bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information processing by community health nurses using mobile health (mHealth) tools for early identification of suicide and depression risks in Fiji Islands
Authors: Patel Vimla Lodhia , Halpern Mariel , Nagaraj Vijayalakshmi , Chang Odille , Iyengar Sriram , May William
Published: November 2021

Objectives

High rates of depression and suicide and a lack of trained psychiatrists have emerged as significant concerns in the low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as the Pacific Island Countries (PICs). Readily available smartphones were leveraged with community health nurses (CHNs) in task-sharing for early identification of suicide and depression risks in Fiji Islands, the largest of PICs. This investigation examines how CHNs can efficiently and effectively process patient information about depression and suicide risk for making diagnostic and management decisions without compromising safety. The research is driven by the theoretical framework of text comprehension (knowledge representation and interpretation) and decision-making.

Methods

Mobile health (mHealth) Application for Suicide Risk and Depression Assessment (ASRaDA) was designed to include culturally useful clinical guidelines for these disorders. A representative sample of 48 CHNs was recruited and presented with two clinical cases (depression and suicide) in a simulated setting under three conditions: No support, paper-based and mobile-based culturally valid guideline support. Data were collected as the nurses read through the scenarios, ‘thinking aloud’, before summarising, diagnoses and follow-up recommendations. Transcribed audiotapes were analysed using formal qualitative discourse analysis methods for diagnostic accuracy, comprehension of clinical problems and reasoning patterns.

Results

Using guidelines on ASRaDA, the CHNs took less time to process patient information with more accurate diagnostic and therapeutic decisions for depression and suicide risk than with paper-based or no guideline conditions. A change in reasoning pattern for nurses’ information processing was observed with decision support.

Discussion

Although these results are shown in a mental health setting in Fiji, there are reasons to believe they are generalisable beyond mental health and other lower-to-middle income countries.

Conclusions

Culturally appropriate clinical guidelines on mHealth supports efficient information processing for quick and accurate decisions and a positive shift in reasoning behaviour by the nurses. However, translating complex qualitative patient information into quantitative scores could generate conceptual errors. These results are valid in simulated conditions.
Experiences of remote consulting for patients and neurologists during the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland
Authors: Stavrou Maria , Lioutas Eva , Lioutas Joanna , Davenport Richard J
Published: November 2021

Background

Remote consulting is an emerging model in managing chronic neurological conditions and has been widely implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this national survey was to investigate the initial experiences of remote consulting for neurologists and patients with established neurological conditions under follow-up during the first COVID-19 phase.

Methods

In collaboration with the Scottish Association of Neurological Sciences and the Neurological Alliance of Scotland, we conducted a web-based survey of neurologists and patients between October and November 2020.

Findings

Data was available for 62 neurologists and 201 patients. The consensus among neurologists was that remote consulting is a satisfactory way of delivering healthcare in selected groups of patients. For practical and technical reasons, there was preference for phone over video consultations (phone 63% vs video 33%, p=0.003). The prevailing opinion among clinicians was that considerable training interventions for remote consultation skills are required (‘yes’ 63% vs ‘no’ 37%, p=0.009) to improve clinician consultation skills and successfully embed this new model of care.

Most patients perceived remote consultations as safe, effective and convenient, with 89% of patients being satisfied with their remote consultation experience. Although traditional face-to-face consultations were the favoured way of interaction for 62% of patients, a significant proportion preferred that some of their future consultations be remote.

Interpretation

Although not a replacement for face-to-face consultations, this survey illustrates that remote consulting can be an acceptable adjunct to traditional face-to-face consultations for doctors and patients. More research is required to identify overall safety and applicability.
Quality improvement project to decrease unnecessary investigations in infants with bronchiolitis in Cork University Hospital
Authors: Jansen Lizeri , Meyer Gideon-Phil , Curtin Glenn , Lynch Bryan , O’Brien Rory
Published: November 2021

Background

Bronchiolitis is a common reason for infants to present to the emergency department (ED). Clear evidence-based guidelines exist that recommend against routine radiological and laboratory investigations in this cohort. Despite this, preintervention audit showed that children below 12 months of age with bronchiolitis in the ED during November 2018–January 2019 were receiving unnecessary investigations. Our aim was to improve patient care by decreasing unnecessary investigations in bronchiolitis infants.

Methods

Baseline assessment comprised a preintervention audit of children less than 12 months of age with a diagnosis of bronchiolitis that presented to ED during November 2018–January 2019. The outcome measure was average weekly hospital length of stay (LOS), process measures were average weekly chest X-ray (CXR) and laboratory investigation rate. The balancing measure was the average weekly representation rate.

Intervention

A multimodal intervention was implemented comprising a locally agreed flowchart enhanced by regular feedback on performance using run charts and in-person sessions.

