bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on surgical neuro-oncology multi-disciplinary team decision making: a national survey (COVID-CNSMDT Study)
Authors: Price Stephen John , Joannides Alexis , Plaha Puneet , Afshari Fardad Taghizadeh , Albanese Erminia , Barua Neil U , Chan Huan Wee , Critchley Giles , Flannery Thomas , Fountain Daniel M , Mathew Ryan K , Piper Rory J , Poon Michael TC , Rajaraman Chittoor , Rominiyi Ola , Smith Stuart , Solomou Georgios , Solth Anna , Surash Surash , Wykes Victoria , Watts Colin , Bulbeck Helen , Hutchinson Peter , Jenkinson Michael D
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Pressures on healthcare systems due to COVID-19 has impacted patients without COVID-19 with surgery disproportionally affected. This study aims to understand the impact on the initial management of patients with brain tumours by measuring changes to normal multidisciplinary team (MDT) decision making.

Design

A prospective survey performed in UK neurosurgical units performed from 23 March 2020 until 24 April 2020.

Setting

Regional neurosurgical units outside London (as the pandemic was more advanced at time of study).

Participants

Representatives from all units were invited to collect data on new patients discussed at their MDT meetings during the study period. Each unit decided if management decision for each patient had changed due to COVID-19.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcome measures included number of patients where the decision to undergo surgery changed compared with standard management usually offered by that MDT. Secondary outcome measures included changes in surgical extent, numbers referred to MDT, number of patients denied surgery not receiving any treatment and reasons for any variation across the UK.

Results

18 units (75%) provided information from 80 MDT meetings that discussed 1221 patients. 10.7% of patients had their management changed—the majority (68%) did not undergo surgery and more than half of this group not undergoing surgery had no active treatment. There was marked variation across the UK (0%–28% change in management). Units that did not change management could maintain capacity with dedicated oncology lists. Low volume units were less affected.

Conclusion

COVID-19 has had an impact on patients requiring surgery for malignant brain tumours, with patients receiving different treatments—most commonly not receiving surgery or any treatment at all. The variations show dedicated cancer operating lists may mitigate these pressures.

Study registration

This study was registered with the Royal College of Surgeons of England’s COVID-19 Research Group (https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/coronavirus/rcs-covid-research-group/).
What effective ways of motivation, support and technologies help people with cystic fibrosis improve and sustain adherence to treatment?
Authors: Calthorpe Rebecca J , Smith Sherie J , Rowbotham Nicola J , Leighton Paul A , Davies Gwyneth , Daniels Tracey , Gathercole Katie , Allen Lorna , Elliott Zoe C , Smyth Alan R
Published: August 2020

Introduction

“What effective ways of motivation, support and technologies help people with cystic fibrosis improve and sustain adherence to treatment?” was identified as one of the James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership’s top 10 research questions in cystic fibrosis (CF). Using electronic questionnaires, we aimed to gain a deeper understanding of this research priority.

Method

The work was led by the steering group representative of the UK CF community consisting of patients, carers and healthcare professionals (HCPs). Electronic questionnaires were completed over a 4-week period and promoted via online forums such as Twitter, the UK CF Trust and US CF Foundation websites and via professional networks. Analysis of the closed questions was completed using Microsoft Excel, with keyword analysis and the final thematic analysis completed using NVivo software.

Results

There were 313 respondents; 176/313 (56%) were from people with CF and their families. HCPs comprised of 10 professional groups accounting for 137/313 (44%) of respondents, with global involvement of participants with the majority from the UK. Common themes identified as impacting on adherence included: having no time, treatment burden, competing life demands, fatigue and the patient’s general health. Having a routine was identified as the most frequently used motivational strategy, valued by both the patient and professional community. However, some strategies were valued more by HCPs than used in practice by patients; these included the use of short-term goal setting and technology use.

Conclusion

Adherence to treatment is crucial, however it is often suboptimal and strategies valued by HCPs to promote adherence are not always shared by patients. To promote adherence clinicians and researchers should be mindful that in a condition where treatment burden and time pressures are considerable, any interventions should focus on simplifying care and reducing treatment burden.
Variation in CT use for paediatric head injuries across different types of emergency departments in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Wilson Catherine L , Tavender Emma J , Phillips Natalie T , Hearps Stephen JC , Foster Kelly , O'Brien Sharon L , Borland Meredith L , Watkins Gina O , McLeod Lorna , Putland Mark , Priestley Stephen , Brabyn Christine , Ballard Dustin W , Craig Simon , Dalziel Stuart R , Oakley Ed , Babl Franz E
Published: August 2020

Objectives

CT of the brain (CTB) for paediatric head injury is used less frequently at tertiary paediatric emergency departments (EDs) in Australia and New Zealand than in North America. In preparation for release of a national head injury guideline and given the high variation in CTB use found in North America, we aimed to assess variation in CTB use for paediatric head injury across hospitals types.

Methods

Multicentre retrospective review of presentations to tertiary, urban/suburban and regional/rural EDs in Australia and New Zealand in 2016. Children aged <16 years, with a primary ED diagnosis of head injury were included and data extracted from 100 eligible cases per site. Primary outcome was CTB use adjusted for severity (Glasgow Coma Scale) with 95% CIs; secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay and admission rate.

