bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stacking AsFMT overexpression with BdPMT loss of function enhances monolignol ferulate production in Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Smith Rebecca A. , Cass Cynthia L. , Petrik Deborah L. , Padmakshan Dharshana , Ralph John , Sedbrook John C. , Karlen Steven D.
Published: May 2021

To what degree can the lignin subunits in a monocot be derived from monolignol ferulate (ML‐FA) conjugates? This simple question comes with a complex set of variables. Three potential requirements for optimizing ML‐FA production are as follows: (1) The presence of an active FERULOYL‐CoA MONOLIGNOL TRANSFERASE (FMT) enzyme throughout monolignol production; (2) Suppression or elimination of enzymatic pathways competing for monolignols and intermediates during lignin biosynthesis; and (3) Exclusion of alternative phenolic compounds that participate in lignification. A 16‐fold increase in lignin‐bound ML‐FA incorporation was observed by introducing an AsFMT gene into Brachypodium distachyon. On its own, knocking out the native p‐COUMAROYL‐CoA MONOLIGNOL TRANSFERASE (BdPMT) pathway that competes for monolignols and the p‐coumaroyl‐CoA intermediate did not change ML‐FA incorporation, nor did partial loss of CINNAMOYL‐CoA REDUCTASE1 (CCR1) function, which reduced metabolic flux to monolignols. However, stacking AsFMT into the Bdpmt‐1 mutant resulted in a 32‐fold increase in ML‐FA incorporation into lignin over the wild‐type level.
Prevalence of leucocyte antibodies in non‐transfused male and female platelet apheresis donors
Authors: Simtong Piyapong , Sudwilai Yupaporn , Cheunta Siriluk , Leelayuwat Chanvit , Romphruk Amornrat V.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

In our study group of Thai PLT apheresis donors, we assessed the prevalence of anti‐leucocyte antibodies.

Background

Antibodies against human leucocyte antigens (anti‐HLA), neutrophil antigens (anti‐HNA), and major histocompatibility complex class I related chain A (anti‐MICA) in blood products can lead to transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI). To reduce the risk of TRALI, some blood centres are implementing strategies based on screening platelet (PLT) apheresis donors for the presence of anti‐leucocyte antibodies.

Methods/Materials

Blood samples were collected from non‐transfused individuals, 340 males and 63 females (50 nulliparous and 13 parous). Anti‐HLA class I and II and anti‐MICA were analysed using the Luminex assay, and anti‐HNA‐3 was detected using the granulocyte agglutination test.

Results

Anti‐HLA was found in 14 of 403 subjects (3.5%). Ten subjects (2.5%) tested positive for HLA class I, 2 (0.5%) for HLA class II, and 2 (0.5%) for both HLA class I and HLA class II. Anti‐HLA class I or II were detected in 2 of 13 (15.4%) parous females and only anti‐HLA class I was found in 4 (8.0%) nulliparous females. Six of 327 subjects tested (1.8%), all males, were positive for anti‐MICA. Anti‐HNA‐3 was not found in any of the 403 individuals.

Conclusions

Screening for anti‐HLA class I and II should be implemented for Thai PLT apheresis donors. Although immunisation against HNA and MICA seems to be a rare event in Thais, further work is necessary to decide whether our PLT apheresis donors should be screened for HNA and MICA antibodies.
Morphological ontogeny of Proteremaeus oralensis sp. nov. (Acari: Oribatida: Eremaeidae) from Kazakhstan, and comments on Proteremaeus Piffl

Authors: Seniczak Stanisław , Kaczmarek Sławomir , Seniczak Anna
Published: May 2021

The morphological ontogeny of Proteremaeus oralensis sp. nov. from the elderberry litter (Sambucus nigra L.) from Kazakhstan is described and illustrated. The adult of this species is the most similar to that of P. macleani Behan-Pelletier, 1982, but differs from it mainly in the shape of lamellar complex, posterior notogastral tip, distribution of genital setae, and some leg characters. The juveniles of P. oralensis are oval, light-brown, with short prodorsal and gastronotal setae and clavate bothridial seta. The nymphs are quadrideficient and eupheredermous, i.e. they lack setae of d-series and carry the exuvial scalps of previous instars on the gastronotum. In the nymphs, setae p1 and h1 are inserted close to each other, and seta h2 is placed approximately at similar distances from seta p1 and p2.
Organotrialkoxysilane-mediated synthesis of Ni–Pd nanocatalysts at lower concentrations of noble metal: Catalysts for faster hydrogen evolution kinetics
Authors: Pandey Prem C. , Shukla Shubhangi , Narayan Roger J.
Published: May 2021

