For women with epilepsy, as well as its potential for joy and fulfilment, pregnancy may bring additional risks and difficulties. Clinicians must anticipate and prevent these complications, ensuring that pregnancy, delivery and motherhood proceed without obstetric or medical complications, using available evidence to balance individual risks of undertreatment and overtreatment. Here we review epilepsy management in pregnancy, identifying some of the known effects of epilepsy and its treatment on gestation, fetal malformation, delivery, and neurocognitive and behavioural development. We outline strategies to reduce obstetric and fetal complications in women with epilepsy, while recognising the sometimes competing need to maintain or improve seizure control. We reinforce the importance of identifying those at highest risk, who may require additional measures or safeguards.
Comparative accuracy and cost-effectiveness of dynamic contrast-enhanced CT and positron emission tomography in the characterisation of solitary pulmonary nodules
Authors: Gilbert Fiona J , Harris Scott , Miles Kenneth A , Weir-McCall Jonathan R , Qureshi Nagmi R , Rintoul Robert Campbell , Dizdarevic Sabina , Pike Lucy , Sinclair Donald , Shah Andrew , Eaton Rosemary , Jones Jeremy , Clegg Andrew , Benedetto Valerio , Hill James , Cook Andrew , Tzelis Dimitrios , Vale Luke , Brindle Lucy , Madden Jackie , Cozens Kelly , Little Louisa , Eichhorst Kathrin , Moate Patricia , McClement Chris , Peebles Charles , Banerjee Anindo , Han Sai , Poon Fat-Wui , Groves Ashley M , Kurban Lutfi , Frew Anthony , Callister Matthew E J , Crosbie Phil A , Gleeson Fergus Vincent , Karunasaagarar Kavitasagary , Kankam Osei , George Steve
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Dynamic contrast-enhanced CT (DCE-CT) and positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) have a high reported accuracy for the diagnosis of malignancy in solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs). The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of these.

Methods

In this prospective multicentre trial, 380 participants with an SPN (8–30 mm) and no recent history of malignancy underwent DCE-CT and PET/CT. All patients underwent either biopsy with histological diagnosis or completed CT follow-up. Primary outcome measures were sensitivity, specificity and overall diagnostic accuracy for PET/CT and DCE-CT. Costs and cost-effectiveness were estimated from a healthcare provider perspective using a decision-model.

Results

312 participants (47% female, 68.1±9.0 years) completed the study, with 61% rate of malignancy at 2 years. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values for DCE-CT were 95.3% (95% CI 91.3 to 97.5), 29.8% (95% CI 22.3 to 38.4), 68.2% (95% CI 62.4% to 73.5%) and 80.0% (95% CI 66.2 to 89.1), respectively, and for PET/CT were 79.1% (95% CI 72.7 to 84.2), 81.8% (95% CI 74.0 to 87.7), 87.3% (95% CI 81.5 to 91.5) and 71.2% (95% CI 63.2 to 78.1). The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) for DCE-CT and PET/CT was 0.62 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.67) and 0.80 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.85), respectively (p<0.001). Combined results significantly increased diagnostic accuracy over PET/CT alone (AUROC=0.90 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.93), p<0.001). DCE-CT was preferred when the willingness to pay per incremental cost per correctly treated malignancy was below £9000. Above £15 500 a combined approach was preferred.

Conclusions

PET/CT has a superior diagnostic accuracy to DCE-CT for the diagnosis of SPNs. Combining both techniques improves the diagnostic accuracy over either test alone and could be cost-effective.

Trial registration number

NCT02013063
Effect of Machining Parameters on Cutting Performance of DSS 2205 and SDSS 2507 Materials During Milling Operation
Authors: George Pradeep , Wins K. Leo Dev , Dhas D. S. Ebenezer Jacob , Beatrice B. Anuja
Published: December 2021

