bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convex compressive beamforming with nonconvex sparse regularization
Authors: Yang Yixin , Du Zhaohui , Wang Yong , Guo Xijing , Yang Long , Zhou Jianbo
Published: February 2021

The convex sparse penalty based compressive beamforming technique can achieve robust high resolution in direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation tasks, but it often leads to an insufficient sparsity-inducing problem due to its convex loose approximation to ideal ℓ0 nonconvex penalty. On the contrary, the nonconvex sparse penalty can tightly approximate ℓ0 penalty to effectively enhance DOA estimation accuracy, but it incurs an initialization sensitivity problem due to its multiple local minimas. Leveraging their individual advantages, a minimax-concave penalty (MCP) regularized DOA estimation algorithm is proposed to achieve a maximally sparse level while maintaining the convex property of the overall objective function. Moreover, an accelerated block gradient descent-ascent algorithm with convergence guarantee is developed to rapidly achieve its one optimal point. Simulation results demonstrate that MCP penalty improves DOA estimation accuracy compared with popular sparse compressive beamforming techniques in strong noise scenarios and weak source confirmation. Ocean experimental results also validate that it retains more stable DOA estimation accuracy and incurs less artificial interferences.
Agreement of Sedentary Behavior Metrics Derived From Hip- and Thigh-Worn Accelerometers Among Older Adults: With Implications for Studying Physical and Cognitive Health
Authors: Bellettiere John , Tuz-Zahra Fatima , Carlson Jordan A. , Ridgers Nicola D. , Liles Sandy , Greenwood-Hickman Mikael Anne , Walker Rod L. , LaCroix Andrea Z. , Jankowska Marta M. , Rosenberg Dori E. , Natarajan Loki
Published: February 2021

Little is known about how sedentary behavior (SB) metrics derived from hip- and thigh-worn accelerometers agree for older adults. Thigh-worn activPAL (AP) micro monitors were concurrently worn with hip-worn ActiGraph (AG) GT3X+ accelerometers (with SB measured using the 100 counts per minute [cpm] cut point; AG100cpm) by 953 older adults (age 77 ± 6.6, 54% women) for 4–7 days. Device agreement for sedentary time and five SB pattern metrics was assessed using mean error and correlations. Logistic regression tested associations with four health outcomes using standardized (i.e., z scores) and unstandardized SB metrics. Mean errors (AP − AG100cpm) and 95% limits of agreement were: sedentary time −54.7 [−223.4, 113.9] min/day; time in 30+ min bouts 77.6 [−74.8, 230.1] min/day; mean bout duration 5.9 [0.5, 11.4] min; usual bout duration 15.2 [0.4, 30] min; breaks in sedentary time −35.4 [−63.1, −7.6] breaks/day; and alpha −.5 [−.6, −.4]. Respective Pearson correlations were: .66, .78, .73, .79, .51, and .40. Concordance correlations were: .57, .67, .40, .50, .14, and .02. The statistical significance and direction of associations were identical for AG100cpm and AP metrics in 46 of 48 tests, though significant differences in the magnitude of odds ratios were observed among 13 of 24 tests for unstandardized and five of 24 for standardized SB metrics. Caution is needed when interpreting SB metrics and associations with health from AG100cpm due to the tendency for it to overestimate breaks in sedentary time relative to AP. However, high correlations between AP and AG100cpm measures and similar standardized associations with health outcomes suggest that studies using AG100cpm are useful, though not ideal, for studying SB in older adults.
Selection of Cytochrome
b
Mutants Is Rare among Plasmodium falciparum Patients Failing Treatment with Atovaquone-Proguanil in Cambodia
Authors: Lin Jessica T. , Waltmann Andreea , Moser Kara A. , Park Zackary , Na Yu Bin , Aydemir Ozkan , Brazeau Nicholas F. , Gosi Panita , Marsh Patrick W. , Muller Meredith S. , Spring Michele , Sok Somethy , Bailey Jeffrey A. , Saunders David L. , Lon Chanthap , Wojnarski Mariusz
Published: February 2021

Atovaquone-proguanil remains effective against multidrug-resistant
Plasmodium falciparum
in Southeast Asia, but resistance is mediated by a single point mutation in cytochrome
b
(
cytb
) that can arise during treatment. Among 14 atovaquone-proguanil treatment failures in a clinical trial in Cambodia, only one recrudescence harbored the
cytb
mutation Y268C.
Interplay among Different Fosfomycin Resistance Mechanisms in Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Ortiz-Padilla M. , Portillo-Calderón I. , de Gregorio-Iaria B. , Blázquez J. , Rodríguez-Baño J. , Pascual A. , Rodríguez-Martínez J. M. , Docobo-Pérez F.
Published: February 2021