The fabrication of alkoxysilane-based nickel (Ni)–palladium (Pd) bimetallic nanoparticle catalysts with several compositions (Pd—0.001M and Ni—0.001–0.1M) was attempted for the first time; these materials were investigated for use as low-cost catalysts in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Functional alkoxysilane [2-(3,4 epoxycyclohexyl)ethyltrimethoxysilane]-assisted conversion of Pd2+ to Pd0 was demonstrated. Palladium nanocrystallites with an average dimension 4.03 ± 1.29 nm were synthesized, which acted as seeds in the synthesis of Ni–Pd bimetallic nanoparticles. The effect of the nanoparticle catalysts on the HER in an alkaline environment was studied using linear sweep voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A nanostructured thin film containing Ni3PdNPs produced a 100 mA cm−2 current density at an overpotential of −90 mV with a small Tafel slope of 25 mV dec−1 at a catalyst loading of 0.1 mg cm−2. The annealed Ni3PdNPs catalyst further enhanced the current density to ∼ 240 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of −56 mV.
The impact of contraceptive access on high school graduation
Authors: Stevenson Amanda J. , Genadek Katie R. , Yeatman Sara , Mollborn Stefanie , Menken Jane A.
Published: May 2021

Expanded access to the full range of contraceptive methods increased young women’s high school graduation.
Effect of body stiffness distribution on larval fish–like efficient undulatory swimming
Authors: Wang Tianlu , Ren Ziyu , Hu Wenqi , Li Mingtong , Sitti Metin
Published: May 2021

Larval fish–like soft robots reveal the effect of stiffness distribution on efficient swimming in the intermediate flow regime.
Early human impacts and ecosystem reorganization in southern-central Africa
Authors: Thompson Jessica C. , Wright David K. , Ivory Sarah J. , Choi Jeong-Heon , Nightingale Sheila , Mackay Alex , Schilt Flora , Otárola-Castillo Erik , Mercader Julio , Forman Steven L. , Pietsch Timothy , Cohen Andrew S. , Arrowsmith J. Ramón , Welling Menno , Davis Jacob , Schiery Benjamin , Kaliba Potiphar , Malijani Oris , Blome Margaret W. , O’Driscoll Corey A. , Mentzer Susan M. , Miller Christopher , Heo Seoyoung , Choi Jungyu , Tembo Joseph , Mapemba Fredrick , Simengwa Davie , Gomani-Chindebvu Elizabeth
Published: May 2021

Early modern humans fundamentally altered ecology and landscapes in southern-central Africa using fire.
Amikacin Combined with Fosfomycin for Treatment of Neonatal Sepsis in the Setting of Highly Prevalent Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Darlow Christopher A. , Docobo-Perez Fernando , Farrington Nicola , Johnson Adam , McEntee Laura , Unsworth Jennifer , Jimenez-Valverde Ana , Gastine Silke , Kolamunnage-Dona Ruwanthi , de Costa Renata M. A. , Ellis Sally , Franceschi François , Standing Joseph F. , Sharland Mike , Neely Michael , Piddock Laura , Das Shampa , Hope William
Published: May 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (particularly through extended-spectrum β-lactamase and aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme production) in neonatal sepsis is a global problem, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, with significant mortality rates. High rates of resistance are reported for the current WHO-recommended first-line antibiotic regimen for neonatal sepsis, i.e., ampicillin and gentamicin.
Complete Genome Sequence of Chlamydia abortus MRI-10/19, Isolated from a Sheep Vaccinated with the Commercial Live
C. abortus
1B Vaccine Strain
Authors: Livingstone Morag , Caspe Sergio Gastón , Longbottom David
Published: May 2021

We report the complete genome sequence of
Chlamydia abortus
MRI-10/19, recovered from the infected placenta of a sheep that had been vaccinated with the commercial live attenuated
C. abortus
1B vaccine strain. Comparative analysis revealed 1 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) difference and 4 indels compared to the vaccine strain.
Infective endocarditis in an intravenous drug user: multiple fatal complications
Authors: Hughes Hannah L , Jacob Badie K
Published: May 2021

Here, we present a case of a 43-year-old patient with a background of active intravenous drug use who was diagnosed with aortic valve endocarditis. This was complicated by extensive acute embolic stroke and acute splenic, renal and liver infarction. This case highlights the difficulties in managing infective endocarditis in intravenous drug users and the importance of a comprehensive approach, addressing both the intracardiac infection and the underlying issue of substance misuse, to ensure best patient outcomes.
Association of patient quality of life with the degree of agreement in the perceptions of patient disability within the stroke patient–rehabilitation therapist dyad: a cross-sectional study in postdischarge rehabilitation setting
Authors: Takashi Naoki , McCarthy Michael J , Suzuki Rie , Ogahara Kakuya , Ono-Kihara Masako , Kihara Masahiro , Nakayama Takeo
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The purpose of study was to explore the association between patient physical and psychological quality of life (QOL) with the degree of agreement in perceptions of patient disability within the stroke patient–rehabilitation therapist dyad.

Design

Cross-sectional dyadic study with a tablet-based structured questionnaire.

Setting

Rehabilitation, nursing and long-term care facilities that provide rehabilitation services in the Kanagawa prefecture, Japan.

Participants

The 81 dyads of a male patient with stroke living at home and the rehabilitation therapist in charge of the eligible patient were recruited from March 2019 to February 2020.

Method

Patient physical and psychological QOL was measured using the WHOQOL BREF. Perceptions of patient disability were measured using the 12-item WHO Disability Assessment Schedule V.2.0 (DAS). DAS scores of patients and therapists were classified into two (high and low) and three (high, medium, low) categories, respectively, and six patterns of agreement about patient function were created and used in the analysis. Generalised estimating equations were used to examine multivariable associations between WHOQOL scores in patients and the degree of agreement within dyads adjusting for other covariates and clustering effects.

