bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement and Theoretical Analysis of Elastic Locus of High-Speed Mechanism
Authors: Zou Hui-jun , Wang L. , Kovacevic R.
Published: March 2021

With increase of machine speed, the influence of elastic components on dynamic characterises has become a very challenging problem. In our paper, we use self-made fiber-optic sensor on-line to detect the elastic locus. The sensor has highly transmitting and collecting light properties so that steady elastic locus has high precision and distinguishabilty. A theoretical analysis has been conducted using our program KEDL. The conclusions reveal more information about the dynamic characteristics of high-speed mechanisms.
The Virtual Manufacturing Workstation
Authors: Mills J. J. , Huff B. , Criswell T. , Graham J.
Published: March 2021

The Virtual Manufacturing Workbench is a project to develop an integrated set of tools with which a team of engineers can design, program, test and debug complex manufacturing systems. The approach taken includes developing a manufacturing system with individual tools, developing general requirements for an integrated system, defining an architecture that meets those requirements, and developing a prototype to test the architecture and test and refine the requirements. Some of the requirements for such a system are discussed as well as the status of the two prototypes presented.
The Design of Object-Oriented Software for the Representation of Mechanical Parts
Authors: Xirouchakis Paul C.
Published: March 2021

The objective of this paper is to present a design of the software for the representation of a simple mechanical part using object oriented software construction techniques. The object oriented method of software construction is particularly suitable for representing complex mechanical parts, their dimensions and tolerances since modular and reusable software can then be obtained.

The focus of this paper is to demonstrate through a simple example the software quality advantages that are obtained when abstract data types are used to describe classes of objects. The notion of inheritance is employed to show how a general software architecture can be designed for mechanical part representation. Finally, the Eiffel language is utilized as a design and specification tool to write the software specifications for the simple example studied. The software specification is developed using the axioms notion of the theory of abstract data types to specify the semantic properties of the object oriented software.
A contribution to the knowledge of the enigmatic Tanaupodidae (Actinotrichida: Trombidiformes, Parasitengona)—description of a new species of Lassenia and a new host record

Authors: Mąkol Joanna , Featherstone Alan Watson
Published: March 2021

A new tanaupodid mite, Lassenia newelli sp. nov. is described based on a larva parasitising the aphid Myzocallis coryli (Goeze, 1778) (Aphididae) in Scotland, Great Britain. It is the ninth species of Lassenia known from the larval stage, the second host association for the genus and the first one for which the specific affiliation of both the parasite and its host is provided. The finding contributes to the taxonomy and biology of Tanaupodidae which have been considered to form one of the basal clades of Parasitengona. The discovery of elongate seta on the dorsal surface of tarsus III in L. newelli, a characteristic also shared by the monotypic Amphotrombium, supports the hypothesis of possible links between the tanaupodids and amphotrombiids as early derivative taxa of parasitengone mites.
Intramolecular relaxation of ring polymers in dilute solutions
Authors: Handa Manisha , Biswas Parbati
Published: March 2021

