bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct seeding to restore tropical seasonal forests: effects of green manure and hydrogel amendment on tree species performances and weed infestation
Authors: de Souza Diego C. , Engel Vera L. , de Mattos Elder C.
Published: August 2020

Although direct tree seeding may be a potentially useful restoration practice, many biotic and abiotic barriers prevent seedling emergence and early development, reducing its success and applicability. To overcome these barriers, we undertook a field experiment to test the effects of using green manure and hydrogel alone, or in combination, on seedling performances of 14 native tree species that were planted by direct seeding in a deforested tropical seasonal forest area in southern Brazil and to examine how green manure affected the initial weed coverage in the study plots. We evaluated competing vegetation coverage and tree seedling emergence and early development for 2 years after sowing. Weed infestation was significantly higher in the experimental plots with no green manure; however, neither green manure nor hydrogel improved tree seedling emergence and early development at any time of measurement. Our results suggest that the use of green manure and hydrogel alone, or in combination, were not effective in guaranteeing direct seeding success; however, green manure can be an effective method to reduce weed infestation. Direct seeding techniques for tree species still need to be improved in order to restore tropical seasonal forests on a larger scale.
Perceptions of the Fourth Agricultural Revolution: What’s In, What’s Out, and What Consequences are Anticipated?
Authors: Barrett Hannah , Rose David Christian
Published: August 2020

Technological advancement is seen as one way of sustainably intensifying agriculture. Scholars argue that innovation needs to be responsible, but it is difficult to anticipate the consequences of the ‘fourth agricultural revolution’ without a clear sense of which technologies are included and excluded. The major aims of this article were to investigate which technologies are being associated with the fourth agricultural revolution, as well as to understand how this revolution is being perceived, whether positive or negative consequences are given equal attention, and what type of impacts are anticipated. To this end, we undertook a content analysis of UK media and policy documents alongside interviews of farmers and advisers. We found that the fourth agricultural revolution is associated with emergent, game‐changing technologies, at least in media and policy documents. In these sources, the benefits to productivity and the environment were prioritised with less attention to social consequences, but impacts were overwhelmingly presented positively. Farmers and advisers experienced many benefits of technologies and some predicted higher‐tech futures. It was clear, however, that technologies create a number of negative consequences. We reflect on these findings and provide advice to policy‐makers about how to interrogate the benefits, opportunities, and risks afforded by agricultural technologies.
Identification of a candidate gene associated with isoflavone content in soybean seeds using genome‐wide association and linkage mapping
Authors: Wu Depeng , Li Dongmei , Zhao Xue , Zhan Yuhang , Teng Weili , Qiu Lijuan , Zheng Hongkun , Li Wenbin , Han Yingpeng
Published: August 2020

Isoflavone, a secondary metabolite produced by Glycine max (L.) Merr. (soybean), is valuable for human and plant health. The genetic architecture of soybean isoflavone content remains unclear, however, despite several mapping studies. We generated genomic data for 200 soybean cultivars and 150 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) to localize putative loci associated with soybean seed isoflavone content. Using a genome‐wide association study (GWAS), we identified 87 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were significantly associated with isoflavone concentration. Using linkage mapping, we identified 37 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) underlying the content of four isoflavones found in the RILs. A major locus on chromosome 8 (qISO8‐1) was co‐located by both the GWAS and linkage mapping. qISO8‐1 was fine mapped to a 99.5‐kb region, flanked by SSR_08_1651 and SSR_08_1656, in a BC2F5 population. GmMPK1, encoding a mitogen‐activated protein kinase, was identified as the causal gene in qISO8‐1, and two natural GmMPK1 polymorphisms were significantly associated with isoflavone content. Overexpression of GmMPK1 in soybean hairy roots resulted in increased isoflavone concentrations. Overexpressing GmMPK1 in transgenic soybeans had greater resistance to Phytophthora root rot, suggesting that GmMPK1 might increase soybean resistance to biotic stress by influencing isoflavone content. Our results not only increase our understanding of the genetic architecture of soybean seed isoflavone content, but also provide a framework for the future marker‐assisted breeding of high isoflavone content in soybean cultivars.
Corneal and scleral permeability of Desmoteplase in different species
Authors: Brütsch Deborah R. , Hunziker Peter , Pot Simon , Tappeiner Christoph , Voelter Katrin
Published: August 2020

Objective

Intraocular fibrin clots caused by severe uveitis can be a sight‐threatening condition that needs to be resolved quickly and reliably. Intracameral injection of tissue‐plasminogen activator (tPA) is commonly used to resolve intraocular fibrin. However, the drug does not reach fibrinolytic concentrations after topical application. Desmoteplase (DSPA) is a structurally similar but smaller fibrinolytic agent with a higher fibrin selectivity, a longer half‐life, and better biocompatibility compared with tPA. This study was designed to evaluate the corneal and scleral permeability of DSPA in rabbits, pigs, dogs, horses, and humans ex vivo.