The objectives of this study were to characterize the role of the
uhpT
,
glpT
, and
fosA
genes in fosfomycin resistance in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
and evaluate the use of sodium phosphonoformate (PPF) in combination with fosfomycin. Seven clinical isolates of
K. pneumoniae
and the reference strain (ATCC 700721) were used, and their genomes were sequenced. Δ
uhpT
, Δ
glpT
, and Δ
fosA
mutants were constructed from two isolates and
K. pneumoniae
ATCC 700721.
Identification and Characterization of Novel Antibody Epitopes on the N2 Neuraminidase
Authors: Kirkpatrick Roubidoux Ericka , McMahon Meagan , Carreño Juan Manuel , Capuano Christina , Jiang Kaijun , Simon Viviana , van Bakel Harm , Wilson Patrick , Krammer Florian
Published: February 2021

The influenza virus neuraminidase is an emerging target for universal influenza virus vaccines. However, in contrast to influenza virus hemagglutinin, we know little about antibody epitopes and antigenic sites on the neuraminidase. Characterizing and defining these sites is aiding vaccine development and helping to understand antigenic drift of NA.
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Children and Adults in St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Authors: Smith Brittany K. , Janowski Andrew B. , Danis Jonathan E. , Harvey Ian B. , Zhao Haiyan , Dai Ya-Nan , Farnsworth Christopher W. , Gronowski Ann M. , Roper Stephen , Fremont Daved H. , Wang David
Published: February 2021

This study determined the percentages of both children and adult samples from the greater St. Louis metropolitan area who had antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in late April to early May 2020.
DeORFanizing Candida albicans Genes using Coexpression
Authors: O’Meara Teresa R. , O’Meara Matthew J.
Published: February 2021

Candida albicans
is a common and deadly fungal pathogen of humans, yet the genome of this organism contains many genes of unknown function. By determining gene function, we can help identify essential genes, new virulence factors, or new regulators of drug resistance, and thereby give new targets for antifungal development.
Resuming professional football (soccer) during the COVID-19 pandemic in a country with high infection rates: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Schumacher Yorck Olaf , Tabben Montassar , Hassoun Khalid , Al Marwani Asmaa , Al Hussein Ibrahim , Coyle Peter , Abbassi Ahmed Khellil , Ballan Hani Taleb , Al-Kuwari Abdulaziz , Chamari Karim , Bahr Roald
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The risk of viral transmission associated with contact sports such as football (soccer) during the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown. The aim of this study was to describe the infective and immune status of professional football players, team staff and league officials over a truncated football season resumed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in a country with high infection rates and to investigate the clinical symptoms related to COVID-19 infection in professional football players.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of 1337 football players, staff and officials during a truncated football season (9 weeks) with a tailored infection control programme based on preventive measures and regular SARS-CoV-2 PCR swab testing (every 3–5 days) combined with serology testing for immunity (every 4 weeks). Clinical symptoms in positive participants were recorded using a 26-item, Likert-Scale-based scoring system.

Results

During the study period, 85 subjects returned positive (cycle threshold (cT) ≤30) or reactive (30<cT<40) PCR tests, of which 36 were players. The infection rate was consistent with that of the general population during the same time period. More than half of infected subjects were asymptomatic, and the remaining had only mild symptoms with no one requiring hospitalisation. Symptom severity was associated with lower cT values. Social contacts and family were the most common sources of infection, and no infection could be traced to training or matches. Of the 36 infected players, 15 presented positive serology during the study period.

Conclusion

Football played outdoors involving close contact between athletes represents a limited risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe illness when preventive measures are in place.
The case for developing a cohesive systems approach to research across unhealthy commodity industries
Authors: Knai Cécile , Petticrew Mark , Capewell Simon , Cassidy Rebecca , Collin Jeff , Cummins Steven , Eastmure Elizabeth , Fafard Patrick , Fitzgerald Niamh , Gilmore Anna B , Hawkins Ben , Jensen Jørgen Dejgård , Katikireddi Srinivasa Vittal , Maani Nason , Mays Nicholas , Mwatsama Modi , Nakkash Rima , Orford Jim F , Rutter Harry , Savona Natalie , van Schalkwyk May C I , Weishaar Heide
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Most non-communicable diseases are preventable and largely driven by the consumption of harmful products, such as tobacco, alcohol, gambling and ultra-processed food and drink products, collectively termed unhealthy commodities. This paper explores the links between unhealthy commodity industries (UCIs), analyses the extent of alignment across their corporate political strategies, and proposes a cohesive systems approach to research across UCIs.

Methods

We held an expert consultation on analysing the involvement of UCIs in public health policy, conducted an analysis of business links across UCIs, and employed taxonomies of corporate political activity to collate, compare and illustrate strategies employed by the alcohol, ultra-processed food and drink products, tobacco and gambling industries.

Results

There are clear commonalities across UCIs’ strategies in shaping evidence, employing narratives and framing techniques, constituency building and policy substitution. There is also consistent evidence of business links between UCIs, as well as complex relationships with government agencies, often allowing UCIs to engage in policy-making forums. This knowledge indicates that the role of all UCIs in public health policy would benefit from a common approach to analysis. This enables the development of a theoretical framework for understanding how UCIs influence the policy process. It highlights the need for a deeper and broader understanding of conflicts of interests and how to avoid them; and a broader conception of what constitutes strong evidence generated by a wider range of research types.

