bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical and Experimental Investigation of the Bending Zone in Free U-Bending
Authors: Qian Zhen , Zhao Yitian , Wang Chang , Liu Sheng , Xiong Ziliu , Meehan Paul A. , Daniel William J. T. , Ding Shichao
Published: February 2021

With the increasing application of the advanced high strength steel material in the automobile industry, the thickness reduction of the bending area has attracted more and more attention since the product strength is highly influenced by the quality of the bending region. In this paper, three major factors, the thickness reduction, the variation of the local bending radius within the bending zone, and the tooling mark on the product’s surface, are investigated through three different loading patterns for a free U-bending profile numerically and experimentally. The results demonstrate a thinning pattern consists of three peaks over the bending region for large bending ratio (R/t = 2.14) and only one peak for small bending ratio (R/t = 0.5). Corresponding valleys for the local radius are found to match the thinning pattern. Further, the use of finite element simulation can successfully predict the location and the severity of the wear on the product. From the experiment results, even if the metal blank only experienced one stroke, the tooling mark contains both adhesive and abrasive wear. A better understanding of the characteristics of the bending zone is achieved, and the findings can help in improving the design process for forming strategies.
Synthesis of Planar Kinematic Chains With Prismatic Pairs Based on a Similarity Recognition Algorithm
Authors: Cui Rongjiang , Ye Zhizheng , Xu Shifu , Wu Chuanyu , Sun Liang
Published: February 2021

The structural synthesis of planar kinematic chains (KCs) with prismatic pairs (P-pairs) is the basis of innovating mechanisms containing P-pairs. In the literature, only a little research has been carried out to synthesize planar KCs with P-pairs. Moreover, these synthesis methods for KCs with P-pairs involve all possible combinations of edges, resulting in a large number of isomorphic KCs and a low synthesis efficiency. In this study, our previous similarity recognition algorithm is improved and applied to synthesize planar KCs with P-pairs. Only a small number of isomorphic KCs are generated in the synthesis process and the synthesis efficiency is greatly enhanced. Our method is applied to synthesize 9-link 2-DOF, 10-link 1-DOF, and 11-link 2-DOF KCs with one and two P-pairs. Our synthesis results are consistent with those of the existing literature. The present work is helpful to design mechanisms with P-pairs and can be extended to mechanisms with other types of kinematic pairs.
Band Gap and Stiffness Tuning of a Sandwich Plate by Magnetostrictive Materials
Authors: Korivand Soroush , Mehrvarz Amin , Candelino Nicholas , Khodaei Mohammad Javad , Jalili Nader
Published: February 2021

In this research, a novel method is developed to manipulate smart structures' natural frequencies to eliminate or alleviate the detrimental effects caused by vibrating close to the natural frequencies. To this end, this work considers a sandwich plate structure with Terfenol-D, which is a magnetostrictive material, comprising its middle layer. The stiffness of this smart material changes based on the magnetic field that it is exposed to. Thus, natural frequencies and resonances of the whole structure can be manipulated. Furthermore, in this research, the Terfenol-D in the middle layer is divided into five parallel sections so that each of them can be controlled separately. Therefore, it is possible to selectively activate portions of the magnetostrictive layers that run parallel along one of the plate's directions to create periodic changes in the structure's stiffness. Thus, the structure can be kept safe when excitations or disturbances approach one of its natural frequencies by activating sections to produce configurations that modify the natural frequencies. To this end, the structure's natural frequencies are obtained analytically for a thin plate with Kirchhoff equations. Then, the results are verified by the numerical results obtained using the finite element method. Moreover, activating certain portions of the Terfenol-D layer provides a periodic structure with a band gap that can filter out oscillatory motions with frequencies that fall within the band gap. This structure's band gap has been examined in two one-dimensional (1D) periodic, two two-dimensional (2D) periodic, and two non-periodic conditions using the finite element method.
Filling Ratio Optimization for High-Performance Nanoengineered Copper-Water Heat Pipes
Authors: Abdulshaheed Ahmed A. , Wang Pengtao , Huang Guanghan , Zhao Yueyang , Li Chen
Published: February 2021

This experimental test investigates the effect of filling ratio (FR) and inclination angle on the thermal performance of a nanoengineered copper-water heat pipe. A hydrophilic copper oxide coating (CuO) is synthesized and integrated on the inner wall of the evaporation section of the heat pipe. The heat pipe is fabricated from an inner grooved copper pipe with dimensions of 12.7 mm outer diameter, 11 mm inner diameter, and 440 mm length. Ultra-filtered de-ionized (DI) water is used as a working fluid. Four different FRs of DI water 3%, 5%, 10%, and 15% are investigated to determine the optimum configuration. All samples are tested at various inclination angles and working loads. Experimental results show that the optimum filling ratio is the 5% FR, which was indicated by the lowest thermal resistance of 0.019 K/W.
Cold-Water Effects on Energy Balance in Healthy Women During Aqua-Cycling
Authors: Metz Lore , Isacco Laurie , Beaulieu Kristine , Fearnbach S. Nicole , Pereira Bruno , Thivel David , Duclos Martine
Published: February 2021

