bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional assessment of myocardial ischaemia by intracoronary ECG
Authors: Bigler Marius Reto , Stoller Michael , Praz Fabien , Siontis George C M , Grossenbacher Raphael , Tschannen Christine , Seiler Christian
Published: January 2021

Introduction

In patients with chronic coronary syndrome, percutaneous coronary intervention targets haemodynamically significant stenoses, that is, those thought to cause ischaemia. Intracoronary ECG (icECG) detects ischaemia directly where it occurs. Thus, the goal of this study was to test the accuracy of icECG during pharmacological inotropic stress to determine functional coronary lesion severity in comparison to the structural parameter of quantitative angiographic per cent diameter stenosis (%S), as well as to the haemodynamic indices of fractional flow reserve (FFR) and instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR).

Method

The primary study endpoint of this prospective trial was the maximal change in icECG ST-segment shift during pharmacological inotropic stress induced by dobutamine plus atropine obtained within 1 min after reaching maximal heart rate(=220 - age). IcECG was acquired by attaching an alligator clamp to the angioplasty guidewire positioned downstream of the stenosis. For the pressure-derived stenosis severity ratios, coronary perfusion pressure and simultaneous aortic pressure were continuously recorded.

Results

There was a direct linear relation between icECG ST-segment shift and %S: icECG=−0.8+0.03*%S (r2=0.164; p<0.0001). There were inverse linear correlations between FFR and %S: FFR=1.1–6.1*10–3*%S (r2=0.494; p<0.0001), and between iFR and %S: iFR=1.27–8.6*10–3*%S (r2=0.461; p<0.0001). Using a %S-threshold of ≥50% as the reference for structural stenosis relevance, receiver operating characteristics-analysis of absolute icECG ST-segment shift during hyperemia showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.678±0.054 (p=0.002; sensitivity=85%, specificity=50% at 0.34 mV). AUC for FFR was 0.854±0.037 (p<0.0001; sensitivity=64%, specificity=96% at 0.78), and for iFR it was 0.816±0.043 (p<0.0001;sensitivity=62%, specificity=96% at 0.83).

Conclusions

Hyperaemic icECG ST-segment shift detects structurally relevant coronary stenotic lesions with high sensitivity, while they are identified highly specific by FFR and iFR.
Echocardiographic screening for the anomalous aortic origin of coronary arteries
Authors: Bianco Francesco , Colaneri Massimo , Bucciarelli Valentina , Surace Francesca Chiara , Iezzi Federica Valentina , Primavera Martina , Biasi Annaclara , Giusti Giuliano , Berton Emanuela , Baldoni Monica , Renda Giulia , Baldinelli Alessandra , Gallina Sabina , Pozzi Marco
Published: January 2021

Aims

We sought to determine the diagnostic performance, clinical profiles and outcomes of anomalous aortic origin of coronary arteries (AAOCA) using a standardised echocardiographic approach in young adults and athletes.

Methods

In 2015–2019, we screened 5998 outpatients (age 16 years (Q1–Q3: 11, 36)), referred for routine echocardiography, using four specific echocardiographic windows: parasternal short/long axis and apical 4/5-chambers view. Coronary CT confirmed AAOCA. For the performance analysis, 300 coronary-CT scans were available; two independent and double-blinded physicians retrospectively reviewed echocardiographic images.

Results

A total of 47 AAOCA was diagnosed; the overall prevalence was 0.0078%. Over 5 years, we found a significant increment of AAOCA diagnostic rate (P for trend=0.002). Syncope (n=17/47) and palpitations (n=6/47) were prevalent symptoms. All patients suspended sports activity at the diagnosis. Twenty-seven patients underwent surgery, while 20 underwent a conservative medical treatment. All patients are alive at a median follow-up of 3±1.6 years; only surgical repairs restarted their activity. Our method showed better sensitivity than traditional short-axis evaluation: 93% vs 83%, p=0.0030 (AUC 0.96 (95% CI 0.92, 0.99) and AUC 0.89 (95% CI 0.83, 0.95), respectively), with a good interobserver agreement (95%, k=0.83, p<0.001).

Conclusions

The application of a standardised echocardiographic approach for AAOCA detection led to a significantly increased rate of identified anomalies. This approach demonstrated higher sensitivity than the traditional echocardiographic assessment. Implementing this protocol in clinical practice may help improve the AAOCA diagnosis in young adults and athletes.

Trial registration number

NCT04224090.
Incident hypertension in urban slums of central India: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Pakhare Abhijit P , Lahiri Anuja , Shrivastava Neelesh , Joshi Ankur , Khadanga Sagar , Joshi Rajnish
Published: January 2021

Background

Numerous studies have highlighted the burden of hypertension by estimating its prevalence. However, information regarding quantum and characteristics of persons whose blood pressure converts to hypertension range from their previous state of prehypertension or normal blood pressure is crucial for any public health programme. We aimed to estimate incidence rate of hypertension and to identify risk factors for the same, so that it is useful for programme implementation.

