bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severe vancomycin-induced thrombocytopenia in a patient with meningitis
Authors: Savchenko Ian , Birg Tatiana , Sharipov Oleg , Davydova Yulia
Published: August 2021

Vancomycin is a widely used antibiotic and rarely can cause drug-induced thrombocytopenia. A patient with hospital-acquired meningitis after neurosurgery was treated with systemic and intrathecal vancomycin. On 9th day of antibiotic treatment, the patient’s platelets dropped to 0.68×109/L. Multiple platelet transfusions had minimal influence on platelet count. After cessation of vancomycin therapy, platelets returned to normal values without any additional interventions. Diagnosis of vancomycin-induced thrombocytopenia was confirmed by detection of drug-dependent antiplatelet IgG antibodies.
Associations between systemic health and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness in preterm infants at 36 weeks postmenstrual age
Authors: Shen Liangbo L , Mangalesh Shwetha , Michalak Suzanne M , McGeehan Brendan , Sarin Neeru , Finkle Joanne , Winter Katrina P , Tran-Viet Du , Benner Eric J , Vajzovic Lejla , Freedman Sharon F , Younge Noelle , Cotten C Michael , El-Dairi Mays , Ying Gui-Shuang , Toth Cynthia
Published: August 2021

Background/aims

Neonatal insults from systemic diseases have been implicated in the pathway of impaired neurodevelopment in preterm infants. We aimed to investigate the associations between systemic health factors and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness in preterm infants.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled infants and imaged both eyes at 36±1 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) using a hand-held optical coherence tomography system at the bedside in the Duke intensive care nurseries. We evaluated associations between RNFL thickness and 29 systemic health factors using univariable and multivariable regression models.

Results

83 infants with RNFL thickness measures were included in this study. Based on the multivariable model, RNFL thickness was positively associated with infant weight at imaging and was negatively associated with sepsis/necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). RNFL thickness was 10.4 µm (95% CI −15.9 to −4.9) lower in infants with than without sepsis/NEC in the univariable analysis (p<0.001). This difference remained statistically significant after adjustment for confounding variables in various combinations (birth weight, birthweight percentile, gestational age, infant weight at imaging and growth velocity). A 250 g increase in infant weight at imaging was associated with a 3.1 µm (95% CI 2.1 to 4.2) increase in RNFL thickness in the univariable analysis (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Low infant weight and sepsis/NEC were independently associated with thinner RNFL in preterm infants at 36 weeks PMA. To our knowledge, this study is the first to suggest that sepsis/NEC may affect retinal neurodevelopment. Future longitudinal studies are needed to investigate this relationship further.
Association between race and maladaptive concentric left ventricular hypertrophy in American-style football athletes
Authors: Tso Jason V , Turner Casey G , Liu Chang , Galante Angelo , Gilson Carla R , Clark Craig , Taylor Herman A , Quyyumi Arshed A , Baggish Aaron L , Kim Jonathan H
Published: August 2021

Objectives

American-style football (ASF) athletes are at risk for the development of concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (C-LVH), an established cardiovascular risk factor in the general population. We sought to address whether black race is associated with acquired C-LVH in collegiate ASF athletes.

Methods

Collegiate ASF athletes from two National Collegiate Athletic Association Division-I programmes were recruited as freshmen between 2014 and 2019 and analysed over 3 years. Demographics (neighbourhood family income) and repeated clinical characteristics and echocardiography were recorded longitudinally at multiple timepoints. A mixed-modelling approach was performed to evaluate acquired C-LVH in black versus white athletes controlling for playing position (linemen (LM) and non-linemen (NLM)), family income, body weight and blood pressure.

Results

At baseline, black athletes (N=124) were more often NLM (72% vs 54%, p=0.005) and had lower median neighbourhood family income ($54 119 vs $63 146, p=0.006) compared with white athletes (N=125). While both black and white LM demonstrated similar increases in C-LVH over time, among NLM acquired C-LVH was more common in black versus white athletes (postseason year-1: N=14/89 (16%) vs N=2/68 (3%); postseason year-2: N=9/50 (18%) vs N=2/32 (6%); postseason year-3: N=8/33 (24%) vs N=1/13 (8%), p=0.005 change over time). In stratified models, black race was associated with acquired C-LVH in NLM (OR: 3.70, 95% CI 1.12 to 12.21, p=0.03) and LM was associated with acquired C-LVH in white athletes (OR: 3.40, 95% CI 1.03 to 11.27, p=0.048).

Conclusions

Independent of family income and changes in weight and blood pressure, black race was associated with acquired C-LVH among collegiate ASF NLM and LM was associated with acquired C-LVH in white athletes.
Assessment of reporting quality in randomised controlled clinical trial abstracts of dental implantology published from 2014 to 2016
Authors: Knippschild Stephanie , Loddenkemper Jeremias , Tulka Sabrina , Loddenkemper Christine , Baulig Christine
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Access to full texts of randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) is often limited, so brief summaries of studies play a pivotal role. In 2008, a checklist was provided to ensure the transparency and completeness of abstracts. The aim of this investigation was to estimate adherence to the reporting guidelines of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) criteria for abstracts (CONSORT-A) in RCT publications.

