bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Participatory and responsive governance in universal health coverage: an analysis of legislative provisions in Thailand
Authors: Marshall Aniqa Islam , Kantamaturapoj Kanang , Kiewnin Kamonwan , Chotchoungchatchai Somtanuek , Patcharanarumol Walaiporn , Tangcharoensathien Viroj
Published: February 2021

Participatory and responsive governance in universal health coverage (UHC) systems synergistically ensure the needs of citizens are protected and met. In Thailand, UHC constitutes of three public insurance schemes: Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme, Social Health Insurance and Universal Coverage Scheme. Each scheme is governed through individual laws. This study aimed to identify, analyse and compare the legislative provisions related to participatory and responsive governance within the three public health insurance schemes and draw lessons that can be useful for other low-income and middle-income countries in their legislative process for UHC. The legislative provisions in each policy document were analysed using a conceptual framework derived from key literature. The results found that overall the UHC legislative provisions promote citizen representation and involvement in UHC governance, implementation and management, support citizens’ ability to voice concerns and improve UHC, protect citizens’ access to information as well as ensure access to and provision of quality care. Participatory governance is legislated in 33 sections, of which 23 are in the Universal Coverage Scheme, 4 in the Social Health Insurance and none in the Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme. Responsive governance is legislated in 24 sections, of which 18 are in the Universal Coverage Scheme, 2 in the Social Health Insurance and 4 in the Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme. Therefore, while several legislative provisions on both participatory and responsive governance exist in the Thai UHC, not all schemes equally bolster citizen participation and government responsiveness. In addition, as legislations are merely enabling factors, adequate implementation capacity and commitment to the legislative provisions are equally important.
Risk of acute deterioration and care complexity individual factors associated with health outcomes in hospitalised patients with COVID-19: a multicentre cohort study
Authors: Adamuz Jordi , González-Samartino Maribel , Jiménez-Martínez Emilio , Tapia-Pérez Marta , López-Jiménez María-Magdalena , Rodríguez-Fernández Hugo , Castro-Navarro Trinidad , Zuriguel-Pérez Esperanza , Carratala Jordi , Juvé-Udina Maria-Eulàlia
Published: February 2021

Background

Evidence about the impact of systematic nursing surveillance on risk of acute deterioration of patients with COVID-19 and the effects of care complexity factors on inpatient outcomes is scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the association between acute deterioration risk, care complexity factors and unfavourable outcomes in hospitalised patients with COVID-19.

Methods

A multicentre cohort study was conducted from 1 to 31 March 2020 at seven hospitals in Catalonia. All adult patients with COVID-19 admitted to hospitals and with a complete minimum data set were recruited retrospectively. Patients were classified based on the presence or absence of a composite unfavourable outcome (in-hospital mortality and adverse events). The main measures included risk of acute deterioration (as measured using the VIDA early warning system) and care complexity factors. All data were obtained blinded from electronic health records. Multivariate logistic analysis was performed to identify the VIDA score and complexity factors associated with unfavourable outcomes.

Results

Out of a total of 1176 patients with COVID-19, 506 (43%) experienced an unfavourable outcome during hospitalisation. The frequency of unfavourable outcomes rose with increasing risk of acute deterioration as measured by the VIDA score. Risk factors independently associated with unfavourable outcomes were chronic underlying disease (OR: 1.90, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.72; p<0.001), mental status impairment (OR: 2.31, 95% CI 1.45 to 23.66; p<0.001), length of hospital stay (OR: 1.16, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.21; p<0.001) and high risk of acute deterioration (OR: 4.32, 95% CI 2.83 to 6.60; p<0.001). High-tech hospital admission was a protective factor against unfavourable outcomes (OR: 0.57, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.89; p=0.01).

Conclusion

The systematic nursing surveillance of the status and evolution of COVID-19 inpatients, including the careful monitoring of acute deterioration risk and care complexity factors, may help reduce deleterious health outcomes in COVID-19 inpatients.
Concurrent prescriptions for opioids and benzodiazepines and risk of opioid overdose: protocol for a retrospective cohort study using linked administrative data
Authors: Liu Erin Y , Tamblyn Robyn , Filion Kristian B , Buckeridge David L
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Opioid overdoses have increased substantially over the last 20 years, with over 400 000 deaths in North America. While opioid prescribing has been a target of research, benzodiazepine and opioid co-intoxication has emerged as a potential risk factor. Our aim was to assess the risk of opioid overdose associated with concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines relative to opioids alone.