Duplex and super duplex materials have properties of both austenite and martensitic steels. Properties like hardness and toughness are very high for duplex grades, and it is difficult to machine. In this study, machining performance of DSS 2205 and SDSS 2507 was estimated during dry milling operation using CNC milling machine. The impact of feed rate, spindle speed and depth of cut on cutting force and surface roughness was estimated using 16 run experiments. Four levels of spindle speeds ranging from 1400 to 5600[Formula: see text]rpm, feed rate ranging from 50 to 200[Formula: see text]mm/min and depth of cut ranging from 0.35 to 1.40[Formula: see text]mm were considered for the experiment. Contour plots generated using Minitab 18 revealed that level of spindle speed, feed rate and depth of cut should be maintained at lower levels for achieving minimum cutting force. In order to achieve minimum surface roughness, lower levels of feed rate with moderate speed and lower depth of cut are to be preferred for both materials. While analyzing cutting force and surface roughness values, it was found that machinability of DSS 2205 was better than SDSS 2507 due to lower wt.% of chromium, molybdenum and nickel in DSS 2205 compared to SDSS 2507 material.
Activation of AdipoR1 with rCTRP9 Preserves BBB Integrity through the APPL1/AMPK/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in ICH Mice
Authors: Zhao Wei , Kong Fanping , Gong Xiu , Guo Zaiyu , Zhao Lianhua , Wang Sa
Published: December 2021

Background. The disruption of the blood brain barrier (BBB) is the key factor leading to neurological impairment after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) injury. Adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) has an important effect contributing to the integrity of BBB. As a homologue of adiponectin, recombinant C1q/TNF‐related protein 9 (rCTRP9) has neuroprotective effect in cerebrovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of AdipoR1 activation with rCTRP9 on BBB integrity after ICH injury and the potential mechanisms. Methods. 177 male mice were subjected in this study. ICH was induced by injecting collagenase into the right basal ganglia. rCTRP9 was treated intranasally at 1 hour after ICH. Selective siRNA was administered prior to ICH. Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, neurobehavioral tests, and BBB permeability were evaluated. Results. ICH increased the expression of endogenous AdipoR1 and CTRP9. Administration of rCTRP9 ameliorated neurological deficits and reduced the BBB permeability at 24 hours in ICH mice. Furthermore, rCTRP9 promoted the expression of AdipoR1, APPL1, p‐AMPK, Nrf2, and tight junctional proteins. The intervention of specific siRNA of AdipoR1, APPL1, and p‐AMPK reversed the protective effects of rCTRP9. Conclusions. Activation of AdipoR1 with rCTRP9 improved neurological functions and preserved BBB integrity through the APPL1/AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway in ICH mice. Therefore, CTRP9 could serve as a promising therapeutic method to alleviate BBB injury following ICH in patients.
Dynamic Analysis of a Stochastic SEQIR Model and Application in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Liu Shijie , Liu Maoxing
Published: December 2021

In this study, a deterministic SEQIR model with standard incidence and the corresponding stochastic epidemic model are explored. In the deterministic model, the reproduction number is given, and the local asymptotic stability of the equilibria is proved. When the reproduction number is less than unity, the disease-free equilibrium is locally asymptotically stable, whereas the endemic equilibrium is locally asymptotically stable in the case of a reproduction number greater than unity. A stochastic expansion based on a deterministic model is studied to explore the uncertainty of the spread of infectious diseases. Using the Lyapunov function method, the existence and uniqueness of a global positive solution are considered. Then, the extinction conditions of the epidemic and its asymptotic property around the endemic equilibrium are obtained. To demonstrate the application of this model, a case study based on COVID-19 epidemic data from France, Italy, and the UK is presented, together with numerical simulations using given parameters.
Quantitative Analysis of the Main Controlling Factors of Oil Saturation Variation
Authors: Huang Ruijie , Wei Chenji , Yang Jian , Xu Xin , Li Baozhu , Wu Suwei , Xiong Lihui
Published: December 2021

With the high-speed development of artificial intelligence, machine learning methods have become key technologies for intelligent exploration, development, and production in oil and gas fields. This article presents a workflow analysing the main controlling factors of oil saturation variation utilizing machine learning algorithms based on static and dynamic data from actual reservoirs. The dataset in this study generated from 468 wells includes thickness, permeability, porosity, net-to-gross (NTG) ratio, oil production variation (OPV), water production variation (WPV), water cut variation (WCV), neighbouring liquid production variation (NLPV), neighbouring water injection variation (NWIV), and oil saturation variation (OSV). A data processing workflow has been implemented to replace outliers and to increase model accuracy. A total of 10 machine learning algorithms are tested and compared in the dataset. Random forest (RF) and gradient boosting (GBT) are optimal and selected to conduct quantitative analysis of the main controlling factors. Analysis results show that NWIV is the variable with the highest degree of impact on OSV; impact factor is 0.276. Optimization measures are proposed for the development of this kind of sandstone reservoir based on main controlling factor analysis. This study proposes a reference case for oil saturation quantitative analysis based on machine learning methods that will help reservoir engineers make better decision.
Application Effect of Acupoint Massage on Zusanli on Premature Infants with Feeding Intolerance and Their Clinical Symptoms
Authors: Gong Yueqiu , Zhu Li
Published: December 2021