Methods

We established a cohort of adults residing in urban slums of Bhopal, who were registered in a baseline cardiovascular risk assessment survey, which was performed between November 2017 and March 2018. Blood pressure assessment was done at least three times at baseline for diagnosis of hypertension, which was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg on two occasions. Participants who did not have a diagnosis of hypertension were followed up during April–June 2019.

Results

Of the 5673 participants assessed at baseline, 4185 did not have hypertension of which 3199 (76.4%) were followed up after a median on 1.25 years (IQR 1.08–1.60) and a total of 170 (5.31%) individuals were detected with incident hypertension. Overall incidence rate of hypertension was 4.1 (95% CI 3.54 to 4.75) per 100 person-years of follow-up. On multivariate analysis, age (relative risk/RR 1.98; 95% CI 1.19 to 3.3, for age >60 years), being in first and second wealth tertile (T-1 RR 1.85; 95% CI 1.17 to 2.91) and being illiterate (RR 1.94; 95% CI 1.31 to 2.86) were significant predictors of incident hypertension. Individuals who had prehypertension at baseline also had a significantly increased risk of developing hypertension (RR 2.72; 95% CI 1.83 to 4.03).

Conclusions

We found that incidence of hypertension in urban slums of central India is higher with increasing age and in men. Illiteracy, lower Wealth Index and prehypertension are other determinants. We also demonstrate feasibility of establishing a cohort within the public health delivery system, driven by efforts of community health workers.
GRP per capita and hospital characteristics associated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator adherence rate: evidence from the Chinese Stroke Center Alliance
Authors: Zheng Suxi , Lyu Tian Jie , Li Zixiao , Gu Hongqiu , Yang Xin , Wang Chunjuan , Li Hao , Jiang Yong , Shen Haipeng , Wang Yongjun
Published: January 2021

Background

Timely delivery of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-rt PA) is pivotal to eligible patients who had a stroke while achieving higher rates of IV-rt PA has been problematic. This paper focuses on investigating influential factors associated with the administration of IV-rt PA, primarily per capita gross regional product (GRP) and healthcare system factors.

Methods

The study included 980 hospitals in the Chinese Stroke Center Alliance where 158 003 patients who had an acute ischaemic stroke received IV-rt PA between August 2015 and August 2019. The adherence rate to IV-rt PA within 4.5 hours time window in each hospital was the primary outcome. Influential factors were grouped into two categories: macroeconomic status and hospital characteristics. The outcome was analysed using multivariable linear regression.

Results

GRP per capita (β=2.37, p<0.001), hospital stroke centre certification (β=3.77, p<0.001), number of neurologists (β=0.12, p<0.001), existence of emergency services for neurological treatment (β=7.43, p=0.014), presence of emergency department (β=10.03, p=0.019) and cooperating with emergency centre (β=4.65, p=0.029) were significantly positively associated with the adherence rate to IV-rt PA.

Conclusions

Higher GRP per capita, affluent neurological personnel, well-equipped emergency services for neurological treatment and routine cooperation with the emergency centre were important for enhancing the adherence rate to IV-rt PA among patients who had an acute ischaemic stroke in China.
Three-dimensional cyclic behavior of saturated clays: comparison between undrained and partly drained conditions
Authors: Zhang Yanlin , Gu Chuan , Wang Jun , Cai Yuanqiang
Published: January 2021

The cyclic response of subgrade clays under traffic loadings is likely to be partly drained rather than undrained, and the traffic-induced dynamic stress field is three-dimensional rather than axisymmetric. To compare the three-dimensional deformation behaviors of saturated clays between partly drained and undrained conditions, a large number of cyclic true triaxial tests were conducted. Experimental results show that a partly drained condition leads to a remarkable increase of permanent major principal strain ([Formula: see text]) compared to an undrained condition, and the differences of [Formula: see text] between the two drainage conditions are affected greatly by the factors of cyclic stress ratio (CSR), overconsolidation ratio (OCR), and coefficient of cyclic intermediate principal stress (bcyc). The increase of bcyc induces a linear reduction of [Formula: see text] in an undrained condition, while it causes an increase first followed by a decrease of [Formula: see text] in a partly drained condition. The clays undergo stiffness softening and hardening in partly drained and undrained conditions, respectively, and the effects of bcyc and CSR on the stiffness evolution are very different between the two drainage conditions. The mechanism of the complex [Formula: see text] and resilient modulus behaviors in a three-dimensional state and partly drained condition is further discussed. In addition, two different empirical models are employed to predict [Formula: see text] in partly drained and undrained conditions.
Nd isotope mapping of the Frontenac Terrane in southwestern Grenville Province
Authors: Dickin Alan , Strong Jacob
Published: January 2021

