bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KOMPOSISI GUILD BURUNG DI KAWASAN RAWA KALANG KABUPATEN HULU SUNGAI SELATAN
Authors: Riefani Maulana Khalid
Published: July 2021

Abstrak.Keanekaragaman jenis burung di rawa kalang Kabupaten Hulu Sungai Selatan (HSS) dapat dijadikan sebagai indikator karena kehidupan burung dipengaruhi faktor biotik dan abioti.kualitas lingkungan.Penelitian bertujuan untuk menganalisis keanekaragamanjenis burung dan komposisi guild burung di kawasan rawa kalang.Melalui titik kelimpahan dan penjelajahan, burung kawasan rawa kalang diamati dan diidentifikasi visualdan didokumentasikan.Parameter yang didata adalah tipe habitat, jam dan menit kehadiran, nama spesies, dan jumlah individu. Data ditabulasidan dianalisis keanekaragaman jenisnya. Status perlindungan, konservasi,perdagangan, dan pemanfaatan  sumber daya pakan. Hasil pengambilan data dalam rangkaian kegiatan penelitian lapangan pada bulan Mei, Juli, dan Agustus 2017 mengidentifikasi 59 spesies burung dari 32 famili burung yang menggunakan habitat rawa kalang untuk beraktivitas. Tujuh belas diantara burung kawasan rawa kalang dilindungi PP No 7 Tahun 1999.Indeks keanekaragaman burung di kawasan rawa kalang sedang (H’ = 1,121). Komposisi guildyang paling banyak ditemukan adalah kelompok pemakan invertebrata dan vertebratasebesar 38,98%. Kata kunci: keanekaragaman, burung,rawa kalang,habitat, guild
On the Second Dipole Moment of Dirac’s Particle
Authors: Roza Engel
Published: July 2021

An analysis is presented of the possible existence of a second anomalous dipole moment of Dirac’s particle next to the one associated with the angular momentum. It includes a discussion why, in spite of his own derivation, Dirac has doubted about its relevancy. It is shown why since then it has been overlooked and why it has vanished from leading textbooks. A critical survey is given on the reasons of its reject, including the failure of attempts to measure and the perceived violations of time reversal symmetry and charge-parity symmetry. It is emphasized that the anomalous electric dipole moment of the pointlike electron (AEDM) is fundamentally different from the quantum field type electric dipole moment of an electron (eEDM) as defined in the standard model of particle physics. The analysis has resulted into the identification of a third type Dirac particle, next to the electron type and the Majorana particle. It is shown that, unlike as in the case of the electron type, its second anomalous dipole moment is real valued and is therefore subject to polarization in a vector field. Examples are given that it may have a possible impact in the nuclear domain and in the gravitational domain.
Platelet-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Antich-Rosselló Miquel , Forteza-Genestra Maria Antònia , Monjo Marta , Ramis Joana Maria
Published: July 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) present a great potential for the development of new treatments in the biomedical field. To be used as therapeutics, many different sources have been used for EVs obtention, while only few studies have addressed the use of platelet derived EVs (pEVs). In fact, pEVs have been shown to intervene in different healing responses, thus some studies have evaluated their regenerative capability in wound healing or hemorrhagic shock. Even more, pEVs have proven to induce cellular differentiation, enhancing musculoskeletal or neural regeneration. However, the obtention and characterization of pEVs is widely heterogeneous and differs from the recommendations of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles. Therefore, in this review, we aim to present the main advances in the therapeutical use of pEVs in the regenerative medicine field while highlighting the isolation and characterization steps followed. The main goal of this review is to portray the studies performed in order to enhance the translation of the pEVs research into feasible therapeutical applications.
Evaluation of the Uniformity of Protective Coatings on Concrete Structure Surfaces Based on Cluster Analysis
Authors: Liu Dunwen , Zhang Wanmao , Tang Yu , Jian Yinghua , Gong Chun , Qiu Fengkai
Published: July 2021

With the continuous development of urbanization and industrialization in the world, concrete is widely used in various engineering constructions as an engineering material. However, the consequent problem of durability of concrete structures is also becoming increasingly prominent. As an important additional measures, protective coating can effectively improve the durability of concrete performance. Moreover, the uniformity of the concrete surface coating will directly affect its protective effect. Therefore, we propose a nondestructive inspection and evaluation method of coating uniformity based on infrared imaging and cluster analysis for concrete surface coating uniformity detection and evaluation. Based on the obtained infrared images, a series of processing and analysis of the images were carried out using MATLAB software to obtain the characteristics of the infrared images of concrete surface. Finally, by extracting the temperature distribution data of the pixel points on the concrete surface, an evaluation method of concrete surface coating uniformity based on a combination of cluster analysis and hierarchical analysis was established. The evaluation results show that the determination results obtained by this method are consistent with the actual situation. This study has a positive contribution to the testing of concrete surface coating uniformity and its evaluation.
Lightsaber: A Simulator of the Angular Sensing and Control System in LIGO
Authors: Andric Tomislav , Harms Jan
Published: July 2021