Results

There were 3072 head injury presentations at 31 EDs: 9 tertiary (n=900), 11 urban/suburban (n=1072) and 11 regional/rural EDs (n=1100). The proportion of children with Glasgow Coma Score ≤13 was 1.3% in each type of hospital. Among all presentations, CTB was performed for 8.2% (95% CI 6.4 to 10.0) in tertiary hospitals, 6.6% (95% CI 5.1 to 8.1) in urban/suburban hospitals and 6.1% (95% CI 4.7 to 7.5) in regional/rural. Intragroup variation of CTB use ranged from 0% to 14%. The regional/rural hospitals admitted fewer patients (14.6%, 95% CI 12.6% to 16.9%, p<0.001) than tertiary and urban/suburban hospitals (28.1%, 95% CI 25.2% to 31.2%; 27.3%, 95% CI 24.7% to 30.1%).

Conclusions

In Australia and New Zealand, there was no difference in CTB use for paediatric patients with head injuries across tertiary, urban/suburban and regional/rural EDs with similar intragroup variation. This information can inform a binational head injury guideline.
Construction of a reference material panel for detectingKRAS/NRAS/EGFR/BRAF/METmutations in plasma ctDNA
Authors: Xu Jun , Qu Shoufang , Sun Nan , Zhang Wenxin , Zhang Juanli , Song Qingtao , Lin Mufei , Gao Wei , Zheng Qiaosong , Han Mipeng , Na Chenglong , Xu Ren , Chang Xiaoyan , Yang Xuexi , Huang Jie
Published: August 2020

Background

The absence of high-quality next-generation sequencing (NGS) reference material (RM) has impeded the clinical use of liquid biopsies with plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in China.

Objective

This study aimed to develop a national RM panel for external quality assessment and performance evaluation during kit registration of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)-related Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS)/neuroblastoma ras oncogene (NRAS)/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/B-type Raf kinase (BRAF)/mesenchymal–epithelial transition factor (MET) genetic assays using plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA).

Methods

Mutation cell lines detected by NGS and validated by Sanger sequencing were selected to establish the RM. Cell line genomic DNA was sheared and used to spike basal plasma cfDNA at 10% concentration. Then, the calibration accuracy was determined by four sequencing platforms. Average values were adopted and diluted to 0.1%, 0.3%, 1% and 3% concentrations with basal plasma as the RM panel. Then, five manufacturers were invited to evaluate the performance of the RM panel.

Results

20 cell lines with 23 clinically important mutations were selected, including six mutations inKRAS, two mutations inNRAS, three inBRAF, four in phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA), six inEGFR, oneEGFRGain (4-5 copy) andone METGain (2-5 copy). The RM panel consisted of 87 samples, including these 21 mutations at four concentrations (0.1%, 0.3%, 1% and 3%), oneMETgain, oneEGFRgain and one wild type. The detection rate was 100% for the 3%, 1% and 0.3% samples at all five companies. For the 0.1% concentration, 15 samples had inconsistent results, but at least three companies had correct results for each mutation.

Conclusion

RM for aKRAS/NRAS/EGFR/BRAF/METmutation panel for plasma ctDNA was developed, which will be essential for quality control of the performance of independent laboratories.
Advanced pathological study for definite diagnosis of mitochondrial cardiomyopathy
Authors: Takeda Atsuhito , Murayama Kei , Okazaki Yasushi , Imai-Okazaki Atsuko , Ohtake Akira , Takakuwa Emi , Yamazawa Hirokuni , Izumi Gaku , Abe Jiro , Nagai Ayako , Taniguchi Kota , Sasaki Daisuke , Tsujioka Takao , Basgen John M
Published: August 2020

Aims

Mitochondrial cardiomyopathy (MCM) is difficult to make a definite diagnosis because of various cardiovascular phenotypes and no diagnostic criteria in the pathology examination. We aim to add myocardial pathology to the diagnostic criteria for mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders.

Methods

Quantitative analysis of mitochondria using electron microscopy and immunohistopathological analysis with respiratory chain enzyme antibodies were performed in 11 patients with hypertrophic or restrictive cardiomyopathy who underwent endomyocardial biopsy for possible MCM . Respiratory chain enzymatic assay in biopsied myocardium and genetic studies were also performed in all the subjects to define MCM.

Results

Four patients were diagnosed with MCM according to the recent criteria of mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders. Using electron microscopy with quantitative analysis, the volume density of mitochondria within cardiac muscle cells was significantly increased in the MCM group compared with the non-MCM group (p=0.007). Immunohistopathological results were compatible with the result of the respiratory chain enzymatic assay.

