bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis following treatment with single-agent pembrolizumab for advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Laderman Lauren , Naveed Omer , LoPinto-Khoury Carla , Dotan Efrat , Miron Benjamin
Published: May 2022

The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors is increasing in clinical practice. While they have provided significant benefit to many patients, a new category of adverse effects, immune-related adverse effects, has emerged with their use. These effects can range from mild to severe and affect nearly every organ system. A man in his 70swith metastatic gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma who received one cycle of third-line pembrolizumab presented after three episodes of transient left facial paresthesia, the last of which extended to the left extremities and disturbed peripheral vision of the left eye. He was found to have subclinical seizures and cerebrospinal fluid positive for Ma2/Ta paraneoplastic antibodies, consistent with paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis. We describe an unusual presentation of paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis. This case adds to the limited literature describing the association of paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis and treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors as well as the observed associations with immune-related adverse events and treatment responses.
Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma causing hypopituitarism and respiratory failure due to infiltration into pulmonary capillaries
Authors: Kosaka Tatsuaki , Honda Yuki , Homma Yoichiro , Nakata Masanobu
Published: May 2022

We report a rare case of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) with hypopituitarism and respiratory failure. A man in his 80s presented with hypotension and respiratory failure but was unsuccessfully treated for septic shock. Biological investigations were performed, and he was diagnosed with hypopituitarism due to insufficient secretion of anterior pituitary hormone. Although his condition temporarily improved following hormone replacement therapy, he eventually died of progressive respiratory failure. The lymphoma was only discovered during the autopsy, where it was observed to have spread to the pituitary gland and lung capillaries. Therefore, we concluded that the lymphoma had caused respiratory failure and hypopituitarism. The patient was thus diagnosed with IVLBCL posthumously. In conclusion, IVLBCL can cause hypopituitarism and respiratory failure due to pituitary and pulmonary capillary invasion by lymphoma cells.
Social complexities of informed consent and assent among young males undergoing voluntary medical male circumcision in Eswatini
Authors: Moyer Eileen , Baas Rufus , Shabalala Fortunate
Published: May 2022

Introduction

As part of an effort to meet ambitious male circumcision targets in Eswatini, programme implementers have increasingly focused on young males, raising questions about informed consent. Males aged 10–19 years account for more than two-thirds of those circumcised since 2008 when internationally funded circumcision campaigns began in Eswatini. The ethical guidelines of these programmes conform to international standards, requiring that informed consent or assent be obtained prior to surgery. This article examines clients’ levels of circumcision-related knowledge following the assent process, as well as how ethical guidelines were enacted in everyday practice in a setting where family dynamics and norms relating to autonomy and consensus make obtaining informed consent complex, especially when clients are incentivised with football kits and other material goods to encourage circumcision.

Methods

We conducted qualitative research in a health clinic where circumcision services for HIV prevention were being offered. Methods included focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, participant observation and informal interviews with young men undergoing circumcision in the clinic.

Results

Implementers paid little attention to risks, focusing more on benefits of circumcision. Incentives, usually in the form of sporting goods, increased participation, while also limiting autonomy. We also found that parental authority overpowers young males’ preferences regarding circumcision. Young males’ understanding of the risks associated with circumcision was poor. Most assumed HIV testing was obligatory.

Conclusion

The drive to eliminate HIV infections in Eswatini has opened the door for interventions such as targeted circumcision campaigns. In contradiction to international ethical guidelines and the policies of the Ministry of Health and voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) implementers, we conclude that, in practce, respect for young males’ rights and decision-making in the VMMC consent process is limited by complex social, economic and political realities.
Evaluation of the Norwegian version of the Dyspnoea-12 questionnaire in patients with COPD
Authors: Garratt Andrew Malcolm , Nerheim Ellen Margrethe , Einvik Gunnar , Stavem Knut , Edvardsen Anne
Published: May 2022

Background

The Dyspnoea-12 (D-12) questionnaire is widely used and tested in patients with breathing difficulties. The objective of this study was to translate and undertake the first evaluation of the measurement properties of the Norwegian version of the D-12 in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) attending a 4-week inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation programme.

Methods

Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess structural validity. Fit to the Rasch partial credit model and differential item functioning (DIF) were assessed in relation to age, sex and comorbidity. Based on a priori hypotheses, validity was assessed through comparisons with scores for the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales (HADS) and clinical variables.

Results

There were 203 (86%) respondents with a mean age (SD) of 65.2 (9.0) years, and 49% were female. The D-12 showed satisfactory structural validity including presence of physical and affective domains. There was acceptable fit to Rasch model including unidimensionality for the two domains, and no evidence of DIF. Correlations with scores for the CAT, HADS and clinical variables were as hypothesised and highest for domains assessing similar aspects of health.

