bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Chaotic Time Series Based on BEN‐AGA Model
Authors: Su LiYun , Yang Fan
Published: September 2021

Aiming at the prediction problem of chaotic time series, this paper proposes a brain emotional network combined with an adaptive genetic algorithm (BEN‐AGA) model to predict chaotic time series. First, we improve the emotional brain learning (BEL) model using the activation function to change the two linear structures the amygdala and the orbitofrontal cortex into the nonlinear structure, and then we establish the brain emotional network (BEN) model. The brain emotional network model has stronger nonlinear calculation ability and generalization ability. Next, we use the adaptive genetic algorithm to optimize the parameters of the brain emotional network model. The weights to be optimized in the model are coded as chromosomes. We design the dynamic crossover probability and mutation probability to control the crossover process and the mutation process, and the optimal parameters are selected through the fitness function to evaluate the chromosome. In this way, we increase the approximation capability of the model and increase the calculation speed of the model. Finally, we reconstruct the phase space of the observation sequence based on the short‐term predictability of the chaotic time series; then we establish a brain emotional network model and optimize its parameters with an adaptive genetic algorithm and perform a single‐step prediction on the optimized model to obtain the prediction error. The model proposed in this paper is applied to the prediction of Rossler chaotic time series and sunspot chaotic time series. The experimental results verify the effectiveness of the BEN‐AGA model and show that this model has higher prediction accuracy and more stability than other methods.
Studying the Role of Behavioral Characteristics in Individuals Travel Choice Behavior in Response to Earthquake Disaster Using Discrete Choice Models
Authors: Mohajeri Fatemeh , Mirbaha Babak
Published: September 2021

The study of decision-making in response to earthquake disaster including evacuation and destination choice behavior is necessary for emergency planners in order to provide emergency traffic management and solve evacuation problems in transportation network. In this research, it is attempted to study the pattern of choice behavior in Qazvin transport network by considering physical and behavioral factors simultaneously. The required data were collected through a questionnaire from 546 inhabitants of Qazvin based on the stated preferences (SP) survey for six designated earthquake scenarios at different severities and times. The effects of socioeconomic factors, trip daily characteristics, and behavioral factors on decisions to evacuate and choose destinations are studied in this research. The binary logit model is applied for analyzing the evacuation decision, and the multinomial logit model is applied for the destination choice in response to the earthquake disaster. The binary logit model analysis with 73% correct prediction indicates that socioeconomic characteristics including age, marital status, family size, and car ownership have positive effects on evacuation choice. Furthermore, the analysis of behavioral factors indicates that moderate religious belief decreases the likelihood of evacuation, while following previous experiences, trust in acquired trainings, and following decisions made by others moderately increase the likelihood of evacuation. Also, socioeconomic and behavioral factors are the determinants of the destination decision, and the results indicate that individuals following previous experiences highly are more likely to choose gas station and relative’s home destination versus going to urban open spaces.
Adaptive Fuzzy Type-II Controller for Wheeled Mobile Robot with Disturbances and Wheelslips
Authors: Ha Viet Quoc , Pham Sen Huong-Thi , Vu Nga Thi-Thuy
Published: September 2021

This paper proposed adaptive fuzzy type-II controllers for the wheeled mobile robot (WMR) systems under conditions of wheel slips and disturbances. The system includes two control loops: outer loop for position tracking and the inner loop for velocity tracking. In each loop, the controller has two parts: the feedback which keeps the system stable and the adaptive type-II fuzzy part which is used to compensate the unknown components that act on the system. The stability of each loop as well as the overall system is proven mathematically based on the Lyapunov theory. Finally, the simulation is setup to verify the effectiveness of the presented algorithm. The simulation results show that, in comparison with the corresponding fuzzy type-I controller, the performance of the adaptive fuzzy type-II controller is better, i.e., the position error is smaller and the velocity is almost smooth under the conditions that the reference trajectory is changed, and the system is affected by wheel slips and external disturbances.
Semantic Analysis of Literary Vocabulary Based on Microsystem and Computer Aided Deep Research
Authors: Li Lixin , Cao Liwen
Published: September 2021

It has great advantages in data processing. Embedded microsystems are widely used in IoT devices because of their specific functions and hard decoding technology. This article adds a literary vocabulary semantic analysis model to the embedded microsystem to reduce power consumption and improve the accuracy and speed of the system. The main purpose of this paper is to improve the accuracy and speed of semantic analysis of literary vocabulary based on the embedded microsystem, combined with the design idea of Robot Process Automation (RPA) and adding CNN logic algorithm. In this paper, RPA Adam model is proposed. The RPA Adam model indicates that the vector in the vector contains not only the characteristics of its own node but also the characteristics of neighboring nodes. It is applied to graph convolution network of isomorphic network analysis and analyzes the types of devices that can be carried by embedded chips, and displays them with graphics. Through the results, we find that the error rate of the RPA Adam model is the same at different compression rates. Due to the different correlations between knowledge entities in different data sets, specifically, high frequency can maintain a low bit error rate of 10.79% when the compression rate is 4.85%, but when the compression rate of high frequency is only 60.32%, the error rate is as high as 11.26%, while the compression rate of low frequency is 23.51% when the error rate is 9.65%.
Antioxidant Activity, Polyphenolic Content, and FT-NIR Analysis of Different Aspilia africana Medicinal Plant Tissues
Authors: Okello Denis , Chung Yuseong , Kim Hyoseon , Lee Jun , Rahmat Endang , Komakech Richard , Kim Yong-Goo , Omujal Francis , Kang Youngmin
Published: September 2021

