bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adult and larval fish assemblages vary among small tributary mouths of Green Bay, Lake Michigan
Authors: McReynolds A.T. , Hoff M.L. , Sikora A.A. , Nau C.I. , Pietraszek M.J. , Bartelme C.M. , Christie M.L. , Hoffman S.P. , Hayer C. , Forsythe P.S.
Published: January 2021

Small tributaries of the Great Lakes serve as important habitat during critical life stages of many fish species, though temporal and spatial dynamics of the assemblage that uses these systems are seldom investigated. This study quantifies larval and adult fish assemblages captured by fyke net and light traps among small tributary mouths of Green Bay, Lake Michigan. Ten tributaries harbored a total of 45 species representing 17 families, with the most abundant including spottail shiner (Notropis hudsonius (Clinton, 1824)) in adult assemblages and white sucker (Catostomus commersonii (Lacepède, 1803)) in larval assemblages. Larval fish assemblage structures differed over five biweekly sampling events in May and June. Adult fish assemblage structures varied among tributaries but not among spring, summer, and fall samples. Larval and adult species assemblages at these river mouths are likely influenced by hydrology, habitat structure, and species-specific ecology. Water movement may transport larvae into river mouths, as larval assemblages were dominated by species that spawn in coastal habitats. Adult species richness varied with longitude, with the greatest diversity in tributaries on the west shore. This investigation of fish assemblages highlights the spatial and temporal variation that occurs in these systems and their role in shaping fish populations in Green Bay.
Equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics with generalized fractal derivatives: A review
Authors: Golmankhaneh Alireza Khalili , Welch Kerri
Published: January 2021

Fractal calculus generalizes ordinary calculus, offering a way to differentiate otherwise non-differentiable domains and phenomena. This paper discusses the equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics involving fractal structure, as well as fractal temperature in the partition function.
Bipartite entanglement of decohered mixed states generated from maximally entangled cluster states
Authors: Mansour Mostafa , Haddadi Saeed
Published: January 2021

In this work, we investigate the bipartite entanglement of decohered mixed states generated from maximally entangled cluster states of [Formula: see text] qubits physical system. We introduce the disconnected cluster states for an ensemble of [Formula: see text] non-interacting qubits and we give the corresponding separable density matrices. The maximally entangled states can be generated from disconnected cluster states, by assuming that the dynamics of the multi-qubit system is governed by a quadratic Hamiltonian of Ising type. When exposed to a local noisy interaction with the environment, the multi-qubit system evolves from its initial pure maximally entangled state to a decohered mixed state. The decohered mixed states generated from bipartite, tripartite and multipartite maximally entangled cluster states are explicitly expressed and their bipartite entanglements are investigated.
A systematic study of alpha decay in actinide nuclei using modified generalized liquid drop model
Authors: Manjunatha H. C. , Sridhar G. R. , Sowmya N. , Gupta P. S. Damodara , Ramalingam H. B.
Published: January 2021

The alpha decay half-lives of actinides within modified generalized liquid drop model (MGLDM) are investigated by the Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) barrier penetration probability. The potential barrier was studied taking in to account of nuclear proximity, coulomb interaction and centrifugal potential with the inclusion of angular momentum. This work predicts the alpha decay half-lives of unknown actinide nuclei such as [Formula: see text]Am, [Formula: see text]Cm, [Formula: see text]Bk, [Formula: see text]Es and [Formula: see text]No. The calculated alpha decay half-lives reproduce accurately the experimental data. The predictions provided for the alpha decay half-lives within the MGLDM may be helpful for identifying the new isotopes in this field.
An Optimized Approach for Intra-Class Fruit Classification Using Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Singh Rishipal , Rani Rajneesh , Kamboj Aman
Published: January 2021

Fruits classification is one of the influential applications of computer vision. Traditional classification models are trained by considering various features such as color, shape, texture, etc. These features are common for different varieties of the same fruit. Therefore, a new set of features is required to classify the fruits belonging to the same class. In this paper, we have proposed an optimized method to classify intra-class fruits using deep convolutional layers. The proposed architecture is capable of solving the challenges of a commercial tray-based system in the supermarket. As the research in intra-class classification is still in its infancy, there are challenges that have not been tackled. So, the proposed method is specifically designed to overcome the challenges related to intra-class fruits classification. The proposed method showcases an impressive performance for intra-class classification, which is achieved using a few parameters than the existing methods. The proposed model consists of Inception block, Residual connections and various other layers in very precise order. To validate its performance, the proposed method is compared with state-of-the-art models and performs best in terms of accuracy, loss, parameters, and depth.
Shared ancestry of core-histone subunits and non-histone plant proteins containing the Histone Fold Motif (HFM)
Authors: Kumar Amish , Yadav Gitanjali
Published: January 2021

The three helical Histone Fold Motif (HFM) of core histone proteins provides an evolutionarily favored site for the protein–DNA interface. Despite significant variation in sequence, the HFM retains a distinctive structural fold that has diversified into several non-histone protein families. In this work, we explore the ancestry of non-histone HFM containing families in the plant kingdom.