Conclusions

The Norwegian version of the D-12 showed good evidence for validity and internal consistency in this group of patients with COPD, including support for two separate domains. Further testing for these measurement properties is recommended in other Norwegian patients with dyspnoea.
Understanding and managing psychological disorders in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a practical guide
Authors: Kok Klaartje Bel , Byrne Peter , Ibarra Ana R , Martin Peter , Rampton David S
Published: May 2022

Mood disturbances such as anxiety and depression are common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and impact negatively on their quality of life and disease course. An integrated multidisciplinary IBD team, which includes access to psychology and psychiatry opinion, makes possible the prompt recognition and management of psychological disturbance in patients with IBD. Based on our experience and existing literature, including systematic reviews of the effectiveness of available treatment modalities, a stepwise approach to the maintenance and restoration of psychological well-being is recommended, evolving upwards from lifestyle advice, through behavioural therapies to pharmacotherapy.
Applications of telemetry to fish habitat science and management
Authors: Brownscombe Jacob W. , Griffin Lucas P. , Brooks Jill L. , Danylchuk Andy J. , Cooke Steven J. , Midwood Jonathan D.
Published: May 2022

Telemetry has major potential for application to fish habitat science and management, but to date it is underutilized in this regard. We posit this is because (1) fish telemetry projects are often geared towards detecting fish movement, opposed to systematically sampling habitat selection, and (2) there are often differences in scale between telemetry data and management decisions. We discuss various ways in which telemetry can contribute to fish habitat science and present some considerations for improving its application to this field. To date, most fish telemetry studies have been descriptive (e.g., fish use area A more than area B); greater adoption of more inferential study approaches that assess causal ecological drivers of movement and space use would be of value and require more extensive measurement of environmental conditions. We conclude by presenting a conceptual framework for scaling from individual studies to broad applications in habitat management. Established telemetry networks can readily support synthesis activities, although fish tracking data and environmental data are rarely stored together, and current disconnects among repositories may constrain broad integration and scalability.
Mutual information, islands in black holes and the Page curve
Authors: Saha Ashis , Gangopadhyay Sunandan , Saha Jyoti Prasad
Published: May 2022

The role played by the mutual information of subsystems on the Page curve is explored in this paper. With the total system consisting of the black hole and radiation, together with the inclusion of island, we observe that the vanishing of mutual information between $$B_+$$

B
+

and $$B_-$$

B
-

which in turn means the disconnected phase of the entanglement wedge corresponding to $$B_+\cup B_-$$

B
+

∪

B
-

, yields a time scale of the order of scrambling time. This results in a time independent expression for the fine grained entropy of Hawking radiation consistent with the correct Page curve. We also find corrections to this entropy and Page time which are logarithmic and inverse power law in form.
On Spiking Neural Membrane Systems with Neuron and Synapse Creation
Authors: Gatti Marco , Leporati Alberto , Zandron Claudio
Published: May 2022

Spiking neural membrane systems are models of computation inspired by the natural functioning of the brain using the concepts of neurons and synapses, and represent a way of building computational systems of a biological inspiration. A variant of such a model, allowing to create new neurons and synapses during the computation, has been considered in the literature to attack computationally hard problems, like problems in the class NP. In this work, we investigate the computational properties of this variant, by proposing three solutions to computationally hard problems, by models with different features, and comparing them with those present in the literature. In particular, we first propose a nondeterministic solution for the NP-complete problem 3-SAT, by a model using dynamic organization of synapses. Then, we propose a deterministic solution for the same problem, by a model using neuron division and dissolution rules. Finally, we show that dissolution rules are not strictly necessary (by accepting a certain amount of slowdown in computing time), and that also problems beyond the class NP can be solved by systems with neuron division alone.
Energy minimizing twinning with variable volume fraction, for two nonlinear elastic phases with a single rank-one connection
Authors: Conti Sergio , Kohn Robert V. , Misiats Oleksandr
Published: May 2022

In materials that undergo martensitic phase transformation, distinct elastic phases often form layered microstructures — a phenomenon known as twinning. In some settings the volume fractions of the phases vary macroscopically; this has been seen, in particular, in experiments involving the bending of a bar. We study a two-dimensional (2D) model problem of this type, involving two geometrically nonlinear phases with a single rank-one connection. We adopt a variational perspective, focusing on the minimization of elastic plus surface energy. To get started, we show that twinning with variable volume fraction must occur when bending is imposed by a Dirichlet-type boundary condition. We then turn to paper’s main goal, which is to determine how the minimum energy scales with respect to the surface energy density and the transformation strain. Our analysis combines ansatz-based upper bounds with ansatz-free lower bounds. For the upper bounds we consider two very different candidates for the microstructure: one that involves self-similar refinement of its length scale near the boundary, and another based on piecewise-linear approximation with a single length scale. Our lower bounds adapt methods previously introduced by Chan and Conti to address a problem involving twinning with constant volume fraction. The energy minimization problem considered in this paper is not intended to model twinning with variable volume fraction involving two martensite variants; rather, it provides a convenient starting point for the development of a mathematical toolkit for the study of twinning with variable volume fraction.
A panorama of viable F(R) gravity dark energy models
Authors: Oikonomou V. K. , Giannakoudi Ifigeneia
Published: May 2022