Conclusion

UCIs employ shared strategies to shape public health policy, protecting business interests, and thereby contributing to the perpetuation of non-communicable diseases. A cohesive systems approach to research across UCIs is required to deepen shared understanding of this complex and interconnected area and also to inform a more effective and coherent response.
Protocol for a multicentre, prospective, cohort study to investigate patient satisfaction and quality of life after immediate breast reconstruction in Japan: the SAQLA study
Authors: Saiga Miho , Hosoya Yuko , Utsunomiya Hiroki , Kuramoto Yukiko , Watanabe Satoko , Tomita Koichi , Aihara Yukiko , Muto Mayu , Hikosaka Makoto , Kawaguchi Takashi , Miyaji Tempei , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Zenda Sadamoto , Goto Aya , Sakuraba Minoru , Kusano Taro , Miyabe Kenta , Kuroki Tomoaki , Yano Tomoyuki , Taminato Mifue , Sekido Mitsuru , Tsunoda Yui , Satake Toshihiko , Doihara Hiroyoshi , Kimata Yoshihiro
Published: February 2021

Introduction

The aim of breast reconstruction (BR) is to improve patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Therefore, measuring patient-reported outcomes (PROs) would clarify the value and impact of BR on a patient’s life and thus would provide evidence-based information to help decision-making. The Satisfaction and Quality of Life After Immediate Breast Reconstruction study aimed to investigate satisfaction and HRQOL in Japanese patients with breast cancer who undergo immediate breast reconstruction (IBR).

Methods and analysis

This ongoing prospective, observational multicentre study will assess 406 patients who had unilateral breast cancer and underwent mastectomy and IBR, and were recruited from April 2018 to July 2019. All participants were recruited from seven hospitals: Okayama University Hospital, Iwate Medical University Hospital, The Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Showa University Hospital, University of Tsukuba Hospital, Osaka University Hospital and Yokohama City University Medical Center. The patients will be followed up for 36 months postoperatively. The primary endpoint of this study will be the time-dependent changes in BREAST-Q satisfaction with breast subscale scores for 12 months after reconstructive surgery, which will be collected via an electronic PRO system.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will be performed in accordance with the Ethical Guidelines for Medical and Health Research Involving Human Subjects published by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the modified Act on the Protection of Personal Information and the Declaration of Helsinki. This study protocol was approved by the institutional ethics committee at the Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, on 2 February 2018 (1801-039) and all other participating sites. The findings of this trial will be submitted to an international peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

UMIN000032177.
Cost-effectiveness and budget impact analysis of facility-based screening and treatment of hepatitis C in Punjab state of India
Authors: Chugh Yashika , Premkumar Madhumita , Grover Gagandeep Singh , Dhiman Radha K , Teerawattananon Yot , Prinja Shankar
Published: February 2021

Objective

Despite treatment availability, chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) public health burden is rising in India due to lack of timely diagnosis. Therefore, we aim to assess incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) for one-time universal screening followed by treatment of people infected with HCV as compared with a no screening policy in Punjab, India.

Study design

Decision tree integrated with Markov model was developed to simulate disease progression. A societal perspective and a 3% annual discount rate were considered to assess incremental cost per QALY gained. In addition, budgetary impact was also assessed with a payer’s perspective and time horizon of 5 years.

Study setting

Screening services were assumed to be delivered as a facility-based intervention where active screening for HCV cases would be performed at 22 district hospitals in the state of Punjab, which will act as integrated testing as well as treatment sites for HCV.

Intervention

Two intervention scenarios were compared with no universal screening and treatment (routine care). Scenario I—screening with ELISA followed by confirmatory HCV-RNA quantification and treatment. Scenario II—screening with rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kit followed by confirmatory HCV-RNA quantification and treatment.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Lifetime costs; life years and QALY gained; and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for each of the above-mentioned intervention scenario as compared with the routine care.

Results

Screening with ELISA and RDT, respectively, results in a gain of 0.028 (0.008 to 0.06) and 0.027 (0.008 to 0.061) QALY per person with costs decreased by −1810 Indian rupees (−3376 to –867) and −1812 Indian rupees (−3468 to −850) when compared with no screening. One-time universal screening of all those ≥18 years at a base coverage of 30%, with ELISA and RDT, would cost 8.5 and 8.3 times more, respectively, when compared with screening the age group of the cohort 40–45 years old.

Conclusion

One-time universal screening followed by HCV treatment is a dominant strategy as compared with no screening. However, budget impact of screening of all ≥18-year-old people seems unsustainable. Thus, in view of findings from both cost-effectiveness and budget impact, we recommend beginning with screening the age cohort with RDT around mean age of disease presentation, that is, 40–45 years, instead of all ≥18-year-old people.
Prescribing patterns for medical treatment of suspected prostatic obstruction: a longitudinal register-based study of the Scottish Health and Social Care Open Data
Authors: Andreis Federico , Bryant Richard , Giorgi Emanuele , Williamson Andrea E , Ward Ashleigh
Published: February 2021

Background

The diagnosis of lower urinary tract symptoms related to suspected bladder outflow obstruction from benign prostate hyperplasia/enlargement in men is increasing. This is leading to high demand on healthcare services; however, there is limited knowledge of differences in pharmacotherapy prescribing for this condition based on geography.