Procedures

Corneal and scleral tissues (n = 5 per group) were inserted into Franz‐type diffusion chambers and exposed to 1.4 mg/mL DSPA for 30 minutes. Drug concentrations on the receiver side were determined by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Concentrations of DSPA after corneal and scleral permeation through fresh tissues ranged from 0.0 to 16.3 µg/mL and 0.0 to 11.4 µg/mL (rabbits), 0.3 to 5.6 µg/mL and 3.1 to 9.2 µg/mL (dogs), 2.1 to 14.9 µg/mL and 4 to 8.7 µg/mL (horses), and 0.6 to 3 µg/mL and 2.9 to 18.1 µg/mL (pigs), respectively. A concentration of 0.07‐12.9 µg/mL DSPA was detectable after diffusion through tissue culture preserved human donor bank corneas (Table 1).

Conclusions

Desmoteplase has the ability to permeate both cornea and sclera ex vivo in all species tested. Implications of the ex vivo permeability of DSPA suggest that in vivo permeability may be possible, and if so, it could lead to a novel topical application for lysing fibrin.
Ocular disease in horses with confirmed ocular or central nervous system Borrelia infection: Case series and review of literature
Authors: Scherrer Nicole M. , Knickelbein Kelly E. , Engiles Julie B. , Johnstone Laura K. , Tewari Deepanker , Johnson Amy L.
Published: August 2020

Objective

To describe the clinical presentation, treatment, and clinical outcome of horses with ocular disease and evidence of systemic or ocular Lyme disease.

Animals Studied

Five horses met the inclusion criteria of ocular disease with evidence of B burgdorferi present in ocular or CNS tissues.

Procedure

The goal of this study was to describe the clinical presentation and progression of ocular disease when associated with ocular or CNS B burgdorferi infection in horses. A retrospective review of medical records was performed on horses admitted for ocular disease with evidence of B burgdorferi infection between 1998 and 2015. The diagnosis of B burgdorferi‐associated uveitis was based on histopathologic lesions of lymphohistiocytic and suppurative uveitis/endophthalmitis and intralesional argyrophilic spirochetes in either ocular or CNS tissue consistent with Borrelia. Leptospiral uveitis was ruled out by PCR.

Results

All five horses in the current study had intraocular inflammation at the time of presentation. Medical management with anti‐inflammatories was successful in controlling uveitis in the two horses in which treatment of uveitis was attempted. Systemic treatment with oral tetracyclines was unsuccessful in a single case in which treatment of Borrelia was attempted. Four horses were euthanized due to progression of neurologic disease. The surviving horse had an enucleation performed and did not show systemic signs.

Conclusions

Infection with Borrelia burgdorferi should be considered in endemic areas as a differential for horses with ocular disease, in particular, uveitis. The prognosis for uveitis and neurologic disease associated with Lyme disease was poor in the current study.
Graded reductions in pre‐exercise glycogen concentration do not augment exercise‐induced nuclear AMPK and PGC‐1α protein content in human muscle
Authors: Hearris Mark A. , Owens Daniel J. , Strauss Juliette A. , Shepherd Sam O. , Sharples Adam P. , Morton James P. , Louis Julien B.
Published: August 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What is the absolute level of pre‐exercise glycogen concentration required to augment the exercise‐induced signalling response regulating mitochondrial biogenesis?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Commencing high‐intensity endurance exercise with reduced pre‐exercise muscle glycogen concentrations confers no additional benefit to the early signalling responses that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis.

We examined the effects of graded muscle glycogen on the subcellular location and protein content of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α) and mRNA expression of genes associated with the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and substrate utilisation in human skeletal muscle. In a repeated measures design, eight trained male cyclists completed acute high‐intensity interval (HIT) cycling (8 × 5 min at 80% peak power output) with graded concentrations of pre‐exercise muscle glycogen. Following initial glycogen‐depleting exercise, subjects ingested  2 g kg−1 (L‐CHO), 6 g kg−1 (M‐CHO) or 14 g kg−1 (H‐CHO) of carbohydrate during a 36 h period, such that exercise was commenced with graded (P < 0.05) muscle glycogen concentrations (mmol (kg dw)−1: H‐CHO, 531 ± 83; M‐CHO, 332 ± 88; L‐CHO, 208 ± 79). Exercise depleted muscle glycogen to <300 mmol (kg dw)−1 in all trials (mmol (kg dw)−1: H‐CHO, 270 ± 88; M‐CHO, 173 ± 74; L‐CHO, 100 ± 42) and induced comparable increases in nuclear AMPK protein content (∼2‐fold) and PGC‐1α (∼5‐fold), p53 (∼1.5‐fold) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (∼2‐fold) mRNA between trials (all P < 0.05). The magnitude of increase in PGC‐1α mRNA was also positively correlated with post‐exercise glycogen concentration (P < 0.05). In contrast, neither exercise nor carbohydrate availability affected the subcellular location of PGC‐1α protein or PPAR, SCO2, SIRT1, DRP1, MFN2 or CD36 mRNA. Using a sleep‐low, train‐low model with a high‐intensity endurance exercise stimulus, we conclude that pre‐exercise muscle glycogen does not modulate skeletal muscle cell signalling.
Methodology of 63Cu(n,2n)62Cu Reaction Rate Measurement
Authors: Schulc Martin , Košťál Michal , Šimon Jan , Novák Evžen
Published: August 2020

