bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Coral Reef Area Based on Landsat 8 Satellite Image Data Processing using the Lyzenga Algorithm
Authors: Azka Laila Martina
Published: June 2021

Indonesia has the potential of invaluable biological resources from an economic and ecological perspective, one of which is coral reef resources. To determine the condition of the coral reef ecosystem in Indonesian waters as an effort to monitor and monitor using remote sensing data. The purpose of this research is the creation of an information system through a website that can help users access information effectively and efficiently.Utilization of Landsat 8 satellite image data to observe the bottom of the waters directly on coral reef mapping using the Lyzenga Algorithm method, also known as the depthinvariant index method or the water column correction method. This method produces a baseline index that is not affected by depth and works well in clear shallow waters such as in coral reef habitat areas (Maritorena, 1996). The results showed that the image processing data had a map accuracy level for Menjangan Besar and Menjangan Kecil islands of 77.78%, while the map accuracy level for Karimunjawa and Kemujang Islands was 72.23%. And from the processed data, it is known that coral reef cover in general has increased from 2014 to 2018, for Karimunjawa and Kemujan Islands an increase of 17.4% for Menjangan Besar and Menjangan Kecil Islands only a slight increase of 0.27% and for Bunaken Island an increase of 9.1%. And there is one island that is processed has decreased, namely Bunaken Island by 4.5%.
Analysis of Changes in Area and Density of Mangroves through Landsat 8 Satellite Image Processing
Authors: Nurcahyani Nadya Fiqi
Published: June 2021

Mangrove forests have high ecological, economic and social values ??which function to maintain shoreline stability, protect beaches and riverbanks, filter and remediate waste, and to withstand floods and waves. The facts show that mangrove damage is everywhere, even the intensity of damage and its area tends to increase significantly. Many roles of mangroves require proper management to maintain the existence of mangroves. One way to determine the area of ??mangroves is by processing Landsat 8 satellite imagery. The stages of mangrove identification are carried out by using 564 RGB band merger, then separating the mangrove and non-mangrove objects. Next step is to analyze the density of mangroves using NDVI formula. To maximize monitoring of mangrove area, an android application was created that provides information on the area and density of mangroves at several locations, namely Clungup, Bangsong Teluk Asmara and Cengkrong from 2015 to 2018.The results showed that Landsat 8 satellite imagery can be used to identify changes in the area of ??mangrove forests with good accuracy, namely in the Clungup area of ??90% and Cengkrong of 86.67%. From processing results, the mangrove area in the Clungup area has also decreased from 2015 to 2017 but has increased in 2018 so that the application provides recommendations for embroidering mangroves in 2016 to 2017 and mangrove recommendations are maintained in 2018. As for Bangsong Teluk area Asmara and Cengkrong have increased the area of ??mangroves every year so that the application provides recommendations to be maintained from 2016 to 2018.
Design and Build an Automatic Train Passenger Ticket Inspection Management System Using RFID
Authors: Ahkam Dikri Nur
Published: June 2021

Currently, public transportation is needed by Indonesian people to meet human needs for increased movement or mobility. Along with the increasing public interest in trains demanding an increase in services such as the checking system for passenger tickets still using manual system by officers by approaching passengers in each car. This is'nt efficient, so an automatic passenger ticket inspection system using RFID is required. Passenger RFID is scanned when check-in at station then the data is sent to server via nodeMCU ESP8266, the officer only checks passengers through the data display on the monitor. This system also has a Flex sensor in each seat which functions to detect seats that aren't purchased but are occupied by other passengers.The test results concluded that the reading of the RFID card against RFID reader reached distance and barrier with a thickness of 3cm, the DHT11 temperature sensor showed reading accuracy up to 96.6%, and the voltage on the flex sensor on seat 1 had average load of 2.6V, seat 2 average 2.82V, seat 3 averaged 2.84V, seat 4 averaged 2.67V, while the voltage on the flex sensor in seat 1 had an average load of 2.38V, seat 2 averaged 2.29V , seat 3 averages 2.65V, seat 4 averages 2.60V. The value of the flex sensor tension in each condition isn't the same for each seat because the surface shape and thickness of each chair are different. All systems can run properly, starting from sensor readings, transmitting data and displaying data on web.
Analysis of Baseband Module Identification as 4G-LTE Network Service on BBU Devices in Malang City Area
Authors: Rahmadzani Nilam Hanifa Nur
Published: June 2021

Constraints related to 4G technology are the unequal areas covered so that users who want to experience the 4G network have to go to a point that is already covered. The research objective is to determine the benefits of existing BTS by replacing the baseband module which can add 4G network services and knowing how to choose the type of baseband module and knowing how to do a drivetest related to 4G network service coverage in the planning area. The method used is Calculation of capacity planning and throughput calculations to determine the condition of the planning area before replacing the baseband module at the specified site. The condition of the existing site in the planning area has not changed because only the baseband module is replaced in the existing site.  Calculation based on capacity planningshows the total number of active users 900 users, while the network throughput shows the uplink value of 8.56 Mbps and downlink of 32.74 Mbps. Drivetest measurements are carried out to determine whether the performance value has met the planning. Based on the data from the drivetest results, the RSRP value is 99% and the distribution of the RSRP value is in the range of -92 dBm which means that it is very good. Meanwhile, the SINR value of 52.6% is in the 5 Db range, which means good. For the measurement of the speedtest, the download speed is 134 Mbps and the upload is 40 Mbps.
Analysis of the Effect of Tilting Antenna on the Coverage Area of ??the 4G LTE Network (Case Study of Trenggalek District)
Authors: Istantowi Rizal Aji
Published: June 2021

