bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The peripheral effect of direct current stimulation on brain circuits involving memory
Authors: Vanneste Sven , Mohan Anusha , Yoo Hye Bin , Huang Yuefeng , Luckey Alison M. , McLeod S. Lauren , Tabet Michel N. , Souza Rimenez R. , McIntyre Christa K. , Chapman Sandra , Robertson Ian H. , To Wing Ting
Published: November 2020

Electrical stimulation targeting the greater occipital nerve up-regulates memory via the locus coeruleus noradrenaline pathway.
CD8
+
T cells mediate protection against Zika virus induced by an NS3-based vaccine
Authors: Elong Ngono Annie , Syed Thasneem , Nguyen Anh-Viet , Regla-Nava Jose Angel , Susantono Mercylia , Spasova Darina , Aguilar Allison , West Melissa , Sparks Jessica , Gonzalez Andrew , Branche Emilie , DeHart Jason L. , Vega Jerel Boyd , Karmali Priya Prakash , Chivukula Padmanabh , Kamrud Kurt , Aliahmad Parinaz , Wang Nathaniel , Shresta Sujan
Published: November 2020

The crucial role of CD8
+
T cells in vaccine-mediated protection is a valuable evidence for new insights in vaccine development.
Nonlinear landscape and cultural response to sea-level rise
Authors: Barnett Robert L. , Charman Dan J. , Johns Charles , Ward Sophie L. , Bevan Andrew , Bradley Sarah L. , Camidge Kevin , Fyfe Ralph M. , Gehrels W. Roland , Gehrels Maria J. , Hatton Jackie , Khan Nicole S. , Marshall Peter , Maezumi S. Yoshi , Mills Steve , Mulville Jacqui , Perez Marta , Roberts Helen M. , Scourse James D. , Shepherd Francis , Stevens Todd
Published: November 2020

Past landscape change and human response to rising sea levels in island settings are shown to be nonlinear.
A single-cell analysis of the molecular lineage of chordate embryogenesis
Authors: Zhang Tengjiao , Xu Yichi , Imai Kaoru , Fei Teng , Wang Guilin , Dong Bo , Yu Tianwei , Satou Yutaka , Shi Weiyang , Bao Zhirong
Published: November 2020

scRNA-seq of an invariant cell lineage reveals insights into asymmetric cell division, FGF signaling, and notochord specification.
The phase of cortical oscillations determines the perceptual fate of visual cues in naturalistic audiovisual speech
Authors: Thézé Raphaël , Giraud Anne-Lise , Mégevand Pierre
Published: November 2020

Rhythmic cerebral activity predicts whether the visual or the auditory component of speech influences perception.
Liver-expressed
Cd302
and
Cr1l
limit hepatitis C virus cross-species transmission to mice
Authors: Brown Richard J. P. , Tegtmeyer Birthe , Sheldon Julie , Khera Tanvi , Anggakusuma  , Todt Daniel , Vieyres Gabrielle , Weller Romy , Joecks Sebastian , Zhang Yudi , Sake Svenja , Bankwitz Dorothea , Welsch Kathrin , Ginkel Corinne , Engelmann Michael , Gerold Gisa , Steinmann Eike , Yuan Qinggong , Ott Michael , Vondran Florian W. R. , Krey Thomas , Ströh Luisa J. , Miskey Csaba , Ivics Zoltán , Herder Vanessa , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , Lauber Chris , Seifert Michael , Tarr Alexander W. , McClure C. Patrick , Randall Glenn , Baktash Yasmine , Ploss Alexander , Thi Viet Loan Dao , Michailidis Eleftherios , Saeed Mohsan , Verhoye Lieven , Meuleman Philip , Goedecke Natascha , Wirth Dagmar , Rice Charles M. , Pietschmann Thomas
Published: November 2020

Two transmembrane proteins cooperate to block infection of murine hepatocytes by human-tropic hepatitis C virus.
Partners in crime: α-synuclein modulates pathologic tau spreading
Authors: Davis Albert A.
Published: November 2020

Coadministration of fibrillar α-synuclein along with brain-derived tau seeds exacerbates tau spreading in mice.
Associations between high temperatures in pregnancy and risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirths: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chersich Matthew Francis , Pham Minh Duc , Areal Ashtyn , Haghighi Marjan Mosalam , Manyuchi Albert , Swift Callum P , Wernecke Bianca , Robinson Matthew , Hetem Robyn , Boeckmann Melanie , Hajat Shakoor
Published: November 2020

Objective

To assess whether exposure to high temperatures in pregnancy is associated with increased risk for preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth.

Design

Systematic review and random effects meta-analysis.

Data sources

Medline and Web of Science searched up to September 2018, updated in August 2019.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Clinical studies on associations between high environmental temperatures, and preterm birth, birth weight, and stillbirths.

Results

14 880 records and 175 full text articles were screened. 70 studies were included, set in 27 countries, seven of which were countries with low or middle income. In 40 of 47 studies, preterm births were more common at higher than lower temperatures. Exposures were classified as heatwaves, 1°C increments, and temperature threshold cutoff points. In random effects meta-analysis, odds of a preterm birth rose 1.05-fold (95% confidence interval 1.03 to 1.07) per 1°C increase in temperature and 1.16-fold (1.10 to 1.23) during heatwaves. Higher temperature was associated with reduced birth weight in 18 of 28 studies, with considerable statistical heterogeneity. Eight studies on stillbirths all showed associations between temperature and stillbirth, with stillbirths increasing 1.05-fold (1.01 to 1.08) per 1°C rise in temperature. Associations between temperature and outcomes were largest among women in lower socioeconomic groups and at age extremes. The multiple temperature metrics and lag analyses limited comparison between studies and settings.