Background: While the popularity of aquatic physical activities continues to grow among women, the effects on energy expenditure (EE) and appetite control remain unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of water temperature during aqua-cycling session on EE, rate of perceived exertion, energy intake, appetite sensations, and food reward in healthy premenopausal women. Methods: Participants completed three experimental sessions, in the postprandial condition, in a randomized order: a land control session (CON), an aqua-cycling session in 18 °C (EXO18), and an aqua-cycling session in 27 °C (EXO27). The EE, food intake, appetite sensations, and food reward were investigated for each condition. Results: EXO18 induced a significant increase in EE (p < .001) and oxygen consumption (p < .01) compared with EXO27. The carbohydrate oxidation was higher in EXO18 session compared with EXO27 and CON (p < .05 and p < .001, respectively). While fat oxidation was higher in exercise sessions compared with CONT (p < .01), no difference was observed between EXO18 and EXO27. Exercise sessions did not alter absolute energy intake session but induced a decrease in relative energy intake (p < .001) and in hunger, desire to eat, and prospective food consumption compared with CON (p < .001). The authors also show here that cold-water exposure can increase EE while rate of perceived exertion is lower at the end of exercise session compared with same exercise at 27 °C (p < .05).Conclusion: An exposure to a moderately cold-water during aqua-cycling is an efficient strategy to promote increased EE and decreased hunger, which may be effective for energy balance management in healthy premenopausal women.
Comparing Active, Passive, and Combined Warm-Ups Among Junior Alpine Skiers in −7°C
Authors: McGawley Kerry , Spencer Matt , Olofsson Anna , Andersson Erik P.
Published: February 2021

Context: Warming up in very cold climates and maintaining an elevated body temperature prior to a race is challenging for snow-sport athletes. Purpose: To investigate the effects of active (ACT), passive (PAS), and a combination of ACT and PAS (COM) warm-ups on maximal physical performance in a subzero environment among snow-sport athletes. Methods: Ten junior alpine skiers completed 3 experimental trials in −7.2 (0.2)°C. The ACT involved 5 minutes of moderate cycling, 3 × 15-second accelerations, a 6-second sprint, 5 countermovement jumps (CMJs), and a 10-minute passive transition phase, while in PAS, participants wore a lower-body heated garment for 24 minutes. In COM, participants completed the active warm-up, then wore the heated garment during the transition phase. Two maximal CMJs and a 90-second maximal isokinetic cycling test followed the warm-up. Results: CMJ performance was likely (P = .150) and very likely (P = .013) greater in ACT and COM, respectively, versus PAS. Average power output during the cycling test was likely (P = .074) greater in ACT and COM versus PAS. Participants felt likely to almost certainly warmer (P < .01) and more comfortable (P = .161) during ACT and COM versus PAS. In addition, participants felt likely warmer (P = .136) and very likely more comfortable (P = .161) in COM versus ACT. Conclusions: COM resulted in significantly improved CMJ performance versus PAS while both ACT and COM led to likely improved 90-second cycling performance. Participants felt significantly warmer during ACT and COM versus PAS and likely warmer in COM versus ACT. Therefore, a combined warm-up is recommended for alpine skiers performing in subzero temperatures.
Maximum Strength, Relative Strength, and Strength Deficit: Relationships With Performance and Differences Between Elite Sprinters and Professional Rugby Union Players
Authors: Loturco Irineu , Pereira Lucas A. , Freitas Tomás T. , Bishop Chris , Pareja-Blanco Fernando , McGuigan Michael R.
Published: February 2021

Purpose: To test the relationships between maximum and relative strength (MS and RS), absolute and relative peak force (PF and RPF), and strength deficit (SDef), with sprint and jump performance, and to compare these mechanical variables between elite sprinters and professional rugby union players. Methods: Thirty-five male rugby union players and 30 male sprinters performed vertical jumps, 30-m sprint, and half-squat 1-repetition maximum (1RM), where these force-related parameters were collected. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to test the relationships between the variables. An independent t test and magnitude-based inferences compared the mechanical variables between sprinters and rugby players. Results: Almost certain significant differences were observed for jump and sprint performance between groups (P < .0001). The rugby union players demonstrated a likely significant higher MS (P = .03) but a very likely lower RS (P = .007) than the sprinters. No significant differences were observed for PF between them. The sprinters exhibited an almost certain significant higher RPF than the rugby players (P < .0001). Furthermore, the rugby players demonstrated almost certain to likely significant higher SDef from 40% to 70% 1RM (P < .05) compared with the sprinters. Overall, all strength-derived parameters were significantly related to functional performance. Conclusions: Elite sprinters present higher levels of RS and RPF, lower levels of SDef, and better sprint and jump performance than professional rugby players. Relative strength-derived values (RS and RPF) and SDef are significantly associated with speed–power measures and may be used as effective and practical indicators of athletic performance.
How Did the COVID-19 Confinement Period Affect Our Physical Activity Level and Sedentary Behaviors? Methodology and First Results From the French National ONAPS Survey
Authors: Genin Pauline Manon , Lambert Céline , Larras Benjamin , Pereira Bruno , Toussaint Jean-François , Baker Julien Steven , Tremblay Angelo , Thivel David , Duclos Martine
Published: February 2021