Methods and analysis

A retrospective cohort study will be conducted using medical claims data from adult residents of Montréal, Canada. We will create a cohort of new users of opioids (ie, no opioid dispensations in prior year) in 2000–2014 from people with at least 2 years of continuous health insurance. Those with any diagnosis or hospitalisation for cancer or palliative care in the 2 years before their first opioid dispensation will be excluded. On each person-day of follow-up, exposure status will be classified into one of four mutually exclusive categories: (1) opioid-only, (2) benzodiazepine-only, (3) both opioid and benzodiazepine (concurrent use) or (4) neither. Opioid overdose will be measured using diagnostic codes documented in the hospital discharge abstract database, physician billing claims from emergency department visits and death records. Using a marginal structural Cox proportional hazards model, we will compare the hazard of overdose during intervals of concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine use to intervals of opioid use alone, adjusted for sociodemographics, medical and psychiatric comorbidities, and substance use disorders.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is approved by the McGill Faculty of Medicine Institutional Review Board and theCommission d’access à l’information(Québec privacy commission). Results will be relevant to clinicians, policymakers and other researchers interested in co-prescribing practices of opioids and benzodiazepines. Study findings will be disseminated at relevant conferences and published in biomedical and epidemiological peer-reviewed journals.
Effectiveness of interventions to reduce COVID-19 transmission in a large urban jail: a model-based analysis
Authors: Malloy Giovanni S P , Puglisi Lisa , Brandeau Margaret L , Harvey Tyler D , Wang Emily A
Published: February 2021

Objectives

We aim to estimate the impact of various mitigation strategies on COVID-19 transmission in a US jail beyond those offered in national guidelines.

Design

We developed a stochastic dynamic transmission model of COVID-19.

Setting

One anonymous large urban US jail.

Participants

Several thousand staff and incarcerated individuals.

Interventions

There were four intervention phases during the outbreak: the start of the outbreak, depopulation of the jail, increased proportion of people in single cells and asymptomatic testing. These interventions were implemented incrementally and in concert with one another.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The basic reproduction ratio, R0, in each phase, as estimated using the next generation method. The fraction of new cases, hospitalisations and deaths averted by these interventions (along with the standard measures of sanitisation, masking and social distancing interventions).

Results

For the first outbreak phase, the estimated R0 was 8.44 (95% credible interval (CrI): 5.00 to 13.10), and for the subsequent phases, R0,phase 2=3.64 (95% CrI: 2.43 to 5.11), R0,phase 3=1.72 (95% CrI: 1.40 to 2.12) and R0,phase 4=0.58 (95% CrI: 0.43 to 0.75). In total, the jail’s interventions prevented approximately 83% of projected cases, hospitalisations and deaths over 83 days.

Conclusions

Depopulation, single celling and asymptomatic testing within jails can be effective strategies to mitigate COVID-19 transmission in addition to standard public health measures. Decision makers should prioritise reductions in the jail population, single celling and testing asymptomatic populations as additional measures to manage COVID-19 within correctional settings.
Emergency scalpel cricothyroidotomy use in a prehospital trauma service: a 20-year review
Authors: Aziz Shadman , Foster Elizabeth , Lockey David J , Christian Michael D
Published: February 2021

Background

This study aimed to determine the rate of scalpel cricothyroidotomy conducted by a physician–paramedic prehospital trauma service over 20 years and to identify indications for, and factors associated with the intervention.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2019 using clinical database records. This study was conducted in a physician–paramedic prehospital trauma service, serving a predominantly urban population of approximately 10 million in an area of approximately 2500 km2.

Results

Over 20 years, 37 725 patients were attended by the service, and 72 patients received a scalpel cricothyroidotomy. An immediate ‘primary’ cricothyroidotomy was performed in 17 patients (23.6%), and ‘rescue’ cricothyroidotomies were performed in 55 patients (76.4%). Forty-one patients (56.9%) were already in traumatic cardiac arrest during cricothyroidotomy. Thirty-two patients (44.4%) died on scene, and 32 (44.4%) subsequently died in hospital. Five patients (6.9%) survived to hospital discharge, and three patients (4.2%) were lost to follow-up. The most common indication for primary cricothyroidotomy was mechanical entrapment of patients (n=5, 29.4%). Difficult laryngoscopy, predominantly due to airway soiling with blood (n=15, 27.3%) was the most common indication for rescue cricothyroidotomy. The procedure was successful in 97% of cases. During the study period, 6570 prehospital emergency anaesthetics were conducted, of which 30 underwent rescue cricothyroidotomy after failed tracheal intubation (0.46%, 95% CI 0.31% to 0.65%).

Conclusions

This study identifies a number of indications leading to scalpel cricothyroidotomy both as a primary procedure or after failed intubation. The main indication for scalpel cricothyroidotomy in our service was as a rescue airway for failed laryngoscopy due to a large volume of blood in the airway. Despite high levels of procedural success, 56.9% of patients were already in traumatic cardiac arrest during cricothyroidotomy, and overall mortality in patients with trauma receiving this procedure was 88.9% in our service.
Participant Perspectives on a Seminar-Based Research Career Development Program and Its Role in Career Independence
Authors: Llewellyn Nicole M , Adachi Jamie J , Nehl Eric J , Heilman Stacy S
Published: February 2021