4G LTE networks in big cities are already well available. Meanwhile, on small to medium-sized cities, the 4G LTE network is not evenly distributed and maximized. This study chooses the variable tilting antenna to the coverage area, because in sending information from a base station using an antenna. The average RSRP value (dBm) of the existing base station in the calculation with a distance of 200 m is -122.90 dBm, a distance of 500 m is -136.79 dBm, and a distance of 1000 m -147.30 dBm. Meanwhile, in the simulation with a distance of 200 m of -108.22 dBm, a distance of 500 m of -121.81 dBm, and a distance of 1000 m of -132.69 dBm. The coverage area value of the existing base station in the calculation is 5.29%, while in the simulation it is 11.18%. The average RSRP value (dBm) at optimal conditions for calculations at a distance of 200 m is -80.13 dBm, at a distance of 500 m is -94.03 dBm and at a distance of 1000 m is -104.56 dBm. Meanwhile, the simulation at a distance of 200 m is -98.09 dBm, at a distance of 500 m is -112.79 dBm and at a distance of 1000 m is -123.31 dBm. The value of the coverage area for the calculation is 20.32%, while for the simulation it is 15.01%. The current need for base stations in Trenggalek District that has been met is 68%.
Telemetry Measurement of Acidity in Real Time Using the Raspberry Pi
Authors: Harvyandha Avryan
Published: June 2021

PH is the standard value of degree of acidity expressed on a scale 0-14. PH can be influenced by several factors such as temperature and CO2. Acidification occurs because CO2 enters the liquid in the form of dissolved gas then reacts with water to form a salt in the form of carbonic acid. The acidity can be determined by measuring the pH. PH measurement is an activity to determine the value of degree of acidity. PH measurement is needed to reduce the impact on the environment because pH is closely related to pollution. However, the existing measurement tools are still manual, while real time measurement is needed so the impacts on the environment can be prevented. In this study, a system that can measure pH which is influenced by CO2 concentrations in real time was created. This system consists of CO2 sensor, pH sensor, Arduino UNO R3 and Raspberry Pi. Apart from real time, the advantage is its ability to perform data acquisition using programs written in the Python 3.x programming language, so that data can be presented in tables and heatmaps. The results of sensor readings from the microcontroller to the raspberry pi can operate properly with delivery times via USB. Overall testing the system at reading the pH value is as expected, able to read the change in pH value significantly in pH of a neutral solution (7.3) and read the change of pH value that is relatively the same after the solution is injected with CO2.
CHK Methylation Is Elevated in Colon Cancer Cells and Contributes to the Oncogenic Properties
Authors: Zhu Shudong , Zhu Yan , Wang Qiuwen , Zhang Yi , Guo Xialing
Published: June 2021

Src is an important oncogene that plays key roles in multiple signal transduction pathways. Csk-homologous kinase (CHK) is a kinase whose molecular roles are largely uncharacterized. We previously reported expression of CHK in normal human colon cells, and decreased levels of CHK protein in colon cancer cells leads to the activation of Src (Zhu et al., 2008). However, how CHK protein expression is downregulated in colon cancer cells has been unknown. We report herein that CHK mRNA was decreased in colon cancer cells as compared to normal colon cells, and similarly in human tissues of normal colon and colon cancer. Increased levels of DNA methylation at promotor CpG islands of CHK gene were observed in colon cancer cells and human colon cancer tissues as compared to their normal healthy counterparts. Increased levels of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) were also observed in colon cancer cells and tissues. DNA methylation and decreased expression of CHK mRNA were inhibited by DNMT inhibitor 5-Aza-CdR. Cell proliferation, colony growth, wound healing, and Matrigel invasion were all decreased in the presence of 5-Aza-CdR. These results suggest that increased levels of DNA methylation, possibly induced by enhanced levels of DNMT, leads to decreased expression of CHK mRNA and CHK protein, promoting increased oncogenic properties in colon cancer cells.
Association Between Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase, Total Bilirubin and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Chinese Women
Authors: Zhang Wenran , Tang Zhaoyang , Shi Yanjun , Ji Long , Chen Xueyu , Chen Yanru , Wang Xiaohui , Wang Meng , Wang Wei , Li Dong
Published: June 2021

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects many organs and systems of the human organism, at present, its specific pathogenesis is not completely clear, but inflammation is considered to be an important factor involved in the pathogenesis and progression of SLE. Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and total bilirubin (TBIL) have different effects on inflammation: GGT has pro-inflammatory effects, on the contrary, TBIL has anti-inflammatory effects. Study has found that GGT and TBIL play opposite roles in metabolic diseases. However, the roles of them in SLE are unknown. Meanwhile, the relationship between GGT and SLE also remains unexplored.

