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Ziyang Sang, Hui-Fang Chen, Jerf WK Yeung, Leilei Xu Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative RegionCorrespondence: Hui-Fang Chen, Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Ave, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Tel +852 3442297, Fax +852 34420283, Email hfchen@cityu.edu.hkPurpose: This study investigated the mechanism underlying the association between intolerance of uncertainty and mobile phone addiction among Chinese overseas students during the COVID-19 pandemic by examining the mediating roles of perceived stress and rumination.Patients and Methods: An online questionnaire survey was distributed via social media platforms popular in mainland China. The items collected demographic information and assessed intolerance of uncertainty, perceived stress, rumination, and mobile phone addiction. A total of 249 respondents completed the questionnaire.Results: The findings suggest a considerably high risk of mobile phone addiction in the study period among overseas Chinese students, as three-fourths of the participants may have been susceptible to mobile phone addiction according to the suggested cut-off point of the Chinese version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale–Short Form. Intolerance of uncertainty showed a significant positive direct effect on mobile phone addiction. The mediation analyses suggest that intolerance of uncertainty affected mobile phone addiction mainly through three pathways: the mediating effect of perceived stress, the mediating effect of rumination, and the chain mediating effect of perceived stress and rumination.Conclusion: This study enhances understanding of mobile phone addiction among Chinese overseas students and suggests the mediating roles of rumination and perceived stress in the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and mobile phone addiction. The study also provides suggestions for interventions among Chinese students overseas.Keywords: vulnerability, mental health, health issues, internet

Zhuo Sang, Xianli Zeng, Xiaohui Yuan, Xiaolin Wang, Liancong Fu, Wenwen Zhuang Department of General Practice, Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, Huizhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Zhuo Sang, Department of General Practice, Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, Huizhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-752-2288288, Email 116920609@qq.comObjective: The current study was to evaluate the association of office blood pressure (OBP) and 24h ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) with left ventricular (LV) structure and function in hypertensive patients. Whether the association was modified by sex was also evaluated.Methods: A total of 694 hypertensive patients without cardiovascular disease were retrospectively included from the inpatient clinic. Regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association of OBP and 24h ABP parameters with LV mass index (LVMi), e’ velocity and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) with adjustment for covariates including age, obesity, diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, estimated glomerular filtration rate and antihypertensive drugs.Results: There was no difference in OBP by sex. Compared to women, men had a higher 24h (132.6 ± 11.3 vs 129.3 ± 10.0 mm Hg), daytime (136.6 ± 12.9 vs 132.8 ± 9.5 mm Hg) and nighttime (130.3 ± 9.2 vs 125.1 ± 6.6 mm Hg) SBP. The proportion of patients with non-dipping pattern and reverse dipper pattern was also higher in men. In the overall participants, 24h, daytime and nighttime SBP, non-dipping and reverse dipper pattern were associated with LVMi, e’ velocity and LVH, which were not observed in OBP. The magnitude of the association between 24h, daytime and nighttime SBP, non-dipping and reverse dipper pattern with LVMi, e’ velocity and LVH was stronger in men than in women (P-value for interaction < 0.05).Conclusion: Twenty-four-hour ABP appears to be better than OBP in association with LV structural and functional alterations, and this association was modified by sex.Keywords: office blood pressure, ambulatory blood pressure, sex, cardiac structure, cardiac function

The finite element method(FEM)is a widely employed mathematical technique in mechanical research that divides an object into discrete and interacting finite elements. Medically, finite element analysis(FEA)enables the simulation of biomechanical experiments that are challenging to conduct. Orbital surgery poses significant challenges to ophthalmologists due to its inherent difficulty and steep learning curve. FEM enables the simulation and analysis of the mechanical properties of orbital tissue, offering a novel approach for diagnosing and treating orbital-related diseases. With technological advancements, FEM has significantly matured in the diagnosis and treatment of orbital diseases, becoming a popular area of research in orbital biomechanics. This paper reviewed the latest advancements in orbital FEM, encompassing the development of orbital FEA models, simulation of orbital structure, and its application in orbital-related diseases. Additionally, the limitations of FEM and future research directions are also discussed. As a digital tool for auxiliary diagnosis and treatment, orbital FEA will progressively unlock its potential for diagnosing and treating orbital diseases alongside technological advancements.

