bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precision measurements of differential cross sections and analyzing powers in elastic deuteron-deuteron scattering at 65 MeV/nucleon
Authors: Ramazani-Sharifabadi R. , Ramazani-Moghaddam-Arani A. , Amir-Ahmadi H. R. , Bailey C. D. , Deltuva A. , Eslami-Kalantari M. , Kalantar-Nayestanaki N. , Kistryn St. , Kozela A. , Mahjour-Shafiei M. , Mardanpour H. , Messchendorp J. G. , Mohammadi-Dadkan M. , Stephan E. , Stephenson E. J. , Tavakoli-Zaniani H.
Published: April 2021

We present measurements of differential cross sections and analyzing powers for the elastic $$^{2}\mathrm{H}(\mathbf {d},d){d}$$

2

H

(
d
,
d
)

d

scattering process. The data were obtained using a 130 MeV polarized deuteron beam. Cross sections and spin observables of the elastic scattering process were measured at the AGOR facility at KVI using two independent setups, namely BINA and BBS. The data harvest at setups are in excellent agreement with each other and allowed us to carry out a thorough systematic analysis to provide the most accurate data in elastic deuteron-deuteron scattering at intermediate energies. The results can be used to confront upcoming state-of-the-art calculations in the four-nucleon scattering domain, and will, thereby, provide further insights in the dynamics of three- and four-nucleon forces in few-nucleon systems.
Dynamic Interconversion of Metal Active Site Ensembles in Zeolite Catalysis
Authors: Krishna Siddarth H. , Jones Casey B. , Gounder Rajamani
Published: April 2021

Catalysis science is founded on understanding the structure, number, and reactivity of active sites. Kinetic models that consider active sites to be static and noninteracting entities are routinely successful in describing the behavior of heterogeneous catalysts. Yet, active site ensembles often restructure in response to their external environment and even during steady-state catalytic turnover, sometimes requiring non-mean-field kinetic treatments to describe distance-dependent interactions among sites. Such behavior is being recognized more frequently in modern catalysis research, with the advent of experimental methods to quantify turnover rates with increasing precision, an expanding arsenal of operando characterization tools, and computational descriptions of atomic structure and motion at chemical potentials and timescales increasingly relevant to reaction conditions. This review focuses on dynamic changes to metal active site ensembles on zeolite supports, which are silica-based crystalline materials substituted with Al that generate binding sites for isolated and low-nuclearity metal site ensembles. Metal sites can become solvated and mobilized during reaction, facilitating interactions among sites that change their nuclearity and function. Such intersite communication can be regulated by the zeolite support, resulting in non-single-site and potentially non-mean-field kinetic behavior arising from mechanisms of catalytic action that combine elements of those canonically associated with homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis.We discuss recent literature examples that document dynamic active site behavior in metal-zeolites and outline methodologies to identify and interpret such behavior. We conclude with our outlook on future research directions to develop this evolving branch of catalysis science and harness it for practical applications.
Hybrid Nanostructure Composed of Homogeneously Decorated MoS2 Nanosheets on Graphene for Simultaneous Electrochemical Determination of Amlodipine and Hydrochlorothiazide
Authors: Mohammadi Somayeh , Taher Mohammad Ali , Beitollahi Hadi
Published: April 2021

A single-stage hydrothermal approach was performed for the synthesis of molybdenum disulfide nanosheets/graphene (MoS2 NSs-G) hybrid nanostructures, in which the surface of graphene is tightly and homogeneously decorated with MoS2 nanosheets. XRD, TEM, FE-SEM, and EDX analysis were performed to confirm the structural characteristics of MoS2 NSs-G. The MoS2 NSs-G hybrid modified screen-printed carbon electrode (MoS2 NSs-G/SPCE) was fabricated by drop-casting the hybrid suspension on the surface of an SPCE. The assessment of the electrochemical behavior of amlodipine at the surface of MoS2 NSs-G/SPCE was carried out by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetric analysis (DPV). The modified electrode exhibited superior electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of amlodipine compared to the bare SPCE. The structure of MoS2 NSs with plenty of edge sites and synergistic effects between MoS2 NSs and graphene can promote electrochemical performances. The MoS2 NSs-G/SPCE provides satisfactory results, reaching a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0012 μM for the determination of amlodipine within a linear range of 0.04–400.0 μM. Moreover, the sensor shows favorable results for the concurrent measurement of amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide. The key advantages of the fabricated sensor include stability and enhanced sensitivity, which will be favorable for amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide clinical assay.
On the Reactive Molten Salt Synthesis, Solubility and Na-Ion Storage Performance of Na2Mo2O7
Authors: Zhu Wenhui , Kamali Ali Reza
Published: April 2021