Health science researchers need training and support to effectively pursue independence in their research careers. Little data exist regarding the specific resources that faculty researchers have found or would find useful. In this study, we aimed to better understand the needs of health science researchers to develop recommendations for effective career development programming. The authors conducted a multi-method evaluation of early-career researcher faculty needs beginning by using post-session satisfaction surveys to assess the value of a long-standing “K-Club” seminar, which educates and supports those pursuing NIH Career Development (K) awards or similar. The authors then collected in-depth views on career development needs through a series of focus groups conducted with health science researchers at three career stages: early career, award-seeking junior faculty; mid-career faculty who have obtained some extramural funding; senior faculty who serve as mentors for early/mid-career faculty. Participants who attended the existing K-Club strongly endorse the program in supporting their career goals. Focus group participants described specific areas for program expansion that would add value across career stages: more flexible training options, conducted in smaller group settings with immediate feedback provided; more formalized training and resources for senior research mentors; in-depth guidance on individualized grantsmanship. The authors propose program development guidelines for helping researchers achieve research independence and success. Findings indicate that a broad-reaching K-Club style educational seminar can serve as a valuable foundation supporting professional development. The addition of tailored programs delivered across diverse platforms are predicted to heighten career development success.
Impact of C-reactive protein flare-response on oncological outcomes in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with nivolumab
Authors: Fukuda Shohei , Saito Kazutaka , Yasuda Yosuke , Kijima Toshiki , Yoshida Soichiro , Yokoyama Minato , Ishioka Junichiro , Matsuoka Yoh , Kageyama Yukio , Fujii Yasuhisa
Published: February 2021

Background

The dynamic change in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, CRP kinetics, is a prognostic factor for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in the tyrosine kinase inhibitor era. We investigated the impact of early CRP kinetics on the efficacy of nivolumab in patients with mRCC.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 42 mRCC patients who were treated with nivolumab as a second-line or later therapy between 2016 and 2019. All patients had received previous TKI therapy. Patients were divided into three groups based on their early CRP kinetics: CRP levels increased to more than double compared with baseline within 1 month after initiation of nivolumab (flare) and then decreased to a lower value than baseline within 3 months (CRP flare-responders); CRP levels decreased by ≥30% within 3 months without “flare” (CRP responders); and the remaining patients (non-CRP responders). The maximum tumor shrinkage, objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. The association of the early CRP kinetics and oncological outcomes was assessed.

Results

The median follow-up period was 8 months. The median baseline CRP level was 23 mg/L. CRP flare-responders, CRP responders, and non-CRP responders included 11 (26%), 15 (36%), and 16 (38%) patients, respectively. Thirteen patients (31%) died of mRCC. The maximum changes in target lesions from baseline of CRP flare-responder, CRP-responder, and non-CRP responder groups were −38%, −13%, and 16%, on average, respectively (p<0.001). ORRs of these three groups were 73%, 27%, and 6%, respectively (p<0.001). The median PFS values of each group were not reached, 12 months, and 2.4 months (p=0.005), and the median OS values were not reached, not reached, and 12 months (p=0.048). In a multivariate analysis, early CRP kinetics was a significant independent factor for objective response, PFS, and OS (p<0.001, p=0.004, and p=0.006, respectively).

Conclusions

CRP flare-response was associated with significant tumor shrinkage and improved survival outcomes in patients with mRCC who were treated with nivolumab. Early CRP kinetics could be useful for evaluating nivolumab treatment efficacy.
U.S. TRADE POLICY UNCERTAINTY AND EXPECTED STOCK RETURNS OF CHINESE LISTED COMPANIES
Authors: JIANG YUEXIANG , DAI YIMING , LONG HUAIGANG , ZHU YANJIAN
Published: February 2021

Our study is the first to examine the pricing effect of U.S. trade policy uncertainty (TPU) on Chinese stocks. We estimate the U.S. TPU beta, which measures Chinese stock exposure to the U.S. TPU index. Both portfolio analyses and cross-sectional regressions suggest a significantly negative relation between the U.S. TPU beta and expected returns, which cannot be explained by other pricing factors. The stocks in the lowest U.S. TPU beta quintile can generate 3.48% higher annual returns compared to stocks in the highest U.S. TPU beta quintile. Furthermore, we provide two potential mechanisms that include a real economy channel and a behavioral finance channel using vector autoregression models. Our results indicate that the negative premium can be explained by both demanding more of high TPU beta stocks in hedging against adverse effects from TPU and selling more of low TPU beta stocks due to pessimistic beliefs of noise trader.
Quantum communication scheme with freely selectable users
Authors: Dou Tianqi , Liu Hongwei , Wang Jipeng , Li Zhenhua , Qu Wenxiu , Yang Shunyu , Zhou Fen , Sun Zhongqi , Han Yanxin , Huang Yuqing , Ma Haiqiang
Published: February 2021

