bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cry75Aa (Mpp75Aa) Insecticidal Proteins for Controlling the Western Corn Rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera
virgifera
LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Isolated from the Insect-Pathogenic Bacterium Brevibacillus laterosporus
Authors: Bowen David , Yin Yong , Flasinski Stanislaw , Chay Catherine , Bean Gregory , Milligan Jason , Moar William , Pan Aihong , Werner Brent , Buckman Karrie , Howe Arlene , Ciche Todd , Turner Keith , Pleau Michael , Zhang Jun , Kouadio Jean-Louis , Hibbard Bruce E. , Price Paula , Roberts James
Published: December 2020

Insects feeding on roots of crops can damage the plant roots, resulting in yield loss due to poor water and nutrient uptake and plant lodging. In maize, the western corn rootworm (WCR) can cause severe damage to the roots, resulting in significant economic loss for farmers.
Variable Sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Detection in European Expert Laboratories: External Quality Assessment, June and July 2020
Authors: Fischer Carlo , Mögling Ramona , Melidou Angeliki , Kühne Arne , Oliveira-Filho Edmilson F. , Wolff Thorsten , Reiche Janine , Broberg Eeva , Drosten Christian , Meijer Adam , Leitmeyer Katrin , Drexler Jan Felix , Reusken Chantal B. E. M.
Published: December 2020

During the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, robust detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a key element for clinical management and to interrupt transmission chains. We organized an external quality assessment (EQA) of molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 for European expert laboratories. An EQA panel composed of 12 samples, containing either SARS-CoV-2 at different concentrations to evaluate sensitivity or other respiratory viruses to evaluate specificity of SARS-CoV-2 testing, was distributed to 68 laboratories in 35 countries.
The Internal Ribosome Entry Site of Dengue Virus mRNA Is Active When Cap-Dependent Translation Initiation Is Inhibited
Authors: Fernández-García Leandro , Angulo Jenniffer , Ramos Hade , Barrera Aldo , Pino Karla , Vera-Otarola Jorge , López-Lastra Marcelo
Published: December 2020

Dengue virus
(DENV), the etiological agent of dengue, a febrile and hemorrhagic disease, infects millions of people per year in tropical and subtropical countries. When infecting cells, DENV induces stress conditions known to inhibit canonical protein synthesis.
Tectonic and magmatic evolution of the Aqishan-Yamansu belt: A Paleozoic arc-related basin in the Eastern Tianshan (NW China)
Authors: Zhang Shuanliang , Chen Huayong , Hollings Pete , Zhao Liandang , Gong Lin
Published: December 2020

The Aqishan-Yamansu belt in the Chinese Eastern Tianshan represents a Paleozoic arc-related basin generally accompanied by accretionary magmatism and Fe-Cu mineralization. To characterize the tectonic evolution of such an arc-related basin and related magmatism and metallogenesis, we present a systematic study of the geochronology, whole-rock geochemistry, and Sr-Nd isotopes of igneous rocks from the belt. New zircon U-Pb ages, in combination with published data, reveal three phases of igneous activity in the Aqishan-Yamansu belt: early Carboniferous felsic igneous rocks (ca. 350–330 Ma), late Carboniferous intermediate to felsic igneous rocks (ca. 320–305 Ma), and Permian quartz diorite and diorite porphyry dikes (ca. 280–265 Ma). The early Carboniferous felsic rocks are enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and depleted in Nb, Ta, and Ti, showing arc-related magma affinities. Their positive εNd(t) values (3.3–5.9) and corresponding depleted mantle model ages (TDM) of 0.83–0.61 Ga, as well as high MgO contents, Mg# values, and Nb/Ta ratios, suggest that they were derived from lower crust with involvement of mantle-derived magmas. The late Carboniferous intermediate igneous rocks show calc-alkaline affinities, exhibiting LILE enrichment and high field strength element (HFSE) depletion, with negative Nb and Ta anomalies. They have high MgO contents and Mg# values with positive εNd(t) values (3.9–7.9), and high Ba/La and Th/Yb ratios, implying a depleted mantle source metasomatized by slab-derived fluids and sediment or sediment-derived melts. The late Carboniferous felsic igneous rocks are metaluminous to peraluminous with characteristics of medium-K calc-alkaline I-type granites. Given the positive εNd(t) values (6.3–6.6) and TDM ages (0.56–0.53 Ga), we suggest the late Carboniferous felsic igneous rocks were produced by partial melting of a juvenile lower crust. The Permian dikes show characteristics of adakite rocks. They have relatively high MgO contents and Mg# values, and positive εNd(t) values (7.2–8.5), which suggest an origin from partial melting of a residual basaltic oceanic crust. We propose that the Aqishan-Yamansu belt was an extensional arc–related basin from ca. 350 to 330 Ma; this was followed by a relatively stable carbonate formation stage at ca. 330–320 Ma, when the Kangguer oceanic slab subducted beneath the Central Tianshan block. As the subduction continued, the Aqishan-Yamansu basin closed due to slab breakoff and rebound during ca. 320–305 Ma, which resulted in basin inversion and the emplacement of granitoids with contemporary Fe-Cu mineralization. During the Permian, the Aqishan-Yamansu belt was in postcollision extension stage, with Permian adakitic dikes formed by partial melting of a residual oceanic crust.
Efficiency of eclogite removal from continental lithosphere and its implications for cratonic diamonds
Authors: Luo Yantao , Korenaga Jun
Published: December 2020