A systematic investigation is conducted to evaluate the effect of temperature on the structural and morphological characteristics of Na2Mo2O7produced by a facile and low-energy-intensive molten salt route using MoS2and NaCl as precursors. The solubility of the Na2Mo2O7product in water is confirmed by assessing the light absorption of the dissolved substance. The solubility values change between around 0.4 to 3.0 g l−1, depending on the temperature and pH level. The Na-ion storage performance of the molten salt-produced Na2Mo2O7is characterized by cyclic voltammetry, charge–discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests. Nanostructuring of Na2Mo2O7through high-energy ball milling with graphene nanosheets decreases the interface impedance, enhancing the pseudocapacitive performance of the material.
Reaction of Oxygen with Solutions of Neodymium Chloride in Alkali Chloride Melts: A Spectroscopy and Kinetics Study
Authors: Volkovich V. A. , Ryzhov A. A. , Ivanov A. B. , Shchetinskiy A. V. , Maltsev D. S.
Published: April 2021

Reaction of oxygen with solutions of neodymium chloride in LiCl and 3LiCl–2KCl melts was studied at 450 °C–750 °C. The reaction resulted in the formation of neodymium oxychloride and the effect of temperature, amount of oxygen passed through the melt (oxygen-to-neodymium molar ratio), gas phase composition (O2, O2–H2O, Ar–O2, Ar–O2–H2O) on the course of the reaction were considered. Size of particles comprising solid precipitates formed in the melt was determined. High temperature electronic absorption spectroscopy was used to determine kinetic parameters of the reaction (reaction rates, rate constants, temperature coefficients). The activation energy of the reaction was evaluated.
Carbon Nanotubes Doped Poly (arylene) Ether Copolymerised Multiblock Based Proton Exchange Composite Membranes for Fuel Cell Application
Authors: Dhiman Rashi , Gaur Bharti , Singha A. S.
Published: April 2021

The article reports the synthesis of nanophase-separated multiblock poly(arylene ether ketone sulfone) copolymers. A series of hydrophobic oligomers end-capped with decafluorobiphenyl (DFBP) group was reacted with disulphonated poly(arylene ether ketone) copolymer containing 4, 4′-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) valeric acid moieties to synthesize multiblock copolymer. The copolymers were characterized using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, 19F-NMR spectroscopy and Gel Permeation Chromatography. The membranes with high dimensional and thermal stability were obtained through solution casting method. The multiblock copolymers were crosslinked with 6F-bisphenol-A (6F-BPA) based novolac epoxy resin. The functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs), in 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9 wt.%, were also incorporated into the polymer matrix in order to prepare nanocomposite membranes. Polymer nanocomposite membranes showed high oxidative stability, and proton conductivity. The surface morphology and composition of polymer nanocomposite membranes were studied using field emission-scanning electron microscopic (FE-SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopic (HR-TEM) techniques. The fuel cell related parameters such as water uptake, proton conductivity, ion exchange capacity, oxidative stability, and methanol permeability were also evaluated. The thermal performance and mechanical behavior of the synthesized polymer nanocomposite membranes were also studied. The nanocomposite membranes showed better fuel cell performance as compared to the pristine membranes.
Medical student misconceptions in cardiovascular physiology
Authors: Bordes Stephen J. , Manyevitch Roni , Huntley John D. , Li Yun , Murray Ian V. J.
Published: April 2021

Students find cardiovascular physiology challenging. Misunderstandings can be due to the nature of the subject, the way it is taught, and prior knowledge, which impede learning of new concepts. Some misunderstood concepts can be corrected with teaching (i.e., preconceptions), whereas others are resistant to instruction (i.e., misconceptions). A set of questions, specifically created by a panel of physiology experts to probe difficult cardiovascular concepts, was used to identify preconceptions, misconceptions, and the effect of education level on question performance. The introductory cardiovascular lecture used in this study was created based on these questions. In-class polling of medical students’ ( n = 736) performance was performed using the Turning-Point clicker response system during lecture instruction. Results were compared with published data from undergraduates ( n = 1,076) who completed the same questions but without prior instruction. To our knowledge, there have been no studies directly comparing performance using the same instrument and large numbers of undergraduate and medical students. A higher education level was associated with increased performance (preconceptions), whereas several concepts resistant to instruction (misconceptions) were identified. Findings suggest that prior knowledge interfered with the acquisition of medical knowledge. Based on these results, potential causes for these misconceptions and remedial teaching suggestions are discussed.
NRG4-ErbB4 signaling represses proinflammatory macrophage activity
Authors: Schumacher Michael A. , Dennis Isabella C. , Liu Cambrian Y. , Robinson Cache , Shang Judie , Bernard Jessica K. , Washington M. Kay , Polk D. Brent , Frey Mark R.
Published: April 2021

Proinflammatory macrophages are essential drivers of colitis and express the growth factor receptor ErbB4. This study tested the role of ErbB4 and its specific ligand, NRG4, in regulating macrophage function. We show that endogenous NRG4-ErbB4 signaling limits macrophage production of proinflammatory cytokines in vitro and limits colitis severity in vivo and thus is a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
miR34a: a novel small molecule regulator with a big role in bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Das Pragnya , Shah Dilip , Bhandari Vineet
Published: April 2021

Preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), characterized by pulmonary inflammation leading to impaired alveolarization and vascular dysregulation, have an increased risk of abnormal lung function in infancy, childhood, and adulthood. These include a heightened risk of pulmonary hypertension, and respiratory illnesses. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to disrupt normal lung development and function by interrupting alveolarization and vascularization resulting in the development of BPD. Among the various miRs involved in BPD, miR34a has been shown to have a significant role in BPD pathogenesis. Targeting miR34a or its downstream targets may be a promising therapeutic intervention for BPD. In this review, we summarize the data on cellular arrest, proliferation, differentiation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis impacted by miR34a in the development of BPD pulmonary phenotypes while predicting the future perspective of miR34a in BPD.
Ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus glycogen regulation of metabolic-sensory neuron AMPK and neurotransmitter expression: role of lactate
Authors: Bheemanapally Khaggeswar , Ibrahim Mostafa M. H. , Alshamrani Ayed , Briski Karen P.
Published: April 2021

Astrocyte glycogen is dynamically remodeled during metabolic stability and provides oxidizable l-lactate equivalents during neuroglucopenia. Current research investigated the hypothesis that ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN) glycogen metabolism controls glucostimulatory nitric oxide (NO) and/or glucoinhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neuron 5’-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and transmitter marker, e.g., neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and glutamate decarboxylase65/67 (GAD) protein expression. Adult ovariectomized estradiol-implanted female rats were injected into the VMN with the glycogen phosphorylase inhibitor 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-d-arabinitol (DAB) before vehicle or l-lactate infusion. Western blot analysis of laser-catapult-microdissected nitrergic and GABAergic neurons showed that DAB caused lactate-reversible upregulation of nNOS and GAD proteins. DAB suppressed or increased total AMPK content of NO and GABA neurons, respectively, by lactate-independent mechanisms, but lactate prevented drug enhancement of pAMPK expression in nitrergic neurons. Inhibition of VMN glycogen disassembly caused divergent changes in counter-regulatory hormone, e.g. corticosterone (increased) and glucagon (decreased) secretion. Outcomes show that VMN glycogen metabolism controls local glucoregulatory transmission by means of lactate signal volume. Results implicate glycogen-derived lactate deficiency as a physiological stimulus of corticosterone release. Concurrent normalization of nitrergic neuron nNOS and pAMPK protein and corticosterone secretory response to DAB by lactate infers that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis may be activated by VMN NO-mediated signals of cellular energy imbalance.
Neuronal mechanisms underlying opioid-induced respiratory depression: our current understanding
Authors: Ramirez Jan-Marino , Burgraff Nicholas J. , Wei Aguan D. , Baertsch Nathan A. , Varga Adrienn G. , Baghdoyan Helen A. , Lydic Ralph , Morris Kendall F. , Bolser Donald C. , Levitt Erica S.
Published: April 2021

Opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD) represents the primary cause of death associated with therapeutic and recreational opioid use. Within the United States, the rate of death from opioid abuse since the early 1990s has grown disproportionally, prompting the classification as a nationwide “epidemic.” Since this time, we have begun to unravel many fundamental cellular and systems-level mechanisms associated with opioid-related death. However, factors such as individual vulnerability, neuromodulatory compensation, and redundancy of opioid effects across central and peripheral nervous systems have created a barrier to a concise, integrative view of OIRD. Within this review, we bring together multiple perspectives in the field of OIRD to create an overarching viewpoint of what we know, and where we view this essential topic of research going forward into the future.
Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Matrix
Authors: Watanabe Takafumi
Published: April 2021

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is known to increase a variety of psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD). Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has been reported to be an effective psychotherapy for MDD. However, this is not the case with ASD. In this case study, based on the hypothesis that it is effective in treating MDD with ASD, we adapted the ACT Matrix, a tool for visualizing an individual’s experiences in the context of ACT, and administered 15 sessions to a woman with MDD with ASD following the onset of photo dermatosis. By the end of the final session, there was an increase in value-based behaviors and significant changes in depressive symptoms as well as significant changes in process measures such as experience avoidance, mindfulness, and progress toward a valued life. Six months after the end of the session, the improvement in symptoms was even stronger and the process measure of obstruction to a valued life was significantly improved. The ACT Matrix may thus ameliorate MDD in patients with ASD.
A Segmentation of Melanocytic Skin Lesions in Dermoscopic and Standard Images Using a Hybrid Two‐Stage Approach
Authors: Hwang Yoo Na , Seo Min Ji , Kim Sung Min
Published: April 2021

The segmentation of a skin lesion is regarded as very challenging because of the low contrast between the lesion and the surrounding skin, the existence of various artifacts, and different imaging acquisition conditions. The purpose of this study is to segment melanocytic skin lesions in dermoscopic and standard images by using a hybrid model combining a new hierarchical K‐means and level set approach, called HK‐LS. Although the level set method is usually sensitive to initial estimation, it is widely used in biomedical image segmentation because it can segment more complex images and does not require a large number of manually labelled images. The preprocessing step is used for the proposed model to be less sensitive to intensity inhomogeneity. The proposed method was evaluated on medical skin images from two publicly available datasets including the PH2 database and the Dermofit database. All skin lesions were segmented with high accuracies (>94%) and Dice coefficients (>0.91) of the ground truth on two databases. The quantitative experimental results reveal that the proposed method yielded significantly better results compared to other traditional level set models and has a certain advantage over the segmentation results of U‐net in standard images. The proposed method had high clinical applicability for the segmentation of melanocytic skin lesions in dermoscopic and standard images.
The Clinical Diagnostic Value of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation Based on MRI Images
Authors: Zheng Kangxing , Wen Zihuan , Li Dehuai
Published: April 2021

