bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical activity decline is disproportionate to decline in pulmonary physiology in IPF
Authors: Prasad Jyotika D. , Paul Eldho , Holland Anne E. , Glaspole Ian N. , Westall Glen P.
Published: August 2021

Background and objective

Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have reduced levels of daily physical activity (DPA); however, little is known about how DPA changes as disease progresses. We aimed to (i) describe change in DPA over 12 months, (ii) analyse its association with conventional markers of disease severity and quality of life and (iii) assess DPA as a prognostic tool.

Methods

A total of 54 patients with IPF had DPA monitored at baseline and at 6 and 12 months with a SenseWear armband for 7 consecutive days. Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, St George's Respiratory Questionnaire and Leicester Cough Questionnaire at each time point and provided clinical data including forced vital capacity (FVC), diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide and 6‐min walk distance (6MWD).

Results

Baseline and 12‐month daily step count (DSC) were 3887 (395) and 3326 (419), respectively. A significant reduction in DSC (mean = 645 [260], p = 0.02) and total energy expenditure (mean = 486 kJ [188], p = 0.01) was demonstrated at 12 months. The decline in DSC over 12 months was proportionally larger than decline in lung function. Annual change in DPA had weak to moderate correlation with annual change in FVC % predicted and 6MWD (range r = 0.34–0.45). Change in physical activity was not associated with long‐term survival.

Conclusion

In IPF, decline in DPA over 12 months is significant and disproportionate to decline in pulmonary physiology and may be a useful tool for assessment of disease progression.
Assessment of temperature extremes and climate change impacts in Singapore, 1982–2018
Authors: Jiang Rengui , Li Wen , Lu Xi Xi , Xie Jiancang , Zhao Yong , Li Fawen
Published: August 2021

Understanding extreme temperature variations is important for countries to manage risks associated with climate change. Yet, the characteristics of temperature extremes and possible climate change impacts have not been adequately investigated in Singapore. In this study, we attempted to do so by defining 14 extreme temperature indices (ETIs) for the period of 1982–2018 in Singapore, and investigating the trends of those ETIs using a pre‐whitening Man‐Kendall test coupled with the Sen's slope estimator method. The linear and nonlinear relationships between ETIs and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) were also examined using correlation, composite and wavelet analysis. Our results indicate that trends of temperature extremes varied according to station locations, ETIs and time scales. In all stations, ETIs such as the monthly mean value of the diurnal range between maximum and minimum temperatures (DTR), cool nights (TN10p) and cool days (TX10p) presented decreasing trends, while the rest of them exhibited increasing trends. The composite values varied for different ETIs—meaning that while eight no‐threshold ETIs reflected smaller values, other ETIs reflected relatively larger composite values, indicating that ENSO may have affected those ETIs more. The ETIs were mainly statistically and significantly coherent with ENSO at a 2–8 year cycle. We hope that our findings would be beneficial for climate action planning and temperature‐related disaster prevention in Singapore.
Driving multiphase superconductivity
Authors: Pourret Alexandre , Knebel Georg
Published: August 2021

Breaking local symmetry opens up a clear transition between superconducting states
The Roseibium album (Labrenzia alba) Genome Possesses Multiple Symbiosis Factors Possibly Underpinning Host-Microbe Relationships in the Marine Benthos
Authors: Couceiro Joana Fernandes , Keller-Costa Tina , Marques Matilde , Kyrpides Nikos C. , Woyke Tanja , Whitman William B. , Costa Rodrigo
Published: August 2021

Here, we announce the genomes of eight
Roseibium album
(synonym
Labrenzia alba
) strains that were obtained from the octocoral
Eunicella labiata
. Genome annotation revealed multiple symbiosis factors common to all genomes, such as eukaryotic-like repeat protein- and multidrug resistance-encoding genes, which likely underpin symbiotic relationships with marine invertebrate hosts.
Partial Genome Sequence of a Novel Reo-Like Virus Detected in Asian Citrus Psyllid (Diaphorina citri) Populations from Florida Citrus Groves
Authors: Britt Kellee , Stevens Kristian , Gebben Samantha , Levy Amit , Al Rwahnih Maher , Batuman Ozgur
Published: August 2021

This report describes the partial (nearly complete) genome sequence of a novel reo-like virus tentatively named
Diaphorina citri
Cimodo-like virus. This putative virus has 10 double-stranded RNA segments and was detected in Asian citrus psyllid (
Diaphorina citri
) populations collected from Florida commercial citrus groves.
Draft Genome Sequence and Annotation of the Synthetic Textile Dye-Decolorizing Strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AD20, Isolated from a Dye Waste Pond
Authors: Nsa Imade Y. , Odunsi Ayodeji A. , Amund Olukayode O.
Published: August 2021

A limited number of
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
genome sequences have been generated and are available in the public domain from soil, fermented foods, and plants. Here, we report the whole-genome sequence of
B. amyloliquefaciens
AD20, isolated from a dye pond with azo dye-decolorization capabilities.
Supplemental Material: Evolution of the Late Cretaceous Nanaimo Basin, British Columbia, Canada: Definitive provenance links to northern latitudes
Authors: Mahoney J.B. , al. et
Published: August 2021