Primary endpoint

Assessment according to the percentage of compliance with the 16 CONSORT-A criteria per study.

Materials and methods

This study is based on a full survey (212 RCT abstracts in dental implantology, PubMed search, publication period 2014–2016, 45 journals, median impact factor: 2.328). In addition to merely documenting ‘adherence’ to criteria, the authors also assessed the ‘complete implementation’ of the requested information where possible. The collection of data was performed independently by two dentists, and a final consensus was reached. The primary endpoint was evaluated by medians and quartiles. Additionally, a Poisson regression was conducted to detect influencing factors.

Results

A median of 50% (Q1–Q3: 44%–63%) was documented for the 16 criteria listed in the CONSORT-A statement. Nine of the 16 criteria were considered in fewer than 50% of the abstracts. ‘Correct implementation’ was achieved for a median of 43% (Q1–Q3: 31%–50%) of the criteria. An additional application of Poisson regression revealed that the number of words used had a locally significant impact on the number of reported CONSORT criteria for abstracts (incidence rate ratio 1.001, 95% CI 1.001 to 1.002).

Conclusion

Transparent and complete reporting in abstracts appears problematic. A limited word count seems to result in a reduction in necessary information. As current scientific knowledge is often not readily available in the form of publications, abstracts constitute the primary basis for decision making in clinical practice and research. This is why journals should refrain from limiting the number of words too strictly in order to facilitate comprehensive reporting in abstracts.
Association between body mass index and short-term mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infections: a retrospective, single-centre cohort study using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care database
Authors: Li Qinglin , Tong Yingmu , Liu Sinan , Yang Kaibo , Liu Chang , Zhang Jingyao
Published: August 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the relationship between the body mass index (BMI) and short-term mortality of patients with intra-abdominal infection (IAI) using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-III) database.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Adult intensive care units (ICUs) at a tertiary hospital in the USA .

Participants

Adult IAI ICU patients from 2001 to 2012 in the MIMIC-III database.

Interventions

In univariate analysis, we compared the differences in the characteristics of patients in each BMI group. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the relationships between BMI and short-term prognosis.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

90-day survival.

Results

In total, 1161 patients with IAI were included. There were 399 (34.4%) patients with a normal BMI (<25 kg/m2), 357 (30.8%) overweight patients (25–30 kg/m2) and 405 (34.9%) obese patients (>30 kg/m2) who tended to be younger (p<0.001) and had higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores (p<0.05). The mortality of obese patients at 90 days was lower than that of patients with a normal BMI (20.74% vs 23.25%, p<0.05), but their length of stay in the ICU was higher (4.9 days vs 3.6 days, p<0.001); however, their rate of mechanical ventilation utilisation was higher (61.48% vs 56.86%, p<0.05). In the Cox regression model, we also confirmed that BMI was a protective factor in patients with IAIs, and the adjusted mortality rate of patients with a higher BMI was 0.97 times lower than that of patients with a lower BMI (p<0.001, HR=0.97, 95% CI 0.96 to 0.99).

Conclusions

IAI patients with an overweight or obese status might have lower 90-day mortality than patients with a normal BMI.
Evaluation of the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of a Community-delivered Integrated Malaria Elimination (CIME) model in Myanmar: protocol for an open stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial
Authors: Oo Win Han , Thi Aung , Htike Win , Agius Paul A , Cutts Julia C , Win Kyawt Mon , Yi Linn Nay Yi , Than Wint Phyo , Hkawng Galau Naw , Thu Kaung Myat , Oo May Chan , O’Flaherty Katherine , Kearney Ellen , Scott Nick , Phyu Pwint Phyu , Htet Aung Thu , Myint Ohnmar , Lwin Yee Lwin , Thant Zay Phyo , Mon Aung , Htike Soe , Hnin Thet Pan , Fowkes Freya J I
Published: August 2021

Introduction

In the Greater Mekong Subregion, community health workers, known as malaria volunteers, have played a key role in reducing malaria in the control phase, providing essential malaria services in areas with limited formal healthcare. However, the motivation and social role of malaria volunteers, and testing rates, have declined with decreasing malaria burden and reorientation of malaria programmes from control to elimination. Provision of additional interventions for common health concerns could help sustain the effectiveness of volunteers and maintain malaria testing rates required for malaria elimination accreditation by the WHO.

Methods and analysis

The Community-delivered Integrated Malaria Elimination (CIME) volunteer model, integrating interventions for malaria, dengue, tuberculosis, childhood diarrhoea and malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT)-negative fever, was developed based on global evidence and extensive stakeholder consultations. An open stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial, randomised at the volunteer level, will be conducted over 6 months to evaluate the effectiveness of the CIME model in Myanmar. One hundred and forty Integrated Community Malaria Volunteers (ICMVs, current model of care) providing malaria services in 140 villages will be retrained as CIME volunteers (intervention). These 140 ICMVs/villages will be grouped into 10 blocks of 14 villages, with blocks transitioned from control (ICMV) to intervention states (CIME), fortnightly, in random order, following a 1-week training and transition period. The primary outcome of the trial is blood examination rate determined by the number of malaria RDTs performed weekly. Difference in rates will be estimated across village intervention and control states using a generalised linear mixed modelling analytical approach with maximum likelihood estimation.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by Institutional Review Board, Myanmar Department of Medical Research (Ethics/DMR/2020/111) and Alfred Hospital Ethics Review Committee, Australia (241/20). Findings will be disseminated in peer-review journals, conferences and regional, national and local stakeholder meetings.

