bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 (RT-PCR) Testing
Authors: Joyce Nicole , Seim Lynsey , Smerina Michael
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is estimated to have affected 6.2 million people in the United States and 27.5 million people worldwide as of September 9, 2020. On February 2, 2020, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) determined that the public health emergency justified the development and emergency use of “in vitro diagnostics for the detection and/or diagnosis of the virus that causes COVID-19” by activating the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) authority under section 564 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Unfortunately, effective mitigation efforts were thwarted early in the outbreak resulting in an expansion of the initial EUA on February 29, 2020, to improve accessibility to in vitro diagnostic testing. Expectantly, the development and deployment of SARS-CoV-2 testing including RT-PCR expanded rapidly in the weeks following the EUA expansion. These newly developed and approved SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR tests boast impressive positive and negative agreement rates nearing 100%. Despite the exceptionally high rates of agreement, caution is advised as the RT-PCR tests approved under the COVID-19 EUA are in vitro analyses developed with samples artificially doped with SARS-CoV-2 RNA. These tests therefore do not have clinically applicable sensitivity and specificity because they lack a “gold standard” for diagnosis. Here we present three challenging cases requiring cautious interpretation of the newest generation of RT-PCR molecular detection assays, highlighting the major challenges faced by providers treating patients potentially infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Measurement and Simulation Analysis of Vertical Cross Longitudinal Settlement between Turning Shield and Foundation Pit
Authors: Yin Hua , Zhang Hong , Zhang Rui
Published: May 2021

Using numerical simulation technology, the dynamic three‐dimensional model of the turning shield and the foundation pit under the condition of vertical intersection is established. The disturbance law of the longitudinal settlement of the foundation pit under the condition of shield construction is studied, and the stress path in the soil is analyzed. The results show that with the gradual advance of the turning shield construction, the settlement mode of the foundation pit changes with the shield construction. During the construction of the turning shield, when the tunnel face is located in front of the foundation pit and under the foundation pit, the ground loss rate is inconsistent, which leads to the change of settlement mode. Under the influence of turning shield construction disturbance, the soil undergoes compression deformation caused by larger additional stress increase; after shield crossing, the soil undergoes unloading deformation caused by more obvious stress relaxation.
Multisource Information Risk Evaluation Technology of Mine Water Inrush Based on VWM: A Case Study of Weng’an Coal Mine
Authors: Li Bo , Li Tao , Zhang Wenping , Liu Zijie , Yang Lei
Published: May 2021

The use of multisource information fusion technology to predict the risk of water inrush from coal floor is a research hotspot in recent years, but the current evaluation method is mainly based on a constant weight evaluation model. Using constant weights to reflect the control effect of changing factor state values on water inrush evaluation has obvious limitations, and it is unable to describe the control effect of the hydrogeological condition mutation on the water inrush from the floor. In order to solve the above problems, this manuscript introduces the idea of variable weight into the field of water inrush evaluation, expounds on the significance of variable weight theory for water inrush evaluation, analyzes the characteristics of mine water inrush variable weight evaluation, and, on this basis, further combines GIS-based multisource information fusion technology and typical engineering case to compare with the evaluation effect map, evaluation unit, and comprehensive evaluation values. The differences between the variable weight model (VWM) and the constant weight model (CWM) are analyzed, which proves that the evaluation process of the variable weight evaluation model is more reasonable and can effectively improve the evaluation accuracy.
Altered Genes and Biological Functions in Response to Severe Burns
Authors: Liu Xinheng , Rong Yongxian , Huang Donglin , Liang Zhijie , Yi Xiaolin , Wu Fangxiao , Zhu Dandan , Mo Steven , Nong Wenhai , Li Hongmian
Published: May 2021

Severe burns are acute wounds caused by local heat exposure, resulting in life‐threatening systemic effects and poor survival. However, the specific molecular mechanisms remain unclear. First, we downloaded gene expression data related to severe burns from the GEO database (GSE19743, GSE37069, and GSE77791). Then, a gene expression analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and construct protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network. The molecular mechanism was identified by enrichment analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. In addition, STEM software was used to screen for genes persistently expressed during response to severe burns, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify key DEGs. A total of 2631 upregulated and 3451 downregulated DEGs were identified. PPI network analysis clustered these DEGs into 13 modules. Importantly, module genes mostly related with immune responses and metabolism. In addition, we identified genes persistently altered during the response to severe burns corresponding to survival and death status. Among the genes with high area under the ROC curve in the PPI network gene, CCL5 and LCK were identified as key DEGs, which may affect the prognosis of burn patients. Gene set variation analysis showed that the immune response was inhibited and several types of immune cells were decreased, while the metabolic response was enhanced. The results showed that persistent gene expression changes occur in response to severe burns, which may underlie chronic alterations in physiological pathways. Identifying the key altered genes may reveal potential therapeutic targets for mitigating the effects of severe burns.
Numerical Investigation of the Short-Term Mechanical Response of Buried Profiled Thermoplastic Pipes with Different Diameters to External Loads
Authors: Shan Yongti , Shi Guijun , Hu Qunfang , Zhang Yunhui , Wang Fu
Published: May 2021