Method

We recruited 341 SLE patients and 332 healthy individuals in Liaocheng People’s Hospital from August 2018 to May 2019. We diagnosed SLE using 2019 revised American College of Rheumatology (ACR) SLE criteria, and modeled the study outcomes using logistic regression to explore the respective relationship between GGT, TBIL and SLE. We also analyzed the interaction of GGT and TBIL in the progression of SLE.

Results

We found that the levels of CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α in the aggravated group were significantly higher than those in the unaggravated group, the levels of C3 and C4 in the aggravated group were significantly lower than those in the unaggravated group. According to Spearman correlation analysis, GGT is proportional to CRP (rs=0.417) and IL-6 (rs=0.412), inversely proportional to C3 (rs=-0.177) and C4 (rs=0.-132). TBIL was inversely proportional to CRP (rs=-0.328) and TNF(rs=-0.360), and positively proportional to C3 (rs=0.174) and C4 (rs=0.172). In the fully adjusted model, compared to the lowest quartile, the highest quartile of GGT exhibited a positive association with the risk of SLE aggravation (OR=2.99, 95% CI: 1.42–6.31, P<0.001). At the same time, compared to the highest quartile, the quartile lowest of TBIL exhibited a positive association with the risk of SLE aggravation (OR=2.66, 95% CI: 1.27–5.59, P<0.001) in the fully adjusted model. Through interaction analysis, we found that women with high GGT levels had an increased risk of SLE aggravation when they had a low level of TBIL (OR=3.68, 95% CI: 1.51–9.01, for women with Q1 TBIL and Q4 GGT compared to women with Q2-Q4 TBIL and Q1-Q3 GGT, P for interaction <0.001), the combined AUC value (AUCCOMBINED=0.711) of high GGT level and TBIL were higher than their respective values (AUCGGT=0.612, AUCTBIL=0.614).

Conclusion

We found that the effects of GGT and TBIL in the progression of SLE are opposite. High GGT level might be a risk factor for SLE aggravation, as GGT levels increased, so did the risk of SLE aggravation. At the same time, we found that low TBIL level might be a risk factor for SLE aggravation. Moreover, high GGT level and low TBIL level had a subadditive effect on the increased risk of SLE aggravation.
Distribution and Habitat Preferences of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) Inhabiting Coastal Waters With Mixed Levels of Protection
Authors: Haughey Rebecca , Hunt Timothy N. , Hanf Daniella , Passadore Cecilia , Baring Ryan , Parra Guido J.
Published: June 2021

Assessments of species distributions are crucial for informing conservation and management action. In this study, we used ensemble modelling to explain the distribution of Near Threatened Indo-Pacific (IP) bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in coastal waters at the North West Cape (NWC), Western Australia (WA), an area encompassing a marine protected area (MPA) and adjacent unprotected coastal waters. Analyses used dolphin sighting data collected during boat-based surveys conducted from 2013 to 2015 and 2018 to 2019. Overall, the distribution of IP bottlenose dolphins was best explained by distance to coast (up to 2,000 m) and distance to boat ramp (up to 7,000 m). Areas of high probability of occurrence for dolphins extended from the tip and down the eastern side of the NWC and overlapped with designated sanctuary zones as well as waters beyond the boundaries of the Ningaloo Marine Park (NMP). Distribution and habitat preferences varied slightly with season. In autumn, dolphin distribution was best explained by distance to coast and water depth with a higher likelihood of observing dolphins 1,000–2,000 m from the coast and in water depths of 7–10 m deep. During winter months, distance to coast (1,000–2,000 m) and sea surface temperature (SST) (21.5–23.5°C) were the most important explanatory variables, with presence in coastal lagoons to the west of the NWC more likely than other seasons. During spring, areas of moderate to high probability of dolphin occurrence were mainly located outside the NMP, with marine park zone (outside the NMP and Sanctuary zones within the NMP, the two zones with the highest probability of IP bottlenose dolphin occurrence) and water depth (waters 7–13 m deep) best explaining dolphin distribution. This study highlights the importance of inshore areas of the NWC for IP bottlenose dolphins and the potential vulnerability of this species to increasing and cumulative anthropogenic stressors associated with these areas. Results of this study should be considered in future zoning reviews and adaptive management efforts of the NMP allowing for effective management of this Near Threatened species.
Structural and Biophysical Investigation of the Key Hotspots on the Surface of Epstein–Barr Nuclear Antigen 1 Essential for DNA Recognition and Pathogenesis
Authors: Hashmi Huma Farooque , Waseem Muhammad , Ali Syed Shujait , Hussain Zahid , Chen Kaoshan
Published: June 2021