The intramolecular relaxation dynamics of unconcatenated ring polymers in dilute solutions is theoretically investigated within the framework of the Rouse–Zimm theory. The excluded volume interactions (EVIs) between the nonbonded monomers are modeled by a harmonic potential, where the interaction parameter is evaluated from Flory’s mean-field approach. The hydrodynamic interactions (HIs) between the pairs of monomers are approximated by a preaveraged Oseen tensor. The mechanical moduli are dominated by the smaller relaxation rates corresponding to the collective relaxation modes in the low frequency regime, while they are governed by the higher relaxation rates corresponding to the local relaxation modes in the high frequency regime. EVI decreases the relaxation rates of the normal modes where the decrease for the collective modes is larger than that for the local modes, which consequently expands the width of the relaxation spectrum. The characteristic overall relaxation time is evaluated from the inverse of the crossover frequency, which is the same for rings of various sizes with HI and with both HI and EVI, while it shifts to lower frequencies with increasing ring size for the Rouse rings.
Additional Clothing Increases Heat Load in Elite Female Rugby Sevens Players
Authors: Henderson Mitchell J. , Chrismas Bryna C.R. , Stevens Christopher J. , Novak Andrew , Fransen Job , Coutts Aaron J. , Taylor Lee
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To determine whether elite female rugby sevens players are exposed to core temperatures (Tc) during training in the heat that replicate the temperate match demands previously reported and to investigate whether additional clothing worn during a hot training session meaningfully increases the heat load experienced. Methods: A randomized parallel-group study design was employed, with all players completing the same approximately 70-minute training session (27.5°C–34.8°C wet bulb globe temperature) and wearing a standardized training ensemble (synthetic rugby shorts and training tee [control (CON); n = 8]) or additional clothing (standardized training ensemble plus compression garments and full tracksuit [additional clothing (AC); n = 6]). Groupwise differences in Tc, sweat rate, GPS-measured external locomotive output, rating of perceived exertion, and perceptual thermal load were compared. Results: Mean (P = .006, ) and peak (P < .001, ) Tc were higher in AC compared with CON during the training session. There were no differences in external load (F4,9 = 0.155, P = .956, Wilks Λ = 0.935, ) or sweat rate (P = .054, Cohen d = 1.09). A higher rating of perceived exertion (P = .016, Cohen d = 1.49) was observed in AC compared with CON. No exertional-heat-illness symptomology was reported in either group. Conclusions: Player Tc is similar between training performed in hot environments and match play in temperate conditions when involved for >6 minutes. Additional clothing is a viable and effective method to increase heat strain in female rugby sevens players without compromising training specificity or external locomotive capacity.
Latitude dictates plant diversity effects on instream decomposition
Authors: Boyero Luz , Pérez Javier , López-Rojo Naiara , Tonin Alan M. , Correa-Araneda Francisco , Pearson Richard G. , Bosch Jaime , Albariño Ricardo J. , Anbalagan Sankarappan , Barmuta Leon A. , Beesley Leah , Burdon Francis J. , Caliman Adriano , Callisto Marcos , Campbell Ian C. , Cardinale Bradley J. , Casas J. Jesús , Chará-Serna Ana M. , Ciapała Szymon , Chauvet Eric , Colón-Gaud Checo , Cornejo Aydeé , Davis Aaron M. , Degebrodt Monika , Dias Emerson S. , Díaz María E. , Douglas Michael M. , Elosegi Arturo , Encalada Andrea C. , de Eyto Elvira , Figueroa Ricardo , Flecker Alexander S. , Fleituch Tadeusz , Frainer André , França Juliana S. , García Erica A. , García Gabriela , García Pavel , Gessner Mark O. , Giller Paul S. , Gómez Jesús E. , Gómez Sergio , Gonçalves Jose F. , Graça Manuel A. S. , Hall Robert O. , Hamada Neusa , Hepp Luiz U. , Hui Cang , Imazawa Daichi , Iwata Tomoya , Junior Edson S. A. , Kariuki Samuel , Landeira-Dabarca Andrea , Leal María , Lehosmaa Kaisa , M’Erimba Charles , Marchant Richard , Martins Renato T. , Masese Frank O. , Camden Megan , McKie Brendan G. , Medeiros Adriana O. , Middleton Jen A. , Muotka Timo , Negishi Junjiro N. , Pozo Jesús , Ramírez Alonso , Rezende Renan S. , Richardson John S. , Rincón José , Rubio-Ríos Juan , Serrano Claudia , Shaffer Angela R. , Sheldon Fran , Swan Christopher M. , Tenkiano Nathalie S. D. , Tiegs Scott D. , Tolod Janine R. , Vernasky Michael , Watson Anne , Yegon Mourine J. , Yule Catherine M.
Published: March 2021

Plant litter functional diversity effects on instream decomposition change across latitudes.
Odontoblast TRPC5 channels signal cold pain in teeth
Authors: Bernal Laura , Sotelo-Hitschfeld Pamela , König Christine , Sinica Viktor , Wyatt Amanda , Winter Zoltan , Hein Alexander , Touska Filip , Reinhardt Susanne , Tragl Aaron , Kusuda Ricardo , Wartenberg Philipp , Sclaroff Allen , Pfeifer John D. , Ectors Fabien , Dahl Andreas , Freichel Marc , Vlachova Viktorie , Brauchi Sebastian , Roza Carolina , Boehm Ulrich , Clapham David E. , Lennerz Jochen K. , Zimmermann Katharina
Published: March 2021

The odontoblast, with processes beyond the dentin-enamel boundary, is the initial site of TRPC5 cold transduction in teeth.
Targeting Alzheimer’s disease with multimodal polypeptide-based nanoconjugates
Authors: Duro-Castano A. , Borrás C. , Herranz-Pérez V. , Blanco-Gandía M. C. , Conejos-Sánchez I. , Armiñán A. , Mas-Bargues C. , Inglés M. , Miñarro J. , Rodríguez-Arias M. , García-Verdugo J. M. , Viña J. , Vicent M. J.
Published: March 2021

LRP1-targeted St-Cl–polyglutamate conjugates as multivalent neuroprotective/neurotrophic therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease.
Chitin- and Keratin-Rich Soil Amendments Suppress Rhizoctonia solani Disease via Changes to the Soil Microbial Community
Authors: Andreo-Jimenez Beatriz , Schilder Mirjam T. , Nijhuis Els H. , te Beest Dennis E. , Bloem Jaap , Visser Johnny H. M. , van Os Gera , Brolsma Karst , de Boer Wietse , Postma Joeke
Published: March 2021

Our results highlight the importance of soil microorganisms in plant disease suppression and the possibility to steer soil microbial community composition by applying organic amendments to the soil.
Supplemental Material: How Himalayan collision stems from subduction
Authors: Soret Mathieu , al. et
Published: March 2021

Methods, Figures S1, S2, and S3 (petrology, microphotographs, and a larger version of Figure 3 with full references), and Tables S1–S4 (sample description and petrochronology).
Prehospital continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for acute respiratory distress: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Finn Judith C , Brink Deon , Mckenzie Nicole , Garcia Antony , Tohira Hideo , Perkins Gavin D , Arendts Glenn , Fatovich Daniel M , Hendrie Delia , McQuillan Brendan , Summers Quentin , Celenza Antonio , Mukherjee Ashes , Smedley Ben , Pereira Gavin , Ball Stephen , Williams Teresa , Bailey Paul
Published: March 2021

Objective

To compare the efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) versus usual care for prehospital patients with severe respiratory distress.