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) double-wall corrugated pipe is a flexible buried pipe widely used in municipal drainage, and its deformation is affected by the compactness of the surrounding soil. This paper uses the ABAQUS to establish a three-dimensional pipe-soil model of double-wall corrugated pipes, and the mechanical response behavior of corrugated pipes with different nominal diameters subject to external loads is studied. The results show that the strain distribution characteristics for pipes with different diameters are very similar, and the circumferential strain value at critical positions of the pipe is proportional to its nominal diameter. Under poor backfill conditions, small-diameter pipelines are more prone to damage caused by strain concentration, while large-diameter pipelines may be damaged due to local bending.
Dynamic Path Optimization in Sharing Mode to Relieve Urban Traffic Congestion
Authors: Chen Hongmei , Zhang Yuanhang
Published: May 2021

In recent years, a new mode of transportation, referred to as “shared commuter buses,” has been introduced, which can considerably reduce the dependence of office workers on private cars and relieve urban traffic congestion, but is not widely used owing to efficiency issues. Improving the efficiency of shared commuter buses was set as a goal, and in this study, several research objects were selected to optimize the driving routes of shared commuter buses. The problem of stop location is combined with dynamic route optimization; the “shortest walking distance” model is established to select the most appropriate location for stops. The vehicle routing problem model and “key point updating strategy” are employed to plan routes with real-time traffic information. Finally, we conduct an empirical study to validate our conclusions. The results show that both the model and algorithm are reliable and effective; thus, travel efficiency can be effectively improved and traffic jams can be alleviated.
Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant for Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Macrophage Activation Syndrome
Authors: Davidson Nicole , Rangarajan Hemalatha G. , Driest Kyla , Bajwa Rajinder P. S. , Polishchuk Veronika , Abu-Arja Rolla F.
Published: May 2021

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is characterized by arthritis, fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and serositis. Macrophage activation syndrome is the most feared complication of sJIA with a high risk of mortality. We report a 16-year-old female diagnosed with refractory systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) complicated by recurrent macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), severe joint disease, and lung involvement requiring prolonged immunosuppressive therapy. She received a matched unrelated allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (Allo-HCT) using a reduced-intensity conditioning regimen and is now, 3 years after the transplant, with complete resolution of sJIA symptoms, off immunosuppressants, and with significant improvement in the quality of life.
Development of a Computerized Adaptive Test for Quantifying Chinese Medicine Syndrome of Myasthenia Gravis on Basis of Multidimensional Item Response Theory
Authors: Huang Zhongyu , Yang Yunying , Liu Fengbin , Li Lijuan
Published: May 2021

Background. Making comprehensive management of myasthenia gravis (MG) is a challenge in clinical practice due to heterogeneity and multiple comorbidities among patients. Aim. To develop an end-to-end instrument for individualized assessment of MG in the perspective of Chinese medicine (TCM) with the application of multidisciplinary quantification approaches. Methods. A self-administrated questionnaire was developed integrating typical symptoms of MG and spleen-kidney deficiency syndrome on basis of the conceptual framework of TCM. With data collected in a multicenter cross-sectional study, confirmatory factor analysis together with multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) was used for evaluating the psychometric property of the questionnaire. A computerized adaptive test was developed based on the MIRT model, and scores of syndrome factors were calculated in simulation. A logistics regression model was also estimated for evaluating the consistency between the quantitative result and the clinical diagnosis of syndrome from clinical practitioners. Result. With 337 patients enrolled and assessed, the 14-item questionnaire was evaluated to be with adequate validity and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha indices = 0.87, AIC = 195.827, BIC = 348.631, CFI = 0.921, RMR = 0.006, GFI = 0.954, RMSEA = 0.048, and χ2/df = 1.782). With adequate factor loadings of symptoms on related syndrome factor, the instrument was evaluated with preliminary interpretation and was suitable for evaluating patients with moderate severity of the spleen and kidney deficiency syndrome. Conclusion. Setting typical symptoms of MG together with systemic discomforts in a computerized adaptive test on the basis of MIRT, this study proposed an innovative research paradigm for quantifying individual condition in the perspective of TCM with application of interdisciplinary approaches.
Disruption‐Free Load Balancing for Aerial Access Network
Authors: Li Na , Zhao Yue , Hu Ning , Teng Jing
Published: May 2021