The suspended test masses of gravitational-wave (GW) detectors require precise alignment to be able to operate the detector stably and with high sensitivity. This includes the continuous counter-acting of seismic disturbances, which, below a few Hertz, are not sufficiently reduced by the seismic isolation system. The residual angular motion of suspended test masses is further suppressed by the Angular Sensing and Control (ASC) system. However, in doing so, the angular motion can be enhanced by the ASC at higher frequencies where the seismic isolation system is very effective. This has led to sensitivity limitations between about 10 Hz and 25 Hz of the LIGO detectors in past observation runs. The observed ASC noise was larger than simple models predict, which means that more accurate detector models and new simulation tools are required. We present Lightsaber, a new time-domain simulator of the ASC in LIGO. The simulation is a nonlinear simulation of the optomechanical system consisting of the high-power cavity laser beam and the last two stages of suspension in LIGO including the ASC. The main noise inputs are power fluctuations of the laser beam at the input of the arm cavities, read-out noise of sensors used for the ASC, displacement noise from the suspension platforms, and noise introduced by the suspension damping loops. While the plant simulation uses local degrees of freedom of individual suspension systems, the control is applied on a global angular basis, which requires a conversion between the local and global bases for sensing and actuation. Some of the studies that can be done with this simulation concern mis-centering of the beam-spot (BS) position on the test masses, the role of laser power fluctuations for angular dynamics, and the role of the various nonlinear dynamics.
Transfer Learning for the Detection and Diagnosis of Types of Pneumonia Including Pneumonia Induced by the COVID-19 from Chest X-Ray Images
Authors: Brima Yusuf , Atemkeng Marcellin , Tankio Djiokap Stive , Ebiele Jaures , Tchakounté Franklin
Published: July 2021

Accurate early diagnosis of COVID-19 viral pneumonia, primarily in asymptomatic people is essential to reduce the spread of the disease, the burden on healthcare capacity, and the overall death rate. It is essential to design affordable and accessible solutions to distinguish pneumonia caused by COVID-19 from other types of pneumonia. In this work, we propose a reliable approach based on deep transfer learning that requires few computations and converges faster. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed framework for transfer learning is a potential and effective approach to detect and diagnose types of pneumonia from chest X-ray images with a test accuracy of 94.0%.
Thyroid Hormone Receptor Beta as Tumor Suppressor: Untapped Potential in Treatment and Diagnostics in Solid Tumors
Authors: Davidson Cole D. , Gillis Noelle E. , Carr Frances E.
Published: July 2021

There is compelling evidence that the nuclear receptor TRβ, a member of the thyroid hormone receptor (TR) family, is a tumor suppressor in thyroid, breast and other solid tumors. Cell-based and animal studies reveal that the liganded TRβ induces apoptosis, reduces an aggressive phenotype, decreases stem cell populations, and slows tumor growth through modulation of a complex interplay of transcriptional networks. TRβ-driven tumor suppressive transcriptomic signatures include repression of known drivers of proliferation such as PI3K/Akt pathway and activation of novel signaling (JAK1/STAT1) and metabolic reprogramming in both thyroid and breast cancers. The presence of TRβ is also correlated with a positive prognosis and response to therapeutics in BRCA+ and triple-negative breast cancers respectively. Ligand activation of TRβ enhances sensitivity to chemotherapeutics. TRβ co-regulators and bromodomain-containing chromatin remodeling proteins are emergent therapeutic targets. This review considers TRβ as a potential biomolecular diagnostic and therapeutic target.
Receptor Tyrosine Kinases as Candidate Prognostic Biomarkers in Meningioma
Authors: Roesler Rafael , Souza Barbara Kunzler , Isolan Gustavo R.
Published: July 2021

Meningioma (MGM) is the most common type of intracranial tumor in adults. The validation of novel prognostic biomarkers to better inform tumor stratification and clinical prognosis is urgently needed. Many molecular and cellular alterations have been described in MGM tumors over the past few years, providing a rational basis for the identification of biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The role of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTKs), including those of the ErbB family of receptors, as oncogenes has been well established in several cancer types. Here, we review histological, molecular, and clinical evidence suggesting that RTKs, including the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR, ErbB 1), as well as other members of the ErbB family, may be useful as biomarkers in MGM.
Walking Around Ribosomal Small Subunit: A Possible “Tourist Map” for an Electron Hole
Authors: Sosorev Andrey Yu.
Published: July 2021