MRI was used to measure the changes in the angle of the facet joints of the lumbar spine and analyze the relationship between it and the herniated lumbar intervertebral disc. Analysis of the causes of lumbar disc herniation from the anatomy and morphology of the spine provides a basis for the early diagnosis and prevention of lumbar disc herniation. There is a certain correlation between the changes shown in MRI imaging of lumbar disc herniation and the TCM syndromes of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. There is a correlation between the syndromes of lumbar disc herniation and the direct signs of MRI: pathological type, herniated position, and degree of herniation. Indirect signs with MR, nerve root compression and dural sac compression, are related. The MRI examination results can help syndrome differentiation to improve its accuracy to a certain extent. MRI has high sensitivity for the measurement of the angle of the facet joints of the lumbar spine and can be used to study the correlation between the changes of the facet joint angles and the herniated disc. Facet joint asymmetry is closely related to lateral lumbar disc herniation, which may be one of its pathogenesis factors. The herniated intervertebral disc is mostly on the sagittal side of the facet joint, and the facet joint angle on the side of the herniated disc is more sagittal. The asymmetry of the facet joints is not related to the central lumbar disc herniation, and the angle of the facet joints on both sides of the central lumbar disc herniation is partial sagittal.
Preparation of Magnesia Insulation Materials by Calcination of Walnut Shell Powder by Silica Sol Impregnation
Authors: Kang Chi , Li Guohua , Han Jishuo , Chen Shujiang , Tian Lin , Luo Xudong , Yuan Lin
Published: April 2021

In this paper, magnesia porous aggregate was prepared by the foaming method with potassium oleate as the foaming agent. Secondly, the walnut shell powder was impregnated with the silica sol as the pore forming agent, and then, a new magnesia insulation material was prepared by 1300°C sintering. By changing the amount of the walnut shell powder added, the mechanical properties and thermal properties of the materials after sintering were studied. The results show that the sample with 10% walnut shell powder impregnated without the silica sol has a compression strength of 12 MPa. A sample with 10% walnut shell powder treated with the silica sol has a compression strength of 18 MPa. With the increase in the amount of the walnut shell powder added after impregnation, the bulk density, compression strength, and thermal conductivity of the sample all showed a decreasing trend, and the apparent porosity showed an increasing trend. When the additive amount is 20%, the bulk density of the sample is 1.029 g/cm3, and the thermal conductivity is 0.382 W/m K (1050°C).
Paeoniflorin Attenuates Dexamethasone-Induced Apoptosis of Osteoblast Cells and Promotes Bone Formation via Regulating AKT/mTOR/Autophagy Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yang Liyu , Liu Shengye , Mu Shuai , Guo Ran , Zhou Long , Fu Qin
Published: April 2021

Paeoniflorin, a natural product derived from Paeonia lactiflora, possesses diverse pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antidiabetic effects. It has been reported for promoting osteoblastogenesis and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. This study investigates the therapeutic effects of paeoniflorin in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) in vitro and in vivo. MC3T3-E1 cells were incubated with dexamethasone (DEX; 200 μM) and/or paeoniflorin (10 μM), followed by the investigation of cell proliferation, differentiation, mineralization, apoptosis, and autophagy. The AKT activator SC79 was used for evaluating the involvement of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. After DEX pretreatments, paeoniflorin promoted osteoblast differentiation and mineralization characterized by increase in Runx2, ALP, beclin-1, and LC3-II/LC3-I ratio levels and a decrease in apoptosis. The autophagy-promoting effects of paeoniflorin were reversed by SC79. C57BL/6 mice were given DEX (1 mg/kg) once daily and paeoniflorin (15 mg/kg) 48 hours for a total of 8 weeks followed by the investigation of histological changes, the trabecular bone microarchitecture, and the levels of bone turnover markers. The results showed that paeoniflorin increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and upregulated the expression of osteocalcin and beclin-1 but reduced the levels of Bax and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-1). Thus, paeoniflorin may alleviate DEX-induced osteoporosis by promoting osteogenic differentiation and autophagy via inhibition of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
A Novel of Ideals and Fuzzy Ideals of Gamma-Semigroups
Authors: Simuen Anusorn , Iampan Aiyared , Chinram Ronnason
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we define new types of ideals, fuzzy ideals, almost ideals, and fuzzy almost ideals ofΓ-semigroups by using the elements ofΓ. We investigate properties of them.
Adaptive Asymptotic Tracking Control for a Class of Uncertain Input-Delayed Systems with Periodic Time-Varying Disturbances
Authors: Yan Xiaoman , Zhang Chunsheng , Cao Dewen , Wu Jian
Published: April 2021