Quantum communication plays an important role in quantum information science due to its unconditional security. In practical implementations, the users of each communication vary with the transmitted information, and hence not all users are required to participate in each communication round. Therefore, improving the flexibility and efficiency of the actual communication process is highly demanded. Here, we propose a theoretical quantum communication scheme that realizes secret key distribution for both the two-party quantum key distribution (QKD) and multi-party quantum secret sharing (QSS) modes. The sender, Alice, can freely select one or more users to share keys among all users, and nonactive users will not participate in the process of secret key sharing. Numerical simulations show the superiority of the proposed scheme in transmission distance and secure key rate. Consequently, the proposed scheme is valuable for secure quantum communication network scenarios.
Lump-soliton, lump-multisoliton and lump-periodic solutions of a generalized hyperelastic rod equation
Authors: Rizvi S. T. R. , Seadawy Aly R. , Younis M. , Ali K. , Iqbal H.
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we will obtain lump-soliton solution for (1[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional generalized hyperelastic rod equation, also known as generalized KdV equation by aid of Hirota bilinear method (HBM). We also obtain lump-multisoliton (which is an interaction of lump with one kink or two kink soliton) and lump-periodic solutions (which is formed by an interaction between lump and periodic waves). The dynamics of these solution are examined graphically by selecting significant parameters.
A hybrid approach for short-term traffic flow forecasting based on similarity identification
Authors: Li Wenjun , Chen Si , Wang Xiaoquan , Yin Chaoying , Huang Zhaoguo
Published: February 2021

Short-term traffic flow forecasting is a key component of intelligent transportation system, yet difficult to be forecasted reliably, and accurately. A novel hybrid forecasting model is proposed by combining three predictors, namely, the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), back propagation neural network (BPNN) and support vector regression (SVR). First, it is assumed that all previous intervals can have influence on the predicted interval and then the entropy-based gray relation analysis method is applied to analyze the correlation and determine the length of time constrain window. Second, an improved Euclidean distance is employed to identify the similarity. Furthermore, the rank-exponent method is utilized to rank the results according to the similarity and fuse the predicted values of the predictors. Finally, a numerical experiment is implemented, which indicates that the performance of forecasting results is superior to the conventional ones.
Effects of link perturbation on network modularity for community detections in complex network systems
Authors: Zhao Dongyan , Li Jing , Jiang Zhongyuan
Published: February 2021

Community detection is of great significance in analyzing the network structures. However, real networks usually contain missing links and spurious interactions, which affect the accuracy of community detection results. In this paper, we aim to find out the regularity of the impact on community detection when links are deleted from or added to the network. To address this problem, we propose degree-related link perturbation (DRLP) methods for the tasks of both deleting and adding links, and the random perturbation methods are also be employed. Then, we evaluate the impact of perturbation methods on community detection and draw some conclusions. Finally, extensive experiments conducted on six real-world networks demonstrate the existence of the regularity. The perturbation of deleting and adding links can lead to continuous rise and decline of modularity, respectively, which is also instructive to change the results of community detection purposefully.
On Image Segmentation Based on Local Entropy Fitting Under Nonconvex Regularization Term Constraints
Authors: Han Ming , Wang Jing Qin , Wang Jing Tao , Meng Jun Ying
Published: February 2021

The energy functional of the CV and LBF model is single, which makes the curve to get into the local minimum easily during the evolution process, and results inaccurate segmentation of the images with nonuniform grayscale and nonsmooth edges. The proposed algorithm, which is based on local entropy fitting under the constraint of nonconvex regularization term, is used to deal with such problems. In this algorithm, global information and local entropy are fitted to avoid segmentation falling into local optimum, and nonconvex regularization term is imported for constraint to protect edge smoothing. First, global information is used to evolve the approximate contour curve of the target segmentation. Then, a local energy functional with local entropy information is constructed to avoid the segmentation process from falling into a local minimum, and to precisely segment the image. Finally, nonconvex regularization terms are used in the energy functional to protect the smoothness of edge information during image segmentation process. The experimental results clearly indicate that the new algorithm can effectively resist noise, precisely segment images with nonuniform grayscale, and achieve the global optimal.
A Constructive Methodology of Analog Synthesis of Nonlinear Functions in Subthreshold CMOS
Authors: Fekih-Ahmed Lazhar
Published: February 2021

We introduce a clear constructive methodology of approximation and synthesis of analog functions using the transfer characteristics of the basic differential pair. The new methodology provides circuit designers with an easy-to-understand solution of the function approximation problem employing MOSFETs in weak inversion. It further provides compact formulas for the optimal coefficients involved in the approximation. We confirm the design methodology using SPICE through two examples involving the exponential function.
Terrestrial Sagnac delay in scalar–tensor–vector–gravity
Authors: Karimov R. Kh. , Izmailov R. N. , Nandi K. K.
Published: February 2021