A sequence search algorithm was developed using iterative profile Hidden Markov Models to identify remote homologs of core-histone proteins. The resulting hits were functionally annotated, classified into families, and subjected to comprehensive phylogenetic analyses via Maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. We have identified 4390 HFM containing proteins in the plant kingdom that are not histones, mostly existing as diverse transcription factor families, distributed widely within and across taxonomic groups.

Patterns of homology suggest that core histone subunit H2A has evolved into newer families like NF-YC and DRAP1, whereas the H2B subunit of core histones shares a common ancestry with NF-YB and DR1 class of TFs. Core histone subunits H3 and H4 were found to have evolved into DPE and TAF proteins, respectively. Taken together these results provide insights into diversification events during the evolution of the HFM, including sub-functionalization and neo-functionalization of the HFM.
Derivation of Einstein–Cartan theory from general relativity
Authors: Petti Richard James
Published: January 2021

This paper derives the elements of classical Einstein–Cartan theory (EC) from classical general relativity (GR) in two ways. (I) Derive discrete versions of torsion (translational holonomy) and the spin-torsion field equation of EC from one Kerr solution in GR. (II) Derive the field equations of EC as the continuum limit of a distribution of many Kerr masses in classical GR. The convergence computations employ “epsilon-delta” arguments, and are not as rigorous as convergence in Sobolev norm. Inequality constraints needed for convergence restrict the limits from continuing to an infinitesimal length scale. EC enables modeling exchange of intrinsic and orbital angular momentum, which GR cannot do. Derivation of EC from GR strengthens the case for EC and for new physics derived from EC.
Spectroscopy and Scattering Studies Using Interpolated Ab Initio Potentials
Authors: Quintas-Sánchez Ernesto , Dawes Richard
Published: January 2021

The Born–Oppenheimer potential energy surface (PES) has come a long way since its introduction in the 1920s, both conceptually and in predictive power for practical applications. Nevertheless, nearly 100 years later—despite astonishing advances in computational power—the state-of-the-art first-principles prediction of observables related to spectroscopy and scattering dynamics is surprisingly limited. For example, the water dimer, (H2O)2, with only six nuclei and 20 electrons, still presents a formidable challenge for full-dimensional variational calculations of bound states and is considered out of reach for rigorous scattering calculations. The extremely poor scaling of the most rigorous quantum methods is fundamental; however, recent progress in development of approximate methodologies has opened the door to fairly routine high-quality predictions, unthinkable 20 years ago. In this review, in relation to the workflow of spectroscopy and/or scattering studies, we summarize progress and challenges in the component areas of electronic structure calculations, PES fitting, and quantum dynamical calculations.
Electro-Regeneration of Ion Exchange Resins Used in Hexavalent Chrome Removal
Authors: Vargas Aguilera Dulce María , Zúñiga Chacón Claudia , Vazquez Guadalupe Vazquez , Ruiz Camacho Beatriz , Baltazar Juan , Caudillo González Martín , Alvarado Montalvo Lucia Guadalupe
Published: January 2021

One of the treatments used in effluents with metallic content is ion exchange. This type of procedure involves the use of a semi-continuous treatment system, involving an elution stage of the exchanger, involving the use of acids or bases capable of causing said elution, in order to release the exchanged metal ion. On the other hand, there are electrochemical treatment systems, such as Electrodeionization, EDI, where the regeneration of ion exchange resins takes place in situ according to theory, and the way in which regeneration begins to occur is still poorly understood. In the present work, experiments were carried out, where an ion exchange system is evaluated for the treatment of a synthetic solution of Cr (VI), studying the electro-regeneration of the resin. The results show that it is indeed possible to induce the regeneration of the resin, thus prolonging its use in the effluent treatment system.
Electrochemical Behavior of Titanium Alloys Using Potentiodynamic Polarization
Authors: Jáquez-Muñoz Jesús Manuel , Gaona Tiburcio Citlalli , Cabral Miramontes José Ángel , Estupiñán López Francisco , Zambrano Robledo Patricia , Saucedo Acuña Rosa Alicia , Almeraya Calderon Facundo
Published: January 2021

Titanium is for aerospace production is of 80%. In an aircraft structure, 15% of the weight is titanium. The principal reasons to use titanium alloys are the save of weight, increase performance temperatures ratio and corrosion resistance. To analysed corrosion behavior of Ti alloys, polarization potentiodynamic cyclic was employed. Electrolytes used were H2SO4 and NaCl at 3.5% wt. The type of corrosion presented in Ti alloys was generalized in both electrolytes.
5-Methylmellein as a Corrosion Inhibitor for API 5L X65 in a Saline Medium
Authors: Espinoza Vazquez Araceli , Villanueva Angel Mauricio , Rodriguez Francisco , Fajardo Hernandez C. a. , Figueroa Mario
Published: January 2021

The polyketide 5-methylmellein was isolated from Biscogniauxia sp. (Xylariaceae), an endophytic fungal strain obtained from an epiphytic bromeliad species collected in the Ecological Reserve at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. This compound was investigated as a corrosion inhibitor for metallic materials, such as API 5L X65, in a corrosive 3% NaCl solution using electrochemical technique (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy). The results showed that 50 ppm of 5-methylmellein protected the metallic surface. Measurements at different rotation rates (500 and 1000 rpm) indicate that this compound decreases the charge transfer resistance (Rct) as a result of the desorption of organic molecules.
Photo-Biochemical Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: García-Hernández Laura , Del Real Herrera Luz Karime , Ramos Hernández Jack , Otero Hernández José Andrés , Ramirez Ortega Pedro
Published: January 2021