Conclusions

Although summary effect sizes are relatively small, heat exposures are common and the outcomes are important determinants of population health. Linkages between socioeconomic status and study outcomes suggest that risks might be largest in low and middle income countries. Temperature rises with global warming could have major implications for child health.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD 42019140136 and CRD 42018118113.
Factors associated with social isolation and being homebound among older patients with diabetes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ida Satoshi , Kaneko Ryutaro , Imataka Kanako , Okubo Kaoru , Shirakura Yoshitaka , Azuma Kentaro , Fujiwara Ryoko , Takahashi Hiroka , Murata Kazuya
Published: November 2020

Objective

We aimed at investigating factors associated with social isolation and being homebound in older patients with diabetes.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Settings

Those undergoing outpatient treatments at Ise Red Cross Hospital, Mie Prefecture.

Participants

Patients with diabetes aged ≥65 years.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Social isolation was defined as indulging in less than one interaction per week with individuals other than cohabiting family members. We defined homebound as going outside home less than once a day. To identify factors associated with social isolation and being homebound, we performed logistic regression analysis. The dependent variable was social isolation or homebound and independent variables were basic attributes, glycaemic parameters, complications and treatment details.

Results

We analysed 558 cases (320 men and 238 women). Among these, 174 (31.2%) were socially isolated; meanwhile, 87 (15.6%) were homebound. The glycoalbumin/haemoglobin A1c ratio (OR 4.52; 95% CI 1.07 to 19.1; p=0.040) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence (TMIG-IC) scores (OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.57 to 0.90; p=0.006) had significant associations with social isolation. TMIG-IC scores (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.66 to 0.92; p=0.003) and insulin use (OR 4.29; 95% CI 1.14 to 16.1; p=0.031) were associated with being homebound.

Conclusion

In older patients with diabetes, glycaemic fluctuations and insulin use are associated with social isolation and being homebound, respectively. In addition, a decline in higher level functional capacity is a common factor associated with social isolation and being homebound. Thus, it is important to pay attention to social isolation and being homebound when a decline in higher level functional capacity, increased glycaemic fluctuations and insulin use in older patients with diabetes are observed.
Patient needs and priorities for patient navigator programmes in chronic kidney disease: a workshop report
Authors: Guha Chandana , Lopez-Vargas P , Ju Angela , Gutman Talia , Scholes-Robertson Nicole Jane , Baumgart Amanda , Wong Germaine , Craig Jonathan , Usherwood Tim , Reid Sharon , Cullen Vanessa , Howell Martin , Khalid Rabia , Teixeira-Pinto Armando , Wyburn Kate , Sen Shaundeep , Smolonogov Tanya , Lee Vincent W , Rangan Gopala K , Matus Gonzales Andrea , Tong Allison
Published: November 2020

Background and objective

Patients with early chronic kidney disease (CKD) face challenges in accessing healthcare, including delays in diagnosis, fragmented speciality care and lack of tailored education and psychosocial support. Patient navigator programmes have the potential to improve the process of care and outcomes. The objective of this study is to describe the experiences of patients on communication, access of care and self-management and their perspectives on patient navigator programmes in early CKD.

Design, setting and participants

We convened a workshop in Australia with 19 patients with CKD (all stages including CKD Stage 1 to 5 not on dialysis, 5D (dialysis), and 5T (transplant)) and five caregivers. All of them were over 18 years and English-speaking. Transcripts from the workshop were analysed thematically.

Results

Four themes that captured discussions were: lost in the ambiguity of symptoms and management, battling roadblocks while accessing care, emotionally isolated after diagnosis and re-establishing lifestyle and forward planning. Five themes that focussed on patient navigator programmes were: trust and credibility, respecting patient choices and readiness to accept the programme, using accessible language to promote the programme, offering multiple ways to engage and communicate and maintaining confidentiality and privacy. Of the 17 features identified as important for a patient navigator programme, the top five were delivery of education, psychosocial support, lifestyle modification, communication and decision-making support and facilitating care.

Conclusion

Patient navigator services can address gaps in services around health literacy, communication, psychosocial support and coordination across multiple healthcare settings. In comparison to the existing navigator programmes, and other services that are aimed at addressing these gaps, credible, accessible and flexible patient navigator programmes for patients with early CKD, that support education, decision-making, access to care and self-management designed in partnership with patients, may be more acceptable to patients.
Associations between vision impairment and driving and the effectiveness of vision-related interventions: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nguyen Helen , Di Tanna Gian Luca , Coxon Kristy , Brown Julie , Ren Kerrie , Ramke Jacqueline , Burton Matthew J , Gordon Iris , Zhang Justine H , Furtado João M , Mdala Shaffi , Kitema Gatera Fiston , Keay Lisa
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Driving is one of the main modes of transport with safe driving requiring a combination of visual, cognitive and physical skills. With population ageing, the number of people living with vision impairment is set to increase in the decades ahead. Vision impairment may negatively impact an individual’s ability to safely drive. The association between vision impairment and motor vehicle crash involvement or driving participation has yet to be systematically investigated. Further, the evidence for the effectiveness of vision-related interventions aimed at decreasing crashes and driving errors has not been synthesised.