Conclusions

Pathological diagnosis of MCM could be confirmed by a quantitative study of electron microscopy and immunohistopathological analysis using the mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme subunit antibody.
Open quantum entanglement: a study of two atomic system in static patch of de Sitter space
Authors: Akhtar Samim , Choudhury Sayantan , Chowdhury Satyaki , Goswami Debopam , Panda Sudhakar , Swain Abinash
Published: August 2020

In this work, our prime objective is to study non-locality and long range effect of two body correlation using quantum entanglement from various information theoretic measure in the static patch of de Sitter space using a two body Open Quantum System (OQS). The OQS is described by a system of two entangled atoms, surrounded by a thermal bath, which is modelled by a massless probe scalar field. Firstly, we partially trace over the bath field and construct the Gorini Kossakowski Sudarshan Lindblad (GSKL) master equation, which describes the time evolution of the reduced subsystem density matrix. This GSKL master equation is characterized by two components, these are-Spin chain interaction Hamiltonian and the Lindbladian. To fix the form of both of them, we compute the Wightman functions for probe massless scalar field. Using this result alongwith the large time equilibrium behaviour we obtain the analytical solution for reduced density matrix. Further using this solution we evaluate various entanglement measures, namely Von-Neumann entropy, R$$e'$$e′nyi entropy, logarithmic negativity, entanglement of formation, concurrence and quantum discord for the two atomic subsystem on the static patch of De-Sitter space. Finally, we have studied violation of Bell-CHSH inequality, which is the key ingredient to study non-locality in primordial cosmology.
Braces of order p2q
Authors: Dietzel Carsten
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we classify the left braces of order [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] are primes fulfilling [Formula: see text]. This classification includes a proof of three conjectures of Guarnieri and Vendramin concerning the number of isomorphism classes of left braces of order [Formula: see text] for certain values of [Formula: see text].
KINEMATICS AND INJURY MECHANISM OF CYCLIST LOWER LIMB IN VEHICLE-TO-BICYCLE COLLISIONS
Authors: TAN ZHENG , GUO YINGFU , LI GUIBING , YAN LINGBO
Published: August 2020

Accident data show that lower limb is one of the most frequently injured body parts for cyclists in vehicle collisions. However, studies of cyclist lower limb injuries and protection are still sparse. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the kinematics and injury mechanism of cyclist lower limb in vehicle-to-bicycle collisions considering different impact boundary conditions. To achieve this, the finite element (FE) modeling approach and an FE human body lower limb model with detailed muscles were employed, and impact boundary conditions with different vehicle front-end shapes and cycling postures were considered. Predictions of lower limb kinematics, knee ligament elongation and bending moment of upper and lower leg were used for analysis. The simulation results show that cycling posture has a significant influence on cyclist lower limb kinematics and injury risk, lateral bending toward the direction of vehicle or vehicle moving combining with lateral shearing is the main mechanism for cyclist knee ligament injuries, and injuries to long bones of cyclist leg in vehicle impacts could form lateral bending at both directions. The findings suggest that the influence of cycling posture and distinct difference in injury mechanism between cyclist and pedestrian should be considered in the assessment of vehicle safety design for cyclist lower limb protection.
Entanglement distribution between quantum repeater nodes with an absorptive type memory
Authors: Yoshida Daisuke , Niizeki Kazuya , Tamura Shuhei , Horikiri Tomoyuki
Published: August 2020

Quantum repeaters, which are indispensable for long-distance quantum communication, are necessary for extending the entanglement from short distance to long distance; however, high-rate entanglement distribution, even between adjacent repeater nodes, has not been realized. In a recent work by [C. Jones et al., New J. Phys. 18 (2016) 083015], the entanglement distribution rate between adjacent repeater nodes was calculated for a plurality of quantum dots, nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, and trapped ions adopted as quantum memories inside the repeater nodes. Considering practical use, arranging a plurality of quantum memories becomes so difficult with the state-of-the art technology. It is desirable that high-rate entanglement distribution is realized with as few memory crystals as possible. Here, we propose new entanglement distribution scheme with one quantum memory based on the atomic frequency comb which enables temporal multimode operation with one crystal. The adopted absorptive-type quantum memory degrades the difficulty of multimode operation compared with the previously investigated quantum memories directly generating spin-photon entanglement. It is shown that this scheme improves the distribution rate by nearly two orders of magnitude compared with the result in [C. Jones et al., New J. Phys. 18 (2016) 083015] and the experimental implementation is close by utilizing state-of-the-art technology.
"I Cannot Do All of This Alone"
Authors: Smith C. Estelle , Levonian Zachary , Ma Haiwei , Giaquinto Robert , Lein-Mcdonough Gemma , Li Zixuan , O’conner-Von Susan , Yarosh Svetlana
Published: August 2020

Instrumental support is critical for patients and family caregivers facing life-threatening illnesses, injuries, or chronic conditions (e.g., cancer). We partner with CaringBridge.org—a prominent online health community for journaling about health crises—to conduct a study of instrumental support in the following two phases: a content analysis of 641 journal updates; and a survey of 991 users. Quantitative results show that: (1) patients and family caregivers prefer to receive different types of support than their care networks prefer to provide; (2) people generally have more trust in their closest social connections than acquaintances or businesses to provide instrumental support; and (3) users rate “prayer support” as the most important support category to them. Building on these results, we discuss design implications to accommodate divergent preferences and to expand instrumental support networks. We also discuss the need for future work to empower family caregivers and to support spirituality, an understudied topic in HCI.
Dynamic Splitting Tensile Properties and Failure Mechanism of Layered Slate
Authors: Liu Yunsi , He Chushao , Wang Shiming , Peng Yaxiong , Lei Yong
Published: August 2020