Aspilia africana has been used for generations to treat many diseases in Africa. Its biological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, are attributed to a number of secondary metabolites, including alkaloids and polyphenolics. The antioxidant activities of A. africana callus (CA), juvenile in vitro leaf (IL) and root (IR), ex vitro root (SR) and leaf (SL), and wild leaf (WL) dried samples were assessed based on their diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging abilities. The total phenolic and flavonoid content of different plant samples was compared. Further, high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantitatively determine chlorogenic acid content in the A. africana plant samples. Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) analysis was also carried out to compare the antioxidant phytochemical content in the A. africana plant tissues. Among the samples, IR, with the highest total phenolic content (167.84 ± 1.057 mg GAE/g), total flavonoid content (135.06 ± 0.786 mg RUE/g), and chlorogenic acid (5.23 ± 0.298 mg/g) content, had the most potent antioxidant activity (IC50 = 27.25 ± 5.028 μg/mL), followed by WL. The lowest polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity were observed in SR. The antioxidant activities of A. africana tissues were positively correlated with the total phenolic and flavonoid content in the samples. The differences in antioxidant activities of A. africana tissues could be attributed to the difference in their polyphenolic content. Our study reports, for the first time, the antioxidant activities of A. africana callus and roots (in vitro and ex vitro). The A. africana samples IR, CA, and WL could be valuable natural sources of antioxidants that could be further exploited for the development of useful pharmaceutical products.
Determination of Position Resolution for LYSO Scintillation Crystals Using Geant4 Monte Carlo Code
Authors: Yahya M. F. O. , Kocak F.
Published: September 2021

LYSO scintillation crystals, due to their significant characteristics such as high light yield, fast decay time, small Moliére radius, and good radiation hardness, are proposed to be used for the electromagnetic calorimeter section of the Turkish Accelerator Center Particle Factory (TAC-PF) detector. In this work, the center of gravity technique was used to determine the impact coordinates of an electron initiating an electromagnetic shower in a LYSO array, in a calorimeter module containing nine crystals, each

25
 
mm
×
25
 
mm

in cross-section and 200 mm in length. The response of the calorimeter module has been studied with electrons having energies in the range 0.1 GeV-2 GeV. By using the Monte Carlo simulation based on Geant4, the two-dimensional position resolution of the module is obtained as

σ

R

mm

=

3.95
±
0.08

/

E

⊕

1.91
±
0.11

at the center of the crystal.
Functional Impact of Genomic Complexity on the Transcriptome of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Ziccheddu Bachisio , Da Vià Matteo C. , Lionetti Marta , Maeda Akihiro , Morlupi Silvia , Dugo Matteo , Todoerti Katia , Oliva Stefania , D'Agostino Mattia , Corradini Paolo , Landgren Ola , Iorio Francesco , Pettine Loredana , Pompa Alessandra , Manzoni Martina , Baldini Luca , Neri Antonino , Maura Francesco , Bolli Niccolò
Published: September 2021

Purpose:

Multiple myeloma is a biologically heterogenous plasma-cell disorder. In this study, we aimed at dissecting the functional impact on transcriptome of gene mutations, copy-number abnormalities (CNA), and chromosomal rearrangements (CR). Moreover, we applied a geno-transcriptomic approach to identify specific biomarkers for personalized treatments.

Experimental Design:

We analyzed 514 newly diagnosed patients from the IA12 release of the CoMMpass study, accounting for mutations in multiple myeloma driver genes, structural variants, copy-number segments, and raw-transcript counts. We performed an in silico drug sensitivity screen (DSS), interrogating the Cancer Dependency Map (DepMap) dataset after anchoring cell lines to primary tumor samples using the Celligner algorithm.

Results:

Immunoglobulin translocations, hyperdiploidy and chr(1q)gain/amps were associated with the highest number of deregulated genes. Other CNAs and specific gene mutations had a lower but very distinct impact affecting specific pathways. Many recurrent genes showed a hotspot (HS)-specific effect. The clinical relevance of double-hit multiple myeloma found strong biological bases in our analysis. Biallelic deletions of tumor suppressors and chr(1q)-amplifications showed the greatest impact on gene expression, deregulating pathways related to cell cycle, proliferation, and expression of immunotherapy targets. Moreover, our in silico DSS showed that not only t(11;14) but also chr(1q)gain/amps and CYLD inactivation predicted differential expression of transcripts of the BCL2 axis and response to venetoclax.