Background: The French National Observatory for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors conducted a national survey aiming to evaluate the potential effects of confinement on the population’s physical activity levels and sedentary behaviors. Methods: In close collaboration with the French Ministry of Sports and a selected expert committee, 3 different questionnaires investigating 3 subgroup populations were included in the survey: (1) children, (2) adolescents, and (3) adults. Results: Forty-two percentage of children, 58.7% of adolescents, 36.4% of adults, and 39.2% of older people had reduced physical activity levels. Particularly, active transportation and endurance practices showed a significant decrease, while domestic, muscular strengthening, and flexibility activities increased. Sitting time and screen time increased, respectively, in 36.3% and 62.0% of children, 25.5% and 69.0% in adolescents, 24.6% and 41.0% in adults, and 36.1% and 32.1% in seniors. Conclusion: The COVID-19 confinement period led to important modifications in individual movement behaviors at all ages, particularly favoring decreased physical activity and increased sedentariness. These findings suggest that the authors need to inform and encourage people to maintain and improve their physical activities and to change their sedentary time habits during postconfinement and during the period of a potential future lockdown.
Neuromuscular Fatigue in Individuals With Intellectual Disability: Comparison Between Sedentary Individuals and Athletes
Authors: Borji Rihab , Zghal Firas , Zarrouk Nidhal , Sahli Sonia , Rebai Haithem
Published: February 2021

The authors explored neuromuscular fatigue in athletes with intellectual disability (AID) compared with sedentary individuals with intellectual disability (SID) and individuals with typical development. Force, voluntary activation level, potentiated resting twitch, and electromyography signals were assessed during isometric maximal voluntary contractions performed before and immediately after an isometric submaximal exhaustive contraction (15% isometric maximal voluntary contractions) and during recovery period. AID presented shorter time to task failure than SID (p < .05). The three groups presented similar isometric maximal voluntary contraction decline and recovery kinetic. Both groups with intellectual disability presented higher voluntary activation level and root mean square normalized to peak-to-peak M-wave amplitude declines (p < .05) compared with individuals with typical development. These declines were more pronounced in SID (p < .05) than in AID. The AID recovered their initial voluntary activation level later than controls, whereas SID did not. SID presented lower potentiated resting twitch decline compared with AID and controls with faster recovery (p < .05). AID presented attenuated central fatigue and accentuated peripheral fatigue compared with their sedentary counterparts, suggesting a neuromuscular profile close to that of individuals with typical development.
Early peripheral activity alters nascent subplate circuits in the auditory cortex
Authors: Meng Xiangying , Mukherjee Didhiti , Kao Joseph P. Y. , Kanold Patrick O.
Published: February 2021

Peripheral activity can shape cortical subplate circuits before thalamocortical connections to layer 4 are functional.
Controlled levitation of nanostructured thin films for sun-powered near-space flight
Authors: Azadi Mohsen , Popov George A. , Lu Zhipeng , Eskenazi Andy G. , Bang Avery Ji Won , Campbell Matthew F. , Hu Howard , Bargatin Igor
Published: February 2021

Nanostructured thin films open the door to sustained sunlight-powered flight in the near space.
INSIGHT: A population-scale COVID-19 testing strategy combining point-of-care diagnosis with centralized high-throughput sequencing
Authors: Wu Qianxin , Suo Chenqu , Brown Tom , Wang Tengyao , Teichmann Sarah A. , Bassett Andrew R.
Published: February 2021

INSIGHT is a two-stage COVID-19 test, which combines point-of-care diagnosis with NGS, aiming to achieve population-scale testing.
Mitovesicles are a novel population of extracellular vesicles of mitochondrial origin altered in Down syndrome
Authors: D’Acunzo Pasquale , Pérez-González Rocío , Kim Yohan , Hargash Tal , Miller Chelsea , Alldred Melissa J. , Erdjument-Bromage Hediye , Penikalapati Sai C. , Pawlik Monika , Saito Mitsuo , Saito Mariko , Ginsberg Stephen D. , Neubert Thomas A. , Goulbourne Chris N. , Levy Efrat
Published: February 2021

Newly identified mitovesicles are a type of extracellular vesicles whose levels and cargo are altered in Down syndrome.
Thermal equilibration between singlet and triplet excited states in organic fluorophore for submicrosecond delayed fluorescence
Authors: Aizawa Naoya , Matsumoto Akinobu , Yasuda Takuma
Published: February 2021

Thermal equilibration between singlet and triplet excited states achieves high-performance pure organic light-emitting diodes.
Programmed cell death along the midline axis patterns ipsilaterality in gastrulation
Authors: Maya-Ramos Lisandro , Mikawa Takashi
Published: February 2021

Apoptosis prevents left-right crossing

Animals generally display a bilateral body plan, with symmetry between the left and right sides. Maya-Ramos and Mikawa examined the mechanism that prevents the crossing of cells between sides. Using chick embryos, they show that cellular mixing between sides is prevented by a barrier at the embryonic midline that involves programmed cell death and the extracellular matrix. This work demonstrates the dependence of normal development on programmed cell death during the gastrulation stage.