Objective To investigate the values of enhancing tumor volume (V), total volume (Vn) and relative non-enhancing tumor ratio (rNTR) before second-line treatment on overall survival (OS) and post-recurrence survival (PRS) in recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM). Methods Clinical data of 85 patients with confirmed rGBM admitted in our medical center from July 2012 to December 2022 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Quantitative measurements of V, Vn (including tumor enhancement, necrotic and cystic volume) and rNTR (FLAIR high signal volume/enhancing tumor volume) were performed with T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) subtraction mode. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and log-rank test were used to analyze the differences of prognosis between high and low level groups of above indicators. Cox proportional risk regression model was employed for univariate and multivariate prognostic analyses. Results The median PRS was 238 d (95%CI: 197.472~278.528) and the median OS was 449 d (95%CI: 348.755~549.245) in these patients. Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test showed significant differences in PRS and OS between high and low levels groups of V, Vn and rNTR (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed that V, Vn and rNTR were all influencing factors for PRS and OS (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that V and Vn were independent risk factors for PRS (HR=1.019, P < 0.001), and Vn was an independent risk factor for OS (HR=1.008, P=0.042). The Vn-PRS model had the lowest -2 log likelihood (-2LL) among all the models. Conclusion Voxel subtraction technique can accurately assess the size of recurrent tumors in rGBM patients. V, Vn and rNTR can be used for prognosis, and Vn is the most valuable predictor for PRS, which can provide a reliable reference for clinical evaluation of the extent of lesions and survival time of patients.

False data injection (FDI) attack is one of the attacks that can seriously affect the operation of power systems. Some studies have focused on the cyber-attack methods of AC-DC hybrid systems. However, few studies pay their efforts on the optimization of FDI attack on AC-DC hybrid systems. Therefore, an FDI attack strategy optimization method for AC-DC hybrid systems is proposed in the paper. Firstly, a two-layer optimization model with the objective of maximizing the loss of FDI attacks is established. In the upper model, the attacker launches FDI attack on the measuring system to find the optimal attack strategy to maximize the economic loss of the power system. The lower layer model calculates the maximum economic loss under a FDI attack with the objective of minimizing the generator output adjustment and load shedding, considering the security constraint of AD-DC hybrid system and the risk of commutate failure of DC converter station. Then, the two-layer optimization model is solved by the genetic algorithm to generate the optimal attack strategy. Finally, the improved IEEE 14-bus system is taken as an example to verify the effectiveness of the model. Simulation results show that the attack strategy optimized by the proposed method can effectively improve the cost of security constrained economic dispatch (SCED).

The extraction algorithm of target characteristics resonance set at the high-frequency band plays a significant role in defense applications like early warning. The paper proposes a new method to extract the characteristic resonance set of radar targets in the resonance frequency region using an autoregressive moving average model optimized by root mean square propagation particle swarm optimization. Considering that the total scattering response in the resonant region consists of early-time and late-time responses, the autoregressive moving average model approximate the total scattering responses to avoid errors caused by intercepting the late-time response. Further, the paper investigated the impact of the swarm optimization algorithm on the accuracy of moving average model parameters when obtaining the resonance set at different target aspects. The extracted characteristic resonance results within a range of azimuth directions through an aircraft target paradigm indicate that the new method is more convenient and precise than the matrix beam prediction method.

