bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Strong Cyan Luminescence Emission of Tb2O3 Particles
Authors: Unal Fatma
Published: March 2021

Terbium oxide (Tb2O3) particles (NPs) were synthesized by precipitation method using ammonium carbonate as precipitation agent. Effects of precursor molarity (0.1, 0.15 and 0.2 M) on photoluminescence (PL) behaviour of the NPs were investigated. The presence of the Tb2O3 phase was confirmed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyses. Morphological investigations of the produced powders were made by Field Emission Gun-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FEG-SEM). It showed that the morphology of Tb2O3 particles transformed from the nanograin chain to bundles morphology of rod-like as the amount of precursor molarity increased. Emission spectrum were investigated by Photoluminescence (PL) Spectroscopy. All the Tb2O3 particles exhibited the strongest peak at 493 nm ascribed to 5D4-7F6 (magnetic dipole (MD), C2) transition. The increase in the number of C2 sites released from the MD transition with the increase of the precursor molarity caused a negative increase in the b* (yellowness/blueness of the emission) value in the CIE diagram, indicating that the colour shifted to the blue region. The Tb2O3 particles produced by the precipitation method exhibited novel strong cyan colour and the PL emission intensity increased with increasing molarity.
Woods versus waves: Wave attenuation through non-uniform forests under extreme conditions
Authors: Wesenbeeck Bregje K. van , Wolters Guido , Antolínez José A. A. , Kalloe Sudarshini , Hofland Bas , Boer Wiebe de , Çete Ceylan , Bouma Tjeerd J.
Published: March 2021

Worldwide, communities are facing increasing flood risk, due to more frequent and intense hazards and rising exposure through more people living along coastlines and in flood plains. Nature-based Solutions (NbS), such as mangroves, and riparian forests, offer huge potential for adaptation and risk reduction. The capacity of trees and forests to attenuate waves and mitigate storm damages receives massive attention, especially after extreme storm events. However, application of forests in flood mitigation strategies remains limited to date, due to lack of real-scale measurements on the performance under extreme conditions. Experiments executed in a large-scale flume with a willow forest to dissipate waves show that trees are hardly damaged and strongly reduce wave and run-up heights, even when maximum wave heights are up to 2.5 meters. It was observed for the first time that the surface area of the tree canopy is most relevant for wave attenuation, but that the very flexible leaves hardly add to effectiveness. Overall, the study shows that forests can play a significant role in reducing wave heights and run-up under extreme conditions. Currently, this potential is hardly used but may result in considerable cost savings in levee designs.
Comprehensive Analysis of Clinical Prognosis and Molecular Immune Characterization of TPM4 in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Zhou Xue , Zhu Xiaowei , Yao Junchao , Wang Xue , Wang Ning
Published: March 2021

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal human solid malignancies with devastating prognosis, making biomarker detection considerably important. Immune infiltrates in microenvironment is associated with patients’ survival in PC. The role of TPM4 (Tropomyosin 4) gene in PC has not been reported. Our study first identifies TPM4 expression and its potential biological functions in PC. The potential oncogenic roles of TPM4 was examined using the datasets of TCGA (The cancer genome atlas) and GEO (Gene expression omnibus). We investigated the clinical significance and prognostic value of TPM4 gene based on The Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and survival analysis. TIMER and TISIDB databases were used to analyze the correlations between TPM4 gene and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. We found that the expression level of TPM4 was upregulated in PC malignant tissues with the corresponding normal tissues as controls. High TPM4 expression was correlated with the worse clinicopathological features and poor prognosis in PC cohorts. The positive association between TPM4 expression and tumor-infiltrating immune cells was identified in tumor microenvironment (TME). Moreover, functional enrichment analysis suggested that TPM4 might participate in cell adhesion and promote tumor cell migration. This is the first comprehensive study to disclose that TPM4 may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker associating with immune infiltrates and provide a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of PC.This study is not a clinical trial without the registration number.
LncRNA-BG Inhibited Th17 Cells Differentiation By Targeting RORγt Protein.
Authors: he hanlin , qiu xiangjie , qi mingming , Bajinka Ousman , qin ling , TAN YURONG
Published: March 2021

Background: In our previous study, we obtained lncRNA-BG related to COPD through high-throughput screening, but we could not determine the specific mechanism involved. To this responds, here, we designed this study to verify whether lncRNA-BG could regulate the differentiation of Th17 cells and its mechanism. Methods: The interaction between lncRNA-BG and RORγt protein was predicted using bioinformatics approaches. This was then confirmed by RNA pull down and dual luciferase reporter assay. The correlation between lncRNA-BG and Th17 cell differentiation was verified among patients with COPD and in vitro culture experiment. Meanwhile, the regulatory effect of lncRNA-BG on Th17 cell differentiation was determined by regulation the expression level of lncRNA-BG. Results: LncRNA-BG could bind with RORγt protein and inhibit the differentiation of Th17 cells. LncRNA-BG was significantly negatively correlated with Th17 differentiation in patients with COPD and in vitro experiment. The decrease level of LncRNA-BG could promote Th17 differentiation, while the increase level of LncRNA-BG could inhibit Th17 differentiation. Conclusion: LncRNA-BG directly targets RORγt protein, inhibits the mutual binding of RORγt and IL-17 gene promoter, and eventually inhibits Th17 differentiation. LncRNA-BG as a potential target may confer applications in the clinical treatment and diagnosis of Th17-related diseases.
Identification of a Programmed Cell Death-related Signature for Prediction of Osteosarcoma
Authors: Xu Ankai , Lin Jinti , Yu Wei , Jin Jiakang , Liu Bing , Tao Huimin
Published: March 2021