Continental lithospheric mantle (CLM) may have been built from subducted slabs, but the apparent lack of concurrent oceanic crust in CLM, known as the mass imbalance problem, remains unresolved. Here, we present a simple dynamic model to evaluate the likelihood of losing dense eclogitized oceanic crust from CLM by gravitational instability. Our model allowed us to assess the long-term evolution of such crust removal, based on how thermal and viscosity profiles change over time across the continental lithosphere. We found that the oceanic crust incorporated early into CLM can quickly escape to the asthenosphere, whereas that incorporated after a certain age would be preserved in CLM. This study provides a plausible explanation for the mass imbalance problem posed by the oceanic ridge origin hypothesis of CLM and points to the significance of preservation bias inherent to the studies of cratonic diamonds.
Rare case of clear cell renal cell carcinoma presenting as a unilateral tonsil lesion
Authors: Ellis Shawn David , Meikle Alison , Al-Salti Wassim , Sinclair Georges
Published: December 2020

A 70-year-old man presented with gradually worsening throat discomfort. He had no prior diagnosis of cancer and no travel history of note. Examination revealed a right-sided painless neck lump. He underwent an MRI of the neck, revealing a gadolinium-enhancing tonsillar mass and two brain lesions. Biopsy of the tonsil lesion was in keeping with an epithelial neoplasm, suggesting metastatic renal cell carcinoma. This was confirmed following a staging CT, which revealed a left renal mass and lung metastases. Due to his brain metastases, the patient has been started on the tyrosine kinase inhibitor cabozantinib. A brief discussion on the diagnostic evaluation of a tonsil mass as a rare presentation of renal cell cancer follows this report.
Sphenoid sinusitis complicated by extensive septic thrombosis after coiling of a ruptured intracranial aneurism
Authors: Baudouin Robin , Guichard Jean-Pierre , Herman Philippe , Verillaud Benjamin
Published: December 2020

We report here the case of a 40-year-old man who presented with sphenoid sinusitis complicated by jugular and cerebral venous thrombosis and intracranial infection 6 weeks after coiling of an anterior choroidal artery aneurysm. The pathogeny of this unusual and severe complication is discussed.
Atypical presentation of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis in a 61-year-old Hispanic man
Authors: Irvine Esme , Cheng Debra , Xiao Daa
Published: December 2020

A 61-year-old Hispanic man with no psychiatric history presented with an acute onset of personality changes, including aggression and hypersexuality, which progressed to hallucinations and fluctuations in mental status, and was diagnosed with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis. This report emphasises the importance of having anti-NDMA receptor encephalitis on the list of differential diagnoses in acute, unprovoked personality changes in older adults.
Paediatric major incident simulation and the number of discharges achieved using a major incident rapid discharge protocol in a major trauma centre: a retrospective study
Authors: Bird Ruth , Braunold Daniel , Dryburgh-Jones Jack , Davis Jordan , Rogers Sam , Sohrabi Catrin , Ismail Elliot , Mclean Nina , O’neill Breda , Edmonds Naomi , Tallach Rosel
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Hospitals have the responsibility of creating, testing and maintaining major incident (MI) plans. Plans emphasise readiness for acceptance of casualties, though often they neglect discharge planning and care for existing inpatients to make room for the sudden influx.

After collaboration and design of a discharge policy for a paediatric MI, we aimed to establish the number of beds made available (primary outcome) to assess potential surge and patient flow. We hypothesised that prompt patient discharge would improve overall departmental flow. Flow is vital for sick patients awaiting admission, for those requiring theatre and also to keep the emergency department clear for ongoing admissions.

Method and setting

A simulated MI was declared at a London major trauma centre. Five paediatric priority 1 and 15 priority 2 and priority 3 patients were admitted. Using live bed boards, staff initiated discharge plans, and audits were conducted based on hospital bed occupancy and discharge capacity. The patients identified as dischargable were identified and folllowed up for 7 days.

Results

Twenty-nine ward beds were created (42% of the total capacity). Handwritten summaries just took 13.3% of the time that electronic summaries took for the same patients by the same doctor. In-hospital transfers allowed five critically injured children into paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and creation of a satellite PICU allowed for an additional six more if needed.