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is considered the most important human pathogen due to its role in infections and cellular malignancies. It has been reported that this Oncolytic virus infects 90% world’s population. EBNA1 is required for DNA binding and survival of the virus and is considered an essential drug target. The biochemical and structural properties of this protein are known, but it is still unclear which residues impart a critical role in the recognition of dsDNA. Intending to disclose only the essential residues in recognition of dsDNA, this study used a computational pipeline to generate an alanine mutant of each interacting residue and determine the impact on the binding. Our analysis revealed that R469A, K514A, Y518A, R521A and R522A are the key hotspots for the recognition of dsDNA by the EBNA1. The dynamics properties, i.e. stability, flexibility, structural compactness, hydrogen bonding frequency, binding affinity, are altered by disrupting the protein-DNA contacts, thereby decreases the binding affinity. In particular, the two arginine substitution, R521A and R522A, significantly affected the total binding energy. Thus, we hypothesize that these residues impart a critical role in the dsDNA recognition and pathogenesis. This study would help to design structure-based drugs against the EBV infections.
Benefits of Higher Cardiovascular and Motor Coordinative Fitness on Driving Behavior Are Mediated by Cognitive Functioning: A Path Analysis
Authors: Stojan Robert , Kaushal Navin , Bock Otmar Leo , Hudl Nicole , Voelcker-Rehage Claudia
Published: June 2021

Driving is an important skill for older adults to maintain an independent lifestyle, and to preserve the quality of life. However, the ability to drive safely in older adults can be compromised by age-related cognitive decline. Performing an additional task during driving (e.g., adjusting the radio) increases cognitive demands and thus might additionally impair driving performance. Cognitive functioning has been shown to be positively related to physical activity/fitness such as cardiovascular and motor coordinative fitness. As such, a higher fitness level might be associated with higher cognitive resources and may therefore benefit driving performance under dual-task conditions. For the first time, the present study investigated whether this association of physical fitness and cognitive functioning causes an indirect relationship between physical fitness and dual-task driving performance through cognitive functions. Data from 120 healthy older adults (age: 69.56 ± 3.62, 53 female) were analyzed. Participants completed tests on cardiovascular fitness (cardiorespiratory capacity), motor coordinative fitness (composite score: static balance, psychomotor speed, bimanual dexterity), and cognitive functions (updating, inhibition, shifting, cognitive processing speed). Further, they performed a virtual car driving scenario where they additionally engaged in cognitively demanding tasks that were modeled after typical real-life activities during driving (typing or reasoning). Structural equation modeling (path analysis) was used to investigate whether cardiovascular and motor coordinative fitness were indirectly associated with lane keeping (i.e., variability in lateral position) and speed control (i.e., average velocity) while dual-task drivingviacognitive functions. Both cardiovascular and motor coordinative fitness demonstrated the hypothesized indirect effects on dual-task driving. Motor coordinative fitness showed a significant indirect effect on lane keeping, while cardiovascular fitness demonstrated a trend-level indirect effect on speed control. Moreover, both fitness domains were positively related to different cognitive functions (processing speed and/or updating), and cognitive functions (updating or inhibition), in turn, were related to dual-task driving. These findings indicate that cognitive benefits associated with higher fitness may facilitate driving performance. Given that driving with lower cognitive capacity can result in serious consequences, this study emphasizes the importance for older adults to engage in a physically active lifestyle as it might serve as a preventive measure for driving safety.
Dementia as Risk Factor for Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Pisaturo Mariantonietta , Calò Federica , Russo Antonio , Camaioni Clarissa , Giaccone Agnese , Pinchera Biagio , Gentile Ivan , Simeone Filomena , Iodice Angelo , Maggi Paolo , Coppola Nicola
Published: June 2021

Background

The aim of the present study was to investigate the outcome of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and dementia.

Patients and Methods

In a multicenter, observational, 1:2 matched case-control study all 23 patients with a history of dementia, hospitalized with a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection from February 28th 2020 to January 31st 2021 were enrolled. For each Case, 2 patients without dementia observed in the same period study, pair matched for gender, age (±5 years), PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio at admission (<200, or >200), number of comorbidities (±1; excluding dementia) were chosen (Control group).

Results

The majority of patients were males (60.9% of Cases and Controls) and very elderly [median age 82 years (IQR: 75.5–85) in the Cases and 80 (IQR: 75.5–83.75) in the Controls]. The prevalence of co-pathologies was very high: all the Cases and 43 (93.5%) Controls showed a Charlson comorbidity index of at least 2. During hospitalization the patients in the Case group less frequently had a moderate disease of COVID-19 (35 vs. 67.4%, p = 0.02), more frequently a severe disease (48 vs. 22%, p = 0.03) and more frequently died (48 vs. 22%, p = 0.03). Moreover, during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), 14 (60.8%) patients in the Case group and 1 (2.1%; p < 0.000) in the Control group showed signs and symptoms of delirium.