Conclusions:

The multiple myeloma genomic architecture and transcriptome have a strict connection, led by CNAs and CRs. Gene mutations impacted especially with HS-mutations of oncogenes and biallelic tumor suppressor gene inactivation. Finally, a comprehensive geno-transcriptomic analysis allows the identification of specific deregulated pathways and candidate biomarkers for personalized treatments in multiple myeloma.
Multiomic Analysis Reveals Comprehensive Tumor Heterogeneity and Distinct Immune Subtypes in Multifocal Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Shuling , Xie Yubin , Cai Yuhong , Hu Huanjing , He Minghui , Liu Lijuan , Liao Changyi , Wang Yuanqi , Wang Jianping , Ren Xiaoxue , Zeng Qianwen , Peng Hong , Shen Shunli , Li Shaoqiang , Li Dongming , Lai Jiaming , Peng Baogang , Ren Jian , Kuang Ming , Peng Sui
Published: September 2021

Purpose:

Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are transforming the treatment approach for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). However, little is known about the intertumor heterogeneity (ITH) of multifocal ICC and its impacts on patient response to these treatments. We aimed to characterize the immunogenomic and epigenomic heterogeneity of multifocal ICC to guide treatment decision making.

Experimental Design:

We obtained 66 tumor samples from 16 patients with multifocal ICC and characterized the tumor and immune heterogeneity using whole-exome sequencing, bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, methylation microarray, and multiplex immunostaining. Patients were divided into high- or low-ITH groups according to the median ITH index. Two independent cohorts were used to validate findings. Responses to anti-PD-1 therapy were assessed.

Results:

Multifocal ICC presented considerable intertumor genomic, transcriptional, and epigenomic heterogeneity within a patient in high ITH group. The immune profile among multiple tumors within a patient was relatively less heterogeneous in high- or low-ITH group, and consistent responses of multiple tumors to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy were observed. Unsupervised clustering of immune markers identified one low and one high immune subtype, with higher immune cell infiltration, closer tumor–immune cell interactions, and upregulated IFN-signature expression in high-immune subtype. Determining expression levels of CD8B and ICOS facilitated this immune classification and prediction of patient prognosis. Finally, promoter DNA methylation contributed to different immune profiles of two subtypes by regulating immune-gene expression.

Conclusions:

There is comprehensive heterogeneity in the genome, transcriptome, and epigenome of multifocal ICC. On the basis of the less heterogeneous immune profile of ICC, we suggest an immune classification that stratifies patients' prognosis and may support personalized immunotherapy.
Reducing Ataxic Side Effects from Ventral Intermediate Nucleus of the Thalamus Deep Brain Stimulation Implantation in Essential Tremor: Potential Advantages of Directional Stimulation
Authors: Roque Daniel Alberto , Hadar Eldad , Zhang Ying , Zou Fei , Murrow Richard
Published: September 2021

Objective: The aim of the study was to retrospectively evaluate the effect of directional deep brain stimulation (DBS) on ataxia in an essential tremor patient population. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review of documented Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) scores were analyzed using a case-control design. All subjects we evaluated were treated at a single, tertiary care academic center. We reviewed 14 patients who underwent bilateral ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus (VIM) implantation with microelectrode recording, with electrodeposition and segmented contact orientation confirmed via postoperative computed tomography. The main outcome was to determine change in ataxia scores between directional versus monopolar circumferential stimulation. Results: Fourteen patients (9 males, median age at implantation 69 [range 63–82]) underwent surgery between October 2017 and July 2020 at the UNC Movement Disorders Center. SARA scores between directional stimulation and monopolar circumferential stimulation demonstrated a significant reduction in total scores with best possible segmented stimulation (n = 13, p < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval [CI] −3.496 to −6.789). This difference remained statistically significant even after removing the SARA tremor subscore (n = 13, p < 0.0001, 95% CI −3.155 to −6.274). In line with prior reports, SARA score changes from the preoperative state were generally worsened when applying monopolar circumferential stimulation bilaterally (n = 13, p = 0.655; 95% CI −2.836 to 4.359), but improved with directional stimulation (n = 13, p = 0.010; 95% CI −1.216 to −7.547). Conclusion: This retrospective analysis appears to show evidence for improved outcomes through directional stimulation in bilateral VIM DBS implantation with reduction of ataxic side effects that have traditionally plagued postoperative results, all while providing optimized tremor reduction via stimulation.
Multifocal Urinary Tract Metastasis of Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Fejes Zsuzsanna , Király István Előd , Fehér Ádám Miklós , Kovács Péter György , Gyuris Zoltán , Sükösd Farkas , Torday László , Kuthi Levente
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Secondary urinary tract tumors are uncommon findings and mainly evolve by direct invasion from adjacent organs. Actual metastatic involvement often develops in the urinary bladder, while the upper urinary tract is infrequently affected. In addition, the lungs, breast, and prostate gland are the usual primary sites. Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) may spread to the ureter directly or seeds via vascular or lymphatic channels. It may pose struggles in the differential diagnosis because CRC shares standard pathologic features with the primary adenocarcinoma of the urinary tract. Case Presentation: We describe the case of an 81-year-old man who was referred to our hospital with a distal ureteral tumor that was treated by a ureteronephrectomy. The histopathological and genetic analysis established the diagnosis of metastatic CRC along with 3 metastases in the renal pelvis. Conclusion: This rare case highlights the limitations of conventional histological processing, including immunohistochemistry, and it underlines the role of molecular investigations in certain circumstances.
Enhancement in pneumatic positioning system using nonlinear gain constrained model predictive controller: experimental validation
Authors: Sulaiman Siti Fatimah , Rahmat M. F. , Faudzi Ahmad Athif , Osman Khairuddin , Sunar N. H.
Published: September 2021