Background: This study aims to perform bioinformatics analysis of programmed cell death-related genes (PCDGs) in osteosarcoma, and to construct a multi-gene signature for predicting the prognosis.Methods: The functional enrichment analysis was applied for prognostic PCDGs, and PPI network as well as drug-gene interactions were constructed. In order to set up the prognosis evaluation system, we established a prognosis model by integrating PCDGs. The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) logistic regression analysis as well as the multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis were used to construct the five-genes signature (MUC1, TCF7L2, TGFB2, TRIAP1, CBS) for prediction in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) cohort. According to the median risk score, survival analysis was conducted to evaluate the prognostic value of the risk score in GEO cohort. Next, by combining other clinic-pathological independent prognostic factor, stage at diagnosis, a nomogram was established to predict individual survival probability. Result: GO analysis showed that the 15 prognostic PCDGs were mainly enriched in apoptotic signaling pathway, regulation of secretion and p53 signaling pathway. KEGG analysis showed that aforesaid genes were mainly related to PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, diverse neoplasms signaling pathway and hepatitis B. Drug-gene interactions displayed available drugs for influencing osteosarcoma via programmed cell death, such as adalimumab, tacrolimus and sirolimus. The risk score was constructed based on 5 genes and patients were significantly divided into high-risk and low-risk groups according to overall survival. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, risk score was still an independent prognostic factor (HR = 2.526, 95% CI = 1.597−3.994, P < 0.001). Cumulative curve showed that low-risk score patients were significantly had better prognosis than that of patients with high-risk score (P < 0.001). The external independent TARGET cohort proved the validity of risk score model and the nomograph.Conclusion: From the facet of programmed cell death, we provided a multi-gene signatureand the nomograph for the prognostic predictors of osteosarcoma patients, and available drugs displayed may provide promising treatment strategies.
Machine-learning-based children’s pathological gait classification with low-cost gait-recognition system
Authors: Xu Linghui , Chen Jiansong , Wang Fei , Chen Yuting , Yang Wei , Yang Canjun
Published: March 2021

Background: Pathological gaits of children may lead to terrible diseases, such as osteoarthritis or scoliosis. By monitoring the gait pattern of a child, proper therapeutic measures can be recommended to avoid the terrible consequence. However, low-cost systems for pathological gait recognition of children automatically have not been on market yet. Our goal was to design a low-cost gait-recognition system for children with only pressure information.Methods: In this study, we design a pathological gait-recognition system (PGRS) with an 8 × 8 pressure-sensor array. An intelligent gait-recognition method (IGRM) based on machine learning and pure plantar pressure information is also proposed in static and dynamic sections to realize high accuracy and good real-time performance. To verifying the recognition effect, a total of seventeen children were recruited in the experiments wearing PGRS to recognize three pathological gaits (toe in, toe out, and flat) and normal gait. Children are asked to walk naturally on level ground in the dynamic section or stand naturally and comfortably in the static section. The evaluation of the performance of recognition results included stratified 10-fold cross-validation with recall, precision, and a time cost as metrics.Results: The experimental results show that all of the IGRMs have been identified with a practically applicable degree of average accuracy either in the dynamic or static section. Experimental results indicate that the IGRM has 92.41% and 97.79% recognition accuracy respectively in the static and dynamic sections. And we find methods in the static section have less recognition accuracy due to the unnatural gesture of children when standing.Conclusions: In this study, a low-cost PGRS has been verified and realize feasibility, highly average precision, and good real-time performance of gait recognition. The experimental results reveal the potential for the computer supervision of non-pathological and pathological gaits in the plantar-pressure patterns of children and for providing feedback in the application of gait-abnormality rectification.
Fusion Energy: On the track of a different philosophy and solution
Authors: Ferro Joao
Published: March 2021

When two (or more) nuclei fuse, to form a heavier element, a known quantity of energy is released. The process seems easily to be described, at least to some degree. And the today technological development on the subject has been introducing applications in many areas. Even so, there are some challenges before we can be able to provide energy by an appropriated fusion process: high needs of power, plasma confinement issues, heavy equipment, etc.The present idea intends to show a different view. The author calls, in a broad sense, a Conceptual Thesis, and it has the Natural Language as principal tool. The author either explicitly or implicitly discusses the space-time fabric, double-slit experiment, and other concepts like non-duality. One nano-apparatus draft with the purpose to be in the scope of a near future research, closes the picture.
Active Supplementation With Magnesium Sulfate May Be Associated With Worse Prognosis in Sepsis: A Retrospective Analysis of The MIMIC-IV Database
Authors: Li Lulan , Zhou Shiyu , Huang Qiaobing , Hu Hongbin , Wu Jie , Chen Zhongqing , An Shengli , Zeng Zhenhua
Published: March 2021

