bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delayed concentration effect models for dabigatran anticoagulation
Authors: Eaton Michael P. , Nadtochiy Sergiy M. , Stefanos Tatsiana , LeMoine Dana , Anderson Brian J.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Dabigatran is an anticoagulant with potential use during cardiopulmonary bypass in children and adults. The pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic relationship for dabigatran anticoagulation effect was investigated in an intact animal model using rabbits.

Methods

Ten male New Zealand white rabbits were given a novel preparation of intravenous dabigatran 15 mg.kg−1. Blood samples were collected for activated clotting time, thromboelastometric reaction time, and drug assay at 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 180, 300, and 420 min. Plasma dabigatran concentrations and coagulation measures were analyzed using an integrated pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model using nonlinear mixed effects. Effects (activated clotting and thromboelastometric reaction times) were described using a sigmoidal EMAX model. Pharmacokinetic parameters were scaled using allometry and standardized to a 70 kg size standard. Pharmacodynamics were investigated using both an effect compartment model and an indirect response (turnover) model.

Results

A two‐compartment model described dabigatran pharmacokinetics with a clearance (CL 0.135 L.min−1.70 kg−1), intercompartment clearance (Q 0.33 L.min−1.70 kg−1), central volume of distribution (V1 12.3 L.70 kg−1), and peripheral volume of distribution (V2 30.1 L.70 kg−1). The effect compartment model estimates for a sigmoid EMAX model with activated clotting time had an effect site concentration (Ce50 20.1 mg.L−1) eliciting half of the maximal effect (EMAX 899 s) and a Hill coefficient (N 0.66). The equilibration half time (T1/2keo) was 1.4 min. Results for the reaction time were plasma concentration (Cp50 65.3 mg.L−1), EMAX 34 min, N 0.80 with a baseline thromboelastometric reaction time of 0.4 min. The equilibration half time (T1/2keo) was 2.04 min.

Conclusions

Dabigatran reversibly binds to the active site on the thrombin molecule, preventing thrombin‐mediated activation of coagulation factors. The effect compartment model performed slightly better than the turnover model and was able to adequately capture pharmacodynamics for both activated clotting and thromboelastometric reaction times. The equilibration half time was short (<2 min). These data can be used to inform future animal preclinical studies for those undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. These preclinical data also demonstrate the magnitude of parameter values for a delayed effect compartment model that are applicable to humans.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of celiac plexus neurolysis for abdominal pain associated with unresectable pancreatic cancer
Authors: Okita Muneyori , Otani Kazuki , Gibo Noriaki , Matsui Shigeyuki
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) has been developed as adjunctive therapy to medical management (MM) of abdominal pain associated with unresectable pancreatic cancer. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis to obtain updated and more accurate evidence on the efficacy of additional types of CPN, including endoscopic ultrasound‐guided CPN (EUS‐CPN).

Methods

On March 16, 2021, we performed searches of PubMed, Web of Science, and CENTRAL for original randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We defined the primary outcome as a standardized pain intensity score with a range of 0–10, and evaluated the mean difference between the CPN + MM and MM groups at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the initiation of treatment. We used a random‐effects model to synthesize the mean differences across RCTs.

Results

We selected 10 RCTs involving 646 individuals. The synthesized mean difference in the pain intensity score between the CPN + MM and MM groups was −0.58 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.09 to −0.07) (p = 0.034) in favor of CPN + MM at 4 weeks, −0.46 (95%CI: −1.00 to 0.08) (p = 0.081) at 8 weeks, and − 1.35 (95%CI: −3.61 to 0.92) (p = 0.17) at 12 weeks.

Conclusions

This updated meta‐analysis of CPN demonstrates its efficacy for managing abdominal pain at 4 weeks. Although there are various limitations, when abdominal pain in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer is poorly controlled with MM alone, CPN should be an option even if the duration of effect is short‐lived, taking into account the absence of serious adverse events.
Physiological trait networks enhance understanding of crop growth and water use in contrasting environments
Authors: Gleason Sean M. , Barnard Dave M. , Green Timothy R. , Mackay Scott , Wang Diane R. , Ainsworth Elizabeth A. , Altenhofen Jon , Brodribb Timothy J. , Cochard Hervé , Comas Louise H. , Cooper Mark , Creek Danielle , DeJonge Kendall C. , Delzon Sylvain , Fritschi Felix B. , Hammer Graeme , Hunter Cameron , Lombardozzi Danica , Messina Carlos D. , Ocheltree Troy , Stevens Bo Maxwell , Stewart Jared J. , Vadez Vincent , Wenz Joshua , Wright Ian J. , Yemoto Kevin , Zhang Huihui
Published: June 2022

