bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opportunity to inform social needs within a hospital setting using data-driven patient engagement
Authors: Hahn-Goldberg Shoshana , Pariser Pauline , Schwenk Colton , Boozary Andrew
Published: October 2021

Background

High-risk patients account for a disproportionate amount of healthcare use, necessitating the development of care delivery solutions aimed specifically at reducing this use. These interventions have largely been unsuccessful, perhaps due to a lack of attention to patients’ social needs and engagement of patients in developing solutions.

Methods

The project team used a combination of administrative data, information culled from charts and interviews with high-risk patients to understand social needs, the current experience of addressing social needs in the hospital, and patient preferences and identified opportunities for improvement. Interviews were conducted in March and April 2020, and patients were asked to reflect on their experiences both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

A total of 4579 patients with 26 168 visits to the emergency department and 2904 inpatient admissions in the previous year were identified. Qualitative analysis resulted in three themes: (1) the interaction between social needs, demographics, and health; (2) the hospital’s role in addressing social needs; and (3) the impact of social needs on experiences of care. Themes related to experiences before and during COVID-19 did not differ. Three opportunities were identified: (1) training for staff related to stigma and trauma, (2) improved documentation of social needs and (3) creation of navigation programmes.

Discussion

Certain demographic factors were clearly associated with an increased need for social support. Unfortunately, many factors identified by patients as mediating their need for such support were not consistently captured. Going forward, high-risk patients should be included in the development of quality improvement initiatives and programmes to address social needs.
A structured physical activity program in an adolescent population with overweight or obesity: a prospective interventional study
Authors: Fanelli Elvira , Abate Daga Federico , Pappaccogli Marco , Eula Elisabetta , Astarita Anna , Mingrone Giulia , Fasano Chiara , Magnino Corrado , Schiavone Domenica , Rabbone Ivana , Gollin Massimiliano , Rabbia Franco , Veglio Franco
Published: October 2021

Obesity is a significant health problem, with increasing involvement of young population worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 2 different types of physical exercise (resistance vs. combined aerobic-resistance) on cardiovascular and anthropometric profile of a sample of sedentary adolescents with overweight and obesity. After undergoing clinical, cardiovascular and anthropometric-metabolic evaluation (T0), subjects with overweight and obesity were randomized to a 6-month resistance or combined aerobic-resistance training program. Clinical, cardiovascular and anthropometric-metabolic evaluations were repeated after 6 months of training (T1) and after 3 months of detraining (T2). Thirty adolescents with overweight/obesity were enrolled and 20 subjects completed training program. A significant improvement in body composition was detected after 6 months, with a reduction of body mass index (32.1 [30.5 to 34.4] vs. 31.1 [29.6 to 33.4] kg/m2, p = 0.02) and adipose tissue (45.5 [41.1 to 49.7] vs. 41.6 [37.0 to 49.2] kg, p < 0.01). A reduction in diastolic blood pressure (75.5 ± 8.9 vs. 68.2 ± 6.4 mm Hg, p = 0.02) and pulse wave velocity (5.7 [5.1 to 5.9] vs. 5.2 [4.7 to 5.7] m/s, p = 0.04) was also observed. Persistence of the effect on the most important parameters was observed also after detraining period. In conclusion, regular physical exercise induces positive metabolic and cardiovascular effects, persisting even after brief discontinuation.

Novelty: Physical exercise induces positive effect on cardiovascular risk profile. Positive effects persist also after brief discontinuation. Physical exercise reduces early signs of autonomic disfunction.
Effect of bentonite slurry on the function of foam for changing the permeability characteristics of sand under high hydraulic gradients
Authors: Ling Fanlin , Wang Shuying , Hu Qinxin , Huang Shuo , Feng Zhiyao
Published: October 2021

During earth pressure balance (EPB) shield tunnelling in sandy ground, not only foam but also other conditioning agents need to be injected to reduce the permeability of muck and avoid water spewing out of the screw conveyor. Permeability tests were carried out to study the permeability characteristics of conditioned sand under high hydraulic gradients. A low bentonite slurry injection ratio (BIR) enhanced the workability of foam-conditioned sand. As the hydraulic gradient increased, the initial permeability coefficient of conditioned sand increased, and the initial stable period became shorter or disappeared. The BIR had a more significant effect on the permeability of conditioned sand than the foam injection ratio (FIR), and this effect gradually weakened as the hydraulic gradient increased. The initial permeability coefficient of the foam–bentonite slurry-conditioned sand decreased by approximately an order of magnitude compared with that of the foam-conditioned sand. With the addition of bentonite slurry, suitable sand conditioning can accept a higher water content (w) and lower FIR, resulting in suitable ranges of w and FIR that are more flexible. Finally, the mechanism of stabilizing foam under the action of bentonite slurry was discussed by considering the interaction between foam bubbles and fine particles.
A Global Convergence Analysis for Computing a Symmetric Low-Rank Orthogonal Approximation
Authors: Du Wenxin , Hu Shenglong , Lin Youyicun , Wang Jie
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we present a refined convergence analysis for a simple yet powerful method for computing a symmetric low-rank orthogonal approximation of a symmetric tensor proposed in the literature. The significance is that the assumption guaranteeing the global convergence is vastly relaxed to only on an input parameter of this algorithm.
Exact Solutions for Time-Varying Bending Behavior of Multilayer Orthotropic Beams Bonded by Viscoelastic Interlayers
Authors: Liu Pengfei , Yu Fei , Wu Peng , Wu Zhiming
Published: October 2021