Results

Among 81 enrolled dyads, 48 (59.3%) were classified into one of four disagreement groups (low medium, low high, high medium, high low). When the patient appraised himself as having mild disability, the degree of patient–therapist disagreement was negatively associated with patient’s physical and psychological QOL. When the patient appraised himself as having severe disability, his physical and/or psychological QOL was poorer, regardless of the degree of agreement.

Conclusions

Disagreement in the perception of disability within patient–rehabilitation therapist dyad could be associated with patient’s poor QOL, especially when the patient perceives himself as having mild disability. Reaching an agreement about patient disability is needed in the delivery of rehabilitation care for patients with stroke living at home to improve their QOL.
Psychosocial determinants of quit motivation in older smokers from deprived backgrounds: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Smith Pamela , Daniel Rhian , Murray Rachael L , Moore Graham , Nelson Annmarie , Brain Kate
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To identify psychosocial determinants of quit motivation in older deprived smokers. The evidence may be used to optimise smoking cessation interventions for the target population.

Design

Cross-sectional survey using online recruitment methods including Facebook-targeted advertising.

Setting

UK, 2019.

Participants

Current smokers aged 50 years or older and from a socioeconomically deprived background.

Main outcome measures

Measures included motivation to stop smoking, smoking history, perceived social support, self-efficacy for quitting, self-exempting beliefs and lung cancer risk perception. Multivariable regression was used to analyse factors associated with quit motivation.

Results

Of a total 578 individuals who consented to take part, 278 (48.1%) did not meet the inclusion criteria. Of the 300 eligible participants, most were recruited using Facebook (94.0%), were aged 50–64 years (83.7%) and women (85.7%). Most participants were renting from a housing association (72.0%) and had low education (61.0%). Higher motivation to quit was statistically significantly associated with a higher intensity of previous quit attempts (p=0.03), higher quit confidence (p=0.01), higher smoking self-efficacy (p=0.01), a lower risk-minimising beliefs score (p=0.01) and using traditional nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) when trying to stop smoking or cut down (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Older smokers from deprived backgrounds face complex barriers to quitting smoking. Interventions are needed to increase self-efficacy for quitting, modify risk-minimising beliefs and target elements of previous quit attempts (ie, the use of NRT) that are associated with motivation to stop smoking.
Comparison between primary care service delivery in Malaysia and other participating countries of the QUALICOPC project: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lim Ming Tsuey , Ong Su Miin , Tong Seng Fah , Groenewegen Peter , Sivasampu Sheamini
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Most countries including Malaysia have set goals to incorporate a strong primary care into the healthcare system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the strength of service delivery process dimensions in Malaysia and compare it with England, the Netherlands, Spain, North Macedonia, Romania and Turkey which participated in the Quality and Costs of Primary Care (QUALICOPC) study.

Methods

This cross-sectional study utilised the QUALICOPC study data on primary care performance, which was conducted in 2011–2013 (QUALICOPC in Europe Australia, New Zealand and Canada) and 2015–2016 (Malaysia). A standardised questionnaire was completed by primary care practitioners from participating countries. Multilevel regression analysis and composite scores were constructed to compare the performance of primary care on four process dimensions: accessibility, comprehensiveness, continuity of care and coordination.

Results

The high-income countries with strong primary care performed better in comprehensiveness, continuity and coordination but poorer in accessibility to services compared with upper-middle-income countries. Among the upper-middle-income countries, Malaysia scored the best in comprehensiveness and coordination. None of the studied countries were having consistent performance over all indicators either in their respective best or worst primary care services delivery dimensions.

Conclusions

There is a wide variation in primary care services delivery across and within the studied countries. The findings indicate room for quality improvement activities to strengthen primary healthcare services. This includes addressing current healthcare challenges in response to the population health needs which are essential for more integrated and efficient primary care services delivery.
Study recruitment factors in advanced cancer: the Prognosis in Palliative care Study II (PiPS2) - a multicentre, prospective, observational cohort project
Authors: Kalpakidou Anastasia K , Todd Chris , Omar Rumana Z , Keeley Vaughan , Griffiths Jane , Spencer Karen , Vickerstaff Victoria , Christidoulides Karolina , Perry Rachel , Katsampa Dafni , Stone Patrick
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The Prognosis in Palliative care Study II (PiPS2) was a large multicentre observational study validating prognostic tools in patients with advanced cancer. Many palliative care studies fail to reach their recruitment target. To inform future studies, PiPS2 rigorously monitored and identified any potential recruitment barriers.

Methods

Key recruitment stages (ie, whether patients were eligible for the study, approached by the researchers and whether consent was obtained for enrolment) were monitored via comprehensive screening logs at participating sites (inpatient hospices, hospitals and community palliative care teams). The reasons for patients’ ineligibility, inaccessibility or decision not to consent were documented.