Plant function arises from a complex network of structural and physiological traits. Explicit representation of these traits, as well as their connections with other biophysical processes, is required to advance our understanding of plant‐soil‐climate interactions. We used the Terrestrial Regional Ecosystem Exchange Simulator (TREES) to evaluate physiological trait networks in maize. Net primary productivity (NPP) and grain yield were simulated across five contrasting climate scenarios. Simulations achieving high NPP and grain yield in high precipitation environments featured trait networks conferring high water use strategies: deep roots, high stomatal conductance at low water potential (“risky” stomatal regulation), high xylem hydraulic conductivity and high maximal leaf area index. In contrast, high NPP and grain yield was achieved in dry environments with low late‐season precipitation via water conserving trait networks: deep roots, high embolism resistance and low stomatal conductance at low leaf water potential (“conservative” stomatal regulation). We suggest that our approach, which allows for the simultaneous evaluation of physiological traits, soil characteristics and their interactions (i.e., networks), has potential to improve our understanding of crop performance in different environments. In contrast, evaluating single traits in isolation of other coordinated traits does not appear to be an effective strategy for predicting plant performance.
Religious and cultural aspects of organ donation: Narrowing the gap through understanding different religious beliefs
Authors: Doerry Katja , Oh Jun , Vincent Deirdre , Fischer Lutz , Schulz‐Jürgensen Sebastian
Published: June 2022

Background

The supply of viable organ donations falls significantly below the demand. Discrepancies concerning the availability of transplants cannot be explained solely by the various consent models used in different countries. There is evidence that religious beliefs of patients, potential donors, and healthcare professionals also play an important role in the decision‐making process. However, to date, very little research has been conducted on the consequences of specific religious beliefs on transplantation rates. The aim of this review was to outline the religious views of Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, and Buddhists on organ donation. Additionally, different approaches to address this topic throughout the world are presented and can function as a helpful background for medical professionals.

Methods

The umbrella organizations of the five largest religious movements were asked for written statements concerning the subject of organ transplantation, and a literature review was performed.

Results

All German religious umbrella organizations have a positive view on organ donation, if certain rules are respected. Particularly, deceased donations are supported as a sign of altruism, love, and respect for another human being. Different aspects of the transplant process (e.g., consent, brain death, and respect for the dead body) are particularly stressed in some religions.

Conclusions

In general, the religious groups addressed here are in favor of organ donations. Nevertheless, there are important particularities to be considered. Hopefully, understanding the different religious views on organ donations will help in reducing religious concerns about transplantation and narrowing the gap between the need and the availability of organ donations.
Role of land‐cover and WUI types on spatio‐temporal dynamics of fires in the French Mediterranean area
Authors: Chappaz François , Ganteaume Anne
Published: June 2022

This work aims at assessing, in the French Mediterranean area, the spatio‐temporal trends of fires, including their causes, at fine scale (communities), comparing different periods between 1993 and 2017. These trends were compared to those of land‐cover and wildland‐urban interface (WUI) which were coupled with a spatial analysis of the ignitions in order to highlight the main drivers and preferential areas. Fire density was highly variable among communities, hotspots being located mostly close to big cities but spatially varying in time in contrast to fire occurrence and burned area. A decrease in the unknown cause proportion and a variation of the cause frequency were highlighted among periods, criminal fires being the most frequent and deleterious, especially before 2009, as well as those due to negligence during private activities, mostly after 2009. Land cover classes significantly varied among periods, artificialized and natural areas presenting a reversed trend compared with agricultural areas. Natural areas were the most affected by ignitions (60%), regardless of the period; this trend is slowly decreasing. WUI represented ∼30% of the study area, the different types varying spatially (denser clustered types mostly located in the South‐East) and showed an increase over time, especially for both clustered types but with high variability among communities. Half of the ignitions occurred in WUI, with “very dense clustered” and “scattered” types being the most affected, especially in 2009. Better understanding the spatio‐temporal evolution of fires and of their causes should allow refining the fire policies in terms of awareness raising, firefighting means, and land management.
Temperature-resolved surface infrared spectroscopy of CO on Rh(111) and (2 × 1)-O/Rh(111)
Authors: Jamka Elizabeth A. , Gillum Maxwell Z. , Grytsyshyn-Giger Christina N. , Lewis Faith J. , Killelea Daniel R.
Published: June 2022

Heterogeneously catalyzed reactions over transition metal surfaces are pillars of chemical industry and account for a significant fraction of the global energy demand. CO oxidation provides insight into the relative reactivity of various oxygenaceous surface phases, and it is necessary to first understand where it binds to the surface and the nature of the local environment to develop robust mechanistic pictures of the reaction. Surface IR spectroscopy is a quantitative technique that also provides information about the binding sites and chemical environments of the adsorbed CO molecules. Here, we report results from a study of CO sticking to clean Rh(111) and (2 × 1)-O/Rh(111) that shows that the intensity of the IR absorption was not linear with coverage and is an important consideration for further studies of the catalytic surface.
Universality of dilute solutions of ring polymers in the thermal crossover region between θ and athermal solvents
Authors: Santra Aritra , Ravi Prakash J.
Published: June 2022

