bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electromagnetic Shielding Triboelectric Yarns for Human–Machine Interacting
Authors: Shen Shen , Yi Jia , Cheng Renwei , Ma Liyun , Sheng Feifan , Li Huimin , Zhang Yihan , Ning Chuang , Wang Hongbo , Dong Kai , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: December 2021

Electromagnetic radiation, as one of the public hazards that injures human health and information safety, shall be shielded from the ambient environment. Here, by the virtue of polypyrrole polymerized polyamide yarns and silicone rubber, a yarn‐based electromagnetic shielding‐﻿triboelectric nanogenerator (EMS‐TENG) equipped with sensing ability is presented, which not only generates electricity from harvesting body motion energy but also serves as EMS to prevent electromagnetic interference. With the aid of knitting method, the developed EMS‐TENG fabric exhibits the EMS effectiveness of 32.49 dB in 8.2–12.5 GHz and achieves a maximum instantaneous peak power density of 142.27 µW m−1. Furthermore, ﻿a real‐time human‐interactive system is developed by adopting the Internet of Things technology and EMS‐TENG sensor. Based on the above, a simulated intelligent calculator with multiplication and division function is proposed, which can successfully translate electronic signals to digital numbers. With energy harvesting and self‐powered sensing abilities, the EMS‐TENG can convert mechanical energy into electrical signals from human movements. Looking forward, the EMS‐TENG spurs an innovative technique toward a self‐powered human‐interactive sensing and functional protective textile for next‐generation intelligent wearable applications.
The Effects on Cross‐Border Disputes One Year after the Entry Into Force of the Singapore Mediation Convention
Authors: Fernández‐Samaniego Javier
Published: December 2021

More than one year ago, on Sept. 12, 2020, and in the midst of the pandemic, the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation—best known as the Singapore Convention—came into force.
A retrospective cohort study for the treatment of Asian diabetic ketoacidosis: optimizing initial doses of insulin
Authors: Hishida Yoshiaki , Nakamura Yuta , Tsukiyama Hidekazu , Nakagawa Tomoko , Sone Masakatsu
Published: December 2021

Aim

An insulin dose of 0.1 U/kg/h recommended by Western guidelines occasionally induces a precipitous decreasing blood glucose in Asian diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). It is known that clinical factors, such as insulin sensitivity, differ between Asians and Americans/Europeans. We investigated how treatment options affect the time to DKA resolution to determine the optimal treatment for Asian DKA patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study from a single institution in Japan. A total of 34 adult DKA patients were observed. Baseline characteristics and treatment‐related parameters were compared between patients whose DKA was resolved within 18 h and those in which it was not.

Results

Significant differences were observed in the initial insulin dose (mean [standard deviation]: 0.053 [0.021] versus 0.031 [0.014] U/kg/h; P = 0.003) and the baseline β‐hydroxybutyrate (7.2 [3.2] versus 9.9 [2.6] mmol/L; P = 0.024) and levels (11.2 [4.1] versus 7.7 [3.1] mmol/L; P = 0.014). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the initial insulin dose was significantly associated with early resolution of DKA and was independent of basal conditions. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the optimal cut‐off point for the initial insulin dose was 0.051 U/kg/h. With an initial insulin dose of 0.051 U/kg/h or higher, early resolution of DKA was obtained in 92.9% of patients.

Conclusion

An initial insulin dose of more than 0.05 U/kg/h provides an early resolution of DKA in Asian patients. Lower insulin doses significantly delay resolution. These results provide practical information for acute phase treatment of Asian DKA.
Bleeding Risk of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy after Minor Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Wang Anxin , Meng Xia , Tian Xue , Johnston S. Claiborne , Li Hao , Bath Philip M. , Zuo Yingting , Xie Xuewei , Jing Jing , Lin Jinxi , Wang Yilong , Zhao Xingquan , Li Zixiao , Jiang Yong , Liu Liping , Wang Feng , Li Ying , Liu Jingyao , Wang Yongjun ,   for the CHANCE‐2 Investigators
Published: December 2021

Objective

This study was undertaken to identify the risk of bleeding events and potential risk factors within 90 days in patients who carried CYP2C19 loss‐of‐function alleles and received dual antiplatelet therapy after minor stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Methods

A total of 6,412 patients were enrolled from the CHANCE‐2 (Clopidogrel with Aspirin in High‐Risk Patients with Acute Non‐disabling Cerebrovascular Events II) trial. The main outcome was any bleeding within 90 days defined by the criteria from GUSTO (Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Occluded Coronary Arteries).