This study proposed exact solutions for the purpose of investigating and understanding the time-varying bending behavior of a multilayer orthotropic beam bonded by viscoelastic interlayers. In the analytical model, each orthotropic layer involved four independent elastic constants and was modeled on the basis of the two-dimensional (2D) elasticity theory. The interlayer exhibited viscoelastic properties and was described by the standard linear solid model. By means of Fourier series expansion, the general solutions of stresses and displacements were derived with unknown coefficients, which were analytically determined by interfacial and loading conditions, in which the convolution was converted by the Laplace transform. The results of numerical examples showed that the present solutions converged rapidly and were consistent with the finite element solutions. Comparison of the present 2D solutions with the one-dimensional (1D) solutions based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory indicated that the 1D solutions were inaccurate for thick beams. The effects of viscoelastic material and orthotropic constants on the long-term stresses and displacements in the beam were thoroughly examined. These results provided a reference for the optimization of a multilayer orthotropic beam design.
Modelling in geomorphology: the digital revolution
Authors: Martin Yvonne Elizabeth
Published: October 2021

This chapter considers advances in geomorphological modelling from 1965 to 2000, a period that coincides with enormous progress resulting from the digital revolution. The status of computer technology and the discipline of geomorphology leading up to the period covered in this chapter is outlined. The emergence of electronic, digital computers was a significant development in computing history. The invention of the microchip resulted in a generation of mainframe computers that were increasingly efficient and powerful. Throughout the 1960s, universities and research organizations acquired mainframe computers, with time-sharing replacing batch processing. Until the mid-twentieth century, geomorphological research focused on qualitative studies of landscape history. Thereafter, geomorphological research focused on process-based studies over smaller scales. At the time that mainframe computers allowed for complexity in mathematical modelling, geomorphologists began to concentrate on an agenda that did not necessitate their use. Some mathematical models in geomorphology were introduced between 1965 and 1980, although equations were often solved analytically. Despite accessibility to powerful computers in the 1980s, mathematical modelling in geomorphology was not widespread. Mathematical models in geomorphology appeared with increasing frequency in the 1990s. Disciplinary engagement with computationally intensive approaches was strong during this decade, and continued into the twenty-first century.
Non-Intrusive Distributed Tracing of Wireless IoT Devices with the FlockLab 2 Testbed
Authors: Trüb Roman , Da Forno Reto , Daschinger Lukas , Biri Andreas , Beutel Jan , Thiele Lothar
Published: October 2021

Testbeds for wireless IoT devices facilitate testing and validation of distributed target nodes. A testbed usually provides methods to control, observe, and log the execution of the software. However, most of the methods used for tracing the execution require code instrumentation and change essential properties of the observed system. Methods that are non-intrusive are typically not applicable in a distributed fashion due to a lack of time synchronization or necessary hardware/software support. In this article, we present a tracing system for validating time-critical software running on multiple distributed wireless devices that does not require code instrumentation, is non-intrusive and is designed to trace the distributed state of an entire network. For this purpose, we make use of the on-chip debug and trace hardware that is part of most modern microcontrollers. We introduce a testbed architecture as well as models and methods that accurately synchronize the timestamps of observations collected by distributed observers. In a case study, we demonstrate how the tracing system can be applied to observe the distributed state of a flooding-based low-power communication protocol for wireless sensor networks. The presented non-intrusive tracing system is implemented as a service of the publicly accessible open source FlockLab 2 testbed.
MGait
: Model-Based Gait Analysis Using Wearable Bend and Inertial Sensors
Authors: An Sizhe , Tuncel Yigit , Basaklar Toygun , Krishnakumar Gokul K. , Bhat Ganapati , Ogras Umit Y.
Published: October 2021

Movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, affect more than 10 million people worldwide. Gait analysis is a critical step in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of these disorders. Specifically, step and stride lengths provide valuable insights into the gait quality and rehabilitation process. However, traditional approaches for estimating step length are not suitable for continuous daily monitoring since they rely on special mats and clinical environments. To address this limitation, this article presents a novel and practical step-length estimation technique using low-power wearable bend and inertial sensors. Experimental results show that the proposed model estimates step length with 5.49% mean absolute percentage error and provides accurate real-time feedback to the user.
TRPC6, a therapeutic target for pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Jain Pritesh P. , Lai Ning , Xiong Mingmei , Chen Jiyuan , Babicheva Aleksandra , Zhao Tengteng , Parmisano Sophia , Zhao Manjia , Paquin Cole , Matti Moreen , Powers Ryan , Balistrieri Angela , Kim Nick H. , Valdez-Jasso Daniela , Thistlethwaite Patricia A. , Shyy John Y.-J. , Wang Jian , Garcia Joe G. N. , Makino Ayako , Yuan Jason X.-J.
Published: October 2021

