bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fstl1 suppresses breast cancer lung metastasis by inhibiting M2-like tumor-associated macrophages recruitment towards the lung
Authors: yang ying , Lu Tao , Jia Xiao-wei , Gao Yan
Published: April 2022

Immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment is associated with cancer prognosis. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an essential role in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Follistatin-like protein 1 (Fstl1), a glycoprotein widely expressed in human and mouse tissues, is a tumor suppressor in various cancers and a regulator in macrophage polarization. However, how Fstl1 affects the crosstalk between breast cancer cells and macrophages remains unclear. Analyzing the public data, we found that Fstl1 expression significantly decreases in breast cancer tissues compared with normal breast tissues, and high expression of Fstl1 in patients means prolonged survival. Using flow cytometry, we found that total macrophages and M2-like macrophages increased dramatically in the metastatic lung tissues during breast cancer lung metastasis of Fstl1+/- mice. Cellular experiments in vitro showed that Fstl1 inhibited macrophage migration towards 4T1 cells via decreasing colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFB1) and vascular endothelial growth factor-α (VEGF-α) expression of 4T1 cells. We demonstrated that Fstl1 inhibited M2-like tumor-associated macrophages recruitment towards the lung and suppressed TGFB1/Smad2/3 pathway and relevant cytokines expression of 4T1 cells. Thereby we find a potential therapeutic strategy contributing to breast cancer.
Concomitant intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm with invasive adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine tumor grade 3 of the pancreas: a case report
Authors: Ren Xiaoli , Zhou Yuru , Wu Jiao , Yi Lizhi , Wang Jianmei
Published: April 2022

Background: Mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNEN) usually consist of a ductal adenocarcinoma and a neuroendocrine neoplasm. However, other components mixed in MiNEN also need to be focused on in our clinical pathologic diagnosis. Case presentation: Herein, we shared a 65-year-old male sought medical advice to our hospital with diarrhea and epigastric pain. Enhanced MRI displayed a patchy abnormal signal shadow of 2.8cm in the pancreatic head and malignancy was assessed. Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) was carried out and thorough histopathology diagnosis including immunohistochemistry were revealed a mixed NET-IPMN with invasive adenocarcinoma. The neuroendocrine components finally determined as NET G3 grade. In some areas, the two components of IPMN and NET relatively existed separately, whereas in other areas they were intermingled: The papillae were composed of epithelial cells of IPMN, and neuroendocrine cells formed glandular or solid structures in the same duct. Conclusions: We report a rare case of mixed neuroendocrine-exocrine neoplasms (NET G3 and IPMN with invasive adenocarcinoma) to provide basis for the diagnosis and classification of histopathology.
Role of Denosumab in the Management of Giant Cell Tumor, A cross sectional study
Authors: Saeed Javeria , Ahmed kaleem sohail , Shamsi Zaid , Umer Masood
Published: April 2022

Background Giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone is a benign lesion which is characterized by presence of multinucleated osteoclasts type giant cells. Nuclear factor kappa B (RANKL) serves as the trigger factor for osteoclasts cells formation. Although surgery is the primary treatment for GCT of bone but recurrence remains the concern. Therefore, the development of denosumab, a monoclonal antibody for treating GCT for both primary and recurrent disease cases. The present study aims to show the role of denosumab along with surgery when given as neo-adjuvant drug to patients of GCT for their treatment.Methodology:A total of 23 patients diagnosed with GCT were included in this study from January 2016- December 2019 and all of these patients had received neo adjuvant denosumab dose of 120 mg SC on day 0, 15, 30 & 45. All patients were treated at the section of Orthopedics, department of surgery, Aga Khan University hospital, Karachi. Other benign lesions were excluded from the study.Results Out of 23 patients we had 12 (52.2%) males and 11 (47.8%) females. The mean age of our patients was 34 13.8 years and mean follow up duration of all patients was 20.5±10.7 months. There were 15 (65.2%) primary cases of GCT while 8 (34.8%) were recurrent cases. In 8 (34.8%) of the cases primary site of lesion was distal femur followed by 7(30.4%). In surgical procedure 20 (87%) patients underwent wide margin excision and only 3 (13%) had intralesional curettage. Reconstruction was performed in 21 patients which consist of bone grafting in 9 patients and mega prosthesis insertion in 12 patients. Only two patients had no reconstruction. On final histopathology, there was no residual GCT and we observed no denosumab induced adverse effects. Post-operative complications included wound infection and peri prosthetic infection in 3 patients. On follow-up we had 4(17.4%) cases of recurrence that were offered revision surgery while 19 (82.6%) were disease free.Conclusion:Denosumab has shown successful results in treating patients with GCT along with surgical intervention and it can be a best option for treating recurrent disease as well.Research registration no: researchregistry4695
Comparison of the intensity of the anterior talofibular ligament repaired by LARS artificial and natural ligaments: a biomechanical study
Authors: jin wenming , Li bao , Zhao gen , Li han , Xiang dulei , Zheng jia , 刘 欣伟
Published: April 2022