Science
, this issue p.
197
McbG, a LysR Family Transcriptional Regulator, Activates the
mcbBCDEF
Gene Cluster Involved in the Upstream Pathway of Carbaryl Degradation in
Pseudomonas
sp. Strain XWY-1
Authors: Ke Zhijian , Zhou Yidong , Jiang Wankui , Zhang Mingliang , Wang Hui , Ren Yijun , Qiu Jiguo , Cheng Minggen , Hong Qing
Published: February 2021

Pseudomonas
sp. strain XWY-1 is a carbaryl-degrading strain that utilizes carbaryl as the sole carbon and energy source for growth. The functional genes involved in the degradation of carbaryl have already been reported.
Distinct Roles of Two DNA Methyltransferases from Cryphonectria parasitica in Fungal Virulence, Responses to Hypovirus Infection, and Viral Clearance
Authors: Ko Yo-Han , So Kum-Kang , Chun Jeesun , Kim Dae-Hyuk
Published: February 2021

Although relatively few in number, studies of DNA methylation have shown that fungal DNA methylation is implicated in development, genome integrity, and genome defense. While fungal DNMTase has been suggested as playing a role in genome defense, studies of the biological function of fungal DNMTase have been very limited.
Multiple Pathways to Homothallism in Closely Related Yeast Lineages in the Basidiomycota
Authors: Cabrita Alexandra , David-Palma Márcia , Brito Patrícia H. , Heitman Joseph , Coelho Marco A. , Gonçalves Paula
Published: February 2021

Sexual reproduction is important for the biology of eukaryotes because it strongly impacts the dynamics of genetic variation. In fungi, although sexual reproduction is usually associated with the fusion between cells belonging to different individuals (heterothallism), sometimes a single individual is capable of completing the sexual cycle alone (homothallism).
Regulatory Effects of CsrA in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Butz Heidi A. , Mey Alexandra R. , Ciosek Ashley L. , Crofts Alexander A. , Davies Bryan W. , Payne Shelley M.
Published: February 2021

Vibrio cholerae
, a Gram-negative bacterium, is a natural inhabitant of the aqueous environment. However, once ingested, this bacterium can colonize the human host and cause the disease cholera.
Light Signaling Regulates Aspergillus niger Biofilm Formation by Affecting Melanin and Extracellular Polysaccharide Biosynthesis
Authors: Sun Wenjun , Yu Ying , Chen Jiao , Yu Bin , Chen Tianpeng , Ying Hanjie , Zhou Shengmin , Ouyang Pingkai , Liu Dong , Chen Yong
Published: February 2021

As an important industrial filamentous fungus,
Aspergillus niger
can perceive light. The link between light signaling and
A. niger
biofilm is worthy of further study since reports are lacking in this area.
Human Herpesvirus 6B U26 Inhibits the Activation of the RLR/MAVS Signaling Pathway
Authors: Jiang Xuefeng , Tang Tian , Guo Jinfeng , Wang Yuhang , Li Peipei , Chen Xiangjun , Wang Lily , Wen Yiqun , Jia Junli , Emanuela Garbarino , Hu Benshun , Chen Shuhua , Yao Kun , Li Linyun , Tang Huaming
Published: February 2021

HHV-6B (human herpesvirus 6B) is well known to evade host antiviral responses and establish a lifelong latent infection. How HHV-6B evades RNA recognition is still poorly understood. Our results indicate that HHV-6 U26 plays a vital role in RLR/MAVS signaling pathway activity. Knockout of endogenous MAVS could facilitate HHV-6B replication. The findings in this study could provide new insights into host-virus interactions and help develop a new therapy against HHV-6B infection.
Endogenous Metabolites Released by Sanitized Sprouting Alfalfa Seed Inhibit the Growth of Salmonella enterica
Authors: Ban Ga-Hee , Dai Yue , Huan Tao , Ke Alfred , Delaquis Pascal , Wang Siyun
Published: February 2021

Warm, humid, and nutrient-rich conditions that are used to produce sprouts encourage
Salmonella enterica
to proliferate. However, many disparate sanitation methods exist, and there is currently no single treatment that can guarantee pathogen-free seeds.
A 16S rRNA Gene and Draft Genome Database for the Murine Oral Bacterial Community
Authors: Joseph Susan , Aduse-Opoku Joseph , Hashim Ahmed , Hanski Eveliina , Streich Ricarda , Knowles Sarah C. L. , Pedersen Amy B. , Wade William G. , Curtis Michael A.
Published: February 2021

Mouse model studies are frequently used in oral microbiome research, particularly to investigate diseases such as periodontitis and caries, as well as other related systemic diseases. We have reported here the details of the development of a curated reference database to characterize the oral microbial community in laboratory and some wild mice.
Protocol for a phase II randomised controlled trial of TKI alone versus TKI and local consolidative radiation therapy in patients with oncogene driver-mutated oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Tibdewal Anil , Agarwal JaiPrakash , Mummudi Naveen , Noronha Vanita , Prabhash Kumar , Patil Vijay , Purandare Nilendu , Janu Amit , Kaushal Rajiv , Kannan Sadhna
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have significantly improved the progression-free survival (PFS) of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with oncogene mutations of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) compared with systemic therapy alone. However, the majority eventually develop resistance with a median PFS of 8–12 months. The pattern of failure studies showed disease relapse at the original sites of the disease-harbouring resistant tumour cells.