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a fatal and progressive disease. Sustained vasoconstriction due to pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) contraction and concentric arterial remodeling due partially to PASMC proliferation are the major causes for increased pulmonary vascular resistance and increased pulmonary arterial pressure in patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) including PAH and PH due to respiratory diseases or hypoxemia. We and others observed upregulation of TRPC6 channels in PASMCs from patients with PAH. A rise in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) in PASMC triggers PASMC contraction and vasoconstriction, while Ca2+-dependent activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is a pivotal signaling cascade for cell proliferation and gene expression. Despite evidence supporting a pathological role of TRPC6, no selective and orally bioavailable TRPC6 antagonist has yet been developed and tested for treatment of PAH or PH. In this study, we sought to investigate whether block of receptor-operated Ca2+ channels using a nonselective blocker of cation channels, 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate (2-APB, administered intraperitoneally) and a selective blocker of TRPC6, BI-749327 (administered orally) can reverse established PH in mice. The results from the study show that intrapulmonary application of 2-APB (40 µM) or BI-749327 (3–10 µM) significantly and reversibly inhibited acute alveolar hypoxia-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction. Intraperitoneal injection of 2-APB (1 mg/kg per day) significantly attenuated the development of PH and partially reversed established PH in mice. Oral gavage of BI-749327 (30 mg/kg, every day, for 2 wk) reversed established PH by ∼50% via regression of pulmonary vascular remodeling. Furthermore, 2-APB and BI-749327 both significantly inhibited PDGF- and serum-mediated phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR in PASMC. In summary, the receptor-operated and mechanosensitive TRPC6 channel is a good target for developing novel treatment for PAH/PH. BI-749327, a selective TRPC6 blocker, is potentially a novel and effective drug for treating PAH and PH due to respiratory diseases or hypoxemia.
Inflammatory phenotype modulation in the respiratory tract and systemic circulation of e-cigarette users: a pilot study
Authors: Sayed Ibrahim M. , Masso-Silva Jorge A. , Mittal Ankita , Patel Arjun , Lin Erica , Moshensky Alex , Shin John , Bojanowski Christine M. , Das Soumita , Akuthota Praveen , Crotty Alexander Laura E.
Published: October 2021

Over 40 million people use e-cigarettes worldwide, but the impact of chronic e-cigarette use on health has not been adequately defined. In particular, effects of e-cigarette aerosol inhalation on inflammation and host defenses across the body are not fully understood. We conducted a longitudinal cohort pilot study to explore changes in the inflammatory state and monocyte function of e-cigarette users ( n = 20) versus healthy controls ( n = 13) and to evaluate effects of e-cigarette use reduction on the same. Saliva, sputum, and blood were obtained from e-cigarette users at baseline and after a 2-wk intervention of decreased e-cigarette use. Overall, across 38 proteins quantified by multiplex, airway samples from e-cigarette users tended to have decreased levels of immunomodulatory proteins relative to healthy controls, whereas levels of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in the circulation tended to be elevated. Specifically, e-cigarette users had lower levels of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in saliva ( P < 0.0001), with higher IL-1Ra and growth-regulated oncogene (GRO) levels in sputum ( P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively), and higher levels of both TNFβ ( P < 0.0001) and VEGF ( P < 0.0001) in plasma. Circulating monocytes from e-cigarette users had alterations in their inflammatory phenotype in response to reduced e-cigarette use, with blunted IL-8 and IL-6 release upon challenge with bacterial lipopolysaccharide ( P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively), suggesting a decreased ability to appropriately respond to bacterial infection. Based on these findings, chronic inhalation of e-cigarette aerosols alters the inflammatory state of the airways and systemic circulation, raising concern for the development of both inflammatory and infectious diseases in chronic users of e-cigarettes.
Data Analysis and Computational Methods for Assessing Knowledge of Obesity Risk Factors among Saudi Citizens
Authors: Abdulrahman Alanazi Talal , Alnagar Dalia Kamal
Published: October 2021

Introduction. According to the World Health Organization (2020), obesity is a growing problem worldwide. In fact, obesity is characterized as an epidemic. Objective. The aim of this paper is to use a logistic regression model as one of the generalized linear models and decision tree as one of the machine learning in order to assess the knowledge of the risk factors for obesity among citizens in Saudi Arabia. Methods and Materials. A cross-sectional questionnaire was given to the general population in KSA, using Google forms, to collect data. A total of 1369 people responded. Results. The findings showed that there is widespread knowledge of risk factors for obesity among citizens in Saudi Arabia. Participants’ knowledge of risk factors was very high (95.5%). In addition, a significant association was found between demographics (gender, age, and level of education) and knowledge of risk factors for obesity, in assessing variables for knowledge of the risk factors for obesity in relation to the demographics of gender and level of education. In addition, from decision tree results, we found that level of education and marital status were the most important variables to affect knowledge of risk factors for obesity among respondents. The accuracy of correctly classified cases was 95.5%, the same in logistic regression and decision tree. Conclusion. The majority of participants saw regular exercise and diet as an essential way to reduce obesity; however, awareness campaigns should be maintained in order to avoid complacency and combat the disease.
Change of Levels of NGF, ACTH, and AVP in the Cerebrospinal Fluid after Decompressive Craniectomy of Craniocerebral Injury and Their Relationship with Communicating Hydrocephalus
Authors: Wang Liang , Fan Shuangbo , Zhao Zhenping , Xu Qian
Published: October 2021