In this work, we shall study the late-time dynamics of several F(R) gravity models. By appropriately expressing the field equations in terms of the redshift and of a statefinder function, we shall solve numerically the field equations using appropriate physical motivated initial conditions. We consider models which, by construction, are described by a nearly [Formula: see text]-model at early epochs and we fine tune the parameters to achieve viability and compatibility with the latest Planck constraints at late times. Such models provide a unified description of inflation and dark energy era and notably a common feature of all the models is the presence of dark energy oscillations. Furthermore, we show that, in contrast to general relativistic fluids and scalar field descriptions, a large spectrum of different dark energy physics is generated by simple F(R) gravity models, varying from phantom, to nearly de Sitter and to quintessential dark energy eras.
An example of intrinsic randomness in deterministic PDES
Authors: Flandoli Franco , Gess Benjamin , Grotto Francesco
Published: May 2022

A new mechanism leading to a random version of Burgers’ equation is introduced: it is shown that the Totally Asymmetric Exclusion Process in discrete time (TASEP) can be understood as an intrinsically stochastic, non-entropic weak solution of Burgers’ equation on [Formula: see text]. In this interpretation, the appearance of randomness in the Burgers’ dynamics is caused by random additions of jumps to the solution, corresponding to the random effects in TASEP.
Real Paley–Wiener theorems for the special relativistic space-time Fourier transform
Authors: Fei Minggang , Li Qiu
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we consider a special relativistic space-time Fourier transform (SFT) in Clifford algebra [Formula: see text], which was introduced recently from a mathematical point of view by E. Hitzer. Two versions of real Paley–Wiener theorems for the SFT are established.
Some characterization results on classical and free Poisson thinning
Authors: Mukherjee Soumendu Sundar
Published: May 2022

Poisson thinning is an elementary result in probability, which is of great importance in the theory of Poisson point processes. In this paper, we record a couple of characterization results on Poisson thinning. We also consider several free probability analogues of Poisson thinning, which we collectively dub as free Poisson, and prove characterization results for them, similar to the classical case. One of these free Poisson thinning procedures arises naturally as a high-dimensional asymptotic analogue of Cochran’s theorem from multivariate statistics on the “Wishart-ness” of quadratic functions of Gaussian random matrices. We note the implications of our characterization results in the context of Cochran’s theorem. We also prove a free probability analogue of Craig’s theorem, another well-known result in multivariate statistics on the independence of quadratic functions of Gaussian random matrices.
Age and provenance of the Middle Jurassic Norphlet Formation of south Texas: stratigraphic relationship to the Louann Salt and regional significance
Authors: Erlich R. N. , Hale-Erlich W. S. , Pindell J. , Saylor J. E. , O'Sullivan P.
Published: May 2022

The age and provenance of the Norphlet Formation in south Texas and its stratigraphic relationship to the Louann Salt are documented for the first time using new detrital zircon U–Pb geochronological data. Nine samples from the Hockley salt diapir and four deep wells (three in south Texas, one offshore México) yielded 1001 zircon ages and eight age populations; the most important of these are Neoproterozoic (900–541 Ma), Cambrian–Middle Mississippian, and arc-related Middle to Late Mississippian–Permian–Triassic and Triassic–Jurassic, the latter two representing the first evidence of Nazas and Guerrero arc extrusive volcanism reaching south Texas. Statistical analyses of these data and published zircon ages support the interpretation that these age populations reflect the dominance of peri-Gondwanan sources, especially the Yucatán/Maya Block and Coahuila terrane, although Laurentian sources probably contribute to specific populations. The maximum depositional age of upper Norphlet Formation sandstones is 165.5 ± 1.5 Ma (Callovian). These upper sandstones are separated from lower Norphlet sandstones by an unconformity spanning 1.5–5 myr; the lower sandstones are interbedded with halite of the Louann Salt, and may be as old as Bathonian. These new data may be of regional significance when applied to future models of the Jurassic evolution of the Gulf of Mexico.

Supplementary material
: The detrital zircon dataset for this study, DZmix and DZmds model parameters, DZmix statistics and references for figures are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6002060
“I don’t know what you mean by `I am anxious'”: A New Method for Evaluating Conversational Agent Responses to Standardized Mental Health Inputs for Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Eagle Tessa , Blau Conrad , Bales Sophie , Desai Noopur , Li Victor , Whittaker Steve
Published: May 2022