Methods

We conducted a parallel group, individual patient, non-blinded randomised controlled trial in Western Australia between March 2016 and December 2018. Eligible patients were aged ≥40 years with acute severe respiratory distress of non-traumatic origin and unresponsive to initial treatments by emergency medical service (EMS) paramedics. Patients were randomised (1:1) to usual care or usual care plus CPAP. The primary outcomes were change in dyspnoea score and change in RR at ED arrival, and hospital length of stay.

Results

708 patients were randomly assigned (opaque sealed envelope) to usual care (n=346) or CPAP (n=362). Compared with usual care, patients randomised to CPAP had a greater reduction in dyspnoea scores (usual care −1.0, IQR −3.0 to 0.0 vs CPAP −3.5, IQR −5.2 to −2.0), median difference −2.0 (95% CI −2.5 to −1.6); and RR (usual care −4.0, IQR −9.0 to 0.0 min-1vs CPAP −8.0, IQR −14.0 to −4.0 min-1), median difference −4.0 (95% CI −5.0 to −4.0) min-1. There was no difference in hospital length of stay (usual care 4.2, IQR 2.1 to 7.8 days vs CPAP 4.8, IQR 2.5 to 7.9 days) for the n=624 cases admitted to hospital, median difference 0.36 (95% CI −0.17 to 0.90).

Conclusions

The use of prehospital CPAP by EMS paramedics reduced dyspnoea and tachypnoea in patients with acute respiratory distress but did not impact hospital length of stay.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12615001180505.
Narrowband ultraviolet B therapy for refractory immune-related lichenoid dermatitis on PD-1 therapy: a case report
Authors: Esfahani Khashayar , Henderson Berg Meagan-Helen , Zargham Hanieh , Billick Robin , Pehr Kevin , Redpath Margaret , Roshdy Osama , Miller Wilson H
Published: March 2021

Treatment with programmed cell death 1 inhibitors is associated with a wide range of cutaneous immune-related adverse events, with lichenoid eruptions representing one of the major cutaneous toxicities. We describe the case of an 81-year-old man with metastatic melanoma treated with pembrolizumab who subsequently developed a delayed-onset generalized lichenoid dermatitis. After failing multiple lines of systemic immunosuppression, narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy three times per week for 17 sessions resulted in a significant clinical response in his cutaneous eruption and was well tolerated. NBUVB is a safe, lower-cost modality that induces local, skin-specific immunosuppression without the toxicities of traditional systemic immunosuppressive agents. To date, this is the first report of use of NBUVB in immune-related lichenoid dermatitis resistant to multiple standard therapies.
An isotropic analytical model for charged stars
Authors: Estevez-Delgado Joaquin , Estevez-Delgado Gabino , Maya Noel Enrique Rodríguez , Peña José Martínez , Duran Modesto Pineda
Published: March 2021

In this investigation report, we present a perfect charged fluid solution for a static and spherically symmetric spacetime; for its construction, we suppose a metric potential, [Formula: see text], and a specific form of the electric field’s intensity, [Formula: see text], in such a manner that the resulting stellar model is physically acceptable and stable. The model presented depends on two parameters [Formula: see text] related to the compactness and the magnitude of the electric field and these same parameters will generate different possibilities for the behavior of the speed of sound. For the particular case in which [Formula: see text], we obtain once more a chargeless model constructed previously, the compactness for the charged model case is greater than in the chargeless case. As an effect of the charge, the model admits two regions for the parameter [Formula: see text], in one of these the speed of sound is a monotonic decreasing function and in the other it is a monotonic increasing function. By means of a numerical analysis, it is shown that the orders of magnitude associated to the pressure and density are characteristic of the compact stars. In particular for [Formula: see text], the range of [Formula: see text], which implies that the radius of an object with mass [Formula: see text] is found between 6554.620 m and 7672.702 m with a maximum central density of [Formula: see text].
Coupling resonance mechanism of interfacial fatigue stratification of adhesive and/or welding butt joint structures excited by horizontal shear waves
Authors: Guo Feng , Wu Jiu Hui
Published: March 2021

Coupling resonance mechanism of interfacial fatigue stratification of adhesive and/or welding butt joint symmetric and/or antisymmetric structures excited by horizontal shear waves are investigated by forced propagation analytical solutions derived by plane wave perturbation methods, integral transformation methods and global matrix methods. The influence of materials on the coupled resonance frequency is analyzed and discussed by the analytical methods. Coupling resonance of interface shear stress is a structure inherent property. Even a very small excitation amplitude at the coupling resonance frequency can result in interface shear delamination. The coupling resonance frequency decreases with the increase of interlayer thickness or shear wave velocity difference between substrate and interlayer. The results could be applied to layered and/or anti-layered structural design.
Dynamic behavior of fractional-order memristive time-delay system and image encryption application
Authors: Yang Zongli , Liang Dong , Ding Dawei , Hu Yongbing
Published: March 2021