In recent years, the incidence of craniocerebral trauma has increased, making it one of the important causes of death and disability in neurosurgery patients. The decompressive craniectomy (DC) after severe craniocerebral injury has become the preferred treatment for patients with severe craniocerebral injury, but the incidence of postoperative hydrocephalus has become a difficult problem in clinical treatment. This study observed the changes of nerve growth factor (NGF), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and arginine vasopressin (AVP) levels in the CSF after DC in patients with craniocerebral injury and analyzed the relationship between the three indicators and communicating hydrocephalus. The results showed that the levels of NGF, ACTH, and AVP in patients with cranial injury after DC were significantly higher than those in healthy subjects, and subdural effusion, traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (tSAH), and the levels of NGF, ACTH, and AVP in the CSF were independent risk factors for communicating hydrocephalus. Monitoring the levels of NGF, ACTH, and AVP is of great significance for clinicians to judge the occurrence of traffic hydrocephalus, evaluate the prognosis of patients with craniocerebral injury after DC, and guide clinical treatment.
Polymorphisms within Genes Coding for IL-17A and F and Their Receptor as Clinical Hallmarks in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Wielińska Joanna , Świerkot Jerzy , Kolossa Katarzyna , Bugaj Bartosz , Chaszczewska-Markowska Monika , Jeka Sławomir , Bogunia-Kubik Katarzyna
Published: October 2021

IL-17A and IL-17F together with their coreceptor (IL-17RA/RC) were reported to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of spondyloarthritis. The group of axial spondyloarthritis comprises ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a rheumatic disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints in the spine. This study is aimed at investigating IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-17RA, and IL-17RC polymorphisms as potential biomarkers of disease susceptibility, clinical parameters, and anti-TNF treatment outcome in a cohort of Polish ankylosing spondylitis patients. In total, 328 subjects, including 138 AS patients and 190 healthy volunteers, participated in the study. Genotyping of IL-17A rs2275913 (G/A), IL-17F rs763780 (A/G), IL-17RA rs4819554 (A/G), and IL-17RC rs708567 (G/A) was performed on real-time PCR instrument using LightSNiP assays. No significant differences were revealed in genotype and allele distribution between patients and controls despite the association of the IL-17RC rs708567 AA homozygosity with the earlier onset of the disease. Moreover, some relationships between IL-17F rs763780 and IL-17RA rs4819554 polymorphisms with clinical parameters related to the disease activity and anti-TNF treatment outcome were observed. IL-17F rs763780 G allele was found to be associated with high disease activity and BASDAI after 6 months and poor response to the treatment while higher VAS values were more common among IL-17RA rs4819554 G variant carriers. In conclusion, the IL-17F rs763780 polymorphism should be considered as a promising biomarker of disease activity and anti-TNF treatment outcome. The IL-17RA rs48419554 G allele may serve as a potential marker of disease severity in Polish AS patients.
Artificial Intelligence Application in Cybersecurity and Cyberdefense
Authors: Jun Yao , Craig Alisa , Shafik Wasswa , Sharif Lule
Published: October 2021

Devices are increasingly getting connected to the internet with the advances in technologies called the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoTs are the physical device in which are embedded with software, sensors, among other technologies. Linking and switching data resources with other devices, IoT has been recognized to be a trending research arena due to the world’s technological advancement. Every stage of technology avails several capacities, for instance, the IoT avails any device, anyone, any service, any technological path or any network, any place, and any context to be connected. The effective IoT applications permit public and private business organizations to regulate their assets, optimize the performance of the business, and develop new business models. In this study, we scrutinize the IoT progress as an approach to the technological upgrade through analyzing traits, architectures, applications, enabling technologies, and future challenges. To enable an aging society, and optimize different kinds of mobility and transportation, and helps to enhance the effectiveness of energy, along with the definition and characteristics of the IoT devices, the study examined the architecture of the IoT that includes the perception layer, transmission layer, application layer, and network management. It discusses the enabling technologies of the IoT that include application domain, middleware domain, network domain, and object domain. The study further evaluated the role of the IoT and its application in the everyday lives of the people by making smart cities, smart agriculture and waste management, retail and logistics, and smart environment. Besides the benefits, the IoT has demonstrated future technological challenges and is equally explained within the study.
Optimal Timing of Simethicone Supplement for Bowel Preparation: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wu Zhen-wen , Zhan Sheng-gang , Yang Mei-feng , Meng Yi-teng , Xiong Feng , Wei Cheng , Li Ying-xue , Zhang Ding-guo , Xu Zheng-lei , Wu Ben-hua , Shi Rui-yue , Yao Jun , Wang Li-sheng , Li De-feng
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims. Simethicone (SIM), as an antifoaming agent, has been shown to improve bowel preparation during colonoscopy. However, the optimal timing of SIM addition remained undetermined. We aimed to investigate the optimal timing of SIM addition to polyethylene glycol (PEG) to improve bowel preparation. Methods. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the SIM evening group (SIM addition to PEG in the evening of the day prior to colonoscopy) and the SIM morning group (SIM addition to PEG in the morning of colonoscopy). The primary outcome was Bubble Scale (BS). The secondary outcomes were Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) and adenoma detection rate (ADR). Results. A total of 419 patients were enrolled in this study. The baseline characteristics of the patients were similar in both groups. No significant differences were observed in terms of BS (8.76 ± 0.90 vs. 8.65 ± 1.16,