The scalar–tensor–vector–gravity (STVG), a prototype of modified gravity developed by Moffat, can correctly explain galaxy rotation curves, cluster dynamics, Bullet Cluster phenomena and cosmological data without invoking the observationally elusive general relativistic (GR) dark matter. Further, recent observations of neutron star masses are shown to defy some GR predictions, whereas STVG turns out to be more consistent with those observations. These successes indicate that STVG could be a potential candidate for a new theory of gravity. However, an important question concerns the possible range of values of the STVG dimensionless parameter [Formula: see text] imposed by various physical scenarios. In the literature, the range [Formula: see text] corresponding to different central source masses has been suggested. We show here that the [Formula: see text] can be considerably constrained into the range [Formula: see text] assuming that the updated GPS fluctuation does not exceed the [Formula: see text]-dependent correction to the terrestrial Sagnac delay.
The physical nature of the cosmological constant and the decoherence scale in a renormalization-group approach
Authors: Viaggiu S.
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we consider the nature of the cosmological constant as due by quantum fluctuations. Quantum fluctuations are generated at Planckian scales by noncommutative effects and watered down at larger scales up to a decoherence scale [Formula: see text], where classicality is reached. In particular, we formally depict the presence of the scale at [Formula: see text] by adopting a renormalization group approach. As a result, an analogy arises between the expression for the observed cosmological constant [Formula: see text] generated by quantum fluctuations and the one expected by a renormalization group approach, provided that the renormalization scale [Formula: see text] is suitably chosen. In this framework, the decoherence scale [Formula: see text] is naturally identified with the value [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] representing the minimum allowed particle-momentum for our visible universe. Finally, by mimicking renormalization group approach, we present a technique to formally obtain a nontrivial infrared (IR) fixed point at [Formula: see text] in our model.
Numerical Simulation of a Cable-Stayed Bridge Subjected to Ship Collision
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Qing , Hong Jia-Zhu , Xia Yong
Published: February 2021

Long-span cable-stayed bridges are subjected to the risk of collision from passing ships. Conducting experimental study on the collision of bridges and vessels is difficult due to high cost and limited space. In this paper, the behavior of a 1[Formula: see text]018-m long-span cable-stayed bridge subjected to ship collisions is numerically studied. Finite element models of the entire bridge and ships are established. Four different dead weight tonnages (DWT), namely, 2[Formula: see text]700, 12[Formula: see text]000, 30[Formula: see text]000, and 75[Formula: see text]000[Formula: see text]t, with impact velocities of 1[Formula: see text]m/s to 6[Formula: see text]m/s are investigated. The complete collision process under different loading scenarios is simulated, from which the collision force, bridge responses and local damage are obtained. The calculated collision force is significantly affected by the impact velocity and DWT, and exhibits a linear relationship with the impact velocity. Comparison with design codes shows that different codes vary significantly in estimating the collision force and Eurocode provides most accurate results. The effect of the material model on the collision force is also studied. This numerical study provides a reference for the ship collision design of long-span cable-stayed bridges.
Computational prediction of photosensitizers’ toxicity
Authors: Aksenova Nadezhda A. , Tcheremenskaia Olga , Timashev Peter S. , Solovieva Anna B.
Published: February 2021

The percentage of failures in late pharmaceutical development due to toxicity has increased dramatically over the last decade or so, resulting in increased demand for new methods to rapidly and reliably predict the toxicity of compounds. Today, computational toxicology can be used in every phase of drug discovery and development, from profiling large libraries early on, to predicting off-target effects in the mid-discovery phase, and to assess potential mutagenic impurities in development and degradants as part of life-cycle management. In this study, for the first time, in silico approaches were used to analyze the possible dark toxicity of photosensitive systems based on chlorin e6 and assessed possible toxicity of these compositions. By applying quantitative structure-activity relationship models (QSARs) and modeling adverse outcome pathways (AOPs), a potential toxic effect of water-soluble (chlorin e6 and chlorin e6 aminoamid) and hydrophobic (tetraphenylporphyrin) photosensitizers (PS) was predicted. Particularly, PSs’ protein binding ability, reactivity to form peptide adducts, glutathione conjugation, activity in dendritic cells, and gene expression activity in keratinocytes were explored. Using a metabolism simulator, possible PS metabolites were predicted and their potential toxicity was assessed as well. It was shown that all tested porphyrin PS and their predicted metabolites possess low activity in the mentioned processes and therefore are unable to cause significant adverse toxic effects under dark conditions.
Implicit Material Point Method with Convected Particle Domain Interpolation for Consolidation and Dynamic Analysis of Saturated Porous Media with Massive Deformation
Authors: Hu Zhiqiang , Liu Yu , Zhang Hongwu , Zheng Yonggang , Ye Hongfei
Published: February 2021

A coupling convected particle domain interpolation based implicit material point method (ICCPDI) is developed in this paper for the long-time consolidation and dynamic problems of fully saturated porous media involving massive deformation. In the method, the implicit formulas based on the u-p form governing equations are derived to overcome the time step size limitation within the conventional explicit method and in turn improve the computational efficiency particularly for consolidation problems. Then, the CPDI technique is adopted to eliminate the numerical noises occurring while material points crossing cell boundaries in the massive deformation of solid skeleton. Moreover, an extended material point penalty method is proposed to effectively treat the boundary constraints in the coupled system by avoiding introducing an auxiliary boundary layer. Numerical simulation results of several representative examples demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed ICCPDI method to predict the consolidation and dynamic responses of saturated porous media with massive deformation.
Understanding and Controlling Hexagonal Patterns of Wrinkles in Neo-Hookean Elastic Bilayer Structures
Authors: Zhang Teng
Published: February 2021

