bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increasing Motor Cortex Activation During Grasping Via Novel Robotic Mirror Hand Therapy: A Pilot fNIRS Study
Authors: Kim Dong Hyun , Lee Kun-Do , Bulea Thomas C , Park Hyung-Soon 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Mirror therapy (MT) has been used for functional recovery of the affected hand by providing the mirrored image of the unaffected hand movement, which induces neural activation of the contralateral cortical hemisphere. Recently, many wearable robots assisting the movement of the hand have been developed, and several studies have proposed robotic mirror therapy (RMT) that provides mirrored movements of the unaffected hand on the affected hand with the robot controlled by electromyography or posture of the unaffected hand. There have been limited evaluations of the cortical activity during RMT compared to MT and robotic therapy (RT) providing passive movements despite the difference in the modality of sensory feedback and the involvement of motor intention, respectively. Methods: This paper analyzes bilateral motor cortex activation in nine healthy subjects and five chronic stroke survivors during a pinching task performed in MT, RT, and RMT conditions using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). In the MT condition, the person moved the unaffected hand and observed it in a mirror while the affected hand remained still. In RT condition passive movements were provided to the affected hand with a cable-driven soft robotic glove, while, in RMT condition, the posture of the unaffected hand was measured by a sensing glove and the soft robotic glove mirrored its movement on the affected hand. Results: For both groups, the RMT condition showed the greatest mean cortical activation on the contralateral motor cortex compared to other conditions. Individual results indicate that RMT induces similar or greater neural activation on the motor cortex compared to MT and RT conditions. The interhemispheric activations of both groups were balanced in RMT condition. In MT condition, significantly greater activation was shown on the ipsilateral side for both subject groups, while the contralateral side showed significantly greater activation for healthy in RT condition. Conclusion: The experimental results indicate that combining visual feedback, somatosensory feedback, and motor intention are important for greater stimulation on the contralateral motor cortex of the affected hand. RMT that includes these factors is hypothesized to achieve a more effective functional rehabilitation due to greater and more balanced cortical activation.
Controling Switching between Birhythmic States in a New Conductance-based Bursting Neuronal Model
Authors: NKOUNGA Innocent TAGNE , KAKMENI Francois Marie MOUKAM , CAMARA Baba Issa , YAMAPI R. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
A birhythmic conductance-based neuronal model with fast and slow variables is proposed to generate and control the coexistence of two different attracting modes in amplitudes and frequencies. However, periodic bursting, chaotic spiking and bursting haven’t been clearly observed there. The control of bistability is investigated in a three-dimensional birhythmic conductance-based neuronal model. We consider slow processes in neuron materialized by an adaptation variable coupled to system in the presence of an externalinusoidal current applied. By using the harmonic balance method, we obtain the frequency-response curve in which membrane potential resonance with his corresponding frequency are control by varying a specific parameter. At the resonance frequency, bifurcation and lyapunov exponent diagrams versus a control parameter are obtained. They reveal, a coexistence of two different complex attractors namely periodic and chaotic spiking, periodic and chaotic bursting. By using the control parameter as the slow variable, the system can switch from bistable to monostable behavior. This is done by destroying subthreshold (small) oscillation of the neuron. The role of adaptation variable in neuron system is then to filtered many existing electrical processes and permit to adapt the system by the multiple transitions states in the chosen electrical mode. A fairly good agreement is observed between analytical and numerical results.
Optimization Approaches for Defining Storage Strategies in Maritime Container Terminals
Authors: Ambrosino Daniela , Xie Haoqi 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
In maritime container terminals, yards have a primary role in permitting the efficient management of import and export flows. In this work, a mixed 0/1 linear programming model and a heuristic approach are proposed for defining storage rules in order to minimize the space used in the export yard. The minimization of land space is pursued by defining the rules to allocate containers into the bay-locations of the yard, in such a way to minimise the number of bay-locations used and the empty slots within them. The main aim of this work is to propose a solution approach for permitting to the yard manager to compare yard storage strategies for different transport demands, in such a way to be able to evaluate and, eventually, change the storage strategy when the characteristics of the transport demand change. Computational experiments, based on both real instances and generated ones, are presented. All instances are derived by a case study related to an Italian terminal.