Background: Magnesium plays pivotal roles in physiological processes. Previous studies have shown that magnesium acts as an important mediator in ameliorating cellular injury and preventing the release of proinflammatory cytokines in septic patients. Therefore, we speculated that the serum magnesium ion level may affect the outcome of sepsis. However, research in this area is rarely reported and it is worth exploring.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study based on the MIMIC-IV database. According to the time-weighted magnesium levels during the ICU stay, we analyzed the relationship between serum magnesium levels and 28-day mortality and 90-day mortality using a time-dependent Cox proportional hazard model and restricted cubic splines. Additionally, we examined the effect of magnesium sulfate supplementation on prognosis with a time-fixed and time-dependent Cox model and restricted cubic splines.Results: In total, 8175 patients were included in this study. Patients with hypo-, normo- and hypermagnesemia were 22.87%, 66.84%, and 10.29%, respectively. When adjusted for confounders, hypermagnesemia was significantly associated with both 28-day mortality (HR=1.42, 95% CI=1.23-1.64, p<0.001) and 90-day mortality (HR=1.42, 95% CI=1.24-1.64, p<0.001). However, no significant difference was found between hypomagnesemia and mortality of septic patients (28-day mortality: HR=1.09, 95% CI=0.86-1.37, p=0.486, 90-day mortality: HR=1.06, 95%=0.85-1.34, p=0.573). For those who received magnesium sulfate supplementation, there was no significant difference among hypo-, normo-, and hypermagnesemia before MgSO4 supplementation. Interestingly, subsequent hypermagnesemia (28-day mortality: HR=1.44, 95% CI=1.17-1.78, p=0.001, 90-day mortality: HR=1.43, 95% CI=1.16-1.77, p=0.001), and even still hypomagnesemia (28-day mortality: HR=1.51, 95% CI=1.15-1.99, p=0.003, 90-day mortality: HR=1.53, 95% CI=1.18-1.99, p=0.001) after MgSO4 supplement were significantly associated with increased 28-day and 90-day mortality after adjustment for confounders.Conclusion: Hypermagnesemia was significantly associated with higher risk of 28-day mortality and 90-day mortality. Active supplementation with magnesium sulfate may be associated with a worse prognosis in sepsis.
A Multi-Method Approach to Modeling COVID-19 Disease Dynamics in the United States
Authors: Mokhtari Amir , Mineo Cameron , Kriseman Jeffrey , Kremer Pedro , Neal Lauren , Larson John
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we proposed a multi-method modeling approach to community-level COVID-19 disease spread. Our methodology was composed of interconnected age-stratified system dynamics models in an agent-based modeling framework that allowed for a granular examination of the scale and severity of disease spread including metrics such as infection cases, deaths, hospitalizations, and ICU usage. Model parameters were calibrated using an optimization technique with an objective function to minimize error associated with the cumulative cases of COVID-19 during a training period between March 15 and October 31, 2020. We outlined several case studies to demonstrate the model’s state- and local-level projection capabilities. We further demonstrated how model outcomes could be used to access perceived levels of COVID-19 risk across different localities using a multi-criteria decision analysis framework. The model’s two, three, and four week out-of-sample projection errors varied on a state-by-state basis, and generally increased as the out-of-sample projection period was extended. Additionally, the error in the state-level projections was generally due to an underestimation of cases and an overestimation of deaths. The proposed modeling approach can be used as a virtual laboratory to investigate a wide range of what-if scenarios and easily adapted to future high-consequence public health threats.
Interval Estimation of Motion Intensity Variation using the Improved Inception-V3 Model
Authors: Wang Wendong , Li Hanhao , Zhao Chengzhi , Kong Dezhi , Zhang Peng
Published: March 2021

In the process of acute resistance exercise, repeated variation in motion intensity can lead to muscle fatigue and heart failure. Therefore, acquiring the interval of motion intensity variation in time the training pattern and effect can be improved by acquiring the interval of motion intensity variation. In order to achieve this goal, an improved Inception-V3 model is proposed for motion intensity variation interval estimation. The MIVIE(Motion Intensity Variation Interval Estimation) dataset consisting of Strong, Moderate, Weak groups achieve centralized and uninterrupted collection. Then, the multi-modal fusion vectors of time-frequency eigenvalues are stacked up to 227 × 227 grayscale images fed into improved inception-CNN. Finally, the manipulator's trajectory optimization is completed under the guidance of ATO-DQN (Adaptive Trajectory Optimization-Deep Q Network) algorithm based on the motion intensity interval estimation. This work can improve the non-stationary effect of motor speed caused by changes in motion intensity during rehabilitation, which can better guarantee the safety of patients.
Accuracy of Conventional and Novel Scoring Systems in Predicting Severity and Outcomes in Acute Pancreatitis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Wu Qing , Wang Jie , Qin Mengbin , Yang Huiying , Liang Zhihai , Tang Guodu
Published: March 2021