Dynamic tensile failure is one of the main failure modes of layered rock masses during the excavation of underground engineering. This study investigates the influence of loading rate and layered inclination angle on the mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of layered slate using a split‐Hopkinson pressure bar system and high‐speed cameras. The results show that, overall, the dynamic elastic modulus E, postpeak stress reduction rate K, and failure load of the discs with the 7 tested bedding angles increase with the increasing loading rate. A nonlinear formula is proposed to describe the relationship between loading rate and failure load for the 7 tested inclination angles. As the inclination angle of the bedding planes increases from 0° to 90°, both the static and dynamic failure loads of the slate increased. However, with increasing loading rate, the anisotropic influence coefficient N ranges from 3.25 under the static load to 1.35 under the dynamic load, and the bedding effect gradually decreases. From the dynamic Brazilian splitting tests, the failure of the discs is mainly observed along the bedding planes when the inclination angle is less than or equal to 45°. Failure of the discs mainly occurs along the centre of the disc and previously intact planes when the inclination angle is greater than 60°. This study provides significant data to evaluate the mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of layered rock and the safety and stability of layered rock under dynamic loading.
Massive Spinning Relativistic Particle: Revisited under BRST and Supervariable Approaches
Authors: Tripathi A. , Chauhan B. , Rao A. K. , Malik R. P.
Published: August 2020

We discuss the continuous and infinitesimal gauge, supergauge, reparameterization, nilpotent Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST), and anti-BRST symmetries and derive corresponding nilpotent charges for the one 0+1-dimensional (1D) massive model of a spinning relativistic particle. We exploit the theoretical potential and power of the BRST and supervariable approaches to derive the (anti-)BRST symmetries and coupled (but equivalent) Lagrangians for this system. In particular, we capture the off-shell nilpotency and absolute anticommutativity of the conserved (anti-)BRST charges within the framework of the newly proposed (anti-)chiral supervariable approach (ACSA) to BRST formalism where only the (anti-)chiral supervariables (and their suitable super expansions) are taken into account along the Grassmannian direction(s). One of the novel observations of our present investigation is the derivation of the Curci-Ferrari- (CF-) type restriction by the requirement of the absolute anticommutativity of the (anti-)BRST charges in the ordinary space. We obtain the same restriction within the framework of ACSA to BRST formalism by (i) the symmetry invariance of the coupled Lagrangians and (ii) the proof of the absolute anticommutativity of the conserved and nilpotent (anti-)BRST charges. The observation of the anticommutativity property of the (anti-)BRST charges is a novel result in view of the fact that we have taken into account only the (anti-)chiral super expansions.
Nonisothermal Kinetic Analysis and AC Conductivity for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)/Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanocomposite
Authors: AlFannakh Huda
Published: August 2020

The behavior of polyvinyl chlorine (PVC)/zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles was investigated. To improve the dispersion and distribution of zinc nanoparticles within the host polymer (PVC), they were treated with water before being added to the polymer. The nanocomposite samples were prepared by casting method using different weight ratios of ZnO nanoparticles. The prepared nanocomposite samples were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Both thermal stability and kinetic analysis of the prepared samples were investigated. The ZnO nanoparticles lower the activation energy and decrease the thermal stability of PVC. Kissinger, Flynn-Wall-Ozawa, and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose models were used in the nonisothermal kinetic analysis of PVC/ZnO nanocomposite samples. The thermal stability behavior due to the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles was explained and correlated with the behavior of the kinetic parameters of the samples. The AC conductivity as function of frequency and temperature was also investigated. The addition of ZnO nanoparticle increases the AC conductivity, and the temperature-independent region decreased by increasing temperature. Both S and A coefficients were predicted using the Jonscher power law and OriginLab software. The trends of S and A coefficients were discussed based on the glass transition of the host polymer.
Concentrated Growth Factor: A Novel Platelet Concentrate for Revascularization of Immature Permanent Teeth—A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Nivedhitha M. S. , Jacob Benoy , Ranganath Aishwarya
Published: August 2020

This article elucidates the utilization of a novel platelet concentrate-concentrated growth factor (CGF) for rapid and successful healing outcome in regenerative endodontics. This case report focusses on two cases: 23-year-old and 21-year-old patients with incomplete root formation and periapical lesion. Case 1 and case 2 are classified as stage IV and stage II, respectively, in accordance with Cvek’s classification of open apex and had varied outcomes. The extent of open apex, root dentin thickness, and lesion were assessed using periapical radiograph and CBCT. Revascularization procedure was carried out after obtaining patient consent. Following bleeding induction, CGF was prepared, placed, and condensed using pluggers in the root canal space, followed by the placement of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) up to the level of CEJ. At 1-year follow-up, apical closure with increased root dentin thickness and reduced periapical radiolucency was evident.
Cleaner Production Quality Regulation Strategy of Pharmaceutical with Collusive Behavior and Patient Feedback
Authors: Rong Junmei , Zhu Lilong
Published: August 2020