Conversational agents (CAs)
are increasingly ubiquitous and are now commonly used to access medical information. However, we lack systematic data about the quality of advice such agents provide. This paper evaluates CA advice for
mental health (MH)
questions, a pressing issue given that we are undergoing a mental health crisis. Building on prior work, we define a new method to systematically evaluate mental health responses from CAs. We develop multi-utterance conversational probes derived from two widely used mental health diagnostic surveys, the PHQ-9 (Depression) and the GAD-7 (Anxiety). We evaluate the responses of two text-based chatbots and four voice assistants to determine whether CAs provide relevant responses and treatments. Evaluations were conducted both by clinicians and immersively by trained raters, yielding consistent results across all raters. Although advice and recommendations were generally low quality, they were better for Crisis probes and for probes concerning symptoms of Anxiety rather than Depression. Responses were slightly improved for text versus speech-based agents, and when CAs had access to extended dialogue context. Design implications include suggestions for improved responses through clarification sub-dialogues. Responses may also be improved by the incorporation of empathy although this needs to be combined with effective treatments or advice.
A Low-Overhead and High-Security Cryptographic Circuit Design Utilizing the TIGFET-Based Three-Phase Single-Rail Pulse Register against Side-Channel Attacks
Authors: Liu Yanjiang , Qu Tongzhou , Dai Zibin
Published: May 2022

Side-channel attack (SCA) reveals confidential information by statistically analyzing physical manifestations, which is the serious threat to cryptographic circuits. Various SCA circuit-level countermeasures have been proposed as fundamental solutions to reduce the side-channel vulnerabilities of cryptographic implementations; however, such approaches introduce non-negligible power and area overheads. Among all of the circuit components, flip-flops are the main source of information leakage. This article proposes a three-phase single-rail pulse register (TSPR) based on the three-independent-gate field effect transistor (TIGFET) to achieve all desired properties with improved metrics of area and security. TIGFET-based TSPR consumes a constant power (MCV is 0.25%), has a low delay (12 ps), and employs only 10 TIGFET devices, which is applicable for the low-overhead and high-security cryptographic circuit design compared to the existing flip-flops. In addition, a set of TIGFET-based combinational basic gates are designed to reduce the area occupation and power consumption as much as possible. As a proof of concept, a simplified advanced encryption algorithm (AES), SM4 block cipher algorithm (SM4), and light-weight cryptographic algorithm (PRESENT) are built with the TIGFET-based library. SCA is implemented on the cryptographic implementations to prove its SCA resilience, and the SCA results show that the correct key of cryptographic circuits with TIGFET-based TSPRs is not guessed within 2,000 power traces.
Positive Shifting of Vth with Enhanced DC Performance in AlGaN/GaN Schottky-Gate HEMT through Optimized UV/O3 Treated Gate Interface and Thermal Engineering
Authors: Mazumder Soumen , Wu Zhan-Gao , Wang Yeong-Her
Published: May 2022

The surface condition under the gate is critically important to improve the device characteristics and thus reliability of the AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT). In this report, we demonstrated the reduction of leakage current (IG) with betterment of current collapse in Al0.25Ga0.75N/GaN Schottky gate (SG)-HEMT by improving metal/GaN interface using optimized ultraviolet-ozone (UV/O3) plasma treatment with post metal annealing modulation at 450 °C. The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to verify the formation of GaOXNY layer at the metal/GaN interface. Owing to, the screening of the internal/external polarization charges by 10 min. UV/O3 surface plasma treatment and incremental increase of Schottky barrier height (Φ
B) with post metal annealing modulation, resulted in the positive shifting of threshold voltage (VTH) in SG-HEMT. Due to the combined effects of the UV/O3 plasma treatment and metal annealing modulation, the magnitude of the interface trap density were effectively reduced to one order of magnitude, which further improved the current collapse significantly in SG-HEMT to 2.5% from 12.2%. The 10 min. UV/O3 treated SG-HEMT with PMA modulation exhibited decent performance with an IDMAX of 620 mA mm−1, a GMMAX of 135 mS mm−1, a threshold voltage (VTH) of −1.8 V, a higher ION/IOFF ratio of approximately

1.2
×

10

9

,

a subthreshold swing (SS) of 83 mV dec−1, with a low gate leakage current of

10

−
9

Amm

−
1

.
[Retracted] Psychological Nursing Effect of Patients with Gynecological Malignant Tumor
Authors: Wang Hui , Gao Xitao , Chen Na
Published: May 2022

Objective. To analyze the psychological nursing effect of patients with gynecological malignant tumor. Method. A total of 104 patients with gynecological malignant tumor receiving chemotherapy in our hospital from December 2019 to November 2020 were selected and randomly divided into observation group and control group with 52 cases each. Patients in the control group were treated with routine nursing of gynecological malignant tumor chemotherapy. The observation group applied psychological nursing methods on the basis of the control group, and psychological status, quality of sleep, quality of life, treatment coordination, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results. There was no difference in anxiety and depression scores (P > 0.05), the postintervention score was lower than the preintervention score, and the reduction was more significant in the observation group (P < 0.05). After intervention, PSQI scores of the two groups of subjects were significantly lower than before intervention (P < 0.05), subjects in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). After intervention, the total score of FACT‐B scale was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). After the implementation of psychological nursing, the degree of tumor treatment cooperation of observation group was higher than the control group (P < 0.05). After intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in hematology, allergic reaction, or hair loss between the two groups (P > 0.05). The incidence of gastrointestinal and neurological adverse events in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion. The psychological state of patients with gynecological malignant tumor mainly included anxiety and terror and so on. Through psychological counseling, it could effectively alleviate the abovementioned bad psychology, improve the cooperation of patients with tumor treatment, and reduce the occurrence of patients’ adverse reactions.
Idol Depletion Protects against Spontaneous Atherosclerosis in a Hamster Model of Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Liang Chenxi , Wang Xiaowei , Peng Kenan , Lai Pingping , Liu Ziwei , Ma Jiaao , Chen Xin , Liu Gang , Zheng Mingqi , Wang Yuhui , Yang Hongyuan , Liu George , Xian Xunde , Gao Mingming
Published: May 2022