Nd isotope analyses are presented for granitoid rocks from the western part of Frontenac Terrane in the Grenville Province of Ontario. The depleted mantle model (TDM) ages show no correlation with the silica content of the rocks, but instead correlate with geographical location, suggesting that the TDM ages are indicative of regional crustal formation age and do not result from mixing between sources with different provenance ages. Based on these observations, we identify a new crustal age boundary that follows the Desert Lake – Canoe Lake fault and the Rideau Lake fault and, hence, a new juvenile crustal block (Westport domain). This domain is identified as part of the ensimatic back-arc rift zone that formed the juvenile segment of the Central Metasedimentary Belt in Ontario. However, additional sampling along the Ottawa River suggests that the juvenile Westport domain does not extend into Quebec. Instead, a narrower ensialic rift zone is represented by the Marble domain in Quebec. Based on comparison with the Taupo volcanic zone and the northern Red Sea as modern analogues, we suggest that the transition from a wide ensimatic rift zone in Ontario to a narrow ensialic rift in Quebec was accommodated by transtensional motion along a zone of diffuse shear east of Ottawa.
Comparison of larval fish detections using morphology-based taxonomy versus high-throughput sequencing for invasive species early detection
Authors: Hoffman Joel Christopher , Meredith Christy , Pilgrim Erik , Trebitz Anett , Hatzenbuhler Chelsea , Kelly John Russell , Peterson Gregory , Lietz Julie , Okum Sara , Martinson John
Published: January 2021

When first introduced, invasive species typically evade detection; DNA barcoding coupled with high-throughput sequencing (HTS) may be more sensitive and accurate than morphology-based taxonomy and thereby improve invasive (or rare) species detection. We quantified the relative error of species detection between morphology-based and HTS-based taxonomic identification of ichthyoplankton collections from the Port of Duluth, Minnesota, an aquatic non-native species introduction “hot-spot” in the Laurentian Great Lakes. We found HTS-based taxonomy identified 28 species and morphology-based taxonomy identified 30 species, of which 27 were common to both. Among samples, 76% of family-level taxonomic assignments agreed; however, only 42% of species assignments agreed. Most errors were attributed to morphology-based taxonomy, whereas HTS-based taxonomy error was low. For this study system, for most non-native fishes, the detection probability by randomized survey for larvae was similar to that by a survey that is optimized for non-native species early detection of juveniles and adults. We conclude that classifying taxonomic errors by comparing HTS results against morphology-based taxonomy is an important step toward incorporating HTS-based taxonomy into biodiversity surveys.
Reproductive phenology and seasonal mass dynamics of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) at their northern range limit
Authors: Kusch J.M. , Conway S.E. , Kapchinske A. , Lane J.E.
Published: January 2021

Intraspecific variation is common and can be substantial in species occupying large geographic ranges. For example, populations at a poleward range limit can be exposed to more severe and variable weather, resulting in more punctuated growing seasons and, consequently, large fluctuations in body mass and additional constraints on reproductive phenology. We monitored variation in these traits in a hibernating population of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus (Ord, 1815)) at their northern range limit across four growing seasons. Overall, individual body mass was highly dynamic both within and across growing seasons, and was correlated with sex, the presence of drought, and reproductive effort. This population experienced between-year variation in the timing of reproduction that was associated with weather variation. The influence of weather was particularly evident in 1 year during which a summer–autumn drought was followed by a severe and prolonged winter. This combination led to high overwinter mortality, substantially delayed emergences from hibernation, lower body masses at emergence from hibernation, and complete reproductive failure the following spring. Our results help to emphasize the influence of environmental conditions on levels of phenotypic variation at a species’ northern range limit, which may ultimately contribute to population viability and success.
Quantum kinetic theory for spin-1/2 fermions in Wigner function formalism
Authors: Gao Jian-Hua , Liang Zuo-Tang , Wang Qun
Published: January 2021

We give a brief overview of the kinetic theory for spin-1/2 fermions in Wigner function formalism. The chiral and spin kinetic equations can be derived from equations for Wigner functions. A general Wigner function has 16 components which satisfy 32 coupled equations. For massless fermions, the number of independent equations can be significantly reduced due to the decoupling of left-handed and right-handed particles. It can be proved that out of many components of Wigner functions and their coupled equations, only one kinetic equation for the distribution function is independent. This is called the disentanglement theorem for Wigner functions of chiral fermions. For massive fermions, it turns out that one particle distribution function and three spin distribution functions are independent and satisfy four kinetic equations. Various chiral and spin effects such as chiral magnetic and vortical effects, the chiral separation effect, spin polarization effects can be consistently described in the formalism.
A possible serpulid tube worm of the genus
Filograna
from the upper Permian Cadeby Formation of South Yorkshire, UK
Authors: Ramsdale Rick
Published: January 2021

Simple, tubular clusters from a single boundstone hand specimen, collected from loose material in the Permian (Lopingian) Cadeby Formation at Hazel Lane Quarry, Doncaster Metropolitan Borough, are tentatively identified as the serpulid worm,
Filograna
sp. A. The tubes are calcareous, found in vertical clusters, with some short sections growing horizontally, and with external diameters between 0.6 and 1 mm. Recent work on the Permian Tethyan deposits of Italy have identified occurrences of the genus
Filograna
from before the Permian–Triassic extinction, but the importance of this example is its provenance in the Zechstein English Shelf biota, where reported occurrences of Serpulidae have been rare.
NVMM-Oriented Hierarchical Persistent Client Caching for Lustre
Authors: Cheng Wen , Li Chunyan , Zeng Lingfang , Qian Yingjin , Li Xi , Brinkmann André
Published: January 2021

In high-performance computing (HPC), data and metadata are stored on special server nodes and client applications access the servers’ data and metadata through a network, which induces network latencies and resource contention. These server nodes are typically equipped with (slow) magnetic disks, while the client nodes store temporary data on fast SSDs or even on non-volatile main memory (NVMM). Therefore, the full potential of parallel file systems can only be reached if fast client side storage devices are included into the overall storage architecture.