Methods and analysis

A search will be conducted for relevant studies on Medline (Ovid), EMBASE and Global Health from their inception to March 2020 without date or geographical restrictions. Two investigators will independently screen abstracts and full texts using Covidence software with conflicts resolved by a third investigator. Data extraction will be conducted on all included studies, and their quality assessed to determine the risk of bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. Outcome measures include crash risk, driving cessation and surrogate measures of driving safety (eg, driving errors and performance). The results of this review will be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guideline. Meta-analysis will be undertaken for outcomes with sufficient data and reported following the Meta-analyses of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guideline. Where statistical pooling is not feasible or appropriate, narrative summaries will be presented following the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis in systematic reviews guideline.

Ethics and dissemination

This review will only report on published data thus no ethics approval is required. Results will be included in the Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health, published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at relevant conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020172153.
Initial impact of COVID-19 on paediatric spinal services in Scotland
Authors: Newman Matthew , Garrido Enrique , Tsirikos Athanasios I
Published: November 2020

COVID-19 has affected many National Health Service Scotland services. Our aim is to describe this impact on the Scottish National Spine Deformity Service (SNSDS). All referrals to the SNSDS from 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2020 were analysed and compared with the same period in 2019. There was a 64.3% decline in referrals during the pandemic to the SNSDS. The mean waiting time to be seen in first clinical appointment for a new referral was 6.5 weeks in 2020 compared with 10.9 in 2019. There were 60 patients still waiting to be seen at the end of the study period.
Nicotinamide combined with gemcitabine is an immunomodulatory therapy that restrains pancreatic cancer in mice
Authors: Selvanesan Benson Chellakkan , Meena Kiran , Beck Amanda , Meheus Lydie , Lara Olaya , Rooman Ilse , Gravekamp Claudia
Published: November 2020

Background

Treatments for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma are poorly effective, at least partly due to the tumor’s immune-suppressive stromal compartment. New evidence of positive effects on immune responses in the tumor microenvironment (TME), compelled us to test the combination of gemcitabine (GEM), a standard chemotherapeutic for pancreatic cancer, with nicotinamide (NAM), the amide form of niacin (vitamin B3), in mice with pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Various mouse tumor models of pancreatic cancer, that is, orthotopic Panc-02 and KPC (KrasG12D, p53R172H, Pdx1-Cre) grafts, were treated alternately with NAM and GEM for 2 weeks, and the effects on efficacy, survival, stromal architecture and tumor-infiltrating immune cells was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry, Enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT), T cell depletions in vivo, Nanostring analysis and RNAscope.

Results

A significant reduction in tumor weight and number of metastases was found, as well as a significant improved survival of the NAM+GEM group compared with all control groups. IHC and flow cytometry showed a significant decrease in tumor-associated macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the tumors of NAM+GEM-treated mice. This correlated with a significant increase in the number of CD4 and CD8 T cells of NAM+GEM-treated tumors, and CD4 and CD8 T cell responses to tumor-associated antigen survivin, most likely through epitope spreading. In vivo depletions of T cells demonstrated the involvement of CD4 T cells in the eradication of the tumor by NAM+GEM treatment. In addition, remodeling of the tumor stroma was observed with decreased collagen I and lower expression of hyaluronic acid binding protein, reorganization of the immune cells into lymph node like structures and CD31 positive vessels. Expression profiling for a panel of immuno-oncology genes revealed significant changes in genes involved in migration and activation of T cells, attraction of dendritic cells and epitope spreading.

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential of NAM+GEM as immunotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer.
Different indirect immunofluorescence ANA substrate performance in a diagnostic setting of patients with SLE and related disorders: retrospective review and analysis
Authors: Choi May Y , Cui Jing , Costenbader Karen , Rydzewski David , Bernhard Lisa , Schur Peter
Published: November 2020

Objective

Given the increasing relevance of the ANA assay to classification of SLE and the uncertainty and variation surrounding different ANA assay performance, we compared the human epithelial type 2 (HEp-2) to mouse liver (ML) substrate in our local cohort and provided a review of the evidence for their use in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs).

Methods

Electronic health record data (2003–2008) were used to identify patients who had concurrent HEp-2 and ML ANA, and a diagnosis of SLE or other ARDs. We determined the agreement between HEp-2 and ML ANA regarding positivity, titre and pattern, and their predictors. Sensitivity of HEp-2 ANA, ML ANA, repeating HEp-2 ANA, and combining HEp-2 and ML ANA assays was assessed.

Results

There were 961 patients with concurrent HEp-2 and ML ANA samples, including 418 SLEs. There was generally fair to moderate agreement in HEp-2 and ML ANA (kappa (κ)=0.35–0.79), titres (κ=0.34–0.79) and patterns (κ=0.35–0.93). In SLE, the presence of anti-dsDNA antibodies was predictive of ANA agreement between HEp-2 and ML ANA (adjusted OR 6.27, 95% CI 1.45 to 27.20, p=0.01). The ANA sensitivity for most ARDs was highest when the HEp-2 test was repeated, followed by when the HEp-2 and ML ANA were combined and when only the HEp-2 or ML ANAs were used.