Due to their unique topology of having no chain ends, dilute solutions of ring polymers exhibit behavior distinct from their linear chain counterparts. The universality of their static and dynamic properties, as a function of solvent quality z in the thermal crossover regime between θ and athermal solvents, is studied here using Brownian dynamics simulations. The universal ratio URD of the radius of gyration Rg to the hydrodynamic radius RH is determined, and a comparative study of the swelling ratio αg of the radius of gyration, the swelling ratio αH of the hydrodynamic radius, and the swelling ratio αX of the mean polymer stretch X along the x-axis, for linear and ring polymers, is carried out. The ratio URD for dilute ring polymer solutions is found to converge asymptotically to a constant value as z→∞, which is a major difference from the behavior of solutions of linear chains, where no such asymptotic limit exists. Additionally, the ratio of the mean stretch along the x-axis to the hydrodynamic radius, (X/RH), is found to be independent of z for polymeric rings, unlike in the case for linear polymers. These results indicate a fundamental difference in the scaling of static and dynamic properties of rings and linear chains in the thermal crossover regime.
Postoperative Psychological Factors Are Associated With Perceived Improvement Following Hip Arthroscopy
Authors: Jochimsen Kate N. , Doorley James D. , Vranceanu Ana-Maria , Noehren Brian , Duncan Stephen T. , Jacobs Cale A.
Published: June 2022

Psychological factors are receiving increased attention for their role in musculoskeletal health, surgical outcomes, and patient-reported outcome measures. This study examined if preoperative and 3-month postoperative pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, and self-efficacy differ between patients who report greater versus less than 75% overall improvement from baseline to 3 months after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. Of 43 patients, 13 (30.2%) reported <75% improvement 3 months after surgery. Patients who reported <75% improvement had higher pain catastrophizing (p = .04), higher kinesiophobia (p = .02), and lower self-efficacy (p = .007) 3 months after surgery. None of the preoperative psychological factors differed between groups (p ≥ .67). Findings suggest that patients with maladaptive psychological responses 3 months following surgery may also perceive suboptimal surgical improvement.
Slow and negligible senescence among testudines challenges evolutionary theories of senescence
Authors: da Silva Rita , Conde Dalia A. , Baudisch Annette , Colchero Fernando
Published: June 2022

Is senescence inevitable and universal for all living organisms, as evolutionary theories predict? Although evidence generally supports this hypothesis, it has been proposed that certain species, such as turtles and tortoises, may exhibit slow or even negligible senescence—i.e., avoiding the increasing risk of death from gradual deterioration with age. In an extensive comparative study of turtles and tortoises living in zoos and aquariums, we show that ~75% of 52 species exhibit slow or negligible senescence. For ~80% of species, aging rates are lower than those in modern humans. We find that body weight positively relates to adult life expectancy in both sexes, and sexual size dimorphism explains sex differences in longevity. Unlike humans and other species, we show that turtles and tortoises may reduce senescence in response to improvements in environmental conditions.
Diverse aging rates in ectothermic tetrapods provide insights for the evolution of aging and longevity
Authors: Reinke Beth A. , Cayuela Hugo , Janzen Fredric J. , Lemaître Jean-François , Gaillard Jean-Michel , Lawing A. Michelle , Iverson John B. , Christiansen Ditte G. , Martínez-Solano Iñigo , Sánchez-Montes Gregorio , Gutiérrez-Rodríguez Jorge , Rose Francis L. , Nelson Nicola , Keall Susan , Crivelli Alain J. , Nazirides Theodoros , Grimm-Seyfarth Annegret , Henle Klaus , Mori Emiliano , Guiller Gaëtan , Homan Rebecca , Olivier Anthony , Muths Erin , Hossack Blake R. , Bonnet Xavier , Pilliod David S. , Lettink Marieke , Whitaker Tony , Schmidt Benedikt R. , Gardner Michael G. , Cheylan Marc , Poitevin Françoise , Golubović Ana , Tomović Ljiljana , Arsovski Dragan , Griffiths Richard A. , Arntzen Jan W. , Baron Jean-Pierre , Le Galliard Jean-François , Tully Thomas , Luiselli Luca , Capula Massimo , Rugiero Lorenzo , McCaffery Rebecca , Eby Lisa A. , Briggs-Gonzalez Venetia , Mazzotti Frank , Pearson David , Lambert Brad A. , Green David M. , Jreidini Nathalie , Angelini Claudio , Pyke Graham , Thirion Jean-Marc , Joly Pierre , Léna Jean-Paul , Tucker Anton D. , Limpus Col , Priol Pauline , Besnard Aurélien , Bernard Pauline , Stanford Kristin , King Richard , Garwood Justin , Bosch Jaime , Souza Franco L. , Bertoluci Jaime , Famelli Shirley , Grossenbacher Kurt , Lenzi Omar , Matthews Kathleen , Boitaud Sylvain , Olson Deanna H. , Jessop Tim S. , Gillespie Graeme R. , Clobert Jean , Richard Murielle , Valenzuela-Sánchez Andrés , Fellers Gary M. , Kleeman Patrick M. , Halstead Brian J. , Grant Evan H. Campbell , Byrne Phillip G. , Frétey Thierry , Le Garff Bernard , Levionnois Pauline , Maerz John C. , Pichenot Julian , Olgun Kurtuluş , Üzüm Nazan , Avcı Aziz , Miaud Claude , Elmberg Johan , Brown Gregory P. , Shine Richard , Bendik Nathan F. , O’Donnell Lisa , Davis Courtney L. , Lannoo Michael J. , Stiles Rochelle M. , Cox Robert M. , Reedy Aaron M. , Warner Daniel A. , Bonnaire Eric , Grayson Kristine , Ramos-Targarona Roberto , Baskale Eyup , Muñoz David , Measey John , de Villiers F. Andre , Selman Will , Ronget Victor , Bronikowski Anne M. , Miller David A. W.
Published: June 2022