Conclusion

We increased level 3 capacity threefold and created 40% extra capacity for ward patients. A formalised plan helped with speed and efficiency of safe discharge during an MI. Carbon copy handwritten discharge letters allowed tracking and saved time. Robust follow-up procedures must be in place for any patients discharged.
Patient and provider perspectives on barriers to screening for diabetic retinopathy: an exploratory study from southern India
Authors: Kumar Shuba , Kumar Geetha , Velu Saranya , Pardhan Shahina , Sivaprasad Sobha , Ruamviboonsuk Paisan , Raman Rajiv
Published: December 2020

Objective

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of visual impairment after cataract and uncorrected refractive error. It has major public health implications globally, especially in countries such as India where the prevalence of diabetes is high. With timely screening and intervention, the disease progression to blindness can be prevented, but several barriers exist. As compliance to diabetic retinopathy screening in people with diabetes is very poor in India, this study was conducted to explore understanding of and barriers to diabetic retinopathy screening from the perspectives of patients and healthcare providers.

Methods

Using qualitative methods, 15 consenting adult patients with diabetes were selected purposively from those attending a large tertiary care private eye hospital in southern India. Eight semistructured interviews were carried out with healthcare providers working in large private hospitals. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the framework analytical approach.

Results

Four themes that best explained the data were recognising and living with diabetes, care-seeking practices, awareness about diabetic retinopathy and barriers to diabetic retinopathy screening. Findings showed that patients were aware of diabetes but understanding of diabetic retinopathy and its complications was poor. Absence of symptoms, difficulties in doctor–patient interactions and tedious nature of follow-up care were some major deterrents to care seeking reported by patients. Difficulties in communicating information about diabetic retinopathy to less literate patients, heavy work pressure and silent progression of the disease were major barriers to patients coming for follow-up care as reported by healthcare providers.

Conclusions

Enhancing patient understanding through friendly doctor–patient interactions will promote trust in the doctor. The use of an integrated treatment approach including education by counsellors, setting up of patient support groups, telescreening approaches and use of conversation maps may prove more effective in the long run.
Tuina for spasticity of poststroke: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Qiongshuai , Ji Guangcheng , Cao Fang , Sun Yihan , Hu Guanyu , Sun Shaoqian , Liu Yanze , Cao Jiazhen , Wang Yufeng , Xu Xiaohong , Song Bailin
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Spasticity is a common complication of poststroke, tuina is a widely used rehabilitation treatment, although there is a lack of supportive evidence on efficacy and safety for patients with poststroke spasticity. The aim of this systematic review is to assess and synthesis evidence of efficacy and safety of tuina for spasticity of poststroke.

Methods and analysis

A comprehensive electronic search of EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wiley, Springer, PEDro, Chinese Science Citation Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Scientific and Journal Database (VIP), Wanfang Database (Wanfang), Japanese medical database (CiNii), Korean Robotics Institute Summer Scholars and Thailand Thai-Journal Citation Index Centre will be conducted to search literatures of randomised controlled trials of tuina for spasticity of poststroke survivors range from the establishment to 1 January 2020.

There is no time of publication limitations. The primary outcome will be measured with the Modified Ashworth Scale, and the second outcome will include Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale, surface electromyogram RMS value, the Modified Barthel Index, Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale, quality of life 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey and Visual Analogue Scale. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions will be used to assess the risk of bias, and GRADE will be used to access the confidence in cumulative evidence. The protocol will be conducted according to approach and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols 2015.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval will not be required, for no primary data of individual patients were collected. We will publish the findings in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020163384.
Effectiveness of a web-based decision aid for patients with generalised anxiety disorder: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Perestelo-Pérez Lilisbeth , Rivero-Santana Amado , Ramos-García Vanesa , Álvarez-Pérez Yolanda , Duarte-Díaz Andrea , Torres-Castaño Alezandra , Trujillo-Martín Maria del Mar , Del Pino-Sedeño Tasmania , González-González Ana Isabel , Serrano-Aguilar Pedro
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Patients with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) have concerns and needs about their health and the healthcare they receive. Patient decision aids (PtDAs) are tools that assist patients in making health decisions, when there is uncertainty about treatment choice, incorporating their personal preferences and values about the available treatment options. PtDAs can improve shared decision-making and lead to better treatment outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a web-based PtDA for patients with GAD in primary care (PC).

Methods and analysis

The general study design is comprised of two stages: (1) development of a web-based PtDA for patients with GAD, derived from an evidence-based Clinical Practice Guideline and (2) assessment of the effectiveness of the PtDA in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design, in PC centres in Tenerife (Spain). This RCT will be carried out with 124 patients with GAD, comparing the PtDA to a fact sheet with general information on mental health. Patients will review the PtDA in one session accompanied by a researcher. Post-intervention measures will be administered immediately after the intervention and at 3-month follow-up. The primary outcome will be decisional conflict. Secondary outcomes will include knowledge about GAD and its treatment, treatment preference, concordance between treatment preference and choice, and decision quality (knowledge ≥60% and concordant decision).