A fundamental issue of 6G networks with aerial access networks (AAN) as a core component is that user devices will send high‐volume traffic via AAN to backend servers. As such, it is critical to load balance such traffic such that it will not cause network congestion or disruption and affect users’ experience in 6G networks. Motivated by the success of software‐defined networking‐based load balancing, this paper proposes a novel system called Tigris, to load balance high‐volume AAN traffic in 6G networks. Different from existing load balancing solutions in traditional networks, Tigris tackles the fundamental disruption-resistant challenge in 6G networks for avoiding disruption of continuing flows and the control-path update challenge for limiting the throughput of updating load balancing instructions. Tigris achieves disruption‐free and low‐control‐path‐cost load balancing for AAN traffic by developing an online algorithm to compute disruption‐resistant, per‐flow load balancing policies and a novel bottom‐up algorithm to compile the per‐flow policies into a highly compact rule set, which remains disruption‐resistant and has a low control‐path cost. We use extensive evaluation to demonstrate the efficiency and efficacy of Tigris to achieve zero disruption of continuing AAN flows and an extremely low control‐path update overhead, while existing load balancing techniques in traditional networks such as ECMP cause high load variance and disrupt almost 100% continuing AAN flows.
Volume of Fluid (VOF) Modeling of Liquid Film Evaporation in Mixed Convection Flow through a Vertical Channel
Authors: El Baamrani Hayat , Bammou Lahcen , Aharoune Ahmed , Boukhris Abdallah
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the volume of fluid (VOF) method in the OpenFOAM open-source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) package is used to investigate the coupled heat and mass transfer by mixed convection during the evaporation of water-thin film. The liquid film is falling down on the left wall of a vertical channel and is subjected to a uniform heat flux density, whereas the right wall is assumed to be insulated and dry. The gas mixture consists of air and water vapor. The governing equations in the liquid and in the gas areas with the boundary conditions are solved by using the finite volume method. The results which include temperature, velocity, and vapor mass fraction are presented. The effect of heat flux density, liquid inlet temperature, and mass flow rate on the heat and mass transfer are also analyzed. Better liquid film evaporation is noted for the system with a higher heat flux density and inlet liquid temperature or a lower mass flow rate. Therefore, the VOF method describes well the thermal and dynamic behavior during the evaporation of the liquid film.
Impact of Nanofluid Flow over an Elongated Moving Surface with a Uniform Hydromagnetic Field and Nonlinear Heat Reservoir
Authors: Rasheed Haroon U. R. , Islam Saeed , Khan Zeeshan , Alharbi Sayer O. , Alotaibi Hammad , Khan Ilyas
Published: May 2021

The increasing global demand for energy necessitates devoted attention to the formulation and exploration of mechanisms of thermal heat exchangers to explore and save heat energy. Thus, innovative thermal transport fluids require to boost thermal conductivity and heat flow features to upsurge convection heat rate, and nanofluids have been effectively employed as standard heat transfer fluids. With such intention, herein, we formulated and developed the constitutive flow laws by utilizing the Rossland diffusion approximation and Stephen’s law along with the MHD effect. The mathematical formulation is based on boundary layer theory pioneered by Prandtl. Governing nonlinear partial differential flow equations are changed to ODEs via the implementation of the similarity variables. A well‐known computational algorithm BVPh2 has been utilized for the solution of the nonlinear system of ODEs. The consequence of innumerable physical parameters on flow field, thermal distribution, and solutal field, such as magnetic field, Lewis number, velocity parameter, Prandtl number, drag force, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number, is plotted via graphs. Finally, numerical consequences are compared with the homotopic solution as a limiting case, and an exceptional agreement is found.
Monitoring Salivary Levels of Interleukin 1 Beta (IL-1β) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) for Two Years of Orthodontic Treatment: A Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Çevik-Aras Hülya , Isik-Altun Fadimana , Kilic-Tok Hatice , Naoumova Julia
Published: May 2021

Background and Objective. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) perform functions in orthodontic tooth movement and can be measured in the saliva. This novel approach is aimed at monitoring continuous changes in IL-1β and VEGF levels in saliva during two years of orthodontic treatment. Material and Methods. Nine healthy females (15-20 years of age) with crowding requiring four premolar extractions and fixed appliances in both jaws were included in this prospective pilot study. A total of 134 stimulated and 134 unstimulated saliva samples were collected during two years of treatment: before tooth extractions (baseline) and then every 6-8 weeks at follow-up appointments. All saliva samples were analysed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mean levels of IL-1β and VEGF were calculated according to the different orthodontic treatment stages: alignment, space closure, and finishing. Repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) measurements were used to compare the means between different treatment stages. The percentage difference in IL-1β and VEGF between the different treatment stages was analysed by Bland-Altman plots. Results. A gradual increase in IL-1β and VEGF was observed at alignment, reaching significance at space closure (

p
=
0.002

and

p
=
0.025

, respectively). At finishing, both IL-1β and VEGF declined, however, without reverting to baseline values (

p
=
0.172

and

p
=
0.207

, respectively). Bland-Altman analysis showed the agreement between IL-1β and VEGF in terms of a systematic increase, with a higher percentage difference for VEGF. Conclusions. The salivary levels of both IL-1β and VEGF increased following orthodontic treatment and reached their peaks during the treatment stage of space closure. This novel approach provides a hint on how and when to sample saliva during orthodontic treatment to analyse bone remodelling.
New Results on Zagreb Energy of Graphs
Authors: Sheikholeslami Seyed Mahmoud , Jahanbani Akbar , Khoeilar Rana
Published: May 2021

Let

G

be a graph with vertex set

V

G

=

v

1

,
…
,

v

n

, and let

d

i

be the degree of

v

i

. The Zagreb matrix of

G

is the square matrix of order

n

whose

i
,
j

-entry is equal to

d

i

+

d

j

if the vertices

v

i

and

v

j

are adjacent, and zero otherwise. The Zagreb energy

ZE

G

of

G

is the sum of the absolute values of the eigenvalues of the Zagreb matrix. In this paper, we determine some classes of Zagreb hyperenergetic, Zagreb borderenergetic, and Zagreb equienergetic graphs.
Invalid Signatures Searching Bitwise Divisions-Based Algorithm for Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks
Authors: Ye Xin , Xu Gencheng , Cheng Xueli , Zhou Jin , Qin Zhiguang
Published: May 2021

Vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs) are the crucial part of intelligent transportation systems (ITS), which are brought to enhance the security, efficiency, and comfort of transportation. VANETs have aroused extensive attention in the world recently. One of the challenges in practice is real time and low delay, which strongly requires VANETs to be efficient. Existing schemes have properly solved the problem which is how to aggregate the signatures and verify the aggregated signature. However, few solutions are proposed to pinpoint all invalid signatures if existing. The algorithms that can find all invalid signatures are not efficient enough. Following consideration of the above deficiencies of existing approaches, this paper proposes a factorial bitwise divisions (FBD) algorithm and its optimized version and early-stopping factorial bitwise divisions (EFBD) algorithm. Both algorithms are parallel-friendly. Compared with the binary-based batch verification algorithm, the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms achieve better performance in both theory and practice at low invalid signatures’ rate. Especially, in the parallel condition, when the number of invalid signatures is 1, the proposed algorithms cost only one aggregation-verification delay, while the comparison is more than

log

2

  
n

times.
Towards Efficient Video Detection Object Super-Resolution with Deep Fusion Network for Public Safety
Authors: Ren Sheng , Li Jianqi , Tu Tianyi , Peng Yibo , Jiang Jian
Published: May 2021

Video surveillance plays an increasingly important role in public security and is a technical foundation for constructing safe and smart cities. The traditional video surveillance systems can only provide real-time monitoring or manually analyze cases by reviewing the surveillance video. So, it is difficult to use the data sampled from the surveillance video effectively. In this paper, we proposed an efficient video detection object super-resolution with a deep fusion network for public security. Firstly, we designed a super-resolution framework for video detection objects. By fusing object detection algorithms, video keyframe selection algorithms, and super-resolution reconstruction algorithms, we proposed a deep learning-based intelligent video detection object super-resolution (SR) method. Secondly, we designed a regression-based object detection algorithm and a key video frame selection algorithm. The object detection algorithm is used to assist police and security personnel to track suspicious objects in real time. The keyframe selection algorithm can select key information from a large amount of redundant information, which helps to improve the efficiency of video content analysis and reduce labor costs. Finally, we designed an asymmetric depth recursive back-projection network for super-resolution reconstruction. By combining the advantages of the pixel-based super-resolution algorithm and the feature space-based super-resolution algorithm, we improved the resolution and the visual perception clarity of the key objects. Extensive experimental evaluations show the efficiency and effectiveness of our method.
Sex and the G Protein–Coupled Estrogen Receptor Impact Vascular Stiffness
Authors: Ogola Benard O. , Clark Gabrielle L. , Abshire Caleb M. , Harris Nicholas R. , Gentry Kaylee L. , Gunda Shreya S. , Kilanowski-Doroh Isabella , Wong Tristen J. , Visniauskas Bruna , Lawrence Dylan J. , Zimmerman Margaret A. , Bayer Carolyn L. , Groban Leanne , Miller Kristin S. , Lindsey Sarah H.
Published: May 2021

Because arterial stiffness increases following menopause, estrogen may be a protective factor. Our previous work indicates that the GPER (G protein–coupled estrogen receptor) mediates estrogen’s vascular actions. In the current study, we assessed arterial stiffening using pulse wave velocity (PWV), a clinically relevant measurement that independently predicts cardiovascular mortality. We hypothesized that genetic deletion of GPER would attenuate sex differences in PWV and would be associated with changes in passive vascular mechanics. Control and Ang II (angiotensin II)–infused male and female wild-type and GPER knockout mice were assessed for blood pressure, intracarotid PWV, cardiac function, passive biaxial mechanics, constitutive modeling, and histology. Sex differences in PWV and left ventricular mass were detected in wild-type mice but absent in GPER knockout and Ang II–infused mice, regardless of genotype. Despite lower PWV, the material stiffness of female wild-type carotids was greater than males in control conditions and was maintained in response to Ang II due to increased wall thickness. PWV positively correlated with unloaded thickness as well as circumferential and axial stiffness only in females. In contrast, blood pressure positively associated with circumferential and axial stiffness in males. Taken together, we found that female wild-type mice were unique in their vascular adaptation to hypertension by increasing wall thickness to maintain stiffness. Given that carotid arteries are easily accessible clinically, systematic assessment of intracarotid PWV in women may provide insight into vascular damage that cannot be assumed from blood pressure measurements alone.
Mutagenesis of the Cleavage Site of Pro Renin Receptor Abrogates Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension in Mice
Authors: Wang Fei , Chen Yanting , Zou Chang-Jiang , Luo Renfei , Yang Tianxin
Published: May 2021