Trial registration number

NCT04695886
Study protocol on advance care planning in multiple sclerosis (ConCure-SM): intervention construction and multicentre feasibility trial
Authors: De Panfilis Ludovica , Veronese Simone , Bruzzone Michela , Cascioli Marta , Gajofatto Alberto , Grasso Maria Grazia , Kruger Paola , Lugaresi Alessandra , Manson Leigh , Montepietra Sara , Patti Francesco , Pucci Eugenio , Solaro Claudio , Giordano Andrea , Solari Alessandra
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of progressive neurological disability in young adults. The use of advance care planning (ACP) for people with progressive MS (pwPMS) remains limited. The ConCure-SM project aims to assess the effectiveness of a structured ACP intervention for pwPMS. The intervention consists of a training programme on ACP for healthcare professionals caring for pwPMS, and a booklet to be used during the ACP conversation. Herein, we describe the first two project phases.

Methods

In phase 1 we translated and adapted, to the Italian legislation and MS context, the ACP booklet of the National ACP Programme for New Zealand. Acceptability, comprehensibility and usefulness of the booklet were assessed via 13 personal cognitive interviews with pwPMS and significant others (SOs), and one health professional focus group. Based on these findings, we will revise the booklet. In phase 2 we will conduct a single-arm pilot/feasibility trial with nested qualitative study. Participants will be 40 pwPMS, their SOs, health professionals from six MS and rehabilitation centres in Italy. In the 6 months following the ACP conversation, we will assess completion of an advance care plan document (primary outcome), as well as safety of the intervention. Secondary outcomes will be a range of measures to capture the full process of ACP; patient-carer congruence in treatment preferences; quality of patient-clinician communication and caregiver burden. A qualitative process evaluation will help understand the factors likely to influence future implementation and scalability of the intervention.

Ethics and dissemination

The project is coleaded by a neurologist and a bioethicist. Phase 1 has received ethical approvals from each participating centre, while phase 2 will be submitted to the centres in May 2021. Findings from both phases will be disseminated widely through peer-reviewed publications, conferences and workshops.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN48527663; Pre-results.
Comparative effectiveness of interventions for improving adherence to ocular hypotensive therapy in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension: protocol for network meta-analysis
Authors: Jang Mirinae , Shim Sung Ryul , Ha Ahnul , Kim Young Kook
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Poor medication adherence is an important issue in healthcare. Various types of interventions for improved adherence to ocular hypotensive therapy have been proposed, though evidence on the effectiveness of any isolated intervention remains limited. The current protocol is an ongoing network meta-analysis (NMA) design that enables comparative investigation of any and all interventions for which there are available randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Our aim is the systematic comparison of the efficacy of different types of adherence interventions for patients suffering from glaucoma or ocular hypertension (OHT).

Methods and analysis

Studies of interest will assess the effects of any interventions on medication adherence in adults (age ≥18 years) with either glaucoma or OHT. Four electronic databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, MEDLINE and Scopus) will be searched for RCTs published in any language, without any time limitation. First, titles and abstracts, and then full-text papers, will be screened by two reviewers, who will extract the useful data. The primary outcome measure is an intervention’s impact on adherence. The two reviewers will also assess, using the relevant domain-based risk-of-bias assessment tool, the internal validity of the studies. The overall quality of the evidence will be assessed by the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis approach, and will be summarised with network diagrams. To allow for assessment of both direct and indirect evidence, a contribution matrix will be used. For visualisation of the effects of all of the included interventions, forest plots will be constructed. Pairwise effect sizes will be calculated according to all of the evidence available in the network.

Ethics and dissemination

This work will synthesise evidence from already published studies and, as such, will not require an ethics review or approval. A manuscript presenting the findings will be submitted to a peer-reviewed scientific journal for publication.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021253145.
Human gastric microbiota transplantation recapitulates premalignant lesions in germ-free mice
Authors: Kwon Soon-Kyeong , Park Jun Chul , Kim Kwang H , Yoon Jaekyung , Cho Yejin , Lee Buhyun , Lee Jin-Jae , Jeong Haengdueng , Oh Yeseul , Kim Sung-Hee , Lee So Dam , Hwang Bo Ram , Chung Yusook , Kim Jihyun F , Nam Ki Taek , Lee Yong Chan
Published: August 2021

Objective

Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Although microbes besidesHelicobacter pylorimay also contribute to gastric carcinogenesis, wild-type germ-free (GF) mouse models investigating the role of human gastric microbiota in the process are not yet available. We aimed to evaluate the histopathological features of GF mouse stomachs transplanted with gastric microbiota from patients with different gastric disease states and their relationships with the microbiota.