Results

A postintervention audit of November 2019–January 2020 was undertaken. There was a 57% reduction in the mean average weekly CXR rate (from 25% to 11%, p value 0.009974 significant at p<0.05); there was an improvement by 56% in the mean average weekly laboratory investigation rate (from 29% to 13%, p value 0.005475, significant at p<0.05) in the preintervention and postintervention periods, respectively. The mean average weekly representations remained at 4% preintervention and postintervention (p value 0.737). There was no significant difference in hospital LOS (from 25.3 hours to 20.7 hours, p value 0.270549).

Conclusion

An evidence-based protocol improved physicians’ ability in diagnosing and managing infants with bronchiolitis. This led to a reduction in unnecessary and potential harmful investigations, thereby improving patient quality of care. This improvement will contribute to decreased healthcare cost and appropriate use of resources during the high-pressured winter period.
Association of sleep apnoea risk and aortic enlargement in Marfan syndrome
Authors: Sowho Mudiaga , MacCarrick Gretchen , Dietz Harry , Jun Jonathan , Schwartz Alan R , Neptune Enid R
Published: November 2021

Background

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disorder characterised by complex aortic pathology and a high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). OSA produces intrathoracic transmural stresses that may accelerate aortic injury. The current study was designed to examine the associations between OSA risk and markers of aortic enlargement in MFS.

Method

Consecutive patients with MFS were recruited at Johns Hopkins if they completed a STOP-BANG survey. Composite survey scores were categorised into those with low OSA risk (STOP-BANG <3) and high OSA risk (STOP-BANG ≥3). Participants’ aortic data were collated to ascertain aortic root diameter, dilatation and prior aortic root replacement. Regression analyses were used to examine associations between OSA risk strata and these aortic parameters.

Results

Of the 89 participants studied, 28% had a high OSA risk and 32% had aortic grafts. Persons with high OSA risk had greater aortic root diameter (mm) (ß=4.13, SE=1.81, p=0.027) and aortic root dilatation (ß=2.80, SE=1.34, p=0.046) compared with those with low OSA risk . In addition, the odds of prior aortic root replacement was three times greater in those with high OSA risk compared with those with low OSA risk.

Conclusion

In MFS, high OSA risk is associated with aortic enlargement and a threefold increased risk of having had prior aortic root replacement. These findings invite further exploration of the relationship between OSA and aortic disease in MFS, and studies to clarify whether targeted interventions for OSA might mitigate aortic disease progression in MFS.

Registration number

IRB00157483.
Integrating patients with chronic respiratory disease and heart failure into a combined breathlessness rehabilitation programme: a service redesign and pilot evaluation
Authors: Chaplin Emma , Ward Sarah , Daynes Enya , Bourne Claire LA , Stenson Amy , Watt Amye , Gardiner Nikki , Houchen-Wolloff Linzy , Singh Sally J
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The successful integration of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) into a traditional pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programme has previously been reported. Our aim was to reconfigure both our cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and PR services to enable us to deliver a symptom-based programme—breathlessness rehabilitation (BR), for patients with a primary symptom of breathlessness irrespective of the index diagnosis, or comorbid disease.

Methods

After a service redesign process, patients attended a two times per week, group-based, tailored exercise and education programme for 6 weeks, delivered by CR and PR staff. The classes included both aerobic and resistance exercises and an overarching generic education programme alongside disease-specific components. Home programmes were reviewed at each session to facilitate progress and influence changes in exercise behaviour beyond the supervised programme. Generic clinical outcome measures were performed pre and post BR.

Staff focus groups were conducted to identify barriers and facilitators and explore staff perceptions.

Results

272 patients (n=193 chronic respiratory disease (CRD) and n=79 CHF) were assessed and enrolled into BR (153 men, mean (SD) age 68.8 (12.7) years, body mass index 28.8 (7.3), Medical Research Council 3 (IQR 2–4), New York Heart Association 2 (IQR 2–3)). 164 patients completed the programme. Statistically significant improvements were seen in both exercise capacity (incremental shuttle walking test: mean change 47.4 m; endurance shuttle walking test: mean change 310.7 s) and quadriceps strength (quadriceps maximal voluntary contraction: mean change 3.7 kg) (p≤0.0001) alongside a statistically significant reduction in dyspnoea (chronic respiratory questionnaire/chronic heart questionnaire - self reported - dyspnoea: mean change 0.4) and anxiety and depression scores (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) - anxiety: −1.6; HADS - depression: −1.3) (p≤0.0001).

Qualitative staff focus groups identified three subthemes: collaboration and integration, service quality and future challenges.