Results

17 014 patients were screened across 27 participating sites over a 20-month recruitment period. Of those, 4642 (27%) were ineligible for participation in the study primarily due to non-cancer diagnoses. Of 12 372 eligible patients, 9073 (73%) were not approached, the most common reason being a clinical decision not to do so. Other reasons included patients’ death or discharge before they were approached by the researchers. Of the 3299 approached patients, 1458 (44%) declined participation mainly because of feeling too unwell, experiencing severe distress or having other competing priorities. 11% (n=1841/17 014) of patients screened were enrolled in the study, representing 15% (n=1841/12 372) of eligible patients. Different recruitment patterns were observed across inpatient hospice, hospital and community palliative care teams.

Conclusions

The main barrier to recruitment was ‘accessing’ potentially eligible patients. Monitoring key recruitment stages may help to identify barriers and facilitators to enrolment and allow results to be put into better context.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN13688211.
Informal caregivers and advance care planning: systematic review with qualitative meta-synthesis
Authors: Silies Katharina Theodora , Köpke Sascha , Schnakenberg Rieke
Published: May 2021

Background

Advance care planning (ACP) is a communication process about a person’s values, life goals and preferences for current and future treatment and care. It can improve end-of-life care experiences for care recipients as well as for family caregivers. Knowledge about caregivers’ needs might support implementation of ACP interventions suitable to both care recipients and their caregivers.

Objective

To explore the experiences and attitudes of informal family caregivers, and their knowledge, regarding ACP.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted (participants: family caregivers; intervention: advance care planning; databases: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library). Thematic synthesis was applied to qualitative and mixed methods studies; quantitative studies were described in relation to the themes of the meta-synthesis.

Results

57 studies were included, of these 51 in the meta-synthesis. Three themes emerged: (1) caregiver’s individual conceptualisation of ACP, (2) caregiver’s relationships and (3) ACP process. These themes were incorporated into a longitudinal perspective on the caregiver’s ACP trajectory, encompassing the phases (A) life before, (B) ACP process, (C) utilisation of ACP and (D) life after. The implications for ACP activities are described according to each phase.

Conclusion

For the benefit of care recipients, healthcare professionals should carefully consider caregivers’ conceptualisations of ACP as well as the relationships within the family. They need to be skilled communicators, sensitive to individual needs and equipped with sufficient time resources to tailor ACP interventions to their clients’ unique situation. Thus, they will support decision-making according to care recipients’ wishes, caregivers’ end-of-life experience and their life after bereavement.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018082492.
Changes in health and social well-being in the COVID-19 clinically vulnerable older English population during the pandemic
Authors: Di Gessa Giorgio , Price Debora
Published: May 2021

Background

People with specific health profiles and diseases (such as diabetes, lung and heart conditions) have been classified as ‘clinically vulnerable’ (CV) to COVID-19, that is, at higher risk of severe illness and mortality from COVID-19, and were targeted for shielding. However, there is as yet little evidence on how the pandemic and shielding impacted the health and social well-being of CV older people.

Methods

We used data from wave 9 (2018/2019) and the first COVID-19 substudy (June/July 2020) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Using logistic and linear regression models, we investigated associations between being CV and health and social well-being during the pandemic, while controlling for prepandemic levels of the outcome variables. We also explored the interactions between CV and age group (50s, 60s, 70s, 80+), and between CV and shielding.

Results

CV people were more likely to report worse health and social well-being outcomes during the pandemic, even taking into account prepandemic differences. However, changes in health were not uniform across different age groups, and CV respondents were generally at greater risks of deterioration in health and social well-being compared with those not CV in the same age group. CV respondents who were shielding reported worse outcomes compared with those not CV and not shielding.

Conclusions

While policies focusing on shielding CV older people reduce rates of hospitalisation and death from COVID-19, policymakers should also pay attention to understanding and addressing the wider needs of this group if their long-term health and social well-being are not to be compromised.
Cardiovascular complications of systemic lupus erythematosus: impact of risk factors and therapeutic efficacy—a tertiary centre experience in an Appalachian state
Authors: McVeigh Elise Danielle , Batool Amna , Stromberg Arnold , Abdel-Latif Ahmed , Kazzaz Nayef Mohammed
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Cardiovascular complications became a notable cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with lupus as therapeutic advancements became more efficient at managing other complications. The Appalachian community in Kentucky has a higher prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, predisposing them to cardiovascular events. Namely, the mean body mass index of the members of the Kentucky Appalachian community was reported at 33 kg/m2and 94.3% of male members of this community use tobacco. We sought to identify risk factors that predispose patients with lupus to cardiovascular morbidities and examine the effect of immunomodulatory drugs.

Methods

We identified 20 UKHS patients having both a lupus diagnosis and experienced at least one cardiovascular event. We chose three controls matched for birth-year ±5 years to each case. In a case–control design, we analysed lupus manifestations, cardiovascular risk factors and immunosuppressive therapies. We collected Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 disease activity index during the cardiovascular event.

Results

We identified 308 patients with lupus from among all University of Kentucky Health System patients. 20 (6.5%) of such patients with lupus were confirmed to cardiovascular complication. Of those 20, 7 (35%) had experienced myocardial infarction, 10 (50%) had experienced stroke and 4 (20%) had peripheral ischaemia. Tobacco use and male gender were the only traditional cardiovascular risk factors higher in the cases group. Hydroxychloroquine and steroids were less utilised in the cases than in the controls (70% vs 100% in hydroxychloroquine, 30% vs 82% in steroids). Venous thrombosis was found to be significantly higher in the cases. On multivariate analysis, venous thrombosis remained significant.