The issues of inaccurate positioning control have made an industrial use of pneumatic actuator remains restricted to certain applications only. Non-compliance with system limits and properly control the operating system may also degrade the performance of pneumatic positioning systems. This study proposed a new approach to enhance pneumatic positioning system while considering the constraints of system. Firstly, a mathematical model that represented the pneumatic system was determined by system identification approach. Secondly, model predictive controller (MPC) was developed as a primary controller to control the pneumatic positioning system, which took into account the constraints of the system. Next, to enhance the performance of the overall system, nonlinear gain function was incorporated within the MPC algorithm. Finally, the performances were compared with other control methods such as constrained MPC (CMPC), proportional-integral (PI), and predictive functional control with observer (PFC-O). The validation based on real-time experimental results for 100 mm positioning control revealed that the incorporation of nonlinear gain within the MPC algorithm improved 21.03% and 2.69% of the speed response given by CMPC and PFC-O, and reduced 100% of the overshoot given by CMPC and PI controller; thus, providing fast and accurate pneumatic positioning control system.
State feedback containment control of multi-agents system with lipschitz nonlinearity
Authors: Sheikh Hanis Siti Nurfarihah , Mohd Isira Ahmad Sadhiqin , Md Yusop Azdiana , Hairi Mohd Hendra , Chunyan Wong , Casuat Cherry D. , Abdul Mutalip Zaiton
Published: September 2021

This paper studies the containment control problem of the leader-follower configuration in a multi-agents system included with a type of nonlinearity such as Lipschitz with respect to continuous-time and directed spanning forest communication network topology. A state feedback containment controller is designed and proposed with control theory and the Laplacian network structure where it utilizes the relative information of each agent. The controller designed ensures that the followers are contained by the leaders that form the convex hull formation. For the containment to happen, a minimum of one leader is needed to have a direct communication trajectory to the followers. Lyapunov stability theory is used to provide the stability conditions after analyzing the network structure. Finally, it has been shown from simulation that the followers are contained successfully with the proposed controller.
Internet of things based attendance system design and development in a smart classroom
Authors: Eridani Dania , Widianto Eko Didik , Windasari Ike Pertiwi , Bawono Wildan Budi , Gunarto Nadia Febrianita
Published: September 2021

Attendance records are one of the main administrative roles on campuses. Therefore, several technologies can be used on an attendance system, including barcode, radio frequency identification (RFID), fingerprint, and faceprint. The main functions of attendance systems on campuses are mainly focused on how to obtain the attendee data list, store on the database, and display the list on the information system. This research proposes an attendance system in the smart classroom which supports the system’s previous activities as well as its integration with security and classroom management. In this system, the NodeMCU which was connected to the Wi-Fi router served as the controller, while the fingerspot revo FF-153BNC functioned as the system input. In addition, the database server was used to allocate attendee and classroom management data. This system is connected with the information system and classroom display unit, and component and system testing were applied in this research. The results showed that each system unit successfully integrated and managed the attendance, security, and classroom schedule.
Big transfer learning for automated skin cancer classification
Authors: Arkah Zinah Mohsin , Al-Dulaimi Dalya S. , Khekan Ahlam R.
Published: September 2021

Skin cancer is an example of the most dangerous disease. Early diagnosis of skin cancer can save many people’s lives. Manual classification methods are time-consuming and costly. Deep learning has been proposed for the automated classification of skin cancer. Although deep learning showed impressive performance in several medical imaging tasks, it requires a big number of images to achieve a good performance. The skin cancer classification task suffers from providing deep learning with sufficient data due to the expensive annotation process and required experts. One of the most used solutions is transfer learning of pre-trained models of the ImageNet dataset. However, the learned features of pre-trained models are different from skin cancer image features. To end this, we introduce a novel approach of transfer learning by training the pre-trained models of the ImageNet (VGG, GoogleNet, and ResNet50) on a large number of unlabelled skin cancer images, first. We then train them on a small number of labeled skin images. Our experimental results proved that the proposed method is efficient by achieving an accuracy of 84% with ResNet50 when directly trained with a small number of labeled skin and 93.7% when trained with the proposed approach.
High efficiency Doherty power amplifiers for modern wireless communication systems: A brief review
Authors: Mabrok Mussa , Zakaria Zahriladha , Sutikno Tole
Published: September 2021