In this paper, the problem of adaptive asymptotic tracking control for a class of uncertain systems with periodic time-varying disturbances and input delay is studied. By combining Fourier series expansion (FSE) with radial basis function neural network (RBFNN), a hybrid function approximator is used to learn the functions with periodic time-varying disturbances. At the same time, the dynamic surface control technique with a nonlinear filter is used to avoid the “complexity explosion” problem in the process of traditional backstepping technology. Ultimately, all closed-loop signals are guaranteed to be semiglobally uniformly bounded, and the given reference signal can be asymptotically tracked by the output signals of system. A simulation example is given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
HTTP-Based APT Malware Infection Detection Using URL Correlation Analysis
Authors: Niu Wei-Na , Xie Jiao , Zhang Xiao-Song , Wang Chong , Li Xin-Qiang , Chen Rui-Dong , Liu Xiao-Lei
Published: April 2021

APT malware exploits HTTP to establish communication with a C & C server to hide their malicious activities. Thus, HTTP-based APT malware infection can be discovered by analyzing HTTP traffic. Recent methods have been dependent on the extraction of statistical features from HTTP traffic, which is suitable for machine learning. However, the features they extract from the limited HTTP-based APT malware traffic dataset are too simple to detect APT malware with strong randomness insufficiently. In this paper, we propose an innovative approach which could uncover APT malware traffic related to data exfiltration and other suspect APT activities by analyzing the header fields of HTTP traffic. We use the Referer field in the HTTP header to construct a web request graph. Then, we optimize the web request graph by combining URL similarity and redirect reconstruction. We also use a normal uncorrelated request filter to filter the remaining unrelated legitimate requests. We have evaluated the proposed method using 1.48 GB normal HTTP flow from clickminer and 280 MB APT malware HTTP flow from Stratosphere Lab, Contagiodump, and pcapanalysis. The experimental results have shown that the URL-correlation-based APT malware traffic detection method can correctly detect 96.08% APT malware traffic, and its recall rate is 98.87%. We have also conducted experiments to compare our approach against Jiang’s method, MalHunter, and BotDet, and the experimental results have confirmed that our detection approach has a better performance, the accuracy of which reached 96.08% and the F1 value increased by more than 5%.
Development and Validation of a Nomogram Based on Noninvasive Liver Reserve and Fibrosis (PALBI and FIB-4) Model to Predict Posthepatectomy Liver Failure Grade B-C in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhong Wenhui , Zhang Feng , Huang Kaijun , Zou Yiping , Liu Yubin
Published: April 2021

Hepatectomy is currently one of the most effective treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, postoperative liver failure (PHLF) is a serious complication and the leading cause of mortality in patients with HCC after hepatectomy. This study attempted to develop a novel nomogram based on noninvasive liver reserve and fibrosis models, platelet-albumin-bilirubin grade (PALBI) and fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), able to predict PHLF grade B-C. This was a single-centre retrospective study of 574 patients with HCC undergoing hepatectomy between 2014 and 2018. The independent risk factors of PHLF were screened using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Multivariate logistic regression was performed using the training set, and the nomogram was developed and visualised. The utility of the model was evaluated in a validation set using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A total of 574 HCC patients were included (383 in the training set and 191 for the validation set) and included PHLF grade B-C complications of 14.8, 15.4, and 13.6%, respectively. Overall, cirrhosis (

P
<
0.026

, OR = 2.296, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1.02–4.786), major hepatectomy (

P
=
0.031

, OR = 2.211, 95% CI 1.077–4.542), ascites (

P
=
0.014

, OR = 3.588, 95% 1.299–9.913), intraoperative blood loss (

P
<
0.001

, OR = 4.683, 95% CI 2.281–9.616), PALBI score >−2.53 (, OR = 3.609, 95% CI 1.486–8.764), and FIB-4 score ≥1.45 (

P
<
0.001

, OR = 5.267, 95% CI 2.077–13.351) were identified as independent risk factors associated with PHLF grade B-C in the training set. The areas under the ROC curves for the nomogram model in predicting PHLF grade B-C were significant for both the training and validation sets (0.832 vs 0.803). The proposed nomogram predicted PHLF grade B-C among patients with HCC with a better prognostic accuracy than other currently available fibrosis and noninvasive liver reserve models.
Noncertainty Equivalent Adaptive Backstepping Control for Advanced Fighter Subject to Unsteady Effects and Input Constraints
Authors: Zhou Chijun , Luo Changxin , Ye Jikun , Zhu Jihong , Lei Humin
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a noncertainty equivalent adaptive backstepping control scheme for advanced fighter attitude tracking, in which unsteady effects, parameter uncertainties, and input constraints are all considered which increase the design difficulty to a large extent. Based on unsteady attitude dynamics and the noncertainty equivalent principle, a new observer is first developed to reconstruct the immeasurable and time-varying unsteady states. Afterwards, the unsteady aerodynamics is compensated in the backstepping controller where the command filter is introduced to impose physical constraints on actuators. In order to further enhance the robustness, the noncertainty equivalent adaptive approach is again used to estimate the uncertain constant parameters. Moreover, stability of the closed-loop system that includes the state observer, parameter estimator, and backstepping controller is proven by the Lyapunov theorem in a unified architecture. Finally, simulation results show that performance of the deterministic control system can be captured when attractive manifolds are achieved. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed control scheme are verified by the Herbst maneuver.
Appearance of Focal Nodular Hyperplasia after Chemotherapy in Two Patients during Follow-Up of Colon Carcinoma
Authors: de Wert L. A. , Huisman S. A. , Imani F. , de Gooyer D. J. , van Riel J. M. G. H. , Gobardhan P. D. , Rijken A. M.
Published: April 2021