Backgroud: Recently there are several novel scoring systems to evaluate the severity and outcomes of acute pancreatitis. This study is to compare the effectiveness of novel and traditional scoring systems for predicting severity and outcomes in acute pancreatitis.Methods: Patients between January 2003 and August 2020 were reviewed. Ranson score (RS), Glasgow score (GS), beside index of severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP), pancreatic activity scoring system (PASS), and Chinese simple scoring system (CSSS) were determined within 48h after admission. Multivariate logistic regression was used for severity, mortality, and organ failure prediction. Optimum cutoffs were identified using ROC analysis.Results: A total of 1848 patients were included. AUCs of RS, GS, BISAP, PASS, and CSSS for severity prediction were 0.861, 0.865, 0.829, 0.778, and 0.816, respectively. AUCs for mortality prediction were 0.693, 0.736, 0.789, 0.858, and 0.759. AUCs for ARDS prediction were 0.745, 0.784, 0.834, 0.936, and 0.820. AUCs for ARF prediction were 0.707, 0.734, 0.781, 0.868, and 0.816.Conclusions: RS, and GS predict severity superior to mortality and organ failure while PASS predicts mortality and organ failure better. BISAP and CSSS shared steady capacity in severity and outcomes prediction.
HSYA inhibits Aβ1-42 -induced neuroinflammation by promoting microglial M2 polarization via TREM2/TLR4/NF- κB pathway in BV-2 cells.
Authors: Ren Mengqiao , Zhang Mengyu , Zhang Xiaoyan , Wang Chunhui , Zheng Yanjie , Hu Yan-li
Published: March 2021

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), an extract from Carthamus tinctorius L. Dry flowers (Compositae). HSYA has been shown to have neuroprotective effects in several AD models. However, the exact mechanisms of HSYA regulate neuroinflammation have still not been clarified. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which HSYA regulates microglia activation and neuroinflammation via TREM2, and further clarified its underlying molecular mechanism. We silenced TREM2 in BV-2 cells and evaluated the expression of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-13). The results showed that HSYA could up-regulate cell activity and improve the morphology of BV-2 cells injured by Aβ1−42. HSYA up-regulated expression of M1 markers (iNOS, IL-1β, IL-6) and down-regulated expression of M2 markers (Arg-1, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13) by TREM2, and changed microglia from M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype to M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype. HSYA inhibited the activation of TLR4/ NF-κB transduction pathway induced by Aβ1−42 by up-regulating TREM2, and regulated the transcription of inflammatory cytokines by downstream transcription factors NF-κB p65 and IκB-α. In conclusion, HSYA regulated microglial inflammatory phenotype by regulating microglial (M1/M2) polarization in Aβ1−42-induced BV-2 cells which may be mediated through TREM2/TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality Among Suspected Stroke Patients, Mashhad, Iran: An Application of Autologistic Regression Model
Authors: Shakeri Mohammad Taghi , Nazar Isa , Saki Azadeh , Yousefi Razieh , Hadianfar Ali , Sasannezhad Payam , jafari Zahra
Published: March 2021

Background

Stroke is the second leading cause of death in adults worldwide. There are remarkable geographical variations in the accessibility to emergency medical services (EMS), and transport delays have been documented worldwide to affect stroke outcomes significantly. Therefore, this study examines whether there are spatial variations in in-hospital mortality among suspected stroke patients transferred by EMS and attempts to determine its related factors using the auto logistic regression model.
Methods

In this historical cohort study, suspected stroke patients transferred to Ghaem Hospital of Mashhad by the EMS from April 2018 to March 2019 were included. Using emergency mission IDs, the baseline EMS data were integrated with the follow-up hospital records. The autologistic regression model was applied to examine the possible geographical variations in in-hospital mortality and its related factors. All analysis was carried out by SPSS version 16 and R 4.0.0 at the significant level of 0.05.
Results

1,222 suspected stroke patients were included in this study, and the in-hospital mortality rate was 14.2%. Overall in-hospital stroke mortality was related to age, accessibility rate of an ambulance, screening time, and length of stay (p < 0.05). After stratifying by sex, we observed that mortality in men was related to age and length of stay, whereas, in women, variables of age, length of stay, accessibility rate of an ambulance, and screening time had a significant effect on in-hospital mortality among suspected stroke patients (p < 0.05).
Conclusion

Our results showed considerable geographical variations in in-hospital stroke mortality in Mashhad neighborhoods. Also, age- and sex-adjusted results from this study highlight the direct association between accessibility rate of an ambulance, screening time and length of stay, and in-hospital stroke mortality. The prognosis of in-hospital stroke mortality could be improved by reducing delay time and increasing the EMS access rate.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons removal from aqueous solution with PABA-MCM-41/polyethersulfone mixed matrix membranes
Authors: Costa José Arnaldo S. , Sarmento Victor H. V. , Romão Luciane P. C. , Paranhos Caio M.
Published: March 2021

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are one of the most recalcitrant pollutant originated from the burning of coal, petroleum, and other fossil fuels. The human exposure to PAHs may contribute to develop several carcinogenesis mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to develop a mixed matrix membrane (MMM) based on polyethersulfone (PES) and functionalized mesoporous material for the remediation of PAHs mixture by adsorption processes. MCM-41-based mesoparticles were obtained from biomass reuse of rice husk ash (RHA) and functionalized with p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). The hydrothermal and casting methods were effective and sustainable in the preparation of PABA-MCM-41 and PES-based MMMs, respectively. PES-based MMMs presented an excellent distribution of the arrays incorporated and small-angle ordering. The absorption of PAHs was influenced by the incorporation of PABA-MCM-41 within the PES matrix.
Low temperature magnetic properties of erbium doped Bismuth nano-ferrites
Authors: Gadwala Naveena , Ravinder D , Edapalli Sumalatha , K Vani , Thota Rajender
Published: March 2021