This paper presents the measurement of the spectrum-averaged cross section (SACS) of 63Cu(n,2n)62Cu reaction in 252Cf spontaneous fission neutron spectrum. The SACS in the 252Cf spectrum was chosen as a validation tool since 252Cf is the only standard neutron field and 62Cu isotope is not easy to measure by gamma spectroscopy since the gamma line of interest is an annihilation peak, which is also produced by 64Cu isotope. Fortunately, contributions to the annihilation peak from these isotopes can be distinguished due to the very different half-lives. SACS was inferred from the experimental reaction rate. The SACS in the 252Cf spontaneous fission neutron field for the 63Cu(n,2n)62Cu reaction was determined as equal to (0.1763 ± 0.0077 mb). This value agrees with value (0.183 ± 0.007) × 10−3 b within uncertainty presented by W. Mannhart. However, it differs by 12.7% from IRDFF-II value, which is equal to (0.19874 ± 8.954 10−3) × 10−3 b. Furthermore, reasonable agreement is not achieved with ENDF/B-VIII.0, JEFF-3.3, CENDL-3.1, ROSFOND-2010, nor JENDL-4.0 nuclear data libraries.
Rates of spondyloarthropathies vary with age and ethnicity in HLAB27 uveitis
Authors: Hossain Ruhella R , Al-Ani Haya H , Sims Joanne L , Lindsay Karen , Niederer Rachael L
Published: August 2020

Background/Aims

To determine associations between HLAB27-positive uveitis, ethnicity and seronegative spondyloarthropathies (SpAs) in a New Zealand population.

Methods

Retrospective observational cohort study. Medical records of all subjects with uveitis at Auckland District Health Board from 2008 to 2018 were reviewed for HLAB27 status, age of presentation, ethnicity and SpA.

Results

In 10 years, 2567 subjects with uveitis were seen and 492 (19.2%) were HLAB27-positive. Of the HLAB27-positive subjects, 301 were male (60.3%) and median age was 37.8 years (IQR 29.7–50.0). Ethnicities were Caucasian (n=298, 60.6%), Asian (n=111, 22.6%), Maori (n=41, 8.2%) and Pacific Islander (n=38, 7.7%). Uveitis classification was anterior (n=478, 97.2%), intermediate (n=40, 8.1%), panuveitis (n=9, 1.8%) and scleritis (n=2, 0.4%). Maori or Pacific Islander ethnicity was associated with intermediate or panuveitis (p=0.003). Ankylosing spondylitis occurred in 163 subjects (33.1%); 29 (17.8%) were Maori or Pacific Islander. Subjects were younger (OR 0.982, p=0.009) and male (OR 1.980, p=0.001). There was no association with ethnicity or uveitis classification. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) occurred in 11 subjects (2.2%). Chronic anterior uveitis was more common with PsA (27.3% vs 7.1%, p=0.023). There was no association with gender or ethnicity. Inflammatory bowel disease occurred in 19 subjects (3.8%) and reactive arthritis occurred in 14 subjects (2.8%). None developed chronic anterior uveitis (p=0.246 and p=0.227, respectively). There was no association with age at presentation, gender, ethnicity or uveitis classification.

Conclusion

This cohort of New Zealand-based subjects with HLAB27-positive uveitis showed a difference in age and ethnicity in uveitis subtypes and SpAs.
Multifactorial individualised programme for hamstring muscle injury risk reduction in professional football: protocol for a prospective cohort study
Authors: Lahti Johan , Mendiguchia Jurdan , Ahtiainen Juha , Anula Luis , Kononen Tuomas , Kujala Mikko , Matinlauri Anton , Peltonen Ville , Thibault Max , Toivonen Risto-Matti , Edouard Pascal , Morin Jean Benoit
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Hamstring muscle injuries (HMI) continue to plague professional football. Several scientific publications have encouraged a multifactorial approach; however, no multifactorial HMI risk reduction studies have been conducted in professional football. Furthermore, individualisation of HMI management programmes has only been researched in a rehabilitation setting. Therefore, this study aims to determine if aspecificmultifactorial and individualised programme can reduce HMI occurrence in professional football.

Methods and analysis

We conducted a prospective cohort study over two seasons within the Finnish Premier League and compare the amount of HMI sustained during a control season to an intervention season. Injury data and sport exposure were collected during the two seasons (2019–2020), and a multifactorial and individualised HMI risk reduction programme will be implemented during intervention season (2020). After a hamstring screening protocol is completed, individual training will be defined for each player within several categories: lumbo-pelvic control, range of motion, posterior chain strength, sprint mechanical output and an additional non-individualised ‘training for all players’ category. Screening and respective updates to training programmes were conducted three times during the season. The outcome will be to compare if there is a significant effect of the intervention on the HMI occurrence using Cox regression analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval for the injury and sport exposure data collection was obtained by the Saint-Etienne University Hospital Ethics Committee (request number: IORG0007394; record number IRBN322016/CHUSTE). Approval for the intervention season was obtained from the Central Finland healthcare District (request and record number: U6/2019).
Impact of Serum Prolactin and Testosterone Levels on the Clinical Parameters of Dry Eye in Pregnant Women
Authors: Kyei Samuel , Ephraim Richard K. Dadzie , Animful Stephen , Adanusa Madison , Ali-Baya Stephen Karim , Akorsah Belinda , Sekyere Mabel Antwiwaa , Asiedu Kofi
Published: August 2020