Conclusion

In keeping with prior studies, we demonstrated that there was fair to moderate agreement between HEp-2 and ML assays in the largest comparison of HEp-2 and ML as substrates for ANA testing in various ARDs. Furthermore, ANA sensitivity was higher when the HEp-2 assay was repeated rather than combining HEp-2 and ML.
Age and tectonic setting of Neoproterozoic granitoid rocks, Antigonish Highlands, Nova Scotia, Canada: implications for Avalonia in the northern Appalachian orogen
Authors: White C.E. , Barr S.M. , Hamilton M.A. , Murphy J.B.
Published: November 2020

The oldest rocks in the Avalonian Antigonish Highlands of northern mainland Nova Scotia, Canada, are late Neoproterozoic (>618 Ma) volcanic and sedimentary rocks of the Georgeville Group intruded by gabbroic/dioritic to granitic plutons. New U–Pb zircon ages presented here for five samples from plutons intruded into the James River and (or) Keppoch formations of the Georgeville Group have ages ranging from ca. 615 to 604 Ma. They have petrological characteristics of expanded calc-alkalic “Andean-type” suites but are compositionally biased toward evolved high-silica compositions and are interpreted as evolved I-type granites. They were emplaced at shallow depths and some were likely comagmatic with felsic volcanic components of their host rocks. These plutons are younger and show less varied Sm–Nd isotopic compositions than most plutonic rocks formed in the early Ediacaran “main arc phase” elsewhere in Avalonian terranes in the northern Appalachian orogen, although they are similar in age to plutons in southeastern New England and in the Bass River and Jeffers blocks of the Cobequid Highlands, Nova Scotia. The Jeffers block of the Cobequid Highlands appears to be most similar to the Antigonish Highlands but both areas record a Neoproterozoic history less protracted than in other parts of Avalonia.
Improving the performance of CZTS battery with environmental buffer layer and analyzing the effect of MoS2 layer on the battery
Authors: Niu Yuhang , Tang Jiyu , Zhang Wenchao , Huang Rui , Chen Long
Published: November 2020

Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) materials have been widely investigated due to their excellent properties in solar cell applications. The common reference structure for CZTS cells is Al:ZnO(AZO)/i-ZnO/CdS/CZTS, but it is critical to find a suitable buffer layer material to replace toxic cadmium (Cd). In addition, the efficiency of CZTS cells is improved by improving the doping type (n or p) and doping concentration of MoS2 generated during the manufacturing process. wxAMPS was used to simulate the performance of a CZTS battery with an Al:ZnO/i-ZnO/Zn(O,S)/CZTS/(MoS2) structure. The performance of batteries using Zn(O,S) and CdS as buffer layers was compared. The optimal thickness of CZTS layer and the doping concentration of CZTS layer were calculated, and the doping type and concentration of MoS2 layer were analyzed and the performance of the battery was improved by optimizing the solar cell parameters. This work provides novel ideas for designing and manufacturing higher performance solar cells.
Global smooth solutions to 3D irrotational Euler equations for Chaplygin gases
Authors: Wei Changhua , Wang Yu-Zhu
Published: November 2020

We study here the Cauchy problem associated with the isentropic and compressible Euler equations for Chaplygin gases. Based on the new formulation of the compressible Euler equations in J. Luk and J. Speck [The hidden null structure of the compressible Euler equations and a prelude to applications, J. Hyperbolic Differ. Equ. 17 (2020) 1–60] we show that the wave system satisfied by the modified density and the velocity for Chaplygin gases satisfies the weak null condition. We then prove the global existence of smooth solutions to the irrotational and isentropic Chaplygin gases without introducing a potential function, when the initial data are small perturbations to a constant state.
Left-Symmetric Superalgebra Structures on a Super Virasoro Type Algebra
Authors: Dai Xiansheng , Chen Haibo , Xin Bin
Published: November 2020

In this note we classify the compatible left-symmetric superalgebra structures over a super Virasoro type algebra, whose even part is the centerless twisted Heisenberg–Virasoro algebra, with some natural grading conditions.
Edge Ideals with Regularity No More than Three
Authors: Liu Aming , Wu Tongsuo
Published: November 2020

We prove that if G is a gap-free and chair-free simple graph, then the regularity of the edge ideal of G is no more than 3. If G is a gap-free and P4-free graph, then it is a chair-free graph; furthermore, the complement of G is chordal, and thus the regularity of G is 2.
A Family of Non-weight Modules over the Virasoro Algebra
Authors: Chen Guobo
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we consider the tensor product modules of a class of non-weight modules and highest weight modules over the Virasoro algebra. We determine the necessary and sufficient conditions for such modules to be simple and the isomorphism classes among all these modules. Finally, we prove that these simple non-weight modules are new if the highest weight module over the Virasoro algebra is non-trivial.
Side-Crossing Menus
Authors: Fruchard Bruno , Lecolinet Eric , Chapuis Olivier
Published: November 2020

Supporting many gestures on small surfaces allows users to interact remotely with complex environments such as smart homes, large remote displays, or virtual reality environments, and switching between them (e.g., AR setup in a smart home). Providing eyes-free gestures in these contexts is important as this avoids disrupting the user's visual attention. However, very few techniques enable large sets of commands on small wearable devices supporting the user's mobility and even less provide eyes-free interaction. We present Side-Crossing Menus (SCM), a gestural technique enabling large sets of gestures on %small interactive surfaces like a smartwatch. Contrary to most gestural techniques, SCM relies on broad and shallow menus that favor small and rapid gestures. We demonstrate with a first experiment that users can efficiently perform these gestures eyes-free aided with tactile cues; 95% accuracy after training 20 minutes on a representative set of 30 gestures among 172. In a second experiment, we focus on the learning of SCM gestures and do not observe significant differences with conventional Multi-stroke Marking Menus in gesture accuracy and recall rate. As both techniques utilize contrasting menu structures, our results indicate that SCM is a compelling alternative for enhancing the input capabilities of small surfaces.
Effect of Physical Challenging Activity on Tactile Texture Recognition for Mobile Surface
Authors: Guettaf Adnane , Rekik Yosra , Grisoni Laurent
Published: November 2020