Nano-crystalline Pure and Erbium(Er) substituted Bismuth ferrite nano-particles were synthesized by the citrate-gel auto combustion method. Synthesized powders were sintered at 5000C for five hours in an air and characterized by XRD, TEM and HR-TEM. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed distorted rhombohedral structure of the ferrites. The surface morphology and particle size of the samples was observed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The lattice parameter, crystalline size, X-ray density has been calculated from d-spacing. The perceived results can be explained depending on doping concentration. Temperature dependence of magnetic properties of Bi-Er nano-particles were carried out by using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The magnetization as a function of applied field at ± 100 Oe was carried out at 3K and 300K. Zero field cooled and (ZFC) and Field cooled (FC) magnetization measurements under an applied of 100 Oe in the temperature range of 3-360K. These measurements give the results of blocking temperature (Tb) at around 350K.
Metabo-tip: a Metabolomics Platform for Lifestyle Monitoring
Authors: Brunmair Julia , Bileck Andrea , Stimpfl Thomas , Raible Florian , Favero Giorgia Del , Meier-Menches Samuel M. , Gerner Christopher
Published: March 2021

Exposure to bioactive compounds from nutrition, pharmaceuticals, environmental contaminants or other lifestyle habits may affect the human organism. To gain insight into the effects of these influences, as well as the fundamental biochemical mechanisms behind them, molecular profiling seems promising. To address this problem, we developed an assay for the analysis of sweat, collected from finger tips, using mass spectrometry – by far the most comprehensive and sensitive method for such analyses. To evaluate this assay, called metabo-tip, we exposed volunteers to various xenobiotics using standardized protocols and investigated their metabolic response. As early as 15 minutes after the consumption of a cup of coffee, 50g of dark chocolate or a serving of citrus fruits, significant changes in the sweat composition of the finger tips could be observed, providing relevant information in regards to the ingested substances. This included bioactive compounds such as natural flavonoids as well as potential hazardous substances such as pesticides. Furthermore, the identification of metabolites from nicotine after cigarette smoking and metabolites from orally ingested medications such as metamizole indicated the applicability of this assay to observe specific enzymatic processes. Remarkably, we found that the sweat composition fluctuated in a diurnal rhythm, supporting the hypothesis that the composition of sweat can be influenced by endogenous metabolic activities. This was further corroborated by the finding that histamine was significantly increased in the metabo-tip assay in individuals with allergic reactions. Metab-tip may thus enable direct access to individual metabolic profiles and may thus support predictive preventive personalised medicine (PPPM).
Flood Vulnerability Assessment Using the Triangular Fuzzy Number-based Analytic Hierarchy Process and Support Vector Machine Model for the Belt and Road Region
Authors: Duan Yu , Xiong Junnan , Cheng Weiming , Wang Nan , Li Yi , He Yufeng , Liu Jun , He Wen , Yang Gang
Published: March 2021

Floods are one of the most serious natural disasters. Flood disaster losses in the developing countries in the Belt and Road region are more than twice the global average. However, to date, the extent of the vulnerability of the Belt and Road Region remains poorly understood. This study sought to address this knowledge gap. In this study, the flood vulnerability throughout the Belt and Road region was evaluated by adopting the triangular fuzzy number-based analytic hierarchy process (TFN-AHP) and the support vector machine (SVM) model. According to the results, the vulnerability of most areas (47,105,300 km2) is low or extremely low, accounting for 93% of the Belt and Road region. The highly-vulnerable areas (accounting for 3.54%) are primarily concentrated in the southern and eastern parts of China, northern India, most areas of Bangladesh, the Indus Valley in Pakistan, the Nile River Basin in Egypt, and the central region of Indonesia. From a local perspective, in the Belt and Road region, many major cities have higher vulnerability, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Compared with the three typical cities, the level of vulnerability in other cities (including Bangkok, Bangalore, Cairo, Riyadh, and Moscow) is lower, due to their higher disaster reduction capability. Thus, these highly vulnerable regions and cities coincide with areas characterized by frequent economic activity and dense populations. Based on these results, this study provides scientific and technological evidence for the prevention and mitigation of flood disasters in the countries along the Belt and Road region.
Anti-TB Evaluation of Novel 2,3-Dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-Ones and in Silico Studies of The Active Compounds
Authors: Dutta Apurba , Trivedi Priyanka , Gogoi Dipshikha , Chetia Pankaj , Chaturvedi Vinita , Sarma Diganta
Published: March 2021

In vitro anti-tubercular activity of a series of 15 novel 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one analogues were evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra (ATCC 25177 strain). Among the series, seven compounds showed moderate to good anti-TB activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 25.0-12.5 μg/mL. Further, in silico experiments were carried out to identify the probable ligand-protein interaction. Molecular docking of the target compounds into the active site of enzymes 1DQY Antigen 85C from Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and 2NSD Enoyl Acyl Carrier Protein Reductase reveals notable information on the possible binding interactions.
5G Multi-Carrier Modulation Techniques: Prototype Filters, Power Spectral Density, and Bit Error Rate Performance
Authors: Nilofer Shaik , Malik Praveen Kumar
Published: March 2021