Conclusion

Despite tobacco use partially explaining the increased risk of cardiovascular disease among the cases group, the higher prevalence of venous thrombosis in the cases group suggests lupus as a potential additional risk factor of cardiovascular morbidity among patients with lupus in this Appalachian community.
Very special relativity induced phase due to neutrino magnetic moment in neutrino oscillation
Authors: Nayak Alekha C.
Published: May 2021

In Very Special Relativity (VSR), the neutrino mass term is coupled with the VSR preferred axis, and hence Lorentz violating in nature. Beyond standard model physics predicts neutrino magnetic moment which is linearly proportional to the mass eigenstates of the neutrinos. We report an additive kinematic phase in the neutrino flavor oscillation due to the neutrino magnetic moment in the VSR framework. This phase is proportional to the coupling between the VSR preferred axis with the external magnetic field as well as the spin of the neutrino. Furthermore, we predict time variation in the neutrino oscillation with a period of one sidereal day.
Complex Dynamics of a Filippov Three-Species Food Chain Model
Authors: Hamdallah Soliman A. A. , Arafa Ayman A. , Tang Sanyi , Xu Yong
Published: May 2021

In order to avoid high extinction risks of prey and keep the stability of the three-species food chain model, we introduce a Filippov food chain model (FFCM) with Holling type II under threshold policy control. The threshold policy is designed to play a pivotal strategy for controlling the three species in the FFCM. With this strategy, no control is applied if the density of the prey population is less than the threshold, thus the exploitation is forbidden. However, the exploitation is permitted if the density of the prey population increases and exceeds the threshold. The dynamic behaviors and the bifurcation sets of this model including the existence and stability of different types of equilibria are discussed analytically and numerically. Moreover, the regions of sliding and crossing segments are analyzed. The dynamic behaviors of sliding mode including the bifurcation sets of pseudo-equilibria are investigated. Numerically, the bifurcation diagram and maximum Lyapunov exponents are computed and plotted to show the complex dynamics of FFCM, for instance, it has stable periodic, double periodic and chaotic solutions as well as double periodic sliding bifurcation. It is demonstrated that the threshold policy control can be easily implemented and used for stabilizing the chaotic behavior of FFCM.
Treatment of Dangling-Type Thumb Polydactyly: Suture Ligation vs. Surgical Excision
Authors: Chow Esther Ching San , Chan Yi Lok Charis , Ko Choi Wah , Ho Pak Cheong
Published: May 2021

Background: To review the cases of dangling-type thumb polydactyly treated with suture ligation vs surgical excision.

Methods: Cases of dangling-type thumb polydactyly treated in 2 different hospitals from 1994 to 2014 were recruited. Group 1 includes cases treated with suture ligation in hospital 1; Group 2 includes cases treated with surgical excision in hospital 2. The demographics data, early clinical outcomes and early complications were retrieved from clinical notes. All cases were contacted for a final assessment.

Results: There were 23 cases recruited in group 1 and 26 cases recruited in group 2. The mean age at the time of procedure was 15.9 days (group 1) vs. 14 months (group 2). The infection rate was comparable in both groups (4.35% vs. 3.85%). 12 cases in group 1 and 14 cases in group 2 completed a final assessment. Residual tissue is common in group 1 (58.5%) and 4 cases (33.3%) required revision surgery. No case in group 2 had residual tissue and none require revision surgery. There was no painful neuroma in both groups and all patients achieved normal thumb and hand functions. The parental satisfaction score was 7.8 (group 1) and 8.8 (group 2) with no statistical difference (p = 0.061).

Conclusions: Suture ligation and surgical excision are safe and effective treatment options for dangling-type thumb polydactyly. Both methods received comparable parental satisfaction. However, residual tissue is common after suture ligation while this problem is not observed after surgical excision.
Outcome of Pregnancy in Less Common Rheumatic Diseases: Inflammatory Myositis, Systemic Sclerosis and Vasculitis
Authors: Rathore Upendra , Aggarwal Amita
Published: May 2021

Pregnancy and fetal outcomes in patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus or antiphospholipid syndrome have been well described, as these are more common diseases and associated with frequent maternal and fetal complications. The data is scant about pregnancy-related morbidity and its outcome among less common rheumatic diseases like inflammatory myositis, systemic sclerosis (SSc), and vasculitis. Inflammatory myositis, vasculitis, and SSc are associated with higher risk of spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Conception during active disease is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, hence good control of disease is important. These diseases also increase risk of maternal complications like hypertension, preeclampsia, and antepartum hemorrhage. Due to rarity of these diseases, the individual experience of a physician is limited, thus it requires a collaborative team approach to have best outcome.
Aqueous Two-Phase Systems and Microfluidics for Microscale Assays and Analytical Measurements
Authors: Ahmed Tasdiq , Yamanishi Cameron , Kojima Taisuke , Takayama Shuichi
Published: May 2021