Dueto the high peak to average power ratio (PAPR) of modern modulated signals, power amplifiers (PAs) have been forced to operate at the back-off (BO) region of their saturation power in order to avoid signal clipping and distortion. However, classical PAs suffer from low efficiency in the BO region operation. Therefore, efficiency has to be enhanced in that region. Many techniques have been proposed. Among them, the Doherty power amplifier (DPA) is considered as the most suitable technique due to its simple structure and high performance. However, its conventional design is limited to a 6 dB BO level, which does not satisfy the requirements of modern communication systems. In this paper, a brief review of the most significant techniques of high-efficiency DPA is presented. First, DPA topology and its operation principles are briefly discussed. Second, efficiency enhancement techniques such as an asymmetrical DPA, output combiner modification, gate bias adaption, offset line optimization, and multi-way DPA were discussed. The study shows that the most suitable, simple, and effective solution is an asymmetrical approach. However, it needs to be investigated in terms of bandwidth in order to meet the efficiency-bandwidth requirements of modern wireless communication systems such as 5G.
Prognostic Value of Complementary Echocardiography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quantitative Evaluation for Isolated Tricuspid Regurgitation
Authors: Wang Tom Kai Ming , Akyuz Kevser , Reyaldeen Reza , Griffin Brian P. , Popovic Zoran B. , Pettersson Gosta B. , Gillinov A. Marc , Flamm Scott D. , Xu Bo , Desai Milind Y.
Published: September 2021

Background:

Isolated tricuspid regurgitation (TR) remains a management dilemma with poor outcomes. Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) are valuable tools for evaluating TR, but their prognostic utility has rarely been studied together in this setting. We aimed to determine the prognostic value and thresholds for echocardiography and CMR parameters for isolated severe TR.

Methods:

Consecutive patients with isolated severe TR by echocardiography and undergoing CMR during January 2007 to June 2019 were studied. Echocardiography and CMR-derived quantitative parameters were analyzed for independent associations with and thresholds for predicting the primary end point of all-cause mortality during follow-up.

Results:

Among 262 patients studied, mean age was 62.8±15.6 years, 156 (59.5%) were females, 207 (79.0%) had secondary TR, and 87 (33.2%) underwent tricuspid valve surgery after CMR. There were 68 (26.0%) deaths during a mean follow-up of 2.5 years. Both CMR-derived tricuspid regurgitant fraction (per 5% increase) and right ventricle free wall longitudinal strain (per 1% decrease in magnitude) were independently associated with worse survival, with hazard ratios (95% CIs) of 1.15 (1.05–1.25) and 1.10 (1.04–1.17), respectively, along with right heart failure symptoms of 2.03 (1.14–3.60), while tricuspid valve surgery was borderline protective with 0.55 (0.31–0.997). Regurgitant fraction ≥30%, regurgitant volume ≥35 mL and right ventricle free wall longitudinal strain ≥−11% (by velocity vector imaging technique, which yields lower magnitude values than other conventional strain techniques) were the optimal thresholds for mortality during follow-up.

Conclusions:

TR quantification by CMR and right ventricle free wall longitudinal strain by echocardiography were the key imaging parameters independently associated with reduced survival in isolated TR, incremental to conventional clinical factors. Clinically significant thresholds for these parameters were determined and may help guide decision-making for TR management.
PDE1 Inhibition Modulates Ca
v
1.2 Channel to Stimulate Cardiomyocyte Contraction
Authors: Muller Grace K. , Song Joy , Jani Vivek , Wu Yuejin , Liu Ting , Jeffreys William P.D. , O’Rourke Brian , Anderson Mark E. , Kass David A.
Published: September 2021

Rationale:

cAMP activation of PKA (protein kinase A) stimulates excitation-contraction (EC) coupling, increasing cardiac contractility. This is clinically achieved by β-ARs (β-adrenergic receptor) stimulation or PDE3i (inhibition of phosphodiesterase type-3), although both approaches are limited by arrhythmia and chronic myocardial toxicity. PDE1i (Phosphodiesterase type-1 inhibition) also augments cAMP and enhances contractility in intact dogs and rabbits. Unlike β-ARs or PDE3i, PDE1i-stimulated inotropy is unaltered by β-AR blockade and induces little whole-cell Ca
2+
(intracellular Ca
2+
concentration; [Ca
2+
]
i
) increase. Positive inotropy from PDE1i was recently reported in human heart failure. However, mechanisms for this effect remain unknown.

Objective:

Define the mechanism(s) whereby PDE1i increases myocyte contractility.

Methods and Results:

We studied primary guinea pig myocytes that express the PDE1C isoform found in larger mammals and humans. In quiescent cells, the potent, selective PDE1i (ITI-214) did not alter cell shortening or [Ca
2+
]
i
, whereas β-ARs or PDE3i increased both. When combined with low-dose adenylate cyclase stimulation, PDE1i enhanced shortening in a PKA-dependent manner but unlike PDE3i, induced little [Ca
2+
]
i
rise nor augmented β-ARs. β-ARs or PDE3i reduced myofilament Ca
2+
sensitivity and increased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
content and phosphorylation of PKA-targeted serines on TnI (troponin I), MYBP-C (myosin binding protein C), and PLN (phospholamban). PDE1i did not significantly alter any of these. However, PDE1i increased Ca
v
1.2 channel conductance similarly as PDE3i (both PKA dependent), without altering Na
+
-Ca
2+
exchanger current density. Cell shortening and [Ca
2+
]
i
augmented by PDE1i were more sensitive to Ca
v
1.2 blockade and to premature or irregular cell contractions and [Ca
2+
]
i
transients compared to PDE3i.