Background: There are numerous surgical options for anterior talofibular ligament injury, but new biomechanical studies have demonstrated that existing surgical options cannot entirely restore the initial ATFL's biomechanical indensity. The goal of this study was to determine the biomechanical indensity of LARS talofibular ligament artificial ligament repair.Methods: 12 fresh frozen human ankle specimens, average age 57±25.1 years (range 44~63 years), 12 cases of specimens sorted into two groups using the random number table approach, each group of 6 specimens, LARS group A, natural ligament group B, two groups of the identical biomechanical studies, evaluation of the highest failure load and stiffness in the two groups, respectively.Results: The mean final failure load of the LARS repair group (378.6±25.7N) was significantly higher than that of the intact ATFL group (146.7±38.1N)(P=0.032). The mean stiffness of LARS group (27.6±4.7N/mm) was significantly higher than that of intact ATFL group (15.7±2.2N/mm)(P=0.022).LARS repair group failed because of suture pullout of the anchor at the fibula (4/6) and the talus (2/6)Conclusions: In fresh frozen cadaver models, the indensity and stiffness of ATFL restored by LARS ligaments are much higher than natural ligaments. Although the therapeutic benefit of LARS artificial ligaments has yet to be determined. Before this approach may be used in the therapeutic treatment of ankle ligament injuries, more study is needed.
Regulation of insulin secretion in mouse islets: Metabolic amplification by alpha- ketoisocaproate coincides with rapid and sustained increase in acetyl-CoA content
Authors: Panten Uwe , Brüning Dennis , Rustenbeck Ingo
Published: April 2022

Purpose
Glucose and alpha-ketoisocaproate, the keto acid analogue of leucine, stimulate insulin secretion in the absence of other metabolic fuels. Their mitochondrial metabolism in the beta-cell raises the cytosolic ATP/ADP ratio, thereby providing the triggering signal for the exocytosis of the insulin granules. However, additional amplifying signals are required for the full extent of insulin secretion stimulated by these fuels. While it is generally recognized that they are also derived from the mitochondrial metabolism, their exact nature is still unclear. The current study tests the hypothesis that cytosolic acetyl-CoA is a signal in the amplifying pathway.
Methods
The contents of acetyl-CoA and acetyl-CoA plus CoA-SH were measured in isolated mouse islets. Insulin secretion was recorded in isolated perifused islets.
Results
In islets which were preincubated without metabolic fuel while the ATP-sensitive K+ channels were pharmacologically closed, 10 mmol/L alpha-ketoisocaproate strongly enhanced the acetyl-CoA content after 5 and 20 min incubations and decreased the acetyl-CoA plus CoA-SH content within 5 min, but not after 20 min. Compared with the preincubation of islets without metabolic fuel, the preincubation with 3 mmol/L glucose, a non-triggering concentration, elevated the acetyl-CoA content. This content was further increased after 5 min and 20 min incubations with 30 mmol/L glucose, concurrent with a strong increase in insulin secretion.
Conclusion
Alpha-ketoisocaproate and glucose increase the supply of acetyl-CoA in the beta-cell during both phases of insulin secretion. Most likely this increase takes place in the cytosol and may provide a signal for the metabolic amplification.
Innovative human mobility data for fast crisis response
Authors: Minora Umberto , Bosco Claudio , Iacus Stefano , Grubanov-Boskovic Sara , Sermi Francesco , Spyratos Spyridon
Published: April 2022

This work contributes to the discussion on how innovative data can support a fast crisis response. We focus on the use of two different sources of operational data from Meta to gain useful insights on migration flows following the conflict in Ukraine. By analysing the Facebook Ukrainian speaking Monthly Active Users, we estimate the flows of people fleeing the country towards the European Union. Our results indicate (at the fifth week since the beginning of the war), an increase in Ukrainian stocks in all the European Union countries, with Poland registering the highest percentage share (33%) of the overall increase, followed by Germany (17%), and the Czech Republic (15%). We then check the correlation of the Facebook Social Connectedness Index with the Ukrainian diaspora at regional (NUTS-3) level. Our analysis suggests that the index is a good proxy of the Ukrainian diaspora at regional scale, although its use to estimate the actual volumes still needs further study. In conclusion, our work shows how innovative data from social media could provide initial insights on the conflict-induced international flows in almost a real-time, and at sub-national resolution, potentially supporting initiatives aimed at providing humanitarian assistance to the displaced people.
Isometric Strength of Upper Limb Muscles in Children and Adolescents using Hand-Held and Hand-Grip Dynamometry
Authors: Mendez-Rebolledo Guillermo , Ruiz-Gutierrez Arturo , Salas-Villar Sebastian , Guzman-Muñoz Eduardo , Sazo-Rodriguez Sergio , Urbina-Santibáñez Eric
Published: April 2022