Purpose. To explore the relationship between serum prolactin, testosterone level, and tear film parameters. The potential impact of these hormones on the health of the ocular surface in pregnant women was evaluated. Methods. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study in which ocular symptoms (Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI)), tear function (fluorescein tear breakup time, Schirmer’s test 1), corneal and conjunctival staining, meibomian gland (MG) expressibility, and quality of secretion were measured. Lid margin findings including lid notching, thickness, and lid margin telangiectasia were also recorded. Venous blood was collected and the serum concentrations of prolactin and testosterone were determined using ELISA kits. Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine predictors of dry eye symptoms and signs. Results. A total of 160 pregnant women participated in the study and their mean age was 30.1 ± 4.6 years (range 18–42 years). The correlation analysis indicated that testosterone concentration did not significantly correlate with any of the clinical parameters hence it was not included in the linear regression analysis. However, prolactin serum concentration correlated significantly with Schirmer’s test 1. Multiple linear regression was done to predict participants’ Schirmer’s test 1 score based upon their ocular surface staining score (oxford grading scale), meibomian gland expressibility, meibomian secretion quality, and serum concentration of prolactin. Only predictors that significantly correlated with Schirmer’s test 1 in the correlation analysis were included in the linear regression analysis. A significant regression equation was obtained (F (2, 157) = 5.119, p=0.007) with an R square of 0.05. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that concentration of prolactin (ß coefficient = 0.032, p=0.044) and meibomian gland expressibility scores (ß coefficient = 2.14, p=0.016) were associated with Schirmer’s test 1 scores when adjusted for duration of pregnancy. Conclusion. The study showed that increased serum prolactin levels have a weak but positive impact on Schirmer’s test 1 scores whilst serum testosterone level has no association with the clinical parameters of dry eye in pregnant women.
Numerical Calibration Method for Vehicle Velocity Data from Electronic Registration Identification of Motor Vehicles Based on Mobile Edge Computing and Particle Swarm Optimization Neural Network
Authors: Yang Jingfeng , Luo Zhiyong , Zhang Nanfeng , Wang Honggang , Li Ming , Xiao Jinchao
Published: August 2020

In the development of technology for smart cities, the installation and deployment of electronic motor vehicle registration identification have attracted great attention in terms of smart transportation in recent years. Vehicle velocity measurement is one of the fundamental data collection efforts for motor vehicles. The velocity detection using electronic registration identification of motor vehicles is constrained by the detection algorithm, the material of the automobile windshield, the placement of the decals, the installation method of the signal reader, and the angle of the antenna. The software and hardware for electronic motor vehicle registration identification produced in the standard manner cannot meet the accuracy of velocity detection for all scenarios. Based on the actual application requirements, we propose a calibration method for the numerical output of the automobile velocity detector based on edge computing of the optimized multiple reader/writer velocity values and based on a particle swarm-optimized radial basis function (RBF) neural network. The proposed method was tested on a two-way eight-lane road, and the test results showed that it can effectively improve the accuracy of velocity detection using electronic registration identification of motor vehicles. Compared with the actual velocity, 87.12% of all the data samples had an error less than 5%, and 91.76% of the data samples for vehicles in the center lane had an error less than 5%. By calibrating the electronic vehicle velocity based on the registration identification, the accuracy of velocity detection in different application environments can be improved. Moreover, the method can establish an accurate foundation for application in traffic flow management, environmental protection, traffic congestion fee collection, and special vehicle traffic management.
Three-Dimensional Semianalytical Solutions for Piezoelectric Laminates Subjected to Underwater Shocks
Authors: Liang Xu , Lu Wenbin , Zhu Ronghua , Ye Changpeng , Liu Guohua
Published: August 2020

In this study, a piezoelectric laminate is analyzed by applying the Laplace transform and its numerical inversion, Fourier transform, differential quadrature method (DQM), and state space method. Based on the modified variation principle for the piezoelectric laminate, the fundamental equations for dynamic problems are derived. The solutions for the displacement, stress, electric potential, and dielectric displacement are obtained using the proposed method. Durbin’s inversion method for the Laplace transform is adopted. Four boundary conditions are discussed through the DQM. The proposed method is validated by comparing the results with those of the finite element method (FEM). Moreover, this semianalytical method is further extended to describe the dynamic response of piezoelectric laminated plates subjected to underwater shocks by introducing Taylor’s fluid-structure interaction algorithm. Both air-backed and water-backed laminated plates are investigated, and the effect of the fluid is examined. In the time domain, the electric potential and displacements of sample points are calculated under four boundary conditions. The present method is shown to be accurate and can be a useful method to calculate the dynamic response of underwater laminated sensors.
Application of the Microclamped Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) Sensor in Rock Bolt Support Quality Monitoring
Authors: Guo Xinxin , Wang Bo , Wang Zhenyu , Yu Wei , Ma Zhenwang , Yang Tielun
Published: August 2020

The force‐measuring rock bolt instrumented with bare fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors are generally factory‐fabricated. To enable users to fabricate a force‐measuring rock bolt by themselves, the microclamped FBG sensor is proposed to replace the encapsulated bare FBG sensor. A theoretical formula of strain sensitivity is also established. The strain sensibility measured by indoor calibration is consistent with the theoretical one, indicating that the microclamped FBG sensor can measure strain accurately. Besides, the measured strain sensibility coefficient (wavelength difference/strain) matches the theoretical values, making the installed microclamped sensor free from the need for recalibration and proving the installation method to be reliable. Also, the test sensitivity can be adjusted as needed. The instrumented rock bolt with microclamped FBG sensors shows great mechanical performance in the field test, awaiting further usage in applications.
Profit Sharing Mechanism of Large EPC Project considering the Behavior of Fairness Concern
Authors: Li Huimin , Lv Lelin , An Xiaowei , Dong Guanghua
Published: August 2020