Previous research demonstrated the ability for users to accurately recognize tactile textures on mobile surface. However, the experiments were only run in a lab setting and the ability for users to recognize tactile texture in a real-world environment remains unclear. In this paper, we investigate the effects of physical challenging activities on tactile textures recognition. We consider five conditions: (1) seated on an office, (2) standing in an office, (3) seated in the tramway, (4) standing in the tramway and (5) walking in the street. Our findings indicate that when walking, performances deteriorated compared to the remainder conditions. However, despite this deterioration, the recognition rate stay higher than 82% suggesting that tactile texture could be effectively recognized and used by users in different physical challenges activities including walking.
Interaction with Virtual Content using Augmented Reality
Authors: Marques Bernardo , Alves João , Neves Miguel , Justo Inês , Santos André , Rainho Raquel , Maio Rafael , Costa Dany , Ferreira Carlos , Dias Paulo , Santos Beatriz Sousa
Published: November 2020

Assembly procedures are a common task in several domains of application. Augmented Reality (AR) has been considered as having great potential in assisting users while performing such tasks. However, poor interaction design and lack of studies, often results in complex and hard to use AR systems. This paper considers three different interaction methods for assembly procedures (Touch gestures in a mobile device; Mobile Device movements; 3D Controllers and See-through HMD). It also describes a controlled experiment aimed at comparing acceptance and usability between these methods in an assembly task using Lego blocks. The main conclusions are that participants were faster using the 3D controllers and Video see-through HMD. Participants also preferred the HMD condition, even though some reported light symptoms of nausea, sickness and/or disorientation, probably due to limited resolution of the HMD cameras used in the video see-through setting and some latency issues. In addition, although some research claims that manipulation of virtual objects with movements of the mobile device can be considered as natural, this condition was the least preferred by the participants.
Multitouch Interaction with Parallel Coordinates on Large Vertical Displays
Authors: Reibert Joshua , Riehmann Patrick , Froehlich Bernd
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a multitouch vocabulary for interacting with parallel coordinates plots on wall-sized displays. The gesture set relies on principles such as two-finger range definition, a functional distinction of background and foreground for applying the Hold-and-Move concept to wall-sized displays as well as fling-based interaction for triggering and controlling long-range movements. Our implementation demonstrates that out-of-reach problems and limitations regarding multitouch technology and display size can be tackled by the coherent integration of our multitouch gestures. Expert reviews indicate that our gesture vocabulary helps to solve typical analysis tasks that require interaction beyond arms' reach, and it also shows how often certain gestures were used.
Subtletee: Augmenting Posture Awareness for Beginner Golfers
Authors: Woźniak Mikołaj P. , Dominiak Julia , Pieprzowski Michał , Ładoński Piotr , Grudzień Krzysztof , Lischke Lars , Romanowski Andrzej , Woźniak Paweł W.
Published: November 2020

While the sport of golf offers unique opportunities for people of all ages to be active, it also requires mastering complex movements before it can be fully enjoyed. Extensive training is required to begin achieving any success, which may demotivate prospective players away from the sport. To aid beginner golfers and enable them to practice without supervision, we designed Subtletee---a system that enhances the bodily awareness of golfers by providing feedback on the position of their feet and elbows. We first identified key problems golf beginners face through expert interviews. We then evaluated different feedback modalities for Subtletee---visual, tactile and auditory in an experiment with 20 beginner golfers. We found that providing proprioception feedback increased the users' performance on the driving range, with tactile feedback providing the most benefits. Our work provides insights on delivering feedback during physical activity that requires high precision movements.
HF/HCl/H2O/MnO2 System for High-Performance Texturization on Multi-Crystalline Silicon
Authors: Liu Huan , Zhao Lei , Diao Hongwei , Wang Wenjing
Published: November 2020

We proposed a HF/HCl/H2O system with manganese dioxide (MnO2) particle as the oxidant to obtain high-performance texturization on multi-crystalline silicon (mc-Si) wafers. The texturization obtained by the HF/HCl/H2O/MnO2 system had a more uniform distribution and a lower surface reflectance than that obtained by the conventional HF/HNO3/H2O system, especially on the surface of diamond wire sawn (DWS) mc-Si wafers. The etching mechanism was revealed by studying the effects of the usage variation of HF, HCl and MnO2. The etching only occurs at the locations where MnO2 particles are deposited on the silicon surface and will self-terminate with the full consumption of MnO2. Thus the texture morphology can be easily controlled by adjusting the usage of MnO2 particles with sufficient HCl and HF. Furthermore, such method is environmentally friendly not to use HNO3.
Fabrication of Pt-Nanoparticle-Loaded Mesoporous Alumina Coating through Anodizing of an Al-Pt Alloy
Authors: Ma Yanlong , Lin Hua , Liao Yi
Published: November 2020