Item A: Summary of Nanaimo Group Detrital Zircon Samples (A1-A2). Item B: Biostratigraphic Age Control on Samples (B1-B10). Item C: Nanaimo Group Detrital Zircon Data (C1-C77). Item D: Nanaimo Group Conglomerate Clast Detrital Zircon Data (D1-D7). Item E: Nanaimo Group Muscovite Ar-Ar Geochronology (E1-E7). Item F: Nanaimo Group Lu-Hf Isotopic Data (F1-F7). Item G: Modern Salmon River Detrital Zircon Data (G1-G3).
Aseptic meningitis and hydrocephalus secondary to neurosarcoidosis
Authors: Pandey Anmol , Stoker Thomas , Adamczyk Lukasz A , Stacpoole Sybil
Published: August 2021

A 53-year-old woman presented to hospital with gait instability, urinary incontinence and confusion. She had a 4-month history of headache, blurred vision, personality change and memory problems. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the brain after contrast application showed tectal plate and occipital enhancement, as well as a known hydrocephalus. Cerebrospinal fluid showed aseptic meningitis with no evidence of clonal expansion. After further imaging that showed generalised lymphadenopathy and subsequent tissue biopsy that showed granulomatous lymphadenitis, she was diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis. She was treated with steroids which resulted in immediate cognitive and motor improvements as well as resolution of her urinary incontinence. We discuss the features of this case that pointed towards neoplastic, infective and other autoimmune aetiologies. We describe how they were excluded and provide the rationale for our treatment. This case demonstrates an important sequela sarcoidosis, and we conclude by recommending a multidisciplinary approach towards its diagnosis and management.
When and how do adolescent girls in Japan become aware of premenstrual symptoms from menarche? A cross-sectional study among senior high school students
Authors: Yoshimi Kana , Matsumura Noriomi , Takeda Takashi
Published: August 2021

Objective

To investigate the interval from menarche to the onset of premenstrual symptoms and its relationship with menarche age.

Design

Cross-sectional school-based survey.

Setting

Urban areas of Sendai, the largest city in northeastern Japan.

Participants

1422 female Japanese 10th–12th grade senior high school students participated in the survey.

Main outcome measures

The time of awareness of premenstrual symptoms, and the interval from menarche to the onset of premenstrual symptoms.

Results

1290 students had menstruation and completed the whole survey. The median age at menarche was 12 years (IQR: 11–13 years). The prevalence of self-reported premenstrual symptoms was 49%. The median age at which students became aware of premenstrual symptoms was 15 years (IQR: 14–16 years). The median time from the onset of menarche to awareness of premenstrual symptoms was 2 years. This time was negatively correlated with menarche age (ρ=−0.47, p<0.001). A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that early menarche was significantly associated with a lower cumulative risk of developing premenstrual symptoms (OR: 0.73 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.91)).

Conclusions

High school students in Japan began experiencing premenstrual symptoms at around 15 years old, and within 2 years of menarche. This study suggested that social factors other than hormonal factors, such as early menarche, might be associated with the onset of premenstrual symptoms.
Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and concurrent cognitive training on episodic memory in patients with traumatic brain injury: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study
Authors: De Freitas Daglie Jorge , De Carvalho Daniel , Paglioni Vanessa Maria , Brunoni Andre R , Valiengo Leandro , Thome-Souza Maria Sigride , Guirado Vinícius M P , Zaninotto Ana Luiza , Paiva Wellingson S
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Deficits in episodic memory following traumatic brain injury (TBI) are common and affect independence in activities of daily living. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and concurrent cognitive training may contribute to improve episodic memory in patients with TBI. Although previous studies have shown the potential of tDCS to improve cognition, the benefits of the tDCS applied simultaneously to cognitive training in participants with neurological disorders are inconsistent. This study aims to (1) investigate whether active tDCS combined with computer-assisted cognitive training enhances episodic memory compared with sham tDCS; (2) compare the differences between active tDCS applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (lDLPFC) and bilateral temporal cortex (BTC) on episodic memory and; (3) investigate inter and intragroup changes on cortical activity measured by quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG).

Methods and analysis

A randomised, parallel-group, double-blind placebo-controlled study is conducted. Thirty-six participants with chronic, moderate and severe closed TBI are being recruited and randomised into three groups (1:1:1) based on the placement of tDCS sponges and electrode activation (active or sham). TDCS is applied for 10 consecutive days for 20 min, combined with a computer-based cognitive training. Cognitive scores and qEEG are collected at baseline, on the last day of the stimulation session, and 3 months after the last tDCS session. We hypothesise that (1) the active tDCS group will improve episodic memory scores compared with the sham group; (2) differences on episodic memory scores will be shown between active BTC and lDLPFC and; (3) there will be significant delta reduction and an increase in alpha waves close to the location of the active electrodes compared with the sham group.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo Ethical Institutional Review Border (CAAE: 87954518.0.0000.0068).