Despite several decades of research, the physics underlying translation – protein synthesis at the ribosome – remains poorly studied. For instance, the mechanism coordinating various events occurring in distant parts of the ribosome is unknown. Very recently, we have suggested that this allosteric mechanism could be based on the transport of electric charges (electron holes) along RNA molecules and localization of these charges in the functionally important areas; this assumption was justified using tRNA as an example. In this study, we turn to the ribosome and show computationally that holes can also efficiently migrate within the whole ribosomal small subunit (SSU). The potential sites of charge localization in SSU are revealed, and it is shown that most of them are located in the functionally important areas of the ribosome – intersubunit bridges, Fe4S4 cluster and the pivot linking the SSU head to the body. As a result, we suppose that hole localization within the SSU can affect intersubunit rotation (ratcheting) and SSU head swiveling, in agreement with the scenario of electronic coordination of ribosome operation. We anticipate that our findings will improve the understanding of the translation process and advance the molecular biology and medicine.
Molecular Characterization of a Functional Membrane-Associated Progesterone Receptor Component 2 (PGRMC-2) in Maturing Oocytes of the Human Parasite Nematode Trichinella spiralis: Implications to the Host-Parasite Relationship
Authors: Morales-Montor Jorge , Colin-Oviedo Álvaro , González-González Gloria María. , Palma-Nicolás José Prisco , Sánchez-González Alejandro , Nava-Castro Karen Elizabeth , Dominguez-Ramirez Lenin , García-Varela Martín , Río-Araiza Víctor Hugo Del , Hernández-Bello Romel
Published: July 2021

We explored the hypothesis that progesterone direct effect on Trichinella spiralis might be mediated indeed by a new steroid-binding parasite protein. Our first results showed that Progesterone decreases the parasite molting rate. We amplify, isolated, cloned and sequenced the PGRMC2 sequence using specific primers from known species. Furthermore, we expressed the protein and developed an antibody to performance immunofluorescent confocal microscopy, where detected that parasite cells showed expression of a P4-binding protein exclusively located at the oocyte and the parasite´s cuticle. Presence of the PGRMC2 protein in these cells was also confirmed by western blot and flow cytometry. Molecular modeling studies accompanied by computer docking using the sequenced protein showed that PGRMC2 is potentially able to bind steroid hormones such as progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, and dihydrodrotestosterone with different affinities. Phylogenetic analysis and sequence alignment clearly demonstrated that Trichinella spiralis PGRMC2 is related to a steroid-binding protein of another platyhelminths. Progesterone may probably act upon Trichinella spiralis oocytes probably by binding to PGRMC2. This research has implications in the field of host-parasite co-evolution as well as the sex-associated susceptibility to this infection. In a more practical matter, present results may contribute to the molecular design of new drugs with anti-parasite actions.
Sarcodia suieae Acetyl-xylogalactan Down-regulate RAW264.7 Macrophage Apoptosis Factors Ddit3 and Hyou1 Expression Under Heat Stress
Authors: Wang Kuang-Teng , Pan Po-Kai , Wu Tsung-Meng , Wu Yu-Sheng
Published: July 2021

We aimed to evaluate the protective effects of acetyl-xylogalactan on the activity of RAW264.7 macrophages against heat stress. To this end, we assessed cell survival, phagocytic activity, in-tracellular Ca2+ level, mitochondria potential exchange, apoptotic assay findings, galactosidase activity and the RNA-seq by NGS and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) expression. In our evaluation of macrophage morphology at 37°C and 41°C, the macrophages showed an oval shape at 41°C , unlike the spindle shape at 37°C. Therefore, 41°C was chosen as the heat stress condition. Subsequently, we designed an experiment to evaluate changes in the RAW264.7 macrophages after acetyl-xylogalactan treatment under heat stress. The survival of RAW264.7 macrophages treated with acetyl-xylogalactan was higher than that of controls that were not treated with acetyl-xylogalactan. Moreover, on the basis of the results of the annexin-V detection assay, the apoptotic activity of macrophages appeared to have reduced after treatment with ac-etyl-xylogalactan. Moreover, treatment with acetyl-xylogalactan resulted in a stronger recovery trend in the intracellular Ca2+ and mitochondrial membrane potential after heat stress. RNA sequencing and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) illustrated that Sarcodia suieae acetyl-xylogalactan could upregulate the expression of the anti-apoptosis Cflar gene and down-regulate the expression of the apoptosis factors Ddit3, and Hyou1 to protect macrophages under heat stress.
Co-digestion of Extended Aeration Sewage Sludge With Whey, Grease and Septage: Experimental and Modelling Determination
Authors: Merlin Gérard , Outin Jonathan , Boileau Hervé
Published: July 2021

Potential of co-digestion mixing thickened secondary sludge (TS) from extended aeration wastewater treatment plant and locally available substrates (whey, grease and septage) has been studied using three steps. The first step was a batch test to determine biological methane potential (BMP) of different mixtures of the three co-substrates with TS. The second step has been carried out with lab-scale reactors (20 L) simulating anaerobic continuous stirred tank reactors fed by three mixtures of co-substrates determined according to previous step results. Modelling using ADM1 as a mechanistic model was applied in the third step to help understanding the co-digestion process. According to BMP step, septage used as co-substrate has a negative effect on performance and addition of 10 to 30% grease or 10% whey would lead to a higher production of biogas and with an increase of the methane content. The results from the reactor showed less evi-dence of the positive effects observed with the BMP assay. Protein and lipid fractions of particu-late biodegradable COD are important variables for digester stability and methane production as predicted by modelling. Results of simulations with ADM1 model adapted to co-digestion confirmed that this model is a powerful tool to optimize the process of biogas production.
Advanced Functional Materials for Intelligent Thermoregulation in Personal Protective Equipment
Authors: Saidi Alireza , Gauvin Chantal , Ladhari Safa , Nguyen -Tri Phuong
Published: July 2021

