bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mixing gene pools to prevent inbreeding issues in translocated populations of clonal species
Authors: Van Rossum Fabienne , Le Pajolec Sarah
Published: April 2021

Assisted gene flow by plant translocations is increasingly implemented for restoring populations of critically endangered species. The success in restoring genetically healthy populations may depend on translocation design, in particular the choice of the source populations. Highly clonal populations may show low genetic diversity despite large census sizes, and disrupted and geitonogamous pollination may result in selfing and inbreeding issues in the offspring intended for translocation. We carried out a genetic monitoring of translocated populations of the clonal Dianthus deltoides using 14 microsatellite markers and quantified fitness traits over two generations (transplants, F1 seed progeny and newly established individuals). Inbreeding levels were higher in the offspring used as transplants than in the adult generation of the source populations, as a result of high clonality and pollination disruption leading to self‐pollination. The F1 generation in translocated populations showed high genetic diversity maintained across generations, diminished inbreeding levels, low genetic differentiation, pollen flow and genetic mixing between the four sources. New individuals were established from seed germination. Fitness patterns were a combination of inbreeding depression in inbred transplants and F1 progeny, heterosis in admixed F1 progeny, source population adaptive capacities, phenotypic plasticity, maternal effects and site environmental specificities. The strategy in the translocation design to mix several local sources, combined with large founding population sizes and ecological management has proved success in initiating the processes leading to the establishment of genetically healthy populations, even when source populations are highly clonal with low genetic diversity leading to inbreeding issues in the transplants.
Rice contains a biosynthetic gene cluster associated with production of the casbane‐type diterpenoid phytoalexin ent‐10‐oxodepressin
Authors: Liang Jin , Shen Qinqin , Wang Liping , Liu Jiang , Fu Jingye , Zhao Le , Xu Meimei , Peters Reuben J. , Wang Qiang
Published: April 2021

Diterpenoids play important roles in rice microbial disease resistance as phytoalexins, as well as acting in allelopathy and abiotic stress responses. Recently, the casbane‐type phytoalexin ent‐10‐oxodepressin was identified in rice, but its biosynthesis has not yet been elucidated.

Here ent‐10‐oxodepressin biosynthesis was investigated via co‐expression analysis and biochemical characterisation, with use of the CRISPR/Cas9 technology for genetic analysis.

The results identified a biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) on rice chromosome 7 (c7BGC), containing the relevant ent‐casbene synthase (OsECBS), and four cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes from the CYP71Z subfamily. Three of these CYPs were shown to act on ent‐casbene, with CYP71Z2 able to produce a keto group at carbon‐5 (C5), while the closely related paralogues CYP71Z21 and CYP71Z22 both readily produce a keto group at C10. Together these C5 and C10 oxidases can elaborate ent‐casbene to ent‐10‐oxodepressin (5,10‐diketo‐ent‐casbene). OsECBS knockout lines no longer produce casbane‐type diterpenoids and exhibit impaired resistance to the rice fungal blast pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae.

Elucidation of ent‐10‐oxodepressin biosynthesis and the associated c7BGC provides not only a potential target for molecular breeding, but also, gives the intriguing parallels to the independently assembled BGCs for casbene‐derived diterpenoids in the Euphorbiaceae, further insight into plant BGC evolution, as discussed here.
Suicidal Ideation and Attempt among North Korean Refugee Women in South Korea: Factors that Distinguish Suicide Attempt from Suicidal Ideation
Authors: Nam Boyoung , Kim Jae Yop , DeVylder Jordan , Kim JoonBeom
Published: April 2021

Background

North Korean Refugee Women (NKRW) are at a high risk for suicide. However, few studies have examined risk factors for suicide among NKRW in South Korea. This study aimed to examine factors increasing risk for suicidal ideation and to identify factors differentiating suicide attempt from ideation among NKRW in South Korea.

Methods

A sample of 140 NKRW was analyzed; multinomial logistic regression was conducted to identify factors distinguishing respondents with (1) no suicidal ideation, (2) isolated suicidal ideation (without attempts), and (3) ideation with attempts.

Results

About 46% of the sample reported suicidal ideation, and about 18% attempted suicide during the past year. NKRW without any suicidal risk had significantly lower levels of social isolation (OR = 0.86, p = 0.02) and less exposure to traumatic events (OR = 0.89, p = 0.02) than those with suicidal ideation. NKRW who attempted suicide were more likely to have higher levels of stress than those with only suicidal ideation (OR = 1.40, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

This study provides insights into suicide prevention among refugees and emphasized that post‐migration life stress significantly differentiates suicidal ideation from attempt among NKRW. Intervening to address current life stress, traumatic experiences, and social isolation may help prevent refugee suicidal ideation and further attempt.
Addition and subtraction word problem tasks in reform‐based textbooks
Authors: Ma Xiaojun , Bofferding Laura , Xin Yan Ping
Published: April 2021