Inducible degrader of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (Idol) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase coded by Idol, the target gene of liver X receptor (LXR), which primarily mediates the ubiquitination and lysosomal degradation of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). Previous studies from independent groups have shown that plasma cholesterol regulation by the LXR-Idol-LDLR axis is tissue- and species-specific, indicating that the precise molecular mechanism by which Idol modulates lipid metabolism has not been completely understood and needs to be further validated in other species. Hamster, a small rodent animal model expressing endogenous cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP), possesses many metabolic characteristics that are different from mouse but similar to human. In this study, an Idol knockout (Idol-/-) hamster model was developed using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system to investigate the effect of Idol depletion on plasma lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis. Our results showed that there were no significant differences in hepatic LDLR protein and plasma cholesterol levels in Idol-/- hamsters compared with wild-type (WT) controls, which was consistent with the observation that LXR agonist treatment increased the expression of Idol mRNA in the small intestine but not in the liver of WT hamsters. However, we found that plasma triglyceride (TG) levels were significantly reduced in Idol-/- hamsters due to an enhancement of TG clearance. In addition, the morphological data demonstrated that inactivation of Idol significantly lowered plasma total cholesterol and TG levels and protected against spontaneous atherosclerotic lesions in aged LDLR knockout hamsters on a chow diet but had no effect on diet-induced atherosclerosis in hamsters lacking one copy of the Ldlr gene. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Idol can regulate plasma lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis independent of LDLR function.
Refinement Method of Evaluation and Ranking of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ability of Colleges and Universities Based on Optimal Weight Model
Authors: Guo Wei , Liu Lihua , Yao Yao , Shen Tong
Published: May 2022

With the economic development in recent years, the state has paid more and more attention to education, and more and more college graduates have been graduated. The purpose of this paper is to study how to analyze the refinement method of evaluating the innovation and entrepreneurship ability (IEA) of colleges and universities based on the optimal weight model. This paper proposes a sorting refinement method based on the optimal weight model and uses the BP neural network to determine the optimal weight. Weight is a scoring mechanism for comprehensive ranking, that is, a scoring system. The higher the score, the higher the weight, and the higher the ranking of the relative things. The experimental results of this paper show that in 2013, the number of college graduates in China reached 6.09 million, but the number of employed people was only 4.67 million, an increase of 120,000 over the same period. By 2020, the number of college graduates in China has reached 7.27 million, and the number of employed people has been 5.78 million. However, the number of employed persons is always lower than the number of graduates, indicating that employment is difficult. Under this situation, many college graduates choose to start their own businesses, but the success rate of entrepreneurship is also very low, only about 3%. This shows that the IEA of college graduates is not high, so it is necessary to improve the IEA and conduct self‐evaluation.
A Family of Optimal Multiple-Weight Optical Orthogonal Codes for Fiber-Optic Networks
Authors: Xu Dandan , Cao Haitao
Published: May 2022

Optical orthogonal codes (OOCs) were designed for multimedia optical CDMA systems with quality of service requirements in optical fiber networks. Two-dimensional (2-D) multiple-weight optical orthogonal codes have been invested as they can overcome the drawbacks of nonlinear effects in large spreading sequences. In this paper, we reveal the combinatorial properties of optimal 2-D OOCs and focus our attention on the constructions for a family of optimal 2-D multiple-weight optical orthogonal codes by combinatorial methods, such as incomplete difference matrix, h-perfect cyclic packing, and skew starter. In particular, an improved construction of skew starters with multiple weights is also proposed to solve the existence of optimal multiple-weight optical orthogonal codes. Our numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed construction is very helpful for optimizing the utilization of optical network effectively.
Antidiabetic Properties and Toxicological Assessment of Antidesma celebicum Miq: Ethanolic Leaves Extract in Sprague–Dawley Rats
Authors: Pratiwi Raysa Y. , Elya Berna , Setiawan Heri , Forestrania Roshamur C. , Dewi Rizna T.
Published: May 2022