Trial registration number

NCT04540783.
PEP4LEP study protocol: integrated skin screening and SDR-PEP administration for leprosy prevention: comparing the effectiveness and feasibility of a community-based intervention to a health centre-based intervention in Ethiopia, Mozambique and Tanzania
Authors: Schoenmakers Anne , Hambridge Thomas , van Wijk Robin , Kasang Christa , Richardus Jan Hendrik , Bobosha Kidist , Mitano Fernando , Mshana Stephen E , Mamo Ephrem , Marega Abdoulaye , Mwageni Nelly , Letta Taye , Muloliwa Artur Manuel , Kamara Deus Vedastus , Eman Ahmed Mohammed , Raimundo Litos , Njako Blasdus , Mieras Liesbeth
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, remains a cause of preventable disability. Early detection, treatment and prevention are key to reducing transmission. Post-exposure prophylaxis with single-dose rifampicin (SDR-PEP) reduces the risk of developing leprosy when administered to screened contacts of patients. This has been adopted in the WHO leprosy guidelines. The PEP4LEP study aims to determine the most effective and feasible method of screening people at risk of developing leprosy and administering chemoprophylaxis to contribute to interrupting transmission.

Methods and analysis

PEP4LEP is a cluster-randomised implementation trial comparing two interventions of integrated skin screening combined with SDR-PEP distribution to contacts of patients with leprosy in Ethiopia, Mozambique and Tanzania. One intervention is community-based, using skin camps to screen approximately 100 community contacts per leprosy patient, and to administer SDR-PEP when eligible. The other intervention is health centre-based, inviting household contacts of leprosy patients to be screened in a local health centre and subsequently receive SDR-PEP when eligible. The mobile health (mHealth) tool SkinApp will support health workers’ capacity in integrated skin screening. The effectiveness of both interventions will be compared by assessing the rate of patients with leprosy detected and case detection delay in months, as well as feasibility in terms of cost-effectiveness and acceptability.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the national ethical committees of Ethiopia (MoSHE), Mozambique (CNBS) and Tanzania (NIMR/MoHCDEC). Study results will be published open access in peer-reviewed journals, providing evidence for the implementation of innovative leprosy screening methods and chemoprophylaxis to policymakers.

Trial registration number

NL7294 (NTR7503).
Benefits of the addition of continuous or flash glucose monitoring versus standard practice using self-monitored blood glucose and haemoglobin A1c in the primary care of diabetes mellitus: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Kieu Alexander , Govender Romona Devi , Östlundh Linda , King Jeffrey
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Studies demonstrate that optimal glycaemic control reduces morbidity from diabetes mellitus but remains elusive in a significant portion of patients. Although research shows that continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and flash glucose monitoring (FGM) improves glycaemic control in selected subsets of patients with diabetes in specialty practices, we found no systematic reviews evaluating the use of CGM/FGM in primary care, where the majority of patients with diabetes are cared for.

This systematic review aims to answer the questions: ‘compared with usual care of self-monitoring blood glucose and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), does the addition of CGM/FGM use in the primary care of patients with diabetes improve glycaemic control, decrease rates of hypoglycaemia, and improve patient and physician satisfaction?’ and if so, ‘what subgroups of primary care patients with diabetes are most likely to benefit?’.

Methods and analysis

Aligning with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines, a search will be conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science. We will include studies investigating CGM/FGM use and reporting the primary outcome measure of HbA1c and secondary outcome measures of hypoglycaemia, time in range, time below range, time above range and patient/staff satisfaction. We will examine which patient populations appear to benefit from CGM/FGM. Three independent researchers will use the Covidence systematic review software for blinded screening and study selection. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute quality assessment tool and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation will be used to assess the risk of bias and quality of evidence.

Ethics and dissemination

The systematic review methodology does not require ethics approval due to the nature of the study design. Study findings will be publicly available to a wide readership across disciplines and will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021229416.
Emotional states and coping methods in nursing and non-nursing students responding to COVID-19: a cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Miao Qunfang , Xie Lin , Xing Bingyu , Wang Xiaolei , Tang Shiming , Luo Hong
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the emotion, coping strategy, dealing methods and their correlation in the COVID-19 outbreak among nursing and non-nursing students.

Design and setting

A cross-sectional online survey.

Participants

Full-time nursing and non-nursing undergraduate students.

Main outcome measure

The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to determine the emotional status in the COVID-19 pandemic among nursing and non-nursing students. Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) was used to measure the emotion regulation strategies and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) was used to evaluate the coping methods among nursing and non-nursing students.

Results

In total, 746 students including 366 nursing students and 380 non-nursing students participated in the survey. Compared with the non-nursing students, a significant decrease was noticed in GAD-7 score (p<0.01) and PHQ-9 (p<0.01) in the nursing students. The cognition re-evaluation score in the nursing students was significantly lower than that of the non-nursing students (p<0.05). In the nursing students, the score of anxiety was positively correlated with ERQ expression inhibition (p<0.01) and SCSQ negative coping (p<0.01), while the score of depression was also positively correlated with ERQ expression inhibition (p<0.01) and SCSQ negative coping (p<0.01). There was a negative correlation between SCSQ and the scores of anxiety (p<0.05) and depression (p<0.05). In the non-nursing students, the anxiety score was positively correlated with the SCSQ negative coping (p<0.01), while the depression score was positively correlated with the ERQ expression inhibition (p<0.01) and SCSQ negative coping (p<0.01).