Ethics and dissemination

The project received ethics approval from the local committee at Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (HUNSC) University Hospital in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (code: CHUNSC_2019_58). Informed consent will be obtained from each participant before randomisation. Results from the trial will be submitted for publication in international peer-reviewed scientific journals and will be disseminated through workshops and local and international conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT04364958.
Modified minimally invasive surgical technique plus Bio-Oss Collagen for regenerative therapy of isolated interdental intrabony defects: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Churen , Zhang Haidong , Yue Zhaoguo , Miao Lili , Han Ye , Liu Kaining , Hou Jianxia
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Periodontal regeneration surgery has been widely used to deal with intrabony defects. Modified minimally invasive surgical technique (M-MIST) is designed to deal with isolated interdental intrabony defects, and has achieved satisfactory periodontal regenerative effect. Bio-Oss Collagen, as a bioactive material, has been applied for periodontal regeneration. It is similar to human cancellous bone, with the ability to promote bone formation; furthermore, it has exceptional plasticity and spatial stability. The combination of different materials and techniques has become a research hotspot in recent years. By combining the superiority of regeneration technology and materials, better regenerative effect can be achieved. This study will search for differences between M-MIST combined with Bio-Oss Collagen, and M-MIST alone in regeneration therapy for intrabony defects.

Methods and analysis

The present research is designed as a two-group parallel randomised controlled trial. The total number of patients is 40. The patients will be randomly assigned to two groups, with 20 participants in each group, for further periodontal regenerative surgery. Test group: M-MIST plus Bio-Oss Collagen. Control group: M-MIST. After 12 months, the measurement indices will be recorded; these will include clinical attachment gain and radiographical intrabony defect depth change as the primary results, and secondary outcomes of full-mouth plaque scores, probing depth, full-mouth bleeding scores, gingival recession, mobility, gingival papilla height and Visual Analogue Scale. The paired samples t-test will be applied to detect any difference between baseline and 1-year registrations. A general linear model will be performed to study the relationship between the secondary and the primary outcome.

Ethics and dissemination

The present research has received approval from the Ethics Committee of Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology (PKUSSIRB-202053002). Data of the present research will be registered with the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Additionally, we will disseminate the results through scientific dental journals.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR-2000030851.

Protocol version

Protocol Version 4, 14 July 2020.
Impact of arthritis on the perceived need and use of mental healthcare among Canadians with mental disorders: nationally representative cross-sectional study
Authors: Howren Alyssa , Aviña-Zubieta J Antonio , Da Costa Deborah , Puyat Joseph H , Xie Hui , De Vera Mary A
Published: December 2020

Objective

To evaluate the association between having arthritis and the perceived need for mental healthcare and use of mental health support among individuals with mental disorders.

Design

A cross-sectional analysis using data from Canadian Community Health Survey—Mental Health (2012).

Setting

The survey was administered across Canada’s 10 provinces using multistage cluster sampling.

Participants

The study sample consisted of individuals reporting depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.

Study variables and analysis

The explanatory variable was self-reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis, and outcomes were perceived need for mental healthcare and use of mental health support. We computed overall and gender-stratified multivariable binomial logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, income and geographical region.

Results

Among 1774 individuals with a mental disorder in the study sample, 436 (20.4%) reported having arthritis. Arthritis was associated with increased odds of having a perceived need for mental healthcare (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.71, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.77). In the gender-stratified models, this association was increased among men (aOR 2.69, 95% CI 1.32 to 5.49) but not women (aOR 1.48, 95% CI 0.78 to 2.82). Evaluation of the association between arthritis and use of mental health support resulted in an aOR of 1.50 (95% CI 0.89 to 2.51). Individuals with arthritis tended to use medications and professional services as opposed to non-professional support.

Conclusion

Comorbid arthritis among individuals with a mental disorder was associated with an increased perceived need for mental healthcare, especially in men, underscoring the importance of understanding the role of masculinity in health seeking. Assessing the mental health of patients with arthritis continues to be essential for clinical care.
Procedural safeguards cannot disentangle MAiD from organ donation decisions
Authors: Buturovic Zeljka
Published: December 2020

In the past, a vast majority of medical assistance in dying (MAiD) patients were elderly patients with cancer who are not suitable for organ donation, making organ donation from such patients a rare event. However, more expansive criteria for MAiD combined with an increased participation of MAiD patients in organ donation is likely to drastically increase the pool of MAiD patients who can serve as organ donors. Previous discussions of ethical issues arising from these trends have not fully addressed difficulties involved in separating decision to end one’s life from the one to donate one’s organs. However, realities of organ donation logistics and human decision making suggest that this separation can be extraordinary difficult. The need to maximise quality of donated organs complicates dying experience of the donor and is likely in tension with the dying experience the patient envisioned when first considering MAiD. Furthermore, the idea that patients will think about MAiD first, and only when firmly decided to end their life, consider organ donation, runs contrary to organ donation policies in some countries as well as end of life and everyday decision making. This opens the door for organ donation to serve as an incentive in MAiD decisions. Dispensing with the simplistic assumption that organ donation can never be a factor in MAiD decisions is, therefore, essential first step to properly addressing ethical issues at hand.
Does disability modify the relationship between labour force status and psychological distress among young people?
Authors: Shields Marissa , Dimov Stefanie , King Tania L , Milner Allison , Kavanagh Anne , Spittal Matthew J , Disney George
Published: December 2020

Objective

To examine the association between labour force status, including young people who were unemployed and having problems looking for work, and psychological distress one year later. We then assessed whether this association is modified by disability status.