The exposure to extreme temperatures in workplaces involves physical hazards for workers. A poorly acclimated worker may have lower performance and vigilance and may therefore be more exposed to accidents and injuries. Due to the incompatibility of the existing standards implemented in some workplaces and the lack of thermoregulation in many protective equipment, thermal stress remains one of the most frequent physical hazards in many work sectors. However, many of these problems can be overcome with the use of smart textile technologies that enable intelligent thermoregulation in personal protective equipment. Smart textiles can detect, react and adapt to many external stimuli. Interconnected sensors and actuators that interact and react to existing risks can provide the wearer with increased safety, protection and comfort. Thus, the skills of smart protective equipment can contribute to the reduction of errors and the number and severity of accidents in the workplace, and thus promote improved performance, efficiency and productivity.This review provides an overview and opinions of authors on the current state of knowledge on these types of technologies by reviewing and discussing the state of the art of commercially available systems and the advances made in previous research works.
Entre constrangimentos e vontades: casamentos entre escravizados em Porto Alegre (1772-1850)
Authors: Volpi Scott Ana Silvia , Scott Dario
Published: July 2021

Os estudos sobre a escravidão vêm demonstrando que o acesso ao casamento entre os cativos estava longe de constituir a regra. Aliás, mesmo para a população livre, parte dos homens e das mulheres jamais teria a sua união formalizada. Aqui explora-se o universo minoritário dos matrimônios entre escravizados realizados na freguesia Nossa Senhora da Madre de Deus de Porto Alegre, Capitania-Província do Rio Grande de São Pedro, entre 1772 e 1850, como mote para discutir a questão dos regimes demográficos restritos, tema importante da pauta da demografia histórica brasileira. As fontes principais são os assentos paroquiais de casamentos, batismos e óbitos de escravizados, analisados a partir de uma perspectiva agregada − perfil dos nubentes, naturalidade, (i)legitimidade −, assim como por meio do estudo das senzalas de dois proprietários que permitiram o casamento de escravizados. Os resultados confirmam o acesso limitado dos escravizados ao casamento formalizado, bem como indicam o impacto do tráfico nos indicadores demográficos, sobretudo a queda muito significativa da fecundidade legítima, com a entrada de escravizados adultos, especialmente a partir da segunda década do século XIX. Por fim, são analisadas duas senzalas, para exemplificar políticas senhoriais que incentivavam o casamento e a reprodução endógena.
A National Framework to Improve Mortality, Morbidity, and Disparities Data for COVID-19 and Other Large-Scale Disasters
Authors: Stoto Michael A. , Rothwell Charles , Lichtveld Maureen , Wynia Matthew K.
Published: July 2021

Timely and accurate data on COVID-19 cases and COVID-19‒related deaths are essential for making decisions with significant health, economic, and policy implications.

A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine proposes a uniform national framework for data collection to more accurately quantify disaster-related deaths, injuries, and illnesses.

This article describes how following the report’s recommendations could help improve the quality and timeliness of public health surveillance data during pandemics, with special attention to addressing gaps in the data necessary to understand pandemic-related health disparities.
Disparities in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander COVID-19 Mortality: A Community-Driven Data Response
Authors: Penaia Corina S. , Morey Brittany N. , Thomas Karla B. , Chang Richard C. , Tran Vananh D. , Pierson Nicholas , Greer John , Ponce Ninez A.
Published: July 2021

As of March 2021, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPIs) in the United States have lost more than 800 lives to COVID-19—the highest per capita death rate in 18 of 20 US states reporting NHPI deaths. However, NHPI risks are overlooked in policy discussions. We discuss the NHPI COVID-19 Data Policy Lab and dashboard, featuring the disproportionate COVID-19 mortality burden for NHPIs. The Lab democratized NHPI data, developed community infrastructure and resources, and informed testing site and outreach policies related to health equity.
Out-of-Hospital COVID-19 Deaths: Consequences for Quality of Medical Care and Accuracy of Cause of Death Coding
Authors: Pathak Elizabeth B. , Garcia Rebecca B. , Menard Janelle M. , Salemi Jason L.
Published: July 2021

Objectives. To examine age and temporal trends in the proportion of COVID-19 deaths occurring out of hospital or in the emergency department and the proportion of all noninjury deaths assigned ill-defined causes in 2020.

Methods. We analyzed newly released (March 2021) provisional COVID-19 death tabulations for the entire United States.

Results. Children (younger than 18 years) were most likely (30.5%) and elders aged 64 to 74 years were least likely (10.4%) to die out of hospital or in the emergency department. In parallel, among all noninjury deaths, younger people had the highest proportions coded to symptoms, signs, and ill-defined conditions, and percentage symptoms, signs, and ill-defined conditions increased from 2019 to 2020 in all age–race/ethnicity groups. The majority of young COVID-19 decedents were racial/ethnic minorities.