FI is mainly caused by functional disturbance in premature infants, which greatly poses a threat to their growth and development, so a large number of studies on the clinical features of FI should be conducted to provide theoretical support for treatment. The purpose of the study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of acupoint massage on Zusanli on premature infants with feeding intolerance (FI) and their clinical symptoms. A total of 60 premature infants with FI admitted to our hospital over the past two years were selected as the FI group, and another 60 premature infants without FI were selected as the control group. The birthweight and gestational age of the premature infants in the FI group were significantly lower than those in the control group (

P
<
0.001

), whereas there were no significant differences in general information of the premature infants between the two groups (

P
>
0.05

). Vomiting, abdominal distension, and gastric retention are the main clinical symptoms of premature infants with FI, and acupoint massage on Zusanli combined with routine treatment can effectively improve digestive function, relieve clinical symptoms, and shorten treatment time of premature infants with FI, which is worthy of application and promotion in clinical practice.
Free Functional Latissimus Dorsi Reconstruction of the Quadriceps and Hamstrings following Oncologic Resection of Soft Tissue Sarcomas of the Thigh
Authors: Houdek Matthew T. , Wellings Elizabeth P. , Mallett Katherine E. , Honig Rachel L. , Rose Peter S. , Moran Steven L.
Published: December 2021

Background. Limb-salvage surgery combined with radiotherapy has become the primary treatment for soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity. Free functional latissimus flaps (FFLF) are an option to restore function in the setting of volumetric muscle loss. The purpose of the current study was to examine the use of FFLF in patients undergoing resection of thigh sarcoma. Methods. Twelve patients with a sarcoma involving the hamstring (n = 6), quadriceps (n = 5), or combined (n = 1) defects which included multiple muscle groups were reviewed. This included 9 males and 3 females with a mean age and body mass index of 56 ± 12 years and 31.3 ± 5.7 kg/m2. Results. The mean defect volume and operative time was 3,689 ± 2,314 cm3 and 587 ± 73 minutes. Following reconstruction, the mean knee range of motion (ROM), MSTS93 score, and muscle strength was 89 ± 24°, 90 ± 15%, and 4 ± 1; with 75% of patients ambulating without gait aids. Seven (58%) patients sustained a complication, namely, delayed wound healing (n = 2). Conclusion. Although there was a high incidence of complications, FFLF can restore active knee ROM and function, with most patients ambulating without gait aids following reconstruction of large oncologic defects in the thigh.
Image Analysis Technology in the Detection of Particle Size Distribution and the Activity Effect of Low‐Silicon Copper Tailings
Authors: Zhao Yuxiang , Liu Xinzhong , Liu Biwen , Zhang Qian , Huan Dongdong , Qiu Chenhui
Published: December 2021

To speed up the comprehensive utilization and treatment of copper tailings, the digital image processing technology is proposed in this study to detect the low‐silicon copper tailings (LSCT) using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the particle size distribution (PSD) and the activity of LSCT are analysed under the action of mechanical force. Firstly, the current status and application of copper tailings are introduced, and the influence of the particle size of LSCT on its practical application performance is explained. Secondly, the LSCT SEM image target recognition model is designed based on the convolutional neural network (CNN), and the model parameters and the reference CNN are selected. Finally, the experimental process is designed, a SEM image data set of LSCT is prepared, the model is trained through the training set, and the image recognition test is performed on the produced data set. The experimental results show that when the number of iterations of the CNN is 10, the accuracy of model recognition can be guaranteed. After the action of mechanical force, the PSD of LSCT is mainly concentrated at 1 μm~100 μm; that around 1.4 μm~10 μm is the largest, and the PSD of LSCT around 1.4 μm increases with the increase of action time of mechanical force, but the PSD of the LSCT begins to increase when the grinding time exceeds 150 minutes, and the activity of LSCT reaches the maximum (75.545%) at 150 minutes. The average accuracy of SEM image detection of the model is 86.97%, and the model based on DenseNet shows better recognition accuracy than other models. This study provides a reference for analysing the PSD of LSCT.
Noncoding Genes on Sex Chromosomes and Their Function in Sex Determination, Dosage Compensation, Male Traits, and Diseases
Authors: Maier Michelle C. , McInerney Molly-Rose A. , Graves Jennifer A. Marshall , Charchar Fadi J.
Published: December 2021