Background: In times of an epidemic such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the public’s knowledge and attitude toward the disease affects the ability to abide to different preventive measures. Aims and Objectives: (1) to assess the knowledge and awareness of the domestic helpers in a tribal population, (2) whether the domestic helpers practice appropriate preventative measures that are recommended by WHO. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was designed and carried out using questionnaire among rural domestic workers in Mizoram, above 14 years of age belonging to both Mizo and Non-Mizo ethnicity. Data were collected from 105 participants and analyzed through t-test, one-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: Majority of the respondents had higher secondary level of education (78.1%) and 95.2% could identify COVID-19 as a communicable disease. Almost all the participants (97.1%) were afraid of infection and the majority (92.4%) had fear of dying with the disease. Three-fourth of the participants were working during the pandemic of which 44.8% had volunteered. Media (68.6%) was the most common source of information about the disease. The education level was significantly associated with knowledge and attitude scores whereas there were no significant differences with respect to the practice (P>0.05). Conclusion: Our findings indicate an overall good KAP of the rural domestic workers. Since these workers move from house to house and also take care of the vulnerable, and that they themselves and the families, they work for may be at an increased risk of infection with COVID-19, these findings are important from a health campaign perspective.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. It primarily presents with respiratory symptoms and can result in damage to the digestive, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. The clinical profile of COVID-19 positive patients and factors associated with mortality has not been studied in patients admitted in wards in Mizoram. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the clinical profiles and outcome of the COVID-19 positive patients admitted in wards of Zoram Medical College, Mizoram. Materials and Methods: A descriptive record based cross-sectional study was conducted in Zoram Medical College, Mizoram among 742 COVID-19 positive patients admitted between March 27, 2020, and April 19, 2021. Individuals with confirmed COVID-19 positive by reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction test from nasopharyngeal swabs were included in the study. Patient’s information was collected from the hospital medical record consisting of demographic details, exposure history, comorbidities, etc. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22 version. P60 years (46.15%) [odds ratio [OR]: 21.56; P=0.005], patients having fever (76.92%) [OR: 6.8; P=0.004], and comorbidities (76.92%) [OR: 21.56; P=0.005] as risk factors. Conclusions: Mortality in COVID 19 positive patients admitted in Zoram Medical College, Mizoram was associated with increased age, comorbidities, and patients who were symptomatics.

False data injection attack is one of the important factors that threaten the safe and stable operation of power systems. The research on the methods of the attack against power systems can provide decision-making basis for the improvement of power system defense measures. Considering the operation characteristics of high voltage direct current (HVDC) converter station and AC-DC coupling characteristics, a false data injection attack method for AC-DC hybrid system is proposed. Firstly, the basic principle of state estimation of AC-DC hybrid systems is analyzed. Secondly, the attack strategy in AC-DC hybrid systems is proposed, and the attack model is constructed. Finally, the improved IEEE 30-bus system is taken as an example for simulation verification. The results show that the false data injection attack against AC-DC hybrid system can bypass the bad data detection algorithm and endanger the safe and stable operation of the system, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed model and method.

The origin of Tibetan barley (qingke) has been a controversial issue for many years. Here, the authors conduct population genomics study to support that qingke is derived from eastern domesticated barley instead of Tibetan wild barley and suggest southern Tibetan Plateau as its introduction route.

ObjectiveCurrent treatment options for patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease before dialysis (predialysis CKD-5) are determined by individual circumstances, economic factors, and the doctor’s advice. This study aimed to explore the plasma metabolic traits of patients with predialysis CKD-5 compared with maintenance hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, to learn more about the impact of the dialysis process on the blood environment.MethodsOur study enrolled 31 predialysis CKD-5 patients, 31 HD patients, and 30 PD patients. Metabolite profiling was performed using a targeted metabolomics platform by applying an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method, and the subsequent comparisons among all three groups were made to explore metabolic alterations.ResultsCysteine metabolism was significantly altered between predialysis CKD-5 patients and both groups of dialysis patients. A disturbance in purine metabolism was the most extensively changed pathway identified between the HD and PD groups. A total of 20 discriminating metabolites with large fluctuations in plasma concentrations were screened from the group comparisons, including 2-keto-D-gluconic acid, kynurenic acid, s-adenosylhomocysteine, L-glutamine, adenosine, and nicotinamide.ConclusionOur study provided a comprehensive metabolomics evaluation among predialysis CKD-5, HD, and PD patients, which described the disturbance of metabolic pathways, discriminating metabolites and their possible biological significances. The identification of specific metabolites related to dialysis therapy might provide insights for the management of advanced CKD stages and inform shared decision-making.