In this article, we propose an NVMM-based hierarchical persistent client cache for the Lustre file system (NVMM-LPCC for short). NVMM-LPCC implements two caching modes: a read and write mode (RW-NVMM-LPCC for short) and a read only mode (RO-NVMM-LPCC for short). NVMM-LPCC integrates with the Lustre Hierarchical Storage Management (HSM) solution and the Lustre layout lock mechanism to provide consistent persistent caching services for I/O applications running on client nodes, meanwhile maintaining a global unified namespace of the entire Lustre file system. The evaluation results presented in this article show that NVMM-LPCC can increase the average read throughput by up to 35.80 times and the average write throughput by up to 9.83 times compared with the native Lustre system, while providing excellent scalability.
Strong and Efficient Consistency with Consistency-aware Durability
Authors: Ganesan Aishwarya , Alagappan Ramnatthan , Arpaci-Dusseau Andrea C. , Arpaci-Dusseau Remzi H.
Published: January 2021

We introduce
consistency-aware durability
or C
ad
, a new approach to durability in distributed storage that enables strong consistency while delivering high performance. We demonstrate the efficacy of this approach by designing
cross-client monotonic reads
, a novel and strong consistency property that provides monotonic reads across failures and sessions in leader-based systems; such a property can be particularly beneficial in geo-distributed and edge-computing scenarios. We build O
rca
, a modified version of ZooKeeper that implements C
ad
and cross-client monotonic reads. We experimentally show that O
rca
provides strong consistency while closely matching the performance of weakly consistent ZooKeeper. Compared to strongly consistent ZooKeeper, O
rca
provides significantly higher throughput (1.8--3.3×) and notably reduces latency, sometimes by an order of magnitude in geo-distributed settings. We also implement C
ad
in Redis and show that the performance benefits are similar to that of C
ad
’s implementation in ZooKeeper.
A Latent Space Modeling Approach to Interfirm Relationship Analysis
Authors: Ng Ka Chung , So Mike K. P. , Tam Kar Yan
Published: January 2021

Interfirm relationships are crucial to our understanding of firms’ collective and interactive behavior. Many information systems-related phenomena, including the diffusion of innovations, standard alliances, technology collaboration, and outsourcing, involve a multitude of relationships between firms. This study proposes a latent space approach to model temporal change in a dual-view interfirm network. We assume that interfirm relationships depend on an underlying latent space; firms that are close to each other in the latent space are more likely to develop a relationship. We construct the latent space by embedding two dynamic networks of firms in an integrated manner, resulting in a more comprehensive view of an interfirm relationship. We validate our approach by introducing three business measures derived from the latent space model to study alliance formation and stock comovement. We illustrate how the trajectories of firms provide insights into alliance activities. We also show that our proposed measures have strong predictive power on stock comovement. We believe the proposed approach enriches the methodology toolbox of IS researchers in studying interfirm relationships.
Optimal Quantum Control Theory
Authors: James M.R.
Published: January 2021

This article explains some fundamental ideas concerning the optimal control of quantum systems through the study of a relatively simple two-level system coupled to optical fields. The model for this system includes both continuous and impulsive dynamics. Topics covered include open- and closed-loop control, impulsive control, open-loop optimal control, quantum filtering, and measurement feedback optimal control.
The prorenin receptor and its soluble form contribute to lipid homeostasis
Authors: Gatineau Eva , Arthur Gertrude , Poupeau Audrey , Nichols Kellea , Spear Brett T. , Shelman Nathan R. , Graf Gregory A. , Temel Ryan E. , Yiannikouris Frédérique B.
Published: January 2021

Hepatic PRR and its soluble form, sPRR, contribute to triglyceride and cholesterol homeostasis and hepatic inflammation. Deletion of hepatic PRR decreased triglyceride levels through a PRR-PPARγ-dependent mechanism but increased hepatic cholesterol synthesis through sPRR-medicated upregulation of SREBP-2. Our study highlighted a new paradigm of cross talk between the liver and the adipose tissue involving cholesterol and sPRR.
Solute carrier SLC16A12 is critical for creatine and guanidinoacetate handling in the kidney
Authors: Verouti Sophia N. , Lambert Delphine , Mathis Déborah , Pathare Ganesh , Escher Geneviève , Vogt Bruno , Fuster Daniel G.
Published: January 2021

SLC16A12 is a recently identified creatine transporter of unknown physiological function. A heterozygous mutation in the human SLC16A12 gene causes juvenile cataracts and reduced plasma guanidinoacetate (GAA) levels with an increased fractional urinary excretion of GAA. Our study with transgenic SLC16A12-deficient rats reveals that SLC16A12 is critical for tubular reabsorption of creatine and GAA in the kidney. Our data furthermore indicate a dominant-negative mechanism underlying the phenotype of humans affected by the heterozygous SLC16A12 mutation.
Difference in potential DNA methylation impact on gene expression between fast- and slow-type myofibers
Authors: Oe Mika , Ojima Koichi , Muroya Susumu
Published: January 2021