Conclusion

Patients with dementia are vulnerable and have an increased risk of a severe disease and death when infected with COVID-19.
Surgical Management of Failed Revascularization in Moyamoya Vasculopathy
Authors: Lucia Kristin , Acker Güliz , Schlinkmann Nicolas , Georgiev Stefan , Vajkoczy Peter
Published: June 2021

Objectives: Moyamoya vasculopathy (MMV) is a rare stenoocclusive cerebrovascular disease associated with increased risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, which can be treated using surgical revascularization techniques. Despite well-established neurosurgical procedures performed in experienced centers, bypass failure associated with neurological symptoms can occur. The current study therefore aims at characterizing the cases of bypass failure and repeat revascularization at a single center.

Methods: A single-center retrospective analysis of all patients treated with revascularization surgery for MMV between January 2007 and December 2019 was performed. Angiographic data, cerebral blood flow analysis [H2O PET or single-photon emission CT (SPECT)], MRI, and clinical/operative data including follow-up assessments were reviewed.

Results: We identified 308 MMV patients with 405 surgically treated hemispheres. Of the 405 hemispheres treated, 15 patients (3.7%) underwent repeat revascularization (median age 38, time to repeat revascularization in 60% of patients was within 1 year of first surgery). The most common cause of repeat revascularization was a symptomatic bypass occlusion (80%). New ischemic lesions were found in 13% of patients prior to repeat revascularization. Persistence of reduced or progressive worsening of cerebrovascular reserve capacity (CVRC) compared with preoperative status was observed in 85% of repeat revascularization cases. Intermediate-flow bypass using a radial artery graft was most commonly used for repeat revascularization (60%) followed by re-superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (re-STA-MCA) bypass (26%). High-flow bypass using a saphenous vein graft and using an occipital artery to MCA bypass was each used once. Following repeat revascularization, no new ischemic events were recorded.

Conclusion: Overall, repeat revascularization is needed only in a small percentage of the cases in MMV. A rescue surgery should be considered in those with neurological symptoms and decreased CVRC. Intermediate-flow bypass using a radial artery graft is a reliable technique for patients requiring repeat revascularization. Based on our institutional experience, we propose an algorithm for guiding the decision process in cases of bypass failure.
The Influence of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback on Cardiac Regulation and Functional Brain Connectivity
Authors: Schumann Andy , de la Cruz Feliberto , Köhler Stefanie , Brotte Lisa , Bär Karl-Jürgen
Published: June 2021

Background

Heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback has a beneficial impact on perceived stress and emotion regulation. However, its impact on brain function is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of an 8-week HRV-biofeedback intervention on functional brain connectivity in healthy subjects.

Methods

HRV biofeedback was carried out in five sessions per week, including four at home and one in our lab. A control group played jump‘n’run games instead of the training. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was conducted before and after the intervention in both groups. To compute resting state functional connectivity (RSFC), we defined regions of interest in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) and a total of 260 independent anatomical regions for network-based analysis. Changes of RSFC of the VMPFC to other brain regions were compared between groups. Temporal changes of HRV during the resting state recording were correlated to dynamic functional connectivity of the VMPFC.

Results

First, we corroborated the role of the VMPFC in cardiac autonomic regulation. We found that temporal changes of HRV were correlated to dynamic changes of prefrontal connectivity, especially to the middle cingulate cortex, the left insula, supplementary motor area, dorsal and ventral lateral prefrontal regions. The biofeedback group showed a drop in heart rate by 5.2 beats/min and an increased SDNN as a measure of HRV by 8.6 ms (18%) after the intervention. Functional connectivity of the VMPFC increased mainly to the insula, the amygdala, the middle cingulate cortex, and lateral prefrontal regions after biofeedback intervention when compared to changes in the control group. Network-based statistic showed that biofeedback had an influence on a broad functional network of brain regions.

Conclusion

Our results show that increased heart rate variability induced by HRV-biofeedback is accompanied by changes in functional brain connectivity during resting state.
Comparison of Clinicopathological Characteristics Between the Anterior and Posterior Type of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Floor of the Mouth: The Anterior Type Is a Risk Factor for Multiple Primary Cancer
Authors: Oikawa Yu , Tanaka Kae , Ohsako Toshimitsu , Kugimoto Takuma , Kuroshima Takeshi , Hirai Hideaki , Tomioka Hirofumi , Shimamoto Hiroaki , Michi Yasuyuki , Sakamoto Kei , Ikeda Tohru , Harada Hiroyuki
Published: June 2021

Background

Floor of the mouth (FOM) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for approximately 10% of all oral SCCs. FOM SCC can be classified into the anterior and posterior types according to their site of origin, but few studies have compared these types. This study sought to clarify differences in clinicopathological characteristics between these two types.

Methods

A total of 1,220 patients with oral SCC were treated at our department from January 2001 to December 2015. Among these patients, 62 had FOM SCC. The FOM SCCs were classified into two groups: the anterior type and the posterior type. The anterior and posterior types were defined by the boundary connecting the spaces between the canine and the first premolar bilaterally. We retrospectively compared the sex, age, smoking and drinking history, clinical stage, treatment, histopathological diagnosis, multiple primary cancers, and outcomes of the two groups.