Purpose: To determine the isometric strength profile of the upper limb muscles of children and adolescents between 7–15 years of age. Furthermore, to (i) identify the age at which differences in isometric strength are observed between sexes; to (ii) determine the age range at which significant progression of isometric strength could be observed in girls and boys; and (iii) identify the role of the isometric strength of each muscle group on the total upper limb strength. Methods: Cross-sectional study that evaluated the maximum isometric strength of 9 muscle groups of the upper limb of 243 Chilean children and adolescences (female n = 114; male n = 129), split into 9 age groups, separated by 1-year intervals. For this, hand-held dynamometry (make test) and hand-grip dynamometry were used. The mean and standard deviation were calculated for each measurement of maximum isometric strength, grouped by age and sex. A two-factor analysis of variance (age and sex) was performed for the maximum isometric strength of each muscle group and the total upper limb strength. A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was then performed. The dependent variable was the total upper limb strength, and the independent variables were the maximum isometric strength of each muscle group, sex, height, and age.Results: From 11 years of age, wrist flexors were the first muscle group that revealed a significant difference in isometric strength in favor of boys (p = 0.0143). In boys, the narrowest and earliest age range in the progression of isometric strength was 10 to 12 years for wrist flexors (p = 0.0392). Shoulder flexors was the main factor that explained the performance of the total upper limb strength (R2 = 0.742; p < 0.001).Conclusions: The most progressive isometric strength development occurred from age 10 years in the ventral and distal muscles of the upper limb; and from this age the boys begin to present a greater isometric strength than girls. In addition, the isometric strength of shoulder flexors explained the higher total upper limb strength performance.
Redox-dependent Structural Origin of the Temperature Threshold and Sensitivity in the TRPV3 Thermometer
Authors: Wang Guangyu
Published: April 2022

The DNA hairpin with a limited size is sensitive to temperature. However, it is unclear if thermosensitive TRP channels also use temperature-dependent hairpin sizes to govern their activation temperature thresholds and sensitivity. Here, graph theory, together with redox- and state-dependent cryo-electron microscopy structures of TRPV3 with or without an agonist at different temperatures, was to test this hypothesis. The results showed that the largest hairpin topological loop size and a change in the total hairpin sizes along the channel gating pathway control the temperature threshold and sensitivity, respectively. This size-dependent hairpin thermodynamics may mediate the thermal activity of biological macromolecules. (100 words)
Consistence Condition of Kernel Selection In Regular Linear Kernel Regression
Authors: WangChao  , LiBo  , LiuHuan  , PengPai
Published: April 2022

Kernel regression is widely used in biology and economy, because it is more adaptable to complex laws than linear regression, and it has better interpretability than many methods in deep learning. In highdimensional area, l1-norm penalization is a common method for variable selection, which may be derived from the excellent performance of the lasso algorithm. Although it seems natural to generalize from consistency in variable selection to consistency in kernel selection, there are still many details that need to be taken seriously, e.g. the lower eigenvalue condition. The consistence condition of kernel selection in l1-norm regular linear kernel regression is given, including the prediction error. In simulation study, the consistency of different levels of λn and dimension of features is carefully checked. Finally, the kernel selection method was applied to high-risk area exploration of Covid-19, with the dataset provided by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC). Declarations of interest:The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
Fluid flow in a microfluidic paper-based porous substrate by capillary action
Authors: Allameh Samira , Rabbani Mohsen , Sadeghi Mahmood Reza
Published: April 2022

Paper has a porous structure, and fluid imbibition in a paper channel is possible passively through the hydrophilic surfaces by capillary action, so it can be an appropriate substrate in the field of microfluidics. To realize the fluid behavior in a paper-based microchannel, there is a need to obtain a model for fluid flow. In this study, the capillary-driven flow in a porous structure was simulated, and the effect of geometrical and physical parameters on the wetted length and average fluid pressure was investigated. Geometric parameters are pores’ shape and size, channel dimensions, and porosity, while the investigated physical parameters were the contact angle, surface tension coefficient, and viscosity. According to the results, geometric parameters influenced the capillary pressure through the capillary surface and channel resistance variation, and physical parameters directly impacted the capillary pressure. Considering the wetted length results, the fluid imbibition velocity was fast at the beginning of the simulation and reached a constant value over time due to the increase in the flow resistance. The pressure drop was observed in the liquid phase suggesting the fluid flow from the higher pressure to the lower. The wetted-length equation was obtained based on geometrical and physical parameters. Finally, the proposed equation can be used to design and predict the liquid imbibition in porous channels.
Dynamic changes in coagulation, hematological and biochemical parameters as predictors of mortality in critically ill COVID–19 patients:a prospective observational study
Authors: Zlojutro Biljana , Jandric Milka , Momcicević Danica , Dragic Sasa , Kovacevic Tijana , Djajic Vlado , Stojiljkovic Milos P. , Skrbic Ranko , Djuric Dragan M. , Kovacevic Pedja
Published: April 2022