Surgical liver resection is a treatment option in patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases. We present two cases of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) development after treatment with oxaliplatin during follow-up of colon carcinoma. The first case was a 40-year-old male patient who developed multiple liver lesions suspect for metastatic disease four years after he had undergone laparoscopic right-sided hemicolectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy (capecitabine and oxaliplatin). He underwent a metastasectomy of segments three and four and microwave ablation (MWA) of the lesion in segment one. Pathological analysis demonstrated FNH. The second patient was a 21-year-old woman who presented with multiple liver lesions during follow-up for colon carcinoma. She underwent a laparoscopic right-sided hemicolectomy and was adjuvantly treated with capecitabine and oxaliplatin three years ago. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed, and the lesions showed no signs of metastatic disease but were classified as FNH. Therefore, the decision was made to follow up the patient. In conclusion, the development of benign liver lesions could occur during follow-up of colon carcinoma and might be caused by oxaliplatin-induced changes to the liver parenchyma. Hence, it is important to distinguish these from metastatic liver disease.
Diabetes Mellitus and COVID-19: Associations and Possible Mechanisms
Authors: Li Gerui , Chen Ze , Lv Zhan , Li Hang , Chang Danqi , Lu Jinping
Published: April 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a recently emerged disease with formidable infectivity and high mortality. Emerging data suggest that diabetes is one of the most prevalent comorbidities in patients with COVID-19. Although their causal relationship has not yet been investigated, preexisting diabetes can be considered as a risk factor for the adverse outcomes of COVID-19. Proinflammatory state, attenuation of the innate immune response, possibly increased level of ACE2, along with vascular dysfunction, and prothrombotic state in people with diabetes probably contribute to higher susceptibility for SARS-CoV-2 infection and worsened prognosis. On the other hand, activated inflammation, islet damage induced by virus infection, and treatment with glucocorticoids could, in turn, result in impaired glucose regulation in people with diabetes, thus working as an amplification loop to aggravate the disease. Therefore, glycemic management in people with COVID-19, especially in those with severe illness, is of considerable importance. The insights may help to reduce the fatality in the effort against COVID-19.
Green Care as Alternative Therapy: The Situation in Ghana
Authors: Kwame Ameade Evans Paul , Owusuaa Amoah Linda Ama , Ofori Benjamin Yeboah
Published: April 2021

Green care, an alternative healthcare system that involves the use of nature, is proven to be useful in the management of organic and psychological disorders worldwide. There are various forms of Green care including Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), a type where animals play pivotal roles in the healing process and is widely used in many developed countries. We assessed the level of awareness and attitude towards Green care among medical students of Ghana. Using a cross-sectional study design and a semistructured questionnaire designed on Google Forms, data were collected from randomly selected 4th-, 5th-, and 6th-year medical students of the University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana. The data submitted by 206 of the students were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, Version 25, and the results were presented as frequencies, percentages, and charts. The association between sociodemographic characteristics of respondents and awareness about Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) was considered significant at

p
<
0.05

. The study found that only 7 (3.4%) of the medical students had ever heard of Green care while a higher number of 36 (17.5%) were aware of AAT mostly through movies and television. However, the majority, 122 (59.3%), had a positive attitude towards the introduction of AAT, into their medical training curriculum. Up to 146 (70.9%) of the respondents suggested lectures and practical sessions as their preferred way of acquiring knowledge and skills on AAT. Only the sex of the respondents was significantly associated with awareness of AAT, with females having a better awareness of AAT (28.6% vs. 11.0%,

p
=
0.003

). We conclude that awareness of Green care practices among medical students in Ghana was highly inadequate, but the desire of the majority of them to acquire knowledge and skills in this proven alternative therapy makes its future use in Ghana promising.
Risk of Dysglycemia in Pregnancy amongst Kenyan Women with HIV Infection: A Nested Case-Control Analysis from the STRiDE Study
Authors: Pastakia Sonak D. , Kosgei Wycliffe K. , Christoffersen-Deb Astrid , Kiragu Benson , Hector John N. , Anusu Gertrude , Saravanan Ponnusamy
Published: April 2021