Noble metal nanoparticles, usually dispersed in a mesoporous support, have widespread applications. However, uploading nanoparticles into mesoporous materials and preventing the nanoparticles from aggregation during the fabrication and application processes remain major challenges. Herein, we report a novel, simple and low-cost method for fabrication of Pt-nanoparticle-loaded mesoporous alumina coating through anodizing of an Al-Pt alloy (98.5 at% Al and 1.5 at% Pt) prepared by magnetron sputtering. It was found that the Al-Pt alloy could be effectively anodized at voltages between 2.8 and 4.5 V (SCE), in 0.4 M sulfuric acid solution, at room temperature. The anodizing processes resulted in Pt-nanoparticles of 5∼50 nm dimensions uniformly-dispersed in the porous anodic alumina film. The proposed method can be implemented on a large scale and extended to other alloy systems consisting of a valve metal and different alloying elements with Gibbs free energy of oxide formation less negative than that of the valve metal.
Method of Calculating Life-Cycle Fatigue Damage of Orthotropic Steel Bridge Decks under the Combined Actions of Vehicle Loads and Pavement Temperature
Authors: Wang Gaoxin , Ding Youliang , Liu Zhijun , Shao Jingshu
Published: November 2020

The fatigue analysis on orthotropic steel bridge decks is a hot topic in bridge engineering field. This study provides one method for fatigue analysis under the combined actions of vehicle loads and pavement temperature. To be specific, taking the steel bridge deck of one cable-stayed bridge as a research object, this study proposes a method of calculating life-cycle fatigue damage of orthotropic steel deck under the combined actions of vehicle loads and pavement temperature. First, a finite element model of steel bridge deck with asphalt pavement is built to analyze the influence of pavement temperature on the fatigue stress of steel bridge deck. Second, a simulation method of fatigue stress caused by random vehicle loads is proposed. Finally, a method of calculating the life-cycle fatigue damage of welded joints under the combined actions of vehicle loads and temperature is proposed. The results show that temperature has a significant effect on fatigue damage, and the cumulative fatigue damage in the rib-to-rib welded joint is significantly greater than that in the deck-to-rib welded joint. The results can provide meaningful references for bridge engineers to carry out fatigue analysis on orthotropic steel bridge decks.
Effect of Double Transition Metal Salt Catalyst on Fushun Oil Shale Pyrolysis
Authors: Liu Xiaoyang , Pan Haodan , Guo Chuang , Di Xiaojing , Hu Hongxiang
Published: November 2020

Shale ash (SA) as the carrier, the ratio of Cu to Ni in the Cu-Ni transition metal salt being, respectively, 1 : 0, 2 : 1, 1 : 1, 1 : 2, 0 : 1, the double transition metal salt catalyst (CumNin/SA) was prepared to explore the effect of such catalysts on the pyrolysis behavior and characteristics of Fushun OS. The research results show that the temperature (

T

max

) corresponding to the maximum weight loss rate decreased by 12.9°C, 4.0°C, and 3.6°C; and the apparent activation energy decreased by 35.2%, 33.9%, and 29.6%, respectively, after adding catalysts Cu0Ni1/SA in pyrolysis. The addition of Cu0Ni1/SA and Cu2Ni1/SA further improves the shale oil (SO) yield of 3.5% and 3.1%, respectively. Cu0Ni1/SA produces more aromatic hydrocarbons, which, however, weakens the stability of SO and is of toxicity in use. After analyzing the pyrolysis product—semicoke (SC) and SO—with ATR-FTIR and GC-MS methods, CumNin/SA promotes the secondary cracking and aromatization of OS pyrolysis, increasing the content of the compound of olefins and aromatics in SO, and hastening the decomposition of long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons to short-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons.
Uniqueness Problems about Entire Functions with Their Difference Operator Sharing Sets
Authors: Niu Fan , Qi Jianming , Zhou Zhiyong
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we study the uniqueness questions of finite order transcendental entire functions and their difference operators sharing a set consisting of two distinct entire functions of finite smaller order. Our results in this paper improve the corresponding results from Liu (2009) and Li (2012).
De-Ritis Ratio Is Associated with Mortality after Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Lu Zhengri , Ma Genshan , Chen Lijuan
Published: November 2020

Introduction. The aim of our study was to explore the associations of the aspartate transaminase/alanine transaminase (De-Ritis) ratio with outcomes after cardiac arrest (CA). Methods. This retrospective study included 374 consecutive adult cardiac arrest patients. Information on the study population was obtained from the Dryad Digital Repository. Patients were divided into tertiles based on their De-Ritis ratio. The logistic regression hazard analysis was used to assess the independent relationship between the De-Ritis ratio and mortality. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to estimate the survival of different groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was utilized to compare the prognostic ability of biomarkers. A model combining the De-Ritis ratio was established, and its performance was evaluated using the Akaike information criterion (AIC). Results. Of the 374 patients who were included in the study, 194 patients (51.9%) died in the intensive care unit (ICU), 213 patients (57.0%) died during hospitalization, and 226 patients (60.4%) had an unfavorable neurologic outcome. Logistic regression analysis including potentially confounding factors showed that the De-Ritis ratio was independently associated with mortality, yielding a more than onefold risk of ICU mortality (OR 1.455; 95% CI 1.088-1.946;

p
=
0.011

) and hospital mortality (OR 1.378; 95% CI 1.031-1.842;

p
=
0.030

). Discriminatory performance assessed by ROC curves showed an area under the curve of 0.611 (95% CI 0.553-0.668) for ICU mortality and 0.625 (0.567-0.682) for hospital mortality. Further, the likelihood ratio test (LRT) analysis showed that the model combining the De-Ritis ratio had a smaller AIC and higher likelihood ratio