Objective

To investigate potential variation in drug prescribing for suspected bladder outflow obstruction in Scotland, based on analysis of publicly available data, to identify trends and inform future prescribing.

Study design

A longitudinal register-based data study of prescribing and patient data publicly available from Scottish registries. All information is available as monthly aggregates at the level of single general practices.

Setting and participants

903 (97%) general practices in Scotland, over a 50-month period (October 2015 to November 2019).

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

We analysed numbers of daily doses of drugs for suspected bladder outflow obstruction prescribed per month using a Bayesian Poisson regression analysis, incorporating random effects to account for spatial and temporal elements.

Results

Prescriptions for suspected bladder outflow obstruction medications increased during the observation period (overall average rate of change 1.24±0.28, ranging from 0.893 in Orkney to 1.95 in Lanarkshire). While some determinants of health inequality regarding prescribing practices across health boards are consistent with those known from the literature, other inequalities remain unexplained after accounting for practice-specific and patient-specific characteristics such as deprivation and rurality.

Conclusions

Inequalities in prescribing for suspected bladder outflow obstruction medications exist in Scotland, partially ascribable to accepted sociodemographic and geographic factors.
Community-based complex interventions to sustain independence in older people, stratified by frailty: a protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Crocker Thomas F , Clegg Andrew , Riley Richard D. , Lam Natalie , Bajpai Ram , Jordão Magda , Patetsini Eleftheria , Ramiz Ridha , Ensor Joie , Forster Anne , Gladman John R F
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Maintaining independence is a primary goal of community health and care services for older people, but there is currently insufficient guidance about which services to implement. Therefore, we aim to synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of community-based complex interventions to sustain independence for older people, including the effect of frailty, and group interventions to identify the best configurations.

Methods and analysis

Systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA). We will include randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster RCTs of community-based complex interventions to sustain independence for older people living at home (mean age ≥65 years), compared with usual care or another complex intervention. We will search MEDLINE (1946 to September 2020), Embase (1947 to September 2020), CINAHL (1981 to September 2020), PsycINFO (1806 to September 2020), CENTRAL and clinical trial registries from inception to September 2020, without date/language restrictions, and scan included papers’ reference lists. Main outcomes were: living at home, activities of daily living (basic/instrumental), home-care services usage, hospitalisation, care home admission, costs and cost effectiveness. Additional outcomes were: health status, depression, loneliness, falls and mortality. Interventions will be coded, summarised and grouped. An NMA using a multivariate random-effects model for each outcome separately will determine the relative effects of different complex interventions. For each outcome, we will produce summary effect estimates for each pair of treatments in the network, with 95% CI, ranking plots and measures, and the borrowing of strength statistic. Inconsistency will be examined using a ‘design-by-treatment interaction’ model. We will assess risk of bias (Cochrane tool V.2) and certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation for NMA approach.

Ethics and dissemination

This research will use aggregated, anonymised, published data. Findings will be reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidance. They will be disseminated to policy-makers, commissioners and providers, and via conferences and scientific journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019162195.
Activation of MAT2A-RIP1 signaling axis reprograms monocytes in gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Yan , Yang Hui , Zhao Jun , Wan Ping , Hu Ye , Lv Kun , Hu YiRen , Yang Xi , Ma Mingzhe
Published: February 2021

Background

The activation of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) facilitates the progression of gastric cancer (GC). Cell metabolism reprogramming has been shown to play a vital role in the polarization of TAMs. However, the role of methionine metabolism in function of TAMs remains to be explored.

Methods

Monocytes/macrophages were isolated from peripheral blood, tumor tissues or normal tissues from healthy donors or patients with GC. The role of methionine metabolism in the activation of TAMs was evaluated with both in vivo analyses and in vitro experiments. Pharmacological inhibition of the methionine cycle and modulation of key metabolic genes was employed, where molecular and biological analyses were performed.

Results

TAMs have increased methionine cycle activity that are mainly attributed to elevated methionine adenosyltransferase II alpha (MAT2A) levels. MAT2A modulates the activation and maintenance of the phenotype of TAMs and mediates the upregulation of RIP1 by increasing the histone H3K4 methylation (H3K4me3) at its promoter regions.