Design

Microbiota profiles in corpus and antrum tissues and gastric fluid from 12 patients with gastric dysplasia or GC were analysed. Thereafter, biopsied corpus and antrum tissues and gastric fluid from patients (n=15 and n=12, respectively) with chronic superficial gastritis, intestinal metaplasia or GC were inoculated into 42 GF C57BL/6 mice. The gastric microbiota was analysed by amplicon sequencing. Histopathological features of mouse stomachs were analysed immunohistochemically at 1 month after inoculation. An independent set of an additional 15 GF mice was also analysed at 1 year.

Results

The microbial community structures of patients with dysplasia or GC in the corpus and antrum were similar. The gastric microbiota from patients with intestinal metaplasia or GC selectively colonised the mouse stomachs and induced premalignant lesions: loss of parietal cells and increases in inflammation foci, in F4/80 and Ki-67 expression, and in CD44v9/GSII lectin expression. Marked dysplastic changes were noted at 1 year post inoculation.

Conclusion

Major histopathological features of premalignant changes are reproducible in GF mice transplanted with gastric microbiota from patients with intestinal metaplasia or GC. Our results suggest that GF mice are useful for analysing the causality of associations reported in human gastric microbiome studies.
VEGFR-2 redirected CAR-T cells are functionally impaired by soluble VEGF-A competition for receptor binding
Authors: Lanitis Evripidis , Kosti Paris , Ronet Catherine , Cribioli Elisabetta , Rota Giorgia , Spill Aodrenn , Reichenbach Patrick , Zoete Vincent , Dangaj Laniti Denarda , Coukos George , Irving Melita
Published: August 2021

Background

The adoptive transfer of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells has emerged as a potent immunotherapy against some hematological malignancies but not yet for epithelial-derived solid tumors. One critical issue is the paucity of broadly expressed solid tumor antigens (TAs), and another is the presence of suppressive mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that can impair CAR-T cell homing, extravasation and effector functions. TAs expressed by endothelial cells of the tumor vasculature are of clinical interest for CAR therapy because of their genomic stability and accessibility to circulating T cells, as well as their expression across multiple tumor types. In this study, we sought to explore limitations to the efficacy of second-generation (2G) murine CAR-T cells redirected against the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) with the well-characterized single-chain variable fragment DC101.

Methods

Primary murine T cells were retrovirally transduced to express a 2G anti-VEGFR-2-CAR, and the in vitro binding to VEGFR-2, as well as reactivity against TA-expressing cells, was evaluated in the absence versus presence of exogenous VEGF-A. The CAR-T cells were further tested in vivo for tumor control alone and in combination with anti-VEGF-A antibody. Finally, we performed ex vivo phenotypic analyses of tumor-infiltrating CAR-T cells for the two treatment groups.

Results

In line with previous reports, we observed poor control of B16 melanoma by the 2G anti-VEGFR-2 CAR-T cells as a monotherapy. We further showed that VEGFR-2 is not downregulated by B16 melanoma tumors post treatment, but that its soluble ligand VEGF-A is upregulated and furthermore competes in vitro with the CAR-T cells for binding to VEGFR-2. This competition resulted in impaired CAR-T cell adhesion and effector function in vitro that could be restored in the presence of anti-VEGF-A antibody. Finally, we demonstrated that coadministration of anti-VEGF-A antibody in vivo promoted CAR-T cell persistence and tumor control and was associated with reduced frequencies of PD-1+Ki67-and LAG-3+Ki67-CAR-T cells in the TME.

Conclusions

This study represents the first example of impaired function of a vasculature-targeted CAR by an angiogenic ligand and rationalizes the use of combinatorial therapies that target the tumor vasculature and augment CAR-T cell effector function.
Safety of procuring research tissue during a clinically indicated kidney biopsy from patients with lupus: data from the Accelerating Medicines Partnership RA/SLE Network
Authors: Deonaraine Kristina K , Carlucci Philip M , Fava Andrea , Li Jessica , Wofsy David , James Judith A , Putterman Chaim , Diamond Betty , Davidson Anne , Fine Derek M , Monroy-Trujillo Jose , Atta Mohamed G , Haag Kristin , Rao Deepak A , Apruzzese William , Belmont H Michael , Izmirly Peter M , Wu Ming , Connery Sean , Payan-Schober Fernanda , Furie Richard A , Berthier Celine C , Dall'Era Maria , Cho Kerry , Kamen Diane L , Kalunian Kenneth , Anolik Jennifer , Ishimori Mariko , Weisman Michael H ,   The Accelerating Medicines Partnership RA/SLE network, Petri Michelle A , Buyon Jill P
Published: August 2021

Objectives

In lupus nephritis the pathological diagnosis from tissue retrieved during kidney biopsy drives treatment and management. Despite recent approval of new drugs, complete remission rates remain well under aspirational levels, necessitating identification of new therapeutic targets by greater dissection of the pathways to tissue inflammation and injury. This study assessed the safety of kidney biopsies in patients with SLE enrolled in the Accelerating Medicines Partnership, a consortium formed to molecularly deconstruct nephritis.