Phase separation is a common occurrence in nature. Synthetic and natural polymers, salts, ionic liquids, surfactants, and biomacromolecules phase separate in water, resulting in an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS). This review discusses the properties, handling, and uses of ATPSs. These systems have been used for protein, nucleic acid, virus, and cell purification and have in recent years found new uses for small organics, polysaccharides, extracellular vesicles, and biopharmaceuticals. Analytical biochemistry applications such as quantifying protein–protein binding, probing for conformational changes, or monitoring enzyme activity have been performed with ATPSs. Not only are ATPSs biocompatible, they also retain their properties at the microscale, enabling miniaturization experiments such as droplet microfluidics, bacterial quorum sensing, multiplexed and point-of-care immunoassays, and cell patterning. ATPSs include coacervates and may find wider interest in the context of intracellular phase separation and origin of life. Recent advances in fundamental understanding and in commercial application are also considered.
Numerical Statistic Approach for Peak Factor of Non‐Gaussian Wind Pressure on Building Claddings
Authors: Ye Tao , Zhu Ledong , Tan Zhongxu
Published: May 2021

Wind‐induced pressures on high‐rise buildings claddings are mostly non‐Gaussian distribution, and there is a one‐to‐one relationship between a specified guarantee rate and its corresponding peak factor. In this study, a stepwise search method for calculating the peak factor of non‐Gaussian wind pressure and a gradual independent segmentation method for extracting independent peak values are proposed to determine the relationship accurately. Based on the pressure data of a high‐rise building obtained from a rigid model wind tunnel test, the peak factors of non‐Gaussian wind pressures on claddings are calculated and compared by using several typical methods. The value of the peak factor and its error rate calculated by several methods is compared with the observed average peak value, and the conversion between the guaranteed rate and the peak factor is discussed. Based on the reliability theory, the true distribution of wind pressure time history was approached infinitely through an efficient numerical method in the process of stepwise search. Compared with the classical Sadek–Simiu method, the proposed stepwise search method achieves improved overall accuracy and applicability. The non‐Gaussian features are found to be prominent at leading edge airflow separation on the crosswind side, the leeward corner cuts, the windward corner cuts, and the junction of two leeward surfaces at 45° wind direction angle of square section. The junction of two leeward surfaces at 45° wind direction angle exhibits stronger non‐Gaussian features than the crosswind surface at 0° wind direction angle. By giving the identical guarantee rate, the peak factors tend to be much larger in the regions with strong non‐Gaussian properties and vice versa.
The Combination of Interferon-Alpha and Ponatinib Enables Faster and Deeper Molecular Responses in Patient with De Novo Blast Crisis of CML: Interferon-Alpha May Return as a CML Treatment
Authors: Hayashi Kunio , Ikegame Kazuhiro , Takahashi Naoto
Published: May 2021

In the era of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment, its effectiveness in treating chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) has been improved, ensuring the same prognosis as that of healthy people of the same age. However, there are some patients with de novo blast crisis that undergoes acute conversion from the time of diagnosis and does not respond to TKI treatment, especially in the older patients. Here, we present a case of an older patient with de novo lymphoid crisis who was first treated with a combination of TKI and chemotherapy, but it was difficult to maintain a durable deep molecular response (DMR). After he achieved major molecular response (MMR) or less, it was possible to suppress IS% to DMR by performing a combined treatment with interferon-α (IFN-α) and ponatinib. It is considered that DMR can be maintained by the combination of the two-way action of IFN-α, that is, the transfer of dormant CML stem cells to the cellcycle and the activation of a specific immune response to CML cells. This clinical result suggests the possibility of the re-emergence of IFN-α, which has been used a therapeutic drug in the past.
[Retracted] Optimization of E‐Commerce Supply Chain Management Process Based on Internet of Things Technology
Authors: Wu Min
Published: May 2021

The widespread use of Internet technology has changed people’s traditional life mode and created a new market transaction mode, namely, e‐commerce platform. The Internet of Things can carry out real‐time monitoring and management of any product in e‐commerce and not only can realize information sharing in commercial activities but also can play a greater role in the protection of personal and enterprise information security. In this context, the efficiency and low cost of information flow, cash flow, logistics, and human resources among enterprises are particularly important. The Internet of Things technology is a means to effectively improve and optimize the operation mode of the supply chain. This paper analyzes the status of traditional supply chain management, which discusses the development of a supply chain management based on the Internet of Things technology. Finally, this paper analyzes how to realize the optimization strategy of e‐commerce supply chain management based on the Internet of Things technology, which provides strong support for the informatization of e‐commerce supply chain management. Through the application of the Internet of Things technology, small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises can optimize the workflow and circulation links of the e‐commerce supply chain management, enhance the matching level of product value and information transmission, improve the supply chain operation mechanism, and increase economic benefits.
A Client-Server and Web-Based Graphical User Interface Design for the Mathematical Model of Cardiovascular-Respiratory System
Authors: Bizimungu Theogene , Harelimana Domonique , Marie Ntaganda Jean
Published: May 2021