Spatial-temporal Patterns and Risk Factors for Human Leptospirosis in Thailand, 2012-2018
Authors: Chadsuthi Sudarat , Chalvet-Monfray Karine , Geawduanglek Suchada , Wongnak Phrutsamon , Cappelle Julien 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Leptospirosis is a globally important zoonotic disease. The disease is particularly important in tropical and subtropical countries. Infections in humans can be caused by exposure to infected animals or contaminated soil or water, which are suitable for Leptospira. To explore the cluster area, the Global Moran’s I index was calculated for incidences per 100,000 population at the province level during 2012–2018, using the monthly and annual data. The high-risk and low-risk provinces were identified using the local indicators of spatial association (LISA). The risk factors for leptospirosis were evaluated using a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with zero-inflation. We also added spatial and temporal correlation terms to take into account the spatial and temporal structures. The Global Moran’s I index showed significant positive values. It did not demonstrate a random distribution throughout the period of study. The high-risk provinces were almost all in the lower north-east and south parts of Thailand. For yearly reported cases, the significant risk factors from the final best-fitted model were population density, elevation, and primary rice arable areas. Interestingly, our study showed that leptospirosis cases were associated with large areas of rice production but were less prevalent in areas of high rice productivity. For monthly reported cases, the model using temperature range was found to be a better fit than using percentage of flooded area. The significant risk factors from the model using temperature range were temporal correlation, average soil moisture, normalized difference vegetation index, and temperature range. Temperature range, which has strongly negative correlation to percentage of flooded area was a significant risk factor for monthly data. Flood exposure controls should be used to reduce the risk of leptospirosis infection. These results could be used to develop a leptospirosis warning system to support public health organizations in Thailand.
Persistence of E. Coli O157:H7 in Urban Recreational Waters From Spring and Autumn: A Comparison Analysis
Authors: Xie Yuang , Zhu Liyue , Lyu Guangze , Lu Lu , Ma Jinhua , Ma Jincai 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Persistence of E. coli O157: H7 (EcO157) in 48 water samples (24 Spring samples and 24 Autumn samples) from 3 urban recreational waters in Changchun City was investigated, and multivariate statistical analysis was performed to correlate survival data with water physicochemical properties and bacterial communities. Our data showed that EcO157 survived longer in Spring samples than in Autumn samples regardless of the lakes. Results revealed that recreational water physicochemical properties and bacterial community in Spring samples were different from those in Autumn samples. Mantel and Partial Mantel tests, as well as co-occurrence network analysis illustrated that EC salinity, TOC and bacterial community were correlated with survival time (ttd) (p < 0.05). Variation partition analysis (VPA) indicated that bacterial community, EC, TOC and TN explained about 64.81% of overall ttd variation in Spring samples, and bacterial community, EC, pH and TP accounted for about 56.59% of overall ttd variation in Autumn samples. Structural equation model (SEM) illustrated that EC indirectly positively affected ttd through bacterial community. The correlation between bacterial community and ttd was negative in Spring samples and positive in Autumn samples. TN appeared a direct positive effect on ttd in Spring samples. TP displayed a direct negative effect on ttd in Autumn samples. Our results concluded that there was seasonal variation in environmental factors that directly or indirectly affected the survival of EcO157 in urban recreational waters.
