Load Redistribution-based Reliability Enhancement for Storage Area Networks

Storage area networks (SANs) are one of the prevalent reliable data storage solutions. However, cascading failures triggered by data overloading have become a major threat to SANs, preventing the desired quality of service from being delivered to users. Based on our preliminary works on studying the impacts of data loading on the reliability performance of SANs, this paper advances the state of the art by implementing node degree-based load redistribution strategies to enhance the SAN reliability, thus mitigating or even preventing the occurrence of cascading failures during the mission time. Load-based and reliability-based node selection rules are considered, which choose nodes with the highest load level and the lowest reliability for load redistribution, respectively. The relationship between data loading and reliability of an individual SAN component is modeled using the accelerated failure-time model with the power law. The SAN reliability is assessed using a combinatorial decision diagram-based approach. The application and effectiveness of the proposed load redistribution strategies are demonstrated and compared through a case study of an SAN with the mesh topology

Sulforaphane Attenuates Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Rats via Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

Background. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant effects of sulforaphane (SFN) in a rat model of CIN and a cell model of oxidative stress in HK2 cells. Methods. Rats were randomized into four groups (n=6 per group): control group, Ioversol group (Ioversol-induced CIN), Ioversol + SFN group (CIN rats pretreated with SFN), and SFN group (rats treated with SFN). Renal function tests, malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. Western blot, real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, and immunohistochemical analysis were performed for nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) detection. Results. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and renal tissue MDA were increased after contrast exposure. Serum BUN, creatinine, and renal tissue MDA were decreased in the Ioversol + SFN group as compared with those in the Ioversol group. SFN increased the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in CIN rats and in Ioversol-induced injury HK2 cells. SFN increased cell viability and attenuated ROS level in vitro. Conclusions. SFN attenuates experimental CIN in vitro and in vivo. This effect is suggested to activate the Nrf2 antioxidant defenses pathway

Clinical and radiological characteristics of pediatric COVID-19 before and after the Omicron outbreak: a multi-center study

IntroductionThe emergence of the Omicron variant has seen changes in the clinical and radiological presentations of COVID-19 in pediatric patients. We sought to compare these features between patients infected in the early phase of the pandemic and those during the Omicron outbreak.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on 68 pediatric COVID-19 patients, of which 31 were infected with the original SARS-CoV-2 strain (original group) and 37 with the Omicron variant (Omicron group). Clinical symptoms and chest CT scans were examined to assess clinical characteristics, and the extent and severity of lung involvement.ResultsPediatric COVID-19 patients predominantly had normal or mild chest CT findings. The Omicron group demonstrated a significantly reduced CT severity score than the original group. Ground-glass opacities were the prevalent radiological findings in both sets. The Omicron group presented with fewer symptoms, had milder clinical manifestations, and recovered faster than the original group.DiscussionThe clinical and radiological characteristics of pediatric COVID-19 patients have evolved with the advent of the Omicron variant. For children displaying severe symptoms warranting CT examinations, it is crucial to weigh the implications of ionizing radiation and employ customized scanning protocols and protective measures. This research offers insights into the shifting disease spectrum, aiding in the effective diagnosis and treatment of pediatric COVID-19 patients

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Correction to: Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Approximations of Fuzzy Numbers by Using r-s Piecewise Linear Fuzzy Numbers Based on Weighted Metric

Using simple fuzzy numbers to approximate general fuzzy numbers is an important research aspect of fuzzy number theory and application. The existing results in this field are basically based on the unweighted metric to establish the best approximation method for solving general fuzzy numbers. In order to obtain more objective and reasonable best approximation, in this paper, we use the weighted distance as the evaluation standard to establish a method to solve the best approximation of general fuzzy numbers. Firstly, the conceptions of I-nearest r-s piecewise linear approximation (in short, PLA) and the II-nearest r-s piecewise linear approximation (in short, PLA) are introduced for a general fuzzy number. Then, most importantly, taking weighted metric as a criterion, we obtain a group of formulas to get the I-nearest r-s PLA and the II-nearest r-s PLA. Finally, we also present specific examples to show the effectiveness and usability of the methods proposed in this paper

Approximations of Fuzzy Numbers by Using <i>r</i>-<i>s</i> Piecewise Linear Fuzzy Numbers Based on Weighted Metric

Using simple fuzzy numbers to approximate general fuzzy numbers is an important research aspect of fuzzy number theory and application. The existing results in this field are basically based on the unweighted metric to establish the best approximation method for solving general fuzzy numbers. In order to obtain more objective and reasonable best approximation, in this paper, we use the weighted distance as the evaluation standard to establish a method to solve the best approximation of general fuzzy numbers. Firstly, the conceptions of I-nearest r-s piecewise linear approximation (in short, PLA) and the II-nearest r-s piecewise linear approximation (in short, PLA) are introduced for a general fuzzy number. Then, most importantly, taking weighted metric as a criterion, we obtain a group of formulas to get the I-nearest r-s PLA and the II-nearest r-s PLA. Finally, we also present specific examples to show the effectiveness and usability of the methods proposed in this paper

Extraction of rubidium ion from brine solutions by dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 / ionic liquid system

Separation among rubidium and potassium ions from salt lake brines remains challenging. In this work, a typical room temperature ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-metyhlimidazaolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([C2mim+][NTf2-]) was used as diluent and synergistic extractant, dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 (DCH18C6) was used as extractant to extract rubidium ions from brine solutions which contain high concentrations of potassium ions was investigated. Under the optimal conditions, the single extraction efficiency of rubidium ions was up 93.63%. The thermodynamic parameters of the rubidium ion extraction were obtained. Based on the slope analysis method, the extracted species in the organic phase were ascertained as 1:1 complex. UV-visible has been performed to investigate the ion concentration of ionic liquid before and after the interaction of metal ions and ligands. Rubidium ions in [Rb · DCH18C6]+ complex were stripped by 2.5 mol · L–1 NH4NO3. The extraction system offers high efficiency, simplicity and environmentally friendly application prospect to separate rubidium from brine solutions