In recent years for fourth-generation wireless communication systems Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) multi-carrier modulation (MCM) has been an excellent choice. But for the fifth-generation air interface, the choice of multi-carrier modulation remains the biggest challenge. A potential multi-carrier modulation or candidate waveforms are required for the design of the physical layer. This paper highlights the merits and limitations of new candidate waveforms for fifth-generation wireless communication system. This paper mainly reviews Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, Filtered-OFDM (F-OFDM), Universal Frequency Division Multiplexing (UFMC), Filtered Bank Multi-Carrier Modulation (FBMC), and Generalized Frequency Division Multiplexing (GFDM). This paper mainly reviews some of the comparisons of the parameters as power spectral density and bit error rate.
Study on the Abrasive Retention Capacity on the Surface of Electroplated Diamond Wire Saw
Authors: Zheng Jintao , Xie Qian , Ge Peiqi , Meng Jianfeng , Bi Wenbo
Published: March 2021

The quality and efficiency of slicing will be reduced if the abrasives on the surface of diamond wire saw shed in sawing. Generally, the diamond abrasives are held on the surface of electroplated diamond wire saw by a nickel-plated layer, and the abrasive retention state, reflecting abrasive shedding, can be characterized by the plastic deformation of the plating layer at the interface between the nickel-plated layer and the abrasive. To gain an in-depth understanding of the abrasive shedding mechanism, a finite element model of the double-cone diamond abrasive embedded in a nickel-plated layer was established in this paper to research the effects of the residual compressive stress and hardness of the nickel-plated layer as well as the protrusion height of the diamond abrasive on the abrasive retention capacity. The results show that the presence of the residual compressive stress in the nickel-plated layer resulted in the decrease of the abrasive retention capacity. And the higher hardness of the nickel-plated layer could enhance its abrasive retention capacity. Furthermore, the depth of the diamond abrasive inside the nickel-plated layer was decreased with the increase of its protrusion height, which would reduce the abrasive retention capacity. Based on the results of the finite element analysis, a calculation procedure of abrasive shedding rate was presented. Subsequently, the slicing experiment of a single crystal silicon rod was carried out by the Meyer Burger RTD6800 multi-wire sawing machine and the electroplated diamond wire saw with a core wire diameter of 65μm. The abrasive shedding rate of the diamond wire saw caused by sawing was analyzed theoretically and experimentally. The research work is of great significance to improve the quality detection and evaluation of electroplated diamond wire saw.
Giant pediatric intracranial tumor: Size feature and surgical strategy
Authors: Zhang Zhongding , Fang Huangyi , Jing Xiepan , Pang Cheng , Yang Yue , Zhou Lingli , Bai Guanghui , Sheng Hangsong
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To quantify the size of the giant pediatric intracranial tumor (GPIT), analyze the character of GPIT and optimize the management of GPIT.Materials and methods: This study analyzes the clinical data of 36 cases of GPIT at a center from January 2015 to August 2020. The volume of GPITs were measured by 3D slicer software based on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Result: The mean volume of GPITs is 110.7ml, with the maximum volume 619.8ml and the minimum volume 27.3ml. Hemisphere held the largest mean volume of GPIT among all locations, including 7 cases whose volume is over 100ml. There is no statistical difference in volume of GPIT between sex. The most common sites of GPITs are hemisphere and cerebellum. Other locations include ventricle, sellar-parasellar region and cerebropontine angle. Medulloblastoma is the most common postoperative histopathological type, other types contain ependymoma, pilocytic astrocytoma, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT), choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC), choroid plexus papilloma（CPP）, oligodendroglioma, primitive neuroectoderm tumor (PNET), immature teratoma and yolk sac tumor. 28 cases achieved total resections while 4 cases only achieved subtotal resections. The patient with giant immature teratoma died during the operation because of bleeding. High-grade malignant tumors indicate poorer prognosis.Conclusion: GPIT is a common disease in children with unfavorable prognosis, especially in high-grade malignant tumors like CPC, PNET and AR/RT. Volume measurement based on MRI is an effective approach to access and compare the sizes of GPITs. Operation can expend the survival periods of the patients. Surgical strategies should be chosen according to the location and pathological feature of the tumors.
SUMO1 modification of IGF-1R combining with SLUG inhibited osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs stimulated by high glucose
Authors: Jiang Rongrong , Wang Miao , Shen Xiaobo , Huang Shuai , Han Jianpeng , Li Lei , Xu Zhiliang , Jiang Chengfeng , Zhou Qiao , Feng Xingmei
Published: March 2021