One of the factors associated with the less than positive mathematics performance of American students could be poorly designed textbooks that fail to facilitate the development of critical mathematical ideas. This study examined two reform‐based textbooks (Go math! and Investigations) in reference to essential, mathematical big ideas emphasized in the Essential Understanding Series (EU) presented by NCTM against the backdrop of mathematics education reform. In particular, we analyzed the features of the lessons for teaching addition and subtraction word problem solving. In some aspects, the results indicated that in terms of teaching problem comprehension and algebra readiness, the two textbook series showed improvement compared to formerly used textbooks. However, both textbook series may fall short of reflecting some important EU big ideas (e.g., teaching the underlying structure and part‐part‐whole relation of addition and subtraction word problems; providing students with chances to deal with exhaustive problem types and situations). In particular, our findings highlight the need for teaching word problem solving through building abstract level conceptual understanding. Implications for future textbook developing and limits are discussed.
What Goes Wrong in Debates over Public Monuments
Authors: Hood S. Brian
Published: April 2021

Objective

This essay aims to explain the impasse in debates concerning Confederate monuments in public spaces by noting a difference in unstated philosophical assumptions.

Method

I examine two positions in this debate, offering an explanation for the inability for opposing sides to engage. The analytical framework has its basis in philosophical debates regarding objectivity in scientific theory selection.

Results

Arguably, the impasse in this debate concerns underlying ethical principles: one that assesses morality based on intentions that motivate actions (namely, the motivation for erecting a monument) and one that assesses morality based on consequences of actions (namely, the consequences of removing monuments).

Conclusions

The locus of discussion can shift to these philosophical principles, offering a novel avenue for discussion and, hence, reconciliation. I suggest a fate for Confederate monuments that is responsive to both sides’ concerns and is informed by another country's attempt to reconcile with its troubled past.
The Social Meaning of Competing Memorial Spaces: Examining the Alabama Confederate Memorial Monument and the National Peace and Justice Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama
Authors: J. Evans Jocelyn , Fernandez Bruna
Published: April 2021

Objective

In this article, we consider the materialization of collective memory in monumental architecture, including Confederate monuments.

Method

Using Goodman's typology for uncovering social meaning in the built environment, we consider the material, symbolic, and temporal meanings of two memorial spaces, the Alabama Confederate Memorial Monument and the National Peace and Justice Memorial.

Results

The analysis uncovers competing social meanings in these two memorials. Attention to the denoted, expressive, and mediated references of these spaces highlights this competing meaning. Rather than an inclusive history, Montgomery presents a case of competing exclusive histories.

Conclusions

There are significant implications for historic preservation and interpretive heritage landscapes when private and nonprofit organizations take action in narrating space that is at odds with narrated space supported by state and local governments. Communities include diverse stakeholders. The evolution of urban growth and development in Montgomery, Alabama, provides a valuable case study for understanding change that is both incremental rather than comprehensive and contradictory rather than cohesive.
Intradermal immunotherapy with actinomycetales preparations as treatment for feline atopic syndrome: a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded study
Authors: Santoro Domenico , Archer Linda , Fagman Lana
Published: April 2021

Background

Feline atopic syndrome (FAS) is a common disease. Single intradermal injections of heat‐killed actinomycetales have shown beneficial effects in canine allergies.

Hypothesis/Objective

To evaluate the clinical effects of heat‐killed actinomycetales [Gordonia bronchialis (GB) and Rodococcus coprophilus (RC)], alone or in combination, in FAS.

Methods and materials

Privately owned cats with a diagnosis of FAS were assigned randomly in three treatment groups (GB, RC and GB/RC combination) or placebo. Five intradermal injections were performed over a one year period. At each visit [Day (D)0, D20, D40, D60, D90, D180 and D365], clinical signs, global owner assessment score, use of rescue medications, clinical adverse effects, skin hydration and cutaneous pH were assessed.

Results

Seventeen cats were enrolled. When compared to the placebo group and improvement in treatment GB was sustained from D90. When compared with D0 significant improvement in the GB group was seen from D60. Over one year, a complete remission of the clinical signs was seen in 30–67% of cats in the treatment groups. A reduction in the pruritus score was seen for RC after 365 days of treatment (P = 0.04). Differences in the other variables were not seen.

Conclusions and clinical importance

The use of multiple intradermal injections of heat‐killed GB shows promise as effective and well‐tolerated treatment for FAS. Because of the low cost and the lack of adverse effects, GB could be a beneficial treatment option for FAS. A larger study is needed to confirm these data and to evaluate the immunological changes occurring in the treated cats.
Linear arrector pili muscle hamartoma on the tail of a sphynx cat
Authors: Fanton Natalia , Orlandi Margherita , Abramo Francesca
Published: April 2021

Arrector pili muscle (APM) hamartoma is reported in humans and dogs. We describe a linear APM hamartoma in a sphynx cat. The lesion was characterized by multiple nodules distributed linearly along the tail, made of randomly arranged hypertrophic smooth muscles, the size of which tended to wax‐and‐wane during a one year follow‐up.
Integration of Food Literacy and Food Numeracy Across Australian Secondary Schools’ Curriculum: Teachers’ Opinions in a Mixed Method Study
Authors: Shakeri Shirin , Fethney Judith , Rolls Nicola , Papatraianou Lisa , Myers Judith
Published: April 2021