Antidesma is a genus of plants, and its several species are known to have antidiabetic properties. Leaves of Kayu Tuah (Antidesma celebicum Miq) have been proven to have the best α-glucosidase inhibition ability compared to other species in the Antidesma genus, as evidenced by the in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition test. However, no scientific studies have reported its antidiabetic properties and toxicity in vivo. Therefore, this research managed to verify the antidiabetic features and safety of ethanolic extract of A. celebicum leaves (EEAC) in Sprague–Dawley rats. Male rats (170–280 g) were induced diabetic with streptozotocin (35 mg/kg BW) and fed a high-fat diet comprising 24% fat, whereas control group rats were given a standard diet. Rats were treated with EEAC at 200 and 400 mg/kg BW doses for 28-days and 60 mg/kg BW acarbose for the control group. Determination of antidiabetic properties was done by analyzing lipid profiles as well as fasting blood glucose. After confirming the antidiabetic properties of EEAC, the toxicological assessment was determined using the fixed-dose method. General behavior changes, appearance, signs of toxicity, mortality, and body weight of animals were marked down during the observation period. When the treatment period ended, hematological, biochemical, and histological examinations of liver, kidneys, and heart sections were performed. The results confirmed that EEAC reduced fasting blood glucose levels and stepped forward lipid profiles of rats. Also, all animals survived, and no obvious destructive outcomes were noticeable during the study. As EEAC has promising results toward hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia and has been proven safe through toxicity tests, it can be concluded that EEAC has good potential to be further developed into antidiabetic drugs.
Suspension System Control Based on Type‐2 Fuzzy Sliding Mode Technique
Authors: Wang Zheng , Ran Longyi , Kong Bing , Jia Xuezeng , Liu Liya , Tavoosi Jafar
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a new method of intelligent control for vehicle suspension. First, the suspension system is modeled with all the details, and then based on the obtained model, the sliding mode control is designed for it. The controller parameters and coefficients are calculated and updated by a type‐2 fuzzy system. The chattering phenomenon is eliminated with a unique technique. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed control system, two‐model uncertainty of the road is applied. Simulations have been performed for both active and passive modes. The simulation results show the high efficiency of the proposed control system.
Modified Trabeculectomy versus Glaucoma Drainage Implant Surgery: A Retrospective Comparative Study for Refractory Glaucoma Treatment
Authors: He Yuan , He Beilei , Ji Zhi , Zhang Ruixue , Quan Zhuoya , Xie Guijun , Pu Xiaoli
Published: May 2022

Purpose. To observe and compare the efficacy of modified trabeculectomy (TE), Ahmed drainage valve implantation (AGV), and EX-PRESS glaucoma shunt for refractory glaucoma (RG). Methods. The study population of this retrospective study comprised 73 patients (76 eyes) who were suffering from RG and treated with modified TE, AGV, and EX-PRESS glaucoma shunt in our hospital from October 2012 to October 2020. The number of cases who underwent modified TE, AVG, and EX-PRESS glaucoma shunt was 36 (38 eyes). 19 (20 eyes), and 18 patients (18 eyes), respectively. The intraocular pressure (IOP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), postoperative antiglaucoma medications, filter bubble morphology, anterior chamber depth (ACD), successful rate, and postoperative complications were recorded and statistically analyzed preoperative and 1 d, 1 w, 1 mon, 3 mon, 6 mon, and the end follow-up after operation. Results. The BCVA differed insignificantly among the three cohorts before and 6 months after surgery. Compared to preoperative BCVA, the postoperative BCVA of the three groups had no statistical significance. An obvious reduction in IOP was observed in all the three group after operation (P<0.05). An obvious decrease in antiglaucoma medications was observed after surgery in all the three groups (P<0.05). The AGV group showed deeper ACD postoperatively, while no marked difference was found in postoperative ACD in the other two groups. The total success rates in modified TE and AGV groups were slightly higher than those in the EX-PRESS group. The three groups differed insignificantly in filter bubble morphology after operation. Conclusion. Modified TE, AGV, and EX-PRESS glaucoma shunt showed equivalent efficacy for RG, which could validly reduce IOP and postoperative antiglaucoma medications. However, the success rates of modified TE and AGV were slightly higher than those of EX-PRESS glaucoma shunt in the last follow-up, and their complications were slightly less than those of the EX-PRESS glaucoma shunt.
Application of Regional Climatic Models to Assess the Performance Evaluation of Changes on Flood Frequency in Woybo Catchment, Ethiopia
Authors: Ukumo Tigistu Yisihak , Lohani Tarun Kumar , Edamo Muluneh Legesse , Alaro Matusal Arja , Ayele Mesfin Amaru , Borko Habtamu Bogale
Published: May 2022