Nanoparticles exhibit localized surface plasmons as a direct consequence of size. This study focuses on photochemical synthesis through the irradiation of white LED light at different ranges of wavelengths: blue, green, and red. This technique allows a rapid synthesis to obtain colloidal silver nanoparticles using Sedum Praealtum extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent, and AgNO3 (20 mgL-1) as a precursor agent. The experimentation was carried out for each color, in times of 1, 2, and 3 hours. The colloidal solutions obtained from the synthesis were analyzed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, obtaining favorable results with blue radiation in a time of 2 hours, since the characteristic plasmon was observed at 421 nm with an absorbance of 0.15 au.
Review—Temperature Dependence of Luminescence Intensity and Decay Time in Mn4+-Activated Fluoride and Oxyfluoride Phosphors
Authors: Adachi Sadao
Published: January 2021

Studying luminescence properties of various phosphor materials is not only of scientific interest, but also of technological importance. Temperature dependence of the non-rare-earth-doped fluoride and oxyfluoride phosphor properties are examined in this study. The representative non-rare-earth ion considered here is Mn4+ in which the luminous intra-3d
3-shell transitions occur with the parity and spin-forbidden nature and, as a result, reflect a very long photoluminescence (PL) decay time in the milliseconds range (2
E

g
→ 4
T
2g
). Temperature dependence of the PL intensity I
PL(T) is successfully explained by considering the phonon-assisted activation model together with the usual thermal quenching one. The dependence of the PL decay time τ(T) for some fluoride and oxyfluoride phosphors are also analyzed and compared with those of I
PL(T). The proposed analysis model can be used to interpret the temperature-dependent luminescence intensities and decay times for a variety of non-rare-ion (Mn4+, Mn2+, Cr3+, etc.)-doped phosphors regardless of the host materials, fluoride, oxide, oxyfluoride, or others.
The Combination of Pairwise and Group Interactions Promotes Consensus in Opinion Dynamics
Authors: Liu Xiaoxuan , Huang Changwei , Li Haihong , Dai Qionglin , Yang Junzhong
Published: January 2021

In complex systems, agents often interact with others in two distinct types of interactions, pairwise interaction and group interaction. The Deffuant–Weisbuch model adopting pairwise interaction and the Hegselmann–Krause model adopting group interaction are the two most widely studied opinion dynamics. In this study, we propose a novel opinion dynamics by combining pairwise and group interactions for agents and study the effects of the combination on consensus in the population. In the model, we introduce a parameter α to control the weights of the two interactions in the dynamics. Through numerical simulations, we find that there exists an optimal α, which can lead to a highest probability of complete consensus and minimum critical bounded confidence for the formation of consensus. Furthermore, we show the effects of α on opinion formation by presenting the observations for opinion clusters. Moreover, we check the robustness of the results on different network structures and find the promotion of opinion consensus by α not limited to a complete graph.
A Novel Method of Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction Surgery (NOSES) during Laparoscopic Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Wang Jun , Hong Jun , Wang Qianwei , Luo Fen , Guo Fenghua
Published: January 2021

We propose a modification to the reconstruction method of natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) during laparoscopic anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer (RC) and evaluated its feasibility and short-term safety by comparing surgical and postoperative outcomes with those of conventional LAR. Twenty patients with RC underwent “double-purse” NOSES-LAR from October 2017 to June 2018. Data of clinicopathological characteristics, surgical and postoperative outcomes, and follow-up findings in NOSES-LAR cases were collected and retrospectively compared with those of conventional LAR to clarify the clinical benefits. The median postoperative hospital stay was lower in the double-purse NOSES group than the conventional group (6.6 vs. 7.1 days, respectively). In the conventional group, anastomotic leakage and incision site infection occurred in one patient each. In contrast, there were no complications in the double-purse group. There were no significant differences in blood loss, surgical duration, and time of the first flatus between the two groups. Additionally, “double-purse” NOSES-LAR was more economical than the conventional LAR. “Double-purse” NOSES-LAR is a safe, feasible, and minimally invasive promising procedure for LAR of RC with faster recovery, while requiring less surgical skills and lower clinical costs.
Intelligent Control of Smooth Blasting Quality in Rock Tunnels Using BP-ANN, ENN, and ANFIS
Authors: Zou Baoping , Wang Jianxiu , Luo Zhanyou , Hu Lisheng
Published: January 2021