This paper establishes a distributed multistatic sky-wave over-the-horizon radar (DMOTHR) model and proposes a semidefinite relaxation positioning (SDP) algorithm to locate marine ship targets. In the DMOTHR, it is difficult to locate the target due to the complexity of the signal path propagation. Therefore, this paper uses the ionosphere as the reflector to convert the propagation path from a polyline to a straight line for establishing the model, and then the SDP algorithm will be used to transform a highly nonlinear positioning optimization problem into a convex optimization problem. Finally, it is concluded through the simulations that the SDP algorithm can obtain better positioning accuracy under a certain Doppler frequency error and ionospheric measurement error.

Sir, We would kindly request you to make the corrigendum in the article recently published Original Article in Asian Journal of Medical Sciences with the date of publication on 2022-04-01 in Volume 13 No 4 2022 page number 11-17, with the article titled “A retrospective analysis of COVID-19 positive patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital wards in Mizoram, India” In the website page the order of the authorship is published in a wrong manner, and we realise our mistake for not going through the metadata at the time of submission. We kindly request you to change the order of the authorship as Sang Zuala, Vankhuma C, Zorinsangi Varte, Ganesh Shanmugasundaram Anusuya, Lalramenga Pachuau instead of Ganesh Shanmugasundaram Anusuya, Sang Zuala, Vankhuma C , Zorinsangi Varte, Lalramenga Pachuau Thank you, Dr. Ganesh Shanmugasundaram Anusuya Corresponding Author

The toxicological effects of p-cresol have primarily been attributed to its metabolism products; however, very little human data are available in the key organ (i.e., liver) responsible for the generation of these metabolites. Experiments were conducted in HepaRG cells utilizing the following markers of cellular toxicity: 2′-7′-dichlorofluorescein (DCF; oxidative stress) formation, total cellular glutathione (GSH) concentration, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; cellular necrosis) release. Concentrations of p-cresol, p-cresol sulfate, and p-cresol glucuronide were determined using validated assays. p-Cresol exposure resulted in concentration- and time-dependent changes in DCF (EC50 = 0.64 ± 0.37 mM at 24 h of exposure) formation, GSH (EC50 = 1.00 ± 0.07 mM) concentration, and LDH (EC50 = 0.85 ± 0.14 mM) release at toxicologically relevant conditions. p-Cresol was also relatively more toxic than 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furanpropanoic acid, indole-3-acetic acid, indoxyl sulfate, kynurenic acid, and hippuric acid on all markers. Although the exogenous administration of p-cresol sulfate and p-cresol glucuronide generated high intracellular concentrations of these metabolites, both metabolites were less toxic compared to p-cresol at equal-molar conditions. Moreover, p-cresol glucuronide was the predominant metabolite generated in situ from p-cresol exposure. Selective attenuation of glucuronidation (without affecting p-cresol sulfate formation, while increasing p-cresol accumulation) using independent chemical inhibitors (i.e., 0.75 mM l-borneol, 75 µM amentoflavone, or 100 µM diclofenac) consistently resulted in further increases in LDH release associated with p-cresol exposure (by 28.3 ± 5.3%, 30.0 ± 8.2% or 27.3 ± 6.8%, respectively, compared to p-cresol treatment). These novel data indicated that p-cresol was a relatively potent toxicant, and that glucuronidation was unlikely to be associated with the manifestation of its toxic effects in HepaRG cells.