P

 = 0.81), ADR (34.1% vs. 30.8%,

P

 = 0.47), Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) (8.59 ± 0.94 vs. 8.45 ± 1.00,

P

 = 0.15), and withdrawal time (8.22 ± 2.04 vs. 8.01 ± 2.51,

P

 = 0.094) between the two groups. Moreover, safety and compliance were similar in both groups. However, the SIM evening group was associated with shorter cecal intubation time (3.80 ± 1.81 vs. 4.42 ± 2.03,

P

 < 0.001), higher BS (2.95 ± 0.26 vs. 2.88 ± 0.38,

P

 = 0.04) in the right colon, and diminutive ADR (62.5% vs. 38.6%,

P

 = 0.022) in the right colon, when compared to the SIM evening group. Conclusions. The SIM addition to PEG in the evening of the day prior to colonoscopy can shorten cecal intubation time and improve BS scores and diminutive ADR of the right colon compared with the SIM addition to PEG in the morning of colonoscopy in bowel preparation.
Achieving Hemostasis Posttranscatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in a Patient with Aortobifemoral Bypass Graft Using Perclose Device: A Novel Technique
Authors: Ezeh Ebubechukwu , Amro Mohammad , Akhigbe Esiemoghie , Hamilton Mackenzie , Maru Mehrette
Published: October 2021

The presence of aortobifemoral bypass graft can complicate vascular access during percutaneous intervention. Choosing an access route for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in this patient population can be challenging. Access options are further limited by the presence of coexisting vascular comorbidities such as extensive peripheral artery diseases in these patients. Adequate preoperative planning to determine the suitability of different access sites is, therefore, very crucial. Our case report shows that the use of Perclose can be a viable option for achieving hemostasis after a direct puncture of an aortobifemoral bypass graft during transfemoral TAVR.
Clinical Observation of Levothyroxine Sodium Combined with Selenium in the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis and Hypothyroidism and the Effects on Thyroid Function, Mood, and Inflammatory Factors
Authors: Sun Chunping , Zhu Min , Li Li , Fan Hua , Lv Fang , Zhu Defa
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of levothyroxine sodium combined with selenium treatment and single levothyroxine sodium treatment on patients with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis and hypothyroidism and to analyze the effects of different treatment regimens on patients’ thyroid function, mood, and inflammatory factors, with the aim of providing a reference for clinical treatment. The subjects of the current study were 138 chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT) patients with hypothyroidism admitted to our hospital from May 2016 to September 2019 and were randomly divided into a control group taking levothyroxine sodium (LT4) treatment and a combined group of LT4 combined with selenium treatment, with 69 cases each. Patients in both groups were evaluated for efficacy after 3 months of treatment, and their thyroid function was observed by total triiodothyronine (TT3), total thyroxine (TT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and thyroid globulin antibody (TGAb), and their mood changes were observed by Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores. The levels of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured, and the occurrence of adverse drug reactions during the treatment period was observed and recorded in all patients. The results showed that the total effective rate of the combined group was significantly higher than that of the control group. The levels of TT3, TT4, TSH, TgAb, and TPOAb, SAS and SDS scores, and levels of inflammatory factors such as IL-2, IL-10, and TNF-α were significantly improved in both groups after treatment. Compared with the control group, TGAb, TPOAb, IL-2, TNF-α levels, and SAS and SDS scores decreased more and IL-10 levels increased more in the combined group, while the differences of other indexes were not statistically significant. This suggests that LT4 has certain efficacy in treating CLT with hypothyroidism, and the combined selenium treatment can improve the therapeutic effect of LT4 and can play a greater role in improving patients’ mood and immune and inflammatory responses.
A Novel Subchannel and Power Allocation Algorithm in V2V Communication
Authors: Du Ning , Zhou Changqing , Ma Xiyuan
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates resource allocation of latency constrained vehicle‐to‐vehicle (V2V) communication. When a subchannel of a vehicle‐to‐infrastructure (V2I) link can be reused by multiple V2V links, a nonlinear mixed integer optimization problem with the goal of maximizing the spectral efficiency of the system is derived under the constraints of minimum transmission rate of V2I links and transmission latency of V2V links. The subchannel allocation problem is solved by means of two‐sided exchange matching theory, optimal transmission power of V2I and V2V links is solved based on the poly‐block approximation (PBA) algorithm, and the system spectrum efficiency is maximized through loop iteration. In order to reduce the computational complexity of power allocation problem, a power allocation algorithm based on iterative convex optimization (ICO) is proposed. The convergence of the resource allocation algorithm is also proved. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithms can guarantee transmission latency requirements of V2V links and improve the system sum rate and access ratio of V2V links. Compared with two traditional algorithms, latency of poly‐block approximation combined with many to one matching (PBAMTO) is reduced by 30.41% and 20.43%, respectively.
Multiclass Incremental Learning for Fault Diagnosis in Induction Motors Using Fine‐Tuning with a Memory of Exemplars and Nearest Centroid Classifier
Authors: Jiménez-Guarneros Magdiel , Grande-Barreto Jonas , Rangel-Magdaleno Jose de Jesus
Published: October 2021