Climate change increases the possibility in varying rainfall and temperature that needs a detail study to estimate flood frequency under changing climate for the Woybo catchment in the Omo River basin of Ethiopia. The impact on flood frequency was evaluated using multiple climate models under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 emission scenarios for 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s compared to 1976–2005. Hydrologic Engineering Center of Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC‐HMS) was used to simulate streamflow after sensitivity analysis, calibration, and validation of the model for the catchment. Flood frequency analysis was initiated after discharge through a longer section followed by frequency analysis by partial duration series approach which provides a better result even though threshold selection is cumbersome. The results from the nonparametric Mann–Kendall test illustrate a slight increase in annual rainfall. The projected flow is expected to increase in autumn, summer, and annually by 8.34, 13.54, and 5.02% in the 2050s and 12.20, 18.06, and 11.87% in 2080s, respectively, under RCP4.5, while it is likely to increase in summer and annually by 15.66 and 5.82% in 2050s and 10.55 and 29.51% in 2080s, respectively, under RCP8.5. Flood frequency was analyzed by using Gumbel’s method. The flood magnitude predicts a positive change for 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 years recurrent periods under both scenarios. This research paves way to reduce the negative impacts of flooding and plays a vital role in providing estimates of recurrence floods which are used in designing roads, dams, and bridges for sustainable water resources management.
Simulation of IoT-based Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) for Smart Traffic Management Systems
Authors: Rizwan Ali , Karras Dimitrios A. , Dighriri Mohammed , Kumar Jitendra , Dixit Ekta , Jalali Asadullah , Mahmoud Amena
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, traffic congestion and increasing road accidents have become a major concern for both developed and developing countries. To overcome this challenge, an internet of things- (IoT-) based Vehicular Ad Hoc Network (VANET) system is proposed in which vehicles interact with other vehicles and infrastructure. These self-organized ad hoc vehicle networks not only boost traffic safety but also enhances the efficiency of traffic management systems. The VANET systems are beneficial in busy locations, where improved data dissemination protocols are used to categorize a vehicle’s transmission. However, the performance of these VANETs is also hampered by network splits and insufficient connections. Under these situations, the proposed simulation model reduces broadcast storms by minimizing redundancies, which is equally beneficial for both rural and urban settings. The suggested Next Forwarder Vehicle (NFV) protocol is based on three factors: position, distance, and orientation. Moreover, the DDP4V technique is used to analyse each of these features. Results indicate that DDP4V is compatible with 96% of all traffic scenarios and simulation durations. It can transport data packets 60% faster due to its broadcast suppression capabilities. Also, in comparison to AID and DBRS, DDP4V has fewer dispersed packets, which results into reduced retransmissions. For 200 automobiles/km2, all these techniques accomplish 35–40% of the needed cars. However, the coverage also faces some restrictions since data packets only reach vehicles on the same side as the originating vehicle. Similarly, DDP4V delivers 90% coverage for 400 vehicles/km2, which is 30% greater than prior techniques. It is observed that the proposed protocol reduces broadcast storms by employing a waggon wheel to choose the next forwarding vehicle. In high-traffic areas, it outperforms standard techniques. Similarly, it employs a patchwork of vehicles outside of the impacted region to convey data. The industrial IoT-based VANETs provide an effective tool to monitor and control traffic besides reducing the number of traffic accidents.
Mammalian Sterile 20-Like Kinase 1 Mediates Neuropathic Pain Associated with Its Effects on Regulating Mitophagy in Schwann Cells
Authors: Huang Zi , Xiao Pei-Yao , Chen Jing-Yan , Zeng Qing , Huang Bei-Xu , Yu Jian , Liao Song-Jie
Published: May 2022

Myelin degradation initiated by Schwann cells (SCs) after nerve injury is connected to the induction and chronicity of neuropathic pain (NP). Mitophagy, a selective clearance of damaged mitochondria via autophagy, contributes to the maintenance of normal function in SCs. Mitochondrial function and mitophagy activity are highly modulated by mammalian ste20-like kinase1 (Mst1). However, whether Mst1 can regulate mitophagy in SCs to play a role in NP remains poorly understood. In the present study, Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to chronic constriction injury (CCI) on the sciatic nerve to induce NP. Small interfering RNA of Mst1 was applied to the injured sciatic nerve to knockdown Mst1. Behavioral tests were performed to evaluate NP, and myelin degeneration was assessed by transmission electron microscope and immunofluorescence. Autophagy and mitophagy were detected in the injured sciatic nerve and cultured SCs (RSC96 cells) by Western blot. ROS level, mitochondria membrane potential, and apoptosis were assessed in vitro via flow cytometry and Western blot. Mst1 knockdown alleviated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in the CCI-induced NP model and rescued myelin degeneration of the injured nerve. Meanwhile, CCI-increased levels of Parkin and p62 were reversed by Mst1 knockdown. In vitro RSC96 cells were subjected to starvation to induce mitophagy. Protein levels of mitochondrial Parkin and mitochondrial p62 significantly increased after Mst1 knockdown, while those in the cytosol diminished indicate that the translocation of Parkin and p62 from the cytosol to the mitochondria was promoted by the knockdown of Mst1. In addition, Mst1 knockdown reduced ROS level and apoptosis activity, while enhancing mitochondria membrane potential in RSC96 cells. The study showed that Mst1 knockdown alleviated CCI-induced NP, associated with enhanced Parkin recruitment to mitochondria and subsequent mitophagy degradation, thus preserving mitochondrial function and myelin integrity.
The Beneficial Effects of Chinese Herbal Monomers on Ameliorating Diabetic Cardiomyopathy via Nrf2 Signaling
Authors: Gao Yiwei , Liu Wu , Su Xin , Li Xinyi , Yu Fangning , Zhang Ning
Published: May 2022