Conclusions:

PDE1i enhances contractility by a PKA-dependent increase in Ca
v
1.2 conductance with less total [Ca
2+
]
i
increase, and no significant changes in sarcoplasmic reticulum [Ca
2+
], myofilament Ca
2+
-sensitivity, or phosphorylation of critical EC-coupling proteins as observed with β-ARs and PDE3i. PDE1i could provide a novel positive inotropic therapy for heart failure without the toxicities of β-ARs and PDE3i.
Ethics, Interpretive Social Science and War
Authors: Frost Mervyn
Published: September 2021

This chapter explores radical interpretivism as an approach to understanding contemporary war and the implications that flow from its application to questions about what ought to be done in contemporary asymmetrical wars. It argues that the currently dominant version of the relationship between just war theory and the world to which it is to be applied is misguided. It is widely held that policymakers facing ethical decisions about war and peace, have first to ascertain the empirical state of affairs in which they find themselves, and then, in a second step, consider what it would be ethical to do, given the circumstances. On this view, questions about the justice of going to war arise only after the completion of an empirical analysis about how things stand in the world. Radical interpretivism denies the possibility of determining a given “state of affairs” in social relations in purely empirical terms that do not involve engaging with ethical considerations from the outset. A central strand of the argument is that in the analyses of the circumstances that precede wars, what must be understood are the histories of actions and reactions of the parties involved. These, as is the case with all actions, can only be understood within the social practices in which the actors are participating. Such understandings involve an ethical engagement at every point. This interpretive approach is particularly important for a proper understanding of asymmetrical wars.
Why cosmopolitan war is an ethics of fantasy?
Authors: Garner Renaud-Philippe
Published: September 2021

This article argues that Fabre’s cosmopolitan war is implausible because it ignores the psychological realities of war. Building on J.L. Mackie’s notion of an ‘ethics of fantasy’ – a morality reduced to lip-service and incapable of action-guiding – I argue that a view based on a flawed view of either human agency or the context in which it is exercised is doomed to practical irrelevance. In rejecting patriotism and advancing a highly individualistic view of war, Fabre relies upon a highly flawed view of human agency, ignoring the psychological mechanism of depersonalisation essential to large-scale cooperation and the practice of war.

In Part i, I offer an initial account of what an ‘ethics of fantasy’ is and offer one major reason why certain moralities fail as practical guidance. In Part ii, I contrast Fabre’s moral cosmopolitanism with ancient cosmopolitanism; I focus on her rejection of patriotism and other identity-based forms of partiality. In Part iii, I summarise key findings, mostly in social psychology, on how large-scale social cooperation is achieved. I highlight the central role of depersonalisation and its felicity conditions. In Part iv, I argue that Fabre’s view faces a dilemma. Either her cosmopolitanism is compatible with identity-based partiality, or it is not. If not, then she does not even have a view of war given that large-scale cooperation requires it. If her view is compatible, then she needs a functional replacement for patriotism. I conclude by showing that the alternatives fail to satisfy the felicity conditions of depersonalisation which war requires.
‘Let my people go!’ The exodus as Israel’s metaphorical divorce from Egypt
Authors: Lunn Nicholas P.
Published: September 2021

This article builds upon the prophetic metaphor of Israel being bound to God in a marriage-type relationship, commenced in the Sinai covenant, in which worship of foreign gods would be considered spiritual adultery. It is argued that similar involvement with foreign deities before Sinai, would hinder union between God and his people. Biblical evidence suggests that the Hebrews in Egypt were implicated in the worship of the idols of that nation, which in effect constituted a marriage-type relationship with false gods. Without the termination of this relationship the people could not enter into a covenant bond with Yahweh. On verbal grounds the demand of Moses from Pharaoh to release the Hebrews amounts to a spiritual divorce from the gods of Egypt. Typological considerations lend support to such a construal of the exodus.
Buchwaldoboletus xylophilus and Phlebopus portentosus, two non-ectomycorrhizal boletes from tropical China
Authors: XIE HUI-JING , ZHANG CHUN-XIA , HE MING-XIA , LIANG ZHI-QUN , DENG XIAO-HUA , ZENG NIAN-KAI
Published: September 2021

Buchwaldoboletus xylophilus and Phlebopus portentosus (Boletales) are two non-ectomycorrhizal boletes, which are widely reported in tropical Asia. However, there is little information available about the taxonomy of these two boletes. Here, B. xylophilus and P. portentosus are redescribed based on morphology and molecular phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences from nuclear 28S rDNA (28S), nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-α gene (TEF1) and the RNA polymerase II second largest subunit gene (RPB2). Detailed descriptions, color photos of fresh basidiomata, and line-drawings of microscopic features of the two taxa are presented.
Should Reversible Convective Inhibition be Used when Determining the Inflow Layer of a Convective Storm?
Authors: Murdzek Shawn S. , Markowski Paul M. , Richardson Yvette P. , Kumjian Matthew R.
Published: September 2021

