bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in Diaphragm Thickness and 6-min Walking Distance Improvement After Inspiratory Muscle Training in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Ichiba Tomomi , Miyagawa Tetsuo , Tsuda Toru , Kera Takeshi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease guidelines (http://www.goldcopd.org, accessed January 16, 2020) reported the use of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) as a part of comprehensive respiratory rehabilitation programs for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, some studies have indicated that the effect of such training is uncertain. Moreover, it is unclear whether IMT effects are caused by improvement in central or peripheral factors. Few studies examining IMT effects have used new evaluation items. We aimed to clarify the effects of IMT by additionally measuring the airway-occlusion pressure at 0.1 s after the start of inspiratory flow (P0.1), as an index of respiratory central output, and by evaluating diaphragm movement based on the thickness of the diaphragm muscle (Tdi) using ultrasound.Methods: Thirteen patients with COPD participated in the study. IMT was performed using the POWER breathe® Medic Plus breathing trainer in combination with each participant’s outpatient rehabilitation regimen. Starting at 20% of the maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) and increasing to 50%, the participants performed 30 IMT repetitions twice a day for 2 months. Respiratory muscle strength, P0.1, 6-min walking distance (6MWD), and Tdi were measured before and after IMT. Dyspnea, lower limb fatigue (assessed using the Borg Scale), and respiratory rate (RR) were measured before and after the 6-min walk test (6MWT). Results: PImax and 6MWD significantly increased after training. Tdi at resting inspiration and expiration and maximal inspiration also significantly increased after training. In addition, the Borg Scale scores for dyspnea and leg fatigue and the RR of the 1-min recovery period after the 6MWT significantly decreased. There was no significant difference in P0.1.Conclusions: We examined the combined effects of IMT, incorporating the evaluation of P0.1 and Tdi. We found that the PImax, 6MWD, and Tdi significantly increased, but no significant difference was observed in P0.1 after training. These results suggest that the effects of IMT may be attributed to the improved peripheral factors rather than to the central factors.
Prescribed Finite-time ESO-based Prescribed Finite-time Control and Its Application to Partial IGC Design
Authors: Cui Lei , Jin Nan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This paper proposes a new extended stateobserver-based sliding mode control strategy with prescribed finite-time convergence. Firstly, a novel prescribed finite-time extended state observer is designed, which estimates the disturbance accurately within a prescribed finite time and effectively solves peaking value problem. Secondly, a new type of second-order prescribed finite-time sliding mode controller is designed to ensure system states converge within a prescribed finite time. Then, the proposed control strategy is applied to the design of partial integrated guidance and control with two-loop controller structure. Finally, the validity of the proposed methodology is verified through numerical simulation.
BCKDK Promotes Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Proliferation and Migration by Activating the MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Huashun , Yu Dongyang , Li Lianbing , Xiao Juanjuan , Zhu Yijian , Liu Yi , Mu Li , Tian Yafei , Chen Linbo , Zhu Feng , Duan Qiuhong , Xue Peipei 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Ovarian cancer is the most fatal gynecologic cancer, and epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most common type. The branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase kinase (BCKDK) plays an important role in many serious human diseases, including cancers. Its function in promoting cell proliferation and migration has been reported in various cancers. However, the biological role of BCKDK and its molecular mechanisms underlying EOC initiation and progression are unclear.Methods: First, the expression level of BCKDK in EOC cell lines or tissues was determined using tissue microarray (TMA)-based immunohistochemistry or western blotting. Then, growth curve analysis, anchorage-independent cell transformation assays, wound healing assays, cell migration assays, and tumor xenografts were used to test whether BCKDK could promote cell transformation or metastasis. Finally, the signaling pathways involved in this process were investigated by western blotting or immunoprecipitation.Results: We found that the expression of BCKDK was upregulated in EOC tissues and that high expression of BCKDK was correlated with an advanced pathological grade in patients. The ectopic overexpression of BCKDK promoted the proliferation and migration of EOC cells, and the knockdown of BCKDK with shRNAs inhibited the proliferation and migration of EOC ex vivo and in vivo. Moreover, BCKDK promoted EOC proliferation and migration by activating MEK.Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that BCKDK promotes EOC proliferation and migration by activating the MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Targeting the BCKDK-MEK axis may provide a new therapeutic strategy for treating patients with EOC.