Conclusions

Our data cast light on a novel mechanism by which methionine metabolism regulates the anti-inflammatory functions of monocytes in GC. MAT2A might be a potential therapeutic target for cancer cells as well as TAMs in GC.
Global regularity for a 1D Euler-alignment system with misalignment
Authors: Miao Qianyun , Tan Changhui , Xue Liutang
Published: February 2021

We study one-dimensional Eulerian dynamics with nonlocal alignment interactions, featuring strong short-range alignment, and long-range misalignment. Compared with the well-studied Euler-alignment system, the presence of the misalignment brings different behaviors of the solutions, including the possible creation of vacuum at infinite time, which destabilizes the solutions. We show that with a strongly singular short-range alignment interaction, the solution is globally regular, despite the effect of misalignment.
MODELING AND MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION FOR APSed THERMAL BARRIER COATINGS ON IN718
Authors: DWIVEDI VIJAY KUMAR , SHARMA PRIYANKA , KUMAR DIPAK
Published: February 2021

Experimental results based on [Formula: see text] orthogonal arrays (OAs) of Air Plasma Spraying (APS) parameters for deposition of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) onto bond coated Inconel 718 (IN718) superalloys were used for mathematical models, using artificial neural network (ANN), for hardness and roughness. Thereafter, it was optimized from ANN-coupling Genetic Algorithm (GA). The developed ANN-based models showed optimal level of responses as 6.61 and 1209.8, for roughness and hardness, respectively. The average percentage prediction error (APPE)/mean error percentage (MEP) and root mean square error (RMSE) for the roughness were found as 0.07834% and 0.00754%, respectively, while these APPE/MEP and RMSE for hardness were found as 0.456% and 0.00765%, respectively.
JOHNSON–COOK MODEL COMBINED WITH COWPER–SYMONDS MODEL FOR BONE CUTTING SIMULATION WITH EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION
Authors: PRASANNAVENKADESAN VARATHARAJAN , PANDITHEVAN PONNUSAMY
Published: February 2021

Constitutive models are widely used to predict the mechanical behavior of different kinds of materials. Although the Johnson–Cook model for bovine bone and Cowper–Symonds model for human thoracic rib and tibia was developed, the predictability of these models was found good only at particular strain rates. This study addresses this lack of information by investigating the Cowper–Symonds model, Johnson–Cook model, and Johnson–Cook model combined with Cowper–Symonds model at different strain rates to utilize in the bone cutting simulation. Specimens prepared using two rear femurs harvested from a 3.50-year-old bovine were investigated at different strain rates (0.00001–1/s). A comparative study made among the stresses predicted from these models showed 29.41%, 10.91%, and 11.11% mean absolute percentage errors using Cowper–Symonds model, and 2.03%, 7.19%, and 3.62% mean absolute percentage errors using Johnson–Cook model, respectively, at 0.0001, 0.001 and 1/s strain rates. However, the Johnson–Cook model combined with the Cowper–Symonds model predicted the stress with a maximum of only 2.03% mean absolute percentage error. The potential of each model to utilize in the orthogonal bone cutting was also evaluated using Ansys® and found that the combined model predicted the cutting force close to experimental cutting force with minimal error (5.20%). The outcomes of this study can be used in the surgical practice and osteotomy procedure before commencing actual surgery.
Experimental Investigations into Electrochemical Milling of Ti6Al4V During Generation of Three-Dimensional Features
Authors: Mishra Koushik , Sarkar Biplab Ranjan , Bhattacharyya B.
Published: February 2021

This research work investigates the influence of process parameters e.g. feed rate and milling layer depth with tool rotation on various performance criteria e.g. overcut, machining depth, perpendicularity, radius of curvature of the side wall and surface roughness during electrochemical (EC) milling of Ti6Al4V with the indigenously developed setup. In this study, three most accepted multicriteria and decision-making (MCDM) techniques e.g. SAW, TOPSIS and MOORA are utilized for finding out the optimal parametric combination followed by fabrication of different three-dimensional complex features on Ti6Al4V at that optimal parametric combination. This study confirms that internal flushing with tool rotation improves the accuracy of the machined profile due to better removal of sludge from the machining zone. Developed milling setup is able to generate different complex and three- dimensional features on Ti6Al4V with desired accuracy. Using 1[Formula: see text]M of NaNO3 and NaCl mixed electrolyte, at 4.4[Formula: see text]mm/min of feed rate and 0.25[Formula: see text]mm of milling layer depth with tool rotation, best values of width overcut, average depth, side angle, radius of curvature and surface roughness ([Formula: see text] are achieved as 0.666[Formula: see text]mm, 1.538[Formula: see text]mm, 47∘, 2.091[Formula: see text]mm, and 1.462[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m, respectively.
One-Pot Synthesis of Fe–N–C Species-Modified Carbon Nanotubes for ORR Electrocatalyst with Overall Enhanced Performance Superior to Pt/C
Authors: Zhao Siqi , Chen Deliang , Gao Yawu , Li Tao , Yi Shasha , Ji Haipeng , Zuo Xiaochao , Wang Yu , Zhang Zongtao , Zhang Rui , Yang Huaming
Published: February 2021