Comparative studies of mortality in the wild are necessary to understand the evolution of aging; yet, ectothermic tetrapods are underrepresented in this comparative landscape, despite their suitability for testing evolutionary hypotheses. We present a study of aging rates and longevity across wild tetrapod ectotherms, using data from 107 populations (77 species) of nonavian reptiles and amphibians. We test hypotheses of how thermoregulatory mode, environmental temperature, protective phenotypes, and pace of life history contribute to demographic aging. Controlling for phylogeny and body size, ectotherms display a higher diversity of aging rates compared with endotherms and include phylogenetically widespread evidence of negligible aging. Protective phenotypes and life-history strategies further explain macroevolutionary patterns of aging. Analyzing ectothermic tetrapods in a comparative context enhances our understanding of the evolution of aging.
Connectomic comparison of mouse and human cortex
Authors: Loomba Sahil , Straehle Jakob , Gangadharan Vijayan , Heike Natalie , Khalifa Abdelrahman , Motta Alessandro , Ju Niansheng , Sievers Meike , Gempt Jens , Meyer Hanno S. , Helmstaedter Moritz
Published: June 2022

The human cerebral cortex houses 1000 times more neurons than that of the cerebral cortex of a mouse, but the possible differences in synaptic circuits between these species are still poorly understood. We used three-dimensional electron microscopy of mouse, macaque, and human cortical samples to study their cell type composition and synaptic circuit architecture. The 2.5-fold increase in interneurons in humans compared with mice was compensated by a change in axonal connection probabilities and therefore did not yield a commensurate increase in inhibitory-versus-excitatory synaptic input balance on human pyramidal cells. Rather, increased inhibition created an expanded interneuron-to-interneuron network, driven by an expansion of interneuron-targeting interneuron types and an increase in their synaptic selectivity for interneuron innervation. These constitute key neuronal network alterations in the human cortex.
The delicate balance of river sediments
Authors: Zarfl Christiane , Dunn Frances E.
Published: June 2022

Global satellite data quantify changes in sediment flux in 414 rivers
Supplemental Material: Seismic attenuation tomography of the Sn phase beneath the Turkish-Iranian Plateau and the Zagros mountain belt
Authors: Kaviani A. , al. et
Published: June 2022

Figure 3. (interactive) Map of raypaths with Sn propagation efficiencies. Raypaths are color coded according to their respective efficiency (red, blocked Sn; green, inefficient Sn; blue, efficient Sn). Figure 3 is interactive. Please open the PDF with Adobe Reader or Acrobat. Raypaths can be toggled on and off using the Acrobat (PDF) Layers panel in the Acrobat navigation pane (vertical bar on left side of window). Click the “Layers” icon to display available layers; turn layers on or off by clicking the box to the left of the layer name.
Thrombocytosis, haemorrhagic pleural effusion and fibro-infiltrative patches with cavitary lung lesions in a child with COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Pachauri Ankit , Singh Shakal Narayan , Verma Sanjeev Kumar , Awasthi Shally
Published: June 2022

COVID-19 infection in children is relatively mild and is associated with fewer complications compared with adults. Here we report the case of a previously healthy preteen girl who presented with active COVID-19 and shock. On day 1, ultrasound of the thorax revealed a right-sided pleural effusion with haemorrhagic pus on diagnostic tap, which improved clinically with appropriate hospital treatment. Even at discharge, the chest X-ray barely changed, indicating a fibrotic area and a collapsed lung. The patient had persistent thrombocytosis, her inflammatory markers (C reactive protein, ESR, interleukin 6, serum ferritin, D-dimer and procalcitonin) were elevated, and a high-resolution CT scan of the thorax at discharge revealed fibro-infiltrative patches with cavitary lesions in COVID-19 pneumonia, which are unusual findings. The patient was discharged on clinical improvement and was doing fine on follow-up after 2 weeks.
Intravenous magnesium sulfate inducing acute respiratory failure in a patient with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Jessop Kayleigh
Published: June 2022

A woman in her 90s with a background of myasthenia gravis and atrial fibrillation presented to hospital following a fall. While in the emergency department it was noted that she was in atrial fibrillation with a fast-ventricular response and as part of her management was given intravenous magnesium. Following this she developed acute respiratory failure and required intubation and ventilation. The patient recovered quickly and was extubated in the intensive care unit the next day. On subsequent days, the patient received two further doses of intravenous magnesium before the link was identified. On both of these occasions she again developed respiratory failure which were managed with non-invasive ventilation. This case highlights the importance of all members of the team being aware of the drugs that can induce a myasthenic crisis. It also stimulates further research into the development of a guide of how to safely treat symptomatic hypomagnesaemia in patients with myasthenia gravis.
Survey of UK clinicians’ approaches to decision making in neonatal intestinal failure
Authors: Cairns Pamela , Ives Jonathan , Deans Zuzana
Published: June 2022

Background

Outcomes for neonatal intestinal failure (IF) have improved significantly over the past two decades, however, there is no consensus for decision making among UK paediatric subspecialists.

Objectives

The aim was to describe clinician’s attitudes to decision making in neonatal IF and examine variation between subspecialties.