Discussion

Overall the service redesign indicates the feasibility for staff and individuals with CRD and CHF to integrate into a breathlessness programme. Early data suggests clinical effectiveness. Given the significance of comorbid disease it is an approach that warrants further consideration.
ARTP statement on cardiopulmonary exercise testing 2021
Authors: Pritchard Andrew , Burns Paul , Correia Joao , Jamieson Patrick , Moxon Peter , Purvis Joanna , Thomas Maximillian , Tighe Hannah , Sylvester Karl Peter
Published: November 2021

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) has become an invaluable tool in healthcare, improving the diagnosis of disease and the quality, efficacy, assessment and safety of treatment across a range of pathologies. CPET’s superior ability to measure the global exercise response of the respiratory, cardiovascular and skeletal muscle systems simultaneously in a time and cost-efficient manner has led to the application of CPET in a range of settings from diagnosis of disease to preoperative assessment. The Association for Respiratory Technology and Physiology Statement on Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing 2021 provides the practitioner and scientist with an outstanding resource to support and enhance practice, from equipment to testing to leadership, helping them deliver a quality assured service for the benefit of all patient groups.
Gene of the month: H3F3A and H3F3B
Authors: Aldera Alessandro Pietro , Govender Dhirendra
Published: November 2021

H3F3AandH3F3Bgenes are located at 1q42.12 and 17q25.1, respectively, and encode identical H3.3 core histone proteins which form part of the histone hetero-octamer complex. Histones function by packaging DNA into small units, the nucleosome, and are highly susceptible to epigenetic post-translational modification. H3 K27 mutations have been shown to inhibit the polycomb repressive complex 2, which is normally involved in epigenetic gene silencing. Mutations inH3F3AandH3F3Bare increasingly recognised in a variety of solid tumours. Point mutations inH3F3Ahave been described in giant cell tumour of bone and paediatric-type diffuse high-grade gliomas. Mutations inH3F3Bhave been described in chondroblastoma. Loss of trimethylation of H3 K27 is characteristic of most sporadic and radiation-associated malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours. Immunohistochemistry with a variety of novel antibodies directed against specific mutations, as well as loss of H3K27me3 staining, may be useful in specific settings and in diagnostically challenging cases.
Detection of COX-2 in liquid biopsy of patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Pereira Vanessa Silva , Alves Beatriz da Costa Aguiar , Waisberg Jaques , Fonseca Fernando , Gehrke Flavia
Published: November 2021

Aims

To determine the profile ofCOX-2gene expression in patients with prostate cancer attended at the ABC University Health Center outpatient clinic and correlate the results with patients’ anatomopathological examinations. Prostate cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer worldwide and the second in Brazil.COX-2expression is associated with an unfavourable prognosis.

Methods

15.0 mL of peripheral blood were collected from 24 patients and 25 healthy men. RNA extraction was performed using the QIAamp RNA Blood Mini Kit. Complementary DNA synthesis was performed using SuperScript II RNAse Reverse Transcriptase. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed with specificCOX-2oligonucleotides and the endogenousGAPDHgene.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 69 years old. The Gleason scoring system showed 37.5% of patients with Gleason 6 (slow growth, low risk), 45.8% with Gleason 7 (intermediate risk) and 16.7% with Gleason 8 or 9 (risk of high-grade cancer). The medianCOX-2expression in the study group was 0.97, while in the control group it was 0.11 (p<0.045).

Conclusions

Patients with prostate cancer showed higherCOX-2expression at diagnosis compared with the control group. SinceCOX-2detection associated with prostate-specific antigen dosage shows promise as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis in patients with prostate cancer, further research is required to confirm these findings.
Toripalimab plus intensity-modulated radiotherapy for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma: an open-label single-arm, phase II trial
Authors: Hua Yijun , You Rui , Wang Zhiqiang , Huang Peiyu , Lin Mei , Ouyang Yanfeng , Xie Yulong , Zou Xiong , Liu Youping , Duan Chongyang , Liu Yonglong , Gu Chenmei , Liu Rongzeng , Yang Qi , Jiang Rou , Zhang Mengxia , Ding Xi , Chen Siyuan , Lin Chao , Sun Rui , Chen Mingyuan
Published: November 2021

Background

Toripalimab is a humanized immunoglobulin G4 monoclonal antibody against programmed death 1. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of toripalimab in combination with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (rNPC).

Methods

We conducted a single-arm, phase II trial with patients with rNPC who had biopsy-proven disease and were unsuitable for local surgery. Eligible patients received IMRT in combination with toripalimab administered via intravenous infusion of 240 mg once every 3 weeks for a maximum of seven cycles. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate at 3 months post radiotherapy. The secondary endpoints included safety profiles, progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

Between May 2019 and January 2020, a total of 25 patients with rNPC were enrolled (18 men (72.0%) and 7 women (28.0%); median (IQR) age, 49.0 (43.5–52.5) years). With a median (IQR) follow-up duration of 14.6 months (13.1–16.2) months, 19 patients (79.2%) achieved an overall response, and disease control was achieved in 23 (95.8%) patients at 3 months post radiotherapy. The 12-month PFS was 91.8% (95% CI 91.7% to 91.9%). The incidences of acute (grade ≥3) blood triglyceride elevation, creatine kinase elevation, skin reaction, and mucositis were 1 (4.0%), 1 (4.0%), 2 (8.0%), and 1 (4.0%), respectively. The incidences of late severe (grade ≥3) nasopharyngeal wall necrosis, nasal bleeding, and trismus were 28.0%, 12.0%, and 4.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

Toripalimab combined with IMRT was tolerable and showed promising antitumor activity in patients with rNPC.