Objective: This article reports the findings from a convergent parallel mixed method study, aiming to ascertain the opinions of New South Wales (Australia) government secondary school teachers on integration of food literacy and food numeracy (FL&FN) across secondary school curriculum. Methods: Participants were invited to take part in an anonymous survey and a semi-structured interview [n (email invitations) =401 schools, duration of study=17 weeks]. Their opinions were sought on the integration of FL&FN within their own subject, in all subjects, in whole school programs and as an additional cross-curriculum priority. The collected qualitative and quantitative data were analysed separately, using analytic software programs, and discussed together. Results: Participants in quantitative and qualitative components [n (surveys received) =200, (valid surveys) =118, n (interviews conducted) =14] reported higher feasibility rates in lower secondary grades and stated several barriers and enablers for this integrative pedagogy. Conclusion: If FL&FN is to become an integral part of secondary school curriculum, a collaborative approach by secondary and tertiary education sectors is required to address two main barriers i.e., provision of teacher training and teaching resources. Implications for public education: The reported poor dietary intake among Australian adolescents and its impact on public health, cognitive development, economy, and environment requires further strengthening of school-based food and nutrition education interventions such as the proposed integration of FL&FN across secondary school curriculum. This study provides an initial insight into the feasibility of this proposal.
Parametric Study of the Solidification Process Between Vertical Parallel Plates of a Storage System
Authors: Ismail Kamal A. R. , Leitão Antonio B. V. , Lino Fatima A. M. , Henriquez Jorge R.
Published: April 2021

A conduction model is developed to describe the phase change between the plates of a thermal storage system. The diffusion equation and the associated boundary, initial, and interface conditions are approximated numerically by finite differences and implicit approach with variable time-step. The developed computational code is validated against data and good agreement was found. It is found that the reduction of the surface temperature of the cold plate increases the interface advance rate and reduces the full solidification time. Opposite effects are found due to the increase of the spacing between plates. Further, fractions of Al2O3 nanoparticles are mixed with the phase change material (PCM) to enhance the thermal conductivity of the PCM. For 7% volumetric fraction of Al2O3, the full solidification time and latent heat values decreased by 25.5% and 4.5%, respectively.
Surprising simplicity in the modeling of dynamic granular intrusion
Authors: Agarwal Shashank , Karsai Andras , Goldman Daniel I. , Kamrin Ken
Published: April 2021

Unexpected simplifications arise in high-speed granular intrusion modeling.
Multiple substrate recognition by yeast diadenosine and diphosphoinositol polyphosphate phosphohydrolase through phosphate clamping
Authors: Márquez-Moñino María Ángeles , Ortega-García Raquel , Shipton Megan L. , Franco-Echevarría Elsa , Riley Andrew M. , Sanz-Aparicio Julia , Potter Barry V. L. , González Beatriz
Published: April 2021

A NUDIX enzyme joins inositide and polyphosphate metabolisms through multisubstrate binding ability.
Natural killer cell receptors regulate responses of HLA-E–restricted T cells
Authors: Sullivan Lucy C. , Nguyen Thi H.O. , Harpur Christopher M. , Stankovic Sanda , Kanagarajah Abbie R. , Koutsakos Marios , Saunders Philippa M. , Cai Zhangying , Gray James A. , Widjaja Jacqueline M.L. , Lin Jie , Pietra Gabriella , Mingari Maria Cristina , Moretta Lorenzo , Samir Jerome , Luciani Fabio , Westall Glen P. , Malmberg Karl J. , Kedzierska Katherine , Brooks Andrew G.
Published: April 2021

CMV-specific, HLA-E–restricted T cell responses to both cognate and self-antigen are fine-tuned by the expression of NK cell receptors.
Handoff improvement and adverse event reduction programme implementation in paediatric intensive care units in Argentina: a stepped-wedge trial
Authors: Jorro-Barón Facundo , Suarez-Anzorena Inés , Burgos-Pratx Rodrigo , De Maio Noelia , Penazzi Matías , Rodriguez Ana Paula , Rodriguez Gisela , Velardez Daniel , Gibbons Luz , Ábalos Silvina , Lardone Silvina , Gallagher Rosario , Olivieri Joaquín , Rodriguez Rocío , Vassallo Juan Carlos , Landry Luis Martín , García-Elorrio Ezequiel
Published: April 2021

Background

There are only a few studies on handoff quality and adverse events (AEs) rigorously evaluating handoff improvement programmes’ effectiveness. None of them have been conducted in low and middle-income countries. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a handoff programme implementation in reducing AE frequency in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs).

Methods

Facility-based, cluster-randomised, stepped-wedge trial in six Argentine PICUs in five hospitals, with >20 admissions per month. The study was conducted from July 2018 to May 2019, and all units at least were involved for 3 months in the control period and 4 months in the intervention period. The intervention comprised a Spanish version of the I-PASS handoff bundle consisting of a written and verbal handoff using mnemonics, an introductory workshop with teamwork training, an advertising campaign, simulation exercises, observation and standardised feedback of handoffs. Medical records (MR) were reviewed using trigger tool methodology to identify AEs (primary outcome). Handoff compliance and duration were evaluated by direct observation.