The prediction of cardiac conditions can be done through comparison and analysis of parameters transformed into mathematical model equations. This paper aims to present the design of a web-based graphical user interface of mathematical model of cardiovascular-respiratory system (ICRSMM) as an appropriate displaying tool. The designed system offers an easy way of recording and storing parameters in a database. Those parameters are computerized to generate automatic results in a graphic representation, which is an effective way used in medicine to allow physicians, nurses, and other experienced health personnel to analyze and discuss results. The designed solution provides an adequate and friendly environment that eases the task of recording the results in a graphic representation. This gives a clear picture of analysis to determine a healthy or unhealthy cardiovascular-respiratory system of a person exercising. However, such a complex design solution comes in to put an accent of consideration to an area of research that still needs more discoveries and exploration.
The Quantum Symmetry in Nonbalanced Hopf Spin Models Determined by a Normal Coideal Subalgebra
Authors: Qiaoling Xin , Tianqing Cao
Published: May 2021

For a finite-dimensional cocommutative semisimple Hopf

C

∗

-algebra

H

and a normal coideal

∗

-subalgebra

H

1

, we define the nonbalanced quantum double

D

H

1

;
H

as the crossed product of

H

with

H

1

o

p

^

, with respect to the left coadjoint representation of the first algebra acting on the second one, and then construct the infinite crossed product

A

H

1

=
⋯
⋊
H
⋊

H

1

^

⋊
H
⋊

H

1

^

⋊
H
⋊
⋯

as the observable algebra of nonbalanced Hopf spin models. Under a right comodule algebra action of

D

H

1

;
H

on

A

H

1

, the field algebra can be obtained as the crossed product

C

∗

-algebra. Moreover, we prove there exists a duality between the nonbalanced quantum double

D

H

1

;
H

and the observable algebra

A

H

1

.
Design and Implementation of Decentralized Swarm Intelligence E‐Commerce Model Based on Regional Chain and Edge Computing
Authors: Luo Xiaofang
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we investigate the model of decentralized groupwise e‐commerce through regional chains combined with edge computing algorithms and design and implement it. A blockchain‐based architecture for remote sensing resource and service transactions is proposed. The architecture utilizes the characteristics of nontamperable and traceable data on the blockchain to solve the problem of mutual distrust between the transaction parties, uses MongoDB for data retrieval and filtering to solve the problem that it is difficult to query flexibly on the blockchain, uses the file platform to save public resources to solve the problem that it is very expensive or even infeasible to store images or large texts in the blockchain, and ensures remote sensing resources and services related to the effective storage of images and description texts. The Ethernet features are described and analyzed to assess their suitability as a technical basis for the corresponding solutions. To assess the ability of the Ethernet‐based system to solve solvable problems, its practical use cases are analyzed. The results of the analysis show that five main issues need to be addressed when applying Ethernet to e‐commerce, namely, low scalability, lack of distributed storage, lack of convenience, reliability, and functional integrity. To exploit the idea of using blockchain technology to solve complex problems and to overcome the challenges identified in the existing Ethernet‐based implementation solutions, an optimization idea is proposed by creating a multiblockchain architecture based multimodule solution in the Ethernet framework. Finally, the application prospects of the proposed information system are discussed.
Multiscale Residual Network Based on Channel Spatial Attention Mechanism for Multilabel ECG Classification
Authors: Wang Shuhong , Li Runchuan , Wang Xu , Shen Shengya , Zhou Bing , Wang Zongmin
Published: May 2021

Automatic classification of ECG is very important for early prevention and auxiliary diagnosis of cardiovascular disease patients. In recent years, many studies based on ECG have achieved good results, most of which are based on single-label problems; one record corresponds to one label. However, in actual clinical applications, an ECG record may contain multiple diseases at the same time. Therefore, it is very important to study the multilabel ECG classification. In this paper, a multiscale residual deep neural network CSA-MResNet model based on the channel spatial attention mechanism is proposed. Firstly, the residual network is integrated into a multiscale manner to obtain the characteristics of ECG data at different scales and then increase the channel spatial attention mechanism to better focus on more important channels and more important ECG data fragments. Finally, the model is used to classify multilabel in large databases. The experimental results on the multilabel CCDD show that the CSA-MResNet model has an average F1 score of 88.2% when the multilabel classification of 9 ECGs is performed. Compared with the benchmark model, the F1 score of CSA-MResNet in the multilabel ECG classification increased by up to 1.7%. And, in the model verification on another database HF-challenge, the final average F1 score is 85.8%. Compared with the state-of-the-art methods, CSA-MResNet can help cardiologists perform early-stage rapid screening of ECG and has a certain generalization performance, providing a feasible analysis method for multilabel ECG classification.
Mesomechanism of Effects of Water on Strain Rockburst Prevention
Authors: Liu Beibei , Zhao Fujun , Wu Qiuhong , Wang Bin , Tan Jianuo , Feng Tao
Published: May 2021