Results

Among the 62 patients, 32 had the anterior type, while 30 had the posterior type. The anterior type was found more significantly in men (p = 0.01) and individuals with a smoking history than the posterior type (p = 0.04). pN2–3 cervical lymph node metastasis was significantly more common in the anterior type than in the posterior type (p = 0.01). The median depth of invasion in the anterior type was 4 mm. Multivariate analysis showed that the anterior type was an independent risk factor for multiple primary cancer development in FOM SCC (p = 0.02). The cumulative 10-year disease-specific survival rates of the anterior and posterior types were 92.8 and 95.0%, respectively, while the overall survival rates were 65.4 and 95.0%, respectively. In the anterior type FOM SCC, a lower overall survival rate was associated with multiple primary cancers and smoking-related diseases.

Conclusion

Smoking cessation and adequate systemic screening for multiple primary cancers are needed to improve the prognosis of FOM SCC, particularly the anterior type.
Integrating Constituents Absorbed into Blood, Network Pharmacology, and Quantitative Analysis to Reveal the Active Components in Rubus chingii var. suavissimus that Regulate Lipid Metabolism Disorder
Authors: Jiang Man-jing , Huang Wan-fang , Huang Shuai , Lu Yi-xiang , Huang Yong , Du Pei-lin , Li Yao-hua , Fan Lan-lan
Published: June 2021

Rubus chingii var. suavissimus (S. K. Lee) L. T. Lu (RS)—a sweet plant also known as Tiancha distributed in the south of China where it is used as a beverage—recently gained extensive attention as adjuvant therapy of diabetes and hypertension. Although pharmacological studies indicate that RS has beneficial effects in regulating lipid metabolism disorder characteristics, the active chemicals responsible for this effect remains unclear. The present study aims to predict the effective substances of RS on regulating lipid metabolism disorder through the analysis of the chemical profile of RS, the absorbed prototype components in rat plasma, and network pharmacology. Also, a UPLC method able to quantify the screened potential effective chemicals of RS products was established. First, a total of 69 components—including diterpene, triterpenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and lignans—were systematically characterized in RS. Of those, 50 compounds were detected in the plasma of rats administered with RS extract. Through network pharmacology, 9 potential effective components, 71 target genes, and 20 pathways were predicted to be involved in RS-mediated regulation of lipid metabolism disorder. The quantitative analysis suggested that the contents of potential effective components varied among samples from different marketplaces. In conclusion, the presented results provide a chemical basis for further research of Rubus chingii var. suavissimus.
The Prostacyclin Analogue, Treprostinil, Used in the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, is a Potent Antagonist of TREK-1 and TREK-2 Potassium Channels
Authors: Cunningham Kevin P. , Clapp Lucie H. , Mathie Alistair , Veale Emma L.
Published: June 2021

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an aggressive vascular remodeling disease that carries a high morbidity and mortality rate. Treprostinil (Remodulin) is a stable prostacyclin analogue with potent vasodilatory and anti-proliferative activity, approved by the FDA and WHO as a treatment for PAH. A limitation of this therapy is the severe subcutaneous site pain and other forms of pain experienced by some patients, which can lead to significant non-compliance. TWIK-related potassium channels (TREK-1 and TREK-2) are highly expressed in sensory neurons, where they play a role in regulating sensory neuron excitability. Downregulation, inhibition or mutation of these channels leads to enhanced pain sensitivity. Using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings, we show, for the first time, that treprostinil is a potent antagonist of human TREK-1 and TREK-2 channels but not of TASK-1 channels. An increase in TASK-1 channel current was observed with prolonged incubation, consistent with its therapeutic role in PAH. To investigate treprostinil-induced inhibition of TREK, site-directed mutagenesis of a number of amino acids, identified as important for the action of other regulatory compounds, was carried out. We found that a gain of function mutation of TREK-1 (Y284A) attenuated treprostinil inhibition, while a selective activator of TREK channels, BL-1249, overcame the inhibitory effect of treprostinil. Our data suggests that subcutaneous site pain experienced during treprostinil therapy may result from inhibition of TREK channels near the injection site and that pre-activation of these channels prior to treatment has the potential to alleviate this nociceptive activity.
The Application of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Type 2 Diabetes Rats With Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury and the Associated Innate Immune Response
Authors: Li Yanfei , Shi Dafa , Zhang Haoran , Yao Xiang , Wang Siyuan , Wang Rui , Ren Ke
Published: June 2021

Aims

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is the third most common in-hospital acquired AKI, and its mechanism is not fully clear. Its morbidity increases among populations with chronic kidney disease (CKD), older age, diabetes mellitus (DM), and so on. Immediate and effective noninvasive diagnostic methods are lacking, so CI-AKI often prolongs hospital stays and increases extra medical costs. This study aims to explore the possibility of diagnosing CI-AKI with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) based on type 2 DM rats. Moreover, we attempt to reveal the immune response in CI-AKI and to clarify why DM is a predisposing factor for CI-AKI.