This paper presents dynamic behavior of a fractional-order memristive time-delay system and its application in image encryption. First, a fractional-order memristive time-delay system is proposed, and the stability and bifurcation behaviors of the system are theoretically analyzed. Some limited conditions for describing the stability interval and switching between different dynamic behaviors are derived. Second, the dynamic characteristics of the system are analyzed through the coexisting attractors, coexisting bifurcation diagrams, the Largest Lyapunov exponents (LLE), the 0-1 test. When parameters change, such as time delay and fractional order, the system transits from steady state to periodic state, single scroll chaotic state, double scroll chaotic state. Furthermore, an image encryption scheme based on the fractional-order memristive time-delay system is introduced, and some statistical features are analyzed. Finally, numerical simulations verify the validity of the theoretical analysis and safety of the image encryption scheme based on the fractional-order delayed memristive chaotic system.
A NUMERICAL PROOF THAT CERTAIN CELLS FOLLOW THE TRAILS OF THE DIFFUSIONS OF SOME CHEMICALS IN THE EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX
Authors: ÇAY İREM , PAMUK SERDAL
Published: March 2021

In this work, we obtain the numerical solutions of a 2D mathematical model of tumor angiogenesis originally presented in [Pamuk S, ÇAY İ, Sazci A, A 2D mathematical model for tumor angiogenesis: The roles of certain cells in the extra cellular matrix, Math Biosci 306:32–48, 2018] to numerically prove that the certain cells, the endothelials (EC), pericytes (PC) and macrophages (MC) follow the trails of the diffusions of some chemicals in the extracellular matrix (ECM) which is, in fact, inhomogeneous. This leads to branching, the sprouting of a new neovessel from an existing vessel. Therefore, anastomosis occurs between these sprouts. In our figures we do see these branching and anastomosis, which show the fact that the cells diffuse according to the structure of the ECM. As a result, one sees that our results are in good agreement with the biological facts about the movements of certain cells in the Matrix.
Mesozoic compressional to extensional tectonics in the Central East Iranian Microcontinent: evidence from the Boneh Shurow metamorphic core complex
Authors: Soleimani Masoumeh , Faghih Ali , Kusky Timothy
Published: March 2021

The Boneh Shurow metamorphic core complex (BSMCC) in the Central East Iranian Microcontinent (CEIM) provides a good example of the Mesozoic succession of nonsynchronous compressional and extensional deformation events attributed to the transitional Cimmerian events. The D1 compression developed subvertical dextral ductile shear zones and corresponds to continental accretion and crustal thickening, producing kyanite- and sillimanite-grade rocks and migmatites in the Early Cimmerian Orogeny in the CEIM. The D2 deformation event is marked by extension during the mid-Cimmerian Orogeny. It is characterized by top-to-the-NE normal sense of shear along a low-angle detachment surface. Field evidence for cross-cutting relationships of D1- by D2-related structures reveals that the occurrence of Barrovian facies metamorphism and associated partial melting in the core of the BSMCC formed during compressional tectonic events. These structures formed before the initiation of extension and the formation of the low-angle detachment shear zone. Finally, during the Late Cimmerian D3 event, the east and west Boneh Shurow reverse faults ruptured on both sides of the MCC. Recognition of the complicated origin and exhumation mechanisms of the BSMCC provides crucial constraints on the prolonged evolution of Palaeo- and Neotethys ocean basins and collisional and post-collisional events in this region.
AI Tax
Authors: Richins Daniel , Doshi Dharmisha , Blackmore Matthew , Nair Aswathy Thulaseedharan , Pathapati Neha , Patel Ankit , Daguman Brainard , Dobrijalowski Daniel , Illikkal Ramesh , Long Kevin , Zimmerman David , Reddi Vijay Janapa
Published: March 2021

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are experiencing widespread adoption in industry and academia. This has been driven by rapid advances in the applications and accuracy of AI through increasingly complex algorithms and models; this, in turn, has spurred research into specialized hardware AI accelerators. Given the rapid pace of advances, it is easy to forget that they are often developed and evaluated in a vacuum without considering the full application environment. This article emphasizes the need for a holistic, end-to-end analysis of artificial intelligence (AI) workloads and reveals the “AI tax.” We deploy and characterize
Face Recognition
in an edge data center. The application is an AI-centric edge video analytics application built using popular open source infrastructure and machine learning (ML) tools. Despite using state-of-the-art AI and ML algorithms, the application relies heavily on pre- and post-processing code. As AI-centric applications benefit from the acceleration promised by accelerators, we find they impose stresses on the hardware and software infrastructure: storage and network bandwidth become major bottlenecks with increasing AI acceleration. By specializing for AI applications, we show that a purpose-built edge data center can be designed for the stresses of accelerated AI at 15% lower TCO than one derived from homogeneous servers and infrastructure.
Crystal Structure Prediction Methods for Organic Molecules: State of the Art
Authors: Bowskill David H. , Sugden Isaac J. , Konstantinopoulos Stefanos , Adjiman Claire S. , Pantelides Constantinos C.
Published: March 2021

The prediction of the crystal structures that a given organic molecule is likely to form is an important theoretical problem of significant interest for the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries, among others. As evidenced by a series of six blind tests organized over the past 2 decades, methodologies for crystal structure prediction (CSP) have witnessed substantial progress and have now reached a stage of development where they can begin to be applied to systems of practical significance. This article reviews the state of the art in general-purpose methodologies for CSP, placing them within a common framework that highlights both their similarities and their differences. The review discusses specific areas that constitute the main focus of current research efforts toward improving the reliability and widening applicability of these methodologies, and offers some perspectives for the evolution of this technology over the next decade.
Enhanced Electrochromic Tungsten Oxide by Bio-Inspired Brochosomes
Authors: Hua Chenzheng , Cheng Ziqiang , Ma Yecheng , He Haiyan , Xu Gang , Liu Yong , Yang Shikuan , Han Gaorong
Published: March 2021