The construction quality of tunnel smooth blasting is difficult to control and fluctuates greatly. Moreover, the existing technology, which relies on the visual observation, empirical judgment, and artificial control, has difficulty meeting the requirements of tunnel smooth blasting construction quality control. This paper presents the construction principle of a tunnel smooth blasting quality control system, introduces a process quality control technology into quality control of tunnel smooth blasting construction, designs a framework for the tunnel smooth blasting quality control system, and collects control index data based on field investigation, expert consultation, and experimental research. By using the methods of index utilization rate statistics, gray correlation analysis, and principal component analysis, this paper primarily elects and selects the control indexes; establishes the tunnel smooth blasting quality control index system; constructs a comprehensive optimization control model of tunnel smooth blasting quality using back propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN), Elman neural network (ENN), and adaptive neuro fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS); and studies the tunnel smooth blasting quality control system. The following are the conclusions of this study: (1) This paper presented a method of constructing a tunnel smooth blasting quality control index system and established this system with seven criteria layers, namely, geological conditions, explosive properties, borehole parameters, charge parameters, method of initiation, tunnel parameters, and construction factors, as well as a total of nine indexes. (2) The comprehensive optimization control model of BP-ANN, ANFIS, and ENN for tunnel smooth blasting quality was established. (3) The uniform design method was used to optimize the blasting parameters of the tunnel section, which needs to be controlled, and verify that the construction of these comprehensive optimization control models can change the focus of tunnel smooth blasting quality control from the traditional single index control method into a dynamic, intelligent, pluralistic, and integrated control technology.
Exciting Fixed Point Results on a Novel Space with Supportive Applications
Authors: Hammad Hasanen A. , Aydi Hassen , Gaba Yaé Ulrich
Published: January 2021

The goal of this paper is to present a new space, a complex valued controlled rectangular

b

-metric space (for short,

υ

ℂ

-metric space). Some examples and topological properties of

υ

ℂ

-metric spaces are given. Also, some related common fixed point results are discussed. Our results generalize a lot of works in this direction. Moreover, we apply the theoretical results to find a unique solution of a complex valued Atangana-Baleanu fractional integral operator and a system of complex linear equations. Finally, a numerical example to find the current that passes through the RLC circuit is illustrated.
Rapid Identification and Systematic Mechanism of Flavonoids from Potentilla freyniana Bornm. Based on UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry and Network Pharmacology
Authors: Cai Wei , Li Kailin , Qin Shihan , Xiong Pei , Peng Jie , Shi Silin , Zhang Zaiqi
Published: January 2021

Potentilla freyniana Bornm. (P. freyniana), belonging to the family Rosaceae, has been used as a folk medicine in China. However, as we know, the constituents and the systematic elucidation of the mechanism were not fully investigated. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a rapid method using LC-MS and network pharmacology for the detection and identification of constituents and the systematic mechanism of P. freyniana. Firstly, the flavonoids were detected and identified based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Quadrupole-Exactive Focus Orbitrap MS (UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS). After that, the potential targets of those constituents were obtained by database mining. Then, the core targets were predicted by protein-protein interaction network and network analysis. Finally, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were carried out via DAVID. This finding revealed that P. freyniana possessed 43 flavonoids (40 of them were first reported) with 23 core target genes, which are associated with PI3K-Akt, MAPK, TNF signaling pathway, and pathway in cancer. This study demonstrated the multicompound, multitarget, and multimechanism of P. freyniana, which are very beneficial to develop the further study and utilization of this plant including the material basis and quality control research.
[Retracted] S‐Nitroso‐L‐Cysteine Ameliorated Pulmonary Hypertension in the MCT‐Induced Rats through Anti‐ROS and Anti‐Inflammatory Pathways
Authors: Wang Moran , Luo Pengcheng , Shi Wei , Guo Junyi , Huo Shengqi , Yan Dan , Peng Lulu , Zhang Cuntai , Lv Jiagao , Lin Li , Li Sheng
Published: January 2021

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive and life‐threatening chronic disease in which increased pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and pulmonary vasculature remodeling are prevalent. Inhaled nitric oxide (NO) has been used in newborns to decrease PAP in the clinic; however, the effects of NO endogenous derivatives, S‐nitrosothiols (SNO), on PH are still unknown. We have reported that S‐nitroso‐L‐cysteine (CSNO), one of the endogenous derivatives of NO, inhibited RhoA activity through oxidative nitrosation of its C16/20 residues, which may be beneficial for both vasodilation and remodeling. In this study, we presented data to show that inhaled CSNO attenuated PAP in the monocrotaline‐ (MCT‐) induced PH rats and, moreover, improved right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy and fibrosis induced by RV overloaded pressure. In addition, aerosolized CSNO significantly inhibited the hyperactivation of signal transducers and activators of transduction 3 (STAT3) and extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) pathways in the lung of MCT‐induced rats. CSNO also regulated the expression of smooth muscle contractile protein and improved aberrant endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitophagy in lung tissues following MCT induction. On the other hand, CSNO inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in vitro, which is induced by angiotensin II (AngII) as well as interleukin 6 (IL‐6). In addition, CSNO inhibited excessive ER stress and mitophagy induced by AngII and IL‐6 in vitro; finally, STAT3 and ERK phosphorylation was inhibited by CSNO in a concentration‐dependent manner. Taken together, CSNO led to pulmonary artery relaxation and regulated pulmonary circulation remodeling through anti‐ROS and anti‐inflammatory pathways and may be used as a therapeutic option for PH treatment.
Use of the T-1470 LiteTouch™ Laser in the En Bloc Resection of an Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer
Authors: Shoen Ezra , Zollinger Benjamin , Gresham Tripp , Rezaei Katayoon M. , Whalen Michael
Published: January 2021