The quality of pharmaceuticals has always been a hot issue in the world, and it involves public health, economic development of countries, social stability, and national security. Cleaner production is a prerequisite for ensuring the quality of medicines. However, the various types of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and fake vaccines exposed in the recent years have revealed many problems, such as lacking government regulation, loose quality management of companies, illegal profit of medical service agencies, and failure of patient complaints. This paper’s two innovations are as follows: first, it not only considers the collusion between pharmaceutical companies and medical service agencies, but also introduces patient feedback to study drug quality regulation strategies from a microperspective; second, this paper constructs a tripartite evolutionary game model involving cleaner production pharmaceutical companies, medical service agencies, and the governments to analyze the evolutionary stability using the Lyapunov first rule. The results of the research show that, first, improvement of patient complaint rates can effectively curb collusive behavior and promote the stable improvement of cleaner production drug quality; second, the governments must impose sufficient fines on pharmaceutical companies to avoid a stable strategic combination of collusion; third, enhancing patient feedback can speed up the evolution of the stable choice of legitimate strategies by pharmaceutical companies and the medical service agencies; finally, the government reducing the strict regulation costs can increase the strict regulation rate employed in the evolution process and slow down the pace of evolution to loose regulation. In addition, the simulation analysis was carried out using Matlab 2017b, which verified the validity of the model and proved the practical meaning of countermeasures and suggestions for improving government quality regulation.
First Permanent Molar Caries and Oral Health Practices in Saudi Male Teenagers: Inequalities by Socioeconomic Position
Authors: Bakhurji Eman , Gaffar Balgis , Nazir Muhammad , Al-Khalifa Khalifa , Al-Ansari Asim
Published: August 2020

Objectives. Caries remains a problem in high-risk groups aggravated by socioeconomic inequalities. The study aimed to investigate (1) oral health practices associated with caries in the 1st permanent molars in Saudi male teenagers and (2) the impact of socioeconomic position (SEP) on caries control using these practices. Methods. A cross-sectional study targeted 1137 male teenagers in intermediate schools in Khobar and Dammam, Saudi Arabia, in 2016. Caries was examined using the World Health Organization criteria and plaque was assessed using the plaque index of Loe and Silness. A questionnaire assessed SEP (parental education, employment, and home ownership) and oral health practices (using fluoridated toothpaste twice daily, regular dental visits for check-ups, and avoiding daily sugary snacks). Regression models analysed the association of these factors with caries presence and the mean number of decayed 1st permanent molars. Stratification was used to assess differences between SEP levels. Results. The response rate was 81.7%. Caries prevalence and mean (SD) number of decayed 1st permanent molars were 50.4% and 1.08 (1.31). The use of fluoride toothpaste was associated with lower odds of caries and fewer decayed molars (OR = 0.50 and regression coefficient = −0.35). Differences in the relationship between caries and toothpaste were observed by SEP levels with stronger associations in less advantaged groups. Conclusions. Brushing twice daily using fluoride toothpaste was associated with less caries in Saudi male teenagers with stronger association observed in groups with lower SEP. The use of fluoride toothpaste helps in reducing health inequalities associated with SEP.
Computational Simulation and Modeling of Freak Waves Based on Longuet-Higgins Model and Its Electromagnetic Scattering Calculation
Authors: Wu Gengkun , Liu Chuanxi , Liang Yongquan
Published: August 2020

In order to solve the weak nonlinear problem in the simulation of strong nonlinear freak waves, an improved phase modulation method is proposed based on the Longuet-Higgins model and the comparative experiments of wave spectrum in this paper. Experiments show that this method can simulate the freak waves at fixed time and fixed space coordinates. In addition, by comparing the target wave spectrum and the freak wave measured in Tokai of Japan from the perspective of B-F instability and spectral peakedness, it is proved that the waveform of the simulated freak waves can not only maintain the spectral structure of the target ocean wave spectrum, but also accord with the statistical characteristics of the wave sequences. Then, based on the Kirchhoff approximation method and the modified Two-Scale Method, the electromagnetic scattering model of the simulated freak waves is established, and the normalized radar cross section (NRCS) of the freak waves and their background sea surfaces is analyzed. The calculation results show that the NRCS of the freak waves is usually smaller than their large-scale background sea surfaces. It can be concluded that when the neighborhood NRCS difference is less than or equal to −12 dB, we can determine where the freak waves are.
Deep Learning Algorithms and Multicriteria Decision-Making Used in Big Data: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Yang Mei , Nazir Shah , Xu Qingshan , Ali Shaukat
Published: August 2020

The data are ever increasing with the increase in population, communication of different devices in networks, Internet of Things, sensors, actuators, and so on. This increase goes into different shapes such as volume, velocity, variety, veracity, and value extracting meaningful information and insights, all are challenging tasks and burning issues. Decision-making based on multicriteria is one of the most critical issues solving ways to select the most suitable decision among a number of alternatives. Deep learning algorithms and multicriteria-based decision-making have effective applications in big data. Derivations are made based on the use of deep algorithms and multicriteria. Due to its effectiveness and potentiality, it is exploited in several domains such as computer science and information technology, agriculture, and business sector. The aim of the proposed study is to present a systematic literature study in order to show the applications of deep learning algorithms and multicriteria decision approaches for the problems of big data. The research finds novel means to make the decision support system for the problems of big data using multiple criteria in integration with machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches.
Some Bounds of Weighted Entropies with Augmented Zagreb Index Edge Weights
Authors: Huang Yujie , Mutee-ur-Rehman Hafiz , Nazeer Saima , Afzal Deeba , Qiang Xiaoli
Published: August 2020