In deep mining engineering, rockburst is an instantaneous release of a large amount of strain energy stored in rock mass, in which occurrence is closely related to initial high stress state and excavation unloading effect. Water can permeate the pores and cracks of rocks and often have a significant effect on the failure mode under stress. The effect of water on rockburst prevention and control has been observed by many researchers in rock engineering. However, the mechanism of rockburst prevention by means of water is seldom researched. In this study, the forming process of strain rockburst is introduced, and the key point to the mechanism of water spraying or water injection to prevent strain rockburst is that the presence of water could cause a transformation of failure mode of rocks during the strain rockburst incubation stage, thereby destroying its formation. In order to explore the specific influence of water on the change of rock failure mode, a crack propagation model with a single inherent main crack and two wing cracks was established, and the most‐easily cracking angle ξ was proposed to analyze the mechanism of the failure mode influenced by different water contents. According to the calculated results of ξ, it was found that when rock is completely dry, the wing crack wing extends towards the loading direction, and ξ is around 90° which mainly induces its splitting failure; conversely, as the water content increases, the wing crack deviates from the loading direction; ξ is around 100° which mainly causes its shear failure. The proposed model in this study can reveal the mechanism of the effects of water on strain rockburst prevention in the view of mesoscale.
Impact of Moisture Content on the Brittle‐Ductile Transition and Microstructure of Sandstone under Dynamic Loading Conditions
Authors: Lu Aihong , Chang Xiya , Hu Shanchao , Xia Yu , Li Ming
Published: May 2021

Rockburst frequently occurred in an unstable or violent manner, which posed great safety risk and economic loss in deep underground engineering. The water injection into rock stratum was one of the most effectively ways to reduce rockburst by weakening rock mechanics. However, the moisture content was an important index related to rock mechanical properties. Many previous studies focused on the relationship between the moisture contents and macromechanical properties of rock materials under static load and seldom explored the impact of moisture variation on the mechanical properties and brittle‐ductile transition characteristics of rock materials under dynamic loads. In this paper, we studied the dynamic mechanical properties of sandstone with different moisture contents under the same strain rate by the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) experimental system. The relationship between dynamic mechanical properties of sandstone and moisture content was studied, and a dynamic ductility coefficient was proposed, which could be determined by the ratio between the peak strain and the yield strain. Then, it was used to assess the critical moisture content of the brittle‐ductile transition of the sandstone. Through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination, the microstructure of sandstones with different moisture contents was inspected at magnifications of 500, 2000, and 5000 times, respectively. We showed that as the moisture content increased, the dynamic peak strength and elastic modulus decreased at different degrees, whereas the dynamic peak strain and ductility coefficient exhibited a nonlinear increase, respectively. When the moisture content reached 2.23%, the variation ratio of the dynamic ductility coefficient commenced to increase obviously, indicating that the sandstone began to transit from brittle behavior to ductile behavior. When the sample magnification was 500 times, the microstructure of the sandstone samples with zero and 2.01% to 2.40% moisture content mainly displayed the step pattern and river pattern, respectively, showing that the damage mode was brittle fracture. When the moisture content ranged from 2.49% to 2.58%, the microstructure of the sample included a large number of dimple clusters with local snake patterns and belonged to ductile fracture. When the sample magnification was 2000 and 5000 times, the microstructure was mainly brittle fracture with a moisture content lower than 2.23%. The microstructure of the sample with moisture content of 2.23% exhibited brittle‐ductile composite fracture form, whereas others exhibited obviously ductile fracture. These characteristics were fundamentally consistent with the results reflected by the dynamic ductility coefficient. Our findings could provide a theoretical basis for mitigating coal and rock bursts by injecting water methods in underground coal mines.
Improved Frequency Offset Estimation Based on the DRM System
Authors: Cui Wen , Li Bo , Zhang Jiaxu
Published: May 2021

In this paper, an improved frequency offset estimation algorithm is proposed. It can effectively utilize pilot symbols in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals based on the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) system. In order to reduce the computational difficulty, the difference values of adjacent pilot symbols in the DRM system are sequentially combined into a pilot difference set. The pilot difference set is analyzed by inductive statistics so that the frequency offset estimator has higher calculation efficiency and accuracy. Through the induction statistics of multiple groups of symbols, the contingency of results can be effectively avoided. By comparing the performance of the proposed frequency offset estimator with that of the traditional estimators, the proposed algorithm has higher frequency offset estimation accuracy.
Infrared Image Deblurring Based on Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Zhao Yuqing , Fu Guangyuan , Wang Hongqiao , Zhang Shaolei , Yue Min
Published: May 2021

Blind deblurring of a single infrared image is a challenging computer vision problem. Because the blur is not only caused by the motion of different objects but also by the relative motion and jitter of cameras, there is a change of scene depth. In this work, a method based on the GAN and channel prior discrimination is proposed for infrared image deblurring. Different from the previous work, we combine the traditional blind deblurring method and the blind deblurring method based on the learning method, and uniform and nonuniform blurred images are considered, respectively. By training the proposed model on different datasets, it is proved that the proposed method achieves competitive performance in terms of deblurring quality (objective and subjective).
Hyers-Ulam Stability of Functional Equation Deriving from Quadratic Mapping in Non-Archimedean

n
,
β

-Normed Spaces
Authors: Alessa Nazek , Tamilvanan K. , Loganathan K. , Selvi K. Kalai
Published: May 2021

In this work, we have to introduce a generalized quadratic functional equation and derive its solution. The main objective of this work is to investigate the Hyers-Ulam stability of quadratic functional equation in non-Archimedean

n
,
β

-normed spaces.