WITHDRAWN: The Temporal Dynamics of Three Bacterial Endosymbionts, Wolbachia, Arsenophonus, And Rhizobiales, of the Invasive Yellow Crazy Ant (Anoplolepisgracilipes) in Taiwan are associated with Climate Extremes
Authors: Hsiao Yi-Ting , Lai Ching-Ting , Wu Li-Hsin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Symbiotic interactions have facilitated major evolutionary transitions, making them a key component of the success of life. By altering the host’s life-history traits or potential to respond to natural stresses, symbiotic organisms could either exacerbate or ameliorate the effects of environmental pressure on their hosts. These variations are in turn likely to alter the population dynamics of the host species. We examined the temporal dynamics of three bacterial symbionts, Wolbachia, Arsenophonus, and Rhizobiales, in two neighboring yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes (Smith)) colonies for three consecutive months (July - September 2019) in southern Taiwan. Coinfections of Wolbachia and Rhizobiales were consistently detected in all colonies. While the symbiont compositions remained consistent throughout the sampling period at both sites, the coinfection rate of Wolbachia and Rhizobiales showed a negative tendency with increases in the daily mean temperature and its standard deviation, the diurnal temperature difference, and especially precipitation over time. These relationships might be the key to understanding the temporal effects of coinfection dynamics on possible adaptations and physiological responses in A. gracilipes. We then empirically demonstrated the best Wolbachia removal efficiency (40%-27%) under high-temperature treatment, and that the spatial prevalence of Wolbachia increased with latitude in the Southern Hemisphere. Our work highlights the potential protection against climate extremes provided by symbiont coinfection and how climate affects the microbial ecological community at a fine scale.
Prognostic Value of Serum Ammonia in Critical Patients with Non-Hepatic Disease : A Prospective, Observational, Multicenter Study
Authors: Li Yue , Yao Zhipeng , Li Yunlong , Yang Zhenyu , Li Ming , Chen Zhendong , Liu Shujie , Gong Jianguo , Huang Libin , Xu Ping , Li Yan , Li Haihong , Liu Xuan , Zhang Li , Zhang Guixia , Wang Hong-Liang 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Non-hepatic hyperammonemia can damage the central nervous system (CNS) and possible prognostic factors are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic and risk factors for patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).Methods: This prospective, observational, multicenter study was conducted between November and December 2019 at 11 ICUs in the Chinese Heilongjiang province. Changes in blood ammonia level during and after ICU admission were continuously monitored, expressed as the high-level (H-), mean-level (M-), and initial-level (I-) of ammonia. The risk factors of poor prognosis were investigated by conducting univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was conducted to compare predictive ability of APACHE-II score, lactic acid, TBil, M-ammonia.Results: A total of 1060 patients were included in this study, of which 707 (67%) had a favorable prognosis and 353 (33%) had a poor prognosis. As shown by univariate models, a poor prognosis was associated with elevated serum levels of lactic acid, TBil, and ammonia (P<0.05), and pathologic scores from three assessments: APACHE-II, GCS, and SOFA. Multivariate analysis revealed that circulating mean ammonia levels in ICU patients were independently associated with a poor prognosis (OR=1.73, 95% CI: 1.07-2.80, P=0.02). However, the APACHE-II score (AUC: 0.714, sensitivity: 0.86, specificity: 0.68, P <0.001) remained the most predictive factor for patient prognosis by ROC analysis.Conclusions: Elevated serum levels of ammonia in the blood were independently prognostic for ICU patients without liver disease.Trial registration: ChiCTR1900026632. Registered 16 October 2014.
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Telenursing Interaction and Satisfaction Scale (TISS)
Authors: Mattisson Marie , Börjeson Sussanne , Lindberg Malou , Årestedt Kristofer 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: In telenursing, interaction between caller and telenurse is crucial for outcomes such as adherence, safety and satisfaction. There is a recurring demand for improved interaction in telenursing and a lack of measurement scales focusing on caller satisfaction with interaction. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate psychometric properties of the Telenursing Interaction and Satisfaction Scale (TISS).Methods: This instrumental development stud was based on cross-sectional data. Callers to the National Medical Advisory Service in Sweden (n=616) completed a 60-item questionnaire, the Telenursing Interaction and Satisfaction Questionnaire (TISQ). Twenty-five of these items were selected to form the TISS. Selected items represent four dimensions of interaction according to the Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior; health information, professional-technical competence, affective support and decisional control. Data quality was evaluated in terms of missing data patterns and score distributions. Factor structure of the scale was evaluated with confirmatory factor analysis, convergent validity with Spearman correlations, internal consistency with ordinal alpha, scale reliability with composite reliability coefficients, and test-retest reliability with intraclass correlations. Results: The amount of missing data was acceptable and equally distributed. The completeness of data was the highest for the subscale of professional-technical competencies (94%) and the lowest for the TISS total scale (80%). Data deviated significantly from a normal distribution, but all response options were endorsed. The CFA confirmed the hypothesized four-factor structure. Factor loadings ranged from 0.56 to 0.97, and factor correlations were high (0.88-0.96). Internal consistency (ordinal alpha = 0.82-0.97), scale reliability (0.88-0.99) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.77-0.86) were satisfactory for all scales.Conclusion: The TISS holds satisfactory psychometric properties in the study sample. Findings support the use of four sub-scales for measuring caller satisfaction with interaction in telenursing. A total-score can be calculated and used in situations where multi-collinearity is a problem.