Results

We reviewed 1465 MRs: 767 in the control period and 698 in the intervention period. We did not observe differences in the rates of preventable AE per 1000 days of hospitalisation (control 60.4 (37.5–97.4) vs intervention 60.4 (33.2–109.9), p=0.99, risk ratio: 1.0 (0.74–1.34)), and no changes in the categories or AE types. We evaluated 841 handoffs: 396 in the control period and 445 in the intervention period. Compliance with all items in the verbal and written handoffs was significantly higher in the intervention group. We observed no difference in the handoff time in both periods (control 35.7 min (29.6–41.8) vs intervention 34.7 min (26.5–42.1); difference 1.43 min (95% CI −2.63 to 5.49, p=0.49)). The providers’ perception of improved communication did not change.

Conclusions

After the implementation of the I-PASS bundle, compliance with handoff items improved. Nevertheless, no differences were observed in the AEs’ frequency or the perception of enhanced communication.

Trial registration number

NCT03924570
Timing of pacemaker and ICD implantation inLMNAmutation carriers
Authors: Ollila Laura Helena , Nikus Kjell , Parikka Hannu , Weckström Sini , Tiina Heliö
Published: April 2021

Aims

LMNA-cardiomyopathy is often associated with pathology in the cardiac conduction system necessitating device implantations. The aim was to study the timing and types of device implantations and need for re-implantations inLMNAmutation carriers.

Methods

We studied the hospital records of 60LMNAmutation carriers concerning device implantations and re-implantations and their indications. Data were collected until April 2019.

Results

The median follow-up time from the first ECG recording to the last clinical follow-up, transplantation, or death was 7.7 (IQR=9.1) years. Altogether 61.7% (n=37) of theLMNAmutation carriers received a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), and of them 27.0% (n=10) needed a device upgrade. Notably, in some patients the upgrade took place very soon after the first implantation. The first device was implanted at an average age of 47.9 years (SD=9.5), whereas the upgrade took place at an average age of 50.3 years (SD=8.1). Most upgrades were ICD implantations. Male patients underwent device upgrade more often and at a younger age than women. By the end of follow-up, 35.0% (n=21) of the patients fulfilled echocardiographic criteria for dilated cardiomyopathy, and 90.5% of them (n=19) needed pacemaker implantation.

Conclusion

MostLMNAmutation carriers underwent pacemaker implantation in this study. Due to the progressive nature ofLMNA-cardiomyopathy, device upgrades are quite common. An ICD should be considered when the initial device implantation is planned in anLMNAmutation carrier.
The mechanics of arching in induced trench construction – a new theoretical formulation
Authors: Bryden Campbell , Arjomandi Kaveh , Valsangkar Arun
Published: April 2021

Full-scale experimental case studies have shown that the induced trench construction method effectively reduces the vertical earth load that is exerted on culverts installed beneath high embankments. Induced trench culverts are traditionally designed on the basis of Marston’s theory; however, various theoretical shortcomings of this formulation have recently come to light. In this paper, a new induced trench theoretical formulation is presented. The proposed analytical model employs inclined shear planes within the embankment fill; such geometry is consistent with experimental findings reported in the literature and leads to positive arching resulting from a reduction in vertical stress and an increase in horizontal stress (thus increasing the lateral earth pressure coefficient within the induced trench zone). A series of parametric studies is performed using finite element software. The proposed theoretical formulation is shown to be in good agreement with the numerical results, and correlations are developed to provide guidance in selecting the appropriate values of (i) the induced trench lateral earth pressure coefficient and (ii) the height to the plane of equal settlement. Two instrumented full-scale induced trench case studies are discussed, and the proposed theoretical formulation is shown to produce results that are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Modeling and numerical computation of nonsimilar forced convective flow of viscous material towards an exponential surface
Authors: Farooq Umer , Razzaq Raheela , Khan M. Ijaz , Chu Yu-Ming , Lu Dian Chen
Published: April 2021

The objective of this paper is to study the mixed convective nonsimilar flow above an exponentially stretching sheet saturated by nanofluid. The leading partial differential equations (PDEs) of the problem have been modified towards dimensionless nonlinear PDEs utilizing newly proposed nonsimilarity transformations. Furthermore, local nonsimilarity procedure up to-second truncation has been operated to change the dimensionless PDEs into ordinary differential equations (ODEs). MATLAB-based algorithm bvp4c is used to observe the consequences of the distinct parameters namely Prandlt number [Formula: see text], magnetic field [Formula: see text], Lewis number [Formula: see text], Brownian motion [Formula: see text], Eckert number [Formula: see text], thermophoresis [Formula: see text] on velocity, concentration and temperature distribution are shown in graphical portray. Additional outcomes presume the heat penetration into the fluid enhances with increase in Biot number and Brownian motion. Increasing values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] cause decrease of temperature profile.
Modeling and Exact Reliability for a Consecutive Linear (k1,k2,…,kn−r+1)-Out-of-r-from-n: F System and Consecutive Circular (k1,k2,…,kn)-Out-of-r-from-n: F System
Authors: Amirian Y. , Khodadadi A.
Published: April 2021