Background. Endoscopic laser-ablative therapy of upper tract urothelial carcinoma offers kidney-sparing treatment for well-selected low-risk tumors. The traditional technique consists of tumor biopsy with flexible forceps or nitinol basket for pathologic assessment of stage and grade, followed by laser ablation of the tumor. In this case, we present the use of the new T-1470 LiteTouch™ laser for intraoperative tumor en bloc resection, affording both tissue acquisition and tumor ablation. Case Presentation. An 81-year-old female with a past medical history significant for stage 4 chronic kidney disease, peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and gout was diagnosed with a 2 cm left upper tract high-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma confirmed by cytology with cell block preparation. Using a novel approach, the tumor was resected, en bloc, using the T-1470 LiteTouch™ laser which allowed for sufficient tissue resection for pathologic examination and strong hemostasis. This new technique is the first recorded example of tumor en bloc resection using the T-1470 LiteTouch™ laser of an upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Conclusion. The use of the T-1470 LiteTouch™ laser offers promise for its use as a novel laser for the endoscopic treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma. It shows potential for advantages over current techniques through its ability to achieve en bloc resection and superior hemostasis.
A Simplified Finite Difference Method (SFDM) Solution via Tridiagonal Matrix Algorithm for MHD Radiating Nanofluid Flow over a Slippery Sheet Submerged in a Permeable Medium
Authors: Farooq M. Asif , Salahuddin A. , Mushtaq Asif , Razzaq M.
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we turn our attention to the mathematical model to simulate steady, hydromagnetic, and radiating nanofluid flow past an exponentially stretching sheet. A numerical modeling technique, simplified finite difference method (SFDM), has been applied to the flow model that is based on partial differential equations (PDEs) which is converted to nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by using similarity variables. For the resultant algebraic system, the SFDM uses the tridiagonal matrix algorithm (TDMA) in computing the solution. The effectiveness of numerical scheme is verified by comparing it with solution from the literature. However, where reference solution is not available, one can compare its numerical results with the results of MATLAB built-in package bvp4c. The velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles are graphed for a variety of parameters, i.e., Prandtl number, Grashof number, thermal radiation parameter, Darcy number, Eckert number, Lewis number, and Brownian and thermophoresis parameters. The significant effects of the associated emerging thermophysical parameters, i.e., skin friction coefficient, local Nusselt number, and local Sherwood numbers are analyzed and discussed in detail. Numerical results are compared from the available literature and found a close agreement with each other. It is found that the Eckert number upsurges the velocity curve. However, the dimensionless temperature declines with the Grashof number. It is also shown that the SFDM gives good results when compared with the results obtained from bvp4c and results from the literature.
New Exact Traveling Wave Solutions of Fractional Time Coupled Nerve Fibers via Two New Approaches
Authors: Owyed Saud
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we obtain new soliton solutions of one of the most important equations in biology (fractional time coupled nerve fibers) using two algorithm schemes, namely,

exp

−
ψ

ξ

expansion function method and

θ

′

ξ

/

θ

2

ξ

expansion methods. The equation and the solution methods have free parameters which help to make the obtained solutions are dynamics and more readable for dealing with fractional parameter and the initial and boundary value problem. As a result, various new exact soliton solutions for the considered model are derived which include the hyperbolic, rational, and trigonometric functions, and other solutions are obtained. In addition, the obtained results proved that the used methods give better performance compared with existing methods in the literature.
Hemorrhagic Shock Induces a Rapid Transcriptomic Shift of the Immune Balance in Leukocytes after Experimental Multiple Injury
Authors: Debler Lisa , Palmer Annette , Braumüller Sonja , Klohs Bettina , Mollnes Tom Eirik , Holzmann Karlheinz , Huber-Lang Markus , Halbgebauer Rebecca
Published: January 2021

The immune response following trauma represents a major driving force of organ dysfunction and poor outcome. Therefore, we investigated the influence of an additional hemorrhagic shock (HS) on the early posttraumatic immune dysbalance in the whole population of blood leukocytes. A well-established murine polytrauma (PT) model with or without an additional pressure-controlled HS (mean arterial pressure of 30 mmHg (±5 mmHg) for 60 mins, afterwards fluid resuscitation with balanced electrolyte solution four times the volume of blood drawn) was used. C57BL/6 mice were randomized into a control, PT, and PT + HS group with three animals in each group. Four hours after trauma, corresponding to three hours after induction of hemorrhage, RNA was isolated from all peripheral blood leukocytes, and a microarray analysis was performed. Enrichment analysis was conducted on selected genes strongly modulated by the HS. After additional HS in PT mice, the gene expression of pathways related to the innate immunity, such as IL-6 production, neutrophil chemotaxis, cell adhesion, and toll-like receptor signaling was upregulated, whereas pathways of the adaptive immune system, such as B- and T-cell activation as well as the MHC class II protein complex, were downregulated. These results demonstrate that an additional HS plays an important role in the immune dysregulation early after PT by shifting the balance to increased innate and reduced adaptive immune responses.
Exposing Speech Transsplicing Forgery with Noise Level Inconsistency
Authors: Yan Diqun , Dong Mingyu , Gao Jinxing
Published: January 2021