Electrochromic materials have promising applications in diverse fields. Motived by natural color-changing living species through manipulating their microstructures, we explored the electrochromic performance of the WO3 brochosomes with a microscale hollow structure indented by sub-microscale pits modeled after the leafhopper-secreted natural ones. The WO3 brochosomes demonstrated better electrochromic performance than and comparable cyclability to the planar WO3, induced by their novel ordered structures. The unique structure allows fast ion transportation within WO3 brochosomes, leading into high reflectance modulation (about 30.85% at 633 nm) and short response time (0.25 s/ 0.18 s for coloration/bleach, respectively). The relationship between the electrochromic performance and the brochosomes structure was built based on systematical electrochemical and optical studies. The artificial color-changing brochosomes might be able to mimic natural color-changing living species with promising applications in energy-saving and camouflage fields.
Electrochemically Stable In Situ Dilatometry of NMC, NCA and Graphite Electrodes for Lithium-Ion Cells Compared to XRD Measurements
Authors: Spingler Franz B. , Kücher Simon , Phillips Robert , Moyassari Erfan , Jossen Andreas
Published: March 2021

Virtually all types of electrodes used in lithium-ion batteries expand and contract during cycling, which poses an engineering and design challenge. Information provided by X-ray diffraction (XRD) about alterations in the crystal structure of active materials may be insufficient to inform these engineering tasks. This is because it is unclear how these evolutions of the crystal structure translate into the measurable thickness changes at the electrode or cell level. In this study we investigate the thickness changes of electrodes during cycling using a dilatometry setup and compare them to XRD-measured crystal structure changes from scientific literature. Both the reliability of the dilation measurement and the electrochemical performance of the dilatometry setup are thoroughly validated and significantly exceed those of related studies that have been published in recent years. Various laboratory-made graphites as well as LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (NMC111), LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NMC622), LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NMC811) and LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) electrodes and the positive electrode from a Kokam SLPB356495 pouch cell are investigated. The results show that electrode expansion does not necessarily correlate with the unit cell volume changes of its active materials in any meaningful way and thus only by measuring the expansion of the full electrode can we fully understand and predict its behavior during cycling.
Electrodeposition of Tungsten from Molten KF–KCl–WO3 and CsF–CsCl–WO3
Authors: Nohira Toshiyuki , Ide Tatsuya , Meng Xianduo , Norikawa Yutaro , Yasuda Kouji
Published: March 2021

Electrodeposition of W coatings in KF–KCl eutectic melts was investigated after adding 0.5–2.0 mol% of WO3 at 923 K. Cyclic voltammetry at a Ag electrode suggested that the electrodeposition of W from W(VI) ions proceeds from 1.65 V vs K+/K. Electrodeposition of the α-W phase was confirmed by X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The effects of current density and amount of WO3 on the morphology of W coatings were investigated by surface and cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The smoothest W coating with a thickness of ∼15 μm was formed at 12.5 mA cm−2 and 2.0 mol% WO3 in KF–KCl eutectic melts. By increasing the charge density, a coating thickness of ∼30 μm was attained; however, it significantly increased the surface roughness of the coating. The electrodeposition of W was also performed in CsF–CsCl eutectic melts at a lower temperature of 873 K to suppress the growth of crystal grains. XRD confirmed the existence of both α-W and β-W phases in the W coatings deposited in the CsF–CsCl eutectic melts. SEM analyses revealed the successful formation of dense and smooth W coatings with ∼30 μm thickness in the CsF–CsCl eutectic melts.
Cardiac nicotinic receptors show β-subunit-dependent compensatory changes
Authors: Targosova Katarina , Kucera Matej , Kilianova Zuzana , Slobodova Lubica , Szmicsekova Kristina , Hrabovska Anna
Published: March 2021

Nicotinic receptors (NRs) play an important role in the cholinergic regulation of heart functions, and converging evidence suggests a diverse repertoire of NR subunits in the heart. A recent hypothesis about the plasticity of β NR subunits suggests that β2-subunits and β4-subunits may substitute for each other. In our study, we assessed the hypothetical β-subunit interchangeability in the heart at the level of mRNA. Using two mutant mice strains lacking β2 or β4 NR subunits, we examined the relative expression of NR subunits and other key cholinergic molecules. We investigated the physiology of isolated hearts perfused by Langendorff‘s method at basal conditions and after cholinergic and/or adrenergic stimulation. Lack of β2 NR subunit was accompanied with decreased relative expression of β4-subunits and α3-subunits. No other cholinergic changes were observed at the level of mRNA, except for increased M3 and decreased M4 muscarinic receptors. Isolated hearts lacking β2 NR subunit showed different dynamics in heart rate response to indirect cholinergic stimulation. In hearts lacking β4 NR subunit, increased levels of β2-subunits were observed together with decreased mRNA for acetylcholine-synthetizing enzyme and M1 and M4 muscarinic receptors. Changes in the expression levels in β4−/− hearts were associated with increased basal heart rate and impaired response to a high dose of acetylcholine upon adrenergic stimulation. In support of the proposed plasticity of cardiac NRs, our results confirmed subunit-dependent compensatory changes to missing cardiac NRs subunits with consequences on isolated heart physiology.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In the present study, we observed an increase in mRNA levels of the β2 NR subunit in β4−/− hearts but not vice versa, thus supporting the hypothesis of β NR subunit plasticity that depends on the specific type of missing β-subunit. This was accompanied with specific cholinergic adaptations. Nevertheless, isolated hearts of β4−/− mice showed increased basal heart rate and a higher sensitivity to a high dose of acetylcholine upon adrenergic stimulation.
What’s the buzz? The neuroscience and the treatment of tinnitus
Authors: Henton A. , Tzounopoulos T.
Published: March 2021