A large‐scale engineering procurement and construction (EPC) project is often conducted by a joint venture. Many factors affect the success of cooperation among participating enterprises, such as trust and the degree of effort of both parties. The most important one is a rational profit sharing mechanism. Reasonable profit sharing mechanism concerns whether the advantages of the EPC model can be fully utilized. In this study, the proposed EPC project is undertaken by a joint venture integrating design and construction enterprises. Moreover, the profit sharing problem arises from the project optimization implemented by both parties. The fairness concern behavior of both parties is considered, and the profit sharing model for the EPC project is established on the basis of game theory. The effect of the fairness concern behavior of both parties on the EPC project optimization and its profit sharing is further analyzed by simulation analysis. The research findings show that the project optimization profit and its sharing are related to not only the efforts and cost coefficient but also the fairness concern behavior of both parties. The research results are conducive to the application of the EPC model in the field of construction engineering.
Self-Healing Polyurethane-Based Nanocomposites Modified with Carbon Fibres and Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Piotr Szatkowski , Kinga Pielichowska , Stanislaw Blazewicz
Published: August 2020

Self-healing polyurethanes (PUs) were synthesized as a matrix of nanocomposites containing two fibrous carbon components, i.e., functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNF-OH) and short carbon fibers (CF). Two types of PUs differing in the content of flexible chain segments (40% and 50%) were used. Changes in mechanical strength were analyzed to assess the ability to self-healing of PU-based matrix nanocomposites with experimentally introduced damage in the form of an incision. The healing process was activated by heating the damaged samples at 60°C, for 30 minutes. The addition of CNT-OH and CF caused a slight reduction in the self-healing ability of the nanocomposites as compared to the neat PUs. After heating to 60°C, the nanocomposites self-healed up to 72% of the initial strength of the undamaged samples. The introduction of fibrous components to the polymer matrix improved the thermal conductivity of nanocomposites and facilitated heat transfer from the environment to the interior of the samples, necessary to initiate self-healing. Low content of carbon components in the PU matrix, i.e., 3 wt% of CF and 2 wt% of CNF-OH increased the total work up to fracture of samples after healing by about 53%.
Simulation Study on Coverage Path Planning of Autonomous Tasks in Hilly Farmland Based on Energy Consumption Model
Authors: Shen Mengwei , Wang Suzhen , Wang Shuang , Su Yan
Published: August 2020

The hilly farmland in China is characterized by small farmland areas and dense farmland distribution, and the working environment is three-dimensional topographic farmland, so the working conditions in the field are relatively complex. In this working environment, the coverage path planning technique of a farmland autonomous task is harder than that of 2D farmland autonomous task. Generally, the path planning problem of 2D farmland is to construct the path cost model to realize the planning of agricultural machinery driving route, while for the path planning problem of three-dimensional terrain farmland in the hilly region, this paper proposes a covering path planning scheme that meets the requirements of autonomous work. Based on the energy consumption model, the scheme searches the optimal driving angle of agricultural machinery, prioritizes solutions to the problem of covering path planning within the scattered fields in the working area, and then searches through the genetic algorithm for the optimal order of traversing the paths of each field to complete the coverage path planning in the working area. On the one hand, the scheme optimizes the planning route in the fields from the angle of optimal energy consumption; on the other hand, through the genetic algorithm, the fields are connected in an orderly manner, which solves the comprehensive problems brought by the unique agricultural environment and farming system in China’s hilly areas to the agricultural machinery operation. The algorithm program is developed according to the research content, and a series of simulation experiments are carried out based on the program using actual farmland data and agricultural machinery parameters. The results show that the planned path obtained at the cost of energy consumption has a total energy consumption of 4771897.17J, which is 17.4% less energy consumption than the optimal path found by the path cost search; the optimization effect is evident.
The Prognostic Utility of Plasma NGAL Levels in ST Segment Elevation in Myocardial Infarction Patients
Authors: Avci Ahmet , Ozturk Bahadir , Demir Kenan , Akyürek Fikret , Altunkeser Bulent Behlul
Published: August 2020

Introduction. Plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients are markedly higher. In addition, plasma NGAL levels were increased in patients with acute and chronic heart failure as a complication of myocardial infarction. In this study, we investigated whether there is a difference between the prognostic use of plasma NGAL levels in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with preserved and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).Methods. 235 consecutive STEMI patients were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into groups according to LVEF. Plasma NGAL, troponin I, creatine kinase MB (CKMB), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Finally, the study population examined with 34 reduced LVEF and 34 preserved LVEF consisted of a total of 68 patients (12 females; mean age, 61.5 ± 14.7). All patients were followed up prospectively for 6 months. This study group was divided into two subgroups as the patients who died (n = 14) and survived (n = 34), and plasma NGAL levels of the groups were compared.Results. The median of NGAL was 190.08 ng/ml. Age, troponin I, CKMB, CRP, glomerular filtration rate, and creatinine were higher in reduced LVEF groups. Plasma NGAL levels were also higher in reduced LVEF than in preserved LVEF, but statistically not significant (p=0.07). Plasma NGAL levels were significantly higher in death patients than in survived patients (p<0.001). In ROC curve analysis, the level to detect isolated cardiovascular mortality with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 77% was 190 ng/mL for NGAL.Conclusion. Plasma NGAL levels can be used to predict cardiovascular mortality in STEMI patients.
An Alternative Adaptive Method for Seismic Data Denoising and Interpolation
Authors: Lu Zilin , Xia Nuan , Sun Liang , Xu Wenxing , Zhang Guangcheng , Dou Haiyue , Jiang Qifeng
Published: August 2020