Methods

475 patients with SLE across 15 clinical sites in the USA consented to obtain tissue for research purposes during a clinically indicated kidney biopsy. Adverse events (AEs) were documented for 30 days following the procedure and were determined to be related or unrelated by all site investigators. Serious AEs were defined according to the National Institutes of Health reporting guidelines.

Results

34 patients (7.2%) experienced a procedure-related AE: 30 with haematoma, 2 with jets, 1 with pain and 1 with an arteriovenous fistula. Eighteen (3.8%) experienced a serious AE requiring hospitalisation; four patients (0.8%) required a blood transfusion related to the kidney biopsy. At one site where the number of cores retrieved during the biopsy was recorded, the mean was 3.4 for those who experienced a related AE (n=9) and 3.07 for those who did not experience any AE (n=140). All related AEs resolved.

Conclusions

Procurement of research tissue should be considered feasible, accompanied by a complication risk likely no greater than that incurred for standard clinical purposes. In the quest for targeted treatments personalised based on molecular findings, enhanced diagnostics beyond histology will likely be required.
Visual loss with chronic meningeal and systemic inflammation
Authors: Fernandes Peter M , Kinton Lucy , Madill Stephen , Burgess Frederick R , McRorie Euan , Dhaun Neeraj , Kidd Desmond , Lachmann Helen J , Davenport Richard J , Hunt David
Published: August 2021

A 46-year-old man presented with worsening vision in the context of long-standing optic disc changes, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, chronic aseptic meningitis, rash, arthralgia and raised inflammatory markers. The differential diagnoses of neoplasia, infection and inflammation are discussed. We highlight a condition that can present to adult neurologists, with successful diagnosis leading to targeted treatments that transform patient outcomes. This case was presented at the Association of British Neurologists Annual Meeting 2020 as a Clinicopathological Conference (CPC).
Classification of surface pavement cracks as top-down, bottom-up, and cement-treated reflective cracking based on deep learning methods
Authors: Dhakal Nirmal , Elseifi Mostafa A. , Zihan Zia U.A. , Zhang Zhongjie , Fillastre Christophe N. , Upadhyay Jagannath
Published: August 2021

The treatment and repair strategies for reflective and fatigue cracking that initiate at the pavement surface (i.e., top-down cracking) and at the bottom of the asphalt concrete layer (i.e., bottom-up cracking) are noticeably different. However, pavement management engineers are facing difficulties in identifying these cracks in the field because they usually appear in visually identical patterns. The objective of this study was to develop artificial neural network (ANN) and convolutional neural network (CNN) applications to differentiate and classify top-down, bottom-up, and cement-treated reflective cracking in in-service flexible pavements using deep-learning models. The developed CNN model achieved an accuracy of 93.8% in the testing and 91% in the validation phases, and the ANN model showed an overall accuracy of 92%. The ANN classification tool was developed based on variables related to pavement and crack characteristics including pavement age, annual average daily traffic, thickness of the asphalt concrete layer, type of base, crack orientation, and crack location.
Fractal networks on 4m-sided Dürer-type polygon
Authors: Huang Yuke , Zeng Cheng , Zhang Hanxiong , Xue Yumei
Published: August 2021

Dürer’s pentagon is known to the artist Albrecht Dürer, whose work has produced an effect on modern telecommunication. In this paper, we consider directed networks generated by Dürer-type polygons, which is based on an [Formula: see text]-sided polygon where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. This object is quite different from what we previously studied when [Formula: see text] is not a multiple of 4. We aim to study some properties of these networks, such as degree distribution, clustering coefficient and average path length. We show that such networks have the scale-free effect, but do not have the small-world effect. It is expected that our results will provide certain theoretical support to further applications in modern telecommunication.
Design of a digital control system of disk gyroscope with orthogonal control circuit
Authors: Xu Xiaodong , Liu Xiaowei , Zhang Yufeng
Published: August 2021

This paper introduces a gyro control system with the quadrature control circuit. The control system realizes the automatic decoupling of driving mode and sensing mode. The quadrature control circuit eliminates the quadrature signal in the sensitive mode by applying a voltage to the quadrature control electrode. The time needed to adjust the voltage can be changed by adjusting the parameters of the controller. The control system is realized by a digital circuit. The feasibility of the design is verified by the test.
Bifurcations and Chaos in a Minimal Neural Network: Forced Coupled Neurons
Authors: Horikawa Yo
Published: August 2021

The bifurcations and chaos in a system of two coupled sigmoidal neurons with periodic input are revisited. The system has no self-coupling and no inherent limit cycles in contrast to the previous studies and shows simple bifurcations qualitatively different from the previous results. A symmetric periodic solution generated by the periodic input underdoes a pitchfork bifurcation so that a pair of asymmetric periodic solutions is generated. A chaotic attractor is generated through a cascade of period-doubling bifurcations of the asymmetric periodic solutions. However, a symmetric periodic solution repeats saddle-node bifurcations many times and the bifurcations of periodic solutions become complicated as the output gain of neurons is increasing. Then, the analysis of border collision bifurcations is carried out by using a piecewise constant output function of neurons and a rectangular wave as periodic input. The saddle-node, the pitchfork and the period-doubling bifurcations in the coupled sigmoidal neurons are replaced by various kinds of border collision bifurcations in the coupled piecewise constant neurons. Qualitatively the same structure of the bifurcations of periodic solutions in the coupled sigmoidal neurons is derived analytically. Further, it is shown that another period-doubling route to chaos exists when the output function of neurons is asymmetric.
Nonlinear Dynamic Characteristics of Wind Turbine Gear System Caused by Tooth Crack Fault
Authors: Xiang Ling , An Chaohui , Hu Aijun
Published: August 2021