Methods

We used three waves of cohort data from the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth. We fitted logistic regression models to account for confounders of the relationship between labour force status (employed, not in the labour force, unemployed and having problems looking for work) at age 21 years and psychological distress at age 22 years. We then estimated whether this association was modified by disability status at age 21 years.

Results

Being unemployed and having problems looking for work at age 21 years was associated with odds of psychological distress that were 2.48 (95% CI 1.95 to 3.14) times higher than employment. There was little evidence for additive effect measure modification of this association by disability status (2.52, 95% CI −1.21 to 6.25).

Conclusions

Young people who were unemployed and having problems looking for work had increased odds of poor mental health. Interventions should focus on addressing the difficulties young people report when looking for work, with a particular focus on supporting those young people facing additional barriers to employment such as young people with disabilities.
Acute cerebrovascular effects in juvenile coho salmon exposed to roadway runoff
Authors: Blair Stephanie I. , Barlow Clyde H. , McIntyre Jenifer K.
Published: December 2020

Urban stormwater is responsible for recurrent mortality events of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) documented in the US Pacific Northwest. Currently, the toxic mode of action is unknown; however, mortality is often associated with large increases in hematocrit (Hct). We found that hemoconcentration and red cell swelling may offer a partial explanation for increased Hct, based on increased total hemoglobin and reduced mean cell hemoglobin concentration of the blood in runoff-exposed juvenile coho salmon, relative to controls. No significant changes were seen in plasma total thiols or antioxidant power, discounting osmoregulatory dysfunction and plasma dehydration as a driver of hemoconcentration. To test for plasma leakage, we injected Evans blue dye complexed with bovine serum albumin (EBD–BSA) intracardially and circulated for 5 min, followed by a 15 min washout with saline. Coho salmon exposed to roadway runoff showed significant accumulation of EBD–BSA in brain and olfactory rosette regions compared with controls, demonstrating plasma leakage from the cerebrovasculature. Our results suggest blood–brain barrier disruption underlies symptom development in coho salmon exposed to roadway runoff.
Stability and Bifurcation in a Logistic Model with Allee Effect and Feedback Control
Authors: Zhu Zhenliang , He Mengxin , Li Zhong , Chen Fengde
Published: December 2020

This paper aims to study the dynamic behavior of a logistic model with feedback control and Allee effect. We prove the origin of the system is always an attractor. Further, if the feedback control variable and Allee effect are big enough, the species goes extinct. According to the analysis of the Jacobian matrix of the corresponding linearized system, we obtain the threshold condition for the local asymptotic stability of the positive equilibrium point. Also, we study the occurrence of saddle-node bifurcation, supercritical and subcritical Hopf bifurcations with the change of parameter. By calculating a universal unfolding near the cusp and choosing two parameters of the system, we can draw a conclusion that the system undergoes Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation of codimension-2. Numerical simulations are carried out to confirm the feasibility of the theoretical results. Our research can be regarded as a supplement to the existing literature on the dynamics of feedback control system, since there are few results on the bifurcation in the system so far.
Multiple Hysteresis Jump Resonance in a Class of Forced Nonlinear Circuits and Systems
Authors: Bucolo Maide , Buscarino Arturo , Fortuna Luigi , Frasca Mattia
Published: December 2020

In this paper, a new class of systems with nonclassical jump resonance behavior is presented. Although jump resonance has been widely studied in the literature, this contribution refers to systems presenting a multiple hysteresis jump resonance phenomenon, meaning that the frequency response of the system presents more hysteresis windows nested within the same range of frequency. The analytical conditions for observing this type of behavior are derived and a design strategy to obtain multiple hysteresis jump resonance in circuits and systems presented.
REAL-TIME HAND GESTURE CLASSIFICATION USING CRNN WITH SCALE AVERAGE WAVELET TRANSFORM
Authors: JO YONG-UN , OH DO-CHANG
Published: December 2020

It is very useful in the human computer interface to quickly and accurately recognize human hand movements in real time. In this paper, we aimed to robustly recognize hand gestures in real time using Convolutional Recurrent Neural Network (CRNN) with pre-processing and overlapping window. The CRNN is a deep learning model that combines Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) for time-series information classification and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for feature extraction. The sensor for hand gesture detection uses Myo-armband, and six hand gestures are recognized and classified, including two grips, three hand signs, and one rest. As the essential pre-processing due to the characteristics of EMG data, the existing Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT), Continuous-time Wavelet Transform (CWT), and newly proposed Scale Average Wavelet Transform (SAWT) are used, and thus, the SAWT showed relatively high accuracy in the stationary environmental test. The CRNN with overlapping window has been proposed that can improve the degradation of real-time prediction accuracy, which is caused by inconsistent start time and hand motion speed when acquiring the EMG signal. In the stationary environmental test, the CRNN model with SAWT and overlapping window showed the highest accuracy of 92.5%. In the real-time environmental test, for all subjects learning, 80% accuracy and 0.99 s time delay were obtained on average, and for individual learning, 91.5% accuracy and 0.32 s time delay were obtained on average. As a result, in both stationary and real-time tests, the CRNN with SAWT and overlapping window showed better performance than the other methods.
An Advanced Stochastic Risk Assessment Approach Proposal Based on KEMIRA-M, QFD and Fine–Kinney Hybridization
Authors: Can Gülin Feryal , Toktaş Pelin
Published: December 2020