The consecutive linear [Formula: see text]-out-of-[Formula: see text]-from-[Formula: see text]:F system consists of [Formula: see text] linear ordered components and the consecutive circular [Formula: see text]-out-of-[Formula: see text]-from-[Formula: see text]:F system consists of [Formula: see text] circular ordered components. In this paper, we suggest, for the first time, modeling and exact reliability for these models. The linear system fails if and only if there exists a [Formula: see text]-order statistic of [Formula: see text]-consecutive [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] of components in the failed state, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]; and the circular system fails if and only if there exists a [Formula: see text]-order statistic of [Formula: see text]-consecutive [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] of components in the failed state, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we designed an innovative algorithm to obtain the exact reliability for an extensive class of consecutive linear and circular systems. In continuation, there are the MATLAB Programs of exact reliability for consecutive linear and circular systems. In the following, we applied comparative and numerical results and calculated the exact reliability of this strategic systems. Finally, we calculated the exact reliability for two real-world practical examples.
Biometric Authentication Using Finger-Vein Patterns with Deep-Learning and Discriminant Correlation Analysis
Authors: Boucetta Aldjia , Boussaad Leila
Published: April 2021

Finger-vein identification, a biometric technology that uses vein patterns in the human finger to identify people. In recent years, it has received increasing attention due to its tremendous advantages compared to fingerprint characteristics. Moreover, Deep-Convolutional Neural Networks (Deep-CNN) appeared to be highly successful for feature extraction in the finger-vein area, and most of the proposed works focus on new Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models, which require huge databases for training, a solution that may be more practicable in real world applications, is to reuse pretrained Deep-CNN models. In this paper, a finger-vein identification system is proposed, which uses Squeezenet pretrained Deep-CNN model as feature extractor from the left and the right finger vein patterns. Then, combines this Deep-based features by using a feature-level Discriminant Correlation Analysis (DCA) to reduce feature dimensions and to give the most relevant features. Finally, these composite feature vectors are used as input data for a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier, in an identification stage. This method is tested on two widely available finger vein databases, namely SDUMLA-HMT and FV-USM. Experimental results show that the proposed finger vein identification system achieves significant high mean accuracy rates.
A Framework for Time-Cost-Quality Optimization in Project Management Problems Using an Exploratory Grid Concept in the Multi-Objective Simulated-Annealing
Authors: Mota Alzira , Ávila Paulo , Albuquerque Ricardo , Costa Lino , Bastos João
Published: April 2021

Time, cost, and quality are the three indispensable factors for the realization and success of a project. In this context, we propose a framework composed of a multi-objective approach and multi-criteria decision-making methods (MCDM) to solve time-cost-quality trade-off optimization problems. A multi-objective Simulated Annealing (MOSA) algorithm is used to compute an approximation to the Pareto optimal set. The concept of the exploratory grid is introduced in the MOSA to improve its performance. MCDM are used to assist the decision-making process. The Shannon entropy and AHP methods assign weights to criteria. The first methodology is for the inexperienced decision-makers, and the second concedes a personal and flexible weighting of the criteria weights, based on the project manager’s assessment. The TOPSIS and VIKOR methods are considered to rank the solutions. Although they have the same purpose, the rankings achieved are different. A tool is implemented to solve a time-cost-quality trade-off problem on a project activities network. The computational experiments are analyzed and the results with the exploratory grid in Simulated Annealing (SA) are promising. Despite the framework aims to solve multi-objective trade-off optimization problems, supporting the decisions of the project manager, the methodologies used can also be applied in other areas.
Structural bioinformatics survey on disease-inducing missense mutations
Authors: Bongini Pietro , Gardini Simone , Bianchini Monica , Spiga Ottavia , Niccolai Neri
Published: April 2021

Understanding the molecular mechanisms that correlate pathologies with missense mutations is of critical importance for disease risk estimations and for devising personalized therapies. Thus, we have performed a bioinformatic survey of ClinVar, a database of human genomic variations, to find signals that can account for missense mutation pathogenicity. Arginine resulted as the most frequently replaced amino acid both in benign and pathogenic mutations. By adding the structural dimension to this investigation to increase its resolution, we found that arginine mutations occurring at the protein–DNA interface increase pathogenicity 6.5 times with respect to benign variants. Glycine is the second amino acid among all the pathological missense mutations. Necessarily replaced by larger amino acids, glycine substitutions perturb the structural stability of proteins and, therefore, their functions, being mostly located in buried protein moieties. Arginine and glycine appear as representative of missense mutations causing respective changes in interaction processes and protein structural features, the two main molecular mechanisms of genome-induced pathologies.
Taming the Wild Etext: Managing, Annotating, and Sharing Tibetan Corpora in Open Spaces
Authors: Trinley Ngawang , Tenzin  , Schmidt Dirk , Hildt Helios , Kaldan Tenzin
Published: April 2021

Digital text is quickly becoming essential to modern daily life. The article you are reading right now is born digital; unlike texts of the not-so-distant past, it may never be printed at all. Worldwide, the trend is clear: Digital text is on the way in, and print is on its way out. Year-by-year, more and more readers are turning to ebooks, internet news, and other forms of ereading, while generation by generation, print is becoming less and less relevant.