Conclusions

COVID-19 affected the emotional status of nursing and non-nursing students. The emotional status was correlated with the emotional regulation and coping methods. Staff involved in the nursing professionals should pay attention to the psychological status of the nursing and non-nursing students, and give moderate psychological interference in the presence of COVID-19.
Cancer immunotherapy with PI3K and PD-1 dual-blockade via optimal modulation of T cell activation signal
Authors: Isoyama Sho , Mori Shigeyuki , Sugiyama Daisuke , Kojima Yasuhiro , Tada Yasuko , Shitara Kohei , Hinohara Kunihiko , Dan Shingo , Nishikawa Hiroyoshi
Published: August 2021

Background

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) induces durable clinical responses in patients with various types of cancer. However, its limited clinical efficacy requires the development of better approaches. In addition to immune checkpoint molecules, tumor-infiltrating immunosuppressive cells including regulatory T cells (Tregs) play crucial roles in the immune suppressive tumor microenvironment. While phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibition as a Treg-targeted treatment has been implicated in animal models, its effects on human Tregs and on the potential impairment of effector T cells are required to be clarified for successful cancer immunotherapy.

Methods

The impact of a selective-PI3K inhibitor ZSTK474 with or without anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody on Tregs and CD8+T cells were examined with in vivo animal models and in vitro experiments with antigen specific and non-specific fashions using peripheral blood from healthy individuals and cancer patients. Phenotypes and functions of Tregs and effector T cells were examined with comprehensive gene and protein expression assays.

Results

Improved antitumor effects by the PI3K inhibitor in combination with ICB, particularly PD-1 blockade, were observed in mice and humans. Although administration of the PI3K inhibitor at higher doses impaired activation of CD8+T cells as well as Tregs, the optimization (doses and timing) of this combination treatment selectively decreased intratumoral Tregs, resulting in increased tumor antigen-specific CD8+T cells in the treated mice. Moreover, on the administration of the PI3K inhibitor with the optimal dose for selectively deleting Tregs, PI3K signaling was inhibited not only in Tregs but also in activated CD8+T cells, leading to the enhanced generation of tumor antigen-specific memory CD8+T cells which contributed to durable antitumor immunity. These opposing outcomes between Tregs and CD8+T cells were attributed to the high degree of dependence on T cell signaling in the former but not in the latter.

Conclusions

PI3K inhibitor in the combination with ICB with the optimized protocol fine-tuned T cell activation signaling for antitumor immunity via decreasing Tregs and optimizing memory CD8+T cell responses, illustrating a promising combination therapy.
Positive solutions and stability of fuzzy Atangana–Baleanu variable fractional differential equation model for a novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
Authors: Verma Pratibha , Kumar Manoj
Published: August 2021

This work provides a new fuzzy variable fractional COVID-19 model and uses a variable fractional operator, namely, the fuzzy variable Atangana–Baleanu fractional derivatives in the Caputo sense. Next, we explore the proposed fuzzy variable fractional COVID-19 model using the fixed point theory approach and determine the solution’s existence and uniqueness conditions. We choose an appropriate mapping and with the help of the upper/lower solutions method. We prove the existence of a positive solution for the proposed fuzzy variable fractional COVID-19 model and also obtain the result on the existence of a unique positive solution. Moreover, we discuss the generalized Hyers–Ulam stability and generalized Hyers–Ulam–Rassias stability. Further, we investigate the results on maximum and minimum solutions for the fuzzy variable fractional COVID-19 model.
Study on Single-Machine Group Scheduling with Due-Window Assignment and Position-Dependent Weights
Authors: Liu Weiguo , Wang Xuyin , Wang Xiaoxiao , Zhao Peizhen
Published: August 2021

This article considers a single-machine group scheduling problem with due-window assignment, where the jobs are classified into groups and the jobs in the same group must be processed in succession. The goal is to minimize the weighted sum of lateness and due-window assignment cost, where the weights depend on the position in which a job is scheduled (i.e., position-dependent weights). For the common, slack, and different due-window assignment methods, we prove that the problem can be solved polynomially, i.e., in

O

N
log
N

time, where

N

is the number of jobs.
Layer Information Similarity Concerned Network Embedding
Authors: Lu Ruili , Jiao Pengfei , Wang Yinghui , Wu Huaming , Chen Xue
Published: August 2021