The energy router composed of double active bridge (DAB) can interconnect multiple voltage level AC distribution network through DC lines to form AC/DC hybrid distribution network. The fault types of the system are diverse and the fault characteristics are complex. This paper studies the fault characteristics of the system in detail. The single-phase grounding fault of AC network side and single-phase grounding fault of AC valve side occurred in the system. This paper explored the impact of the AC side of the system after the above failure, and make a detailed comparative analysis. The results show that DAB can isolate the influence of AC side fault, and provide theoretical basis for the selection of grounding mode and the design of protection system for AC/DC hybrid distribution network.

Compared with the direct access to the main power grid and diesel generators, this paper puts forward the scheme of using electric ships to shuttle between islands to transport electric energy, analyzes the limitations and defects of its application in offshore islands; and then puts forward a comprehensive energy supply system of offshore islands. The comprehensive energy supply system can make full use of the rich renewable energy of the islands, and realize the optimal allocation of the overall resources of the islands. At the same time, the energy supply system can break the isolated development pattern of island power grid and connect the island group power exchange ship. This paper analyzes the connotation and characteristics of the system, puts forward the key technology for building the integrated energy supply system of ocean island group, and gives the design and operation analysis example of power exchange ship.

When planning the power grid, it is necessary to obtain the optimal decision scheme according to the market behavior of different stakeholders. In this paper, the virtual game player "nature" is introduced to realize the deep integration of game theory and robust optimization, and a source network load collaborative planning method considering uncertainty and multi-agent game is proposed. Firstly, the planning decision-making models of different stakeholders of DG investment operators, power grid investment operators and power users are constructed respectively; then, the static game behavior between distributed generation (DG) investment operators and power grid investment operators is analyzed according to the transmission relationship of the three; at the same time, robust optimization is used to deal with DG. In this paper, we introduce the virtual game player "nature" to study the dynamic game behavior between the virtual game player and the power grid investment operator. On this basis, the dynamic static joint game planning model is proposed.

With the strengthening of external supervision and the management requirements of internal quality and efficiency improvement of power grid, it is particularly important to improve the lean level of power grid investment. However, the accuracy and scientificity of the current grid infrastructure project investment plan adjustment need to be further improved, and the basis for the completion of investment submission is the on-site construction progress. Therefore, this topic carries out the analysis of the factors affecting the construction progress, including the types of the factors affecting the construction, the depth and breadth of the impact, and the impact of the milestone stage, and takes the analysis results of the shutdown factors as the reference basis for the adjustment of the investment plan, so as to improve the investment management level of the company.

In order to deal with the severe external supervision and challenges, and improve the scientific rationality of internal investment structure decision-making, this study explored the idea of voltage level investment structure decision-making considering the power grid development and operation benefits. Firstly, based on the study of the relationship between historical investment scale and power grid indicators, the investment demand of power grid is determined; secondly, the influence path of investment on business efficiency is sorted out, and the differences of investment, capital transfer and depreciation of different voltage levels are studied and determined, and the operation benefit level of the company under different investment schemes is calculated. Finally, the index system of investment structure optimization is constructed to quantify the power grid and benefit status of the company under different investment structures, so as to optimize the company’s investment scheme and promote the high-quality development of the company and power grid.

With the rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles have been receiving more and more attention because they own many advantages compared with traditional vehicles. A robust and accurate vehicle localization system is critical to the safety and the efficiency of autonomous vehicles. The global positioning system (GPS) has been widely applied to the vehicle localization systems. However, the accuracy and the reliability of GPS have suffered in some scenarios. In this paper, we present a robust and accurate vehicle localization system consisting of a bistatic passive radar, in which the performance of localization is solely dependent on the accuracy of the proposed off-grid direction of arrival (DOA) estimation algorithm. Under the framework of sparse Bayesian learning (SBL), the source powers and the noise variance are estimated by a fast evidence maximization method, and the off-grid gap is effectively handled by an advanced grid refining strategy. Simulation results show that the proposed method exhibits better performance than the existing sparse signal representation-based algorithms, and performs well in the vehicle localization system.