Skeletal muscles are comprised of two major types of myofibers, fast and slow. It is hypothesized that once myofiber type is determined, muscle fiber-type specificity is maintained by an epigenetic mechanism, however, this remains poorly understood. To address this, we conducted a comprehensive CpG methylation analysis with a reduced representation of bisulfite sequencing (RRBS). Using GFP- myh7 mouse, we visually distinguished and separately pooled slow-type and myh7-negative fast-type fibers for analyses. A total of 31,967 and 26,274 CpGs were hypermethylated by ≥10% difference in the fast- and slow-type fibers, respectively. Notably, the number of promoter-hypermethylated genes with downregulated expression in the slow-type fibers was 3.5 times higher than that in the fast-type fibers. Gene bodies of the fast-type-specific myofibrillar genes Actn3, Tnnt3, Tnni2, Tnnc2, and Tpm1 were hypermethylated in the slow-type fibers, whereas those of the slow-type-specific genes Myh7, Tnnt1, and Tpm3 were hypermethylated in the fast-type fibers. Each of the instances of gene hypermethylation was associated with the respective downregulated expression. In particular, a relationship between CpG methylation sites and the transcription variant distribution of Tpm1 was observed, suggesting a regulation of Tpm1 alternative promoter usage by gene body CpG methylation. An association of hypermethylation with the regulation of gene expression was also observed in the transcription factors Sim2 and Tbx1. These results suggest not only a myofiber type-specific regulation of gene expression and alternative promoter usage by gene body CpG methylation but also a dominant effect of promoter-hypermethylation on the gene expressions in slow myofibers.
Transcriptome changes of Takifugu obscurus liver after acute exposure to phenanthrene
Authors: Jiang Shu-Lun , Fang Di-An , Xu Dong-Po
Published: January 2021

Phenanthrene (Phe) is a model compound in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) research. Reportedly, Phe treatment induced oxidative stress and histological disorders to Takifugu obscurus liver. In this study, to further explore the molecular responses of T. obscurus liver to Phe exposure, transcriptome sequencing was applied to compare mRNA transcription profiles between Phe treatment and the control. Compared with the control, 1,581 and 1,428 genes were significantly upregulated and downregulated in Phe treatment, respectively. Further analysis revealed that Phe treatment mainly upregulated genes in Ras-MAPK and PI3K-akt signaling pathways, which represented insulin resistance and further activated the FOXO signaling pathway. The triacylglycerol biosynthesis was promoted but the gluconeogenesis process was inhibited in response to Phe treatment, demonstrating that Phe exposure disturbed the sugar and lipid metabolism. Moreover, Phe treatment upregulated the Apelin-APJ and ErbB signaling pathways, promoting angiogenesis in T. obscurus liver. Insulin resistance, promoted triacylglycerol biosynthesis, and angiogenesis might explain the molecular mechanisms underlying carcinogenic toxicity of Phe. Overall, this study provides new insights to understand the environmental risk of Phe to fishes.
Finite Horizon Robust Nonlinear Model Predictive Control for Wheeled Mobile Robots
Authors: Dao Phuong Nam , Nguyen Hong Quang , Nguyen Thanh Long , Mai Xuan Sinh
Published: January 2021

The control of mobile robotic systems with input constraints is still a remarkable problem for many applications. This paper studies the model predictive control-based kinematic control scheme after implementing the decoupling technique of wheeled mobile robots (WMRs). This method enables us to obtain the easier optimization problem with fixed initial state. The finite horizon in cost function of model predictive control (MPC) algorithm requires the appropriate terminal controller as well as the equivalent terminal region. The stability of MPC is determined by feasible control sequence. Finally, offline simulation results validate that the computation load is significantly reduced and also validate trajectory tracking control effectiveness of our proposed control scheme.
Implications of a Narrow Automated Vehicle-Exclusive Lane on Interstate 15 Express Lanes
Authors: Ghanipoor Machiani Sahar , Ahmadi Alidad , Musial Walter , Katthe Anagha , Melendez Benjamin , Jahangiri Arash
Published: January 2021