Great achievements have been made in network embedding based on single‐layer networks. However, there are a variety of scenarios and systems that can be presented as multiplex networks, which can reveal more interesting patterns hidden in the data compared to single‐layer networks. In the field of network embedding, in order to project the multiplex network into the latent space, it is necessary to consider richer structural information among network layers. However, current methods for multiplex network embedding mostly focus on the similarity of nodes in each layer of the network, while ignoring the similarity between different layers. In this paper, for multiplex network embedding, we propose a Layer Information Similarity Concerned Network Embedding (LISCNE) model considering the similarities between layers. Firstly, we introduce the common vector for each node shared by all layers and layer vectors for each layer where common vectors obtain the overall structure of the multiplex network and layer vectors learn semantics for each layer. We get the node embeddings in each layer by concatenating the common vectors and layer vectors with the consideration that the node embedding is related not only to the surrounding neighbors but also to the overall semantics. Furthermore, we define an index to formalize the similarity between different layers and the cross‐network association. Constrained by layer similarity, the layer vectors with greater similarity are closer to each other and the aligned node embedding in these layers is also closer. To evaluate our proposed model, we conduct node classification and link prediction tasks to verify the effectiveness of our model, and the results show that LISCNE can achieve better or comparable performance compared to existing baseline methods.
Algorithm of Pulmonary Vascular Segment and Centerline Extraction
Authors: Qiu Shi , Lian Jie , Ding Yan , Zhou Tao , Liang Ting
Published: August 2021

Because pulmonary vascular lesions are harmful to the human body and difficult to detect, computer-assisted diagnosis of pulmonary blood vessels has become the focus and difficulty of the current research. An algorithm of pulmonary vascular segment and centerline extraction which is consistent with the physician’s diagnosis process is proposed for the first time. We construct the projection of maximum density, restore the vascular space information, and correct random walk algorithm to satisfy automatic and accurate segmentation of blood vessels. Construct a local 3D model to restrain Hessian matrix when extracting centerline. In order to assist the physician to make a correct diagnosis and verify the effectiveness of the algorithm, we proposed a visual expansion model. According to the 420 high-resolution CT data of lung blood vessels labeled by physicians, the accuracy of segmentation algorithm AOM reached 93%, and the processing speed was 0.05 s/frame, which achieved the clinical application standards.
Elman-Based Secure Data Transmission Quality Prediction for Complex IoT Networks
Authors: Yin Fagen
Published: August 2021

The information age has brought earth-shaking changes. For interconnection of all things, the data transmission has widely employed the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT transmission faces complex environments. The secure data transmission is very important for mobile IoT networks. The secure data transmission quality prediction is investigated for mobile IoT networks. The probability of strictly positive secrecy capacity (SPSC) is used to evaluate the secure data transmission quality, and the expressions are first derived. Then, employing Elman network, a secure data transmission quality intelligent prediction approach is proposed. The extensive simulations are run to evaluate the proposed approach. The simulation results show that the Elman-based approach can achieve a higher quality precision than other methods. The Elman-based approach also can achieve a lower time complexity.
The Influence of Enterprise Design Risk Attitude on the Choice of Heterogeneous Open Innovation Alliance
Authors: Sun Changchun , Dong Ruiyi , Xin Yunsheng , Su Nina
Published: August 2021

The choice of open innovation alliance has a significant impact on avoiding potential design risk. In order to reduce the enterprise design risk, an evaluation index system of innovation capability, including design risk, is constructed by considering the aspects of design risk identification, risk response, and risk monitoring. Then, a design risk evaluation method based on the prospect theory and fuzzy TOPSIS method is proposed. Combined with the prospect theory, the influences of three different risk attitudes (risk-taking, intermediate, and conservative) on design decisions are analyzed. Finally, the evaluation system and method are applied to the design evaluation of digital welding power source, and its feasibility is verified by a numerical example. The results show that the conservative risk attitude is consistent with the closeness evaluation results, and the intermediate risk attitude is consistent with the risk-taking attitude evaluation results. Introducing the psychological risk factors of the subject into the design decision-making behavior can help enterprises to choose the innovation alliance, which is more in line with the actual needs and reduces the innovation risk to the greatest extent. The index system and evaluation method established in this paper can provide theoretical reference for enterprise design risk analysis.
A Novel Hybrid Algorithm for Transient Near-Field Scattering from Rough Surface in 2-D Case
Authors: Tian Wei , Wei Bing , Yang Qian
Published: August 2021

A novel hybrid algorithm is proposed to reduce the computation cost of the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method in calculating the transient near-field scattering from rough surface. The scattering problem is split into the FDTD calculation of equivalent sources on the contour enclosing rough surface and the calculation of the near-field radiation with the two-dimensional (2-D) time-domain Huygens’ principle. The radiation fields are found from a surface integral of the temporal convolution for which the direct numerical integration of the convolution is computationally expensive. In this paper, the 2-D time-domain Green’s function as the convolution kernel is approximated with a sum of exponential terms by using the Prony’s method. Then, the semianalytical recursive convolution (SARC) approach is applied to complete the update of the near-field radiation. Compared with the traditional FDTD, this hybrid algorithm can significantly reduce the memory usage and run time, especially for the large distance between the rough surface and observation point.
Potential Roles of Exosomal lncRNAs in the Intestinal Mucosal Immune Barrier
Authors: Chen Shanshan , He Ruonan , He Beihui , Xu Li , Zhang Shuo
Published: August 2021