Background: Periodontal disease, an oral disease characterized by loss of alveolar bone and progressive teeth loss, is the sixth major complication of diabetes. It is spreading worldwide as it is difficult to be cured. The insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) plays an important role in regulating functional impairment associated with diabetes. However, it is unclear whether IGF-1R expression in periodontal tissue is associated with periodontal bone tissue destruction in diabetic patients. SUMO modification has been reported in various diseases and are associated with an increasing number of biological processes, but previous studies have not focused on diabetic periodontitis.Methods: Periodontal membrane stem cells (PDLSCs) were isolated and cultured from healthy human obstructed teeth after extraction or adolescent orthodontic subtractive extraction. PDLSCs were cultured with medical 5% sterile glucose solution formulated as osteogenic differentiation induction solution with different glucose concentrations. The effects of different glucose concentrations on the osteogenic differentiation ability of PDLSCs were investigated at the genetic and cellular levels using staining assay, Western Blot, RT-PCR, Co-IP and cytofluorescence.Results: We found that SLUG, RUNX2 expression was decreased in PDLSCs cultured in high glucose osteogenic induction solution compared with normal glucose osteogenic induction solution. In addition, the IGF-1R expression levels, osteogenic differentiation and sumoylation of IGF-1R in PDLSCs cultured in high glucose osteogenic induction solution were not consistent with those cultured in normal glucose osteogenic induction solution.Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that SUMO1 modification of IGF-1R in high glucose environment inhibited osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs by binding to SLUG, a key factor leading to periodontal bone tissue loss in diabetic patients. Thus we can maximize the control of multiple downstream damage signaling factors and bring new hope for periodontal tissue regeneration in diabetic patients.
Combined exercise training-induced improvements in executive functions are related to baseline plasmatic levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in middle-aged adults and older with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Silveira-Rodrigues João Gabriel da , Nogueira Nathálya Gardênia de Holanda Marinho , Faria Larissa Oliveira , Pereira Daniele Sirineu , Soares Danusa Dias
Published: March 2021

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) affects many cognitive functions and aerobic plus resistance exercise training, named combined training (CT), by improving metabolic control may mitigate or reverse the cognitive impairment T2DM-related. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a substantial role in cognitive functions. However, the effects of CT on BDNF levels of T2DM subjects are poorly known.Aim: This study analyzed the effects of 8 weeks of CT on circulating BDNF levels and assessed whether plasmatic BDNF levels were related to CT-induced improvements in executive functions and long-term memory of T2DM subjects.Methods: Thirty-five (63 ± 8 years old) T2DM subjects of both sexes entered into CT (n = 17, thrice-weekly during 8 weeks) or control group (CONT, n = 18). Executive functions (measured through Trail making test, Stroop color task, and Digit Span), long-term memory (measured through the simplified version of Taylor Complex Figure Test), and blood samples were evaluated pre- and post-intervention.Results: Pre-CT plasma BDNF levels were positively related to CT-induced improvements on executive functions composite z-score (r = 0.71), inhibitory control (r = 0.58) and cognitive flexibility (r = 0.56), but not to long-term memory. Plasma BDNF levels were not statistically changed (pre-CT: 179 ± 88 pg/ml; post-CT: 148 ± 108 pg/ml; pre-CONT: 163 ± 71 pg/ml; post-CONT: 141 ± 84 pg/ml, p > 0.05).Conclusion: Higher pre-training BDNF levels might be a potentializing factor of the training-induced improvements on executive functions, independently of the training-alterations in resting BDNF levels of T2DM subjects.
Synthesis of some new 1-(5-((1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)-2-aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-3(2H)-yl) ethanone derivatives and study their antimicrobial activity
Authors: Asif Mohammad , Alghamdi Saad , Alshehri Mohammed M. , Kamal Mehnaz
Published: March 2021

Ethyl 2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)acetate (1) was synthesized by the reaction of ethylchloroacetate with 1H-pyrazole, Then compound (1) refluxed with hydrazine hydrate to get 2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl) acetohydrazide (2). Compound (2) was reaction with appropriate aryl aldehyde to get schiff bases N'-arylidine-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)acetohydrazide derivatives (3a-3f). schiff’s base (3a-3e) were cyclized by reflux with acetic anhydride to get new 1-(5-((1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)-2-aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-3(2H)-yl)ethanone derivatives (4a-4e). The structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, mass spectra, and elemental analysis data. Synthesized compounds (4a-4e) were evaluated as antibacterial agents against some common pathogenic bacteria Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Psuedomonas aeruginosa). The result of antibacterial activity was compared with standard drugs (Ciprofloxacin and Tetracycline).
Insulin Increases Central Aortic Stiffness in Response To Hyperglycemia in Healthy Humans: A Randomized Four-Way Crossover Study
Authors: Horton William B , Jahn Linda A , Hartline Lee M , Aylor Kevin W , Patrie James T , Barrett Eugene J
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Increasing arterial stiffness is a feature of vascular aging that is accelerated by conditions that enhance cardiovascular risk, including diabetes mellitus. Multiple studies demonstrate divergence of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and augmentation index in persons with diabetes mellitus, though mechanisms responsible for this are unclear.Materials and Methods: We tested the effect of acutely and independently increasing plasma glucose, plasma insulin, or both on hemodynamic function and markers of arterial stiffness (including carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, forward and backward wave reflection amplitude, and wave reflection magnitude) in a four-arm, randomized study of healthy young adults.Results: Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity increased only during hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemia (+0.36 m/s; p=0.032), while other markers of arterial stiffness did not change (all p>0.05). Heart rate (+3.62 bpm; p=0.009), mean arterial pressure (+4.14 mmHg; p=0.033), central diastolic blood pressure (+4.16 mmHg; p=0.038), and peripheral diastolic blood pressure (+4.09 mmHg; p=0.044) also significantly increased during hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemia.Conclusions: Hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemia acutely increased cfPWV, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and diastolic blood pressure in healthy humans, perhaps reflecting enhanced sympathetic tone. Whether repeated bouts of hyperglycemia with hyperinsulinemia contribute to chronically-enhanced arterial stiffness remains unknown. (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03520569; registered 9 May 2018).Clinical Trial Information: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03520569 (registered 9 May 2018).
Russian Labour Market: Trends and Transformations
Authors:   Zabaykalsky state University, Tomskikh A.
Published: March 2021