Introduction. Gestational diabetes is a common complication, whose incidence is growing globally. There is a pressing need to obtain more data on GDM in low- and middle-income countries, especially amongst high-risk populations, as most of the data on GDM comes from high-income countries. With the growing awareness of the role HIV plays in the progression of noncommunicable diseases and the disproportionate HIV burden African countries like Kenya face, investigating the potential role HIV plays in increasing dysglycemia amongst pregnant women with HIV is an important area of study. Methods. The STRiDE study is one of the largest ever conducted studies of GDM in Kenya. This study enrolled pregnant women aged between 16 and 50 who were receiving care from public and private sector facilities in Eldoret, Kenya. Within this study, women received venous testing for glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting glucose between 8- and 20-week gestational age. At their 24-32-week visit, they received a venous 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Because of the pressing need to assess the burden of GDM within the population of pregnant women with HIV, a nested case-control study design was used. Pregnant women with HIV within the larger STRiDE cohort were matched to non-HIV-infected women within the STRiDE cohort at a 1 : 3 ratio based on body mass index, parity, family history of GDM, gestational age, and family history of hypertension. The measurements of glucose from the initial visit (fasting glucose and HbA1c) and follow-up visit (OGTT) were compared between the two groups of HIV+ cases and matched HIV- controls. Results. A total of 83 pregnant women with HIV were well matched to 249 non-HIV-infected women from the STRiDE cohort with marital status being the only characteristic that was statistically significantly different between the two groups. Statistically significant differences were not observed in the proportion of women who developed GDM, the fasting glucose values, the HbA1c, or OGTT measurements between the two groups. Discussion. Significant associations were not seen between the different measures of glycemic status between pregnant women with and without HIV. While significant differences were not seen in this cohort, additional investigation is needed to better describe the association of dysglycemia with HIV, especially in Kenyan populations with a higher prevalence of GDM.
Intelligent Fault Diagnosis of Machines Based on Adaptive Transfer Density Peaks Search Clustering
Authors: Li Meng , Wang Yanxue , Wei Chuyuan
Published: April 2021

Intelligent fault diagnosis technology of the rotating machinery is an important way to guarantee the safety of industrial production. To enhance the accuracy of autonomous diagnosis using unlabelled mechanical faults data, a novel intelligent diagnosis algorithm has been developed for rotating machinery based on adaptive transfer density peak search clustering. Combined with the wavelet packet energy feature extraction algorithm, the proposed algorithm can enhance the computational accuracy and reduce the computational time consumption. The proposed adaptive transfer density peak search clustering algorithm can adaptively adjust the classification parameters and mark the categories of unlabelled experimental data. Results of bearing experimental analysis demonstrated that the proposed technique is suitable for machinery fault diagnosis using unlabelled data, compared with other traditional algorithms.
Contribution of XPD and XPF Polymorphisms to Susceptibility of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in High-Altitude Areas
Authors: Li Miao , Chen Rong , Ji Baoyan , Fan Chunmei , Wang Guanying , Yue Chenli , Li Guoquan
Published: April 2021

Background: We aimed to explore the relation of XPD and XPF variants with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) risk and the effect of these variants on the sensitivity to cisplatin-based chemotherapy among the Chinese Han population in high-altitude areas. Methods: Eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in XPD and XPF were genotyped by Agena MassARRAY platform among 506 NSCLC cases and 510 healthy controls. Correlation of XPD and XPF gene polymorphisms with NSCLC susceptibility and the response of cis­platin-based chemotherapy were analyzed with logistic regression by calculating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: XPD rs13181 (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.04–2.24, p = 0.029) and rs1052555 (OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.05–2.53, p = 0.029) possibly contributed to the increased risk of lung adenocarcinoma, while XPD rs238406 (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.43–0.94, p = 0.024) was a protective factor for lung squamous cell carcinoma. Age, gender, BMI, smoking, and drinking might affect the correlation of XPD and XPF polymorphisms with NSCLC risk. More importantly, XPD rs13181 (OR = 2.91, p = 0.015), XPD rs1052555 (OR = 2.67, p = 0.022), and XPF rs231127 (OR = 4.15, p = 0.008) were associated with treatment response in NSCLC patients underwent cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Conclusion: This study found that XPD and XPF variants might contribute to NSCLC risk and the response of cisplatin-based chemotherapy among the Chinese Han population in high-altitude areas.
Successful Treatment of Recurrent Dermatitis after Physalia physalis (Portuguese Man O’ War) Envenomation with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
Authors: Dellanna Leandro , Hirche Frank , Capra Vasile
Published: April 2021