Conclusions. The high proportions of all noninjury deaths among children, adolescents, and young adults that were coded to ill-defined causes in 2020 suggest that some COVID-19 deaths were missed because of systemic failures in timely access to medical care for vulnerable young people.

Public Health Implications. Increasing both availability of and access to the best hospital care for young people severely ill with COVID-19 will save lives and improve case fatality rates.
Conceptual framework on teaching capacitors and inductors
Authors: Erol Mustafa , Önder Esra Bilal
Published: July 2021

The objective of this work is to suggest a conceptual framework on teaching capacitors and inductors in order to improve teaching abilities and to eliminate some fundamental misconceptions. The effort initially deals with resolution of physical structure and structural concepts/parameters of the devices and then resolves DC and AC responses of the inductors and capacitors. The resolutions are achieved by considering basic serious RL and RC circuits and resolving the circuits both theoretically and experimentally. As a result, an alternative teaching approach is offered and also a novel instructional material is developed and suggested. Some teaching clues are briefly inserted to guide teachers/instructors to reach a higher comprehension level. It is believed that the implications of the developed teaching material would be quite high and beneficial.
Mechanism Construction of Human Resource Management based on Blockchain Technology
Authors: Li Long , Zhang Huimin , Dong Yinhong
Published: July 2021

The traditional human resource management system is faced with such problems as the quality of staff recruitment can not be guaranteed, the training performance is not consistent with the actual performance, the enterprise performance appraisal is unfair, and the salary distribution is unfair, which seriously affects the enthusiasm and loyalty of employees and threatens the survival and development of enterprises. In view of the current situation and problems of human resource management system, combined with the technical characteristics of blockchain, this paper proposes a human resource management mechanism based on blockchain technology, in order to achieve the company’s human resource management system accurate, efficient, open and transparent. It is found that there is a good coupling between blockchain technology and human resource management system. This paper constructs a human resource management mechanism based on blockchain, innovates the application scenarios of blockchain technology, and provides certain guiding significance for the establishment of human resource management system and process improvement in the future.
Apigenin Ameliorates Lead Acetate induced Hyperlipidemia, Hypothyroidism and Hypogonadism in Male Rats
Authors: Algefare Abdulmohsen , Sedky Azza Mahmoud , Alfwuaires Manal , mahmoud omar
Published: July 2021

Lead (Pb) is an environmental pollutant and has detrimental effects on human health. Apigenin (APG) is a flavonoid that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, and cardioprotective effects and is presented as treatment of some diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the probable protective effect of APG against Pb-induced toxicity in rats. Adult male rats were given either Pb (as lead acetate; 20 mg/kg) alone or in combination with APG (20 mg/kg) daily for 4 weeks by intraperitoneally injection (i.p). At the end of the experimental period, Pb accumulation, lipid profile, thyroid, and testicular function alterations were assessed. In addition, histopathological changes in the testis were assessed.Results revealed that Pb treatment significantly increased Pb concentrations in blood, thyroid gland, and in testis of rats. Further, the blood levels of hormones related to thyroid gland and testis were altered in Pb-treated rats. In parallel, low sperm count and sperm motility, increased sperm abnormalities, and marked pathological changes in testis were observed. On the contrary, the treatment with both Pb and APG recorded amelioration of the deleterious effects of Pb, involving attenuation of changes in lipid profile, thyroidal and testicular hormonal levels, sperm parameters and pathological changes in Pb treated rat’s testis. In conclusion, it appears that dietary APG can ameliorate lead acetate induced hyperlipidemia, hypothyroidism and hypogonadism in male rats.
Avoiding the “Great Filter”: A Projected Timeframe for Human Expansion Off-World
Authors: Jiang Jonathan , Rosen Philip , Fahy Kristen
Published: July 2021

A foundational model has been developed based on trends built from empirical data of space exploration and computing power through the first six plus decades of the Space Age which projects earliest possible launch dates for human-crewed missions from cis-lunar space to selected Solar System and interstellar destinations. The model uses computational power, expressed as transistors per microprocessor, as a key broadly limiting factor for deep space missions’ reach and complexity. The goal of this analysis is to provide a projected timeframe for humanity to become a multi-world species through off-world colonization, and in so doing all but guarantees the long-term survival of the human race from natural and human-caused calamities that could befall life on Earth. Beginning with the development and deployment of the first nuclear weapons near the end of World War II, humanity entered a ‘Window of Peril’ which will not be safely closed until robust off-world colonies become a reality. Our findings suggest the first human-crewed missions to land on Mars, selected Asteroid Belt objects, and selected moons of Jupiter and Saturn can occur before the end of the 21st century. Launches of human-crewed interstellar missions to exoplanet destinations within roughly 40 lightyears of the Solar System are seen as possible during the 23rd century and launch of intragalactic missions by the end of the 24th century. An aggressive and sustained space exploration program, which includes colonization, is thus seen as critical to the long-term survival of the human race.
Nonlinear Quantum Optimization Algorithms via Efficient Ising Model Encodings
Authors: Patti Taylor , Kossaifi Jean , Anandkumar Anima , Yelin Susanne
Published: July 2021