Novel synthesis of efficient noble-metal-free electrocatalysts for both oxygen reduction/evolution reaction (ORR/OER) in energy conversion devices (e.g., fuel cells, metal–air batteries) is of essential significance for further sustainable development. This paper reports a facile synthesis of Fe–N–C species-modified carbon nanotubes (F/N-CNTs) for ORR application by directly pyrolyzing a fluffy hybrid precursor at a moderate temperature ([Formula: see text]C) in Ar. The fluffy hybrid precursors consisting of nitro-hydrochloric-acid-treated CNTs, melamine and Fe[Formula: see text] species are prepared via a freeze-drying method. On account of the synergistic effect of various active sites, including pyridine–N, Fe–Nx and Fe3C, and the high conductivity of the CNTs matrix, the as-obtained F/N-CNT electrocatalysts exhibit excellent ORR activities, comparable to commercial Pt/C. The addition of N heteroatoms, the dosage of Fe and the pyrolysis temperature highly influence the ORR properties of the F/N-CNT samples. The typical F/N-CNT sample obtained at the optimized parameters shows an onset potential of 1.06[Formula: see text]V and a half-wave potential of 0.91[Formula: see text]V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) in an alkaline condition, more positive than those (1.01[Formula: see text]V and 0.88[Formula: see text]V versus RHE) of Pt/C. The F/N-CNT exhibits outstanding bifunctional ORR/OER activity and excellent methanol tolerance, and the F/N-CNT-based Zn–air battery (ZAB) with an open-circuit voltage (OCV) of 1.405[Formula: see text]V presents a current density of 125[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] and a power density of 76.5[Formula: see text]mW[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text]; these electrocatalytic properties are highly superior to Pt/C. The direct pyrolysis of fluffy hybrid precursors provides a concise but robust technical platform to achieve high-performance noble-metal-free electrocatalysts with ORR/OER activities superior to Pt/C.
Seismicity Simulation and a Forecast Model Based on Monte Carlo Simulation Techniques and Performance of Distribution Models
Authors: Karaca Hakan
Published: February 2021

In seismic hazard studies, simulation techniques are exploited relatively less compared to other statistical methods. The main purposes of their use were merely scientific: either to reduce uncertainty in seismic hazard or to test the consistency of a forecast. Its limited exploitation in the field does not mean that the method could not be exploited further. Given sufficient data and with the right models, a full-scale simulation is possible, which in fact becomes a forecast with future timing, location and magnitude of future events are simulated.

Within this context, the main purpose of this study is to layout a method to create a full scale simulation with all the parameters namely the time, location and magnitude of an earthquake is simulated. For that purpose, in addition to the main parameters defining past seismic patterns, namely the temporal, spatial, magnitude distributions, the combined spatio-magnitude distribution is also modeled. As another improvement compared to the current procedures, occurrence date is assigned to the simulated event according to the inter-event time distribution, which enhances the simulation procedure. The eventual temporal distribution and the associated earthquake rates are checked with the original earthquake rate for its consistency. In the end, a simulation procedure, which can also be used as a forecast model is developed to improve the existing procedures further.
Body Schema in Autonomous Agents
Authors: Neemeh Zachariah A. , Kronsted Christian , Kugele Sean , Franklin Stan
Published: February 2021

A body schema is an agent’s model of its own body that enables it to act on affordances in the environment. This paper presents a body schema system for the Learning Intelligent Decision Agent (LIDA) cognitive architecture. LIDA is a conceptual and computational implementation of Global Workspace Theory, also integrating other theories from neuroscience and psychology. This paper contends that the ‘body schema’ should be split into three separate functions based on the functional role of consciousness in Global Workspace Theory. There is (1) an online model of the agent’s effectors and effector variables (Current Body Schema), (2) a long-term, recognitional storage of embodied capacities for action and affordances (Habitual Body Schema), and (3) “dorsal” stream information feeding directly from early perception to sensorimotor processes (Online Body Schema). This paper then discusses how the LIDA model of the body schema explains several experiments in psychology and ethology.
Feeling Functional: A Formal Account of Artificial Phenomenology
Authors: Besold Tarek R. , Zaadnoordijk Lorijn , Vernon David
Published: February 2021

For humans, phenomenal experiences take up a central role in their daily interaction with the world. In this paper, we argue in favor of shifting phenomenal experiences into the focus of cognitive systems research and development. Instead of aiming to make artificial systems feel in the same way humans do, we focus on the possibilities of engineering capacities that are functionally equivalent to phenomenal experiences. These capacities can provide a different quality of input, enabling a cognitive system to self-evaluate its state in the world more effectively and with more generality than current methods allow. We ground our general argument using the example of the sense of agency. At the same time, we reflect on the broader possibilities and benefits for artificial counterparts to human phenomenal experiences and provide suggestions regarding the implementation of functionally equivalent mechanisms.
The 9 April 2013 Kaki earthquake (Mw 6.3) in SW Iran occurred along a blind backthrust in the Fars geological province of the Zagros Fold and Thrust Belt
Authors: Khalili Marzieh , Dilek Yildirim
Published: February 2021