Methods and analysis

This study is designed as a phase II randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of local consolidative radiation therapy (LCRT) in addition to TKI in upfront oligometastatic NSCLC. Patients will be screened at presentation for oligometastases (≤5 sites) and will start on TKI after confirmation of EGFR or ALK mutation status. After initial TKI for 2–4 months, eligible patients will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio with stratification of oligometastatic sites (1–3 vs 4–5), performance status of 0–1 versus 2 and brain metastases. The standard arm will continue to receive TKI, and the intervention arm will receive TKI plus LCRT. Stereotactic body radiation therapy will be delivered to all the oligometastatic sites.

The primary end point is PFS, and secondary end points are overall survival, local control of oligometastatic sites, toxicity and patient-reported outcomes. The sample size calculation took a median PFS of 10 months in the standard arm. To detect an absolute improvement of 7 months in the interventional arm, with a one-sided alpha of 5% and 80% power, a total of 106 patients will be accrued over a period of 48 months.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee II of Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, and registered with Clinical Trials Registry—India, CTRI/2019/11/021872, dated 5 November 2019. All eligible participants will be provided with a participant information sheet and will be required to provide written informed consent for participation in the study. The study results will be presented at a national/international conference and will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Uneven state distribution of homicides in Brazil and their effect on life expectancy, 2000–2015: a cross-sectional mortality study
Authors: Aburto José Manuel , Calazans Julia , Lanza Queiroz Bernardo , Luhar Shammi , Canudas-Romo Vladimir
Published: February 2021

Objective

To determine cause-specific and age-specific contributions to life expectancy changes between 2000 and 2015, separately by state and sex in Brazil, with a focus on homicides.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional demographic analysis of mortality.

Setting and population

Brazilian population by age, sex and state from 2000 to 2015.

Main outcome measure

Using mortality data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System and population estimates from the National Statistics Office, we used death distribution methods and the linear integral decomposition model to estimate levels and changes in life expectancy. We also examine how multiple causes of death, including those attributable to homicides and amenable/avoidable mortality, contributed to these changes from 2000 to 2015.

Results

Between 2000 and 2015, life expectancy in Brazil increased from 71.5 to 75.1 years. Despite state-level variation in gains, life expectancy increased in almost all states over this period. However across Brazil, homicide mortality contributed, to varying degrees, to either attenuated or decreased male life expectancy gains. In Alagoas in 2000–2007 and Sergipe in 2007–2015, homicides contributed to a reduction in life expectancy of 1.5 years, offsetting gains achieved through improvements due to medically amenable causes. In the period 2007–2015, male life expectancy could have been improved by more than half a year in 12 of Brazil’s states if homicide mortality had remained at the levels of 2007.

Conclusions

Homicide mortality appears to offset life expectancy gains made through recent improvements to mortality amenable to medical services and public health interventions, with considerable subnational heterogeneity in the extent of this phenomenon. Efforts combating the causes of homicides can increase life expectancy beyond what has been achieved in recent decades.
Lung Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis is Associated with Adverse Hospital Outcomes: Insights from the National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Odion Jesse Osemudiamen , Guraya Armaan , Muojieje Chukwudi Charles , Idolor Osahon Nekpen , Sanwo Eseosa Jennifer , Aihie Osaigbokan Paul
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to compare outcomes of systemic sclerosis (SSc) hospitalizations with and without lung involvement. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality while secondary outcomes were hospital length of stay (LOS) and total hospital charge. Data were abstracted from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2016 and 2017 database. This database is the largest collection of inpatient hospitalization data in the USA. The NIS was searched for SSc hospitalizations with and without lung involvement as principal or secondary diagnosis using International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes. SSc hospitalizations for patients aged ≥18 years from the above groups were identified. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analysis was used to adjust for possible confounders for the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. There were over 71 million discharges included in the combined 2016 and 2017 NIS database. 62,930 hospitalizations were for adult patients who had either a principal or secondary ICD-10 code for SSc. 5095 (8.10%) of these hospitalizations had lung involvement. Lung involvement group had greater inpatient mortality (9.04% vs 4.36%, adjusted OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.61 to 2.73, p<0.0001), increase in mean adjusted LOS of 1.81 days (95% CI 0.98 to 2.64, p<0.0001), and increase in mean adjusted total hospital charge of $31,807 (95% CI 14,779 to 48,834, p<0.0001), compared with those without lung involvement. Hospitalizations for SSc with lung involvement have increased inpatient mortality, LOS and total hospital charge compared with those without lung involvement. Collaboration between the pulmonologist and the rheumatologist is important in optimizing outcomes of SSc hospitalizations with lung involvement.
The interactive effects of stream temperature, stream size, and non-native species on Yellowstone cutthroat trout
Authors: Al-Chokhachy Robert , Lien Mike , Shepard Bradley B. , High Brett
Published: February 2021