Despite extensive research efforts, few quantum algorithms for classical optimization demonstrate realizable advantage. The utility of many quantum algorithms is limited by high requisite circuit depth and nonconvex optimization landscapes. We tackle these challenges to quantum advantage with two new variational quantum algorithms, which utilize multi-basis graph encodings and nonlinear activation functions to outperform existing methods with remarkably shallow quantum circuits. Both algorithms provide a polynomial reduction in measurement complexity and either a factor of two speedup a factor of two reduction in quantum resources. Typically, the classical simulation of such algorithms with many qubits is impossible due to the exponential scaling of traditional quantum formalism and the limitations of tensor networks. Nonetheless, the shallow circuits and moderate entanglement of our algorithms, combined with efficient tensor method-based simulation, enable us to successfully optimize the MaxCut of high-connectivity global graphs with up to 512 nodes (qubits) on a single GPU.
Lipotoxicity-Induced mtDNA Release Promotes Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Activating the cGAS-STING Pathway in Obesity Related Diabetes
Authors: Ma Xiu Mei , Geng Kang , Law Betty Yuen-Kwan , Wang Peng , Pu Yue Li , Chen Qing , Xu Hui Wen , Tan Xiao Zhen , Jiang Zong Zhe , Xu Yong
Published: July 2021

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by lipid accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and aseptic inflammatory activation. Mitochondria-derived cytosolic DNA has been reported to induce inflammation by activating cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)/the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway in the adipose, liver, and kidney tissue. However, the role of cytosolic mtDNA in the progression of DCM is unclear. In this study, with an obesity-related DCM mouse model established by feeding db/db mice with a high-fat diet (HFD), we observed increased mtDNA in the cytosol and activated cGAS-STING signaling pathway during DCM, as well as the downstream targets, IRF3, NF-κB, IL-18, and IL-1β. In further study with a palmitic acid (PA)-induced lipotoxic cell model established in H9C2 cells, we revealed that the cytosolic mtDNA was resulted from PA-induced overproduction of mitochondrial ROS, which also led to the activation of the cGAS/STING system and its downstream targets. Notably, treatment of extracted mtDNA alone was sufficient to activate the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in cultured H9C2 cells. Besides, both knockdown of STING in PA-induced H9C2 cells and inhibition of STING by C-176 injection in the DCM mouse model could remarkably block the inflammation and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, our study elucidated the critical role of cytosolic mtDNA-induced cGAS-STING activation in the pathogenesis of obesity-related DCM and provided preclinical validation for using a STING inhibitor as a new potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of DCM.
Do Functional Limitations Predict Life Satisfaction Among Elderly in India: A Study Based On LASI Survey in India
Authors: Chauhan Shekhar , Kumar Pradeep , Patel Ratna , Srivast Shobhit
Published: July 2021

Background

Functional limitation is a relevant health outcome to examine the quality of life among the elderly. In recognition of its importance, research evidence evaluating life satisfaction among older people has increased globally, but such research is minimalistic in the Indian context. Furthermore studies in the Indian context examining life satisfaction among the elderly population in the context of ADL and IADL are hard to find. Therefore, this study examines the association between functional limitations and life satisfaction among the older population in India.
Methods

Data for this study was utilized from the recent release of Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) wave 1. The total sample size for the present study is 31,464 older adults aged 60 years and above. Life satisfaction was the main dependent variable categorized as 0 “high,” 1 “medium,” and 2 “low.” Descriptive statistics, along with bivariate analysis, was used to present the preliminary analysis. Apart from that, the ordered logistic regression analysis was used to carve out the results.
Results

Overall, about one-third of older adults had low life satisfaction scores, and 46% of older adults had a high life satisfaction score. The low life satisfaction score was higher among older adults who reported poor self-rated health (36.7%) than those who reported good self-rated health (27.9%). For older adults who were independent for ADL, the odds of low life satisfaction score (LSS) versus the combined medium and high LSS were 1.20 times more than for older adults who were not independent for ADL [UOR: 1.20; CI: 1.14–1.26].
Conclusion

In this study, a possible association between functional limitations and life satisfaction among the elderly was explored. Both ADL and IADL were noted as factors determining life satisfaction among elderly and elderly reporting ADL and IADL had higher odds of LLS. The setting up of geriatric clinics under the Primary Health Care services would bring the necessary change as this would provide timely healthcare services to the elderly and generate a perception of overall satisfaction among the elderly as they may feel secure in the presence of better health infrastructure.
Flow-Based Programming For Machine Learning
Authors: Mahapatra Tanmaya , Banoo Syeeda Nilofer
Published: July 2021