Trial registration number

NCT03854838.
Fc-comprising scDb-based trivalent, bispecific T-cell engagers for selective killing of HER3-expressing cancer cells independent of cytokine release
Authors: Aschmoneit Nadine , Kühl Lennart , Seifert Oliver , Kontermann Roland E
Published: November 2021

Background

Bispecific T-cell engagers are an established therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hematologic malignancies but face several challenges when it comes to their application for the treatment of solid tumors, including on-target off-tumor adverse events. Employing an avidity-mediated specificity gain by introducing an additional binding moiety for the tumor-associated antigen can be achieved using formats with a 2+1 stoichiometry.

Methods

Besides biochemical characterization and validation of target cell binding to cancer cells with different HER3 expression, we used in vitro co-culture assays with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and HER3-expressing target cells to determine T-cell activation, T-cell proliferation and PBMC-mediated cancer cell lysis of HER3-positive cell lines by the trivalent, bispecific antibodies.

Results

In this study, we developed trivalent, bispecific antibodies comprising a silenced Fc region for T-cell retargeting to HER3-expressing tumor cells, combining a bivalent single-chain diabody (scDb) fused to a first heterodimerizing Fc chain with either an Fab or scFv fused to a second heterodimerizing Fc chain. All these HER3-targeting T-cell engagers comprising two binding sites for HER3 and one binding site for CD3 mediated target cell killing. However, format and orientation of binding sites influenced efficacy of target cell binding, target cell-dependent T-cell activation and T-cell-mediated target cell killing. Beneficial effects were seen when the CD3 binding site was located in the scDb moiety. These molecules showed efficient killing of medium HER3-expressing cancer cells with very low induction of cytokine release, while sparing target cells with low or undetectable HER3 expression.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that these trivalent, bispecific antibodies represent formats with superior interdomain spacing resulting in efficient target cell killing and a potential advantageous safety profile due to very low cytokine release.
External validation of the QCovid risk prediction algorithm for risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation and mortality in adults: national validation cohort study in Scotland
Authors: Simpson Colin R , Robertson Chris , Kerr Steven , Shi Ting , Vasileiou Eleftheria , Moore Emily , McCowan Colin , Agrawal Utkarsh , Docherty Annemarie , Mulholland Rachel , Murray Josie , Ritchie Lewis Duthie , McMenamin Jim , Hippisley-Cox Julia , Sheikh Aziz
Published: November 2021

Background

The QCovid algorithm is a risk prediction tool that can be used to stratify individuals by risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation and mortality. Version 1 of the algorithm was trained using data covering 10.5 million patients in England in the period 24 January 2020 to 30 April 2020. We carried out an external validation of version 1 of the QCovid algorithm in Scotland.

Methods

We established a national COVID-19 data platform using individual level data for the population of Scotland (5.4 million residents). Primary care data were linked to reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) virology testing, hospitalisation and mortality data. We assessed the performance of the QCovid algorithm in predicting COVID-19 hospitalisations and deaths in our dataset for two time periods matching the original study: 1 March 2020 to 30 April 2020, and 1 May 2020 to 30 June 2020.

Results

Our dataset comprised 5 384 819 individuals, representing 99% of the estimated population (5 463 300) resident in Scotland in 2020. The algorithm showed good calibration in the first period, but systematic overestimation of risk in the second period, prior to temporal recalibration. Harrell’s C for deaths in females and males in the first period was 0.95 (95% CI 0.94 to 0.95) and 0.93 (95% CI 0.92 to 0.93), respectively. Harrell’s C for hospitalisations in females and males in the first period was 0.81 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.82) and 0.82 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.82), respectively.

Conclusions

Version 1 of the QCovid algorithm showed high levels of discrimination in predicting the risk of COVID-19 hospitalisations and deaths in adults resident in Scotland for the original two time periods studied, but is likely to need ongoing recalibration prospectively.
Effects of dietary levels of calcium, phosphorus, and 1-alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol on digestibility, retention of calcium and phosphorus, and concentration of metabolizable energy in diets fed to sows in late-gestation
Authors: Lee Su A , Stein Hans H.
Published: November 2021

The apparent total tract digestibility and retention of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) and concentrations of digestible energy and metabolizable energy in diets fed to late-gestating sows were not affected by Ca and P levels, but they were increased by dietary supplementation with 1-alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol. There was no interaction between dietary Ca and P and supplementation with 1-alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol.
The classification of dwarf mistletoes (Arceuthobium spp., Viscaceae) in section Campylopoda, series Campylopoda
Authors: Mathiasen Robert L. , Kenaley Shawn C.
Published: November 2021