Crack in gears impacts the dynamic response of wind turbine multistage gear system, which also influences the safe operation of wind turbine. A translational–torsional nonlinear dynamic model of the multistage gear system is proposed with root crack fault. The model considers the effects of sun gear support, time-varying mesh stiffness, gear backlash and other factors. The mesh stiffness with root crack is analyzed by using potential energy method. Based on the Runge–Kutta method, the system responses are obtained with multiple parameters changing. The nonlinear dynamic features of the cracked and normal system are compared by bifurcation diagram, time series, phase trajectory, Poincaré map, spectrum diagram and corresponding three-dimensional diagrams. The analyses show the effects of input torque, backlash, crack occurrence and evolution on the system dynamic behaviors, and the effect of crack fault on the gear system response is further verified by experiment. The results provide a theoretical basis for the cognition of fault mechanism and fault diagnosis of wind turbine gearbox.
Study on Strong Sensitivity of Systems Satisfying the Large Deviations Theorem
Authors: Li Risong , Lu Tianxiu , Yang Xiaofang , Jiang Yongxi
Published: August 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be a nontrivial compact metric space with metric [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be a continuous self-map, [Formula: see text] be the sigma-algebra of Borel subsets of [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] be a Borel probability measure on [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] for any open subset [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]. This paper proves the following results : (1) If the pair [Formula: see text] has the property that for any [Formula: see text], there is [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] for any open subset [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] and all [Formula: see text] sufficiently large (where [Formula: see text] is the characteristic function of the set [Formula: see text]), then the following hold : (a) The map [Formula: see text] is topologically ergodic. (b) The upper density [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is positive for any open subset [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]. (c) There is a [Formula: see text]-invariant Borel probability measure [Formula: see text] having full support (i.e. [Formula: see text]). (d) Sensitivity of the map [Formula: see text] implies positive lower density sensitivity, hence ergodical sensitivity. (2) If [Formula: see text] for any two nonempty open subsets [Formula: see text], then there exists [Formula: see text] satisfying [Formula: see text] for any nonempty open subset [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] there exist [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text].
ENERGY INTENSIVE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES AND GHG EMISSIONS
Authors: CREASON JARED , ALSALAM JAMEEL , CHIU KONG , FAWCETT ALLEN A.
Published: August 2021

This paper analyzes changes in U.S. energy-intensive, trade-exposed (EITE) manufacturing over the past decade, through the lens of previously proposed climate policy measures. The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 defined measures and thresholds for EITE eligibility and proposed compensatory allowances designed to reduce negative competitive impacts to domestic industry and to prevent emissions leakage. We undertook a retrospective analysis of the 2009 eligibility criteria, using the same methods with more recent data to examine trends over the 2004–2017 period. We find that energy intensity, emissions intensity, output, and emissions have fluctuated with economic conditions, and defining measures and thresholds that remain informative is challenging. Had ACES been enacted as written and not revised, the number of sectors qualifying for rebates would have decreased from 39 to 26, after adjustment for the changes in North American Industry Classification System definitions. Emissions from the eligible sectors fell 26% across the three periods of analysis, while emissions from manufacturing as a whole fell 5%. We decompose the changes in emissions into scale and intensity measures based on a hybrid measure derived from Grossman and Krueger [(1993). Environmental impacts of a North American free trade agreement. In The US-Mexico Free Trade Agreement, PM Garber (ed.). Cambridge, MA: MIT Press] and Kaya and Yokoburi [(1997). Environment, Energy, and Economy: Strategies for Sustainability. Tokyo: United Nations University Press]. As an alternative, we perform the same analyses using the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program data. These data, not available when ACES was written, offer annual greenhouse gas estimates for facilities that emit more than 25,000 tons CO2e annually. Finally, we draw some recommendations for future policy including (1) using measures that make price level adjustments straightforward or unnecessary, (2) keeping EITE policy focused on a small group of industries to minimize sectoral reclassification problems, (3) identifying industries prone to emissions leakage rather than just changes in output and (4) consider spatial heterogeneity of emissions and trade patterns.
Evaluation of

NH

4
+

Adsorption Capacity in Water of Coffee Husk-Derived Biochar at Different Pyrolysis Temperatures
Authors: Phuong Nguyen Van , Hoang Nguyen Khanh , Luan Le Van , Tan L. V.
Published: August 2021

Ammonium

NH

4
+

is a pollutant that can be harmful to the water environment. The purpose of this study is to access