Methods

Neonatologists, paediatric surgeons and gastroenterologists were surveyed electronically. They were asked if they would recommend active or palliative care or allow the parents to decide in several scenarios; or if they considered treatment morally obligatory or impermissible.

Results

Of 147 respondents, 81% of gastroenterologists would recommend active care (34.6% regardless of parental decision) for a term infant with total gut Hirschsprung’s compared with 46% and 33% of surgeons and neonatologists. No gastroenterologist would recommend palliation while 23% of both neonatologists and surgeons would. Similarly, 77% of surgeons and 73% of neonatologists would recommend palliation for a 28-week infant with IF and bilateral parenchymal haemorrhages compared with 27% of gastroenterologists.

Prognostic estimates also varied. A term baby with IF was estimated to have a survival of >80% at 5 years by 58% of gastroenterologists compared with 11.5% and 2.7% of surgeons and neonatologists. Only 11.5% of surgeons and 2.6% of neonatologist believed a 26-week preterm with IF would have a 5-year survival >60% compared with 59% of gastroenterologists.

Conclusion

There is substantial variation in views about outcomes and management choices both within and between specialties; with gastroenterologists being consistently more positive. This is likely to lead to unjustified variation in counselling and parental choices.
Biological ageing and the risks of all-cause and cause-specific mortality among people with diabetes: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Li , Yin Xingzhu , Zhao Ying , Chen Huimin , Tan Tianqi , Yao Ping , Tang Yuhan
Published: June 2022

Background

The aetiology of diabetes is complex with limited treatment strategies. Growing animal studies have shown that targeted antiageing can improve the outcomes of diabetes. However, population evidence is limited. This study aims to evaluate the associations of biological ageing with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among people with diabetes.

Methods

A total of 5278 people with diabetes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2014 were included. Biological ageing was measured from different perspectives, including phenotypic age, biological age, telomere length and klotho concentration. Phenotypic/biological age acceleration was the residual resulting from a linear model when regressing phenotypic/biological age on chronological age. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the relationships between ageing and all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality.

Results

Over median follow-up for 7.3 years, 1355 diabetics died. There was a positive and linear association of mortality with phenotypic age acceleration (HRall-cause1.04; HRCVD1.04; HRcancer1.04, p<0.001) and biological age acceleration (HRall-cause1.03; HRCVD1.04; HRcancer1.03, p<0.001). Telomere length was inversely associated with all-cause mortality (tertile (T)3 vs T1: HR 0.67, p<0.05). The concentration of klotho had a U-shaped relationship with mortality (T2 vs T1: HRall-cause0.62; HRCVD0.48; HRcancer0.47, p<0.05). Further, stratified analysis by age and sex found that the associations of ageing-related markers with mortality were more significant in the aged and female subgroup.

Conclusions

Biological ageing was positively associated with mortality among people with diabetes, indicating therapies targeting antiageing could be encouraged to halt the progression of diabetes.
Industry-specific prevalence of elevated blood lead levels among Pennsylvania workers, 2007–2018
Authors: Tsai Rebecca J , Lu John W , Henn Scott A , Hasanali Stephanie H , Harduar-Morano Laurel , Nair Anil
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To use industry-specific denominators to more accurately examine trends in prevalence rates for occupational cases of elevated blood lead levels (eBLLs) in Pennsylvania.

Methods

We used adult (aged ≥16 years) blood lead level data from Pennsylvania (2007–2018) and industry-specific denominator data from the US Census Bureau’s County Business Patterns to calculate prevalence rates for eBLLs, defined as ≥25 µg/dL.

Results

Of the 19 904 cases with eBLLs, 92% were due to occupational lead exposure, with 83% from workers in the battery manufacturing industry. In 2018, the prevalence rate of eBLLs for battery manufacturing (8036.4 cases per 100 000 employed battery manufacturing workers) was 543 times the overall Pennsylvania prevalence rate. The prevalence rate for battery manufacturing steeply declined 71% from 2007 to 2018.

Conclusions

The battery manufacturing industry had the highest burden of occupational lead exposure in Pennsylvania, illustrating the importance of using industry-specific denominators to accurately identify sources of lead exposure. Although the prevalence rate of eBLLs declined over time, lead exposure remains a major concern among battery manufacturing workers.
Online Finance in a Dual-Channel Supply Chain with a Capital-Constrained Manufacturer
Authors: Fang Lei , Gao Yi
Published: June 2022