The graph entropy was proposed by Körner in the year 1973 when he was studying the problem of coding in information theory. The foundation of graph entropy is in information theory, but it was demonstrated to be firmly identified with some established and often examined graph-theoretic ideas. For instance, it gives an equal definition to a graph to be flawless, and it can likewise be connected to acquire lower bounds in graph covering problems. The objective of this study is to solve the open problem suggested by Kwun et al. in 2018. In this paper, we study the weighted graph entropy by taking augmented Zagreb edge weight and give bounds of it for regular, connected, bipartite, chemical, unicyclic, etc., graphs. Moreover, we compute the weighted graph entropy of certain nanotubes and plot our results to see dependence of weighted entropy on involved parameters.
An Improved Analytical Method for Vibration Analysis of Variable Section Beam
Authors: Feng Jingjing , Chen Zhengneng , Hao Shuying , Zhang Kunpeng
Published: August 2020

The variable section structure could be the physical model of many vibration problems, and its analysis becomes more complicated either. It is very important to know how to obtain the exact solution of the modal function and the natural frequency effectively. In this paper, a general analytical method, based on segmentation view and iteration calculation, is proposed to obtain the modal function and natural frequency of the beam with an arbitrary variable section. In the calculation, the section function of the beam is considered as an arbitrary function directly, and then the result is obtained by the proposed method that could have high precision. In addition, the total amount of calculation caused by high-order Taylor expansion is reduced greatly by comparing with the original Adomian decomposition method (ADM). Several examples of the typical beam with different variable sections are calculated to show the excellent calculation accuracy and convergence of the proposed method. The correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified also by comparing the results of the several kinds of the theoretical method, finite element simulation, and experimental method.
Input-to-State Stabilization of a Class of Uncertain Nonlinear Systems via Observer-Based Event-Triggered Impulsive Control
Authors: Xing Xiangru , Zhang Jin-E
Published: August 2020

This article concerns the problem of input-to-state stabilization for a group of uncertain nonlinear systems equipped with nonabsolutely available states and exogenous disturbances. To appropriately cope with these partially measurable state variables as well as dramatically minimize controller updating burden and communication costs, an event-triggered mechanism is skillfully devised and an observer-based impulsive controller with the combination of sample control is correspondingly presented. By resorting to the iterative method and Lyapunov technology, some sufficient criteria are established to guarantee the input-to-state stability of the newly uncertain controlled system under the employed controller, in which an innovative approximation condition as to the uncertain term is proposed and the linear matrix inequality technique is utilized for restraining sophisticated parameter uncertainties. Furthermore, the Zeno behavior in the proposed event-triggered strategy is excluded. The control gains and event-triggered mechanism parameters are conjointly designed by resolving some inequalities of linear matrix. Eventually, the availability and feasibility of the achieved theoretical works are elucidated by two simulation examples.
Semiclassical Solutions for a Kind of Coupled Schrödinger Equations
Authors: Fan Jinmei , Jiang Yi-rong , Zhang Qiongfen
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we are concerned with the following coupled Schrödinger equations −λ2Δu+a1xu=cxv+a2xup−2u+a3xu2∗−2u,x∈ℝN,−λ2Δv+b1xv=cxu+b2xvp−2v+b3xv2∗−2v,x∈ℝN, where 2
0 is a parameter; and a1,a2,a3,b1,b2,b3,c∈CℝN,ℝ and u,v∈H1ℝN. Under some suitable conditions that a10=infa1=0 or b10=infb1=0 and cx2≤ϑa1xb1x with ϑ∈0,1, the above coupled Schrödinger system possesses nontrivial solutions if λ∈0,λ0, where λ0 is related to a1,a2,a3,b1,b2,b3, and N.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibits Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells by Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Mu Mimi , Gao Peiyu , He Jing , Tao Xiangnan , Song Chuanwang
Published: August 2020

Professional phagocytes such as dendritic cells and macrophages can ingest particles larger than 0.5 μm in diameter. Epithelial cells are nonprofessional phagocytes that cannot ingest pathogenic microorganisms, but they can ingest apoptotic cells. Inhibition of the engulfment of apoptotic cells by the airway epithelium can cause severe airway inflammation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenesis‐promoting factor that can mediate allergic airway inflammation and can promote airway epithelial cells (AECs) proliferation, but it is not clear whether it affects the engulfment of apoptotic cells by AECs. In the present study, VEGF inhibited engulfment of apoptotic cells by AECs via binding to VEGF receptor(R)2. This inhibitory effect of VEGF was not influenced by masking of phosphatidylserine (PS) on the surface of apoptotic cells and was partially mediated by the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway. VEGF inhibition of phagocytosis involved polymerization of actin and downregulation of the expression of the phagocytic‐associated protein Beclin‐1 in AECs. Since engulfment of apoptotic cells by AECs is an important mechanism for airway inflammation regression, VEGF inhibition of the engulfment of apoptotic cells by airway epithelial cells may be important for mediating allergic airway inflammation.
Analysis of Coupling Co-Ordination between Intensive Sea Use and the Marine Economy in the Liaoning Coastal Economic Belt of China
Authors: Liu Xuefei , Ke Lina , Zhuang Hanyue , Yang Xiaoyu , Song Nanqi , Wang Song
Published: August 2020