The mammalian Y chromosome has evolved in many species into a specialized chromosome that contributes to sex development among other male phenotypes. This function is well studied in terms of protein-coding genes. Less is known about the noncoding genome on the Y chromosome and its contribution to both sex development and other traits. Once considered junk genetic material, noncoding RNAs are now known to contribute to the regulation of gene expression and to play an important role in refining cellular functions. The prime examples are noncoding genes on the X chromosome, which mitigate the differential dosage of genes on sex chromosomes. Here, we discuss the evolution of noncoding RNAs on the Y chromosome and the emerging evidence of how micro, long, and circular noncoding RNAs transcribed from the Y chromosome contribute to sex differentiation. We briefly touch on emerging evidence that these noncoding RNAs also contribute to some other important clinical phenotypes in humans.
The Role of Kynurenines in Cognitive Dysfunction in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Hebbrecht Kaat , Morrens Manuel , Giltay Erik J. , van Nuijs Alexander L.N. , Sabbe Bernard , van den Ameele Seline
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Chronic low-grade inflammation is suggested to play a pathophysiological role in bipolar disorder (BD) and its related cognitive dysfunctions. Although kynurenine (KYN) pathway metabolites are key inflammatory mediators, studies investigating the association between KYN metabolism and cognition in BD are scarce. We aimed to explore the relationship between KYN metabolism and cognitive functioning across different mood states in BD. Methods: Sixty-seven patients with BD (35 depressed and 32 [hypo] manic) and 29 healthy controls were included. Cognitive functioning was assessed at 3 time intervals (baseline, 4, and 8 months) assessing processing speed, sustained attention, verbal memory, working memory, and response inhibition. Plasma samples for quantification of 3-hydroxykynurenine, quinolinic acid, and kynurenic acid (KYNA) were concurrently provided. Linear mixed models were used for statistical analysis. Results: The manic group showed deficits in all assessed cognitive domains with the exception of verbal memory at all test moments. The bipolar depression group showed deficits in the processing speed at all test moments. Throughout the whole follow-up period, KYNA was significantly lower in both patient groups than in controls. Only in the bipolar depression group, low KYNA was associated with worse global cognitive functioning (B = 0.114, p = 0.02) and slower processing speed in particular (B = 0.139, p = 0.03). Conclusion: Only in the bipolar depression group, lower KYNA was associated with worse cognitive functioning. Future large-scale longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm the role of KYN metabolites in cognitive impairment in patients with BD and the possible therapeutic implications of this relationship.
Urolithiasis in Germany: Trends from the National DRG Database
Authors: Heers Hendrik , Stay David , Wiesmann Thomas , Hofmann Rainer
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Urolithiasis is a common disease leading to a high socioeconomic burden due to treatment costs and sickness leave. The aim of this study was to evaluate recent trends in the incidence of urolithiasis in Germany and in the use of therapeutic interventions. Methods: Treatment data for all in-patient hospital episodes for urolithiasis between 2005 and 2016 were extracted from the national DRG statistics at DESTATIS and analysed with regard to the corresponding procedures according to the OPS code. Results: Incidence for urolithiasis was stable at around 120,000 cases per year during the observation period with a male:female ratio of 2:1. Rising numbers were noted for patients >80 years. Nevertheless, the number of coded procedures rose significantly with a marked disproportionate transition from extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy towards ureterorenoscopy. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed more frequently on a smaller scale. Discussion/Conclusion: While the global incidence of urolithiasis is still rising, Germany, as other Western countries, has reached a plateau. There is a remarkable trend towards invasive treatment of even asymptomatic kidney stones. Besides the effects on individual patients with increased risk for complications, this results in a higher monetary burden to the health care system and society.
Successful factors determining the significant relationship between e-governance system and government operational excellence
Authors: Alhaj Saleh Almahdy , Fakhri Taha Alyaseen Imad
Published: December 2021