In this study, an advanced stochastic risk assessment approach based on integration of advanced version of quality function deployment (AV-QFD) and Modified Kemeny Median Indicator Rank Accordance (KEMIRA-M) is proposed. It is aimed to perform a new criterion weighting procedure based on four different distributions as uniform, symmetric triangular, left asymmetric triangular, right asymmetric triangular distributions. The AV-QFD includes correlations between criteria (top roof of QFD), risk degrees (RDs) of risk types (RTs) (customer needs part of QFD), correlations between RTs and criteria sets (CSs) (in the middle of QFD) to obtain the criteria priorities. Correlations on the top roof of QFD comprises three types: correlations between criteria in the first CS, correlations between criteria in the second CS and correlations between criteria in both CSs. Additionally, Fine–Kinney method is performed in AV-QFD to compute RDs of RTs in the customer needs part. Then for each expert, the correlation-based importance degree (CBID) of each criterion is obtained to rank criteria for each CS. MATLAB code was performed to see the effect of different trial numbers and replications on risk assessment. It was observed that although uniform distribution provides the best value, the same alternative ranking was obtained for all distributions. In addition, right asymmetric triangular distribution converged to the best value rapidly in practice made in this study.
Effect of Poverty on Services Export Concentration in Developing Countries
Authors: Gnangnon Sena Kimm
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates the effect of poverty on services export concentration in developing countries. The analysis has used an unbalanced panel dataset of 95 developing countries over the period 1995–2014. Findings suggest that higher poverty rates induce greater services export concentration, and this effect translates through three channels, namely, human capital, trade openness, and export product concentration. Thus, if they were to diversify services export items, policymakers should implement policies (such as reducing services trade barriers and improving the business environment) that directly promote services export diversification, but also measures that directly target poor segments of the population.
Oxometalate- and Soft-Oxometalate-Based Hybrid Materials: From Synthesis to Catalytic Applications
Authors: Das Kousik , Roy Soumyajit
Published: December 2020

Multi-component hybrid materials are intriguing. They have the potential to act as a platform to manifest the properties of their components. In this review, we discuss the catalytic applications of few such hybrids that are based on oxometalates (OMs). Due to the structural flexibility and enormous properties, OMs are unrivaled in the field of catalysis. Thus, here we primarily focus on the synthesis and catalysis of such OM-based hybrids. The present overview shows that it is possible to improve the catalytic property of bare oxometalates and even that of their soft-matter state namely soft-oxometalates (SOMs) through rational choice of organic ligand and oxometalates.
A Robust Modulus-Based Matrix Splitting Iteration Method for Mixed-Cell-Height Circuit Legalization
Authors: Chen Jianli , Zhu Ziran , Zhu Wenxing , Yao-Wen Chang
Published: December 2020

Modern circuits often contain standard cells of different row heights to meet various design requirements. Taller cells give larger drive strengths and higher speed at the cost of larger areas and power. Multi-row height standard cells incur challenging issues for layout designs, especially the mixed-cell-height legalization problem with heterogeneous cell structures. Honoring the good cell positions from global placement, we present in this article a robust modulus-based matrix splitting iteration method (RMMSIM) to solve the mixed-cell-height legalization problem. Fixing the cell ordering from global placement and relaxing the right-boundary constraints, our proposed method first converts the problem into an equivalent linear complementarity problem (LCP), and then properly splits the matrices in the LCP so that the RMMSIM can solve the LCP optimally. The RMMSIM effectively explores the sparse characteristic of a circuit, and takes only linear time per iteration; as a result, it can solve the QP very efficiently. Finally, an allocation scheme for illegal cells is used to align such cells to placement sites on rows and fix the placement of out-of-right-boundary cells, if any. Experimental results show the effectiveness and efficiency of our proposed algorithm. In addition, the RMMSIM convergence and optimality are theoretically proved and empirically validated. In particular, this article provides a new RMMSIM formulation for various optimization problems that require solving large-scale convex quadratic programming problems efficiently.
In vivo muscle function and energetics in women with sickle cell anemia or trait: a 31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
Authors: Chatel Benjamin , Bernit Emmanuelle , Vilmen Christophe , Michel Constance , Bendahan David , Messonnier Laurent A.
Published: December 2020