Machine Learning (ML) has gained prominence and has tremendous applications in fields like medicine, biology, geography and astrophysics, to name a few. Arguably, in such areas it is used by domain experts, who are not necessarily skilled-programmers. Thus, it presents a steep learning curve for such domain experts in programming ML applications. To overcome this and foster widespread adoption of ML techniques, we propose to equip them with domain-specific graphical tools. Such tools, based on the principles of flow-based programming paradigm, would support the graphical composition of ML applications at a higher level of abstraction and auto-generation of target code. Accordingly, (i) we have modelled ML algorithms as composable components; (ii) described an approach to parse a flow created by connecting several such composable components and use an API-based code generation technique to generate the ML application. To demonstrate the feasibility of our conceptual approach, we have modelled the APIs of Apache Spark ML as composable components and validated it in three use-cases. The use-cases are designed to capture the ease of program specification at a higher abstraction level, easy parametrisation of ML APIs, auto-generation of the ML application and auto-validation of the generated model for better prediction accuracy.
Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia in an Adolescent: Case Report and Systematic Review
Authors: Castillo-López MG , Fernandez Maria Florencia , Sforza Noelia , Barbás Nadia Carla Mabel , Pattin Francisco , Mendez Guillermo , Ogresta Fernando , Gondolesi Ignacio , Schelotto Pablo Barros , Musso Carla , Gondolesi Gabriel E
Published: July 2021

Background: Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia is the most common cause of severe and persistent hypoglycemia in neonates and children. It is a heterogeneous condition with dysregulated insulin secretion, which persists in the presence of low blood glucose levels.Objectives: Describe a clinical case of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, secondary to nesidioblastosis in an adolescent; and to report the results of a systematic review performed using PubMed and Lilacs to assess existing cases available under the following terms: “Nesidioblastosis”, “adults”, “adolescents” and “children”.Patient and Methods: We report a case of a 15-year-old male with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, who underwent a subtotal pancreatectomy after inadequate response to medical therapy. Pathological examination was positive for nesidioblastosis (diffuse β-cell hyperplasia by H-E and immunohistochemical techniques). The patient’s blood glucose levels normalized after surgery and he remains asymptomatic after 1 year of follow-up. The systematic review allowed us to identify 41 adolescents from a total of 205 cases reported in 22 manuscripts, from a total of 454 found in the original search done in PubMed and Lilacs.Conclusions: Although very well reported in children, hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia can occur in adolescents or young adults, as it happens in our reported case. These patients can be seen, treated and reported by pediatricians or adult teams either way due to the wide age range used to define adolescence. Most of them do not respond to medical treatment, and subtotal distal pancreatectomy has become the elected procedure with excellent long-term response in the vast majority.
Timing to Intubation COVID-19 Patients: Can We Put It Off Until Tomorrow?
Authors: de Alencar Julio Cesar Garcia , Sternlicht Juliana Martes , Veiga Alicia Dudy Muller , Marchini Julio Flávio Meirelles , Ferreira Juliana Carvalho , Carvalho Carlos Roberto Ribeiro , Marcilio Izabel , Silva Katia Regina , Junior Vilson Cobello , Felix Marcelo Consorti , Gomez Luz Marina Gomez , Souza Heraldo Possolo , Mauá Denis Deratani , Group Emergency USP COVID ,   HCFMUSP COVID-19 Study Group
Published: July 2021

Background: The decision to intubate COVID-19 patients receiving non-invasive respiratory support is challenging, requiring a fine balance between early intubation and risks of invasive mechanical ventilation versus the adverse effects of delaying intubation. This present study analyzes the relationship between intubation day and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Methods: We performed a unicentric retrospective cohort study considering all adult laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection consecutively admitted at Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil, between March 2020 and August 2020 requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality within 28 days after intubation, and a Cox model was used to evaluate the effect of time from onset of symptoms to intubation in mortalityResults: A total of 592 (20%) adult consecutive patients out of 3020 admitted with COVID-19 were intubated during the study period. The median time from admission to intubation was one day (interquartile range, 0-3), and 310 patients (52%) who were intubated and mechanically ventilated deceased 28 days after intubation. Each additional day between the onset of symptoms and intubation was significantly associated with higher in-hospital death (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.018; 95% CI, 1.005-1.03).Conclusion: Among patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 who were intubated and mechanically ventilated, delaying intubation in the course of symptoms may be associated with higher mortality.Trial registration: The study protocol was approved by the local Ethics Committee (opinion number 3.990.817; CAAE: 30417520.0.0000.0068.
Investigation of the Influence of Phonological Awareness Intervention and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on the Enhancement of Rapid Automatized Naming and Verbal Short Term Memory in Developmental Dyslexia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mirahadi Seyyedeh Samaneh , Mohamadi Reyhane , Arshi Bahar , Abolghasemi Jamile
Published: July 2021