Every government's major objective is to provide the greatest services in order to establish efficiency and quality of performance. Syria's government has understood how critical it is to go in the direction of information technology. However, there are gaps and poor links across government sectors, which has tainted the image of Syrian e-governance. As a result, one of the main aims of this study is to figure out what factors impact Syrians' acceptance of the e-government system. A total of 600 questionnaires were delivered to Syrian individuals as part of a survey. The data was analysed using the structural equation model (SEM) using AMOS version 21.0. User intention to utilise an e-government system was shown to be influenced by performance expectations, effort expectations, system flexibility, citizens-centricity, and facilitating conditions. Assurance, responsiveness, reliability, tangibles, and empathy are five fundamental factors that have a major impact on government operation excellence. Behavioural Intention is being utilised as a mediator between the government operation excellence (GOE) initiative and the e-government platform.
Prediction of passenger train using fuzzy time series and percentage change methods
Authors: Solikhin Solikhin , Lutfi Septia , Purnomo Purnomo , Hardiwinoto Hardiwinoto
Published: December 2021

In the subject of railway operation, predicting railway passenger volume has always been a hot topic. Accurately forecasting railway passenger volume is the foundation for railway transportation companies to optimize transit efficiency and revenue. The goal of this research is to use a combination of the fuzzy time series approach based on the rate of change algorithm and the Holt double exponential smoothing method to forecast the number of train passengers. In contrast to prior investigations, we focus primarily on determining the next time period in this research. The fuzzy time series is employed as the forecasting basis, the rate of change is used to build the set of universes, and the Holt's double exponential smoothing method is utilized to forecast the following period in this case study. The number of railway passengers predicted for January 2020 is 38199, with a tiny average forecasting error rate of 0.89 percent and a mean square error of 131325. It can also help rail firms identify future passenger needs, which can be used to decide whether to expand train cars or run new trains, as well as how to distribute tickets.
Exact secure outage probability performance of uplinkdownlink multiple access network under imperfect CSI
Authors: Do Dinh-Thuan , Nguyen Minh-Sang Van
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we study uplink-downlink non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) systems by considering the secure performance at the physical layer. In the considered system model, the base station acts a relay to allow two users at the left side communicate with two users at the right side. By considering imperfect channel state information (CSI), the secure performance need be studied since an eavesdropper wants to overhear signals processed at the downlink. To provide secure performance metric, we derive exact expressions of secrecy outage probability (SOP) and and evaluating the impacts of main parameters on SOP metric. The important finding is that we can achieve the higher secrecy performance at high signal to noise ratio (SNR). Moreover, the numerical results demonstrate that the SOP tends to a constant at high SNR. Finally, our results show that the power allocation factors, target rates are main factors affecting to the secrecy performance of considered uplink-downlink NOMA systems.
Modeling and analysis: power injection model approach for high performance of electrical distribution networks
Authors: Abdulelah Baraa Jalil , Ismail Mohammed Al-Mashhadany Yousif , Algburi Sameer , Ulutagay Gozde
Published: December 2021

The generation of electrical energy varies depending on the needs of the user, initial requirements, capacity, intended use, waste generation, and economic efficiency. In order to meet the challenges of the proposed overvoltage of the presented system, it is possible to use the solar collectors and profit from them economically through smart grid smart control systems. The mathematical model with four main parts was created: simulation, correlation, and evaluation according to the solar program set of photovoltaic solar modules, maximum power point tracking (MPPT), an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) controller, and 600-volt electric network. Then in this phase, the investigation of the effects on the network on the basis of the output power with the coincidence of radiation and the effect of temperature in the network is carried out. An analysis was carried out to evaluate the impact of these fundamental limitations in practical application. In this section, the simulation of the proposed system is discussed. The block diagram of the developed system is presented in the last part. The proposed system was assessed from the Matlab simulation tapes and graphs for each part of the system, and the results of the overall system simulation were taken into account.