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the main factor responsible for poor prognosis and survival in patients with diabetes. The highly complex pathogenesis of DCM involves multiple signaling pathways, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway. Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) seems essential to the amelioration of the progression of DCM, not only through counterbalancing oxidative stress, but also through interacting with other signaling pathways to combat inflammation, the disorder in energy homeostasis and insulin signaling, and fibrosis. It has been evidenced that Chinese herbal monomers could attenuate DCM through the crosstalk of Nrf2 with other signaling pathways. This article has summarized the pathogenesis of DCM (especially in oxidative stress), the beneficial effects of ameliorating DCM via the Nrf2 signaling pathway and its crosstalk, and examples of Chinese herbal monomers. It will facilitate pharmacological research and development to promote the utilization of traditional Chinese medicine in DCM.
Efficiency of Multiple Extraction Solvents on Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, and Phytotoxic Potential of Taraxacum officinale (L.) Weber ex F.H. Wigg. from Poonch Valley, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan
Authors: Akhtar Wasim , Ali Ghazanfar , Ashraf Nadia , Fatima Iram , Kayani Waqas Khan , Shaheen Hamayun , Ghoneim Mohammed M. , Abdelgawad Mohamed A. , Khames Ahmed
Published: May 2022

Background. Different parts of Taraxacum officinale (L.) were used in traditional medicine in various parts of the world for the treatment of health problems, and they possess significant biological activities. The present study aimed to estimate phytochemical and biological activities of T. officinale using different extraction solvents. Methods. Methanolic, acetone, and n-hexane extracts of selected species were prepared, and ten secondary metabolites were examined using standard protocols. The antioxidant activity was performed using three in vitro methods, namely, DPPH assay, total reducing power (TRP) assay, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Toxicological analysis was done using the brine shrimp cytotoxic assay and radish seed phytotoxic assay. Results. The T. officinale methanolic extract showed the highest phenolic (178.27 ± 17.17 mg/GAE/g) and flavonoid (18.50 ± 1.64 mg QE/g) contents. Similarly, the methanolic extract also revealed the highest DPPH activity (32.80 ± 9.66 IC50), reducing potential (0.53 ± 0.02 mg/g), and TAC (19.42 ± 0.97 mg/g) as compared to the acetone and n-hexane extracts. The Pearson correlation analysis confirmed a strong positive correlation (r > 0.9) between total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and all antioxidant assays. Furthermore, a heat map displayed the methanolic extract (red color) as a valuable source of phytochemicals and antioxidant agents. Moreover, the T. officinale methanolic extract also showed the highest (7.12 ppm) cytotoxic potential whereas both methanolic and acetone extracts were revealed as moderate phytotoxic agents when compared with the standard. Conclusion. The T. officinale methanolic extract exhibited comparatively notable phytochemicals that are actively involved in antioxidant activities and possess toxicological properties. This upholds the folkloric use of T. officinale as a possible source to develop natural plant-based drugs. Further investigations to isolate bioactive compounds and elements and on their safety need to be conducted.
A Retrospective Analysis of Malaria Trends in Maksegnit Health Center over the Last Seven Years, Northwest Ethiopia: 2014-2020
Authors: Eshetu Tegegne , Muhamed Bedruzeman , Awol Merima , Kassa Zebie , Getu Mehabaw , Derso Adane , Abere Aberham , Zeleke Ayalew Jejaw
Published: May 2022

Background. In Ethiopia, despite various public health intervention approaches have been implemented to eliminate malaria, its public health problem remains considerable. There are such numerous studies; however, investigating the trend of malaria infection in various settings is paramount for area-specific evidence-based interventions, evaluating ongoing malaria control programs. Hence, since the trend of malaria infection in Maksegnit has not yet been documented, this study is aimed at assessing the seven-year trend of malaria in Maksegnit Health Center. Methods. An institutional-based retrospective study was conducted to assess the trend of malaria prevalence over the last seven years (2014-2020) using recorded blood smear reports in the laboratory logbook in Maksegnit Health Center, Northwest Ethiopia. Result. Over the last seven years, a total of 28217 clinically malaria-suspected individuals were requested for blood film examination at Maksegnit Health Center. Of whom, microscopically confirmed malaria case was found in 4641/28217 (16.4%). A significant seasonal and interannual variation of malaria cases was observed (

P
<
0.001

). The highest prevalence was observed in years 2014 (25.5%) and 2020 (25.1%), while the minimum annual prevalence was seen in 2017/18 (6.4%). The month of October (25.5%) had the highest number of malaria cases documented, while February had the least (4.7%). Males and individuals under the age group of 15-45 were the most affected segments of the population. A significant interannual fluctuating prevalence of malaria cases was recorded ranging from 25.5% to 6.4% (

P
<
0.001

). Conclusion. Malaria is still a public health threat in the study area despite significant fluctuating patterns of malaria was observed in the last seven years. In particular, a bounced back trend of malaria from 2018 to 2020 is alarming. Thus, the implementation of ongoing intervention approaches should be reconsidered, and uninterrupted efforts of the concerned bodies are still needed.