Convective inhibition (CIN) is one of the parameters used by forecasters to determine the inflow layer of a convective storm, but little work has examined the best way to compute CIN. One decision that must be made is whether to lift parcels following a pseudoadiabat (removing hydrometeors as the parcel ascends) or reversible moist adiabat (retaining hydrometeors). To determine which option is best, idealized simulations of ordinary convection are examined using a variety of base states with different reversible CIN values for parcels originating in the lowest 500 m. Parcel trajectories suggest that ascent over the lowest few kilometers, where CIN is typically accumulated, is best conceptualized as a reversible moist adiabatic process instead of a pseudoadiabatic process. Most inflow layers do not contain parcels with substantial reversible CIN, despite these parcels possessing ample convective available potential energy and minimal pseudoadiabatic CIN. If a stronger initiation method is used, or hydrometeor loading is ignored, simulations can ingest more parcels with large amounts of reversible CIN. These results suggest that reversible CIN, not pseudoadiabatic CIN, is the physically relevant way to compute CIN and that forecasters may benefit from examining reversible CIN instead of pseudoadiabatic CIN when determining the inflow layer.
Comparing the effect of a consult model versus an integrated palliative care and medical oncology co-rounding model on health care utilization in an acute hospital – an open-label stepped-wedge cluster-randomized trial
Authors: Yang Grace M , Zhou Siqin , Xu Zhizhen , Goh Stella SL , Zhu Xia , Chong Dawn QQ , Tan Daniel SW , Kanesvaran Ravindran , Yee Alethea CP , Neo Patricia SH , Cheung Yin-Bun
Published: September 2021

Background:

The benefit of specialist palliative care for cancer inpatients is established, but the best method to deliver specialist palliative care is unknown.

Aim:

To compare a consult model versus a co-rounding model; both provide the same content of specialist palliative care to individual patients but differ in the level of integration between palliative care and oncology clinicians.

Design:

An open-label, cluster-randomized trial with stepped-wedge design. The primary outcome was hospital length of stay; secondary outcomes were 30-day readmissions and access to specialist palliative care. ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03330509.

Setting/participants:

Cancer patients admitted to the oncology inpatient service of an acute hospital in Singapore.

Results:

A total of 5681 admissions from December 2017 to July 2019 were included, of which 5295 involved stage 3-4 cancer and 1221 received specialist palliative care review. Admissions in the co-rounding model had a shorter hospital length of stay than those in the consult model by 0.70 days (95%CI −0.04 to 1.45, p = 0.065) for all admissions. In the sub-group of stage 3-4 cancer patients, the length of stay was 0.85 days shorter (95%CI 0.05–1.65, p = 0.038). In the sub-group of admissions that received specialist palliative care review, the length of stay was 2.62 days shorter (95%CI 0.63–4.61, p = 0.010). Hospital readmission within 30 days (OR1.03, 95%CI 0.79–1.35, p = 0.822) and access to specialist palliative care (OR1.19, 95%CI 0.90–1.58, p = 0.215) were similar between the consult and co-rounding models.

Conclusions:

The co-rounding model was associated with a shorter hospital length of stay. Readmissions within 30 days and access to specialist palliative care were similar.
Renal epitheliotropism of feline morbillivirus in two cats
Authors: Chaiyasak Surangkanang , Piewbang Chutchai , Yostawonkul Jakarwan , Boonrungsiman Suwimon , Kasantikul Tanit , Rungsipipat Anudep , Techangamsuwan Somporn
Published: September 2021

The association of feline morbillivirus (FeMV) with kidney disease in cats is controversial. Two cats with a history of severe hematuria had eosinophilic inclusion-like bodies in the renal tubular epithelial cells, without any inflammatory cellular reaction. Ultrastructurally, aggregations of electron-dense viral-like particles were found where the inclusion-like bodies were located. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) using antibodies against FeMV matrix protein labeled these inclusion-like bodies, and also labeled the cytoplasm of tracheal and bronchiolar epithelial cells, and lymphocytes and macrophages in spleen and mesenteric lymph node. Using double IHC, FeMV antigen was detected in astroglia and oligodendroglia but not in microglia. Phylogenetic characterization of the fusion and hemagglutinin gene sequences revealed FeMV-1A genotypes in both cats. These findings indicated an active viral infection with FeMV. We propose that FeMV is a renal epitheliotropic virus and also localizes in various other tissues.
Airport security as translation through division and movement
Authors: Komasová Sarah
Published: September 2021

Based on an ethnographic research at Václav Havel Airport Prague, this article explores how contemporary airport security might by studied using an ANT-inspired approach. Security provision can be understood as a set of chains of translation that produces security and threat. Incoming actors, whose statuses are initially indeterminate, are translated into secure or threatening ones. This framing enables the uncovering of division and movement as the logics guide the system performance. The use of this perspective enables us to explicate the system’s functioning in practice, including its inherent challenges and social consequences.
Evaluation of Commercially Available Knee Cartilage Restoration Techniques Stratified by FDA Approval Pathway
Authors: Gudeman Andrew Scott , Hinckel Betina B. , Oladeji Lasun , Ray Taylor E. , Gersoff Wayne , Farr Jack , Sherman Seth L.
Published: September 2021

Background:

Commercially available products used in knee cartilage reconstructive and restorative surgical practices fall under unique US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory pathways that determine the level of evidence required to market each product.