This paper investigates a dual-channel supply chain which consists of a capital-constrained manufacturer and an e-commerce platform. The manufacturer sells its products through an offline direct channel and an online platform. The platform can serve as a marketplace or a reseller for the manufacturer, while the platform provides online finance to the manufacturer. We discuss the equilibrium decisions of the manufacturer and the platform when the platform serves as two different roles. We find that when the total production quantity of the manufacturer who with an online marketplace channel exceeds a threshold, the manufacturer tends to choose the platform’s marketplace role for the online channel, unless the wholesale price and the upper limit of demand are high. When production quantity is below this threshold, unless the wholesale price and the upper limit of demand are low, the manufacturer tends to choose the platform’s reseller role for the online channel. The platform tends to choose the role whose production quantity exceeds the threshold. If both are exceeded, the platform chooses the marketplace role when the wholesale price is low, and if both are not exceeded, the marketplace role is better when the wholesale price is high.
Approaches to Solving Scheduling with Due-Window Assignment and Deterioration Effects
Authors: Teng Fei , Luo Si-Wen , Lv Dan-Yang , Wang Ji-Bo
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we consider scheduling problems with slack (different) due-window assignment and time-dependent processing times. The processing time functions are all a proportional linear increasing function of time. On a single-machine setting, the goal is to minimize a cost function that includes earliness, tardiness, due-window starting time and size, and the number of early and tardy jobs. Some relevant optimality properties and polynomial time solution algorithms are proposed to solve these two problems.
Fluctuational electrodynamics in and out of equilibrium
Authors: Brevik Iver , Shapiro Boris , Silveirinha Mário G.
Published: June 2022

Dispersion forces between neutral material bodies are due to fluctuations of the polarization of the bodies. For bodies in equilibrium these forces are often referred to as Casimir–Lifshitz forces. For bodies in relative motion, in addition to the Casimir–Lifshitz force, a lateral frictional force (“quantum friction”, in the zero temperature limit) comes into play. The widely accepted theory of the fluctuation-induced forces is based on the “fluctuational electrodynamics”, when the Maxwell equations are supplemented by random current sources responsible for the fluctuations of the medium polarization. The first part of our paper touches on some conceptual issues of the theory, such as the dissipation-less limit and the link between Rytov’s approach and quantum electrodynamics. We point out the problems with the dissipation-less plasma model (with its unphysical double pole at zero frequency) which still appears in the literature. The second part of the paper is devoted to “quantum friction”, in a broad sense, and it contains some novel material. In particular, it is pointed out that in weakly dissipative systems the friction force may not be a stationary process. It is shown, using an “exact” (nonperturbative) quantum treatment, that under appropriate conditions, an instability can occur when the kinetic energy (due to the relative motion between the bodies) is transformed into coherent radiation, exponentially growing in intensity (the instability gets eventually limited by nonlinear effects). We also discuss a setup when the two bodies are at rest but a constant electric current is flowing in one of the bodies. One may say that only the electron component of one body is dragged with respect to the other body, unlike the usual setup when the two bodies are in relative motion. Clearly, there are differences in the frictional forces between the two setups.
Resilience Assessment of Multimodal Urban Transport Networks
Authors: Chen Yishui , Wang Xiaoya , Song Xuewang , Jia Jianlin , Chen Yanyan , Shang Wen-Long
Published: June 2022

With the development of urbanization and the evolution of urban network systems, multimodal urban transport network (MUTN) systems play a vital role in improving network effects and operational efficiency. However, urban transport networks are easily affected by natural disasters and traffic incidents, which can lead to significant human and economic losses. Accordingly, it is vital to be able to assess the resilience of transport networks in the face of various disruptions. This study, therefore, utilizes complex network theory to analyze the resilience of multimodal urban transport networks, with the resilience accessed based on topological indices. The MUTN in Beijing is selected as a case study for simulation analysis. Based on the road network and subway network, a model MUTN is established, and the Monte Carlo method is used to simulate random attacks. The results show that the MUTN in Beijing has good resilience against disruptions. This study guides the evaluation of the overall resilience of multimodal urban transport networks and will be useful for transportation planners and decision-makers in dealing with emergencies and natural disasters in the future.
Green Method of CuO NPs by Using Eucalyptus Camaldulensis Aqueous Extract with Cold Plasma, and its effect on Biofilm Formation
Authors: Shanan Zainab J. , Shanshool Sabeeha K. , Al-Taay H. F. , Abdalameer Nisreen Kh. , Hadi Sabah M.
Published: June 2022

The hot aqueous extract of E. camaldensis leaves as a degradable agent and copper nitrate as a copper source with cold plasma was used in this work to present an easy and green technique for copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) synthesis. UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM), and Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) were all used to determine the production of copper oxide nanoparticles (SEM). The energy gap was 4.9[Formula: see text]eV, and the average crystalline size of CuO NPs evaluated using the Scherrer equation was 15.06[Formula: see text]nm, according to the X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD). CuO NPs had a grain size of 70.63 nanometers, according to AFM morphology study. Finally, the effect of copper oxide nanoparticles on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi, was studied.
Synthesis of zinc porphyrin with fluorophenyl group and applications in dye sensitized solar cells
Authors: Li Cuili , Jia Qifan , Fan Yan , Zhang Wenyuan , Sun Xueqin , Cao Jing , Jin Nengzhi , Liu Jiacheng
Published: June 2022

To fabricate highly efficient porphyrin dyes, we designed and synthesized two dyes with different numbers of fluorine atoms, dyes ZnF1 and ZnF2, respectively. These dyes were then connected to TiO2 electrode surface to build dye sensitized solar cells, and we studied the relationship between porphyrins dyes with different numbers of fluorine atoms and the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells. Our results indicate that solar cells with fewer fluorine atoms show higher photocurrent conversion efficiency (PCE). In particular, the ZnF1 solar cell containing one fluorine atom exhibits relatively high short-circuit current density ([Formula: see text] due to its low band gap and remarkable light collection capability. ZnF1 solar cells showed relatively higher short circuit current density ([Formula: see text] due to their low energy band gap and significant light collection ability. With the purpose to further improve the efficiencies, cosensitized with chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) dyes approaches were employed. As a result, the efficiencies have been successfully elevated to 2.71%. Additionally, the UV-vis absorption, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) and HOMO-LUMO energy gaps are used to further verify the test results of the sensitized solar cells.
When is a ϕ-derivation continuous and where can its image be found?
Authors: Hosseini Amin
Published: June 2022