Tinnitus is a pervasive public health issue that affects ∼15% of the United States population. Similar estimates have also been shown on a global scale, with similar prevalence found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The severity of tinnitus is heterogeneous, ranging from mildly bothersome to extremely disruptive. In the United States, ∼10–20% of individuals who experience tinnitus report symptoms that severely reduce their quality of life. Due to the huge personal and societal burden, in the last 20 yr a concerted effort on basic and clinical research has significantly advanced our understanding and treatment of this disorder. Yet, neither full understanding, nor cure exists. We know that tinnitus is the persistent involuntary phantom percept of internally generated nonverbal indistinct noises and tones, which in most cases is initiated by acquired hearing loss and maintained only when this loss is coupled with distinct neuronal changes in auditory and extra-auditory brain networks. Yet, the exact mechanisms and patterns of neural activity that are necessary and sufficient for the perceptual generation and maintenance of tinnitus remain incompletely understood. Combinations of animal model and human research will be essential in filling these gaps. Nevertheless, the existing progress in investigating the neurophysiological mechanisms has improved current treatment and highlighted novel targets for drug development and clinical trials. The aim of this review is to thoroughly discuss the current state of human and animal tinnitus research, outline current challenges, and highlight new and exciting research opportunities.
Diagnosis of Waist Muscle Injury after Exercise Based on High-Frequency Ultrasound Image
Authors: Wang Bingke
Published: March 2021

The low back is the weight-bearing part of the human trunk and has a complex anatomy with a variety of lesions. The traditional diagnostic imaging methods include X-ray, CT, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). With the rapid development of ultrasound diagnostic instruments and diagnostic techniques, high-frequency ultrasonography plays a more important role in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders by virtue of its advantages of being safe, noninvasive, inexpensive, repeatable in a short period of time, and real-time imaging, especially for the display of fine structures of soft tissues, which is superior to CT and MRI. In this paper, the puncture needle was punctured near the intervertebral foramen, anti-inflammatory analgesics were injected under ultrasound surveillance. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs mainly consist of local anesthetics and glucocorticoids. Local anesthetics can immediately block the nociceptive transmission of the diseased nerve, improve muscle tension, and eliminate muscle spasm, and glucocorticoids can effectively eliminate edema and inflammation of the lumbar nerve root and its surrounding tissues. The results showed that high-frequency ultrasound, as a noninvasive imaging examination, can clearly display the structure and spatial hierarchy of the skin, superficial fascia, deep fascia, and muscles of the low back, can provide real-time dynamic bilateral contrast observation, which can be the preferred imaging examination method for soft tissue disorders of the low back, and can compensate with general X-ray, CT, and magnetic resonance imaging to provide richer clinical diagnosis and treatment. It can provide richer imaging information for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
A Rapid Cu Enrichment Mechanism from Cu-Bearing Brine in Kuqa Basin, Xinjiang, China: Controlled by Crystallized Sequence of Saline Minerals
Authors: Cao Yangtong , Xu Haiming
Published: March 2021