Purpose:

To evaluate the levels of evidence in the literature supporting commercially available cartilage repair procedures stratified by FDA regulatory pathway (section 351 vs section 361 of “Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products” [HCT/P] in the Code of Federal Regulation) with the hypothesis that products requiring approval under a stringent regulatory pathway (351 HCT/P) have higher levels of evidence in the literature supporting use and that products with a less stringent regulatory pathway (361 HCT/P) have a higher number of products available for use in the United States.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A search of the PubMed database was performed to identify all peer-reviewed articles pertaining to either allograft or autologous cartilage repair technologies. Predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to find clinical, preclinical, and laboratory studies while excluding duplicates, systematic reviews, and products not available in the United States. Articles were categorized by regulatory pathway (351 and 361 HCT/P), and variables including publication year, type of publication, level of evidence, and number of publications were analyzed.

Results:

After application of predefined criteria, 470 of 1924 articles were included in this study. The 351 HCT/P group was composed entirely of autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) technology; 94% of the 361 HCT/P group was composed of osteochondral allografts (OCA). The articles regarding 351 HCT/P were more likely to be clinical in nature than the articles on 361 HCT/P (80% vs 48%, respectively; P = .0001) and entailed significantly more level 1 studies (25 vs 0, respectively; P < .0001). Twice as many articles in the 351 HCT/P group were published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine compared with the 361 HCT/P group (71 vs 38, respectively; P = .18).

Conclusion:

Both ACI and OCA have robust evidence supporting their use, whereas the remaining regulated products have little or no supporting evidence. Technologies regulated by 351 HCT/P were more likely to be level 1 clinical studies and published in the highest impact journal. The 361 HCT/P pathway regulated many more products, with fewer articles supporting their use.
“We Can’t Wait Anymore”: Young Professionals Engaging in Education for Sustainability
Authors: Griswold Wendy
Published: September 2021

Sustainability-minded young professionals are needed to facilitate movement toward a sustainable planet. Their development has largely been left to Higher Education Institutions charged with equipping future generations of professionals to address current and future intractable problems, with limited research on how they perform in these important roles upon entering professional careers. This study documents how sustainability-minded young professionals engage in education for sustainability, the process by which humans will learn to live sustainably. Grounded theory methods were used to analyze interview and focus group data collected from 10 sustainability-minded young professionals who participated in sustainable energy research experiences as undergraduates. Findings indicate sustainability-minded young professionals engaging in education for sustainability navigate sustainability identities, which is a fluid, contextual process; participate in lifelong sustainability learning; serve as sustainability educators; and adopt a positive stance toward our ability to achieve sustainability.
Police Fatal Force and Crime Reporting: A Test of Community Responses to Fatal Police-Civilian Encounters
Authors: Sheppard Keller G. , Stowell Jacob I.
Published: September 2021

Public perceptions of police legitimacy and effectiveness have been challenged by recent high-profile use of fatal force incidents by the police. Prior scholarship suggests that that controversial incidents involving police use of force can engender distrust of the police. Further, the neighborhood effects literature has demonstrated the importance of community context for police-community relationships and differential responses to controversial incidents by neighborhoods. The current study assesses how communities of varying racial compositions and levels of economic disadvantage respond to police fatal force incidents by assessing neighborhood crime reporting behaviors. Using monthly 911 call data from Los Angeles, CA neighborhoods, this study explores this relationship with a series of fixed effects negative binomial regression models that model police homicides and crime reporting over a seven-year time period. Comparisons between neighborhoods of varying racial/ethnic composition and structural conditions permit the comparison of differential responses across neighborhood context. The results indicate that neighborhood crime reporting decreases following fatal police use of force incidents. Further, these responses varied across neighborhood contexts. Predominately Hispanic neighborhoods experienced greater declines in crime reporting compared to predominately White neighborhoods. Neighborhoods characterized by high levels of concentrated disadvantaged also experienced greater reductions in crime reporting compared to their more advantaged counterparts. Utilization of the formal legal system can be challenged by controversial police incidents; however, these effects are dependent on neighborhood context. Future research should explore how spatial proximity and media portrayal of incidents influence community responses.
Impacts of Incarceration on Health Focusing on Minority Males: Considerations for COVID-19 and Future Pandemics
Authors: Hughes Mary H. , Prior Nicole
Published: September 2021

Long-standing health and social inequalities associated with minorities have increased their risk for infection, hospitalization, and death related to COVID-19. This disparity is further exacerbated with incarcerated individuals, yet little attention, both prepandemic and presently, has been devoted to collecting up-to-date data. This study uses the 2004 Survey of Inmates in State Correctional Facilities (SISCF), the most recent data, to explore the general offender population and self-reported chronic and medical health conditions to highlight how COVID-19 will impact marginalized populations. Results from the four binary regression models found that minority males are more likely to have chronic illnesses which increase in probability with longer sentences, number of incarcerations, and advancement in age. Our findings advocate for the development of recent data sets on inmate health, particularly minority individuals, as well as the construction of more precise health measures to address these health disparities, including COVID-19.