For more than 3 decades, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has been clinically implemented in urologic and orthopaedic indications. Here, we present the case of a patient with envenomation from a highly toxic jellyfish-like siphonophore (Physalia physalis) with a toxic contact dermatitis resulting in chronic eruptive skin lesions. The skin lesions on the dorsal right hand lasted more than 16 weeks and were refractive to local cortisone treatment. They finally healed after 8 applications of low-energy planar/defocused ESWT over 4 weeks. In detail, the clinical course, ESWT specifications and the possible mechanisms of ESWT in the light of the current literature are discussed. Our case indicates that ESWT is an underestimated, promising non-invasive, non-immunosuppressive treatment for chronic eruptive skin lesions after jellyfish or related toxin envenomations.
Understanding the Gaps in Obesity Management in the UAE: Perceptions, Barriers, and Attitudes
Authors: Nawar Rita , Ibrahim Elamin , Abusnana Salah , Al Awadi Fatheya , Al Hammadi Fatema Hasan , Farghaly Mohamed , Fiad Tarek M. , Aly Hazem , Aly Mohamed Yasmin , Ben Serghin Zainab
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic relapsing disease of which, globally, the prevalence has reached epidemic proportions. The ACTION-IO study (NCT03584191) investigated the perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of people with obesity (PwO) and healthcare professionals (HCPs), which can help in devising strategies for its optimal management. Here, we present the results from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: The ACTION-IO study was a cross-sectional study conducted in 11 countries, including the UAE, that collected data via a survey. Eligible UAE PwO were ≥18 years with a BMI of ≥30 kg/m2 (self-reported height and weight). Eligible HCPs were in direct patient care. Data were collected in the UAE between July 11, 2018, and September 5, 2018. Results: A total of 750 PwO and 200 HCPs completed the survey in the UAE. Both PwO (82%) and HCPs (78%) acknowledged obesity as a chronic disease and agreed that it has a large impact on overall health (PwO 88% and HCPs 80%). More HCPs felt that diabetes and stroke (both 91%) had a larger impact on overall health than did obesity. Many PwO (76%) assumed full responsibility for their weight loss; 84% of HCPs acknowledged responsibility for actively contributing to patient weight loss efforts. The top motivator for weight loss among PwO was wanting to be more fit/in better shape (45%), while HCPs believed the main motivator was general health concerns (83%). The top barrier against initiating weight management discussions provided by HCPs was that they felt PwO were not interested in losing weight (69%), whereas only 10% of PwO selected this response. The mean delay between struggling with excess weight and having a weight management discussion with an HCP was 4 years. Discussion/Conclusion: These UAE results highlight differences in the perceptions and attitudes toward obesity from PwO and HCPs and reflect a need to understand weight management concerns to initiate earlier and more effective PwO–HCP conversations. The findings will inform educational needs on the biological basis of obesity and its clinical management and will help to address regional barriers for effective obesity care.
Interleukin-6 via Toll-Like Receptor 3 Signaling Attenuates the Expression of Proinflammatory Chemokines in Human Podocytes
Authors: Umetsu Hidenori , Watanabe Shojiro , Imaizumi Tadaatsu , Aizawa Tomomi , Tsugawa Koji , Kawaguchi Shogo , Seya Kazuhiko , Matsumiya Tomoh , Tanaka Hiroshi
Published: April 2021

Background: Although toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) signaling is involved in the development of certain chronic kidney diseases, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying inflammatory reactions via activation of TLR3 signaling in human podocytes remain unclear. Interleukin (IL)-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine associated with innate and adaptive immune responses; however, little is known about the implication of IL-6 via the activation of regional TLR3 signaling in the inflammatory reactions in human podocytes. Methods: We treated immortalized human podocytes with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly IC), an authentic viral double-stranded RNA, and assessed the expression of IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To further elucidate the poly IC-induced signaling pathway, we subjected the cells to RNA interference against IFN-β and IL-6. Results: We found that the activation of TLR3 induced expression of IL-6, MCP-1, CCL5, and IFN-β in human podocytes. RNA interference experiments revealed that IFN-β was involved in the poly IC-induced expression of IL-6, MCP-1, and CCL5. Interestingly, IL-6 knockdown markedly increased the poly IC-induced expression of MCP-1 and CCL5. Further, treatment of cells with IL-6 attenuated the expression of CCL5 and MCP-1 mRNA and proteins. Conclusion: IL-6 induced by TLR3 signaling negatively regulates the expression of representative TLR3 signaling-dependent proinflammatory chemokines in human podocytes.
Efficacy and Safety of Anti-Programed Death-1 Blockade in Previously Treated Large-Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma
Authors: Naganuma Ken , Imai Hisao , Yamaguchi Ou , Hashimoto Kosuke , Akagami Tomoe , Shinomiya Shun , Miura Yu , Shiono Ayako , Mouri Atsuto , Kaira Kyoichi , Kobayashi Kunihiko , Minato Koichi , Kagamu Hiroshi
Published: April 2021

Background: Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the lung is a rare tumor with an aggressive clinical course. However, there is limited knowledge of its treatment strategy. This retrospective study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of anti-programed death-1 (PD-1) blockade monotherapy in previously treated advanced LCNEC. Methods: Eleven patients with previously treated advanced LCNEC who received immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy between January 2015 and November 2020 were retrospectively analyzed for efficacy and safety. Results: Of a total of 11 patients (median [range] age, 66 [37–79] years; 8 men [73%] and 3 women [27%]), 8 patients had performance status (PS) 0–1 [73%] and 3 patients had PS 2 [27%]; 9 patients received 1 prior chemotherapy [82%] and 2 patients received 2 prior chemotherapies [18%]. The median follow-up duration was 4.6 months. Although PD-1 blockade was administered at median cycles of 3 (range, 1–12), overall response rate, median progression-free survival, and median overall survival were 9.1%, 2.7 months, and 4.6 months, respectively. Any adverse events were observed in 9 patients (82%), including 1 patient with grade 3 pneumonitis as a serious adverse event. Conclusion: Anti-PD-1 blockade monotherapy as a subsequent line for previously treated advanced LCNEC exhibited usefulness and tolerability and was identified as a valid treatment option.