The intestinal mucosal immune barrier protects the host from the invasion of foreign pathogenic microorganisms. Immune cells and cytokines in the intestinal mucosa maintain local and systemic homeostasis by participating in natural and adaptive immunity. Deficiency of the intestinal mucosal immune barrier is associated with a variety of intestinal illnesses. Exosomes are phospholipid bilayer nanovesicles that allow cell-cell communication by secreting physiologically active substances including proteins, lipids, transcription factors, mRNAs, micro-RNAs (miRNAs), and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Exosomal lncRNAs are involved in immune cell differentiation and the modulation of the immune response. This review briefly introduces the potential role of exosomal lncRNAs in the intestinal mucosal immune barrier and discusses their relevance to intestinal illnesses.
Diagnosis and Management of Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome during Labor
Authors: Togioka Brandon M. , McConville Sarah S. , Penchoen-Lind Rachael M , Schenning Katie J.
Published: August 2021

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a disorder in which patients with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 develop awake hypercapnia with a partial pressure of carbon dioxide ≥45 mm Hg, in the absence of other diseases that may produce alveolar hypoventilation. Additional clinical features include sleep disordered breathing, restrictive lung disease, polycythemia, hypoxemia, and an increased serum bicarbonate concentration (≥27 mEq/L). Anesthesia providers should be familiar with OHS because it is often undiagnosed, it is associated with a higher mortality rate than obstructive sleep apnea, and it is projected to increase in prevalence along with the obesity epidemic. In this case, a 33-year-old obese woman with presumed OHS developed respiratory acidosis during induction of labor. Continuous positive airway pressure treatment was initiated, but the patient continued to have hypercapnia. A cesarean delivery was recommended. The patient had baseline orthopnea due to her body habitus; thus, despite adequate labor analgesia, a cesarean delivery was completed with general endotracheal anesthesia. We believe this patient had OHS despite a serum bicarbonate <27 mEq/L, a partial pressure of oxygen >70 mm Hg, and a hemoglobin <16 g/dL, which would typically rule out OHS. Pregnant women experience a decrease in serum bicarbonate concentration due to progesterone-mediated hyperventilation, an increase in arterial oxygenation from increased minute ventilation and higher cardiac output, and a decrease in hemoglobin due to the physiologic anemia of pregnancy. Thus, OHS may be defined differently in pregnant than in non-pregnant patients.
Experimental Study on Lateral Bearing Mechanical Characteristics and Damage Numerical Simulation of Micropile
Authors: Liu Ning , Huang Yi-Xiong , Wu Bo , Huang Wei
Published: August 2021

The construction site of the foundation pit support project in the urban area is narrow. Micropile has the advantages of flexible pile position layout, strong site adaptability, and fast construction speed, which can effectively control the horizontal displacement of the foundation pit and ensure the safety of surrounding buildings. However, the lateral bearing capacity of micropile is weak. In order to study the lateral force characteristics and failure characteristics of micropile, laboratory tests on the flexural and tensile strength of reinforced concrete micropiles with different diameters and with or without external steel pipes were performed. The authors studied the lateral force characteristics and failure characteristics of various types of micropiles. Based on numerical simulation software ABAQUS, the measured yield strength of the specimen was used as the loading force. And taking the occurrence and development of concrete damage into consideration, the loading process was simulated. The result shows the following: (1) the micropile specimens with external steel pipe had better flexural performance than the bare micropiles and the mechanical characteristics of the specimens changed from brittleness to plasticity; (2) the degree of concrete damage is greatly reduced after the external steel pipe is attached, and the bearing capacity of the micropile specimen of the same diameter is increased by 70% after the external steel pipe is added; and (3) the specimens were mainly damaged due to tensile damage. The calculation formula for the lateral bearing capacity of the concrete‐filled steel tube micropile considering the damage is proposed through fitting analysis. The calculation formula, the finite element calculation value, and the calculation formula proposed by other scholars are compared with the authors′ test and the test data of other scholars. The meta‐calculation results, experimental results, and formula calculation results proposed by the authors have high accuracy.
Research on Performance and Function Testing of V2X in a Closed Test Field
Authors: Wang Runmin , Zhang Xinrui , Xu Zhigang , Zhao Xiangmo , Li Xiaochi
Published: August 2021

The V2X and cooperative vehicle infrastructure system (CVIS), which leverage the efficient information interactions through V2V, V2I, V2P, and V2N, are known as the advanced and effective technology in reducing traffic accidents and improving traffic efficiency. The complex technical characteristics of V2X and highly reliable service demand of typical V2X applications call for the test needs before the large-scale deployment of V2X. It indicates that the performance and function of V2X devices should be systematically tested and evaluated in extreme and boundary conditions of driving and communication environments before being broadly deployed and applied in infrastructures. Motivated by the previously mentioned needs, a performance and function testing scheme of V2X in a closed test field is studied. According to the analytical viewpoint from the physical layer and MAC layer, the proposed research systematically analyses the technical differences of DSRC and LTE-V, which are two typical V2X protocols, in terms of vehicle speed, communication distance, and channel adaptability. Based on the critical practical test needs from the analytical study, a function and performance test system of V2X specifically for the closed test field is proposed. The performance and typical application effectiveness in intersection environment of DSRC and LTE-V are evaluated. The limitation and proposed improvement strategies of these V2X protocols are analytically discussed.
A Novel LMX1B Variant Identified in a Patient Presenting with Severe Renal Involvement and Thin Glomerular Basement Membrane
Authors: Morimoto Nobuhisa , Nagahama Kiyotaka , Mori Takayasu , Fujimaru Takuya , Tsuura Yukio , Terai Ayumi , Tanabe Madoka , Otani Megumi , Shioji Shingo , Hirasawa Suguru , Aki Shota , Aoyagi Makoto , Sohara Eisei , Uchida Shinichi , Tanaka Hiroyuki
Published: August 2021