χ

2

score than the model without the De-Ritis ratio. The Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the CA patients in the De-Ritis ratio tertile 3 group clearly had a significantly higher incidence of ICU mortality (

log
−
rank
=
0.007

). Conclusion. An elevated De-Ritis ratio on admission was significantly associated with ICU mortality and hospital mortality after CA. Assessment of the De-Ritis ratio might help identify groups at high risk for mortality.
A Fault-Tolerant Level Damping Algorithm for Marine INS
Authors: Feng Guohu
Published: November 2020

When the measurement error of the external reference velocity changes dramatically, the traditional level damping for marine INS needs to cut off the damping to maintain the navigation accuracy. The level channel has a large overshoot oscillation during the variable damping instantaneous, which results in obvious position deviation. In order to solve this practical problem, a damping model is established outside the INS. The most obvious advantage of the algorithm is that the damping algorithm does not affect the inertial navigation solution. The fault-tolerant algorithm realizes the automatic damping switch according to the external reference velocity error variation criterion, which avoids the velocity oscillation and position deviation. Compared with traditional methods, the algorithm presented in this paper has higher reliability and better environmental adaptability. The effectiveness of the algorithm is verified by the actual navigation test data.
Associations between Interleukin-32 Gene Polymorphisms rs12934561 and rs28372698 and Susceptibilities to Bladder Cancer and the Prognosis in Chinese Han Population
Authors: Yang Jie , Jian Zhongyu , Shen Pengfei , Bai Yunjin , Tang Yin , Wang Jia
Published: November 2020

The proinflammatory chemokine interleukin-32 is related to various diseases, including cancer. However, it has never been associated with bladder cancer (BC). To detect whether there is a relationship between the IL-32 gene polymorphisms (rs12934561 C/T and rs28372698 T/A) and BC, the study enrolled 170 non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients, 151 muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients, and 437 healthy controls. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used for the IL-32 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping. Statistical analysis was performed using SNPstats online analysis software and SPSS software. Our data revealed that the CC homozygous genotype of rs12934561 in BC patients was significantly higher than that in controls (P=0.03,OR=1.47,95%CI=1.04‐2.08), and the percentage of TC genotype carriers was relatively less than that of controls (P=0.001,OR=0.61,95%CI=0.45‐0.82). Furthermore, the TT homozygous genotype of rs28372698 was associated with a significantly lower overall survival rate in MIBC patients (P=0.028,OR=2.77,95%CI=1.11‐6.90). The IL-32 gene polymorphism rs12934561 might be associated with increased BC risk, and the rs28372698 might participate in the prognosis of BC patients. Therefore, they could be potential forecasting factors for the prognosis of MIBC patients.
Finite Element Least Square Technique for Newtonian Fluid Flow through a Semicircular Cylinder of Recirculating Region via COMSOL Multiphysics
Authors: Khan Ilyas , Memon Abid A. , Memon M. Asif , Bhatti Kaleemullah , Shaikh Gul M. , Baleanu Dumitru , Alhussain Ziyad A.
Published: November 2020

This article aims to study Newtonian fluid flow modeling and simulation through a rectangular channel embedded in a semicircular cylinder with the range of Reynolds number from 100 to 1500. The fluid is considered as laminar and Newtonian, and the problem is time independent. A numerical procedure of finite element’s least Square technique is implemented through COMSOL multiphysics 5.4. The problem is validated through asymptotic solution governed through the screen boundary condition. The vortex length of the recirculating region formed at the back of the cylinder and orientation of velocity field and pressure will be discussed by three horizontal and four vertical lines along the recirculating region in terms of Reynolds number. It was found that the two vortices of unequal size have appeared and the lengths of these vortices are increased with the increase Reynolds number. Also, the empirical equations through the linear regression procedure were determined for those vortices. The orientation of the velocity magnitude as well as pressure along the lines passing through the center of upper and lower vortices are the same.
Studies on Dissipations and Residues of Indoxacarb under Different Field and Environmental Conditions
Authors: Li Ying-Hong , Wang Xiang-Yun , Hua Wei , Zhang Hu
Published: November 2020

Indoxacarb is a broad-spectrum insecticide and widely used in agriculture. The dissipations and residues of indoxacarb were researched at three different field sites in Beijing, Hunan, and Zhejiang provinces in China. Analytical methods for determining the residue of indoxacarb in paddy water, paddy soil, rice straw, rice hull, and brown rice were described. Indoxacarb residues were extracted from samples, cleaned up by solid phase extraction, and determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry in the selected ion monitoring mode. The recoveries in paddy water, paddy soil, rice straw, rice hull, and brown rice matrices at three spiking levels ranged from 79.7% to 98.3%, respectively. The field and environmental conditions would affect the dissipations and residues of indoxacarb. The time to dissipate 50% of indoxacarb in paddy water, paddy soil, and rice straw was less than 9 days. The terminal residues obtained from Beijing at preharvest interval of 14 and 21 days were higher than the maximum limit of European Union. Therefore, a dosage of 24 g a. i. ha−1 at 28 days preharvest interval with 3 spraying times was recommended. Such accumulation of measured data is necessary to provide guidance for the proper and safe use of this pesticide.
Multiattribute Access Selection Algorithm Supporting Service Characteristics and User Preferences in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks
Authors: Guo Xiaoxue , Omar Mohd. Hasbullah , Mohd Zaini Khuzairi
Published: November 2020