Background
This study was created to analyze dynamic alterations in coagulation, hematological and biochemical parameters and their association with mortality of COVID-19 patients.
Methods
The present study was a prospective, one-year-long observational study conducted during the period September 2020/September 2021 on all critically ill, COVID–19 patients with respiratory failure, admitted to the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) of the University Clinical Centre of the Republic of Srpska. The following data were collected: demographic and clinical characteristics of the study population, pre-existing comorbidities (cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases, diabetes mellitus), coagulation, biochemical and hematological parameters. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who died (non-survivors).
Results
As much as 91 patients with median age 60 (50–67), 76.9% male, met the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) criteria. It was tested whether dynamic change (delta-Δ) of parameters (C-reactive protein-CRP, interleukin 6-IL-6, absolute lymphocyte count-Ly, fibrinogen, coagulation cascade factors: F II, factor II; F V, factor V, F X, factor X; F XI, factor XI; F XIII, factor XIII) that were found to be predictors of mortality is independently associated with poor outcome in patients. Adjusted (multivariate) analysis was used, where tested parameters were corrected for basic and clinical patients’ characteristics. The only inflammatory (biochemical and hematological) parameter which dynamic change had statistically significant odds ratio (OR) was ΔCRP (p < 0.005), while among coagulation parameters statistically significant OR was found for Δ fibrinogen (p < 0.005) in predicting mortality.
Conclusion
Coagulation, hematological and biochemical parameters' abnormalities are common in critically ill COVID–19 patients. Monitoring of these parameters and their dynamical changes can potentially improve management and predict mortality in critically ill COVID – 19 patients.
Demonstrating the importance of emissivity measurement in determining the doses of light sources on tissue mimicking materials such as Laser, IPL and LED
Authors: Durmuş Hüseyin Okan , Karaböce Baki , Seyidov MirHasan Yu.
Published: April 2022

Currently, a wide variety of low-power light sources such as IPL, LED, and laser are frequently used in therapy applications. In this study, irradiance values were calculated for different emissivity values using the temperature measurement results made in the agar phantom using low-power light sources such as IPL, LED, and laser. Based on the irradiance data, energy densities (J/cm2) were calculated as per the different emissivity coefficients and time durations, and the results were evaluated in terms of dose quantities given in the literature. We also present both the acoustic and optical characterizations of the agar phantom in detail. In conclusion, we clearly demonstrated the importance of emissivity measurements in this study. Our findings explicitly suggest that emissivity measurement must be determined precisely to determine optical power density and/or energy density values; hence, doses can be applied based on these values.
Probing the rainfall time series over northeast India through composite and binary fuzzy relation
Authors: Devi Rashmi Rekha , Chattopadhyay Surajit
Published: April 2022

The current work reports a binary fuzzy relation (BFR) based approach to have an insight into the behavior of rainfall over northeast India. A fuzzy set is a generalization of classical sets, where the characteristic function is generalized to membership function to get hold of the scenarios that cannot be explained within the confinement of dichotomy. A fuzzy relation deals with the degree of belongingness of an ordered pair to some given relation and the most convenient way of representing it through a membership matrix. In this work we have considered Pre monsoon \({(X}_{1})\), Summer monsoon \({(X}_{2})\), Post monsoon \({(X}_{3})\) and Annual \({(X}_{4})\)rainfall for the period 1871–2016 over North-East India. We have considered BFR for the pairs (\({X}_{1}\),\({X}_{2}\)), \(\left({X}_{2},{X}_{3}\right),\left({X}_{3},{X}_{4}\right),\left({X}_{2},{X}_{4}\right)\). It may be noted that in this work we have considered the conditional probabilities of the bivariate frequency distributions as the membership grades for the corresponding BFR. In the next phase we have generated composition of 2 BFR’s through fuzzy max-min relationships. In this way we have compared the membership grades of the BFRs and the composite BFR’s to understand the roles played by summer monsoon rainfall and post monsoon rainfall in the annual rainfall and the study has concluded through the fuzzy cardinalities associated with the composite BFRs.
Construction and Validation of an Immune-Related lncRNA Prognosis Model for Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Li Zheng , Wang Hui , Deng Xia , Zhang Jing , Tang Wanyan , Wang Ling , You Wenxin , Nian Weiqi
Published: April 2022

Background: Immune-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in the development of cancer. This study aimed to identify immune-related lncRNAs in thyroid cancer (THCA) and to develop a prognostic model for THCA. Method: We downloaded immune-related gene sets from the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) website and obtained THCA gene expression and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Immune-related lncRNAs were then obtained by performing a correlation analysis on the expression of lncRNAs and immune-related genes. Prognostic model for THCA immune-related lncRNAs was developed though univariate Cox regression and multiple Cox regression analyses. We confirmed the results in clinical samples using quantitative real-time PCR. Results: A totally of 26 immune-related lncRNAs in THCA were obtained. Then we constructed a prognosis model composed of seven lncRNAs (LINC01614, AC017074.1, LINC01184, LINC00667, ACVR2B-AS1, AC090673.1 and LINC00900). Our model can be used as an independent prognostic factor. Principal component analysis displayed that the lncRNAs in the model can distinguish between high and low-risk groups. Clinical correlation analysis showed that the expression levels of AC090673.1 (P<0.05), LINC01184 (P<0.001), and LINC01614 (P<0.001) were related to disease stage, and LINC00900 (P<0.001) and LINC01614 (P<0.001) were related to T stage. We validated this model in cancer and paracancerous tissues from 24 THCA patients. Conclusion: We identified and experimentally validated seven immune-related lncRNAs that can serve as potential biomarkers for THCA prognosis.
COX-2/sEH dual inhibitor PTUPB attenuates epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of alveolar epithelial cells via Nrf2-mediated inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad signaling
Authors: Zhang Chen-Yu , Guan Xin-Xin , Song Zhuo-Hui , Jiang Hui-Ling , Liu Yu-Biao , Chen Ping , Duan Jia-Xi , Zhou Yong
Published: April 2022