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and operational impacts of an innovative infrastructure solution for safe and efficient integration of Automated Vehicle (AV) as an emerging technology into an existing transportation system. Filling the gap in the limited research on the effect of AV technology on infrastructure standards, this study investigates implications of adding a narrow reversible AV-exclusive lane to the existing configuration of I-15 expressway in San Diego, resulting in a 9 ft AV reversible lane and, in both directions, two 12-feet lanes for HOV and FasTrak vehicles. Given the difference between the operation of AVs and human-driven vehicles and reliance of AVs on sensors as opposed to human capabilities, the question is should we provide narrower AV-exclusive roadways assuming AVs are more precise in lateral and longitudinal lane keeping behaviour? To accomplish the goal of the project, a historical crash data analysis and a traffic simulation analysis were conducted. Crash data analysis revealed that unsafe speed, improper turning, and unsafe lane change are the most recurring primary collision factors on I-15 ELs. AVs’ automated longitudinal and lateral control systems could potentially reduce these types of collisions on an AV-exclusive lane with proper infrastructure features for AV sensor operation (e.g., distinct lane marking). Microsimulation findings indicated an AV-exclusive lane may increase traffic flow and density by up to 14% and 24%, respectively. It also showed that average speed is reduced. However, this could lead to the speed differential increase between the exclusive lane and adjacent lane requiring careful consideration if additional treatments or barriers are needed. The results of this study contribute to infrastructure adaptation to AV technology and future AV-exclusive lanes implementations.
SAR Image Target Recognition Based on Monogenic Signal and Sparse Representation
Authors: Ji XiuXia , Sun Yinan
Published: January 2021

It is necessary to recognize the target in the situation of military battlefield monitoring and civilian real‐time monitoring. Sparse representation‐based SAR image target recognition method uses training samples or feature information to construct an overcomplete dictionary, which will inevitably affect the recognition speed. In this paper, a method based on monogenic signal and sparse representation is presented for SAR image target recognition. In this method, the extended maximum average correlation height filter is used to train the samples and generate the templates. The monogenic features of the templates are extracted to construct subdictionaries, and the subdictionaries are combined to construct a cascade dictionary. Sparse representation coefficients of the testing samples over the cascade dictionary are calculated by the orthogonal matching tracking algorithm, and recognition is realized according to the energy of the sparse coefficients and voting recognition. The experimental results suggest that the new approach has good results in terms of recognition accuracy and recognition time.
Scalable Electrochemical Synthesis of Novel Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles and Its Application to High-Sensitive Detection of 4-Nitrophenol in Aqueous System
Authors: Hoang Van-Tuan , Dinh Ngo Xuan , Pham Tuyet Nhung , Hoang Tran Vinh , Tuan Pham Anh , Huy Tran Quang , Le Anh-Tuan
Published: January 2021

This study reports a scalable green electrochemical synthesis of novel biogenic silver nanoparticles colloid (biogenic AgNPs) in large scale up to 5 liters using the bulk silver bar and the green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) extract (GTE) as reducing agent during the electrochemical process. Under a direct-current voltage source, the biomolecules in GTE can release electrons to promote the reducing process of Ag+ to Ag0. More interestingly, the formation of the intermediate complex helps to cap on the nanoparticles, which leads to stabilizing AgNPs. The as-synthesized biogenic AgNPs with the size of 34 nm exhibit the outstanding electrochemical properties due to the presence of biomolecules on the biogenic AgNPs surface, which facilitates the effective attaching of AgNPs on the carbon surface of the screen-printed carbon electrode (SPE) through the formation of the strong C-O coordinate bonds between O atom of oxygen functional groups and C atom of SPE. The electrochemical properties of the biogenic AgNPs-modified SPE are enhanced significantly in comparison with bare SPE and pure AgNPs-SPE. The biogenic AgNPs-SPE is applied successfully to the detection of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The electrochemical sensor using biogenic AgNPs can reliably detect 4-NP in the linear range from 0.1 to 25 μM with the sensitivity about 6.69 μA μM-1 cm-2. The present work reveals, as the greener synthesis method with ultra-large scalable ability, high purity, and excellent electrochemical properties of biogenic AgNPs is very promising for technological applications in high-sensitive electrochemical chemosensors, nanopharmaceuticals, and other fields.
Long-Term Undesirable Consequences of Penile Skin Island Flap to Correct Penoescrotal Transposition: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Varea-Malo Raquel , Martínez Revuelta Daniel , Campos-Juanatey Felix , Calleja Hermosa Paola , Correas Gómez Miguel Angel
Published: January 2021

Hypospadias is a congenital malformation of the male lower urinary tract, consisting of a ventral urethral opening proximal to the glans penis. This condition is corrected surgically in the paediatric age, with a great variety of techniques available. Traditionally, a tubularized genital skin was used for one- or two-stage repairs. Nowadays, the tendency is to use preputial or oral mucosa grafts, dorsally located, to avoid diverticula formation and prevent hair growth in the neourethra. We present a case of a patient born with proximal hypospadias with penoscrotal transposition, surgically corrected in his childhood, using dorsal penile skin island flap. The patient is referred to urology consultation in his adulthood for a weak urinary stream, recurrent infections, and a large amount of hair exiting through the urethral meatus.
Optimization of Surface Roughness in Drilling Medium‐Density Fiberboard with a Parallel Robot
Authors: Ayyıldız Elmas Aşkar , Ayyıldız Mustafa , Kara Fuat
Published: January 2021