A controlled surface wrinkling pattern has been widely used in diverse applications such as stretchable electronics, smart windows, and haptics. Here, we focus on hexagonal wrinkling patterns because of their great potentials in realizing anisotropic and tunable friction and serving as a dynamical template for making non-flat thin films through self-assembling processes. We employ large-scale finite element simulations of a bilayer neo-Hookean solid (e.g., a film bonded on a substrate) to explore mechanical principles that govern the formation of hexagonal wrinkling patterns and strategies for making nearly perfect hexagonal patterns. In our model, the wrinkling instabilities are driven by the confined film expansion. Our results indicate robust hexagonal patterns exist at a relatively small modulus mismatch (on the order of 10) between the film and substrate. Besides, the film expansion should not exceed the onset of wrinkling value too much to avoid post-buckling patterns. By harnessing the imperfection insensitivity of one dimension sinusoidal wrinkles, we apply a sequential loading to the bilayer structure to produce the nearly perfect hexagonal patterns. Lastly, we discuss the connection between the simple bilayer model and the gradient structures commonly existed in experiments.
Solving the multi-objective stochastic interval-valued linear fractional integer programming problem
Authors: Younsi-Abbaci Leila , Moulaï Mustapha
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we consider a Multi-Objective Stochastic Interval-Valued Linear Fractional Integer Programming problem (MOSIVLFIP). We especially deal with a multi-objective stochastic fractional problem involving an inequality type of constraints, where all quantities on the right side are log-normal random variables, and the objective functions coefficients are fractional intervals. The proposed solving procedure is divided in three steps. In the first one, the probabilistic constraints are converted into deterministic ones by using the chance constrained programming technique. Then, the second step consists of transforming the studied problem objectives on an optimization problem with an interval-valued objective functions. Finally, by introducing the concept of weighted sum method, the equivalent converted problem obtained from the two first steps is transformed into a single objective deterministic fractional problem. The effectiveness of the proposed procedure is illustrated through a numerical example.
Price of a Finger
Authors: Van Carlen Martin , Ghini Francesca , Mallina Ravi , Jose Rajive
Published: February 2021

Background: Traumatic loss of an index finger is offered twice the amount of compensation as compared to a loss of little finger. However, the little finger plays a pivotal role in power grip thus is underestimated in its importance. Our aim was to test our hypothesis that loss of the little finger will result in greater or equal loss of grip strength compared to loss of the index finger.

Methods: Grip strength in the power grip position was measured in 12 healthy volunteers using a JAMAR hand dynamometer. Grip strength of their dominant hand was recorded as a mean kg force of three attempts in three grip configurations 1) using all fingers 2) excluding the index finger and 3) excluding the little finger. Grip strength percentage compared to the full hand was calculated and statistical significance was investigated with a two-tailed T-test.

Results: Participants’ age varied from 19–64 years, with 4 males and 8 females. Mean full hand grip strength was 28.3 kg force; grip strength with index finger excluded was 65.8% and with little finger excluded was 66.2%. There was no significant difference in grip strength percentage when comparing index or little finger exclusion (p = 0.92).

Conclusions: We did not find a difference in power grip using a simulated model of index or little finger loss in a healthy volunteer cohort. This should be taken into account in traumatic loss and work compensation.
Anode Potential Estimation in Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Data-Driven Models for Online Applications
Authors: Hamar Jacob C. , Erhard Simon V. , Zoerr Christoph , Jossen Andreas
Published: February 2021

Three anode estimation methods are presented and evaluated for their accuracy and storage requirements. After generating training data using a Pseudo-2D Physiochemical model, these models are fit and trained to estimate the anode potential during fast charge events. A simplified linear and non-linear model show an estimationerror of ca. 13 mV and the lowest memory demand, however, a novel random forest model reduces the error to 2.6 mV. The empirical methods are suitable for a lithium plating warning detection system during fast charging and are further evaluated for over-fitting and robustness using an out-of-sample dataset.
Unique Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Polyhedron Embedded with Co Derived Core-Shell Nanoparticles for the Electro-Catalysis towards Hydrogen Peroxide Redox Reaction and Nonenzymatic Detection
Authors: Li Qiuxia , Mo Guangquan , Ye Guodong
Published: February 2021

Unique nitrogen-doped carbon polyhedron embedded with core–shell Co@Co3O4nanoparticles (Co@Co3O4-NC) was synthesized with the pyrolysis of zeolitic imidazolate framework. Novel two-step redox pyrolysis with accurate control of ZIF-67 carbonization and Co ion transformation during pyrolysis was applied. Co@Co3O4-NC was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope, high-resolution transmission electron microscope, powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption-desorption experiment. Co@Co3O4-NC displayed a strong electrochemical catalysis towards both H2O2oxidation and H2O2reduction. By using Co@Co3O4-NC prepared sensor, efficient detection of H2O2was achieved not only by the H2O2oxidation at a positive potential but also by the H2O2reduction at a negative potential. At 0.30 V, the resulting sensor exhibited a rapid amperometric response (2 s), low detection limit (0.056μM) and broad detection linear range (0.1μM–40.0 mM). Besides, at −0.30 V, the resulting sensor also exhibited a rapid amperometric response (4 s), low detection limit (0.96μM) and broad detection linear range (2.0μM–60.0 mM). Additionally, Co@Co3O4-NC prepared sensor also presented a notable selectivity, high reproducibility and long-term stability. Our results proved that Co@Co3O4-NC was an efficient electro-catalyst for H2O2redox reaction, and Co@Co3O4-NC prepared sensor could be a promising sensing platform for the nonenzymatic detection of H2O2.
Numerical Investigations on the Ultrasonic Atomization of Catalyst Inks for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Li Wenkang , Bi Xiaotao , Luo Maji , Sui Pang-Chieh
Published: February 2021