NH

4
+

removal capacity from water by coffee husk-derived biochar. The properties of biochar prepared at different temperatures (300, 450, and 600°C) were determined including TOC, and

pH

,

pH

pzc

, functional groups of H+/OH−, cation-exchange capacity (CEC), and the characteristics of groups of organic matter (FT-IR spectrum) were identified and evaluated. The trend of

NH

4
+

adsorption equilibrium and kinetics of biochar have been studied. The experimental design of adsorption equilibrium was carried out by exposing biochar to a

NH

4
+

solution at different concentrations, ranging from 0 to 50 mg

NH

4
+

/
L

for 12 hours. Kinetic surveys were carried out when biochar was exposed to a solution containing 8.3 mg

NH

4
+

/
L

for a varying length of time. The results showed that Langmuir and Freundlich models and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model are suitable to explain the

NH

4
+

adsorption equilibrium and kinetics on the biochar forms derived from coffee husk. Biochar derived from coffee husk prepared at lower pyrolysis temperature has a higher adsorption capacity. The results suggest that the biochar could be used as an adsorbent ammonium from water.
An Annuitization Problem in the Tax-Deferred Annuity Model
Authors: Li Yanan
Published: August 2021

This paper examines the optimal annuitization, investment, and consumption strategies of an individual facing a time-dependent mortality rate in the tax-deferred annuity model and considers both the case when the rate of buying annuities is unrestricted and the case when it is restricted. At the beginning, by using the dynamic programming principle, we obtain the corresponding HJB equation. Since the existence of the tax and the time-dependence of the value function make the corresponding HJB equation hard to solve, firstly, we analyze the problem in a simpler case and use some numerical methods to get the solution and some of its useful properties. Then, by using the obtained properties and Kuhn–Tucker conditions, we discuss the problem in general cases and get the value functions and the optimal annuitization strategies, respectively.
Selection of Devices Based on Multicriteria for Mobile Data in Internet of Things Environment
Authors: Yang YanCheng , Ali Farhad , Nazir Shah
Published: August 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) is a computing term which describes universal Internet connectivity, transforming everyday objects into connected devices. Many smart devices are interconnected to sense their surroundings, send, and process the sensed data. The IoT connects the real world with the global world by interconnecting edge devices. The main goal of the IoT is to attain high operating performance, improve throughput, and control the assets and processes of the industry. Many heterogeneous devices in IoT settings are linked with each other to transfer huge amount of information for operations of organizational efficiency. The appropriate and proper device may hinder the main goals of the IoT which seems difficult to achieve. However, not a single research study is focused on the selection of devices based on multicriteria properties. For solving the dilemma of the IoT device selection, “Properties Based Device Selection Using Ant Colony Optimization (PBDS-ACO)” is implemented in this paper which selects a device based on multicriteria properties. By exploiting the suggested model, the effectiveness and efficiency of the IoT are shown.
Identification of Six Autophagy-Related-lncRNA Prognostic Biomarkers in Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Chen Yao , Chen Lu , Wang Jinwei , Tan Jia , Wang Sha
Published: August 2021

Currently, no autophagy-related long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has been reported to predict the prognosis of uveal melanoma patients. Our study screened for autophagy-related lncRNAs in 80 samples downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database through lncRNA-mRNA coexpression. We used univariate Cox to further filter the lncRNAs. Multivariate Cox regression and LASSO regression were applied to construct an autophagy-associated lncRNA predictive model and calculate the risk score. Clinical risk factors were validated using Cox regression to determine whether they were independent prognostic indicators. Functional enrichment was performed using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. The model was built with six predictive autophagy-associated lncRNAs and clustered uveal melanoma patients into high- and low-risk groups. The risk score of our model was a significant independent prognostic factor (hazard

ratio
=
1.0

;

p
<
0.001

). Moreover, these six lncRNAs were significantly concentrated in the biological pathways of cytoplasmic component recycling, energy metabolism, and apoptosis. Thus, the six autophagy-associated lncRNAs are potential molecular biomarkers and treatment targets for uveal melanoma patients.
Comparative Evaluation of Bandage Contact Lenses and Eye Patching after Bilateral Cataract Surgery
Authors: Jing Dalan , Deng Aihua , Wang Hongmei , Chou Yilin , Jiang Xiaodan , Chen Zhenxiang , Li Xuemin , Wen Tingyi
Published: August 2021

Purpose. To comparatively evaluate the safety and satisfaction of bandage contact lens (BCL) and eye patching in patients after cataract surgery. Methods. Sixteen (32 eyes) patients who planned to undergo bilateral cataract surgery were recruited. The two eyes of each patient were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group A and Group B were instructed to wear BCLs immediately at the end of the surgery until one week and eye patch immediately after surgery until one day, respectively. Visual analog scales of ten specific symptoms, Visual Function Index (VF-14) questionnaire, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were conducted on the first day before the surgery and Day 1 and Day 7 after surgery. Oculus keratography was conducted on the first day before surgery and on Day 7. Patient satisfaction was determined on Day 1. Moreover, bacterial species in the conjunctival sac, meibomian gland secretions, and BCLs were subsequently identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results. The patient satisfaction scores of Group A were higher than Group B. Group A were more motivated to choose the same treatment and were more likely to recommend BCLs to others. No statistically significant differences were found in bacterial culture positivity between the groups. The differences in ocular signs and symptoms between the two groups were not statistically significant. There were no significant differences in the BCVA and VF-14 between the groups at any time point. Conclusions. BCLs could be safely and effectively used in patients after cataract surgery.
[Retracted] Advertising Click‐Through Rate Prediction Based on CNN‐LSTM Neural Network
Authors: Zhu Danqing
Published: August 2021