Phonological deficits include phonological awareness (PA), rapid automatized naming (RAN) and verbal short term memory (VSTM). PA is defined as a conscious manipulation of the word subunits in word structure. Recently, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been used as a complementary treatment with PA intervention in the dyslexia treatment. In this trial we had both a PA intervention group and a PA + tDCS group in which the tDCS is applied over the left parieto-temporal area. It was hypothesized that the PA + tDCS treatment can improve RAN and VSTM. A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the influence of PA + tDCS intervention in improving RAN and VSTM. Twenty-eight participants were randomly allocated to the active (PA + anodal tDCS) or sham (PA + sham tDCS) groups. Each dyslexic student participated in 15 intervention sessions. RAN and VSTM sub-tests were assessed at the baseline, at the end of the fifth, tenth, and final treatment sessions and finally 6 weeks after the treatment. In both groups, mean scores of RAN sub-tests significantly decreased and the mean scores of the VSTM sub-tests significantly increased during, immediately and also 6 weeks after intervention. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the mean scores of the outcome measures. PA intervention leads to improvement in RAN and VSTM abilities in dyslexic students for a longer period of time. Combined intervention (PA + tDCS) had no further effect on outcome measures than PA intervention alone.
Effect of Synthesized Chitosan Flame Retardant On Flammability, Thermal, And Mechanical Properties of Vinyl Ester/Bamboo Nonwoven Fiber Composites
Authors: M.N. Prabhakar , Chalapathi K Venkata , Atta Ur Rehman Shah , Song Jung-il
Published: July 2021

In this study, chitosan-based bio-flame retardant additive (referred to as NCS) was prepared by altering the chitosan (CS) chemically with silica (S) via ion interchange reaction and studied the effect on flame retardant, thermal and mechanical properties of vinyl ester/bamboo fiber (VE/BF) composites manufactured by the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis used to characterize the NCS. The spectral results revealed a new peak at 1560 cm-1 corresponding to NH3+–-O Si, bring up the interactive bond between CS and S. SEM, and XRD showed the diverse morphology (coarse surface), and significant decrement in the intensity of diffraction patterns respectively support further the formation of NCS. The heat release rate of NCS decreased significantly by 76%, and residual char increased by 47% compared with chitosan. The flame retardant and thermal behavior of NCS-VE/BF composites were examined by UL-94 standards, micro and cone calorimeter and thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed a delay in burning time in UL-94, enhanced LOI % and decrement of peak heat release rate and total heat release rate compared to pure composites by 32, 14, and 18%, respectively. The residual char increased by 47%. The mechanical properties also improved satisfactorily. Overall, the synthesized NCS could be suitable for the fabrication of sustainable flame-retardant natural fiber composite without deterioration of mechanical properties that are suitable for sub-structural parts in engineering applications.
Perhalogenation and Percyanation of Coronene for Characterization of the New Efficient Organic Semiconductors for Charge Transport
Authors: Bouba Marius Ousmanou , Nya Fridolin Tchangnwa , Malloum Alhadji , Conradie Jeanet , Ndjaka Jean Marie
Published: July 2021

We have investigated the structures, electronic properties, hole and electron mobilities of perfluorinated, perchlorinated and percyanated coronene molecules, using the density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP-D3/6-311++G(d,p) and ωB97XD/6-311++G(d,p) levels and Markus-Hush charge transfer theory. The calculated geometric parameters for coronene and perchlorocoronene are in good agreement with the experimental data. Our theoretical investigations have shown B3LYP-D3 functional is suitable to well define vibrational assignments for studied molecules. We have shown that the per-halogenation and per-cyanation of coronene increases the adiabatic electron affinities (AEAs) and reduces the LUMO levels and the hole mobilities thus indicating an ambipolar behavior and air-stable material. We have shown that the percyanation of coronene is a promising pathway for the design of new materials useful in optoelectronics.
Renal Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumor with Lymph Nodes Metastasis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Cai Lingkai , Cao Qiang , Hua Hongjin , Wu Qikai , Yuan Baorui , Zhuang Juntao , Li Kai , Han Jie , Yu Hao , Lu Jiancheng , Feng Dexiang , Liu Peikun , Li Pengchao , Yang Xiao , Lu Qiang
Published: July 2021

Background: Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) is mesenchymal tumor that originated from perivascular epithelioid cells. Angiomyolipoma (AML) is a common benign PEComa, composed of blood vessels, smooth muscle and mature adipose tissue. Epithelioid angiomyolipoma (EAML) is a rare subtype of AML that has the potential to be malignant.Case presentation: The patient was a 42-year-old woman admitted to the hospital for her left low back swelling. The computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed a 6.3*5.5*6.7cm cystic-solid tumor in the intermediate kidney. Then we performed a left nephrectomy. Postoperative pathology showed that the tumor was angiomyolipoma (PEComa) with necrotic formation and was 6cm*6cm*5.5cm in size. Additionally, lymph nodes involved (4/17) were observed in the left renal hilum. Immunohistochemistry staining indicated that tumor cells focally expressed MelanA and HMB45. No evidence of disease progression at the six-month follow-up after surgery.Conclusions: Lymph nodes involvement in renal PEComa was rare and was regarded as a type of metastasis. Lymph nodes metastasis might indicate a poor prognosis.