In the fabrication of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell electrode, the catalyst layers (CLs) are coated onto either a gas diffusion medium or a membrane. The deposition method of the catalyst ink plays an important role in the structure of the CL, which directly affects its electrochemical performance. Ultrasonic spraying is a method commonly employed for depositing catalyst ink onto the membrane, and the consequent droplet size is correlated to the microstructure of the CLs. In this study, a two-dimensional nozzle model that vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency was developed to simulate the spraying process of the catalyst ink. The volume of the fluid method with dynamic meshing was used. Parametric studies were carried out to gain insights into the atomization process. It was found that measures such as increasing the nozzle amplitude and frequency, and selecting the surface tension and viscosity of the catalyst ink within a proper range, are conducive to obtaining finer droplets and narrower droplet size distribution. Simulation results of non-Newtonian fluids with different viscosity ranges show that the ink fluid with higher viscosity and low shear rate improves the spray quality. This observation is consistent with the results of Newtonian fluids with different viscosities.
HIF-1 regulates energy metabolism of the Tibetan chicken brain during embryo development under hypoxia
Authors: Tang Qiguo , Xu Qinqin , Ding Cui , Zhang Hao , Ling Yao , Wu Changxin , Fang Meiying
Published: February 2021

The Tibetan chicken ( Gallus gallus; TBC) is an indigenous breed found in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau that are well adapted to a hypoxic environment. The energy metabolism of embryonic brains in TBCs under hypoxia has been little reported. This study investigated changes in energy metabolism of the TBC brain during embryo development under hypoxia. We found that TBCs exhibited a change of glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle during embryo development under hypoxia. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 was potentially involved in this by directly inducing overexpression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 ( PDK1) and the glycolytic genes hexokinase 1 ( HK1) and lactate dehydrogenase A ( LDHA) to increase glycolysis of TBCs to adapt to hypoxia. Although these may not be unique to TBCs, as we had also found similar results in Dwarf Laying Chickens, a lowland chicken breed, TBCs had a stronger regulating ability. In summary, our study revealed that HIF-1 induced energy metabolism changes in the TBC brain via upregulating expressions of PDK1 and other HIF-1 target genes like HK1 and LDHA to increase glycolysis for TBC hypoxic adaptations during embryo development. It indicates the potential application of TBC energy metabolism research for other animals living on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Dexamethasone and transdehydroandrosterone significantly reduce pulmonary epithelial cell injuries associated with mechanical ventilation
Authors: Al-Ruweidi Mahmoud Khatib A. A. , Ali Fatma Hassan , Shurbaji Samar , Popelka Anton , Yalcin Huseyin C.
Published: February 2021

Preexposure of cultured cells to either dexamethasone or transdehydroandrosterone significantly decreases cellular injuries associated with mechanical ventilation due to their ability to alter the cell mechanics. This is an alternative protective method against VILIs instead of common methods that rely on modification of mechanical ventilator modes.
Case Studies in Physiology: Breath-hold diving beyond 100 meters—cardiopulmonary responses in world-champion divers
Authors: Patrician Alexander , Gasho Christopher , Spajić Boris , Caldwell Hannah G. , Baković-Kramaric Darija , Barak Otto , Drviš Ivan , Dujić Željko , Ainslie Philip N.
Published: February 2021

This study shows that world-champion breath-hold divers demonstrate incredible tolerability to extreme levels of hydrostatic-induced lung compression. Immediately following dives to >100 m, there were acute impairments in pulmonary gas exchange efficiency, mild extravascular lung fluid, breathing discomfort, and/or evident nitrogen narcosis, but by a few hours, these had all mostly resolved.
Accurate Prediction of Protein Functional Class from Sequence in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Escherichia coli Genomes Using Data Mining
Authors: King Ross D. , Karwath Andreas , Clare Amanda , Dehaspe Luc
Published: February 2021

The analysis of genomics data needs to become as automated as its generation. Here we present a novel data-mining approach to predicting protein functional class from sequence. This method is based on a combination of inductive logic programming clustering and rule learning. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach on the M. tuberculosis and E. coli genomes, and identify biologically interpretable rules which predict protein functional class from information only available from the sequence. These rules predict 65% of the ORFs with no assigned function in M. tuberculosis and 24% of those in E. coli, with an estimated accuracy of 60–80% (depending on the level of functional assignment). The rules are founded on a combination of detection of remote homology, convergent evolution and horizontal gene transfer. We identify rules that predict protein functional class even in the absence of detectable sequence or structural homology. These rules give insight into the evolutionary history of M. tuberculosis and E. coli.
Estimation of Synteny Conservation and Genome Compaction Between Pufferfish (Fugu) and Human
Authors: McLysaght Aoife , Enright Anton J. , Skrabanek Lucy , Wolfe Kenneth H.
Published: February 2021

Background: Knowledge of the amount of gene order and synteny conservation between two species gives insights to the extent and mechanisms of divergence. The vertebrate Fugu rubripes (pufferfish) has a small genome with little repetitive sequence which makes it attractive as a model genome. Genome compaction and synteny conservation between human and Fugu were studied using data from public databases.