1

1

Pew research shows 50% of Americans have a dedicated ereading device, with yearly gains in ereadership [1]; industry research, too, shows a definite trend toward ereading and non-traditional publishing, with ebooks making up 50% of fiction reading in 2016 [2], while journalism is also trending online [3].

These trends are not unique to English—to meet the demands and expectations of today's readers, Tibetan texts, too, are being digitized by many organizations and institutions with a shared appreciation for the Tibetan literary heritage. They include a variety of secular publishers, monastic institutions, and Buddhist foundations, among others. But while these organizations share common goals for common texts, their work is all too frequently completely disconnected from the community at large.

This situation negatively impacts what is already a minoritized and under-resourced language. While competition—from other languages, as well as other publishers in the Tibetan etext world—has been a driver of innovation in the adoption of ereading technology, we believe that a rich, shared data source is not only in everyone's best interest but also the only practical way forward when we consider the time, effort, expertise, and money that quality digitization takes.

That is why we have designed OpenPecha to be a public, open platform for collaborative etext curation and annotation sharing. Its aim is providing a wide range of users with the latest version of the exact “view” of any text needed, while maintaining the integrity of the text and its annotations and simultaneously allowing for community improvements and additions. In this article, we explore the details of how the project came to be, what it is, and how it works, while also presenting a few common use cases.
A Hierarchical Sequence-to-Sequence Model for Korean POS Tagging
Authors: Jin Guozhe , Yu Zhezhou
Published: April 2021

Part-of-speech (POS) tagging is a fundamental task in natural language processing. Korean POS tagging consists of two subtasks: morphological analysis and POS tagging. In recent years, scholars have tended to use the seq2seq model to solve this problem. The full context of a sentence is considered in these seq2seq-based Korean POS tagging methods. However, Korean morphological analysis relies more on local contextual information, and in many cases, there exists one-to-one matching between morpheme surface form and base form. To make better use of these characteristics, we propose a hierarchical seq2seq model. In our model, the low-level Bi-LSTM encodes the syllable sequence, whereas the high-level Bi-LSTM models the context information of the whole sentence, and the decoder generates the morpheme base form syllables as well as the POS tags. To improve the accuracy of the morpheme base form recovery, we introduced the convolution layer and the attention mechanism to our model. The experimental results on the Sejong corpus show that our model outperforms strong baseline systems in both morpheme-level F1-score and eojeol-level accuracy, achieving state-of-the-art performance.
High-Entropy Ultra-High-Temperature Borides and Carbides: A New Class of Materials for Extreme Environments
Authors: Feng Lun , Fahrenholtz William G. , Brenner Donald W.
Published: April 2021

Herein, we critically evaluate computational and experimental studies in the emerging field of high-entropy ultra-high-temperature ceramics. High-entropy ultra-high-temperature ceramics are candidates for use in extreme environments that include temperatures over 2,000°C, heat fluxes of hundreds of watts per square centimeter, or irradiation from neutrons with energies of several megaelectron volts. Computational studies have been used to predict the ability to synthesize stable high-entropy materials as well as the resulting properties but face challenges such as the number and complexity of unique bonding environments that are possible for these compositionally complex compounds. Experimental studies have synthesized and densified a large number of different high-entropy borides and carbides, but no systematic studies of composition-structure-property relationships have been completed. Overall, this emerging field presents a number of exciting research challenges and numerous opportunities for future studies.
Symmetric Deformable Registration via Learning a Pseudomean for MR Brain Images
Authors: Sui Xiaodan , Zheng Yuanjie , He Yunlong , Jia Weikuan
Published: April 2021

Image registration is a fundamental task in medical imaging analysis, which is commonly used during image-guided interventions and data fusion. In this paper, we present a deep learning architecture to symmetrically learn and predict the deformation field between a pair of images in an unsupervised fashion. To achieve this, we design a deep regression network to predict a deformation field that can be used to align the template-subject image pair. Specifically, instead of estimating the single deformation pathway to align the images, herein, we predict two halfway deformations, which can move the original template and subject into a pseudomean space simultaneously. Therefore, we train a symmetric registration network (S-Net) in this paper. By using a symmetric strategy, the registration can be more accurate and robust particularly on the images with large anatomical variations. Moreover, the smoothness of the deformation is also significantly improved. Experimental results have demonstrated that the trained model can directly predict the symmetric deformations on new image pairs from different databases, consistently producing accurate and robust registration results.
Analysis of the Influence of SBS Content and Structure on the Performance of SBS/CR Composite Modified Asphalt
Authors: Gong Yafeng , Pang Yunze , Li Fayang , Jin Weidong , Bi Haipeng , Ma Yulin
Published: April 2021