The taxonomic classification of dwarf mistletoes (Arceuthobium spp., Viscaceae) is complicated due to their reduced morphology, requiring the integration of not only morphology but also phenology, geography, and host relationships. This has been particularly true for the classification of taxa in subgenus Vaginata, section Campylopoda, series Campylopoda. Most of the species in this group have been recently circumscribed in synonymy with or reduced to subspecies of Arceuthobium campylopodum Engelm; however, we contend they deserve separate species recognition. To address this question, we have conducted morphological analyses of the taxa in ser. Campylopoda using univariate and multivariate statistical analyses. Our results have demonstrated that these taxa can be determined to species using morphological data without consideration of geographic location or host specificity; however, the host specialization and geographic distribution exhibited by these taxa also supports their classification as species. Here, we discuss the evidence supporting the specific classification of ser. Campylopoda taxa. This taxonomic framework permits the treatment of several dwarf mistletoe populations with geographically restricted distributions, fewer morphological differences, and specialized host affinities as subspecies of Arceuthobium abietinum (Engelm.) Abrams, Arceuthobium microcarpum (Engelm.) Hawksw. & Wiens, and Arceuthobium tsugense (Rosend.) G.N.Jones. It is also the most practical classification for the management of these economically and ecologically important parasitic plants.
Insights on mauritiana-like elements diversity in Mayetiola destructor and M. hordei (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)
Authors: Ben Amara Wiem , Djebbi Salma , Ben Lazhar-Ajroud Wafa , Naccache Chahnez , Mezghani-Khemakhem Maha
Published: November 2021

Mariner-like elements (MLEs) are class II transposons belonging to the Tc1-mariner family that have successfully invaded many insect genomes. In the current study, the availability of the Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor, genome has enabled us to perform in silico analysis of MLEs using a previously described mariner element (Desmar1) belonging to the mauritiana subfamily. Eighteen mauritiana-like elements were detected and clustered into three main groups: Desmar1-like, MauCons1, and MauCons2. Subsequently, in vitro analysis was carried out to investigate mauritiana-like elements in M. destructor as well as in Mayetiola hordei using primers designed from TIRs of previously identified MLEs. PCR amplifications were successful, and a total of 12 and 17 mauritiana-like elements were detected in M. destructor and M. hordei, respectively. Sequence analyses of mauritiana-like elements obtained in silico and in vitro have shown that MauCons1 and MauCons2 elements share low similarity with Desmar1 ranging from 50% to 55%, suggesting that different groups under the mauritiana subfamily have invaded the genomes of M. destructor and M. hordei. These groups were likely inherited by vertical transmission, which subsequently underwent different evolutionary histories. This work describes new mauritiana-like elements in M. destructor that are distinct from the previously discovered Desmar1 and provides the first evidence of MLEs belonging to the mauritiana subfamily in M. hordei.
Author Reputation Measurement on Question and Answer Sites by the Classification of Author-Generated Content
Authors: Sezerer Erhan , Tenekeci Samet , Acar Ali , Baloğlu Bora , Tekir Selma
Published: November 2021

In the field of software engineering, practitioners’ share in the constructed knowledge cannot be underestimated and is mostly in the form of grey literature (GL). GL is a valuable resource though it is subjective and lacks an objective quality assurance methodology. In this paper, a quality assessment scheme is proposed for question and answer (Q&A) sites. In particular, we target stack overflow (SO) and stack exchange (SE) sites. We model the problem of author reputation measurement as a classification task on the author-provided answers. The authors’ mean, median, and total answer scores are used as inputs for class labeling. State-of-the-art language models (BERT and DistilBERT) with a softmax layer on top are utilized as classifiers and compared to SVM and random baselines. Our best model achieves [Formula: see text] accuracy in binary classification in SO design patterns tag and [Formula: see text] accuracy in SE software engineering category. Superior performance in SE software engineering can be explained by its larger dataset size. In addition to quantitative evaluation, we provide qualitative evidence, which supports that the system’s predicted reputation labels match the quality of provided answers.
On subinjectivity domains of RD-injective modules
Authors: Durğun Yılmaz
Published: November 2021

The subjectivity domain of a module allows us to evaluate how close (or far) a module is from being injective. In this paper, we consider three families of rings characterized by their RD-injective left [Formula: see text]-modules via the subinjective domain: those whose noninjective RD-injective left [Formula: see text]-modules are subinjective relatively only to divisible modules, those whose noninjective RD-injective left [Formula: see text]-modules are subinjective relatively only to fp-injective modules and those whose noninjective RD-injective left [Formula: see text]-modules are subinjective relatively only to injective modules.
A method of expressing associated semanteme of entities
Authors: Wei Lijun , Pan Yang , Wang Hao , Wang Xianchao , Zhang Yan
Published: November 2021