It is well demonstrated that activation of renal PRR ([pro]renin receptor) contributes to AngII (angiotensin II)-induced hypertension. Relatively, less is known for the function of sPRR (soluble PRR), the extracellular domain of PRR, primarily generated by S1P (site-1 protease) and furin. Moreover, the relationship between PRR/sPRR and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been debated. In the present study, we used CRISPR/Cas9 strategy to generate mice with mutagenesis of the overlapping cleavage site for both proteases in PRR (termed as PRR
R279V/L282V
) to examine the phenotype during AngII infusion with particular emphasis on circulating and intrarenal renin status. PRR
R279V/L282V
mice exhibited a reduction of sPRR level in plasma by ≈53% and in the kidney by ≈82%, were fertile, and had no gross developmental abnormalities. At basal condition, PRR
R279V/L282V
mice had drastically suppressed renin levels from plasma, urine, and the kidney as compared to wild-type controls. The hypertensive response of PRR
R279V/L282V
to AngII infusion was blunted in parallel with attenuated response of intrarenal renin and renal medullary α-epithelial sodium channel expression. By using Ussing chamber technique, primary collecting duct cells from PRR
R279V/L282V
mice exhibited blunted response of epithelial sodium channel activity to AngII as compared to wild-type cells. Together, these results represent strong evidence favoring sPRR as a mediator of AngII-induced hypertension and a master regulator of renin expression. Therefore, PRR should be considered as an integrative member of the RAS.
Induction of the PPARγ (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ)-GCM1 (Glial Cell Missing 1) Syncytialization Axis Reduces sFLT1 (Soluble fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 1) in the Preeclamptic Placenta
Authors: Armistead Brooke , Kadam Leena , Siegwald Emily , McCarthy Fergus P. , Kingdom John C. , Kohan-Ghadr Hamid-Reza , Drewlo Sascha
Published: May 2021

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that is a major cause of maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Severe preeclampsia (sPE) is mediated by pathology of the placental villi resulting in repressed PIGF (placental growth factor) production and hyper-secretion of sFLT1 (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1), the net effect being wide-spread maternal endothelial dysfunction. Villous trophoblast differentiation is under control of the PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ) and GCM1 (glial cell missing 1) axis which is dysregulated in sPE. We hypothesized that disruption of trophoblast differentiation via the PPARγ-GCM1 axis is a major contribution to excess production of sFLT1 and pharmacological activation of PPARγ in the sPE placenta could reduce sFLT1 to normal levels. sPE, age-matched control placentas and first-trimester villous explants, were used to investigate the molecular relationships between PPARγ-GCM1 and sFLT1. We modulated this pathway by pharmacological activation/inhibition of PPARγ using Rosiglitazone and T0070907, respectively, and through siRNA repression of GCM1. PPARγ and GCM1 protein expressions are reduced in the sPE placenta while FLT1 protein and sFLT1 secretion are increased. GCM1 reduction in the first trimester explants significantly increased sFLT1 secretion, suggesting GCM1 as a key player in this pathway. Activation of PPARγ restored GCM1 and significantly reduced sFLT1 expression and release in first trimester and sPE placental villi. Functional integrity of the PPARγ-GCM1 axis in the villous trophoblast is critical for normal pregnancy development and is disrupted in the sPE placenta to favor excessive production of sFLT1. Pharmacological manipulation of PPARγ activity has the potential to rescue the antiangiogenic state of sPE and thereby prolong pregnancy and deliver improved clinical outcomes.
Benefits and Risks of Dual Versus Single Antiplatelet Therapy for Secondary Stroke Prevention: A Systematic Review for the 2021 Guideline for the Prevention of Stroke in Patients With Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Brown Devin L. , Levine Deborah A. , Albright Karen , Kapral Moira K. , Leung Lester Y. , Reeves Mathew J. , Sico Jason , Strong Brent , Whiteley William N. ,   on behalf of the American Heart Association Stroke Council
Published: May 2021

Background:

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack may reduce recurrent stroke but also increase severe bleeding compared with single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT). The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association convened an evidence review committee to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the benefits and risks of DAPT compared with SAPT for secondary ischemic stroke prevention.

Methods:

The Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched on December 5, 2019, to identify phase III or IV randomized controlled trials (n≥100) from December 1999 to December 2019. We calculated unadjusted relative risks (RRs) and performed meta-analyses of studies based on the duration of treatment (short [≤90 days] versus long [>90 days]).

Results:

Three short-duration randomized controlled trials were identified that enrolled mostly patients with minor stroke or high risk transient ischemic attack. In these trials, DAPT, compared with SAPT, was associated with a lower 90-day risk of recurrent ischemic stroke (pooled RR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.55–0.83],
I 
2
=37.1%). There was no significant increase in major bleeding with DAPT in short-duration trials (pooled RR, 1.88 [95% CI, 0.93–3.83],
I 
2
=8.9%). In 2 long-duration treatment randomized controlled trials (mean treatment duration, 18-40 months), DAPT was not associated with a significant reduction in recurrent ischemic stroke (pooled RR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.79–1.02],
I 
2
=1.4%), but was associated with a higher risk of major bleeding (pooled RR, 2.42 [95% CI, 1.37–4.30],
I 
2
=75.5%).