Splicing is one of the most common tampering techniques for speech forgery in many forensic scenarios. Some successful approaches have been presented for detecting speech splicing when the splicing segments have different signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). However, when the SNRs between the spliced segments are close or even same, no effective detection methods have been reported yet. In this study, noise inconsistency between the original speech and the inserted segment from other speech is utilized to detect the splicing trace. First, noise signal of the suspected speech is extracted by a parameter-optimized noise estimation algorithm. Second, the statistical Mel frequency features are extracted from the estimated noise signal. Finally, the spliced region is located by utilizing a change point detection algorithm on the estimated noise signal. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated on a well-designed speech splicing dataset. The comparative experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can achieve better detection performance than other algorithms.
Deep Learning for Mobile Crowdsourcing Techniques, Methods, and Challenges: A Survey
Authors: Liu Bingchen , Zhong Weiyi , Xie Jushi , Kong Lingzhen , Yang Yihong , Lin Chuang , Wang Hao
Published: January 2021

With the ever-increasing popularity of mobile computing technology and the wide adoption of outsourcing strategy in labour-intensive industrial domains, mobile crowdsourcing has recently emerged as a promising resolution for solving complex computational tasks with quick response requirements. However, the complexity of a mobile crowdsourcing task makes it hard to pursue an optimal resolution with limited computing resources, as well as various task constraints. In this situation, deep learning has provided a promising way to pursue such an optimal resolution by training a set of optimal parameters. In the past decades, many researchers have devoted themselves to this hot topic and brought various cutting-edge resolutions. In view of this, we review the current research status of deep learning for mobile crowdsourcing from the perspectives of techniques, methods, and challenges. Finally, we list a group of remaining challenges that call for an intensive study in future research.
Experimental Study on the Influence of PVA Content on the Performance of Grouting Material in Deep Stope
Authors: Liu Bin , Yin Liming , Chen Juntao , Li Ming , Tang Daozeng , Zhang Yi
Published: January 2021

Based on laboratory experiments, the paper researches the effect of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) content on the performance of fly ash-based cement grouting materials. The test results show that the addition of PVA has limited effect on the initial and final setting time and brings a certain but minor delay on the appearance of the hydration peak period. It enhances cement hydration during the hydration slow down period. The impermeability of PVA to the grouting material is obviously improved, and it increases with the growing amount of PVA content. PVA improves the flexural strength and compressive strength of the sample block to varying degrees, and the improvement on flexural strength is more obvious than that on the compressive strength. It has a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the grouting material and can effectively improve the rock mass’s hydraulic coupling characteristics. It also has great application value and practical significance for the prevention and control of water hazards in deep coal stopes.
First Report of Two Cases of Acute Gastric Ischemia after Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy
Authors: Grivas Nikolaos , Horsch Alexander D. , Wit Esther , Bruining Annemarie , van Sandick Johanna , van der Poel Henk G.
Published: January 2021

Gastrointestinal ischemia is rare after small pelvis surgery. Minimal invasive robotic surgery requires adaptation of the surgical approach for cystectomy and derivation construction such as the use of pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg positioning of the patient. Two cases with gastric ischemic complications after robot-assisted radical cystectomy are described. The first case was a 68-year-old female who had prolonged gastroparalysis and blood in a replaced gastric tube at day 10 after robotic cystectomy and Bricker urinary derivation. Gastroscopy revealed ischemia of gastric and proximal duodenal mucosa while computed tomography showed multiple calcifications and thrombi in the coeliac trunk branches and splenic infarcts. The stenosis of the origin of the mesenteric superior artery was stented via an endovascular procedure, and the patient recovered with normal gastroscopy 1 month postoperatively. The second case was a 73-year-old male who developed abdominal pain and fever 5 days after robotic cystectomy and Bricker. On abdominal computed tomography imaging, subcutaneous emphysema, intra-abdominal air, and calcification at the origin of the coeliac trunk were found. At laparotomy 5 days after the cystectomy, a 3 cm hole in the fundus of the stomach was found which was removed with the major stomach curvature. Gastroscopy 5 days after hemigastrectomy revealed no remnant ischemia. The prolonged pneumoperitoneum during robotic cystectomy, the deep Trendelenburg position, and the preoperatively impaired vascular system can be the reasons of our first two cases of gastric ischemia. This rare complication should be kept in mind in patients with symptoms of gastric ischemia since it can result in gastric perforation.
High In Situ Stress Anisotropy Lead to Formation of Complex Fracture Patterns
Authors: Yan Xinjiang , Zhang Zehao , Yu Jifei , Cao Yanfeng , Yuan Yanguang
Published: January 2021