Finding out how many parameters are necessary to explain and describe complex and various phenomena of nature has been a challenge in modern physics. This paper introduces a new formal system of units, which maintain compatibility with SI units, to express all seven SI base units by dimensionless numbers with acceptable uncertainties and to establish the number one as the fundamental parameter of everything. All seven SI base units are converted successfully into the unified dimensionless numerical values via normalization of s, c, h, k, e/me, NA, and b by unity (1). In the proposed system of units, even the unlike-dimensioned physical quantities can be convertible and hence added, subtracted, or compared to one another. It is very simple and easy to analyze and validate physical equations by substituting every unit with the corresponding number. Furthermore, it is expected to find new relationships among unlike-dimensioned physical quantities, which is extremely difficult or even impossible in SI units.

Abstract Background Gankyrin was originally purified and characterized as the p28 component of the 26S proteasome, and later identified as an oncogenic protein in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). It has recently been found to be highly expressed in several other malignancies, and compelling evidence show gankyrin plays important roles in tumorigenesis. However, its mechanism of action remains unclear. Methods In order to further clarify the functions of gankyrin and better understand its molecular mechanisms, we generated a gankyrin null cell line, HCT116 gankyrin−/− , by targeted homologous recombination in human colon cancer cells, and then employed two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) based proteomic approaches followed by MS identification to investigate alterations in the proteome due to the gankyrin knockout. Western blot and qRT-PCR assays were also used to examine the protein and mRNA levels of some identified proteins. Results Compared with wild-type control cells, gankyrin null cells were impaired in terms of their proliferation, migration and anchorage-independent growth. A total of 21 altered proteins were identified, which included 18 proteins that had not previously been reported to be related to gankyrin. Notably, eight metastasis-related proteins were identified. Western blot analyses confirmed that the changes in three examined proteins were consistent with 2-DE gel analysis. Conclusions In summary, we have generated a useful cell tool to clarify the functions of gankyrin. Our proteomic data provide novel information to better understand the roles and underlying mechanisms by which gankyrin is involved in tumorigenesis and cancer metastasis.

Abstract Background Herb mixtures are widely used as an alternative to hormonal therapy in China for treatment of the menopausal syndrome. However, composition of these herb mixtures are complex and their working mechanism is often unknown. This study investigated the effect of Tiáo-Gēng-Tāng (TG-decoction), a Chinese herbal mixture extract, in balancing female hormones, regulating expression of estrogen receptors (ERs), and preventing aging-related tissue damage. Methods Ovariectomized 5-month-old female rats were used to model menopause and treated with either TG-decoction or conjugated estrogen for 8 weeks. Estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured in serum and in the hypothalamus. Hypothalamic expression of estrogen receptor (ER) alpha and beta were studied by real-time PCR and western blotting. Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), oxidation indicator superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and tissue damage parameter malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured using standard assays. Aging-related ultrastructural alterations in mitochondria were studied in all animals by transmission electron microscopy. Results TG-decoction-treatment elevated E2 and lowered FSH in serum of ovariectomized rats. The potency and efficacy of TG-decoction on the hypothalamus was generally weaker than that of conjugated estrogens. However, TG-decoction was superior in upregulating expression of ERα and β. TG-decoction increased hypothalamic SOD and T-AOC levels and decreased MDAlevels and mitochondrial damage in hypothalamic neurons. Conclusions TG-decoction balances female hormones similarly to conjugated estrogens but less effectively. However, it is superior in up regulating ERα and β and exhibits antioxidative antiaging activities. Whilst it shares similar effects with estrogen, TG-decoction also seems to have distinctive and more complex functions and activities.