Seismic data denoising and interpolation are generally essential steps for reflection processing and imaging workflow especially for the complex surface geologic conditions and the irregular acquisition field area. The rank-reduction method is a valid way for the attenuation of random noise and data interpolation by selecting the suitable threshold, i.e., the rank of the useful signals. However, it is difficult for the traditional rank-reduction method to select an appropriate threshold. In this paper, we propose an adaptive rank-reduction method based on the energy entropy to automatically estimate the rank as the threshold for seismic data processing and interpolation. This method considers the energy entropy into the traditional rank-reduction method. The energy entropy of signals can be used to indicate the energy intensity of a signal component in the total energy. The difference of the energy entropy between the useful signals and random noise is perceived as a measurement for selecting the appropriate threshold. Synthetic and field examples indicate that the proposed method can well achieve the attenuation of random noise and interpolation automatically without the estimation of the ranks and demonstrate the feasibility of the new adaptive method in seismic data denoising and interpolation.
Physical Simulation on Molten Steel Flow Characteristics of RH Vacuum Chamber with Arched Snorkels
Authors: Ren Zhi-Feng , Luo Zhi-Guo , Meng Fan-Xia , Zou Zong-Shu , Li Yi-Hong , Zhao Ai-Chun , Gui Hai-Lian
Published: August 2020

The RH vacuum refining technology is a vitally powerful method of producing clean steel. The inner diameter of traditional circular snorkel is very difficult to be increased owing to the metallurgical refractory thickness around the snorkels and the limitation of the area under the vacuum chamber, limiting the increase in refining efficiency. In order to improve the refining efficiency of the RH reactor, a new designed RH degasser with an optimized arched snorkel is established. This design replaces the traditional two circular snorkels structure with the two arched snorkels and greatly enhances the cross‐sectional area of snorkel. In this study, the flow characteristics of this new type RH were studied and analyzed by establishing a 1 : 5.5 physical model of RH with arched snorkels. Results show that the circulation flow rate of RH with arched snorkels can increase by 100% ∼ 180% and the mixing time approximately decreases by 35% compared with RH with circular snorkels under actual production conditions. The circulation flow rate of RH with arched snorkels continues to increase obviously when gas flow rate exceeds the saturated value of RH with circular snorkels. The RH with arched snorkels can increase the refining efficiency significantly and has important application prospect.
From NP-Completeness to DP-Completeness: A Membrane Computing Perspective
Authors: Valencia-Cabrera Luis , Orellana-Martín David , Martínez-del-Amor Miguel Á. , Pérez-Hurtado Ignacio , Pérez-Jiménez Mario J.
Published: August 2020

Presumably efficient computing models are characterized by their capability to provide polynomial-time solutions for NP-complete problems. Given a class ℛ of recognizer membrane systems, ℛ denotes the set of decision problems solvable by families from ℛ in polynomial time and in a uniform way. PMCℛ is closed under complement and under polynomial-time reduction. Therefore, if ℛ is a presumably efficient computing model of recognizer membrane systems, then NP ∪ co-NP ⊆ PMCℛ. In this paper, the lower bound NP ∪ co-NP for the time complexity class PMCℛ is improved for any presumably efficient computing model ℛ of recognizer membrane systems verifying some simple requirements. Specifically, it is shown that DP ∪ co-DP is a lower bound for such PMCℛ, where DP is the class of differences of any two languages in NP. Since NP ∪ co-NP ⊆ DP ∩ co-DP, this lower bound for PMCℛ delimits a thinner frontier than that with NP ∪ co-NP.
Coinfection of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus and Lower Genital Tract Pathogens in the Development of High-Grade Cervical Lesions
Authors: Zhong Hui , Tong Yao , Lin Haifeng , Mao Xiaodan , Dong Binhua , Wu Zhihui , Chen Huiyu , Sun Pengming
Published: August 2020