This paper has two main objectives. One of them is to obtain some conditions under which the image of a [Formula: see text]-derivation on a Banach algebra [Formula: see text] is contained in the Jacobson radical of [Formula: see text] and other purpose of this study is to present some results about the automatic continuity of [Formula: see text]-derivations in Banach algebras.
Repeated warm water baths decrease sympathetic activity in humans
Authors: Cui Jian , Gao Zhaohui , Leuenberger Urs A. , Blaha Cheryl , Luck Jonathan Carter , Herr Michael D. , Sinoway Lawrence I.
Published: June 2022

To our knowledge, this is the first study to observe the effects of repeated warm baths on sympathetic nerve activity during rest and stress in healthy middle age and older individuals. The data suggest that the repeated warm baths decreased resting sympathetic activity and heart rate, which can be considered beneficial effects. This study also provides the first evidence that the repeated warm baths did not alter the baroreflex sensitivity and the sympathetic responses to stress.
Machine Learning Models to Predict In-Hospital Mortality among Inpatients with COVID-19: Underestimation and Overestimation Bias Analysis in Subgroup Populations
Authors: Zarei Javad , Jamshidnezhad Amir , Haddadzadeh Shoushtari Maryam , Mohammad Hadianfard Ali , Cheraghi Maria , Sheikhtaheri Abbas
Published: June 2022

Prediction of the death among COVID-19 patients can help healthcare providers manage the patients better. We aimed to develop machine learning models to predict in-hospital death among these patients. We developed different models using different feature sets and datasets developed using the data balancing method. We used demographic and clinical data from a multicenter COVID-19 registry. We extracted 10,657 records for confirmed patients with PCR or CT scans, who were hospitalized at least for 24 hours at the end of March 2021. The death rate was 16.06%. Generally, models with 60 and 40 features performed better. Among the 240 models, the C5 models with 60 and 40 features performed well. The C5 model with 60 features outperformed the rest based on all evaluation metrics; however, in external validation, C5 with 32 features performed better. This model had high accuracy (91.18%), F-score (0.916), Area under the Curve (0.96), sensitivity (94.2%), and specificity (88%). The model suggested in this study uses simple and available data and can be applied to predict death among COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, we concluded that machine learning models may perform differently in different subpopulations in terms of gender and age groups.
Evaluation Method of Physical Education Teaching and Training Quality Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Wang Hong , Yang Fei , Xing Xingyang
Published: June 2022

To solve the problems of great difficulty and low accuracy in the evaluation of physical education teaching results, an evaluation method of physical education teaching and training quality based on deep learning is proposed. The evaluation index system is constructed based on the teaching content, teaching attitude, teaching content, teaching method, and teaching effects that affect the teaching quality. After the influence factors of each index are quantified, the resolution coefficient of the index is dynamically taken, the index correlation relationship based on weight is established, and the score distribution and score progress are taken as the evaluation results. The test results show that the correlation coefficient between the evaluation result of the design method and the actual results is 0.9430, and the evaluation accuracy is 94.73%.
[Retracted] Recognition of Key Genes in Human Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer via the Weighing Gene Coexpression Network
Authors: Gong Yun , Xu Fanghua , Deng Lifei , Peng Lifen
Published: June 2022

Background and Objective. Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) gains the definition as an aggressive tumor that has been found in human beings. It has been put in researches that complex gene interaction networks exert an influence on ATC tumor in terms of occurrence and prognosis. Therefore, this study is conducted with the purpose of recognizing possible key genes that have relation with prognosis and pathogenesis of ATC. Methods. For determining pathways and key genes that have relation with development of ATC, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from GSE33630 as well as GSE65144 expression microarray were screened. Furthermore, we also worked on carrying out the task of constructing a protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network and the work of weighing gene coexpression network (WGCNA). DAVID was utilized for the performance of the Gene Ontology (GO) as well as KEGG pathway enrichment analyses for DEGs. We used TCGA THCA data and GSE53072 to further verify the hub gene and hub pathway. Results. We came to the conclusion of the recognition of a total of 1063 genes as DEGs. Analysis regarding functional and pathway enrichment showed that there existed a notable enrichment of upregulated DEGs in the organization of extracellular structure and matrix organization, as well as in organelle fission and nuclear division. The downregulated DEG was markedly gathered in the thyroid hormone metabolic process and generation, as well as in the metabolic process of cellular modified amino acid. We identified 10 hub genes (CXCL8, CDH1, AURKA, CCNA2, FN1, CDK1, ITGAM, CDC20, MMP9, and KIF11) through the PPI network, which might be strongly linked to the carcinogenesis and the development of ATC. In the coexpression network, 6 modules that were relevant to ATC were recognized. The modules were related to the interaction of signaling pathway of p53, Hippo, PI3K/Akt, and ECM‐receptor. This hub genes and hub pathway were further successfully validated as a potential biomarker for carcinogenesis and prediction in another database GSE53072. Conclusion. To summarize, this research displayed an illustration of hub genes and pathways that had relation with ATC development, which suggested that DEGs and hub genes, recognized on the basis of bioinformatics analyses, were valuable in the diagnosis for patients with ATC.
Nanoselenium on Aerobic Endurance Exercise Adaptation
Authors: He Guiping , Liu Long
Published: June 2022