At present, there are few relevant studies on the intensive sea use, and few scholars have provided qualitative and quantitative research examples on the interaction and interaction coupling relationship between intensive sea use and the marine economy. This study constructs comprehensive evaluation indicator systems using the Liaoning Coastal Economic Belt as the research object. The set pair analysis method is used to obtain comprehensive results, and the coupling coordination degree model is employed to carry out an in-depth analysis of the spatiotemporal characteristics of the interaction between intensive sea use and the marine economy. The results show the following. (1) The six cities in the Liaoning Coastal Economic Belt exhibited a fluctuating upward trend in the composite index for intensive sea use, but the intensive sea use level differed among the cities. The intensive sea use level of Huludao was the lowest among the six cities. (2) All cities in the Liaoning Coastal Economic Belt witnessed an upward trend in the marine economy development index, and the gaps between the cities gradually narrowed. The marine economy development index was ranked from top to bottom as follows: Jinzhou, Panjin, Dalian, Yingkou, Dandong, and Huludao. (3)The coupling coordination degree between intensive sea use and marine economy development was relatively stable in Dalian, Jinzhou, Yingkou, and Panjin, ranging approximately from 0.76 to 0.96, which indicates that the four cities witnessed good coordination between sea area utilization and marine economy development. The coupling coordination degree of Dandong and Huludao were relatively low, and Huludao consistently witnessed a low value.
Global Mittag–Leffler Stabilization of Fractional-Order BAM Neural Networks with Linear State Feedback Controllers
Authors: Yan Hongyun , Qiao Yuanhua , Duan Lijuan , Zhang Ling
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the global Mittag–Leffler stabilization of fractional-order BAM neural networks is investigated. First, a new lemma is proposed by using basic inequality to broaden the selection of Lyapunov function. Second, linear state feedback control strategies are designed to induce the stability of fractional-order BAM neural networks. Third, based on constructed Lyapunov function, generalized Gronwall-like inequality, and control strategies, several sufficient conditions for the global Mittag–Leffler stabilization of fractional-order BAM neural networks are established. Finally, a numerical simulation is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of our theoretical results.
Outcomes of Radiotherapy for Osseous Echinococcosis of Meriones meridianus
Authors: Ma Chao , Luo Xuefeng , Mahan Wuluhan , Tang Yahui , Duan Yun , Mao Rui , Xie Zengru
Published: August 2020

Background. Osseous cyst echinococcosis (CE) is an infectious disease that causes disability and deformity in patients, yet there is still no satisfactory treatment. Focusing on the feasibility and prognosis of radiotherapy as an adjuvant or palliative treatment for osseous CE, this study investigated the outcome of Meriones meridianus with osseous CE after radiotherapy. Methods. The study utilized a comparison control group design with three groups of gerbils, and 240 osseous CE gerbils were randomly divided into control, 40Gy/5times, and 50Gy/5times groups. Different doses of radiotherapy were given to the gerbils, and then, the effects of radiotherapy on gerbils and lesions were observed at 3 and 6 months after radiotherapy. Statistical analysis was done using χ2 test, unpaired t‐test, and one‐way ANOVA. Results. Significant changes (P < 0.05) were achieved between the three groups in terms of seven parameters at 3 and 6 months, including the number of dead gerbils and lesion sites with ulceration and infection, number of dead scolices, protein content, Ca2+ concentration, the maximum diameter of lesion site, and wet weight of cysts. Except for the number of dead gerbils and lesion sites with ulceration and infection, all other parameters were observed a big difference between 3 months and 6 months in the 50Gy/5times group. Conclusion. Radiotherapy at a dose of 50 Gy has inhibitory and therapeutic effects on osseous CE in gerbils, and radiotherapy could probably be a treatment option for persistent or recurrent osseous CE.
Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake and Associated Factors among HIV-Positive Women in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dessalegn Mekonnen Birye
Published: August 2020

Background. Women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are more likely to develop an increased risk of invasive cervical cancer. Morbidity and mortality due to cervical cancer could be reduced with early detection through cervical screening. Though uptake of cervical screening was investigated in Ethiopia, inconsistent findings were reported. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to estimate the pooled prevalence of cervical cancer screening uptake among HIV-positive women and its associated factors in Ethiopia. Methods. A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library was conducted. The data were extracted using a standardized data extraction format. Statistical analysis was done using the STATA, version 14, software. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using the I2 test. Funnel plots and Egger’s test were used to check publication bias. A random effects model was computed to estimate the pooled prevalence of cervical cancer screening uptake. Moreover, pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to determine the association of identified determinant factors with cervical cancer screening uptake. Results. A total of 10358 studies were retrieved, and 7 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of cervical cancer screening uptake among HIV-positive women in Ethiopia was 18.17% (95% CI : 11.23, 25.10) with exhibited heterogeneity (I2 = 96.6%; p<0.001). Educational status of women (AOR = 3.50; 95% CI : 1.85, 6.07), knowledge of women on cervical cancer (AOR = 3.26; 95% CI : 2.50, 4.43), and perceived susceptibility (AOR = 3.26; 95% CI : 2.26, 4.26) were significantly associated with cervical cancer screening uptake among HIV-positive women. Conclusion. The uptake of cervical cancer screening among HIV-positive women in Ethiopia was low. The findings of this study suggest the need to improve the existing national strategies of cervical cancer screening so as to strengthen reproductive health education and promotion, in addition to providing screening services. Furthermore, cervical screening service should be integrated to the routine care and treatment, so that HIV-positive women can get counseling services in every clinical contact.
A New Approach for Measuring the Resilience of Transport Infrastructure Networks
Authors: Wang Liang , Xue Xiaolong , Zhou Xun
Published: August 2020