Dietary Salt With Nitric Oxide Deficiency Induces Nocturnal Polyuria via Hyperactivation of Intrarenal Angiotensin Ⅱ-SPAK-NCC Pathway
Authors: Sekii Yosuke , Kiuchi Hiroshi , Takezawa Kentaro , Imanaka Takahiro , Kuribayashi Sohei , Okada Koichi , Inagaki Yusuke , Ueda Norichika , Fukuhara Shinichiro , Negoro Hiromitsu , Imamura Ryoichi , Nonomura Norio 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Nocturnal polyuria is the most frequent cause of nocturia, a common disease associated with a compromised quality of life and increased mortality. Its pathogenesis is complex, and the detailed underlying mechanism remains unknown. Herein, we report that concomitant intake of a high-salt diet and reduced nitric oxide (NO) production achieved through Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) administration in mice resulted in nocturnal polyuria recapitulating the clinical features in humans. High salt intake under reduced NO production overactivated the angiotensin II-SPAK (STE20/SPS1-related proline–alanine-rich protein kinase)-NCC (sodium chloride co-transporter) pathway in the kidney, resulting in the insufficient excretion of sodium during the day and its excessive excretion at night. Excessive Na excretion at night in turn leads to nocturnal polyuria due to osmotic diuresis. Our study identified a central role for the intrarenal angiotensin II-SPAK-NCC pathway in the pathophysiology of nocturnal polyuria, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic target.
Two Different Approaches for Consistency of Intuitionistic Multiplicative Preference Relation using Directed Graph
Authors: Sahu Mamata , Gupta Anjana 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Consistency is an important issue that causes wide public concern of decision-makers in the decision-making process. The lack of consistency in preference relations results in a vague solution. The main goal of this paper is to achieve the consistent intuitionistic multiplicative preference relation using a graphical approach. We have proposed two different characterizations of the consistency for intuitionistic multiplicative preference relation(IMPR). In the first approaches, we propose an algorithm to achieve the consistency of IMPR by using the cycles of various length in a directed graph.

The second approach proves isomorphism between the set of IMPRs and the set of asymmetric multiplicative preference relations. That result is explored to use the methodologies developed for asymmetric multiplicative preference relations to the case of IMPRs and achieve the consistency of asymmetric multiplicative preference relation using a directed graph. Sometimes the decision maker may not be able to provide the complete relation. So the above-said method is applied for an incomplete IMPR also, here consistency plays an important role. The examples are provided to illustrate both the methods in all cases.
Atom-Precise Fluorescent Copper Cluster for Tumor Microenvironment Targeting and Transient Chemodynamic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Yang Zhenzhen , Yang Anli , Ma Wang , Ma Kai , Lv Ya-Kun , Peng Peng , Li Bingjie , Zang Shuang-Quan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been widely studied for cancer therapy. Nevertheless, instability and aspecific damages to cellular biomolecules limited the application effect. Recently, significant research efforts have been witnessed in the flourishing area of metal nanoclusters (NCs) with atomically precise structures for targeted release of ROS but few achieved success towards targeting tumor microenvironment.Results: In this work, we reported an atomically precise nanocluster Cu6(C4H3N2S)6 (Cu6NC), which could slowly break and generate ROS once encountered with acidic. The as-prepared Cu6NC demonstrated high biological safety and efficient chemodynamic anti-tumor properties. Moreover, Cu6NC enabled transient release of ROS and contained targeting behavior led by the tumor microenvironment. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that Cu6NC demonstrated a low cytotoxicity for normal cells, while presented high cytotoxicity for tumor cells with a concentration-dependent manner.Conclusions: This work not only reported a promising candidate for chemodynamic cancer therapy, but also paved the route to address clinical issues at the atomic level.