Methods: Intron length and map positions of human and Fugu orthologues were compared to analyse relative genome compaction and synteny conservation respectivley. The divergence of these two genomes by genome rearrangement was simulated and the results were compared to the real data.

Results: Analysis of 199 introns in 22 orthologous genes showed an eight-fold average size reduction in Fugu, consistent with the ratio of total genome sizes. There was no consistent pattern relating the size reduction in individual introns or genes to gene base composition in either species. For genes that are neighbours in Fugu (genes from the same cosmid or GenBank entry), 40–50% have conserved synteny with a human chromosome. This figure may be underestimated by as much as two-fold, due to problems caused by incomplete human genome sequence data and the existence of dispersed gene families. Some genes that are neighbours in Fugu have human orthologues that are several megabases and tens of genes apart. This is probably caused by small inversions or other intrachromosomal rearrangements.

Conclusions: Comparison of observed data to computer simulations suggests that 4000–16 000 chromosomal rearrangements have occured since Fugu and human shared a common ancestor, implying a faster rate of rearrangement than seen in human/mouse comparisons.
The 48th ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics
Authors: Brancia Francesco
Published: February 2021

The general theme of the meeting was the application of mass spectrometry to pharmaceutical and biotechnological research. The majority of the oral presentations and posters were concerned with the development and application of all mass spectrometric techniques related to proteomics.
Predicting the Function and Subcellular Location of Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins Similar to Saccharomyces cerevisiae β-Oxidation Enzymes
Authors: Gurvitz Aner , Langer Sigrid , Piskacek Martin , Hamilton Barbara , Ruis Helmut , Hartig Andreas
Published: February 2021

The role of peroxisomal processes in the maintenance of neurons has not been thoroughly investigated. We propose using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism for studying the molecular basis underlying neurodegeneration in certain human peroxisomal disorders, e.g. Zellweger syndrome, since the nematode neural network is well characterized and relatively simple in function. Here we have identified C. elegans PEX-5 (C34C6.6) representing the receptor for peroxisomal targeting signal type 1 (PTS1), defective in patients with such disorders. PEX-5 interacted strongly in a two-hybrid assay with Gal4p–SKL, and a screen using PEX-5 identified interaction partners that were predominantly terminated with PTS1 or its variants. A list of C. elegans proteins with similarities to well-characterized yeast β-oxidation enzymes was compiled by homology probing. The possible subcellular localization of these orthologues was predicted using an algorithm based on trafficking signals. Examining the C termini of selected nematode proteins for PTS1 function substantiated predictions made regarding the proteins' peroxisomal location. It is concluded that the eukaryotic PEX5-dependent route for importing PTS1-containing proteins into peroxisomes is conserved in nematodes. C. elegans might emerge as an attractive model system for studying the importance of peroxisomes and affiliated processes in neurodegeneration, and also for studying a β-oxidation process that is potentially compartmentalized in both mitochondria and peroxisomes.
Genome-Wide Protein Interaction Screens Reveal Functional Networks Involving Sm-Like Proteins
Authors: Fromont-Racine Micheline , Mayes Andrew E. , Brunet-Simon Adeline , Rain Jean-Christophe , Colley Alan , Dix Ian , Decourty Laurence , Joly Nicolas , Ricard Florence , Beggs Jean D. , Legrain Pierre
Published: February 2021

A set of seven structurally related Sm proteins forms the core of the snRNP particles containing the spliceosomal U1, U2, U4 and U5 snRNAs. A search of the genomic sequence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has identified a number of open reading frames that potentially encode structurally similar proteins termed Lsm (L¯ike Sm¯) proteins. With the aim of analysing all possible interactions between the Lsm proteins and any protein encoded in the yeast genome, we performed exhaustive and iterative genomic two-hybrid screens, starting with the Lsm proteins as baits. Indeed, extensive interactions amongst eight Lsm proteins were found that suggest the existence of a Lsm complex or complexes. These Lsm interactions apparently involve the conserved Sm domain that also mediates interactions between the Sm proteins. The screens also reveal functionally significant interactions with splicing factors, in particular with Prp4 and Prp24, compatible with genetic studies and with the reported association of Lsm proteins with spliceosomal U6 and U4/U6 particles. In addition, interactions with proteins involved in mRNA turnover, such as Mrt1, Dcp1, Dcp2 and Xrn1, point to roles for Lsm complexes in distinct RNA metabolic processes, that are confirmed in independent functional studies. These results provide compelling evidence that two-hybrid screens yield functionally meaningful information about protein–protein interactions and can suggest functions for uncharacterized proteins, especially when they are performed on a genome-wide scale.