We report a case of nail-patella syndrome (NPS) with unusual thinning of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) associated with a novel heterozygous variant in the LMX1B gene. A 43-year-old female patient with a previous diagnosis of NPS, referred to our hospital for persistent proteinuria, underwent a renal biopsy, which revealed minor glomerular abnormalities. She underwent a second renal biopsy at the age of 56 owing to the presence of persistent proteinuria and decline in serum albumin, meeting the diagnostic criteria for nephrotic syndrome. Light microscopy demonstrated glomerulosclerosis and cystic dilatation of the renal tubules. Notably, electron microscopy revealed unusual thinning of the GBM, which is quite different from typical biopsy findings observed in patients with NPS, characterized by thick GBM with fibrillary material and electron-lucent structures. Comprehensive genetic screening for 168 known genes responsible for inherited kidney diseases using a next-generation sequencing panel identified a novel heterozygous in-frame deletion-insertion (c.723_729delinsCAAC: p.[Ser242_Lys243delinsAsn]) in exon 4 of the LMX1B gene, which may account for the disrupted GBM structure. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the complex genotype-phenotype relationship between LMX1B and proper GBM morphogenesis.
Diet of Leopards Panthera pardus fusca inhabiting protected areas and human-dominated landscapes in Goa, India
Authors: Desai Bipin S. Phal , D'Costa Avelyno , Kumar M.K. Praveen , Shyama S.K.
Published: August 2021

The diet of leopards occupying human-dominated and protected areas (PAs) in Goa, India was analyzed through scat analysis. A total of 117 scats, 55 from wildlife sanctuaries/ national parks and 62 from human-dominated areas were collected and analyzed. Analysis of 55 scats from protected forest revealed the presence of only wild prey in the leopard diet, whereas 61% of scats collected from human-dominated areas consisted of only wild prey, 29% of domesticated animals, and 10% a mixture of both wild prey & domesticated animals. Of the prey biomass consumed in human-dominated areas, domestic animals constituted only 33% of the leopard diet. Among all leopard scats, 71% contained only one prey species, 28% contained two species, and 1% contained three.
Population status and distribution of the Critically Endangered Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis in the grassland of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal
Authors: Prasai Ritika , Kafley Hemanta , Upadhaya Suraj , Thapa Swosthi , Shrestha Pratistha , Dudley Alex , Timilsina Yajna Prasad
Published: August 2021

The Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis is one of the most threatened terrestrial bird species, listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ by the IUCN. This species is protected globally and locally due to very low population (global population is approximately 250–999 individuals), and little is known about its distribution and habitat use. We assessed population status and distribution of floricans in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal (KTWR). We surveyed 57 1-km2 randomly distributed blocks across the reserve to record as many individuals as possible during their breeding season (March–May). We walked 2,964 transects (52 transects on each block) each of length 1 km on 57 blocks of 1-km2 to estimate their population. We surveyed when the birds are most active during early morning (0600–0930 h) and later afternoon (1530–1900 h). We calculated grass importance value index (IVI), grass species composition, grass height, relative frequency of grass species, relative density of grass species, percent of grass ground coverage, presence/absence of human activity, and presence/absence of livestock to assess the habitat condition. We recorded 18 individuals (16 males and 2 females) inside the core of the reserve, where the habitat is dominated by Imperata cylindrica. Human disturbance had a negative impact on occurrence of the florican. We recommend implementing a Bengal Florican-specific conservation action plan to promote community-based conservation and restrict human encroachment in the grassland habitat.
Baseline Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis in the CREST-2 Trial
Authors: Lazar Ronald M. , Wadley Virginia G. , Myers Terina , Jones Michael R. , Heck Donald V. , Clark Wayne M. , Marshall Randolph S. , Howard Virginia J. , Voeks Jenifer H. , Manly Jennifer J. , Moy Claudia S. , Chaturvedi Seemant , Meschia James F. , Lal Brajesh K. , Brott Thomas G. , Howard George
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose:

Studies of carotid artery disease have suggested that high-grade stenosis can affect cognition, even without stroke. The presence and degree of cognitive impairment in such patients have not been reported and compared with a demographically matched population-based cohort.