Aggravation of CoVID-19 infections due to air pollutant concentrations in Indian cities
Authors: Mondal Arnab , Sunilkumar Asha , Singh Shishir Kumar , Mondal Surajit , Mondal Amit Kumar 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In the beginning of March 2020, cases of CoVID-19 infections began rising worldwide, reacting to which the Government of India called for nationwide lockdown initially for March 25th to April 14th, 2020 and later extended it in phases till May 31st, 2020. Due to the forced restrictions pan-India on every level, the move led to drastic drop in pollution levels. The results demonstrated that during lockdown air quality is significantly improved and the pollution levels of PM2.5, PM10, SO2 and NO2 reduced drastically during the lockdown period than the preceding year for the same time frame. A direct relationship has been established between the high level of air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2 and SO2) and CoVID-19 infections being reported in these Indian cities. The correlation indicates that the air pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, NO2 and SO2 are aggravating the number of casualties due to the CoVID-19 infections. The high-level exposure of PM2.5 over a long period is found to be significantly correlated with the mortality per unit confirmed CoVID-19 cases as compared to other air pollutant parameters like PM10, NO2 and SO2.
Performance evaluation of vertical handover in Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Hussain Shaik Mazhar , Yusof Kamaludin Mohamad , Hussain Shaik Ashfaq , Asuncion Rolito 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Internet of Vehicles (IoV) is developed by integrating the intelligent transportation system (ITS) and the Internet of Things (IoT). The goal of IoV is to allow vehicles to communicate with other vehicles, humans, pedestrians, roadside units, and other infrastructures. Two potential technologies of V2X communication are dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) and cellular network technologies. Each of these has its benefits and limitations. DSRC has low latency but it limits coverage area and lacks spectrum availability. Whereas 4G LTE offers high bandwidth, wider cell coverage range, but the drawback is its high transmission time intervals. 5G offers enormous benefits to the present wireless communication technology by providing higher data rates and very low latencies for transmissions but is prone to blockages because of its inability to penetrate through the objects. Hence, considering the above issues, single technology will not fully accommodate the V2X requirements which subsequently jeopardize the effectiveness of safety applications. Therefore, for efficient V2X communication, it is required to interwork with DSRC and cellular network technologies. One open research challenge that has gained the attention of the research community over the past few years is the appropriate selection of networks for handover in a heterogeneous IoV environment. Existing solutions have addressed the issues related to handover and network selection but they have failed to address the need for handover while selecting the network. Previous studies have only mentioned that the network is being selected directly for handover or it was connected to the available radio access. Due to this, the occurrence of handover had to take place frequently. Hence, in this research, the integration of DSRC, LTE, and mmWave 5G is incorporated with handover decision, network selection, and routing algorithms. The handover decision is to ensure whether there is a need for vertical handover by using a dynamic Q-learning algorithm. Then, the network selection is based on a fuzzy-convolution neural network that creates fuzzy rules from signal strength, distance, vehicle density, data type, and line of sight. V2V chain routing is proposed to select V2V pairs using a jellyfish optimization algorithm that takes into account the channel, vehicle characteristics, and transmission metrics. This system is developed in an OMNeT++ simulator and the performances are evaluated in terms of mean handover, handover failure, mean throughput, delay, and packet loss.
Effect of natural rainfall on the migration characteristics of runoff and sediment on purple soil sloping cropland during different planting stages
Authors: Wang Yi , Ni Jiupai , Ni Chengsheng , Wang Sheng , Xie Deti 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Due to the difficulty in monitoring subsurface runoff and sediment migration, their loss loads are still not clear and need further study. This study monitored water and soil loss occurring within experimental field plots for two calendar years under natural rainfall events. The sediment loss load was quantified by considering the corresponding water flow flux and its sediment concentration. The results showed that 60.04% of the runoff and 2.83% of the sediment were lost underground. The annual underground sediment loss reached up to 54.6 kg*ha−1*yr−1. A total of 69.68% of the runoff yield and 67.25% of the sediment yield were produced during the corn planting stage (CPS: March–July). Heavy rain and torrential rain events produced 94.45%, 65.46% of the annual runoff and 94.45%, 76.21% of the sediment yields during the corn-planting stage and summer fallow period (SFP: August–September). The rain frequency, rainfall, and rainfall duration of each planting stage significantly affected the resulting runoff and sediment yield. Measures aimed at the prevention and control of water-soil loss from purple soil sloping land should focus heavily on torrential rain and heavy rain events during the CPS and SFP. This paper aims to provide a practical reference for quantifying the water and soil loss from purple soil sloping cropland.