The main finding of the present study was that the metabolic changes associated with a moderate-intensity muscle exercise were slightly modified in stable sickle cell anemia patients and sickle cell trait carriers as compared to controls but still in the normal range. The present results strongly support the safety of a moderate-intensity exercise for stable sickle cell anemia patients and sickle cell trait carriers.
Antioxidant and Anti‐Inflammatory Effects of Anacardium occidentale L. and Anacardium microcarpum D. Extracts on the Liver of IL‐10 Knockout Mice
Authors: Baptista Anderson Barbosa , Sarandy Mariáurea M. , Gonçalves Reggiani Vilela , Novaes Rômulo Dias , Gonçalves da Costa Cláudio , Leite João Paulo Viana , Peluzio Maria do Carmo Gouveia
Published: December 2020

Background. The Anacardium occidentale L. (cashew) and Anacardium microcarpum D. (cajuí) are plants commonly found in Brazil. They present phytochemical compounds with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory action. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities of ethanolic extracts from leaves of A. occidentale and A. microcarpum and its effect on the hepatic tissue in experimental knockout models after they received Paracetamol®. Methods. Ethanol extracts from A. occidentale and A. microcarpum leaves were prepared. Total phenolics were determined by Folin–Ciocalteau reagent, and flavonoids are based on the complexation reaction with the aluminum metal, forming a colored complex. Fingerprint HPLC was performed to detect phenolic compounds. Knockout IL‐10 mice randomly divided into six groups were used and received the following treatments: G1, only water; G2, A. occidentale extract; G3, A. microcarpum extract; G4, Paracetamol®; G5, Paracetamol® + A. occidentale extract (400 mg/kg); G6, Paracetamol® + A. microcarpum extract (400 mg/kg). Biochemical parameters of the blood and differential count of leukocytes were done. Oxidative markers and histopathological analyses were performed on their liver tissue. Results. Phenolic compounds and total flavonoids were detected in both two extracts analyzed. The HPLC fingerprint detected phenolic acid, gallic acid, and catechin flavonoid in the two extracts. Histopathological analyses of the hepatic tissue permitted evaluation of nuclear increase, sinusoid congestion, and inflammatory infiltrate. A. microcarpum presented more antioxidant activity increasing antioxidant enzyme levels and reducing TBARS and carbonyl protein when compared to the other treatments after exposure to Paracetamol®. Histopathological analyses showed a decrease in the inflammatory infiltrate after treatment with extracts. Conclusion. Our findings indicate that both extracts, especially A. microcarpum, can reduce hepatic damage in knockout mice exposed to paracetamol, indicating the curative power of these extracts reducing lipid peroxidation and in the morphofunctional damage to the liver parenchyma.
Nonparametric Regression Model for Longitudinal Data with Mixed Truncated Spline and Fourier Series
Authors: Octavanny Made Ayu Dwi , Budiantara I. Nyoman , Kuswanto Heri , Rahmawati Dyah Putri
Published: December 2020

Existing literature in nonparametric regression has established a model that only applies one estimator to all predictors. This study is aimed at developing a mixed truncated spline and Fourier series model in nonparametric regression for longitudinal data. The mixed estimator is obtained by solving the two-stage estimation, consisting of a penalized weighted least square (PWLS) and weighted least square (WLS) optimization. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed method, simulation and real data are provided. The results of the simulated data and case study show a consistent finding.
An Improved Predictive Model for Determining the Permeability Coefficient of Artificial Clayey Soil Based on Double T2 Cut‐Offs
Authors: Lu Zhen , Sha Aimin , Gao Junfeng , Jia Meng , Wang Wentong
Published: December 2020

Permeability is one of the most important engineering properties of clayey soil. However, the traditional method for determining the permeability coefficient is time‐consuming. To establish a simple and accurate predictive method to obtain the permeability coefficient of artificial clayey soil based on the double cut‐off transverse relaxation times (T2 cut‐offs) using low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology, eight kinds of artificial clayey soil with different mineralogical compositions were prepared in the laboratory. Evaporation tests at 40°C were carried out on the saturated artificial clayey soil samples in an oven. During the evaporation process, NMR tests were also performed on the artificial clayey soil every hour. The results showed that the evaporation process could be divided into three stages according to different evaporation rates: the constant rate stage (CRS), the falling rate stage (FRS), and the residual stage (RS). The water evaporated in the CRS and FRS was defined as the absolute movable water and the partially movable water, respectively. The water that could not evaporate in the RS was defined as the immovable water. Based on the cumulative signal amplitudes in the T2 spectrum corresponding to different kinds of water, the double T2 cut‐offs were defined. On the basis of the double T2 cut‐offs and T2 spectrum of the saturated sample, an improved Timur–Coates (TC) model was established. The prediction capability of the improved model was evaluated by finding the determination coefficient (R2), mean absolute error (MAE), and root‐mean‐square error (RMSE). Compared with the typical TC model, the prediction accuracy of the improved model was much higher. In addition, the relationships between the double T2 cut‐offs and fractal dimension (D) of the T2 spectrum of saturated artificial clayey soil were also identified.
A Cross-Sectional Study on the Affordable Care Act from the Perspective of People Living with HIV: The Interplay between Knowledge, Stigma, Trust, and Attitudes
Authors: Kaperak Christopher , Elwood Sarah , Saint-Surin Tamara , Winstead-Derlega Christopher , Brennan Robert O. , Dillingham Rebecca , McManus Kathleen A.
Published: December 2020