Purpose. This study investigated the infection status and relationship between other common lower genital tract infectious pathogens and high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) in the high-grade cervical lesions. Methods. Overall, 882 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study, of which 339 patients (≥HSIL group) were confirmed with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) or cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), while 543 patients (≤LSIL group) were diagnosed with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) or normal cervical pathology diagnosis. Cervical swab specimens were tested for HPV, pathogenic bacteria (PB), U. urealyticum (UU), M. hominis (MH), and C. trachomatis (CT) in both groups. Results. The infection rates of HR-HPV, PB, UU (at high density), and CT were higher in the ≥HSIL group than in the ≤LSIL group (P<0.001); however, higher infection rates with MH were not observed (P>0.05). PB, UU, and CT were associated with HR-HPV infection (P<0.001). The PB and UU infection rates in the ≥HSIL group were significantly different from those in the ≤LSIL group, regardless of whether there was an HR-HPV infection at the same time (P<0.05). However, this was not the case for the CT (P>0.05). Furthermore, 259 pathogenic bacterial strains were detected in 882 cases. The difference in the distribution of pathogenic bacterial flora in the different grades of cervical lesions had no statistical significance, which was prioritized over Escherichia coli (P>0.05). Conclusion. PB, UU, and CT infection is associated with susceptibility to HR-HPV, HR-HPV coinfection with these pathogens might increase the risk of high-grade cervical lesions, and PB and UU might be independent risk factors for cervical lesions.
Risk Factors Related to New-Onset Diabetes after Renal Transplantation in Patients of a High Complexity University Hospital in Colombia, 20 Years of Experience
Authors: Guzmán Guillermo E. , Victoria Angela M. , Ramos Isabella , Maldonado Alejandro , Manzi Eliana , Contreras-Valero Juan F. , Mesa Liliana , Schweineberg Johanna , Posada Juan G. , Villegas Jorge I. , Caicedo Luis A. , Durán Carlos E.
Published: August 2020

Introduction. New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is associated with immunosuppression. Its complications can negatively influence patients’ quality of life, which is why it is important to study the associated risk factors and expand the possible therapies in this particular group of patients. Materials and methods. Case-control study nested in a retrospective cohort. It included patients who received kidney transplantation at the high complexity University Hospital Fundación Valle del Lili in Cali, Colombia, between 1995 and 2014. Two controls were assigned for each case, depending on the type of donor and the date of the surgery. Information was collected from clinical records and the institutional TRENAL registry. We carried out a descriptive analysis of the selected variables and identified the risk factors with conditional logistic regression. Results. 122 cases were identified to which 224 controls were assigned. The median age was 44 years (IQR: 34–55), and 54% were men. Having >50 years of age at the time of transplantation (OR: 3.18, 95% CI: 1.6−6.3, p = 0.001), body mass index >30 kg/m2 (OR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.3−9.7, p = 0.010) and being afro-descendant (OR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.1−6.5, p = 0.023) were identified as risk factors for the development of NODAT. Pretransplant fasting plasma glucose >100 mg/dl (OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.4−6.4, p = 0.005) and serum triglycerides >200 mg/dl (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.4−4.4, p = 0.002) were also reported as independent risk factors. Conclusion. We ratify some risk factors for the development of this important disease, which include certain modifiable characteristics. Interventions aimed at changes in lifestyle could be established in a timely manner before transplant surgery.
Solution of Fractional Kinetic Equations Associated with the p,q-Mathieu-Type Series
Authors: Suthar D. L. , Purohit S. D. , Araci Serkan
Published: August 2020

In this paper, our aim is to finding the solutions of the fractional kinetic equation related with the p,q-Mathieu-type series through the procedure of Sumudu and Laplace transforms. The outcomes of fractional kinetic equations in terms of the Mittag-Leffler function are presented.
Analysis of the Distribution and Microscopic Characteristics and Disintegration Characteristics of Carbonaceous Rocks: A Case Study of the Middle Devonian Luofu Formation in Western Guangxi of China
Authors: Luo Junhui , Wu Yong , Mi Decai , Ye Qiongyao , Huang Haifeng , Chang Zhenchao , Chen Qinglin , Zhang Tao , Sun Guanhua , Wang Xueheng , Wang Yu , Liu Xianlin
Published: August 2020

Carbonaceous rock is a special soft rock containing TOC organic carbon 6%∼40%. In order to reveal the influence of engineering characteristics of carbonaceous rock on the engineering construction, firstly the stratigraphic distribution of carbonaceous Rocks in Guangxi is investigated, and the genetic mechanism and tectonic environment of carbonaceous rocks are discussed. Secondly, the influence of pore microstructure on the disintegration characteristics of carbonaceous rocks is analyzed. The role of geochemical characteristics of carbonaceous rocks (mineral composition, TOC total organic matter content, and type) on engineering properties is revealed. Finally, combined with the distribution, structure, microstructure, and microscopic characteristics of the previous studies, the disintegration mechanism of carbonaceous rocks in water swelling and heat dehydration is discussed. The results are as follows. (1) Carbonaceous rocks in Guangxi are mainly distributed in Devonian, Carboniferous, and Cambrian systems. It is mainly formed in anoxic and reductive deep water basins, slopes, and relatively confined coastal lagoons and swamps. The carbonaceous rocks in the Devonian Luofu formation are most typical. (2) The pores of carbonaceous rocks are divided into mineral pores, organic matter pores, and microfracture, which are mainly mineral pores. The more developed pores in mineral pores are intragranular dissolved pores. Secondly, mineral intergranular pores and a small amount of intergranular dissolution pores and less inner pores. Organic matter porosity increases with the increase of shale organic carbon content and maturity, but the shale porosity and adsorption capacity decrease when shale maturity reaches more than 2.4%. (3) Clay minerals in carbonaceous shale mainly consist of illite and illite/montmorillonite layer, which have water swelling and heat dehydration. The total average value of TOC (total organic matter content) is more than 1%, which belongs to carbonaceous rocks of medium high grade hydrocarbon source rocks. Organic matter is mainly dominated by type I and II1‐II2 type with large hydrocarbon generating potential, which is prone to oxidation‐reduction reaction and cause rock disintegration.
A Coupled Torsional-Transition Nonlinear Vibration and Dynamic Model of a Two-Stage Helical Gearbox Reducer for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Al-Tayari Abdulhameed M. Y. , Chen Siyu , Sun Zhou
Published: August 2020