he article deals with the multifactorial aspects of the labour market development as a special economic category: stages of development, impact of the economic crisis, trends during the pandemic, movement of employment and unemployment, etc. The analysis of the situation on the labour market, both in the whole world, and in the context of Russia and its subjects, is carried out. Trends in the development of the labour market are shown through the prism of global trends in economic development and the specifics of decision-making at the level of the Russian Federation since 1989, the period of transformation of its socio-economic development and entry into the world market. Much attention is paid to the situational response of the labour market to the global coronavirus pandemic in terms of analyzing the supply and demand of vacancies, salaries and their dynamics over the past year of the largest recruitment portal in the country. The risk sectors of the labour market development are shown for the territory of Russia as a whole, federal districts and subjects of the federation. The conclusion is made about sufficient decisions of the government of the Russian Federation in the pre-crisis period and forced anti-crisis actions during the pandemic in the conditions of long-term sanctions by key world actors. The measures necessary for the adoption of federal decisions to reduce the strain on the labour market in the long term, taking into account the reduction in the economy’s income, are outlined: closing more territories or sectors of the labor market to foreign labour, organizing jobs at real enterprises, optimizing the flow of domestic labour migration and new technological solutions in the economy
Formation of a management mechanism for industrial enterprises
Authors:   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, Baoyu U.
Published: March 2021

The article presents current problems faced by industrial enterprises related to the impact of the coronavirus epidemic. Difficulties arising from the production of industrial products, which are directly related to restrictive measures, are disclosed. The key directions of companies in the field of processing are defined, namely: creation of a corporate information management system, improvement of the cash management system, introduction of such mechanisms as” implementation of remote office “and” promotion of production automation. Currently, many manufacturing companies have urgent needs for remote collaborative task management, project management, workflow management, and other software. At the same time, they pay more attention to the practical application of BI, big data analysis, and artificial intelligence. The key advantages of processes for automation and intelligent modernization of fixed assets are identified. It is proved that integration of remote control, intelligent equipment and a high level of automation into production and management processes of industrial enterprises will contribute to development in the short and long term. The main task of the presented research is to determine the key features and relationships of the elements of the management mechanism of industrial enterprises among themselves. At the same time, it was possible to form a conceptual management model based on them. To do this, it is necessary to determine the role of the industrial enterprise management mechanism in the management system. The General structural model of the industrial enterprise management mechanism in the conditions of remote control of divisions is formed. The main goal of integrating the management mechanism of an industrial enterprise is to increase competitive advantages and increase profits
Zum Handel zwischen Dorpat/Tartu und Pleskau/Pskov im frühen 17. Jahrhundert
Authors: Angermann Norbert
Published: March 2021

Zum Handel zwischen Dorpat/Tartu und Pleskau/Pskov im frühen 17. Jahrhundert
Hanse, Westeuropa und die Ausbreitung der Reformation
Authors: Veltmann Claus
Published: March 2021

Die Hanse, Westeuropa und die Ausbreitung der Reformation. Eine Skizze über die Rolle von Hansekaufleuten im europäischen Konfessionalisierungsprozess.
Ausgrenzung, Eingrenzung, Assimilation?
Authors: Bulach Doris
Published: March 2021

Ausgrenzung, Eingrenzung, Assimilation? Slawen und Deutsche im Mittelalterlichen Handwerk des südlichen Ostseeraums und Brandenburgs.
Zur Rostocker Universitätsgeschichte im 15. und 16. Jahrhundert
Authors: Pluns Marko Andrej
Published: March 2021

Zur Rostocker Universitätsgeschichte im 15. und 16. Jahrhundert. Stadt, Landesherren und wendische Städte - ein altes Thema neu beleuchtet
Danziger Pfundzollbuch von 1409 und 1411
Authors: Jenks Stuart
Published: March 2021

Das Danziger Pfundzollbuch von 1409 und 1411. Einleitung.
Hansekontor in Bergen im Spätmittelalter
Authors: Burkhardt Mike
Published: March 2021

Das Hansekontor in Bergen im Spätmittelalter. Organisation und Struktur.
Scharfrichter in Preussischen und Livländischen Städten um die Wende des Mittelalters und der frühen Neuzeit
Authors: Jeziorski Pawel
Published: March 2021

Scharfrichter in Preussischen und Livländischen Städten um die Wende des Mittelalters und der frühen Neuzeit. Bemerkungen zum Projekt "Infamie (Ehrlosigkeit) in Preussischen, Livländischen und Nordwestrussischen Städten in Mittelalter und in der Frühen Neuzeit".
Altstadt, Neustadt, Schadegard
Authors: Slon Marek
Published: March 2021

Altstadt, Neustadt, Schadegard. Zu den drei Stadtgründungen in Stralsund.
Zur Sozialgeschichte der Armenfürsorge in den Städten des südlichen Ostseeraums (13.-16. Jahrhundert)
Authors: Rabeler Sven
Published: March 2021

Zur Sozialgeschichte der Armenfürsorge in den Städten des südlichen Ostseeraums (13.-16. Jahrhundert). Ein Forschungsprojekt.