Early detection of fault events through electromechanical systems operation is one of the most attractive and critical data challenges in modern industry. Although these electromechanical systems tend to experiment with typical faults, a common event is that unexpected and unknown faults can be presented during operation. However, current models for automatic detection can learn new faults at the cost of forgetting concepts previously learned. This article presents a multiclass incremental learning (MCIL) framework based on 1D convolutional neural network (CNN) for fault detection in induction motors. The presented framework tackles the forgetting problem by storing a representative exemplar set from past data (known faults) in memory. Then, the 1D CNN is fine‐tuned over the selected exemplar set and data from new faults. Test samples are classified using nearest centroid classifier (NCC) in the feature space from 1D CNN. The proposed framework was evaluated and validated over two public datasets for fault detection in induction motors (IMs): asynchronous motor common fault (AMCF) and Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). Experimental results reveal the proposed framework as an effective solution to incorporate and detect new induction motor faults to already known, with a high accuracy performance across different incremental phases.
Evaluating Reputation of Internet Financial Platform: An Improved Fuzzy Evaluation Approach
Authors: You Ge , Guo Hao , Dagestani Abd Alwahed , Deng Shuai
Published: October 2021

Recent frequent “thunderstorm incidents” of the internet financial platforms (IFPs) have caused the panic of investors. In order to measure and reduce the investment risk of IFPs, the focus of this study is to evaluate the reputation of IFPs regarding investment risk. First, the reputation evaluation indicator system of IFPs is constructed from two dimensions of direct and indirect reputations. Then, based on this system, an improved fuzzy evaluation approach (IFEA) integrating the method of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE), the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and the factor analysis (FA) are proposed for evaluating the reputation of IFPs. Finally, a case study based on the data of 20 peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms from “Home of Online Loans” (HOL) in China is used to illustrate the IFEA. Results show that the IFEA can reduce uncertainty and randomness in the determination process of indicator weight and membership degree and therefore accurately obtain the reputation level of IFPs and help investors make better decisions. Meanwhile, the key factors in determining the reputation of IFPs are identified, thereby improving the reputation level of the IFPs.
A New Evaluation Method of Total Organic Carbon for Shale Source Rock Based on the Effective Medium Conductivity Theory
Authors: Fu Jian , Li Xuesong , Sun Yonghe , Huo Qiuli , Gao Ting , Fu Li , Liu Yuchen , Dong Suxing , Fan Haijun
Published: October 2021

In the evaluation of source rocks, the total organic carbon (TOC) is an important indicator to evaluate the hydrocarbon generation potential of source rocks. At present, the commonly used methods for assessing TOC include

△
log
R

and neural network method. However, practice shows that these methods have limitations in the application of unconventional intervals of sand-shale interbeds, and they cannot sufficiently reflect the variation of TOC in the vertical direction. Therefore, a total organic carbon (TOC) evaluation model suitable for shale and tight sandstone was established based on the effective medium symmetrical conduction theory. The model consists of four components: nonconductive matrix particles, clay minerals, organic components (solid organic matter and hydrocarbons), and pore water. The conductive phase in the model includes clay minerals and pore water, and other components are treated as nonconductive phases. When describing the conductivity of rock, each component in the model is completely symmetrical, and anisotropic characteristics of each component are considered. The model parameters are determined through the optimization method, and the bisection iteration method is used to solve the model equation. Compared with the classic TOC calculation method, the new model can evaluate the abundance of organic matter in shale and tight sandstone, which provides a new option to assess the TOC of rocks based on logging methods.
Force Chain Effect of Deep Foundation Pit Supported by Soldier Piles in the Sand‐Gravel Layer
Authors: Xie Jiang , Lu Xiaojia , Wang Jinan , Yang Liu , Han Xiangang
Published: October 2021