To make up for the defects of semanteme expression about linked data, this paper proposes a semanteme expressing method of associated entities based on relationship diagram so as to realize the machine expression and recognition of associated semanteme in relational databases. Starting with the structure and relationship of relational schema, this paper analyzes the rich semanteme of associated entities and presents the semanteme parsing method based on the traversal path as well as its formal expression; the analysis of instance database is also carried out. Studies show that this method can comprehensively parse and express the associated semanteme of entities. This work has reference significance for the research of intelligent semanteme synthesis and for semanteme-oriented intelligent query.
Tsunami Hazard Assessment Along Chinese Coast Using Scaling Relations Developed for Tsunami Prediction
Authors: Guan Jiashen , An Chao
Published: November 2021

Potential tsunamis in the western Pacific Ocean pose great threats to the Chinese coastal areas. Among all possible tsunami source regions, the Manila subduction zone draws the most attention and there have been many research works on the tsunami hazards in the South China Sea. In this study, we evaluate the tsunami hazard along the Chinese coast by investigating more potential sources, including the subduction zones of Manila, Ryukyu, Nankai, Izu–Bonin and Mariana. Two tsunami scenarios are considered for each subduction zone, a worst scenario of earthquake magnitude 9.0 and a scenario of largest earthquake magnitude known in history in this zone. Earthquake source parameters are calculated using scaling relations that have been shown to be suitable for tsunami generation. Our results show that for the Chinese coast, tsunami hazards from the Manila and Ryukyu subduction zones are severe in the worst scenarios, and tsunami hazards from the Nankai, Izu–Bonin and Mariana subduction zones are mild. Using the largest earthquake magnitude in history, tsunami hazards from all the investigated subduction zones are almost negligible. Through a sensitivity test on earthquake magnitude, we find that earthquakes of magnitude of 8.5 or larger in the Manila and Ryukyu subduction zones cause severe tsunami hazard along the Chinese coast with wave amplitude over 2 m.
Cracks in the Success Narrative: Rethinking Failure in Design Research through a Retrospective Trioethnography
Authors: Howell Noura , Desjardins Audrey , Fox Sarah
Published: November 2021

What can design researchers learn from our own and each other's failures? We explore “failure” expansively—turning away from tidy success narratives toward messy unfoldings and reflexive discomfort—through retrospective trioethnography. Our findings reflect on failures we identified in six past design research projects: issues of relational labor of deployment, mismatched designer/participant imaginaries, burden of participation, and invisibility of researcher labor. Our discussion contributes to broader reflections on shifting design research practice: (a) methodological considerations inviting others to engage failures through retrospective trioethnography, (b) letting go as a mode of research care, (c) possibilities for more candid research reporting, and (d) how centering failure may contribute to design justice by providing a technique for attending to harm and healing in design research practices. Throughout, we call for challenging success narratives in design research, and underscore the need for systemic changes in design research practice.
Vitamin D supplementation induces CatG-mediated CD4+ T cell inactivation and restores pancreatic β-cell function in mice with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Lai Xiaoyang , Liu Xuyang , Cai Xia , Zou Fang
Published: November 2021

We report that vitamin D (VD) supplementation downregulates CatG expression and inhibits CD4+ T cell activation, thereby improving β-cell function in type 1 diabetes (T1D). This study deepens our understanding of the pathogenesis of T1D and clarifies molecular events underlying the alleviatory effect of VD for immunotherapy against T1D.
Insulin, Muscle Glucose Uptake, and Hexokinase: Revisiting the Road Not Taken
Authors: Wasserman David H.
Published: November 2021

Research conducted over the last 50 yr has provided insight into the mechanisms by which insulin stimulates glucose transport across the skeletal muscle cell membrane Transport alone, however, does not result in net glucose uptake as free glucose equilibrates across the cell membrane and is not metabolized. Glucose uptake requires that glucose is phosphorylated by hexokinases. Phosphorylated glucose cannot leave the cell and is the substrate for metabolism. It is indisputable that glucose phosphorylation is essential for glucose uptake. Major advances have been made in defining the regulation of the insulin-stimulated glucose transporter (GLUT4) in skeletal muscle. By contrast, the insulin-regulated hexokinase (hexokinase II) parallels Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken.” Here the case is made that an understanding of glucose phosphorylation by hexokinase II is necessary to define the regulation of skeletal muscle glucose uptake in health and insulin resistance. Results of studies from different physiological disciplines that have elegantly described how hexokinase II can be regulated are summarized to provide a framework for potential application to skeletal muscle. Mechanisms by which hexokinase II is regulated in skeletal muscle await rigorous examination.
Justified Suspicion: Symptomatic Syphilitic Alopecia in a Patient with Well-Controlled HIV
Authors: Jame Robert , Al-Saeigh Yousif , Wang Leo L. , Wang Kevin
Published: November 2021