The performance of asphalt can be improved by adding styrene‐butadiene‐styrene (SBS) copolymer and crumb rubber (CR). This paper investigated the influence of the structure and content of styrene‐butadiene‐styrene (SBS) copolymer on the properties of SBS/CR modified asphalt (SBS/CRMA). These SBS/CRMA were prepared by mixing 90# matrix asphalt, 60 mesh CR powder, and SBS copolymers with two molecular structures, which were tested for penetration, softening point, ductility, and rheology. The complex modulus, phase angle, rutting factor, storage modulus, and dissipation modulus of SBS/CRMA were analyzed with the 64°C frequency sweep tests. The results revealed that the content and structure had significant impacts on the performances of SBS/CRMA, and the advantages of SBS polymer network structure in the modified asphalt system cannot be reflected when the amount of SBS was small. Meanwhile, the high‐temperature stability, low‐temperature tensile resistance, temperature sensitivity, and viscoelasticity of rubberized asphalt were further improved by adding a moderate amount of SBS copolymer. Furthermore, the properties of SBS/CRMA were better as the contents of SBS increased when the type of SBS doped was the same. The effect of modification improved by star‐shaped SBS copolymer addition was more than that improved by linear SBS copolymer addition. As a conclusion, the content of 4 wt% star‐shaped SBS and 20 wt% CR powder‐modified 90# matrix asphalt has the best modification effect with the comparison of other groups.
Distributed Temperature Sensing System Based on Brillouin Scattering Effect Using a Single-Photon Detector
Authors: Sheng Liwen , Yan Jisong , Li Ligong , Yuan Ming , Zhou Shuai , Xu Rui , Liu Jiaqing , Nian Fushun , Li Long , Liu Zhiming
Published: April 2021

Utilizing a single-photon detector, a novel direct-detection optical-fiber sensor for distributed measurement of temperature based on spontaneous Brillouin scattering is proposed and demonstrated experimentally. In our scheme, the ratio of the backscattered Rayleigh signal and the backscattered Brillouin anti-Stokes is adopted to retrieve the monitored temperature information along the optical fiber. Taking advantage of the high sensitivity of the single-photon detector, our proposed system achieves a dynamic range of 20 dB without any optical amplification. The obtainable dynamic range corresponds to a sensing distance of 120 km with a measured temperature error of 0.96°C. Furthermore, the proof-of-concept experiment demonstrates 1.2 m spatial resolution over 4.2 km sensing link with 1.24°C temperature error. Considering the performance we achieved now, and the increasing improvement of the fabrication technology of sing-photon detector, the photon-counting distributed Brillouin sensor is opening a door in the field of optical-fiber sensors.
Study of Top Coal Partition and Key Delayed-Action Region for Horizontal Sublevel Top Coal Caving in Deeply Inclined Seam
Authors: Zhang Jia-fan , Liu Xiaoyu , Liu Yang , Shao Xiao-ping , Zhang Hui-mei
Published: April 2021

Horizontal sublevel caving is the unique way to mine the steep and extra thick coal seams. We aim to determine reasonable height of horizontal subsection, which is crucial to ensure the output and safety of mining. For this aim, a theoretical model is established to determine the theoretical solution of elastic stress distribution in deeply inclined coal seam, and first principal stress expression is derived. And on this basis, related factors affecting the top coal caving property and key delayed-action areas are investigated. The results show that there are four zones in top coal, which are tensile failure zone (TFZ), tensile damage zone (TDZ), elastic zone (EZ), and compression-shear damage zone (CSDZ). The elevation of sublevel height cannot increase the release of top coal. It is necessary to determine the key region of affecting the top coal caving. The key delayed-action region (KDAR) consists of EZ and TFZ in top coal; the EZ and TFZ are type I and II KDAR, respectively, and type I is the key area of weakening top coal. In order to effectively weaken KDAR, opening coal channel of core region, and especially effectively obstructing the continuous moving upward of top coal caving arch structure with the help of weakening top coal body in type I KDAR, would promote caving property of top coal and improve the working face extraction rate.
Availability of Emergency Department Wait Times Information: A Patient-Centered Needs Assessment
Authors: Calder-Sprackman Samantha , Kwok Edmund S. H. , Bradley Renee , Landreville Jeffrey , Perry Jeffrey J. , Calder Lisa A.
Published: April 2021

Introduction. Many Emergency Departments (ED) publish wait times; however, the patient perspective in what information is requested and the quantity of information to post is limited. Methods. We conducted a mixed-methods study at a tertiary care academic center. First, we conducted focus groups of 7 patients. We then generated themes following content analysis to create a patient survey. We administered in-person surveys to patients in ED waiting rooms at sites randomized for survey administration. We used preassigned shifts utilized for even patient perspective representation of the 24 hours-a-day/7 days-a-week service. We included waiting room patients over 18 years of age and excluded patients directly referred to a specialty service or who did not speak French or English. We analyzed survey data using descriptive statistics. Results. We identified nine dominant focus group themes: wait time definition, wait time notification, communication, education, patient expectations, utilization of the ED, patient behaviour, physical comfort, and patient empowerment. Of the 240 patient questionnaires administered, 81.3% of respondents wanted to know ED wait times before hospital arrival hospital and 90.8% wanted ED wait times posted in the waiting room. Website (46.7%) was the most popular choice for publishing wait times outside the ED. Within the ED, patients had no preference regarding display modality, if times were displayed (39.6%). Overall, 76.7% stated that their satisfaction with the ED would be improved if wait times were posted. Conclusion. ED patients strongly supported having access to wait time information. Patients believed having wait time information will have a positive impact on their overall ED satisfaction.
Multiresponse Optimization for a Novel Compliant Z-Stage by a Hybridization of Response Surface Method and Whale Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Dang Minh Phung , Le Hieu Giang , Le Ngoc N. Trung , Le Chau Ngoc , Dao Thanh-Phong
Published: April 2021