Soldier pile support is an important tool for supporting deep foundation pits in the sand‐gravel layer. However, since the sand‐gravel layer itself is an aggregate of particles, its noncontinuity will cause extremely complex changes in the properties of the surrounding soils during pile supporting, and the changes in the mechanical properties of the soil behind the piles can also affect the safety and stability of the pit. To study the changing pattern of the surrounding soil in the course of pile supporting, we used the numerical method to simulate an excavation in the sand‐gravel layer, followed by an analysis of the movement and stress distribution of the surrounding rocks. A photoelastic experiment was carried out to simulate the excavation process and study the force chain network of the surrounding soil as well as its changing characteristics. As shown by the results, (1) during the excavation of a deep foundation pit supported by soldier piles, on the same horizontal plane, the force chain changed most dramatically at the position that was 13.8 m (depth of the foundation pit) away from the edge of the foundation pit; (2) during the excavation, the force chain structure of the surrounding soil changed from vertical development to both vertical and horizontal developments; when there was a hard rock layer at the bottom of the soldier piles, the supporting effect of the piles was mainly provided by the hard rock layer; (3) the free face should be reinforced, and the excavation face should be adjusted based on the underground conditions of surrounding buildings (structures).
Combined Therapy with Traditional Chinese Medicine and Antiplatelet Drugs for Ischemic Heart Disease: Mechanism, Efficacy, and Safety
Authors: Yu Zongliang , Li Xiaoya , Zhang Xiaonan , Li Dan , Gu Yimeng , Wu Min , Liu Longtao
Published: October 2021

Ischemic heart disease is a significant risk factor that threatens human health, and antiplatelet drugs are routinely used to treat cases in clinical settings. Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis (PBCRBSCM) can often be combined with antiplatelet drugs to treat ischemic heart disease. PBCRBSCM can inhibit platelet adhesion, activation, and aggregation; moreover, PBCRBSCM in combination with antiplatelet drugs exerts antiplatelet effects. The mechanism is related to several factors, including the inhibition of platelet activation and aggregation, improvement of the hemodynamic status and coagulation function, and correction of metabolism and inflammation. PBCRBSCM can also regulate the absorption and metabolism of conventional antiplatelet drugs and protect the gastric mucosal epithelial cells against damage induced by conventional antiplatelet drugs. Randomized controlled trials have confirmed that PBCRBSCM preparations and the active ingredients in these preparations can reduce resistance to aspirin and clopidogrel so that the combination of these drugs can exert their antiplatelet effects. In the perioperative treatment of patients with stable angina pectoris, unstable angina pectoris, and acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention therapy, preparations of the active ingredients of PBCRBSCM combined with antiplatelet drugs and other conventional Western medicine treatments have been proven effective. The efficacy and safety of such combinations have also been extensively verified. Considerable progress has been made to understand the antiplatelet mechanism of PBCRBSCM. However, most clinical studies had problems, such as limited sample size and inappropriate research design, which has limited the translational use of PBCRBSCM in antiplatelet therapy. A large-scale, multicenter, randomized controlled study with cardiovascular events as the endpoint is still to be conducted to provide evidence for the combined application of PBCRBSCM and antiplatelet drugs in the prevention and treatment of ischemic heart disease.
Green Industrial Policy After Paris: Renewable Energy Policy Measures and Climate Goals
Authors: Lewis Joanna I.
Published: October 2021

Renewable energy (RE) will play a significant role in national climate mitigation strategies, including those put forth in the context of the Paris Agreement. This article examines the role of industrial policy in supporting renewables and how it compares to the use of other types of RE policies in both location and quantity around the world. On the basis of an original database of RE policy support measures developed for this analysis, the article illustrates which measures are most commonly being used around the world and what types of countries are using them. It highlights the use of a wide range of policy types, including many industrial policies, and a disparity in the use of industrial policies between smaller emitters and larger emitters, with important implications for which countries stand to benefit from the development of domestic RE industries and for our ability to achieve long-term climate goals.
Temporal Alignment but not Complexity of Audiovisual Stimuli Influences Crossmodal Duration Percepts
Authors: Scurry Alexandra N. , Lemus Daniela M. , Jiang Fang
Published: October 2021

Reliable duration perception is an integral aspect of daily life that impacts everyday perception, motor coordination, and subjective passage of time. The Scalar Expectancy Theory (SET) is a common model that explains how an internal pacemaker, gated by an external stimulus-driven switch, accumulates pulses during sensory events and compares these accumulated pulses to a reference memory duration for subsequent duration estimation. Second-order mechanisms, such as multisensory integration (MSI) and attention, can influence this model and affect duration perception. For instance, diverting attention away from temporal features could delay the switch closure or temporarily open the accumulator, altering pulse accumulation and distorting duration perception. In crossmodal duration perception, auditory signals of unequal duration can induce perceptual compression and expansion of durations of visual stimuli, presumably via auditory influence on the visual clock. The current project aimed to investigate the role of temporal (stimulus alignment) and nontemporal (stimulus complexity) features on crossmodal, specifically auditory over visual, duration perception. While temporal alignment revealed a larger impact on the strength of crossmodal duration percepts compared to stimulus complexity, both features showcase auditory dominance in processing visual duration.
The millipede family Diplomaragnidae Attems, 1907 in the Asian part of Russia, with the descriptions of two new genera and seven new species (Diplopoda, Chordeumatida)
Authors: MIKHALJOVA ELENA V.
Published: October 2021