If the load exercise exceeds a certain degree, it will lead to sports injury. The main reason for this phenomenon is that the human body produces a lot of free radicals after sports training. Free radicals can attack human cells and cause lipid peroxidation to damage cell membrane. The human body can improve the antioxidant capacity of the body by supplementing some trace elements. Selenium, iodine, zinc, iron, and calcium are all trace elements that contribute to antioxidants in the body. Nanoselenium is of great interest among many immune modulators because of its high antioxidant properties and remarkable immune protective function. In this paper, grey rabbits were used as the research object to carry out aerobic endurance training. Nanoselenium and placebo were supplemented in each group. The evaluation model of nanoselenium on aerobic endurance exercise was established by system control method, exhaustion compensation method, and analytic hierarchy process. The adaptive changes of nanoselenium on aerobic endurance exercise of grey rabbits were studied in detail, and the effects of exercise and antioxidant on the body were observed. Compared with the previous research methods, the difference is that the decentralized control theory is introduced as the guiding ideology of the research. According to the experimental results, the accuracy of the overall experimental results is improved by about 20%, and the accuracy is higher, which has certain practical value.
Reliability Evaluation of Nondispatchable Energy Sources in Generation Planning: A Wind Electrical System Case Study
Authors: Khalkho Anant Milan , Mohanta Dusmanta Kumar
Published: June 2022

Summary. Generation planning is an important aspect of the probabilistic production simulation (PPS) process for power systems. The inclusion of nondispatchable energy sources in the conventional system needs efficient algorithms for reliability evaluation. Moreover, it is crucial to represent the availability of nondispatchable energy sources with a suitable probability distribution function (PDF) that can be easily integrated with the conventional system. The present work extends the generation reliability to include nondispatchable energy sources in the reliability evaluation methodology. The wind electrical system (WS) is represented using a simple wind speed model based on the normal distribution function. The multistate wind speed model based on the mean and standard deviation of wind speed at a particular site is integrated with the conventional system for reliability study. The proposed fast Fourier transform (FFT)-based method eliminates extensive calculations encountered in the conventional approach due to cumbersome time-domain convolution. The efficacy of the methodology is validated with the case studies using the IEEE RTS-wind system with loss of load probability (LOLP) and expected energy not served (EENS) reliability indices.
[Retracted] Construction of the Evaluation Index System for Nurse Deployment Pertaining to the Disaster Rescue
Authors: Xu Yue , Gao Na , Li Xiaoqian , Wang Ping , Ren Haoyuan , Pi Hongying
Published: June 2022

Based on the Delphi method, the analytic hierarchy process, and the entropy method, this paper constructs the evaluation index system for nurse deployment pertaining to the disaster rescue in military hospitals to furnish the reference evidence for scientific deployment of nursing staff, thereby promoting the rescue supportability. This paper establishes the expert consultation form of the evaluation index system for nurse deployment pertaining to the disaster rescue in military hospitals through expert interviews, group discussions, and so on. The Delphi method is applied to enquire 20 military experts in different professional fields two times, and the evaluation index system is finally determined. The weights of evaluation indexes of disaster rescue nurses are determined by the analytic hierarchy process and entropy method. The construction of the evaluation index system for the deployment of disaster relief nurses in military hospitals through Delphi method, analytic hierarchy process, and entropy method provides a reference method for rational allocation of nurses and points out the key points of hospital training. In addition, this paper provides a reference for the assessment and selection of nurses related to disaster relief in military hospitals and lays a foundation for the construction of subsequent evaluation models, which is of great significance for improving the level of nursing teams.
Operation Optimization of Supply Chain Financial System Based on System Dynamics
Authors: Hong YiTian
Published: June 2022

Supply chain finance solves the problem of financing difficulties for small- and medium-sized enterprises, reduces the risk of financial services of financial institutions, and brings new profit growth points to logistics enterprises. Therefore, supply chain financing has achieved rapid growth in a short period of time in China. This paper aims to study how to analyze and study the collaborative development of supply chain finance based on system dynamics. This paper puts forward the problem of system operation optimization, which is based on system dynamics, then elaborates on the concepts of SD and SCF, and designs and analyzes a case of a supply chain financial system based on system dynamics. The experimental results show that increasing the “bank input” from 0.1 to 2 can bring considerable economic benefits in the long run. As far as the simulation results are concerned, the promotion effect on the supply chain is the most significant. The output value of the supply chain can be increased from 2,963.04 billion yuan to 4,211.73 billion yuan, an increase of 42.14%. The simulation results showed that the financial industry has a significant positive effect on the factor of supply chain support, which provides evidence support for further guiding practice.