This study focuses on the examination of the effect of cutting parameters on surface roughness when drilling medium‐density fiberboard (MDF) with a parallel robot. Taguchi technique was applied to find the optimum drilling parameters and, later, the drilling processing. Experimental layout was established using the Taguchi L18 orthogonal array, and experimental data were examined via a statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA). Experimental results were performed by multiple regression analysis (linear and quadratic). Correlation coefficient (R2) was found 99.46% for surface roughness with the quadratic regression model. By the Taguchi analysis, the optimum values for the surface roughness were found to be a point angle of 118°, a cutting speed of 47.1 m/min, and a feed rate of 0.01 mm/rev. The optimization outcomes presented that the Taguchi technique had been successfully performed to decide the optimal surface roughness of the MDF in the drilling.
The Impact of Different Government Subsidy Methods on Low‐Carbon Emission Reduction Strategies in Dual‐Channel Supply Chain
Authors: Che Cheng , Chen Yi , Zhang Xiaoguang , Zhang Zhihong
Published: January 2021

With the implementation of national carbon emission reduction policies and the development of online shopping, manufacturers are making low‐carbon efforts and selling products through dual channels. This paper constructs a dual‐channel supply chain decision‐making model composed of low‐carbon emission reduction manufacturers and retailers and studies the optimal decision‐making problem of the supply chain under subsidies by the government based on emission reduction R&D and per unit product emission reduction. The research results show the following: (1) when the government subsidizes emission reduction R&D, the emission reduction will have an impact on retailers’ optimal prices, manufacturers’ optimal wholesale prices, and optimal direct sales channel sales prices. The profit of the manufacturer increases with the increase in carbon emissions, and the profit of the manufacturer increases to a certain level and then appears to decline. (2) When the government adopts a subsidy method based on the emission reduction per unit product, the manufacturer’s wholesale price and the selling price of direct sales channels, as well as the retailer’s own optimal price, will increase with the increase in emission reductions. Retailers’ profits will increase linearly with the increase in carbon emissions. Manufacturers’ profits will first increase in a straight line and then increase in a curve.
Extreme Learning Machine for Heartbeat Classification with Hybrid Time-Domain and Wavelet Time-Frequency Features
Authors: Xu Yuefan , Zhang Sen , Cao Zhengtao , Chen Qinqin , Xiao Wendong
Published: January 2021

Automatic heartbeat classification via electrocardiogram (ECG) can help diagnose and prevent cardiovascular diseases in time. Many classification approaches have been proposed for heartbeat classification, based on feature extraction. However, the existing approaches face the challenges of high feature dimensions and slow recognition speeds. In this paper, we propose an efficient extreme learning machine (ELM) approach for heartbeat classification with multiple classes, based on the hybrid time-domain and wavelet time-frequency features. The proposed approach contains two sequential modules: (1) feature extraction of heartbeat signals, including RR interval features in the time-domain and wavelet time-frequency features, and (2) heartbeat classification using ELM based on the extracted features. RR interval features are calculated to reflect the dynamic characteristics of heartbeat signals. Discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is used to decompose the heartbeat signals and extract the time-frequency features of the heartbeat signals along the timeline. ELM is a single-hidden layer feedforward neural network with the hidden layer parameters randomly generated in advance and the output layer parameters calculated optimally using the least-square algorithm directly using the training samples. ELM is used as the heartbeat classification algorithm due to its high accuracy training accuracy, fast training speed, and good generalization ability. Experimental testing is carried out using the public MIT-BIH arrhythmia dataset to perform a 16-class classification. Experimental results show that the proposed approach achieves a superior classification accuracy with fast training and recognition speeds, compared with existing classification algorithms.
Prediction of Stope Stability Using Variable Weight and Unascertained Measurement Technique
Authors: Kang Qian , Wang Yunmin , Zhang Shuwen , Pu Chengzhi , Zhang Chuxuan
Published: January 2021

A new model is established to analyze mining stope stability, using variable weight theory to calculate the index weight for each factor in different stopes and unascertained measure evaluation technique to predict the risk grade of stope stability. In this model, an evaluation index system by virtue of the 7 most important factors is established, including rock saturated uniaxial compressive strength, rock quality designation, rock joint and fissure, stope span, condition of pillar, groundwater seepage volume, and rate of supporting pit roof. And each index is divided into 5 grades by assignment value and the classification method of standardization. Accordingly, the analysis result is also classified into 5 risk grades. This model is used for the 6 main stopes from the -270 m section in Xin-Qiao Mine, China. The results, giving risk grade for each stope and guiding the use of corresponding measures, avoided the problem of state out of balance caused by conventional invariable weight theory models and have ensured no accident occurred in mining production in recent years. This model can be used in other mines widely, by assigning values for the 7 factors on basis of current in situ cases.
Effect of Cyclic Cryogenic Treatment on Wear Resistance, Impact Toughness, and Microstructure of 42CrMo Steel and Its Optimization
Authors: Zhang Haidong , Yan Xianguo , Hou Qiang , Chen Zhi
Published: January 2021