Climate change and non-native species are considered two of the biggest threats to native salmonids in North America. We evaluated how non-native salmonids and stream temperature and discharge were associated with Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri) distribution, abundance, and body size to gain a more complete understanding of the existing threats to native populations. Allopatric Yellowstone cutthroat trout were distributed across a wide range of average August temperatures (3.2 to 17.7 °C), but occurrence significantly declined at colder temperatures (<10 °C) with increasing numbers of non-natives. At warmer temperatures, occurrence remained high, despite sympatry with non-natives. Yellowstone cutthroat trout relative abundance was significantly reduced with increasing abundance of non-natives, with the greatest impacts at colder temperatures. Body sizes of large Yellowstone cutthroat trout (90th percentile) significantly increased with warming temperatures and larger stream size, highlighting the importance of access to these more productive stream segments. Considering multiple population-level attributes demonstrates the complexities of how native salmonids (such as Yellowstone cutthroat trout) are likely to be affected by shifting climates.
Comparisons of One to Three Monthly Injections of Aflibercept for Diabetic Macular Edema by Practical Protocol
Authors: Hayashi Yuko , Tatsumi Tomoaki , Oshitari Toshiyuki , Kaiho Tomomi , Takatsuna Yoko , Arai Miyuki , Baba Takayuki , Yamamoto Shuichi
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacies of one initial intravitreal injection of aflibercept followed by a pro re nata (PRN; 1+PRN) regimen to those of three consecutive monthly injections followed by the PRN (3+PRN) regimen for diabetic macular edema (DME) with practical protocols. The medical records of 95 eyes of 71 cases that were diagnosed with DME and had received intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) injections were reviewed. Fifty-seven eyes had received IVA with the 1+PRN regimen, and 38 eyes had received IVA with the 3+PRN regimen. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the central macular thickness (CMT) were measured at the baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the IVA. The mean number of injections of the 1+PRN group was

2.9
±
1.7

, which was significantly fewer than that of the 3+PRN group at

4.6
±
1.4

(

P
<
0.001

). The change of the mean BCVA before and after the IVA at 12 months of the 3+PRN group was

−
0.14
±
0.17

logMAR units which was significantly better than that of the 1+PRN group of

−
0.045
±
0.25

logMAR units (

P
=
0.02

). The change of the CMT before and after the IVA at 6 months of the 3+PRN group was

−
141.3
±
152.4
 
μ
m

which was significantly more than that of the 1+PRN group at

−
86.1
±
117.8
 
μ
m

(

P
=
0.013

). Although the mean number of injections was more than that in the 1+PRN regimen, the 3+PRN regimen had better visual outcomes at 12 months. In a practical protocol, we recommend the 3+PRN regimen for patients with DME (IRB#3541).
Brain Exercises Anywhere Anytime: A Self-Training System for Executive Function
Authors: Yu Sheng-Hsiang , Lin Wei-Lun , Wang Sheng-Wei
Published: February 2021

Smartphones are ideal for tracking individuals’ behavioral responses. Traditional laboratory-based psychological trials aimed at training cognitive functions face a problem when participants cannot finish their tasks within a scheduled time. In this paper, we developed a self-training system that helps people to enhance their cognitive functions through mental exercises. The system utilizes the advantages of mobile computing and Internet connection. Participants can finish their mental exercises no matter where they are and can send the results back to the data server. Administrators can track all participants’ status on a web-based system. This study investigates in situ the 20-session use of a mobile application. The results reveal that the users significantly enhanced their level of executive functions. The dropout rate was very small. This application, which uses a cloud data server, makes it more efficient and cost-effective in conducting psychological training programs. The proposed system provides a basic smartphone-based system for psychological trials and can be further improved by combining other techniques such as speech recognition and data-mining techniques.
Construction and Analysis of Survival‐Associated Competing Endogenous RNA Network in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Lixian , Ren Zhonglu , Cai Yongming
Published: February 2021

Increasing evidence has shown that noncoding RNAs play significant roles in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of tumours via participating in competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. However, the survival‐associated ceRNA in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanisms underlying ceRNA in LUAD to identify novel prognostic factors. mRNA, lncRNA, and miRNA sequencing data obtained from the GDC data portal were utilized to identify differentially expressed (DE) RNAs. Survival‐related RNAs were recognized using univariate Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis. We performed functional enrichment analysis of survival‐related mRNAs using the clusterProfiler package of R and STRING. lncRNA‐miRNA and miRNA‐mRNA interactions were predicted based on miRcode, Starbase, and miRanda. Subsequently, the survival‐associated ceRNA network was constructed for LUAD. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify prognostic factors. Finally, we acquired 15 DE miRNAs, 49 DE lncRNAs, and 843 DE mRNAs associated with significant overall survival. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that survival‐related DE mRNAs were enriched in cell cycle. The survival‐associated lncRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA ceRNA network was constructed using five miRNAs, 49 mRNAs, and 21 lncRNAs. Furthermore, seven hub RNAs (LINC01936, miR‐20a‐5p, miR‐31‐5p, TNS1, TGFBR2, SMAD7, and NEDD4L) were identified based on the ceRNA network. LINC01936 and miR‐31‐5p were found to be significant using the multifactorial Cox regression model. In conclusion, we successfully constructed a survival‐related lncRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA ceRNA regulatory network in LUAD and identified seven hub RNAs, which provide novel insights into the regulatory molecular mechanisms associated with survival of LUAD, and identified two independent prognostic predictors for LUAD.
Laboratory Evaluation of Rheological Properties of Asphalt Binder Modified by Nano‐TiO2/CaCO3
Authors: Zhang Liming , Gao Xuekai , Wang Wensheng , Wang Hua , Zheng Kunkun
Published: February 2021