In the era of big data information, how to effectively predict and analyze the click‐through rate of information advertising is the key for enterprises in various fields to seek returns. The point rate prediction of advertising is one of the core contents of advertising calculation. The traditional shallow prediction model cannot meet the nonlinear relationship of data processing, and the manual processing of data information extraction method is very resource consuming. To solve the above problems, this paper proposes a CNN‐LSTM (convolutional neural network‐long short‐term memory) convolution hybrid neural network algorithm to predict the click‐through rate of advertisements. According to the neural network algorithm, the prediction model is constructed, and the effective features are extracted in the process of model establishment, and the prediction analysis is carried out according to the simplified LSTM neural network time serialization features. CNN convolution neural network is used to train the prediction model. This paper analyzes the characteristics of traditional prediction methods and the corresponding solutions and carries out feature learning and prediction model construction for advertising click‐through rate prediction. Then, the unknown behavior of advertising users is judged and predicted. The results show that, compared with the single structure network of traditional prediction model, the prediction effect based on CNN‐LSTM neural network algorithm has higher accuracy.
A Strategy to Revalue a Wood Waste for Simultaneous Cadmium Removal and Wastewater Disinfection
Authors: Ivanovska Aleksandra , Veljović Sonja , Dojčinović Biljana , Tadić Nenad , Mihajlovski Katarina , Natić Maja , Kostić Mirjana
Published: August 2021

In this investigation, the possibility of wood waste (hardwoods such as oaks’ and alternatives’ staves from Balkan cooperage) revalorization for simultaneous cadmium removal and wastewater disinfection was examined. All samples were characterized in terms of their crystallinity index and crystallite size, amount of functional groups, and surface chemistry (determined by ATR-FTIR) as well as antibacterial activity. Mulberry is characterized by the lowest crystallinity index which can be ascribed to the highest crystallite size disabling crystallite denser packaging, while myrobalan plum has about 23% lower crystallite size that enables crystallite better packaging, thus resulting in a 42.4% higher crystallinity index compared to the mulberry. All oaks have a significantly higher amount of carboxyl groups compared to the alternatives (0.23-0.28 vs. 0.12-0.19 mmol/g). The adsorption experiments revealed that with increasing the initial cadmium concentration from 15 up to 55 mg/g, samples’ adsorption capacity increases by 89-220%. The equilibrium data fit well with the Langmuir isotherm model implying monolayer coverage of cadmium ions over a homogeneous wood surface. The relationship between the samples’ maximum adsorption capacities (ranged from 5.726 to 12.618 mg/g), their crystallinity index, and crystallite size was established. According to ATR-FTIR spectra, aldehyde, carboxyl, hydroxyl, and phenyl groups present on the wood waste surface are involved in Cd2+ adsorption which proceeds via the interplay of the complexation, cation- π interactions, and ion-exchange mechanisms. Mulberry and myrobalan plum showed about 89% and 80% of the total uptake capacity of cadmium within 60 min, while the equilibrium was attained after 240 min of contact time. Good compliance with pseudo-second kinetic order indicated that cadmium adsorption was mediated by chemical forces. Thermodynamic parameters revealed the spontaneous and exothermic character of cadmium ion adsorption onto mulberry and myrobalan plum. All studied samples provide maximum bacterial reduction (>99%) for E. coli and S. aureus. Wood waste from Balkan cooperage can be successfully used for simultaneous cadmium removal and wastewater disinfection.
A Coordinated Optimization Model of the Complex System of the Green Supply Chain Distribution Network
Authors: Guan Yurong , Aamir Muhammad , Dayo Zaheer Ahmed , Rahman Ziaur , Abro Waheed Ahmed , Ali Irfan , Hu Zhihua
Published: August 2021

A well-established distribution network is fundamental to the sound management of the green supply chain. To adapt to the market demand and policies for green products, it is urgent to build an efficient and rational logistic distribution network for the green supply chain. Many researchers have tried to design distribution networks through the coordinated optimization of the green supply chain, in the light of realistic situation. However, there are very few optimization models that consider all kinds of influencing factors. To solve the problem, this paper attempts to establish a coordinated optimization model of the complex system of the green supply chain distribution network (GSCDN). Firstly, the authors plotted the structure and game logic of the GSCDN and defined the upper limit of sales induced by the limited production capacity of producers. Secondly, the coordinated optimization conditions were configured for the distributor layer, producer layer, and market demand layer, and a coordinated optimization model was set up for the complex system. Finally, the contractual coordinated optimization mechanism was detailed for the complex system under the profit-sharing contract. The proposed model and solving algorithm were proved valid through experiments.