Background. An estimated 25% of primary and secondary syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum, occurs in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (Chesson et al., 2005). This association is especially evident in men who have sex with men (MSM). In HIV-positive patients, primary syphilis infection may progress more rapidly to the tertiary, and most destructive, stage and reinfection can start with the latent or tertiary stage; in such patients, advanced syphilis may arise without clinical warning signs (Kenyan et al., 2018). It is important to note that neurosyphilis can occur during any stage of infection in all patients, regardless of immunocompetence status (CDC, 2021). Case Presentation. A 56-year-old male with a past medical history of well-controlled HIV with a CD4 count of 700 cells/mm3 and an undetectable viral load, psoriasis, and a remote episode of treated syphilis, presented with a two-week history of a diffuse desquamating rash, alopecia, sinusitis, unilateral conjunctivitis, and blurred vision. His last sexual encounter was over ten months ago. The diagnosis of syphilis was confirmed by microhemagglutination assay, and he was treated for presumed neuro-ocular infection with a two-week course of intravenous Penicillin G. Conclusion. Syphilis has acquired a reputation as “the great masquerader” due to its protean manifestations. It may follow an unpredictable course, especially in HIV-positive patients, including those whose treatment has achieved undetectable serology. For example, ocular syphilis may present in an otherwise asymptomatic individual (Rein, 2020) and alopecia may arise as the sole indication of acute syphilitic infection (Doche et al., 2017). Therefore, a high index of suspicion is warranted in order to prevent severe and irreversible complications.
Reinforcement Learning-Based Multiple Constraint Electric Vehicle Charging Service Scheduling
Authors: Liu Yongguang , Chen Wei , Huang Zhu
Published: November 2021

The popularization of electric vehicles faces problems such as difficulty in charging, difficulty in selecting fast charging locations, and comprehensive consideration of multiple factors and vehicle interactions. With the increasingly mature application of navigation technology in vehicle-road coordination and other aspects, the proposal of an optimal dynamic charging method for electric fleets based on adaptive learning makes it possible for edge computing to process electric fleets to effectively execute the optimal route charging plan. We propose a method of electric vehicle charging service scheduling based on reinforcement learning. First, an intelligent transportation system is proposed, and on this basis a framework for the interaction between fast charging stations and electric vehicles is established. Subsequently, a dynamic travel time model for traffic sections was established. Based on the habits of electric vehicle owners, an electric vehicle charging navigation model and a reinforcement learning reward model were proposed. Finally, an electric vehicle charging navigation scheduling method is proposed to optimize the service resources of the fast charging stations in the area. The simulation results show that the method balances the charging load between stations, can effectively improve the charging efficiency of electric vehicles, and increases user satisfaction.
Design and Implementation of Data Sharing Traceability System Based on Blockchain Smart Contract
Authors: Kang Yang , Li Qiang
Published: November 2021

“Traceability” is an important method often used in modern supply management. The traceability system is a system based on the Internet of Things technology. In this process, users will share resources through cloud service providers, so how to ensure data security is also one of the issues we consider. Blockchain technology is an emerging technology in the field of information technology. Its decentralized nature, distributed storage, and difficult data modification provide us with fair exchange and sharing of data. Feasible solutions: in this article, we have studied the key issues of fair exchange and safe sharing of data based on blockchain and designed a multigroup data sharing scheme based on alliance chain. To solve the various existing traceability systems problem, this paper designs a new traceability system based on blockchain technology and implements a system prototype to verify the feasibility of the system.
Influence of Digital Finance on Efficacy of Entrepreneurship by Returning Migrant Workers
Authors: Xiong Can , Zeng Fusheng
Published: November 2021

Digital finance provides an ideal entrepreneurial environment for returning migrant workers (RMWs). From the perspective of entrepreneurs, many scholars have quantified the factors affecting entrepreneurship, as well as the entrepreneurial environment, theorized the importance, motives, and internal/external impactors of RMW entrepreneurship, and put forward quite a lot of countermeasures. This paper innovatively evaluates how digital finance influences the efficacy of RMW entrepreneurship. Firstly, the authors established an influencing factor analysis model and an RMW entrepreneurship model and explained principles for the structural equation modeling of the influence of digital finance on RMW entrepreneurship efficacy. Next, the traditional partial least squares (PLS) regression was optimized, the optimal initial iteration values (IIVs) were obtained, and the algorithm convergence was achieved. Finally, a multilayer structural equation model (SEM) was constructed to evaluate the influence of digital finance on RMW entrepreneurship efficacy. The proposed algorithm and model were proved valid and feasible through experiments.
Cyclophosphamide Attenuates Fibrosis in Lupus Nephritis by Regulating Mesangial Cell Cycle Progression
Authors: Ma Yuehong , Fang Ling , Zhang Rui , Zhao Peng , Li Yafeng , Li Rongshan
Published: November 2021