Methods:

We studied cognition in 1000 consecutive CREST-2 (Carotid Revascularization and Medical Management for Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis Trial) patients, a treatment trial for asymptomatic carotid disease. Cognitive assessment was after randomization but before assigned treatment. The cognitive battery was developed in the general population REGARDS Study (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke), involving Word List Learning Sum, Word List Recall, and Word List fluency for animal names and the letter F. The carotid stenosis patients were >45 years old with ≥70% asymptomatic carotid stenosis and no history of prevalent stroke. The distribution of cognitive performance for the patients was standardized, accounting for age, race, and education using performance from REGARDS, and after further adjustment for hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and smoking. Using the Wald Test, we tabulated the proportion of
Z
scores less than the anticipated deviate for the population-based cohort for representative percentiles.

Results:

There were 786 baseline assessments. Mean age was 70 years, 58% men, and 52% right-sided stenosis. The overall
Z
score for patients was significantly below expected for higher percentiles (
P
<0.0001 for 50th, 75th, and 95th percentiles) and marginally below expected for the 25th percentile (
P
=0.015). Lower performance was attributed largely to Word List Recall (
P
<0.0001 for all percentiles) and for Word List Learning (50th, 75th, and 95th percentiles below expected,
P
≤0.01). The scores for left versus right carotid disease were similar.

Conclusions:

Baseline cognition of patients with severe carotid stenosis showed below normal cognition compared to the population-based cohort, controlling for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors. This cohort represents the largest group to date to demonstrate that poorer cognition, especially memory, in this disease.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02089217.
Serious Adverse Events and Their Impact on Functional Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke in the WAKE-UP Trial
Authors: Lettow Iris , Jensen Märit , Schlemm Eckhard , Boutitie Florent , Quandt Fanny , Cheng Bastian , Ebinger Martin , Endres Matthias , Fiebach Jochen B. , Thijs Vincent , Lemmens Robin , Muir Keith W. , Nighoghossian Norbert , Pedraza Salvador , Simonsen Claus Z. , Gerloff Christian , Thomalla Götz ,   on behalf of the WAKE-UP Investigators
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose:

During the first days and weeks after an acute ischemic stroke, patients are prone to complications that can influence further treatment, recovery, and functional outcome. In clinical trials, severe complications are recorded as serious adverse events (SAE). We analyzed the effect of SAE on functional outcome and predictors of SAE in the randomized controlled WAKE-UP trial (Efficacy and Safety of MRI-Based Thrombolysis in Wake-Up Stroke).

Methods:

We performed a post hoc analysis of WAKE-UP, a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of magnetic resonance imaging-guided intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase in patients with acute ischemic stroke and unknown time of onset. Functional outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale 90 days after the stroke. SAE were reported to a central safety desk and recorded and categorized by organ system using Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities terminology. We used logistic regression analysis to determine the effect of SAE on functional outcome and linear multiple regression analysis to identify baseline predictors of SAE.

Results:

Among 503 patients randomized, 199 SAE were reported for n=110 (22%) patients. Of those patients who did suffer a SAE, 20 (10%) had a fatal outcome. Patients suffering from at least one SAE had a lower odds of reaching a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0–1) at 90 days (adjusted odds ratio, 0.36 [95% CI, 0.21–0.61],
P
<0.001). Higher age (
P
=0.04) and male sex (
P
=0.01) were predictors for the occurrence of SAE.

Conclusions:

SAEs were observed in about one in 5 patients, were more frequent in elderly and male patients and were associated with worse functional outcome. These results may help to assess the risk of SAE in future stroke trials and create awareness for severe complications after stroke in clinical practice.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01525290. URL:
https://eudract.ema.europa.eu
; Unique identifier: 2011-005906-32.
Uniform SnO2 Hexagonal Prisms with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Zhang Yingxin , Song Xiaoxiong , Cui Li
Published: August 2021

In this work, SnO2 hexagonal prisms are successfully prepared by a simple one-step hydrothermal route. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized product is studied through the degradation of several organic dyes. It shows that eosin red solution is almost degraded after
25 min with UV irradiation. The photodegradation of SnO2 samples with different morphologies and commercial tin dioxide powders are also compared. The as-prepared products exhibit excellent photocatalytic stability, revealing its potential application in the removal of organic pollutants
from wastewater.
Rasch Analysis of the Korean-Child Behavior Checklist (K-CBCL) to Assess Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Park Eun-Young , Seo Hyojeong , Blair Kwang-Sun Cho , Kang Min-Chae
Published: August 2021

This study examined the validity of the Korean version of the Child Behavior Checklist (K-CBCL) with 180 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in South Korea. Rasch analysis was applied to examine item fit, item difficulty, suitability of the response scale, and person and item separation indices of the K-CBCL. The results indicated that, with the exception of six out of the 119 items, the K-CBCL had a good item fit. Suitability of the rating scale was supported. Both Attention Problems and Aggressive Behavior factors differentiated two strata of behavior problems of children with ASD, whereas six other factors only captured one stratum of behavior problems. The item separation index indicated that the items were distributed well with high reliability. We demonstrated that statistical item analysis with the Rasch model could provide valuable information related to psychometric properties.