During the process of water injection, due to solid particle deposition and foreign liquid intrusion, the formation near the wellbore was contaminated and blocked. As a result, water injection rate reduced and failed to meet the injection requirements. In order to improve water injection rate and improve oil recovery of offshore oilfields, hydraulic injection tests were carried out in controlled laboratory conditions. In general, the formation of complex fracture patterns is an ideal outcome of the hydraulic fracturing stimulation seeks to achieve. In situ stress condition is an inherited geological condition one can only adopt to. By comparing test results of different experiments that had varied stress and hydraulic injection conditions imposed, we can investigate their impact on the fracture patterns created. This paper presents laboratory evidences to support that if the hydraulic injection condition is managed properly, a complex fracture pattern is possible even under a high in situ stress anisotropy. Even if the in situ stress condition has a large anisotropy, proper hydraulic stimulation operations can still cause complex fracture patterns and thus provide good stimulation efficiency.
Diclofenac May Induce PIA-Independent Biofilm Formation in Staphylococcus aureus Strains
Authors: Alves de Lima e Silva Agostinho , Viana Alice Slotfeldt , Silva Priscila Martins , de Matos Nogueira Eduardo , Salgado Leonardo Tavares , Tomazetto de Carvalho Rodrigo , Geraldo da Silva Filho Renato
Published: January 2021

Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogen commonly resistant to antibiotics. Biofilm formation is one of the important factors related to its virulence. Non-antibiotics drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), have been studied as an alternative for treating infections by multiresistant pathogens and biofilm-associated infections. In this study, the effects of NSAID sodium diclofenac on growth inhibition and biofilm formation of S. aureus were evaluated. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of diclofenac for fifty isolates ranged from 200 to 400 μg/mL. Diclofenac sub-MICs induced biofilm in 32.3% of biofilm-negative strains in tryptic soy broth. All biofilms induced by the drug showed a PIA- (polysaccharide intercellular adhesion-) independent composition, and the scanning electron microscopy showed that the induced biofilm presented a very discrete matrix. The combination of diclofenac with rifampicin sub-MICs induced strong production of PIA-dependent biofilm in three of four strains, while combination of NSAID with NaCl induced the formation of partially polysaccharide biofilm in two strains and PIA-independent biofilm in another strain. The combination of NSAID with glucose resulted in PIA-independent biofilms in all four strains tested. The results showed that diclofenac can commonly induce biofilm production by a PIA-independent pathway. However, when this NSAID is combined with other types of inducing agents, the composition of the biofilm produced may vary.
Real-World Treatment Patterns and Vision Outcomes with Ranibizumab for Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Naujokaitis Tadas , Balciuniene Vilma Jurate
Published: January 2021

Purpose. To assess injection patterns and vision outcomes in patients receiving intravitreal ranibizumab injections for diabetic macular edema in a real-world clinical setting. Methods. Retrospective chart review involving 74 eyes of 62 patients who started ranibizumab treatment for diabetic macular edema at the Hospital of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno Klinikos. Data collected included follow-up visits, injections administered, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results. Median follow-up duration was 652.5 days (min 365; max 914). Over the first year, eyes received a median of 4 injections (min 1; max 10). Among eyes with 2-year follow-up and injections during the second year, there was a median of 3 injections (min 1; max 6) over the second year. The BCVA improved by a median of 5 letters 365 ± 60 days and 730 ± 60 days after baseline. At the first visit ≥365 days after baseline, 13.5% of eyes gained ≥15 letters from baseline while 6.8% of eyes lost ≥15 letters. For 74.3% of eyes, BCVA improved (gain of ≥5 letters) or remained stable (gain/loss of ≤4 letters). Conclusion. Intravitreal ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema was effective in a real-world clinical setting, with most eyes gaining or maintaining vision. Compared with randomized prospective clinical trials, patients received less frequent injections and achieved lower vision gains.
Hierarchical Missing Data and Multivariate Behrens–Fisher Problem
Authors: Yu Jianqi
Published: January 2021

This article firstly defines hierarchical data missing pattern, which is a generalization of monotone data missing pattern. Then multivariate Behrens–Fisher problem with hierarchical missing data is considered to illustrate that how ideas in dealing with monotone missing data can be extended to deal with hierarchical missing pattern. A pivotal quantity similar to the Hotelling

T

2

is presented, and the moment matching method is used to derive its approximate distribution which is for testing and interval estimation. The precision of the approximation is illustrated through Monte Carlo data simulation. The results indicate that the approximate method is very satisfactory even for moderately small samples.
Predicting the Failure Risk of Internal Fixation Devices in Chinese Patients Undergoing Spinal Internal Fixation Surgery: Development and Assessment of a New Predictive Nomogram
Authors: Liu Chong , Zhang Zide , Ma Yuan , Liang Tuo , Yu Chaojie , Lu Zhaojun , Xu Guoyong , Wang Zequn , Chen Jiarui , Jiang Jie , Chen Tianyou , Li Hao , Ye Zhen , Zhan Xinli
Published: January 2021