Background: Arachidonic acid (ARA) metabolites are involved in the pathogenesis of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT). However, the role of ARA metabolism in the progression of EMT in pulmonary fibrosis (PF) has not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of cytochrome P450 oxidase (CYP)/ soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) metabolic disorders of ARA in EMT during PF.Methods: A signal intratracheal injection of bleomycin (BLM) was given to induce PF in C57BL/6J mice. A COX-2/sEH dual inhibitor PTUPB was used to establish the function of CYPs/COX-2 dysregulation to EMT in PF mice. In vitro experiments, murine alveolar epithelial cells (MLE12) and human alveolar epithelial cells (A549) were used to explore the roles and mechanisms of PTUPB on transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced EMT. Results: PTUPB treatment reversed the increase of mesenchymal marker molecule α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and the loss of epithelial marker molecule E-Cadherin in lung tissue of PF mice. In vitro, COX-2 and sEH protein levels were increased in TGF-β1-treated alveolar epithelial cells (AECs). PTUPB decreased the expression of α-SMA and restored the expression of E-cadherin in TGF-β1-treated AECs, accompanied by reduced migration and collagen synthesis. Moreover, PTUPB attenuates TGF-β1-Smad2/3 pathway activation in AECs via Nrf2 antioxidant cascade.Conclusion: PTUPB inhibits EMT in AECs via Nrf2-mediated inhibition of the TGF-β1-Smad2/3 pathway, which holds great promise for the clinical treatment of PF.
Mineralogy and geochemistry of hot spring deposits at Námafjall, Iceland: Analog for sulfate soils at Gusev crater, Mars
Authors: Carson George L. , McHenry Lindsay J. , Hynek Brian M. , Cameron Barry I. , Glenister Chase T.
Published: April 2022

Iceland’s Námafjall geothermal area exhibits a range of alteration environments. Geochemical and mineralogical analyses of fumaroles and hot springs interacting with Holocene basaltic lavas at Hverir, and with Pleistocene hyaloclastites atop nearby Námaskarð hill, reveal different patterns of alteration depending on water-rock ratio, degree of oxidation, and substrate composition and age. The focus of this study is on the mineral deposits at and near hot springs at Hverir and Námaskarð. Surface samples, and samples collected from shallow pits in the alteration aprons adjacent to hot springs, were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to constrain the differences in composition with both distance and depth. Fluids were analyzed in the field for their environmental parameters and sampled for cation and anion analysis. Fluid analyses revealed uniformly acidic conditions but with site-to-site variation in other parameters such as temperature, salinity, and conductivity. Solid phases identified include amorphous silica, pyrite, elemental sulfur, and kaolinite in the muds, surrounded by Fe2+-sulfate and then Fe3+-sulfate efflorescence, following a redox gradient pattern involving the oxidation of sulfur and then iron with increasing distance. Shallow pits excavated near two Námaskarð hot springs reveal a shallow oxidation front, with sulfide-rich materials below a thin surface of sulfates and elemental sulfur. Silica phases include amorphous silica and quartz. Quartz likely reflects diagenetic maturation of earlier-formed amorphous silica, under surface hydrothermal conditions.

The high iron content of the substrate basalt and the prevalence of Fe-sulfates and Fe-oxides among the alteration products make this geothermal area an especially useful analog for potential martian hydrothermal environments. In particular, these sulfate-rich deposits adjacent to volcanic, acidic hot springs could provide a helpful comparison for sulfur-rich soils in the Columbia Hills on Mars, where some of the same minerals have been identified (e.g., ferricopiapite) or inferred (e.g., rhomboclase).
Quantum bounds and fluctuation-dissipation relations
Authors: Pappalardi Silvia , Foini Laura , Kurchan Jorge
Published: April 2022

In recent years, there has been intense attention on the constraints posed by quantum mechanics on the dynamics of the correlation at low temperatures, triggered by the postulation and derivation of quantum bounds on the transport coefficients or on the chaos rate.
However, the physical meaning and the mechanism enforcing such bounds is still an open question.
Here, we discuss the quantum fluctuation-dissipation theorem (the KMS conditions) as the principle underlying bounds on correlation time scales. By restating the problem in a replicated space, we show that the quantum bound to chaos is a direct consequence of the KMS condition, as applied to a particular pair of two-time correlation and response functions. Encouraged by this, we describe how quantum fluctuation-dissipation relations act in general as a blurring of the time-dependence of correlations, which can imply bounds on their decay rates. Thinking in terms of fluctuation-dissipation opens a direct connection between bounds and other thermodynamic properties.
Choosing the right options trading strategy: Risk-return trade-off and performance in different market conditions
Authors: S. P. Shivaprasad , E. Geetha , Raghavendra  , L. Kishore , Matha Rajeev
Published: April 2022