The Influence of the Windlass Mechanism on Kinematic and Kinetic Foot Joint Coupling
Authors: Williams Lauren , Ridge Sarah , Johnson A. Wayne , Arch Elisa S. , Bruening Dustin A. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Previous research shows kinematic and kinetic coupling between the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) and midtarsal joints during gait. Studying the effects of MTP position as well as foot structure on this coupling may help determine to what extent foot coupling during dynamic and active movement is due to the windlass mechanism. This study’s purpose was to investigate the kinematic and kinetic foot coupling during controlled passive, active, and dynamic movements. Methods: After arch height and flexibility were measured, participants performed four conditions: Seated Passive MTP Extension, Seated Active MTP Extension, Standing Passive MTP Extension, and Standing Active MTP Extension. Next, participants performed three heel raise conditions that manipulated the starting position of the MTP joint: Neutral, Toe Extension, and Toe Flexion. A multisegment foot model was created in Visual 3D and used to calculate ankle, midtarsal, and MTP joint kinematics and kinetics. Results: Kinematic coupling (ratio of midtarsal to MTP angular displacement) was approximately six times greater in Neutral heel raises compared to Seated Passive MTP Extension, suggesting that the windlass only plays a small kinematic role in dynamic tasks. As the starting position of the MTP joint became increasingly extended during heel raises, the amount of negative work at the MTP joint and positive work at the midtarsal joint increased proportionally, while distal-to-hindfoot work remained unchanged. Correlations suggest that there is not a strong relationship between static arch height/flexibility and kinematic foot coupling. Conclusions: Our results show that there is kinematic and kinetic coupling within the distal foot, but this coupling is attributed only in small measure to the windlass mechanism. Additional sources of coupling include foot muscles and elastic energy storage and return within ligaments and tendons. Furthermore, our results suggest that the plantar aponeurosis does not function as a rigid cable but likely has extensibility that affects the effectiveness of the windlass mechanism. Arch structure did not affect foot coupling, suggesting that static arch height or arch flexibility alone may not be adequate predictors of dynamic foot function.
Drug-Induced Hepatic Injury in Newborns and Children in Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Study of China
Authors: Ye Ling , Guo Chengxian , Feng Zeying , Huang Longjian , Guo Chengjun , Wu Xiong , He Li , Tan Wei , Wang Yi , Wu Xuehong , Hu Biwen , Li Tong , Yang Guoping , He Qingnan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Purpose

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a common adverse reaction in the clinic; however, there are relatively few reports of DILI in critically ill newborns and children. Making use of the Pediatric Intensive Care database (PIC), this study identifies which drugs are related to DILI in neonates and children in China.
Methods

Using the PIC, we screened for patients whose liver was suspected of being injured by drugs during hospitalization. The medicine they used was then assessed by the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM). We also collated drug combinations that may affect CYP enzyme metabolism, which may be one of the mechanisms that lead to DILI.
Results

A total of 13,449 patients were assessed, of whom 77 newborns and 261 children were finally included. The main type of liver injury in neonates was mixed (83.1%), while children’s hepatic injury types were mostly distributed between hepatocellular (59.4%) and cholestatic (28.4%). In terms of the assessment by the RUCAM, in newborns, the drugs that were most considered to cause or associated with hepatic injury comprised medium and long chain fat emulsion (17%), sodium glycerophosphate (12%) and meropenem (9%); while omeprazole (11%), methylprednisolone sodium succinate (10%) and meropenem (8%) are the primary culprit of DILI in children. Drug combinations that may affect CYP enzyme metabolism frequently seen in neonates are omeprazole + budesonide (16.9%), dexamethasone + midazolam (10.4%) and midazolam + sildenafil (10.4%). In children, the commonly used drug combinations are fentanyl + midazolam (20.7%), ibuprofen + furosemide (18.4%) and diazepam + omeprazole (15.3%).
Conclusions

The drugs that have been found to have hepatotoxicity (meropenem, medium and long chain fat emulsion, ibuprofen.etc.) are also related to DILI in newborns and children. When giving these drugs to newborns and children, physicians need to be more cautious. Also, pay attention to the effect on CYP 450 enzymes when using multiple drugs at the same time.
Possible role of melatonin in precocious and accelerated puberty in females during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Stagi Stefano , Ferrari Marta , Paiusco Giada , Moriondo Maria , Azzari Chiara 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundPubertal development is a complex process influenced by a multitude of factors; among these, the role of melatonin has only been partially investigated. During the COVID-19 pandemic an unexpected increase in cases of precocious and fast puberty was observed.AimsTo evaluate the possible role of salivary melatonin in precocious and accelerated puberty during the COVID-19 lockdown.Patients and MethodsFifty-four females were evaluated from October 2020 to March 2021; of these, 39 children were diagnosed with central precocious puberty (CPP) and 15 with isolated premature thelarche (IPT). Thirty-three healthy children acted as controls. The enrolled patients were asked to take measures the day before the visit to avoid influencing readings of melatonin secretion. Salivary melatonin levels were analyzed using commercially available ELISA kit.ResultsThere was no difference in the time from B2 to diagnosis (months) between IPT and CPP patients. However, the anamnestic and clinical data of our CPP patients confirmed an acceleration in the stages of pubertal development. As expected, subjects with CPP showed a significantly greater stature SDS and height velocity SDS. There were no differences in BMI SDS and Delta BMI SDS. Interestingly, we discovered a significant difference regarding the use of electronic devices between children with CPP, IPT and controls (p < 0.05). Children with CPP showed significantly lower values of salivary melatonin than patients with TPT and controls (p < 0.0001).DiscussionOur results showed a marked reduction in salivary melatonin in children with CPP diagnosed during and after lockdown for COVID-19. Larger studies are needed to confirm and investigate these findings.