Nanomaterials have a great potential for enhancing the performance of base asphalt binder. This study aims to promote the application of nano‐TiO2/CaCO3 in bitumen and presents a study on rheological properties for TiO2/CaCO3 nanoparticle‐bitumen. In this study, a series of laboratory experiments have been performed for bitumen with different nano‐TiO2/CaCO3 dosages. Nano‐TiO2/CaCO3‐modified bitumen with optimum dosage was prepared for viscosity, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and beam bending rheometer (BBR) for assessing temperature sensitivity of bitumen, and the low‐medium‐high‐temperature performances were analyzed for TiO2/CaCO3 nanoparticle‐bitumen as well. Results show that bituminous mechanical properties were enhanced by TiO2/CaCO3, and based on the overall desirability analysis of various conventional tests, the reasonable dosage of nano‐TiO2/CaCO3 was recommended as 5% by weight of base bitumen. Adding nano‐TiO2/CaCO3 was beneficial to improve the viscosity and reduce the temperature sensitivity of bitumen. The capacities of bituminous rutting resistance as well as medium‐temperature fatigue resistance were enhanced by the addition of nano‐TiO2/CaCO3. However, BBR test shows that bituminous anticracking is reduced slightly. On this basis, the Burgers model is selected for clarifying the decrease in anticracking performance; that is, nano‐TiO2/CaCO3 increased the stiffness modulus while increasing the viscosity of bitumen.
Gradual Application of Potassium Fertilizer Elevated the Sugar Conversion Mechanism and Yield of Waxy and Sweet Fresh-Eaten Maize in the Semiarid Cold Region
Authors: Yang Li , Chi Yu Xin , Wang Yu Feng , Zeeshan Muhammad , Zhou Xun Bo
Published: February 2021

Fresh-eaten maize (Zea mays L.) is favored by consumers for its unique flavor, good health, and medical effects. Heilongjiang province is a semiarid cold region with the annual output of 3.35 billion ears, and the demand for fresh eaten maize is increasing in the region. Therefore, improving its yield and quality is urgently needed in this area. In this study, two of thirty varieties (waxy maize Jin-262 and sweet maize Jingke-183) were used and five proportions of potassium (K2O, 120 kg/ha) were applied at sowing, jointing, and large trumpet stages to identify the high yield and quality of fresh-eaten maize under a semiarid cold ecological condition in Daqing, Heilongjiang province, China, during 2017-2018. The results from the screening of eighteen maize varieties showed that waxy maize Jin-262 and sweet maize Jingke-183 had higher starch content and soluble sucrose contents than those of other varieties. While the potassium proportions application during the sowing (20%), jointing (40%), and large trumpet stages (40%) had further significantly increased the starch content, soluble sugar content, sucrose content, and sucrose metabolic enzymes activities of Jin-262 and Jingke-183, however, the yields of Jin-262 and Jingke-183 had increased by applying potassium fertilizer during the sowing stages (50%) and jointing stages (50%). Considering the overall higher maize quality, we recommended the waxy maize Jin-262 and sweet maize Jingke-183 varieties along with application of 20% (sowing), 40% (jointing), and 40% (large trumpet stages) of 120 kg/ha potassium fertilizer for the improvement of grain quality of maize planting in the semiarid cold region. Otherwise, reasonable gradual potassium fertilization might be a wiser option.
System‐Level Temperature Compensation Method for the RLG‐IMU Based on HHO‐RVR
Authors: Liang Hao , Tao Yumin , Wang Meijiao , Guo Yu , Zhao Xingfa
Published: February 2021

The ring laser gyro inertial measurement unit has many systematic error terms and influences each other. These error terms show a complex nonlinear drift that cannot be ignored when the temperature changes, which seriously affects the stability time and output accuracy of the system. In this paper, a system‐level temperature modeling and compensation method is proposed based on the relevance vector regression method. First, all temperature‐related parameters are modeled; meanwhile, the Harris hawks optimization algorithm is used to optimize each model parameter. Then, the system compensation is modeled to stabilize the system output to the desired temperature. Compared with the least square method, the fitting performance comparison and the system dynamic compensation experiment prove this method’s superiority. The root mean square error, the mean absolute error, the R‐squared, and the variance of residual increased by an average of 35.27%, 39.29%, 2.29%, and 30.34%, respectively.
Deformation Process and Mechanism Analyses of a Rock Slope Based on Long-Term Monitoring at the Pubugou Hydropower Station, China
Authors: Mei Xuefeng , Wang Nengfeng , Ma Guotao , Wang Jie , Wang Yan , Wu Jianli , Han Mei , Cai Bin
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a typical 450 m high rock slope in a highly jointed and fractured rock mass at Pubugou (PBG) hydropower station on the Dadu River. We established a set of multiphase field geological survey combined with GPS, inclinometers, and piezometer monitoring system to analyze the deformation and failure mechanism of rock slope. The results show that small-scale excavation in road construction disrupted the balance of the Pubugou rock slope (PBGRS), and several local retrogressive failures occurred at the toe. Monitoring data regarding surface and subsurface movements show that the PBGRS is stable as a whole. The deformation concentrated mainly in the loosened fractured zone, which was a feature with sliding-compression cracking. Highly loosened rock mass was the predominant factor affecting the stability of the PBGRS, while the role of reservoir water level fluctuation, though positive, was not significant. Overall, the PBGRS still has a high potential for further development, especially in the slope’s upper zone. To reinforce the slope, measurements mainly consist of the concrete frame combined with anchor cables constructed on the slope. In this study, the analysis was carried out of pre- and postreinforcement measure slope stability with numerical simulation, and safety factor increased from 1.09 to 1.21. This study’s findings have important implications to the analytical method and reinforcement design with geological settings like that of the PBGRS.
Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Effect of the Extracts of the Pods of Piliostigma thonningii (Schumach.) Milne-Redh. (Fabaceae)
Authors: Makosa Memory , Sithole Simbarashe , Mukanganyama Stanley
Published: February 2021