Prediction of standard aeration efficiency of a propeller diffused aeration system using response surface methodology and an artificial neural network
Authors: Roy Subha M. , Tanveer Mohammad , Gupta Debaditya , Pareek C. M. , Mal B. C. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAeration experiments were conducted in a masonry tank to study the effects of operating parameters on the standard aeration efficiency (SAE) of a propeller diffused aeration (PDA) system. The operating parameters included the rotational speed of shaft (N), submergence depth (h), and propeller angle (α). The response surface methodology (RSM) and an artificial neural network (ANN) were used for modelling and optimizing the standard aeration efficiency (SAE) of a PDA system. The results of both approaches were compared for their modelling abilities in terms of coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE), computed from experimental and predicted data. ANN models were proved to be superior to RSM. The results indicate that for achieving the maximum standard aeration efficiency (SAE), N, h and α should be 1,000 rpm, 0.50 m, and 12°, respectively. The maximum SAE was found to be 1.711 kg O2/ kWh. Cross-validation results show that best approximation of the optimal values of input parameters for maximizing SAE is possible with a maximum deviation (absolute error) of ±15.2% between the model predicted and experimental values.
Urban stormwater harvesting for domestic water supply: a water evaluation and planning approach
Authors: Pravin S. S. , Gajendran C. , Divya T. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Renewable groundwater and surface water supplies are insufficient for the current worldwide urban population as water demand is increasing rapidly. Usage per capita in urban areas transcends 160 liters per day. Climate change is projected to increase water demand even more. Sources of surface water from stormwater runoff can be used to fulfill this requirement. The main objective of this work is to assess the water supply and demand in the dry conditions of the Coimbatore region, Tamil Nadu, India, and to use the water evaluation and planning method to create a model for supply and demand in the future. There are more than three dozen surface water bodies in and around the metropolitan center. Most sources are heavily encroached upon. By linking stormwater runoff from its respective elevation to the accessible surface water bodies, an additional water supply source can be obtained. By using the water evaluation and planning framework as a guide, models were developed to determine potential needs, and to compare demand and supply, water usage, lack of water use, and population coverage. The enhanced stormwater drainage system for Coimbatore city was designed in such a way that the various roads were connected to the major water bodies. The domestic water demand in the future is predicted to be around 27 million cubic feet (MCFT). Meanwhile, the possible amount of stormwater collected in the selected water bodies is predicted to be 50 million cubic meter (MCM) to 320 MCM. This study concluded that 100% of urban domestic water demand can be met if the urban stormwater is utilized by harvesting and storing in surface water bodies.
Utilization of activated carbon derived from waste plastic for decontamination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons laden wastewater
Authors: Ilyas Muhmmad , Ahmad Waqas , Khan Hizbullah 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Serious environmental deterioration caused by synthetic waste plastics, and the pollution of freshwater resources are the most alarming and marked challenges of the 21st century. Therefore, immense scientific efforts are being made towards the management of waste plastics and treatment of polluted water. The current study reports on the utilization of waste polyethylene terephthalate (wPET) and waste polystyrene (wPS) for fabrication of activated carbon (AC) and its application for the removal of hazardous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollutants from water. AC was prepared from wPET and wPS by carbonization under a N2 atmosphere followed by chemical activation with 1 M KOH and 1 M HCl. The AC was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, surface area analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Adsorption of PAHs from aqueous solutions through AC was examined by batch adsorption tests. The optimum parameters for maximum adsorption of PAHs were found to be: initial PAHs concentration 40 ppm, 2 h contact time, pH 3, 5, and 7, 50 °C temperature and adsorbent dose of 0.8 g. Kinetic and isotherm models were applied to evaluate the adsorbent capacity for PAHs adsorption. The kinetic study shows that the adsorption of these PAHs onto AC follows pseudo-second-order kinetics. The experimental results demonstrated that the Langmuir isotherm model best fitted the data. The thermodynamic factors calculated such as entropy change (ΔS°), enthalpy change (ΔS°) and free energy change (ΔG°) show that the adsorption process is non-spontaneous and endothermic in nature. Results were also compared with the efficiencies of some commercial adsorbents used in practice. This examination revealed that the novel plastic-derived AC possesses a great potential for elimination and recovery of PAH elimination from industrial wastewater.