A novel compliant z-stage is applied for positioning and indenting a specimen in nano/microindentation testing system. For an excellent operation, the proposed z-stage can concurrently satisfy multicriteria comprising high safety factor, small parasitic motion, and large output displacement. The key aims of this article are to present a novel design of the compliant z-stage as well as an effective integration methodology of Taguchi method, response surface method, weight factor calculation based on signal to noise, and the whale optimization algorithm to resolve a design optimal problem so as to enrich the quality performances of the proposed stage. Primarily, the z-stage is designed based on four-lever amplifier, compliant hinge shifted arrangement mechanism, zigzag-based flexure spring guiding mechanism, and symmetric six leaf hinges-based parallel guiding mechanism. Secondly, the number experiment data are achieved by the Taguchi method and finite element analysis. Subsequently, the regression functions among input variables and quality characteristics are formed by exploiting response surface method. In addition, the weight factors for every characteristic are defined. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis is accomplished for determining influences of input variables on quality responses. Ultimately, based on regression equations, the whale optimization algorithm is executed to define the optimal factors. The consequences indicated that the output deformation is about 454.55 μm and the safety factor is around 2.38. Furthermore, the errors among the optimal consequences and the confirmations for the safety factor and output deformation are 7.12% and 4.25%, correspondingly. By using Wilcoxon and Friedman methods, the results revealed that the proposed algorithm is better than the cuckoo search algorithm. Based on the quality convergence characteristics of hybrid approach, the proposed method is proficient for resolving complicated multiobjective optimization.
The Association between Maternal/Fetal Insulin Receptor Substrate 1 Gene Polymorphism rs1801278 and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in a Chinese Population
Authors: Wu Lingling , Fang Changping , Zhang Jun , Ye Yanchou , Zhao Haiyan
Published: April 2021

Objectives: Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) is a crucial factor in the insulin signaling pathway. IRS1 gene polymorphism rs1801278 in mothers has been reported to be associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, it is not clear whether IRS1 gene polymorphism rs1801278 in fetuses is associated with their mothers’ GDM morbidity. The purpose of this study is to analyze the association between maternal, fetal, or maternal/fetal IRS1 gene polymorphism rs1801278 and GDM risk. Design: The study was a single-center, prospective cohort study. In total, 213 pairs of GDM mothers/fetuses and 191 pairs of control mothers/fetuses were included in this study. They were recruited after they underwent oral glucose tolerance test during 24–28 weeks of gestation and followed up until delivery. All participants received the conventional interventions (diet and exercise), and no special therapy except routine treatment. Methods: A total of 213 pairs of GDM mothers/fetuses and 191 pairs of normal blood glucose pregnant mothers/fetuses were ge­notyped using PCR and DNA sequencing from January 2015 to September 2016. Maternal/fetal IRS1 gene polymorphism rs1801278 was analyzed and compared between 2 groups. Results: There were no significant differences in the frequency of individual mothers’ or fetuses’ IRS1 rs1801278 polymorphisms between 2 groups; if both the mothers and fetuses carried A allele, significantly lower GDM morbidity was observed in the mothers. Limitations: The sample size was relatively small as a single-center study. Conclusions: Our study suggested that maternal/fetal rs1801278 polymorphism of IRS1 is a modulating factor in GDM; both mothers/fetuses carrying the A allele of rs1801278 may protect the mothers against the development of GDM.
Exposure to Chinese Famine in the Early Life, Adulthood Obesity Patterns, and the Incidence of Hypertension: A 22-Year Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Yu , Jin Jibin , Peng Yue , Chen Yongjie
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Little is known regarding the joint associations of famine exposure and obesity patterns with the incidence of hypertension. Methods: We defined famine exposure cohorts as follows: nonexposure (born between 1962 and 1965), fetal life exposure (born between 1959 and 1961), early childhood exposure (born between 1956 and 1958), midchildhood exposure (born between 1953 and 1955), and late childhood exposure (born between 1949 and 1952). Obesity patterns were defined as follows: G−/A−: subjects without neither general obesity nor abdominal obesity; G+/A− or G−/A+: subjects with either general obesity or abdominal obesity; G+/A+: subjects with both general obesity and abdominal obesity. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg or current treatment with antihypertensive medications. Results: There were 5,235 individuals participating in this study. In the subjects with general or abdominal obesity, famine exposure was associated with a lower risk of hypertension. In males with G−/A−, famine exposures in the midchildhood (p = 0.048; HR: 0.700; HR 95% CI: 0.491–0.998) and late childhood (p = 0.002; HR: 0.560; HR 95% CI: 0.374–0.840) were associated with a lower incidence of hypertension. Conclusion: The coexistence of famine exposure and obesity patterns was associated with the incidence of hypertension.