Conclusions:

DAPT was more effective than SAPT for prevention of secondary ischemic stroke when initiated early after the onset of minor stroke/high-risk transient ischemic attack and treatment duration was <90 days. However, when the treatment duration was longer and initiated later after stroke or transient ischemic attack onset, DAPT was not more effective than SAPT for ischemic stroke prevention and it increased the risk of bleeding.
Rudolf Virchow and the Discovery of Cerebral Embolism
Authors: Leicester Jonathan
Published: May 2021

This article describes the project that led Virchow to his discovery of cerebral embolism as a cause of stroke, made during the 1840s, at the beginning of his remarkable career. It includes comment on Virchow’s statements on cerebral thrombosis and stroke.
Hedyotis puberulifolia (Rubiaceae), a new species from Guangdong, China

Authors: XU YI-DA , WANG RUI-JIANG
Published: May 2021

Hedyotis puberulifolia from eastern Guangdong province, China, is described and photographed here. It is clearly different from all other congeneric species by its puberulous stem, leaves, stipules, and thyrsoid inflorescence with monochaisal sub-axes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that H. puberulifolia is closely related to the sympatric H. tenuipes. It is evaluated as Least Concern according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
Inosperma subsphaerosporum (Inocybaceae), a new species from Hainan, tropical China
Authors: DENG LUN-SHA , YU WEN-JIE , ZENG NIAN-KAI , LIU LI-JIE , LIU LI-YUE , FAN YU-GUANG
Published: May 2021

Inosperma subsphaerosporum sp. nov. is described from Hainan Province of China, based on morphological features and molecular phylogeny. The new species is characterized by a medium-sized basidioma, a scaly-fibrillose to rimulose pileus, subglobose to globose basidiospores, and thin-walled cheilocystidia. Moreover, I. subsphaerosporum is phylogenetically placed in an Old World tropical clade, in which all members described are from South Asia. Detailed descriptions, color photographs as well as comparisons between the new species and its closely related species are provided.
Capillipedium yashwantraoi, a new species of Poaceae from Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: SHAIKH TARBEJ , POTDAR GIRISH
Published: May 2021

New species in the genus Capillipedium Stapf is described and illustrated from Amarkantak hills of Madhya Pradesh, India. New species is similar to Capillipedium assimile (Steud.) A.Camus and C. nagense Bor but mainly diverges by having 4–6 cm panicle, 2–2.5 cm racemes, about 11–13 pairs of sessile and pedicelled spikelets in each raceme; joints and pedicels without translucent groove, 2–2.5 mm sessile spikelets and 3–3.2 mm pedicelled spikelets. A taxonomic key for genus Capillipedium in India is given to facilitate easy identification of species.
A new addition to the genus Apterolarnaca Gorochov, 2004 (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae)
Authors: BIAN XUN , LU XIANGYI , CHEN JIALI
Published: May 2021

Herein one new species of Apterolarnaca is reported from Southwest China, Yunnan. The morphological features are described, and provided with colored charts of classification features. Up to now, the number of the genus reach four for Chinese fauna. The hootype is deposited in the Museum of Guangxi Normal University.
Pseudoscopas carbonelli n. sp. (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Melanoplinae) from southern Brazil, including chromosome complement
Authors: COSTA MARIA KÁTIA MATIOTTI DA , ACOSTA RIULER CORRÊA , TIMM VÍTOR FALCHI , DEMARI CHRISTIAN PETER , CARVALHO GERVÁSIO SILVA , ZEFA EDISON
Published: May 2021

New species of Pseudoscopas (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Melanoplinae). Pseudoscopas carbonelli n. sp. from São Francisco de Paula, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil is described, and a key to the species of Pseudoscopas Hebard, 1931 is added. Morphological descriptions are provided together with illustrations emphasizing the most significant diagnostic features of external morphology and male genitalia. Pseudoscopas carbonelli n. sp. differs from the other species known by epiproct with six protuberances in the median region, and extremities of the apical region of the epiproct sclerotized, as well as the lophi with sclerotization. Chromosome analyses were performed using standard staining procedures, showing diploid number of 2n = 23, X0♂/24, XX♀, and the karyotype made up of exclusively acrocentric chromosomes, including a medium-size megameric chromosome. Information is given about type specimens, material examined and geographic distribution.
Two new species of the genus Criotettix Bolivar (Orthoptera: Tetrigoidea: Scelimenidae) from Zhejiang, China
Authors: ZHANG ZIYANG , LIU ZHIXING , YIN HONG
Published: May 2021

Two new species of the genus are described from Zhejiang, China in this paper. The new species Criotettix jinningensis sp. nov. is similar to Criotettix strivertexoides Zheng, Wei & Li, 2009, but differs in width of vertex narrower than diameter of eye; pronotum shorter, not reaching the end of hind tibiae; width of fore wing 1.3 times width of mid leg femur and hind wing not reaching the end of pronotum. The new species Criotettix pananensis sp. nov. is similar to Criotettix transpi-noides Zheng, Bai & Xu, 2012, it differs from latter by width of vertex narrower than diameter of eye; pronotum with parallel lateral keels and without a pair short longitudinal keels between shoulders; hind femur without projection in upper keel and hind wing extending over the end of pronotum. The type specimens are deposited in the College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China.
From Random Forests to Flood Forecasts: A Research to Operations Success Story
Authors: Schumacher Russ S. , Hill Aaron J. , Klein Mark , Nelson James A. , Erickson Michael J. , Trojniak Sarah M. , Herman Gregory R.
Published: May 2021