Cyclic cryogenic treatment, a major cycle accompanied by zero or more subsidiary cycles, was conducted on the hardened 42CrMo steel using orthogonal design method to investigate the effect of different parameters (cryogenic temperature, holding time, and cycles number) of cryogenic treatment on wear resistance and impact toughness of the steel. Range analysis was performed to obtain the influencing order of the three parameters and their optimum values. The results show that after cryogenic treatment, the steel exhibits higher wear resistance and impact toughness, whereas no significant change in hardness. For wear resistance, the influencing order of parameters is cryogenic temperature, holding time, and cycles number, and the optimum values of the parameters are −160°C, 24 h and two cycles, respectively. For impact toughness, the influencing order of parameters is cryogenic temperature, cycles number, and holding time, and the optimum values are −120°C, 24 h and three cycles, respectively. The wear topography and fracture topography were examined using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) to investigate the wear mechanism and fracture mechanism of the steel after cryogenic treatment, respectively. The results show that after cryogenic treatment, the wear mechanism is the combination of abrasive wear and adhesive wear with oxidative wear, and the fracture mechanism is a quasicleavage fracture. The microstructure was also examined by SEM to investigate the influencing mechanism of cryogenic treatment for improving wear resistance and impact toughness of the steel. It suggests that more precipitation of fine carbides dispersively distributed in the matrix is responsible for the beneficial effect of cryogenic treatment on wear resistance and impact toughness of the steel.
Long-Term Retention of Avulsed Maxillary Incisors with Replacement Root Resorption: A 9-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Yoon Hyunjung , Song Minju
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this case report is to present a case of long-term retention of avulsed upper maxillary incisors with external replacement root resorption in a 15-year-old boy. The avulsed teeth, #11, 21, and 22, were stored under dry conditions for 40 min and replanted. Endodontic treatment was initiated after two weeks, and the nonrigid splint was removed after 3.5 months. A year after replantation of the teeth, replacement root resorption was detected radiographically. For the following 9 years, the resorption progressed slowly, but the teeth were maintained without any adverse effects on esthetic appearance. Under dry storage conditions, replacement root resorption was expected. In this case, the patient was a growing 15-year-old boy; thus, replantation was performed despite a possible poor prognosis. Consequently, root resorption progressed. Nevertheless, maintenance of the tooth crowns led to satisfying results for the patient both esthetically and psychologically. Ankylosis or replacement root resorption is a complication occurring after replantation of avulsed teeth, which could require additional treatment. However, in young patients, replantation could be considered to maintain the teeth until growth is complete.
Nocardia Subretinal Abscess: A Rare and Challenging Case Report
Authors: Cunha Ana Maria , Silva Marta , Pedrosa Ana Catarina , Falcão-Reis Fernando , Figueira Luís
Published: January 2021

Purpose. To describe a positive clinical response of a patient with submacular Nocardia abscess due to a rapid and efficient treatment. Case report. We describe a case of a 50-year-old man with a painless visual decline of the left eye. Four years later, he had been diagnosed with systemic nocardiosis. Examination of the left eye revealed a submacular white mass with fluffy borders and another smaller white lesion, with well-defined borders, in the inferior temporal vascular arch. A systemic antibiotic treatment with SMX-TMP and intravenous imipenem and a single intravitreal injection of bevacizumab was performed. Conclusion. Prompt diagnosis and treatment ensured an expeditious resolution of the abscess and significant improvement of visual acuity. The diagnostic approach of a high index of suspicion coupled with directed treatment is required when dealing with subretinal inflammatory lesions.
Clinical Differences between Early- and Late-Onset Asthma: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Li Jiaming , Ye Ling , She Jun , Song Yuanlin
Published: January 2021

Background. Limited information exists about the nature of late-onset asthma (LOA) without medication intervention when compared to early-onset asthma (EOA). Our goal was to understand how EOA and LOA affect clinical and pathophysiological features. Methods. A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Zhongshan Hospital (Shanghai, China). EOA and LOA were based on age of diagnosis (before and after age 40 years, respectively). Clinical variables were collected with an emphasis on allergic features, analyzed, related, and compared using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test. Correlations between blood basophils and clinical data were evaluated by Spearman’s rank test. Statistical analyses were conducted with SPSS v24.0. Results. Of a total of 12,760 adults with cough, sputum, or chest tightness, 90 subjects with EOA (mean age ± standard deviation (SD):28.73 ± 5.89), 111 with LOA (mean age ± SD: 60.25 ± 9.85), and 106 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (mean age ± SD: 61.58 ± 10.95) were selected. FEV1/FVC (%), FEV1% predicted, and FVC% predicted were all significantly lower in LOA compared to EOA

p
<
0.01

. The values of post-bronchodilator FEV1 in bronchodilator reversibility testing were higher in the LOA and EOA groups compared to subjects with COPD

p
<
0.01

. Among allergic features, mite sensitization was most common in EOA patients, followed by LOA and COPD, whereas mold sensitization was more prevalent in LOA than EOA. Moreover, blood eosinophils were a typical feature of asthma in both EOA and LOA compared to COPD and controls

p
<
0.01

, and there were no differences in blood neutrophils in LOA compared to controls. Interestingly, blood basophils were increased in both EOA

p

<

0.01

and LOA

p
<
0.05

compared to COPD and controls. This variable correlated with eosinophils in EOA (r = 0.549,

p
=
0.002

) but not in LOA. Conclusion. LOA is a distinct clinical entity from EOA. In LOA, atopy was less frequent and spirometry values were lower when compared to EOA. In EOA, blood basophils and eosinophils were significantly correlated owing to pathophysiological differences between the two forms of the disease.