The current study is aimed at developing and validating a nomogram of the risk of failure of internal fixation devices in Chinese patients undergoing spinal internal fixation. We collected data from a total of 1139 patients admitted for spinal internal fixation surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from May 2012 to February 2019. Of these, 1050 patients were included in the spinal internal fixation group and 89 patients in the spinal internal fixation device failure group. Patients were divided into training and validation tests. The risk assessment of the failure of the spinal internal fixation device used 14 characteristics. In the training test, the feature selection of the failure model of the spinal internal fixation device was optimized using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model. Based on the characteristics selected in the LASSO regression model, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used for constructing the model. Identification, calibration, and clinical usefulness of predictive models were assessed using C‐index, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis. A validation test was used to validate the constructed model. In the training test, the risk prediction nomogram included gender, age, presence or absence of scoliosis, and unilateral or bilateral fixation. The model demonstrated moderate predictive power with a C‐index of 0.722 (95% confidence interval: 0.644–0.800) and the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.722. Decision curve analysis depicted that the failure risk nomogram was clinically useful when the probability threshold for internal fixation device failure was 3%. The C‐index of the validation test was 0.761. This novel nomogram of failure risk for spinal instrumentation includes gender, age, presence or absence of scoliosis, and unilateral or bilateral fixation. It can be used for evaluating the risk of instrumentation failure in patients undergoing spinal instrumentation surgery.
Ni-Doped Protonated Layered Titanate/TiO2 Composite with Efficient Photocatalytic Activity for NO

x

Decomposition Reactions
Authors: Saito Kanji , Orikasa Shota , Asakura Yusuke , Ide Yusuke , Sugahara Yoshiyuki , Ogasawara Masataka , Yin Shu , Kato Sumio
Published: January 2021

A unique structural transformation of a lepidocrocite-type layered titanate, K0.8Ti1.73Li0.27O4, into a rutile-type TiO2 has recently been realized via dilute HCl treatment and subsequent drying at room temperature for producing rutile-nanoparticle-decorated protonated layered titanate exhibiting highly efficient photocatalytic activity. Herein, the authors report synthesis of a lepidocrocite-type layered cesium titanate with nominal compositions of

C

s

0.7

T

i

1.825
‐
x
/
2

N

i

x

□

0.175
‐
x
/
2

O

4

(

x
=
0

, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.35) through solid-state reactions of Cs2CO3, TiO2, and Ni(CH3COO)2·4H2O at different temperatures (600 or 800°C), followed by treatment with dilute HCl and subsequent drying to produce a Ni-doped protonated layered titanate/TiO2 composite.

C

s

0.7

T

i

1.825
‐
x
/
2

N

i

x

□

0.175
‐
x
/
2

O

4

with an optimized Ni content obtained at a lower temperature was converted into a Ni-doped protonated layered titanate/TiO2 composite to exhibit high photocatalytic activity for NO

x

decomposition reactions.
Hardware Sharing for Channel Interleavers in 5G NR Standard
Authors: Xiong Xiaokang , Dai Yuhang , Hu Zhuhua , Huo Kejia , Bai Yong , Li Hui , Liu Dake
Published: January 2021

Interleaver module is an important part of modern mobile communication system. It plays an important role in reducing bit error rate and improving transmission efficiency over fading channels. In 5G NR (5th Generation New Radio) standards, LDPC (low-density parity-check) and polar channel codes are employed for data channels and control channels, respectively. If multiple interleavers are implemented separately for them, the cost increases significantly. To address this issue, a hardware multiplexing scheme for channel interleavers based on LDPC and polar codes is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the formulas for the processes of the control channel interleaving and data channel interleaving are derived with respect to 5G NR standard. Then, the hardware implementation structures of the two interleavers are given. Subsequently, hardware reuse is proposed by sharing the similar or identical parts between the two hardware structures. Simulation results verify the correctness of our proposed scheme and demonstrate that it can realize the hardware sharing of the two kinds of channel interleavers to reduce the cost of silicon.
Bionic Design and Parameter Optimization of Rotating and Fixed Stem- and Leaf-Cutting Devices for Carrot Combine Harvesters
Authors: Tang Han , Jiang Yeming , Wang Jinwu , Guan Rui , Zhou Wenqi
Published: January 2021

To solve the problems of the high rhizome damage and low net cutting during carrot combine harvesting, the following research was performed. The designed carrot stem- and leaf-cutting device was taken as the research object, and a bionic design idea was adopted. MATLAB software was used to extract and optimize the tibial curve of the mantis forelimb, and its shape was applied to the cutting edges of a single-disc rotating cutter and a straight fixed cutter, whose key structural parameters were determined. The kinematic and dynamic models of the cutter, stems, and leaves were established to explore the critical conditions of smooth cutting. A single-factor experiment was performed. The results show that the rhizome damage and the stems and leaf net cutting increased when the rotation speed of the clamping conveyor pulley increased. The flatness of the cutting surface first increased and subsequently decreased. At a speed of 102 r/min, the rhizome damage was 2.86%, the net cutting of stems and leaves was 92.82%, and the flatness of the cutting surface was 85.39%. The net cutting of stems and leaves and the flatness of the cutting surface increased as the disc cutter speed increased, while the rhizome damage decreased. When the rotation speed reached 165 r/min, the rhizome damage, the net cutting of stems and leaves, and the flatness of the cutting surface were 1.97%, 89.59%, and 91.48%, respectively. The bench test and field experiment results showed that the cutting performance of the optimized bionic cutter group is significantly better than that of the conventional knife group. The rhizome damage, net cutting of stems and leaves, and flatness of the cutting surface were 4.01%, 92.05%, and 84.05%, respectively, which meet the agronomic requirements for carrot harvesting.