Excessive rainfall is difficult to forecast, and there is a need for tools to aid Weather Prediction Center (WPC) forecasters when generating Excessive Rainfall Outlooks (EROs), which are issued for the contiguous United States at lead times of 1–3 days. To address this need, a probabilistic forecast system for excessive rainfall, known as the Colorado State University Machine Learning Probabilities (CSU-MLP) system, was developed based on ensemble reforecasts, precipitation observations, and machine-learning algorithms, specifically random forests. The CSU-MLP forecasts were designed to emulate the EROs, with the goal being a tool that forecasters can use as a “first guess” in the ERO forecast process. Resulting from close collaboration between CSU and WPC and evaluation at the Flash Flood and Intense Rainfall Experiment, iterative improvements were made to the forecast system and it was transitioned into operational use at WPC. Quantitative evaluation shows that the CSU-MLP forecasts are skillful and reliable, and they are now being used as a part of the WPC forecast process. This project represents an example of a successful research-to-operations transition, and highlights the potential for machine learning and other postprocessing techniques to improve operational predictions.
On Uniform Nonintegrability and Weak Uniform Nonintegrability of a Sequence of Random Variables with Respect to a Nonnegative Array
Authors: Chandra Tapas K. , Hu Tien-Chung , Rosalsky Andrew
Published: May 2021

Chandra, Hu and Rosalsky [1] introduced the notion of a sequence of random variables being uniformly nonintegrable and they established a de La Vallée Poussin type criterion for this notion. Inspired by the Chandra, Hu and Rosalsky [1] article, Hu and Peng [2] introduced the weaker notion of a sequence of random variables being weakly uniformly nonintegrable and they also established a de La Vallée Poussin type criterion for this notion using a modification of the Chandra, Hu and Rosalsky [1] argument. In this correspondence, we introduce the more general notion of uniform nonintegrability and weak uniform nonintegrability with respect to an array of nonnegative real numbers together with a de La Vallée Poussin type criterion for this notion. This criterion immediately yields as particular cases the criteria of Chandra, Hu and Rosalsky [1] and Hu and Peng [2] , and it has a substantially simpler and more straightforward proof.
Stress–Strength Reliability for the Unit-Lindley Distribution with an Application
Authors: Biswas Aniket , Chakraborty Subrata
Published: May 2021

The unit-Lindley distribution has recently been introduced in the literature as an alternative to the beta and the Kumaraswamy distributions in support (0,1). This distribution enjoys many virtuous properties over the mentioned distributions. In this article, we address the issue of parameter estimation from a Bayesian perspective and study relative performance of different estimators through extensive simulation experiments. Significant emphasis is given to the estimation of stress–strength reliability employing classical as well as Bayesian approach. Application of an intuitive metric of discrepancy derived from stress–strength reliability is considered and computed for two different geographic regions with respect to an important public health indicator.

AMS 2010 subject classifications: 62F10, 62P05.
Vietnamese social work practitioners’ preparedness to practise with sexual minorities: Training and self-reported confidence
Authors: Le Trang Mai , Yu Nilan , Buchanan Fiona
Published: May 2021

Social workers must be prepared to work with all members of society given their commitment to social justice. This article reports the findings of a study examining the preparedness of Vietnamese social work practitioners to practise with sexual minorities. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, comprising a paper-based survey ( N = 292) and semi-structured interviews ( N = 12). The findings indicate that most practitioners felt ill-equipped to work with clients who identified as lesbian or gay. The discussion highlights the lack of formal and in-service training in this practice area. Implications for social work education are discussed.
A highly sensitive piezoresistive sensor based on CNT-rGO aerogel for human motion detection
Authors: Zhu Hao , Dai Shengping , Zhou Xiaoshuang , Dong Xu , Jiang Yaoyao , Chen Yuewen , Yuan Ningyi , Ding Jianning
Published: May 2021

In recent years, Flexible sensors have emerged as a highly active field due to their promising applications in artificial intelligence systems and wearable health care devices. However, achieving a high sensitivity in a wide pressure range is still a challenge. Here, a three-dimensional network structure CNT-rGO aerogels were prepared by a hydrothermal redox method, which can effectively enhance the mechanical strength and enrich the electrical conductivity paths. Moreover, the CNT–rGO aerogel-based piezoresistive sensor exhibited a fast response time (∼300 ms), wide working range (0∼3.5 kPa−1), high sensitivity (11.8 kPa−1), and good stability (∼2000 cycles). So the piezoresistive sensor can be employed to monitor and distinguish both large motions (e.g., weight placed on the aerogel) and subtle motions (e.g., pronounce and pulse), which shows potential applications in measuring pressure distribution, distinguishing tiny stress changes, and monitoring human body motion.
Collaborative Co-Teaching During Student Teaching Pilot Project: What Difference Does Context Make?
Authors: Sebald Ann , Myers Adam , Frederiksen Heidi , Pike Elizabeth
Published: May 2021