The family Diplomaragnidae Attems, 1907 of the Asian part of Russia is reviewed and shown to comprise 11 genera and 60 species + 1 dubious species. Two genera and seven species are described here as new to science: Alineuma gen. nov., with type species A. rodionovi sp. nov. and Litovkia gen. nov., with the type species L. anisimovka sp. nov., Diplomaragna budilovi sp. nov., Diplomaragna dentifer sp. nov., Pacifiosoma shabalini sp. nov., Pacifiosoma acutum sp. nov., Pacifiosoma triangulatum sp. nov. Pacifiosoma asperum Mikhaljova, 2016 is recorded from the Primorsky Krai for the first time. Five genera are endemic to the Asian part of Russia. At the species level, the rate of endemism amounts to 91.7%. A key is given to all species of Diplomaragnidae presently known from Siberia and the Russian Far East. The distributions of the region’s diplomaragnids are discussed. Taxonomic remarks are provided for many species.
A new subspecies in the Turdus nudigenis complex (Aves: Turdidae) from the Cauca River valley of Colombia
Authors: AVENDAÑO JORGE ENRIQUE , CUERVO ANDRÉS M. , MONTOYA PAOLA , PULGARÍN-R PAULO C. , STILES F. GARY
Published: October 2021

The taxonomy of the T. nudigenis complex has historically been challenging due to the uniformity in plumage among taxa, poorly known vocal variation, and allopatric distributions. Recent phylogenetic analyses have contributed to understanding relationships within the genus; however, much remains to be learned about the extent of phenotypic and genetic differentiation within taxa and its implications in species limits. Here, we analyze the taxonomic status of an enigmatic member of the T. nudigenis complex restricted to the Cauca River valley of Colombia. Our phylogenetic analyses suggest that the Cauca valley population is genetically distinctive from other members of the complex, although its sister relationships with respect to T. grayi and T. nudigenis could not be fully resolved due to paraphyly in the group. Based on similarity of plumage, calls, and biogeographic proximity we tentatively treat this taxon as a new subspecies of T. grayi. Populations from the northern Caribbean T. grayi casius/incomptus and the new taxon inhabit similar environmental conditions, being apparently isolated by the humid Nechí lowlands. A formal analysis of vocalizations coupled with a more robust genomic dataset are needed to resolve the systematic affinities and taxonomic status of several members of the T. nudigenis complex.
A new species of the Genus Pelodiscus Fitzinger, 1835 (Testudines: Trionychidae) from Huangshan, Anhui, China
Authors: GONG YAN-AN , PENG LI-FANG , HUANG SONG , LIN YAN-FENG , HUANG RU-YI , XU YU-HAO , YANG DIAN-CHENG , NIE LIU-WANG
Published: October 2021

A new species of the soft-shelled turtle genus Pelodiscus is described based on seven specimens from Huangshan, southern Anhui Province, China. The new species, Pelodiscus huangshanensis sp. nov., is distinguished from other species in the genus Pelodiscus by the following characteristics: (1) Small size (maximum carapace length of 101.16 mm and maximum body length of 190 mm); (2) keel high; (3) tiny yellowish-white spots on the throat; (4) no black pinstripes around the eyes; (5) white longitudinal bands on both sides of the neck in juveniles, absent in adults; (6) plastron yellowish-white, and only a dark patch on each side of the armpit; (7) many tubercles on the dorsal surface, but indistinct in the center; and (8) entoplastron “⌒” shaped. The phylogenetic relationships of the species in Pelodiscus were reconstructed using the sequences of cytochrome b (cyt b) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) genes. The new species formed a monophyletic clade with strong support. The uncorrected pairwise distances between the new species and other representatives of Pelodiscus ranged from 5.4% to 9.2% for cyt b and 4.1% to 7.6% for ND4. The new species brings the number of species of the genus Pelodiscus to six; five species are distributed in China, with three species endemic to China.
Privatized Medicare Advantage for All: The Latest Assault on U.S. Health Care
Authors: Geyman John
Published: October 2021

Privatized Medicare Advantage has grown rapidly among seniors in the United States in recent years. It is now being promoted actively by corporate stakeholders and even by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services itself as a new proposal to extend this approach to cover all Americans. There is little public awareness, however, of the current costs and adverse impacts of Medicare Advantage on enrollees’ access, costs, and outcomes of care while deceptive marketing and disinformation prevails. This article traces the history of Medicare Advantage, outlines false assertions being made by proponents of Medicare Advantage for All, and refutes them based on evidence and their track record. If ever enacted, it would end up lining the pockets of corporate stakeholders and Wall Street investors while limiting access to care, increasing costs, and reducing quality and outcomes of care. The United States already ranks last for access, equity, and outcomes of care in periodic studies by the Commonwealth Fund. This proposal would worsen that situation while costing patients, families, and taxpayers more as their health suffers.