CYP2J2 and EETs Protect Against Pulmonary Hypertension with Lung Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Ding Yun , Tu Pengjie , Chen Yiyong , Huang Yangyun , Pan Xiaojie , Chen Wenshu 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background Cytochrome P450 epoxygenase 2J2 (CYP2J2) metabolizes arachidonic acid to epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), which exert anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, pro-proliferative, and antioxidant effects on the cardiovascular system. However, the role of CYP2J2 and EETs in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) with lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI) remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effects of CYP2J2 overexpression and exogenous EETs on PAH with LIRI in vitro and in vivo.Methods CYP2J2 gene was transfected into rat lung tissue by recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) to increase the levels of EETs in serum and lung tissue. A rat model of PAH with LIRI was constructed by tail vein injection of monocrotaline (50 mg/kg) for 4 weeks, followed by clamping of the left pulmonary hilum for 1 h and reperfusion for 2 h. In addition, we established a cellular model of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) with TNF-α combined with hypoxic reoxygenation (anoxia for 8 h and reoxygenation for 16 h) to determine the effect and mechanism of exogenous EETs.Results CYP2J2 overexpression significantly reduced the inflammatory response, oxidative stress and apoptosis associated with lung injury in PAH with LIRI. In addition, exogenous EETs suppressed inflammatory response and reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inhibited apoptosis in a tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) combined hypoxia-reoxygenation model of HPAECs. Our further studies revealed that the anti-inflammatory effects of CYP2J2 overexpression and EETs might be mediated by PPARγ pathway; the anti-apoptotic effects might be mediated by the PI3K/Ak pathway.Conclusions CYP2J2 overexpression and EETs protect against PAH with LIRI via anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptosis, suggesting that increased levels of EETs may be a promising strategy for the prevention and treatment of PAH with LIRI.
Flood Hazard Assessment Under Climate Change Scenarios in Kelantan River Basin, Malaysia
Authors: Tam Tze Huey , Rahman Muhammad Zulkarnain Abdul , Harun Sobri , Try Sophal , Shahid Shamsuddin , Jamal Mohamad Hidayat , Ismail Zamri , Razak Khamarrul Azahari , Ghani Mohd Khairolden , Wahab Yusrin Faiz Abdul 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Climate change can significantly alter the hydrological cycle and lead to severe hydrological disasters. This study aims to determine the impact of climate change on flood hazards in the Kelantan River Basin of Malaysia. The Climate Change Factor (CCF) is used to calculate 24-hour design rainfall with 50, 100 and 200-year return periods. A distributed hydrological model, Rainfall-Runoff-Inundation (RRI), is used to simulate flood inundation under current and future climate scenarios. The results indicate an increase in 50, 100, and 200 years, design rainfall, streamflow and flood hazard. The expected design rainfall and streamflow for 50, 100, and 200 years would increase by 36.6%, 37.9%, 42.7%, and 43.2%, 32.7%, 36.5%, respectively. Flood hazard is spatially variable in the Kelantan River Basin. Tanah Merah is the town that would face a significant increase in future flooding. The findings of this study can aid relevant agencies and government departments to comprehend the current and future flood hazard situation in the Kelantan River Basin. It would also assist them in formulating appropriate flood management strategies to mitigate future severe flood hazards.