Plants have been used traditionally by people in treating and the management of diseases since time immemorial. Traditional medicines including the herbal medicines are used for primary healthcare in some domains in almost every country. Approximately 80% of the population in developing coutries depend on plants as their source of medicine for combating diseases. New and effective antimicrobial agents that have novel mechanism of actions are required. Piliostigma thonningii (Schumach.) Milne-Redh. is a species of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae. Different parts of the P. thonningii plants such as the roots, leaves, seeds, and fruits have been used in treating wounds, heart pain, and gingivitis and as cough remedy. This study focused on determining the antimicrobial properties found in the pods of P. thonningii. The sample was prepared by grinding the dried pods into a fine powder. Successive extraction and extraction with 1 : 1 DCM: methanol was used. The antimicrobial assay was carried out using the broth microdilution and MTT assay. The microorganism used for the tests was Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida krusei and Mycobacterium smegmatis. The most potent extract was then used to determine its effect on microbial cell membrane integrity. The results showed that methanol extract had the highest percentage yield of 5%. The extract with the highest antimicrobial effects was ethanol extract with the 100 μg/mL concentration inhibiting the growth of cells to 26%, 87%, and 90% for P. aeruginosa, M. smegmatis, and C. krusei, respectively. The ethanol extracts caused significant leakage of proteins in these microorganisms. In conclusion, the pods of P. thonningii contain phytochemicals with antimicrobial properties. The pods of the plant can be a source of phytochemicals that can serve as sources of lead compounds with antimicrobial effects. One of the mechanisms of action of these phytochemicals is via membrane-damaging effects on microbes.
An Improved Deep Learning Network Structure for Multitask Text Implication Translation Character Recognition
Authors: Ma Xiaoli , Xu Hongyan , Zhang Xiaoqian , Wang Haoyong
Published: February 2021

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, multitasking textual translation has attracted more and more attention. Especially after the application of deep learning technology, the performance of multitask translation text detection and recognition has been greatly improved. However, because multitasking contains the interference problem faced by the translated text, there is a big gap between recognition performance and actual application requirements. Aiming at multitasking and translation text detection, this paper proposes a text localization method based on multichannel multiscale detection of the largest stable extreme value region and cascade filtering. This paper selects the appropriate color channel and scale to extract the maximum stable extreme value area as the character candidate area and designs a cascaded filter from coarse to fine to remove false detections. The coarse filter is based on some simple morphological features and stroke width features, and the fine filter is trained by a two‐recognition convolutional neural network. The remaining character candidate regions are merged into horizontal or multidirectional character strings through the graph model. The experimental results on the text data set prove the effectiveness of the improved deep learning network character model and the feasibility of the textual implication translation analysis method based on this model. Among them, the text contains translation character recognition results prove that the model has good description ability. The characteristics of the model determine that this method is not sensitive to the scale of the sliding window, so it performs better than the existing typical methods in retrieval tasks.
Contamination Assessment of Durum Wheat and Barley Irrigated with Treated Wastewater through Physiological and Biochemical Effects and Statistical Analyses
Authors: Werfelli Naima , Ben Ayed Rayda , Abassi Mejda , Béjaoui Zoubeir
Published: February 2021

The present work focused on the impact of crop irrigation by treated wastewater (TWW) on soil fertility, in germination, and growth of two species of cereals (T. turgidum and H. vulgare). This investigation was conducted at the germination stage (controlled condition) and in pots containing a soil irrigated with wastewater in comparison with controlled soil. Germination rate, vigor index, seedling growth, total fresh mass, chlorophyll content, proline, ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT) activities were measured. Similar effects were shown on both species which emphasize the important role of antioxidant enzymes in the defense against oxidative stress induced by prolonged reuse of TWW. The disturbing effect of the reuse TWW on soil fertility, germination, and development of young plants (T. turgidum and H. vulgare) was linked to the presence of micropollutants in TWW. Data were analyzed by R language using a nonparametric statistical hypothesis test. These have caused the disorganization of many physiological mechanism targets, especially growth disorders observed under different abiotic stress conditions. In conclusion, high salt and heavy metal concentrations contained in the TWW are the major constraints related to the reuse of TWW. Hence, repetitive irrigation with this water can induce, at long term, soil contamination which can limit plant production and crop contamination.