A coupled torsional-transition nonlinear dynamic model of a two-stage helical gear (TSHG) reduction system for electric vehicles (EVs) is presented in this paper. The model consists of 16 degrees of freedom (DOF), which includes factors such as the nonlinearity of backlash, time-varying mesh stiffness (TVMS), mesh damping, supporting bearings, static transmission error (STE), and the torsional damping and stiffness of the intermediate shaft, in which the fourth-order Runge–Kutta numerical integration method was applied to solve the differential equations. With the help of bifurcation diagrams, time-domain histories diagrams, amplitude-frequency spectrums, phase plane diagrams, Poincaré maps, root-mean-square (RMS) curves, peak-peak values (PPVs), and Lyapunov exponents, the effects of pinion rotational speed, backlash, torsional stiffness, and torque fluctuation on the dynamic behavior of TSHG system are investigated. The stability properties of steady-state responses are investigated using Lyapunov exponents. The results reveal various types of dynamic evolution mechanisms and nonlinear phenomena such as periodic-one responses, quasiperiodic responses, jumps phenomena, and chaotic responses. The research presents useful results and information to vibration control and dynamic design of the TSHG transmission system used in EVs.
High-Frequency Vibration Analysis and Optimization of Irregular Wear of Pantograph Carbon Strips
Authors: Huang Chao , Wang Anbin , Gu Xiaohan , Gao Xiaogang , He Yu , Liu Lang , Gao Feng
Published: August 2020

The irregular wear of carbon current collector pantograph strips increases the railway maintenance costs and introduces safety hazards in the railway operation. This paper presents a method for analyzing the irregular wear of carbon strips with numerical dynamic analyses and modal tests. The carbon strips were studied in laboratory tests, and an equivalent numerical model for the investigation of their irregular wear and performance improvement was established. The results from the computational simulations were evaluated based on the laboratory results, and the correlation between the high-frequency vibration and irregular wear of the carbon strips was studied. The irregular wear contour of the carbon strips coincides with the high-frequency mode shape according to the experimental and numerical results. Moreover, the dynamic design for carbon strips was optimized with the validated computational model. The results suggest that the optimized schemes effectively mitigate the irregular wear of carbon strips.
Acute Lung Edema as a Presentation of Severe Acute Reentry High-Altitude Illness in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Merino-Luna Alfredo , Vizcarra-Anaya Julio
Published: August 2020

Acute high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a pathology involving multifactorial triggers that are associated with ascents to altitudes over 2,500 meters above sea level (m). Here, we report two pediatric cases of reentry HAPE, from the city of Huaraz, Peru, located at 3,052 m. The characteristics of both cases were similar, wherein acclimatization to sea level and a subsequent return to the city of origin occurred, and we speculate that it was caused by activation of predisposing factors to HAPE. The diagnosis and management associated with pulmonary hypertension became a determining factor for therapy.
Clinical Features and Dynamics of T Cells-Related Markers in Immunocompetent Patients with Cytomegalovirus Hepatitis
Authors: Komura Takuya , Kagaya Takashi , Takayama Hideo , Yanagi Masahiro , Yoshio Takatoshi , Sugimoto Saiho , Nishino Michiko , Orita Noriaki , Asahina Yoshiro , Nishikawa Masashi , Kaneko Shuichi , Unoura Masashi
Published: August 2020

Aim. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can cause hepatitis, encephalomyelitis, and pneumonitis in immunocompromised patients. In contrast, CMV infection of immunocompetent patients can lead to the development of infectious mononucleosis and is typically self-limiting; severe complications are rare. We evaluated the pathophysiology and immunological aspects of CMV hepatitis in recently immunocompetent adult patients. Methods. We examined the clinical features and outcomes of 47 adult immunocompetent patients with CMV hepatitis (29 men, 18 women; mean age, 34 ± 11 years) from January 2005 to August 2019 treated in our hospital. We also assayed T-cell activation to evaluate the immune responses in these patients. Results. Fever (74.5%), hepatosplenomegaly (74.5%), sore throat (36.2%), headache (31.9%), abdominal pain (27.7%), lymphadenopathy (23.4%), and skin rash (6.4%) were present at admission. Complications included gastrointestinal injury (25.5%), neuropathy (4.3%), thrombocytopenia (2.1%), and splenic infarction (2.1%). All patients had a good clinical course without liver failure or transition to chronic liver injury. The time to recover from liver injury ranged from 12 to 142 days (mean, 43.4 ± 28.7 days). The serum sIL-2R level, which reflects T-cell activation, was transiently elevated and correlated with the extent of hepatic inflammation. Conclusions. CMV hepatitis in immunocompetent individuals has a satisfactory outcome, but occasionally results in complications in other organs. The sIL-2R level has potential as a surrogate marker of hepatic inflammation in immunocompetent patients with CMV hepatitis.