Sediment-hosted copper deposit is usually related to arid climate, ancient saline lake basin, and brine. The Kuqa Basin filled with giant-thickness evaporite units is located in the northern Tarim Basin, Xinjiang, China. It is famous for sandstone-hosted Cu deposits formed by synsedimentary processes. However, our recent studies reveal that Cu enrichment is closely related to brine on the surface of clastic rocks in the basin. It is shown that green Cu mineral coexisting with halite and gypsum occurred in the fractured fault belts of sandstones or was precipitated with halite on the surface of maroon clay in the scallops of sandstone. By SEM, EDS, and geochemical analysis methods on Cu-mineralized solid samples and brines, respectively, combined with previous geological evidence, our studies demonstrate that green Cu mineral is paratacamite, and it occurred with gypsum, halite, secondary glauberite, natural copper, and probably lead chloride on the fractured fault belts of sandstones or surface of clay. Meanwhile, the precipitation of paratacamite is controlled by a crystallized sequence of saline minerals accompanying with evaporated-concentrated course of brine in which gypsum, secondary glauberite, paratacamite, and halite are crystallized in turn. The Cu-bearing brine derived from meteoric waters and ancient seawater has a powerful capacity to leach metallic ions from its surrounding rocks and can be formed in a very short time (10 days is OK) in normal pressure and temperature conditions; also, the cycle of surface-Cu enrichment (mineralization) is only a few months (no more than 5). These indicate that a rapid Cu enrichment mechanism from Cu-bearing brine occurs on the earth’s surface of the evaporite basin. The mechanism might be supposed to make an enormous amount of metal mineralization in a short time if considered from a large-scale spatial viewpoint. By contrast with the lengthy geological period, the short evolutionary cycle of Cu enrichment (mineralization) is obviously different from the previous cognition.
Therapeutic of Candesartan and Music Therapy in Diabetic Retinopathy with Depression in Rats
Authors: Luo Chengping , Fan Huimin , Li Shaojun , Zou Yuling
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of candesartan combined with music therapy on diabetic retinopathy with depression and to assess the molecular mechanisms. Associated animal model of diabetes mellitus and depression was established in rats. Pathological changes in the hippocampus were detected by haematoxylin eosin (H&E) staining. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect retinal cell apoptosis. Angiotensin II (Ang II) in peripheral blood and neurotransmitters, including serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE) in the hippocampus, was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to detect the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and c-fos in the hippocampus. Our data showed that chromatin aggregation and cytoplasmic vacuolation were observable in the hippocampal cells of the rats in the model group, while candesartan and music therapy could reduce morphological changes in the hippocampus of diabetic rats with depression. Compared with the control group, the apoptosis of retinal cells was significantly higher, the contents of 5-HT, DA, and NE in the hippocampus were significantly lower, Ang II level in peripheral blood was significantly higher, and the expression of BDNF and c-fos in the hippocampus decreased significantly in the model group. By contrast, candesartan or candesartan + music therapy ameliorated the changes in retina cell apoptosis, reduction of neurotransmitters, increase in AII, and the expression of c-fos and BDNF. Especially, music therapy further improved the effects of candesartan on retina cell apoptosis and neurotransmitter release in diabetic retinopathy rats with depression. In conclusion, candesartan and music therapy have an additive effect in DM with both visual impairment and depression, which might serve a potential alternative treatment for this complex disease.
On Spillover Effect of Systemic Risk of Listed Securities Companies in China Based on Extended CoVaR Model
Authors: Zhou Ze-Jiong , Zhang Shao-Kang , Zhang Mei , Zhu Jia-Ming
Published: March 2021

Based on the daily data from January 2, 2019, to September 30, 2020, this paper uses the extended CoVaR model to measure the spillover effect of systemic risk among top 10 securities companies by market value in China, All Share Brokerage Index, All Share Financials Index, All Share Insurance Index, and CSI Banks Index. The conclusions are as follows: (1) there are risk spillover effects among 10 securities companies, which are asymmetric and bidirectional and highly volatile in a short period of time; (2) the spillover effect of systematic risk of securities companies is not necessarily related to the market value of securities companies but has a strong relationship with the stock market; (3) there are risk spillover effects between the sample securities companies and the four major indexes, but there are significant differences in the size of the spillover effects; (4) the securities industry has a great risk spillover effect on the financial industry, but the risk spillover effect of other financial sectors on the securities industry is very small. Finally, we put forward countermeasures and suggestions.
Unidirectional and Bidirectional LSTM Models for Short-Term Traffic Prediction
Authors: Abduljabbar Rusul L. , Dia Hussein , Tsai Pei-Wei
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the development and evaluation of short-term traffic prediction models using unidirectional and bidirectional deep learning long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks. The unidirectional LSTM (Uni-LSTM) model provides high performance through its ability to recognize longer sequences of traffic time series data. In this work, Uni-LSTM is extended to bidirectional LSTM (BiLSTM) networks which train the input data twice through forward and backward directions. The paper presents a comparative evaluation of the two models for short-term speed and traffic flow prediction using a common dataset of field observations collected from multiple freeways in Australia. The results showed BiLSTM performed better for variable prediction horizons for both speed and flow. Stacked and mixed Uni-LSTM and BiLSTM models were also investigated for 15-minute prediction horizons resulting in improved accuracy when using 4-layer BiLSTM networks. The optimized 4-layer BiLSTM model was then calibrated and validated for multiple prediction horizons using data from three different freeways. The validation results showed a high degree of prediction accuracy exceeding 90% for speeds up to 60-minute prediction horizons. For flow, the model achieved accuracies above 90% for 5- and 10-minute prediction horizons and more than 80% accuracy for 15- and 30-minute prediction horizons. These findings extend the set of AI models available for road operators and provide them with confidence in applying robust models that have been tested and evaluated on different freeways in Australia.
Chronic Patients’ Activation and Its Association with Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life: A Survey in Southeast Iran
Authors: Zakeri Mohammad Ali , Dehghan Mahlagha , Ghaedi-Heidari Fatemeh , Zakeri Maryam , Bazmandegan Gholamreza
Published: March 2021

A better perception of the factors associated with patient activation, as a way to improve self‐management, is the most important step in planning patient‐centered education for chronic disease management. Therefore, the present study is aimed at investigating the relationship between activation, stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with chronic diseases. This correlational study was performed on 293 chronic patients admitted to coronary care units (CCUs) in one of the hospitals in Rafsanjan. The Patient Activation Measure (PAM), Quality of Life‐BREF (WHOQOL‐BREF), and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale‐21 Items (DASS‐21) were used to collect data. The data were then analyzed using SPSS 22. A significant positive correlation was observed between general QOL and PAM (P < 0.001). In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between PAM, stress (P = 0.032), and depression (P = 0.025). The results of multivariate linear regression indicated that only physical and psychological subscales of QOL significantly predicted PAM (B = 0.24; 95% confidence interval; P value < 0.05). Owing to the fact that some subscales of QOL have a determinant role in the PAM of chronic patients, healthcare providers are recommended to plan and implement the necessary interventions to improve the QOL and the health outcomes of chronic patients.
Phytochemical Analysis Using UPLC-MSn Combined with Network Pharmacology Approaches to Explore the Biomarkers for the Quality Control of the Anticancer Tannin Fraction of Phyllanthus emblica L. Habitat in Nepal
Authors: Wu Lingfang , Zhang Qiunan , Liang Wenyi , Ma Yongben , Niu Liying , Zhang Lanzhen
Published: March 2021