In 2016, researchers from two educator preparation programs (EPPs) in two differing states (southeast and west) chose to examine the intervention of co-teaching during student teaching that had been in place for 3 years in each of their locals. The researchers wanted to (a) identify and articulate the co-teaching model within the context of each location, (b) begin to learn why this approach may be beneficial as a culminating pre-service experience, and (c) explore next steps in how to better operationalize the co-teaching experience within the pre-service programming, regardless of context. Co-teaching during student teaching was examined at one elementary program (southeast) and one secondary program (west). Results indicate co-teaching during student teaching to be a viable option for pre-service training and mentor development for both the elementary and middle school experiences. Teacher candidates (TCs) identified co-teaching strategies based upon the needs of teachers, students, and content taught. This was seen as a unique finding not reported in existing literature. Other findings indicate the model promoted increased confidence and comfort in TCs’ teaching, supported increased differentiation and instructional time, facilitated currency in MTs’ knowledge of and experience with technology, and helped TCs learn to manage human resources with increased intentionality. Recommendations for future research and suggestions for faculty of EPPs interested in implementing co-teaching during student teaching are provided.
Hoping amidst precarity: Changing modes of hope in the vicissitudes of a Chinese art village
Authors: Chen Siyu
Published: May 2021

Focusing on an ‘atypical’ group of creative workers, viz., rural-to-urban migrant painters in China, this article takes hope as a lens to investigate an extreme case of creative work precarity. Drawing on the findings of a 42-month longitudinal ethnographic study, I demonstrate how wall painters cope with the precarious present by channelling their initial hopes for a future of freedom, original work and stability into three different, everyday practices: playing, creating and waiting. Approaching precarity from an intersectional perspective, this study explicates how the multiple dimensions of precarity interact with each other in forming wall painters’ shifting modes of hope. Manifesting the fluidity and contingency of wall painters’ hopes in the vicissitudes of Dafen during China’s post-industrial turn, this study reconciles the debate in creative labour studies that sees hope as either a utopian fantasy or an everyday practice and further contributes to the political economy of hope in creative labour studies.
The Impact of Disability on Intergenerational Care Needs of the Elderly in China
Authors: Bai Lan , Gu Shuyan , Gu Hai , Xu Xinpeng , Nan Cui , Li Decheng , Di Wu
Published: May 2021

This paper discussed the influence of disability and the degree of disability on the intergenerational needs of the elderly in terms of time and economy. The data is from the CLHLS in 2018. And the study discussed from 3 dimensions: nursing time, economic support, and medical cost support provided by children. The results showed that disability had a significant impact on the care time and medical expenses provided by adult children (care time: β = 45.631, P < .001; medical expenses: β = 2017.664, P < .01). Compared with the elderly with low degree of disability, the economic intergenerational care needs of the elderly with severe disability increased significantly (β = 2108.078, P < .01). The results of sub sample regression show that the intergenerational care needs of the elderly in China are restricted by objective factors and have not been met. These findings revealed the current situation of intergenerational support for the disabled in China, and emphasized that the government should establish and improve the social formal care, gradually reduce the burden of care for children with disabled elderly families, and improve the quality of life of the disabled elderly.
Tourism during and after COVID-19: An Expert-Informed Agenda for Future Research
Authors: Assaf A. George , Kock Florian , Tsionas Mike
Published: May 2021

With the COVID-19 pandemic reaching a more mature, yet still threatening, stage, the time is ripe to look forward in order to identify the topics and trends that will shape future tourism research and practice. This note sets out to develop an agenda for tourism research post COVID-19. We surveyed several industry and academic experts seeking their opinion on three important questions: What potential future topics are needed to address the impact of COVID-19? What existing research areas/topics will become more relevant? What changes are recommended for data collection? Interpreting and synthesizing the answers yields six focal research avenues that researchers should devote more attention and effort to. For each topic, we present various important research questions. By doing so, this note paves the way and serves as a signpost for countless intriguing future research endeavors that are of high relevance and demanded by the industry.
Within-Couple Associations Between Communication and Relationship Satisfaction Over Time
Authors: Johnson Matthew D. , Lavner Justin A. , Mund Marcus , Zemp Martina , Stanley Scott M. , Neyer Franz J. , Impett Emily A. , Rhoades Galena K. , Bodenmann Guy , Weidmann Rebekka , Bühler Janina Larissa , Burriss Robert Philip , Wünsche Jenna , Grob Alexander
Published: May 2021

Relationship science contends that the quality of couples’ communication predicts relationship satisfaction over time. Most studies testing these links have examined between-person associations, yet couple dynamics are also theorized at the within-person level: For a given couple, worsened communication is presumed to predict deteriorations in future relationship satisfaction. We examined within-couple associations between satisfaction and communication in three longitudinal studies. Across studies, there were some lagged within-person links between deviations in negative communication to future changes in satisfaction (and vice versa). But the most robust finding was for concurrent within-person associations between negative communication and satisfaction: At times when couples experienced less negative communication than usual, they were also more satisfied with their relationship than was typical. Positive communication was rarely associated with relationship satisfaction at the within-person level. These findings indicate that within-person changes in negative communication primarily covary with, rather than predict, relationship satisfaction.