Background. Many AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) purchased Affordable Care Act (ACA) Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) for low-income people living with HIV (PLWH). To date, little has been published about PLWH’s perspective on the ACA. We explored ACA knowledge, HIV stigma, trust in the healthcare system, and ACA attitudes among PLWH with ADAP-funded QHPs in Virginia. Methods. Participants were surveyed about demographic characteristics, ACA knowledge, HIV stigma, trust in various healthcare and government entities, and attitudes toward the ACA. Descriptive statistics were used. We assessed for associations (1) between baseline characteristics and correct ACA knowledge, HIV-related stigma, trust, and ACA attitudes and (2) between correct ACA knowledge and the following data: sources of ACA knowledge, HIV stigma, and trust. Results. Participants (n = 53) were a vulnerable population based on the assessment of social determinants of health, and 30% had correct ACA knowledge. Almost three-fourths of participants used HIV clinic case managers for ACA information. Participants who used websites for ACA information had correct ACA knowledge more often compared to those that did not (71% vs. 15%;

p

 = 0.001). Those with correct ACA knowledge had lower stigma scores compared to those without correct ACA knowledge (93.8; SD: 15.4 vs. 108; SD: 20.3;

p

 = 0.01). Participants trusted HIV clinicians more than general clinicians and insurance companies. No association was found between having correct ACA knowledge and endorsing having enough information about the ACA to understand how it will impact their HIV care. Conclusions. Websites imparted accurate ACA information. HIV clinic case managers were the most used source, and HIV clinicians were a trusted source of information. HIV clinicians and case managers should consider disseminating information about the ACA and its impact on HIV care delivery via internet videos. Lack of internet and stigma are a threat to PLWH gaining actionable healthcare information.
Valorization of Food Waste to Produce Eco‐Friendly Means of Corrosion Protection and “Green” Synthesis of Nanoparticles
Authors: Vasyliev Georgii , Vorobyova Victoria
Published: December 2020

Agrifood by‐products are a key element within Europe’s sustainable strategies. Valorization and reuse of zero‐waste technologies are becoming more popular, and they are commonly named as “second‐generation food waste management.” The present study is directed to the valuable extracts of “green” organic compounds from the by‐products of fruit and berry/vegetable crops, which can be revalorized in sustainable chemical technology and engineering, namely, in the production of “green” synthesis of nanoparticles and for the inhibition of corrosion and scaling of metals in corrosive media. Numerous types of agrifood by‐products (rapeseed pomace, sugar beet pulp, fodder radish cake, grape pomace, and pomegranate peels) were investigated. The waste extracts for corrosion and scale inhibitors of mild steel in tap water were prepared by the conventional extraction method that uses 2‐propanol and characterized by gas chromatography‐mass spectroscopy (GC‐MS). Inhibition of scaling and corrosion was investigated in thermal scaling conditions on the surface of the electrode manufactured from mild steel. The LPR technique was applied to measure the corrosion rate, and the scaling rate was determined gravimetrically. The extracts were found to inhibit the corrosion rate 2‐3 times, while only radish cake extract inhibited both the corrosion and scaling rates. The waste extracts to produce nanoparticles were prepared by the ultrasound‐assisted water extraction with subsequent oxidation by oxygen purge and characterized by liquid chromatography‐mass spectroscopy (LC‐MS). The aqueous grape pomace and pomegranate peel extracts were screened for total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The reduction capacity of the extracts was assessed using ferric reducing power (FRAP) and phosphomolybdenum (PM) assays. AgNPs were characterized by UV‐Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. The particle size of AgNPs ranged between 40 and 50 nm. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs was tested against Escherichia coli using the agar diffusion method and optical density.
Effects of Fasting-Mimicking Diet and Specific Meal Replacement Foods on Blood Glucose Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tang Fang , Lin Xuan
Published: December 2020

Type 2 diabetes represents a serious societal health problem due to the vulnerability to cardiovascular events. Diet therapy is the most basic treatment for type 2 diabetes. The present study was conducted to study the effect of a fasting-mimicking diet and specific meal replacement foods on blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Our study included 100 patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent a physical examination which were enrolled and randomly assigned as 50 patients each to the test group (with low energy-specific meal replacement meals during a fasting-mimicking diet) and the control group (with specific meal replacement foods given normal adult doses). After 4 months, efficacy indicators which were fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial venous blood glucose, and glycosylated haemoglobin of the experimental group were all lower than those of the control group (

P
<
0.05

); observation indicators that include body mass index, waist circumference, blood lipids (triglyceride, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein), and blood pressure levels were all lower than the control group, and high-density lipoprotein levels were all higher than the control group (all

P
<
0.05

). Both groups of fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial venous blood glucose, and blood pressure had a relatively stable downward trend, but the experimental group had a more significant decline. In conclusion, the study revealed that a fasting-mimicking diet and specific meal replacement foods can safely and effectively reduce weight and improve metabolic syndrome in patients with type 2 diabetes.