Objectives. Most patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) develop lupus nephritis (LN) with severe kidney manifestations. Renal fibrosis can be primarily attributed to overproliferation of mesangial cells (MCs), which are subject to drug treatment. Nevertheless, the detailed mechanisms remain elusive. We sought to identify the effect of cyclophosphamide (CTX), a drug commonly used for LN treatment, on MC proliferation and explore its underlying mechanisms. Material/Methods. Cell proliferation and fibrosis in mouse kidney tissues were determined by histopathology staining techniques. Flow cytometry was used for cell cycle analysis. Cell cycle regulators were examined in vitro following treatment of immortalized human MCs with platelet-derived growth factor subunit B (PDGF-B). Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analyses were used to measure the mRNA and protein levels of candidate cell cycle regulators, respectively. Results. CTX inhibited cell overproliferation induced by platelet-derived growth factor subunit B in vitro and in vivo. CTX (40 mg/l) was sufficient to induce G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest. CTX treatment downregulated many critical cell cycle regulators including cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases but upregulated cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. Additionally, CTX-treated samples showed significantly reduced fibrosis, as indicated by lower expression of interleukin-1β and α-smooth muscle actin. Conclusion. CTX inhibits proliferation of MCs by modulating cell cycle regulator and therefore arresting them at G1 phase. CTX treatment significantly alleviates the severity of renal fibrosis. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms by which CTX affects LN.
A Low-Sidelobe-Level Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub Antenna with a Nonlinear Slow-Wave Structure
Authors: Wang Kexin , Lei Xue , Gao Jun , Li Tianpeng , Tian Siyu , Zhao Mingyang
Published: November 2021

The sidelobe level (SLL) is an essential performance factor for satellite communication antennas. A low-SLL design can effectively suppress adjacent satellite interference. A low-SLL design method for a variable inclination continuous transverse stub (VICTS) antenna is proposed in this paper. The VICTS antenna is composed of three rotatable parts: a feeding plate, a radiation plate, and a polarization plate. The radiation plate comprises two groups of stubs with different radiation ratios. Combined with the nonlinear slow-wave structure attached to the feeding plate, the radiation ratio of the unit can be adjusted. The aperture field of the VICTS antenna using this method can be tapered in order to suppress the SLL. To verify the effectiveness of this method, the antenna prototype is fabricated and measured in a microwave anechoic chamber. The simulation and the measurement are in good agreement. The reflection coefficient of the antenna is kept below −15 dB and between 13.75 GHz and 14.5 GHz. When the radiation plate and the feeding plate rotate relative to each other, the pattern beam can be scanned from 5° to

70

°

. In the scanning range, the typical SLL can reach −18 dB.
Investigation of Fe-Doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride-Silver Tungstate as a Ternary Visible Light Active Photocatalyst
Authors: Alosaimi Eid H. , Azeem Nadia , Tahir Noor , Jilani Asim , Zahid Muhammad , Alharthi Salman. S. , Iqbal Javed , Yaseen Muhammad , Ahmad Rehan Zulfiqar , Shahid Imran
Published: November 2021

The rapid population growth and economic development have largely contributed to environmental pollution. Various advanced oxidation processes have been used as the most viable solution for the reduction of recalcitrant pollutants and wastewater treatment. Heterogeneous photocatalysis is one of the broadly used technologies for wastewater treatment among all advanced oxidation processes. Graphitic carbon nitride alone or in combination with various other semiconductor metal oxide materials acts as a competent visible light active photocatalyst for the removal of recalcitrant organic pollutants from wastewater. Rational designing of an environment-friendly photocatalyst through a facile synthetic approach encounters various challenges in photocatalytic technologies dealing with semiconductor metal oxides. Doping in g-C3N4 and subsequent coupling with metal oxides have shown remarkable enhancement in the photodegradation activity of g-C3N4-based nanocomposites owing to the modulation in g-C3N4 bandgap structuring and surface area. In the current study, a novel ternary Fe-doped g-C3N4/Ag2WO4 visible light active photocatalyst was fabricated through an ultrasonic-assisted facile hydrothermal method. Characterization analysis included SEM analysis, FTIR, XRD, XPS, and UV-Visible techniques to elucidate the morphology and chemical structuring of the as-prepared heterostructure. The bandgap energies were assessed using the Tauc plot. The ternary nanocomposite (Fe-CN-AW) showed increased photodegradation efficiency (97%) within 120 minutes, at optimal conditions of pH = 8, catalyst dose = 50 mg/100 ml, an initial RhB concentration of 10 ppm, and oxidant dose 5 mM under sunlight irradiation. The enhanced photodegradation of rhodamine B dye by ternary Fe-CN-AW was credited to multielectron transfer pathways due to insertion of a Fe dopant in graphitic carbon nitride and subsequent coupling with silver tungstate. The data were statistically assessed by the response surface methodology.
Fuzzy Soft Topology Based on Generalized Intersection and Generalized Union of Fuzzy Soft Sets
Authors: Ping Jingshui , Xue Guangming
Published: November 2021

In this study, the generalized intersection and union operations of fuzzy soft set (FSS) are established on the basis of traditional FSS operations, which overcome the shortcomings of traditional FSS operations that do not meet De Morgan’s law, and a series of properties of generalized intersection and union operations of FSS are obtained. The fuzzy soft topology under generalized intersection and generalized union operation of FSSs is established. Finally, the topological construction of weak FSS and strong FSS is discussed, and the relationship between them and the topological construction of traditional FSS is obtained.