Phyllanthus emblica L. is widely used in traditional Tibetan medicine for its therapeutic effects on treating liver, kidney, and bladder problems. We have reported that the tannin fraction has a good anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effect, but its active ingredients are not clear. This study was to find the active ingredients of the tannin fraction using UPLC-MSn and network pharmacology. First of all, the UPLC-MSn method was employed to obtain high-resolution mass spectra of different components, and 110 compounds were obtained. Then a network pharmacology method was used to find biomarkers for quality control. Network pharmacology results showed that gallic acid, punicalagin A, punicalagin B, methyl gallate, geraniin, corilagin, chebulinic acid, chebulagic acid, and ellagic acid should be the biomarkers of the tannin fraction. Furthermore, 9 components were detected in the serum, which also proved that they could be biomarkers, because we generally believe that the ingredients which are absorbed into the blood are effective. In the end, a simple method for simultaneously determining the contents of the 9 compounds was constructed by HPLC-DAD. This research established a new method to find biomarkers of traditional Chinese medicine. This is of great significance to improving the quality standards of Tibetan medicine.
Pozzolanic Reaction in Clayey Soils for Stabilization Purposes: A Classical Overview of Sustainable Transport Geotechnics
Authors: Onyelowe Kennedy C. , Onyia Michael E. , Bui Van Duc , Baykara Haci , Ugwu Hyginus U.
Published: March 2021

Problematic soil stabilization processes involve the application of binders to improve the engineering properties of the soil. This is done to change the undesirable properties of these soils to meet basic design standards. However, very little attention has been given to the reactive phase of soil stabilization. This phase is the most important in every stabilization protocol because it embodies the reactions that lead to the bonding of the dispersed particles of clayey soil. Hence, this reactive phase is reviewed. When clayey soils which make up the greatest fraction of expansive soil come in contact with moisture, they experience volume changes due to adsorbed moisture that forms films of double diffused layer on the particles. When this happens, the clayey particles disperse and float, increasing the pore spaces or voids that exist in the soil mass. Stabilizations of these soils are conducted to close the gaps between the dispersed clayey soil particles. This is achieved by mixing additives that will release calcium, aluminum, silicon, etc., in the presence of adsorbed moisture, and a hydration reaction occurs. This is followed by the displacement reaction based on the metallic order in the electrochemical series. This causes a calcination reaction, a process whereby calcium displaces the hydrogen ions of the dipole adsorbed moisture and displaces the sodium ion responsible for the swelling potential of clayey soils. These whole processes lead to a pozzolanic reaction, which finally forms calcium alumina‐silica hydrate. This formation is responsible for soil stabilization.
Vulnerability Analysis for Reusing an Old Industrial Area: A Case Study of the Winter Olympic Park
Authors: Tian Wei , Zhong Xingrun , Guo Ping , Zhang Guangmin
Published: March 2021

Reuse of old industrial areas strongly impacts urban renewal and social development. However, it is limited by significant pollution and damage of buildings. In the decision‐making stage, it is necessary to conduct a reasonable vulnerability analysis of old industrial areas. This study focuses on establishing a reasonable and effective vulnerability assessment model to be used in actual work. First, based on literature analysis, a normal cloud model was employed to establish the assessment process and model. Second, foundation damage, structural bearing capacity, and other building safety indicators, as well as environmental safety, were included in the vulnerability assessment indicator system. Thus, through indicator selection and optimization, the vulnerability assessment indicators and their quantitative methods were determined and parameter features of the cloud model were programmed by the forward cloud generator. Finally, the Shougang Industrial Area, to be reused as the Winter Olympic Park, was selected as the case study. The vulnerability analysis results show that the vulnerability assessment method strongly agrees with the actual status and that the assessment results provide a basis for improving the vulnerability of old industrial areas for reuse.
A Novel HDR Image Zero-Watermarking Based on Shift-Invariant Shearlet Transform
Authors: Shi Shanshan , Luo Ting , Huang Jiangtao , Du Meng
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a novel high dynamic range (HDR) image zero-watermarking algorithm against the tone mapping attack is proposed. In order to extract stable and invariant features for robust zero-watermarking, the shift-invariant shearlet transform (SIST) is used to transform the HDR image. Firstly, the HDR image is converted to CIELAB color space, and the L component is selected to perform SIST for obtaining the low-frequency subband containing the robust structure information of the image. Secondly, the low-frequency subband is divided into nonoverlapping blocks, which are transformed by using discrete cosine transform (DCT) and singular value decomposition (SVD) to obtain the maximum singular values for constructing a binary feature image. To increase the watermarking security, a hybrid chaotic mapping (HCM) is employed to get the scrambled watermark. Finally, an exclusive-or operation is performed between the binary feature image and the scrambled watermark to compute robust zero-watermark. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has a good capability of resisting tone mapping and other image processing attacks.