Resilience is an important property of transport infrastructure networks. Resilient transport infrastructure networks can retain the performance in case of disturbances and quickly recover to the original performance level after the disturbances. This study proposes a new approach that can measure the resilience of transport infrastructure networks. The new approach gives a unified conceptual framework for measuring the resilience of transport infrastructure networks. A network simulation-based method is used to analyze the influential factors of transport infrastructure network resilience. A new measuring method is developed based on network diversity characteristic to quantitatively measure the system resilience and node resilience of transport infrastructure networks. China railway and air transport networks are selected as a case study to applicability of new approach. This new approach provides strong supports for academic and industrial fields to measure, analyze, enhance, and optimize the resilience of transport infrastructure networks.
A Novel Hybrid CNN-LSTM Scheme for Nitrogen Oxide Emission Prediction in FCC Unit
Authors: He Wei , Li Jufeng , Tang Zhihe , Wu Beng , Luan Hui , Chen Chong , Liang Huaqing
Published: August 2020

Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC), a key unit for secondary processing of heavy oil, is one of the main pollutant emissions of NOx in refineries which can be harmful for the human health. Owing to its complex behaviour in reaction, product separation, and regeneration, it is difficult to accurately predict NOx emission during FCC process. In this paper, a novel deep learning architecture formed by integrating Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Long Short-Term Memory Network (LSTM) for nitrogen oxide emission prediction is proposed and validated. CNN is used to extract features among multidimensional data. LSTM is employed to identify the relationships between different time steps. The data from the Distributed Control System (DCS) in one refinery was used to evaluate the performance of the proposed architecture. The results indicate the effectiveness of CNN-LSTM in handling multidimensional time series datasets with the RMSE of 23.7098, and the R2 of 0.8237. Compared with previous methods (CNN and LSTM), CNN-LSTM overcomes the limitation of high-quality feature dependence and handles large amounts of high-dimensional data with better efficiency and accuracy. The proposed CNN-LSTM scheme would be a beneficial contribution to the accurate and stable prediction of irregular trends for NOx emission from refining industry, providing more reliable information for NOx risk assessment and management.
Can the Onset of Atrophic Age-Related Macular Degeneration Be an Acceptable Endpoint for Preventative Trials?
Authors: Wu Zhichao , Guymer Robyn H.
Published: August 2020

The slowly progressive nature of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) means that establishing the efficacy of novel preventative treatments aiming to slow progression of disease, remains challenging, and where earlier endpoints are needed to improve their feasibility. This review examines whether the onset of atrophic AMD, as seen as anatomical signs on optical coherence tomography termed nascent geographic atrophy, could act as a useful surrogate endpoint for early intervention trials.
Clinical Protocols for the Evaluation of Rod Function
Authors: Stingl Krunoslav , Stingl Katarina , Nowomiejska Katarzyna , Kuehlewein Laura , Kohl Susanne , Kempf Melanie , Strasser Torsten , Jung Ronja , Wilhelm Barbara , Peters Tobias , Kelbsch Carina , Bartz-Schmidt Karl Ulrich , Langrova Hana , Zrenner Eberhart
Published: August 2020

This work presents a quick clinical protocol for dark-adapted chromatic (DAC) perimetry as well as a novel clinical tool, scotopic chromatic pupil campimetry (CPC). The goal of the study was to explore the applicability of these methods in a clinical setting, their test-retest repeatability, and the congruence of the results. Local rod sensitivity was assessed at 36 locations within 30° eccentricity of the visual field in 15 healthy subjects (mean age 43 ± 16 years; 7 females and 8 males) with DAC perimetry (red and cyan stimuli) and CPC 2 times in repeated measurements. The duration of individual measurements was 370 ± 5 s for CPC and 366 ± 62 s for DAC perimetry. The intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficient was 0.53 for DAC perimetry cyan stimuli, 0.67 for red stimuli, and 0.93 for CPC. However, the spatial resolution of CPC was substantially smaller than in DAC perimetry. We did not find a correlation of DAC perimetry and CPC measurements on the global or the local level. In comparison to DAC perimetry, CPC shows a superior intervisit repeatability in detecting functional changes in the rod population in an objective way with lower spatial resolution. Our results also indicate that these 2 methods measure the rod function in different ways and could thus constitute complementary scotopic functional diagnostics.