The investment decisions are subjected to risk and return of the financial asset. Options strategies help employ a suitable strategy to balance the risk-return trade-off. The study analyzes the risk-return trade-off of the long straddle, long strangle, long call butterfly (LCB), short straddle, short strangle, and short call butterfly (SCB) strategies. Moreover, it measures the impact of strategy risk and options premiums on strategy return using panel data analysis. Additionally, the study evaluates the performance of options strategies using the excess returns to risk approach under neutral and volatile market conditions. This paper considered companies of top-six sector indices of the National Stock Exchange from 2009 to 2020 and collected data of 18,720 option contracts and 3,744 observations for each strategy (22,464 observations). The study revealed that risks of long straddle and long strangle strategies have a positive impact, and options premiums negatively influence their payoff. ATM call premiums positively affect LCB payoff, while OTM and ITM call premiums positively influence SCB payoff. However, the risks of butterfly strategy did not influence its payoff. The risk of short straddle and short strangle strategies negatively influenced the payoff and were considered riskier strategies. Moreover, short straddle and short strangle strategies enhanced excess returns under both market conditions. The results would help the investors in choosing the appropriate strategy by analyzing the impact of risk on the payoff and the ability to enhance excess returns to the risk of various options strategies to incorporate in their investment.
Role of Desire and Implementation of Intention in the Theory of Planned Behavior: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Uturestantix Uturestantix , Purwanto Bernardinus Maria , Lukito-Budi Andy Susilo
Published: April 2022

A weak finding of behavioral intention and behavior in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) from a meta-analysis study by Armitage and Conner in 2001 has led to an increasing number of studies aiming to improve the TPB. Several researchers propose potential constructs to bridge the theoretical and empirical gap by suggesting that the construct of desire and the implementation of intentions can fill the theoretical and empirical gaps in the TPB model. The literature study aimed to retrospectively explore TPB studies with desire and implementation of intentions constructs in the behavioral science domain. The research retrieved 191 SCOPUS indexed papers (2012–2019) from the Google Scholars database. It summarized the descriptive data and produced visualization using VOSviewer. The results show that most studies developing the TPB model with other behavioral theories still focus on constructs to shape behavioral intentions because the behavioral intention construct is the best predictor of behavior. Most studies apply a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional survey design to collect primary data. In contrast, the experimental and longitudinal design approaches are relatively neglected in this TPB behavioral study. Furthermore, the analysis of 191 papers shows that the TPB model is often used in research in environmental, sustainable, and transport settings; health; psychological; hospitality and tourism; and innovation and technology. In addition, the use of the TPB model in research with entrepreneurial and legal settings is still limited. From these findings, the research proposes empirical research on TPB to implement further the relationship between desire and intention implementation to improve the TPB model by integrating the TPB model with several other theories, such as Mindset Theory of Action Phase and Model Goal-Directed Behaviour.
HOW FAR CAN A DEAD AUTHOR GO?
Authors: BELOZEROVA Natalia N.
Published: April 2022

This article centers around the issue of “the death of the author” proposed by Roland Barthes, a French semiologist, in one of his essays. Three novels to a great extent “probabilistic” by two contemporary French novelists are chosen to verify the possibility of the “resurrection” of the author in the blended narratives overloaded with intertextual units both structural and semantic. These novels are: a detective story « La Police des Fleurs, des Arbres et des Forểts » by Romaun Puertolas, a “semiotic” detective novel « Qui a tué Roland Barthes ? La septième fonction du langage » by Laurent Binet and his “would-have-been” « Civilization ».
The methodology rests upon Derridean deconstruction including « diffrance » principle, based upon two ideas: all things defer to the same field and differ at the same time. Several other approaches used concern the interrelation of the categories of the author, text and the reader. These approaches include theories by M. Bakhtin, R. Jakobson, D. Lodge etc.
The analysis reveals that a vectoral outline of probable regressive or progressive development shapes the narrative chain. Another property is to be found in the fusion of genre forms, each evolving according to its rules. Communication practices in these novels obtain greater importance than physical events… That tendency in its turn has caused the revival of the Syncretic truth.
ON THE POLYPHONY OF MEANINGS IN “EUGENE ONEGIN”
Authors: SHILTSEV Vladimir D.
Published: April 2022