Methods

A type 2 DM rat model was established by feeding a high-fat and high-sugar diet combined with streptozotocin (STZ) injection. Iodixanol-320 was the contrast medium (CM) administered to rats. Images were obtained with a SIEMENS Skyra 3.0-T magnetic resonance imager. Renal histopathology was evaluated using H&E staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The innate immune response was revealed through western blotting and flow cytometry.

Results

Blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) imaging and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging can be used to predict and diagnose CI-AKI effectively. The R2∗ value (r > 0.6, P < 0.0001) and D value (| r| > 0.5, P < 0.0001) are strongly correlated with histopathological scores. The NOD-like receptor pyrin 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome participates in CI-AKI and exacerbates CI-AKI in DM rats. Moreover, the percentages of neutrophils and M1 macrophages increase dramatically in rat kidneys after CM injection (neutrophils range from 56.3 to 56.6% and M1 macrophages from 48 to 54.1% in normal rats, whereas neutrophils range from 85.5 to 92.4% and M1 macrophages from 82.1 to 89.8% in DM rats).

Conclusions/interpretation

BOLD and IVIM-D can be effective noninvasive tools in predicting CI-AKI. The innate immune response is activated during the progression of CI-AKI and DM will exacerbate this progression.
A Game of Covid: Strategic Thoughts About a Ludified Pandemic
Authors: Raab Marius Hans , Döbler Niklas Alexander , Carbon Claus-Christian
Published: June 2021

Many aspects of handling the COVID-19 pandemic bear a resemblance to patterns found in games. We observe point displays and leader boards, the visible assumption of roles, classic archetypes, the collection of resources, and spatial awareness. We argue that these patterns manifest spontaneously as a form of analogical reasoning, because people lack cultural and individual norms as well as cognitive scripts for a pandemic. Trying to find systematic similarities between a novel and a familiar situation is an essential cognitive strategy and a cultural tool, resulting in a spontaneous ludification of this crisis. Unfortunately, most institutions, the media and policymakers focus on attributes that are easy to communicate, not on relations and causal chains. This results in shallow analogies, where the mechanisms and dynamics of COVID-19 are not addressed. This can cause a sense of helplessness, where many people remain passive viewers. A pandemic, however, calls for cooperative action of people who understand the relations between different factors and stakeholders in order to mitigate several negative effects linked to such a crisis. We propose a psychologically founded “Strategic gamification” (here in the context of a pandemic), a form of sense-making that builds on spontaneously emerging ludic elements. By extending upon those elements through the lens of game design, we can shape the mechanics, dynamics and esthetics of a serious context in a more meaningful way. The resulting analogies have better predictive power and are suited to utilize positive aspects of gamification like engagement, elaboration and collaboration.
The Significance of Enabling Human Consideration in Policymaking: How to Get the E-Ferry That You Want
Authors: Berntsen Alexander , Sæther Simen , Røyrvik Jens , Biresselioglu Mehmet Efe , Demir Muhittin Hakan
Published: June 2021

There is broad agreement in literature and policy that the transport sector needs to maximise electric mobility, in order to lower both energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This ongoing transformation continues to require a high degree of technological innovation. Consequently, policymakers are striving to reward innovation in procurement tender contracts, in order to achieve sustainable innovation. At the same time, such contracts are often designed with a principle of technology neutrality in mind, to prevent any distortion of the market logic. This article suggests that it is misguided to try to perfect the logic of the tender system and that articulating contract that rewards innovation is no guarantee of a sustainable solution. Rather than being technological, the problem should be seen as moral: the mounting environmental challenge. Policymakers thus have clear ideas about the action needed based on what they, through moral conviction, consider to be appropriate action. This case study—conducted as a part of the EU H2020-funded ECHOES Project under Work Package 6—on the electrification of the Flakk–Rørvik ferry connexion reveals how policymakers were able to achieve the intended results: in this case, an e-ferry rather than a biodiesel ferry, in spite of, rather than because of, the tender system logic. They achieved this by involving stakeholders in the process with a continuous and uninterrupted dialogue. The project stakeholders were able to intervene in the tender system logic in favour of human considerations. We argue that this project was a success because human judgement, not system logic, was the driving force. By extension, we argue that systems will only allow policymakers to pursue moral issues to the degree that they allow human intervention.
Garden Smellscape–Experiences of Plant Scents in a Nature-Based Intervention
Authors: Pálsdóttir Anna María , Spendrup Sara , Mårtensson Lennart , Wendin Karin
Published: June 2021

This study explores how participants suffering from stress-related mental disorders describe their perception, interaction, and lived experience of garden smellscape during their nature-based rehabilitation. Natural elements, and especially nature smells, have been found to have a profound effect on stress reduction, suggesting an interesting link between odor in nature and stress reduction. The study was conducted as a longitudinal case-study, running over a period of 5 years, investigating participants’ perceptions of a garden smellscape, after completing a 12-weeks nature-based rehabilitation in Alnarp Rehabilitation Garden, Sweden. All participants were treated for stress-related mental disorders. Data were collected through retrospective semi-structured individual interviews and analyzed according to interpretative phenomenological analysis. The results revealed in what way nature odor (odor in nature) evoked associations, emotions, and physical reactions and provide examples of how nature scents function as a catalyst for sensory awareness and memories. Findings supported the understanding that experiencing the smell of plants, especially pelargonium, may facilitate stress reduction and support mental recovery in a real-life context. The results of the study can be used for several purposes; thus, they are relevant for actors within the development of nature-based therapy, as well as stakeholders within the horticultural industry.
Machine Learning for Predicting the 3-Year Risk of Incident Diabetes in Chinese Adults
Authors: Wu Yang , Hu Haofei , Cai Jinlin , Chen Runtian , Zuo Xin , Cheng Heng , Yan Dewen
Published: June 2021