The Zagros Fold and Thrust Belt (ZFTB) in southern Iran is a seismically active tectonic zone, where SW-vergent thrust faults and NW–SE- and NE–SW-oriented strike-slip fault systems accommodate crustal shortening, resulting from the active Arabia–Eurasia collision. The majority of earthquakes in Iran occur within the ZFTB, posing a major hazard for society. The 9 April 2013 Kaki Earthquake (Mw 6.3) in the southern part of the ZFTB took place along a fault that was previously unknown regarding its surface expression, geometry and kinematics. We have used surface–subsurface distributions and focal mechanism solutions of the Kaki Earthquake aftershocks to characterize the fault system responsible for the quake. Our results indicate that it was a NE-vergent thrust fault with a minor dextral component that slipped
c.
7–17 km at depth, causing the Kaki Earthquake. There were no surface ruptures, although some surface fissures developed in fluvial terraces during the main shock. We interpret this fault as a blind backthrust, which probably represents a reactivated Mesozoic basement fault emanating from the Zagros detachment surface. An upper shallow décollement zone within the Miocene Gachsaran Salt facilitated its upward propagation on the back-limb of an overturned syncline.
Beyond Antimicrobial Use: A Framework for Prioritizing Antimicrobial Resistance Interventions
Authors: Noyes Noelle R. , Slizovskiy Ilya B. , Singer Randall S.
Published: February 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a threat to animal and human health. Antimicrobial use has been identified as a major driver of AMR, and reductions in use are a focal point of interventions to reduce resistance. Accordingly, stakeholders in human health and livestock production have implemented antimicrobial stewardship programs aimed at reducing use. Thus far, these efforts have yielded variable impacts on AMR. Furthermore, scientific advances are prompting an expansion and more nuanced appreciation of the many nonantibiotic factors that drive AMR, as well as how these factors vary across systems, geographies, and contexts. Given these trends, we propose a framework to prioritize AMR interventions. We use this framework to evaluate the impact of interventions that focus on antimicrobial use. We conclude by suggesting that priorities be expanded to include greater consideration of host–microbial interactions that dictate AMR, as well as anthropogenic and environmental systems that promote dissemination of AMR.
Improved Carbon Corrosion and Platinum Dissolution Durability in Automotive Fuel Cell Startup and Shutdown Operation
Authors: Wang Chunmei , Ricketts Mark , Soleymani Amir Peyman , Jankovic Jasna , Waldecker James , Chen Jixin , Xu Chunchuan
Published: February 2021

Three protocols of accelerated startup and shutdown (SU/SD) test were investigated: startup and shutdown with air supply and soak to both anode and cathode (air-SU/SD), hydrogen protected startup and shutdown (H2-SU/SD), and hydrogen protected startup and shutdown with a load (H2-SU/SD with a load). The performance losses, electrochemical surface area (ECSA) reduction, and catalyst layer degradation were characterized and compared for these SU/SD protocols. Air-SU/SD protocol showed much more severe performance loss and catalyst layer degradation than hydrogen protected ones, which confirmed the benefits of hydrogen protection. The temperature effect on air-SU/SD was significant in a broad range from 20 °C to 70 °C, with low temperature greatly reducing the degradation. The mechanism of H2 protection and load drawn in alleviating carbon corrosion was explained based on reactions and charge conservation during SU/SD. This paper provides comprehensive test data and failure analysis to quantify the benefits of H2 protection and load drawn and to facilitate future enhancement of system strategies on SU/SD durability.
Effect of the Specific Training Course for Competency in Doing Arterial Blood Gas Sampling in the Intensive Care Unit: Developing a Standardized Learning Curve according to the Procedure’s Time and Socioprofessional Predictors
Authors: Vahedian-Azimi Amir , Rahimi-Bashar Farshid , Pourhoseingholi Mohamad-Amin , Salesi Mahmood , Shamsizadeh Morteza , Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Gohari-Moghadam Keivan , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: February 2021

Background. Standardization of clinical practices is an essential part of continuing education of newly registered nurses in the intensive care unit (ICU). The development of educational standards based on evidence can help improve the quality of educational programs and ultimately clinical skills and practices. Objectives. The objectives of the study were to develop a standardized learning curve of arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling competency, to design a checklist for the assessment of competency, to assess the relative importance of predictors and learning patterns of competency, and to determine how many times it is essential to reach a specific level of ABG sampling competency according to the learning curve. Design. A quasi‐experimental, nonrandomized, single‐group trial with time series design. Participants. All newly registered nurses in the ICU of a teaching hospital of Tehran University of Medical Sciences were selected from July 2016 to April 2018. Altogether, 65 nurses participated in the study; however, at the end, only nine nurses had dropped out due to shift displacement. Methods. At first, the primary checklist was prepared to assess the nurses’ ABG sampling practices and it was finalized after three sessions of the expert panel. The checklist had three domains, including presampling, during sampling, and postsampling of ABG competency. Then, 56 nurses practiced ABG sampling step by step under the supervision of three observers who controlled the processes and they filled the checklists. The endpoint was considered reaching a 95 score on the learning curve. The Poisson regression model was used in order to verify the effective factors of ABG sampling competency. The importance of variables in the prediction of practice scores had been calculated in a linear regression of R software by using the relaimpo package. Results. According to the results, in order to reach a skill level of 55, 65, 75, 85, and 95, nurses, respectively, would need average ABG practice times of 6, 6, 7, 7, and 7. In the linear regression model, demographic variables predict 47.65 percent of changes related to scores in practices but the extent of prediction of these variables totally decreased till 7 practice times, and in each practice, nurses who had the higher primary skill levels gained 1 to 2 skill scores more than those with low primary skills. Conclusions. Utilization of the learning curve could be helpful in the standardization of clinical practices in nursing training and optimization of the frequency of skills training, thus improving the training quality in this field. This trial is registered with NCT02830971.
[Retracted] Urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio and Microvascular Disease in Elderly Hypertensive Patients without Comorbidities
Authors: Jian Guihua , Lin Wenjun , Wang Niansong , Wu Junnan , Wu Xianfeng
Published: February 2021