In heterogeneous wireless networks (HWNs), various wireless networks have signal ranges that overlap and cover each other. Enabling mobile users to access the most suitable network is one of the research topics on HWNs. This paper designs a multiattribute access selection algorithm supporting service characteristics and user preferences in HWNs, which includes five calculation modules: network attribute utility value, network attribute weight, network attribute score, user preference value, and candidate network comprehensive score. In addition, the algorithm proposed in this paper integrates the utility theory, fuzzy analysis hierarchy process (FAHP), fuzzy logic, and multiattribute decision-making (MADM) methods for a complete access selection scheme that considers different network performances, service characteristics, and user preferences. The simulation results show that the algorithm proposed in this paper can allow users to select the most suitable network while obtaining higher gains and reducing user handover between different networks.
Mutant G2019S-LRRK2 Induces Abnormalities in Arteriolar Cerebral Blood Volume in Mouse Brains: An MRI Study
Authors: Ning Bo , Guo Gongbo , Gu Chunming , Xu Jiadi , Bibic Adnan , He Xiaofei , Liu Hongshuai , Chen Lin , Wei Zhiliang , Duan Wenzhen , Liu Peiying , Lu Hanzhang , van Zijl Peter C.M. , Ross Christopher A. , Smith Wanli , Hua Jun
Published: November 2020

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and the most common movement disorder characterized by motor impairments resulting from midbrain dopamine neuron loss. Abnormalities in small pial arteries and arterioles, which are the primary pathways of local delivery of nutrients and oxygen in brain tissue, have been reported in many neurodegenerative diseases including PD. Mutations in LRRK2 cause genetic PD and contribute to sporadic PD. The most common PD-linked mutation LRRK2 G2019S contributes 20–47% of genetic forms of PD in Caucasian populations. The human LRRK2 G2019S transgenic mouse model displays PD-like movement impairment and was used to identify novel LRRK2 inhibitors, which provides a useful model for studying microvascular abnormalities in PD. Objectives: To investigate abnormalities in arteriolar cerebral blood volume (CBVa) in various brain regions using the inflow-based vascular-space occupancy (iVASO) MRI technique in LRRK2 mouse models of PD. Methods: Anatomical and iVASO MRI scans were performed in 5 female and 7 male nontransgenic (nTg), 3 female and 4 male wild-type (WT) LRRK2, and 5 female and 7 male G2019S-LRRK2 mice of 9 months of age. CBVa was calculated and compared in the substantia nigra (SN), olfactory cortex, and prefrontal cortex. Results: Compared to nTg mice, G2019S-LRRK2 mice showed decreased CBVa in the SN, but increased CBVa in the olfactory and prefrontal cortex in both male and female groups, whereas WT-LRRK2 mice showed no change in CBVa in the SN (male and female), the olfactory (female), and prefrontal (female) cortex, but a slight increase in CBVa in the olfactory and prefrontal cortex in the male group only. Conclusions: Alterations in the blood volume of small arteries and arterioles (CBVa) were detected in the G2019S-LRRK2 mouse model of PD. The opposite changes in CBVa in the SN and the cortex indicate that PD pathology may have differential effects in different brain regions. Our results suggest the potential value of CBVa as a marker for clinical PD studies.
Independência funcional e comprometimento motor em indivíduos pós-ave da comunidade
Authors: Rissetti Jéssica , Feistauer Juliana Bertuol , Luiz Jhoanne Merlyn , Da Silveira Larissa de Souza , Ovando Angélica Cristiane
Published: November 2020

Indivíduos acometidos por acidente vascular encefálico (AVE) podem apresentar déficits motores, como a hemiparesia, que limitam a autonomia para realização das atividades de vida diária (AVD). Objetivo: Avaliar o comprometimento motor e a independência funcional de indivíduos pós-AVE cadastrados nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) no município de Araranguá/SC. Método: A amostra foi composta por indivíduos com sequelas motoras de AVE cadastrados nas UBS de Araranguá, que foram avaliados através da Escala de Rankin Modificada, Mini Exame do Estado Mental, Medida de Independência Funcional (MIF), Escala de Fugl Meyer (EFM) e questionário sociodemográfico. Resultados: Foram avaliados 56 indivíduos, com média de idade de 67,3±11 anos. Na MIF, 67,9% apresentaram dependência modificada, necessitando de até 25% de auxílio para realizar suas AVD. Na pontuação total da EFM, 58,9% dos indivíduos apresentaram comprometimento marcado, 32,1% apresentaram comprometimento grave para membro inferior e 46,4% apresentaram comprometimento moderado para membro superior. Foi observada correlação significativa entre o resultado da EFM total com o resultado da MIF total (ρ=0.6; ρ<0,01) e entre o resultado da EFM total com todos os itens da escala MIF (ρ<0,01). Conclusão: Os indivíduos avaliados apresentaram comprometimento motor marcado e algum grau de dependência funcional. A correlação significativa entre as variáveis demonstrou que indivíduos pós-AVE crônico no município de Araranguá apresentam comprometimento motor que gera dependência funcional para realização das AVD. Espera-se que os resultados encontrados possam auxiliar profissionais de saúde da região a criarem abordagens para manter estes indivíduos mais independentes.