The questions of the higher hermeneutics of “Eugene Onegin” have been repeatedly considered by literary critics and philosophers, leaving a wide range of mostly subjective opinions about the meaning of the novel. We propose a new approach to isolating the main semantic series and an analysis of their development and interweaving in the text. We single out a number of main categories of meanings, and for each stanza of the novel, one or more of the most appropriate categories have been marked. The resulting graphic structures made it possible to trace the development and interweaving of meanings in the text. It was found that three-quarters of the stanzas of “Eugene Onegin” are polyphonic, in which, in addition to one semantic dominant, there is clearly another, and often a third and even a fourth one. The most frequently occurring bundles of meanings in individual stanzas or in the transition from one stanza to the next stanza are also analyzed. Our approach also make it possible to suggest a possible semantic load of the missing stanzas, marked in the text with dots, and to trace the numerous episodes of the novel when what is happening goes beyond the literary work and enters the real world, for example, through the involvement of the reader. Comparison of “Eugene Onegin” with the works of other contemporary writers and with other masterpieces of Pushkin himself shows a fundamental difference in breadth and excellent perfection of Pushkin’s creation in terms of semantic polyphony. Although the mere presence or absence of semantic polyphony, of course, is not a sufficient condition for literary piece to become a work of genius — it depends more on the realization: a combination of polished style, purity and clarity of language, the ability to evoke a reader’s emotional response etc., but the polyphony meanings of “Eugene Onegin” which we reveal does help to understand the highest meaning and extraordinary, “vital” harmony of the work, making it a unique phenomenon in world literature.
MODELING TRANSPORT INTERSECTIONS OF CITY STREETS WITH ADAPTIVE TRAFFIC CONTROL
Authors: ANDRONOV Roman V. , LEVERENTS Evgeniy E. , MALTSEVA Tatyana V.
Published: April 2022

The introduction of automated traffic control systems on the road network will improve the efficiency of its work. This will lead to an increase in throughput and improve the uniformity of traffic parameters. The number of stops, braking, wear of the undercarriage of cars, consumption of engine oil, fuel will decrease, and the environmental burden on the environment will be reduced.
Modeling transport intersections is one of the fundamental methods for studying the functioning of the road network. This method is used in all types of work related to the improvement, modi­fication, reconstruction, and expansion of the road network. Modern techniques for modeling traffic intersections allow recreating the movement of all road users through them, and predicting the results for many years to come, considering changes in both external factors (number of users for crossing) and internal (crossing configuration).
To evaluate the efficiency of the intersection, the initial data are taken from field observations. These include a random value of the traffic flow; pedestrian flows; traffic light cycle length; proximity to other intersections; the length of the transport queue when a permissive traffic light signal is given. The analysis of the obtained data makes it possible to assess the current situation on the road network and does not allow to make a forecast for the future when the parameters of the transport intersection change. This is where intersection modeling comes in handy. The intersection model allows predicting the operation of a traffic intersection, considering changes in both the entire road network and particular changes in the traffic intersection itself.
The article proposes a transport intersection model based on experimental data obtained during a full-scale experiment, as well as taking into account the uneven throughput. In relation to a traffic intersection, the capacity unevenness index affects the overall capacity of the intersection, traffic safety through the intersection, the magnitude of traffic delays, the magnitude of traffic losses, and the number of maneuvers in the stream. In addition, the introduction of the non-uniformity parameter will make it possible to predict the magnitude of transport delays and queues more accurately.
The proposed model can be used to create a set of measures to improve the road network of large and major cities, a decision to rebuild a transport intersection, or build an interchange in its place.
Labour Remuneration in Public Health System in Time of Digital Transformation of Medical Services
Authors: Chililov A. M. , Kadyrov F. N. , Obuhova O. V.
Published: April 2022

Different aspects of using tele-medical technologies recognized as one of key lines in the development of the advanced public health system are highlighted more and more widely in academic literature. However, prospects of this trend depend not only on progress in the development of medical and information technologies and finance investment in the sphere, but also on economic interest in it on the part of concrete medical workers and it can be directly connected with remuneration systems of workers who render tele-medical services. During the research the authors identified key factors that influence on labour remuneration of workers, who participate in tele-medical technologies. Situations of rendering medical aid were classified in view of the following criteria: time, when telemedical services are to be used (principle and extra); whether the job is included in the job description of a concrete worker; whether remuneration components affect the basic pay of the worker, etc. The authors put forward methodological approaches to working out systems of remuneration aimed at the development of tele-medical technologies by state power bodies and public health institutions.
Methodological Basis for Shaping Metrics of Strategic Management by the Enterprise in View of Low-Carbon Economy Concept
Authors: Lobova Е. S. , Mamaeva L. N.
Published: April 2022

The concept of sustainable development is still one of the most topical and debatable. To attain goals set at the UN conference is an objective of the adequate strategic planning in the enterprise work. For enterprises functioning in complicated multi-level social and economic systems this aim requires a new look at the system of indicators. The article studies the system of strategic management of gas industry enterprises. The goal of the research is to build a methodological foundation necessary to implement the concept of green economy in metrics of strategic management of the enterprise. In the process of attaining the set goal the following tasks were resolved: to review key lines of implementing the concept of sustainable development, to substantiate the choice of the green economy concept as a methodological foundation for strategic planning at the gas industry enterprise, by using the correlation analysis to identify the principle indicators of evaluating effectiveness of strategic management. The authors substantiated the use of the green economy concept in the context of setting goals for the low-carbon development of the country. The indicators of estimating ecological effectiveness were adapted to characteristics of sectoral production, the system of social-ecologic and economic indicators was devised, which can be used as indicators of reaching goals of sustainable development in line with strategic planning of the enterprise work.
Analyzing Problems of Decision-Making in Project Management
Authors: Balashova I. V.
Published: April 2022