Purpose: We aimed to establish and validate a risk assessment system that combines demographic and clinical variables to predict the 3-year risk of incident diabetes in Chinese adults.

Methods: A 3-year cohort study was performed on 15,928 Chinese adults without diabetes at baseline. All participants were randomly divided into a training set (n = 7,940) and a validation set (n = 7,988). XGBoost method is an effective machine learning technique used to select the most important variables from candidate variables. And we further established a stepwise model based on the predictors chosen by the XGBoost model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), decision curve and calibration analysis were used to assess discrimination, clinical use and calibration of the model, respectively. The external validation was performed on a cohort of 11,113 Japanese participants.

Result: In the training and validation sets, 148 and 145 incident diabetes cases occurred. XGBoost methods selected the 10 most important variables from 15 candidate variables. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), body mass index (BMI) and age were the top 3 important variables. And we further established a stepwise model and a prediction nomogram. The AUCs of the stepwise model were 0.933 and 0.910 in the training and validation sets, respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed a perfect fit between the predicted diabetes risk and the observed diabetes risk (p = 0.068 for the training set, p = 0.165 for the validation set). Decision curve analysis presented the clinical use of the stepwise model and there was a wide range of alternative threshold probability spectrum. And there were almost no the interactions between these predictors (most P-values for interaction >0.05). Furthermore, the AUC for the external validation set was 0.830, and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test for the external validation set showed no statistically significant difference between the predicted diabetes risk and observed diabetes risk (P = 0.824).

Conclusion: We established and validated a risk assessment system for characterizing the 3-year risk of incident diabetes.
Multi-Level Evolution for Robotic Design
Authors: Chand Shelvin , Howard David
Published: June 2021

Multi-level evolution (MLE) is a novel robotic design paradigm which decomposes the design problem into layered sub-tasks that involve concurrent search for appropriate materials, component geometry and overall morphology. This has a number of advantages, mainly in terms of quality and scalability. In this paper, we present a hierarchical approach to robotic design based on the MLE architecture. The design problem involves finding a robotic design which can be used to perform a specific locomotion task. At the materials layer, we put together a simple collection of materials which are represented by combinations of mechanical properties such as friction and restitution. At the components layer we combine these materials with geometric design to form robot limbs. Finally, at the robot layer we introduce these evolved limbs into robotic body-plans and learn control policies to form complete robots. Quality-diversity algorithms at each level allow for the discovery of a wide variety of reusable elements. The results strongly support the initial claims for the benefits of MLE, allowing for the discovery of designs that would otherwise be difficult to achieve with conventional design paradigms.
Immunohistochemical Expressions of Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype and Its Association With Immune Microenvironments and Clinicopathological Factors in Invasive Breast Cancer
Authors: Park Min Hui , Choi Jung Eun , Kim Jae-Ryong , Bae Young Kyung
Published: June 2021

This study was undertaken to investigate immunohistochemical expression of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in invasive breast cancer (IBC) tissues and to determine relationships between SASP positivity and tumor microenvironments and the clinicopathological characteristics of IBC. Immunohistochemistry for senescence markers, that is, high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), p16, p15, and decoy receptor 2 (DCR2), was performed in tissue microarrays of 1140 IBC samples. Cases positive for at least one of these four markers were considered SASP-positive. Relations between SASP and tumor characteristics, including immune microenvironments (stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes [sTILs] density and numbers of intraepithelial CD103-positive [iCD103 + ] lymphocytes) and clinical outcomes were retrospectively evaluated. HMGB1, p16, p15, or DCR2 was positive in 6.7%, 26.6%, 21.1%, and 26.5%, respectively, of the 1,140 cases. Six hundred and five (53.1%) cases were SASP positive, and SASP positivity was significantly associated with histologic grade 3, high-sTIL and iCD103 + lymphocyte counts, absence of ER or PR, and a high Ki-67 index. Although SASP did not predict breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) or disease-free survival (DFS) in the entire cohort, SASP positivity in luminal A IBC was associated with poor BCSS and DFS. However, patients with SASP-positive TNBC showed better survival than those with SASP-negative TNBC. In multivariate analysis, SASP positivity was an independent prognostic factor in both luminal A IBC and TNBC, although the effect on prognosis was the opposite. In conclusion, SASP would be involved in the modulation of immune microenvironments and tumor progression in IBC, and its prognostic significance depends on molecular subtype.