Objectives. A high urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) is associated with microvascular disease in hypertensive patients. However, hypertensive patients frequently have other comorbidities. Thus, it is difficult to distinguish the role of UACR from that of comorbidities in microvascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between UACR and microvascular disease in elderly hypertension patients without comorbidities. Methods. A cross‐sectional cohort study of 2252 essential hypertension patients aged 65‐94 years without comorbidities between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017, was conducted. Microvascular disease was evaluated by hypertension retinopathy (HR). Multivariable adjusted odds of HR by UACR quartiles were determined using logistic regression. Results. The HR prevalence was 22.1% (n = 472) among the cohort study and was significantly different among UACR quartiles (19.7%, 20.3%, 22.0%, and 26.4% in quartiles 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, P = 0.036). After adjustment for covariates, higher UACR (odds ratio (OR) = 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05‐1.92, quartile 4 versus 1) were significantly associated with HR. Among male patients, higher UACR (OR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.07‐2.55, quartile 4 versus 1) were significantly associated with HR after adjustment for covariates. Among female patients, however, 64% and 40% increased odds of HR were noted in the highest and lowest UACR (quartiles 4 and 1, respectively) compared to UACR quartile 2. Conclusions. Microvascular disease was associated with higher UACR in elderly male essential hypertension patients without comorbidities but was associated with lower and higher UACR in female patients without comorbidities.
Multiview Graph Learning for Small‐ and Medium‐Sized Enterprises’ Credit Risk Assessment in Supply Chain Finance
Authors: Wang Cong , Yu Fangyue , Zhang Zaixu , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2021

In recent years, supply chain finance (SCF) is exploited to solve the financing difficulties of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). SME credit risk assessment is a critical part in the SCF system. The diffusion of SME credit risk may cause serious consequences, leading the whole supply chain finance system unstable and insecure. Compared with traditional credit risk assessment models, the supply chain relationship, credit condition of SME, and core enterprises should all be considered to rate SME credit risk in SCF. Traditional methods mix all indicators from different index systems. They cannot give a quantitative result on how these index systems work. Furthermore, traditional credit risk assessment models are heavily dependent on the number of annotated SME data. However, it is implausible to accumulate enough credit risky SMEs in advance. In this paper, we propose an adaptive heterogenous multiview graph learning method to tackle the small sample size problem for SMEs’ credit risk forecasting. Three graphs are constructed by using indicators from supply chain operation, SME financial indicator, and nonfinancial indicator individually. All the graphs are integrated in an adaptive manner, providing a quantitative explanation on how the three parts cooperate. The experimental analysis shows that the proposed method has good performance for determining whether SME is risky or nonrisky in SCF. From the perspective of SCF, SME financing ability is still the main factor to determine the credit risk of SME.
Effect of Muscle Fatigue on Surface Electromyography-Based Hand Grasp Force Estimation
Authors: Wang Jinfeng , Pang Muye , Yu Peixuan , Tang Biwei , Xiang Kui , Ju Zhaojie
Published: February 2021

Surface electromyography- (sEMG-) based hand grasp force estimation plays an important role with a promising accuracy in a laboratory environment, yet hardly clinically applicable because of physiological changes and other factors. One of the critical factors is the muscle fatigue concomitant with daily activities which degrades the accuracy and reliability of force estimation from sEMG signals. Conventional qualitative measurements of muscle fatigue contribute to an improved force estimation model with limited progress. This paper proposes an easy-to-implement method to evaluate the muscle fatigue quantitatively and demonstrates that the proposed metrics can have a substantial impact on improving the performance of hand grasp force estimation. Specifically, the reduction in the maximal capacity to generate force is used as the metric of muscle fatigue in combination with a back-propagation neural network (BPNN) is adopted to build a sEMG-hand grasp force estimation model. Experiments are conducted in the three cases: (1) pooling training data from all muscle fatigue states with time-domain feature only, (2) employing frequency domain feature for expression of muscle fatigue information based on case 1, and 3) incorporating the quantitative metric of muscle fatigue value as an additional input for estimation model based on case 1. The results show that the degree of muscle fatigue and task intensity can be easily distinguished, and the additional input of muscle fatigue in BPNN greatly improves the performance of hand grasp force estimation, which is reflected by the 6.3797% increase in R2 (coefficient of determination) value.