The article shows that functioning of big companies is usually connected with accomplishing a great deal of various projects, whose management requires such tools that give an opportunity to organize project work. It is recommended to integrate systems of decision-making support with systems operating at the enterprise, which can increase the speed of data processing, search for alternative decisions and their impact on project management. It is possible to improve the process of project management at the enterprise by introducing new technologies and tools providing objective analysis of data with plotting a model of moving events and resolving problems dealing with the quality of estimating project solutions. Therefore, the information system should be used as a tool supporting decision-making aimed at collecting, optimizing, analyzing data, finding errors at present and forecasting further steps in project development. The system of decision-making support is an interactive automated system, whose goal is to help the user apply data and mechanisms for identification and settlement of problems in the adequate way. The efficient and wide use of software has become one of key factors of development and success of companies in conditions of fierce competition.
COVID-19 Mortality in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases: A Real
Concern
Authors: Al-Adhoubi Nasra K. , Ali Maha , Wahshi Humaid Al , Salmi Issa Al , Al-Balushi Farida , Lawati Talal Al , Mohammed Abeer , Muqbali Ahmed Al , Kalbani Hilal Al , Al-Abrawi Safiya , Khamis Faryal
Published: April 2022

Background:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) is a worldwide pandemic that has devastated the world in a way that has not been witnessed since the Spanish Flu in 1918. In this study, we aim to investigate the outcomes of patients with rheumatic diseases infected with COVID-19 in Oman.

Methods:

A multi-center retrospective cohort study included patients with underlying rheumatolog-ical conditions and COVID-19 infection. Data were collected through the electronic record system and by interviewing the patients through a standard questionnaire.

Results:

113 patients with different rheumatic diseases were included with the following rheumato-logical diagnoses: rheumatoid arthritis (40.7%), systemic lupus erythematosus (23.1%), psoriatic arthritis (8%), Behcet's disease (7%), ankylosing spondylitis (6.2%), other vasculitides, including Kawasaki disease (4.4%), and other diagnoses (10.6%). The mean (SD) age of patients was 43 (14) years, and 82.3% were female. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by PCR test in 84.1% of the patients.
The most common symptoms at the time of presentation were fever (86%), cough (81%), headache (65%), and myalgia (60%). Hospitalization due to COVID-19 infection was reported in 24.1% of the patients, and 52.2% of these patients had received some form of treatment.
In this cohort, the intake of immunosuppressive and immunomodulating medications was reported in 91.1% of the patients. During the COVID-19 infection, 68% of the patients continued taking their medications. Comorbidities were present in 39.8% of the patients. Pregnancy was reported in 2% of the patients. The 30 days mortality rate was found to be 3.5%. Diabetes, obesity, and interstitial lung diseases (ILD) were the strongest risk factor for mortality (p-value 0.000, 0.000, and 0.001, re-spectively). Rituximab was given in 3.8 % of the patients, and it was significantly associated with increased mortality among the patients (p-value <0.001).

Conclusion:

COVID-19 infection in patients with rheumatic diseases have an increased mortality rate in comparison to the general population, with diabetes, morbid obesity, chronic kidney diseas-es, interstitial lung disease, cardiovascular disease, obstructive lung disease, and liver diseases as comorbidities being the most severe risk factors associated with death. Greater care should be pro-vided to this population, including the prompt need for vaccination.
Evaluation of the Antifertility Effect and Toxicity of Areca nut as Oral Contraceptive: Study on Male Rats
Authors: Rahman Ave Olivia , Dewi Hasna , Geniro Billi Brian , Amdely Easti Vishiara
Published: April 2022

Currently, very few male contraceptive methods are available. Areca nuts are known to have an antifertility effect, but the effective, safe dose is not certainly known. Data on its effectiveness and safety are needed to develop the potential of the areca nuts as an herbal contraceptive in men. This study determines the antifertility effect of areca nut administration at doses of 40, 30, and 20 mg/kgBW and their safety on the kidneys and liver. The green-colored raw areca nuts were used. The treatment groups were male rats whose fertility status was known before treatment. The control group were given distilled water. The treatment were given one dose a daily dissolved for 28 days of treatment, then male rats were bred again. Rats were terminated for histopathological examination of liver, kidneys, testes, and for analysis of spermatozoa. The administration of areca nuts caused a decreasing number of litters, but only the group given 40 mg/kgBW dose had a significant decrease (p<0.05). There were a damaged testes, a decreasing number and motility of spermatozoa as well as increasing spermatozoa abnormalities. There were no changes in liver tissue, but there was a mild grade cast in kidney tissue. Areca nut have antifertility effect in male rats with dose dependent manner, histopathological examination revealed cast nephotoxic but not hepatotoxic.