Results

A total of 250 (3.9%) bleeding events were reported, which occurred mainly within the 21 days of dual antiplatelet therapy (200 cases, 3.1%). Minor bleeding of the skin bruises, epistaxis, and gum bleeding were most frequent. Multivariate analysis showed that treatment with ticagrelor‐aspirin compared with clopidogrel‐aspirin was associated with increased bleeding (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.68–2.89, p < 0.001). Current smoking was associated with a lower risk of bleeding (HR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.52–0.95, p = 0.02). Additionally, ticagrelor‐aspirin compared with clopidogrel‐aspirin was associated with higher risk of bleeding in patients aged <65 years (HR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.95–4.22) and those without diabetes mellitus (HR = 2.65, 95% CI = 1.88–3.73; p for interaction = 0.04 and 0.03, respectively).

Interpretation

Bleeding events mostly occurred within the 21‐day dual antiplatelet therapy stage and were generally mild. The risk of bleeding was greater in nonsmoking patients, and was associated with treatment with ticagrelor‐aspirin compared with clopidogrel‐aspirin, particularly in patients aged <65 years and nondiabetic patients. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:380–388
Synthesis of ferrocene‐based esters by alkylation of carboxylate ions and investigation of their electrochemical and optical behaviors
Authors: Jamali Hajar , Teimuri‐Mofrad Reza
Published: December 2021

The synthesis of new ferrocene‐based esters has been studied with the alkylation of a variety of carboxylic acids with potassium carbonate as a base. The effect of various ferrocenyl‐based alkyl halides has been examined and proclaimed that 4‐iodobutylferrocene is the most useful initial reagent for synthesizing novel ferrocene‐based esters. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has been used as the solvent at room temperature without catalysts with acceptable reaction yields in the optimized procedure. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) has been performed as the first method to exhibit the potential application of the synthesized esters in electrochemical approaches. The CV results confirm the satisfying reversible electrochemical behavior of 4‐ferrocenylbutyl phenylacetate (7h). Additionally, the optical behavior of the synthesized solvatochromic esters has been investigated in acetonitrile utilizing spectrophotometric measurements. The optical studies manifest potential for optical uses, such as photosensor applications.
The use of diisopropyl xanthogen polysulfide as a potential accelerator in efficient sulfur vulcanization of natural rubber compounds
Authors: Samarasinghe I. Hasara Kalanika , Walpalage Shantha , Edirisinghe Dilhara G. , Egodage Shantha Maduwage
Published: December 2021

With the emerging concerns on the use of nitrosamine evolving accelerators, safer alternatives are desirable for the rubber industry. In the present study, cure characteristics, physicomechanical properties, crosslink density, aging, dynamic mechanical, and thermal properties of vulcanizates prepared with two nitrosamine safe binary accelerator systems containing diisopropyl xanthogen polysulfide (DIXP) and tetrabenzyl thiuram disulfide (TBzTD), and DIXP and dibenzyl dithiocarbamate (ZBeC) were investigated for efficient sulfur vulcanization of natural rubber (NR) compounds. Synergistic effect in both cure and physicomechanical properties was observed for all the combinations of the two accelerator systems. The composition containing DIXP with a lower loading (0.6 phr) of TBzTD, and ZBeC, demonstrated the highest technological performance. Retention of tensile properties on oxidative aging was highest for the vulcanizate prepared with DIXP/TBzTD (1.4/0.6). Dynamic mechanical and thermogravimetric analysis further confirmed the crosslink density and thermal stability of the network structure of the binary systems. In overall, DIXP shows the potential to be used as a safer accelerator in the manufacture of appropriate dry NR‐based rubber products.
Statistical estimation in passenger‐to‐train assignment models based on automated data
Authors: Xiong Shifeng , Li Chunya , Sun Xuan , Qin Yong , Wu Chien‐Fu Jeff
Published: December 2021

With the rapid development of metro systems, it has become increasingly important to study phenomena such as passenger flow distribution and passenger boarding behavior. It is difficult for existing methods to accurately describe actual situations and to extend to the whole metro system due to the limitations from parameter uncertainties in their mathematical models. In this article, we propose a passenger‐to‐train assignment model to evaluate the probabilities of individual passengers boarding each feasible train for both no‐transfer and one‐transfer situations. This model can be used to understand passenger flows and crowdedness. The input parameters of the model include the probabilities that the passengers take each train and the probability distribution of egress time, which is the time to walk to the tap‐out fare gate after alighting from the train. We present the likelihood method to estimate these parameters based on data from the automatic fare collection and automatic vehicle location systems. This method can construct several nonparametric density estimates without assuming the parametric form of the distribution of egress time. The EM algorithm is used to compute the maximum likelihood estimates. Simulation results indicate that the proposed estimates perform well. By applying our method to real data in Beijing metro system, we can identify different passenger flow patterns between peak and off‐peak hours.
Bax and Bak knockout apoptosis‐resistant Chinese hamster ovary cell lines significantly improve culture viability and titer in intensified fed‐batch culture process
Authors: Tang Danming , Lam Cynthia , Bauer Niels , Auslaender Simon , Snedecor Brad , Laird Michael W. , Misaghi Shahram
Published: December 2021

In the field of therapeutic protein production, process intensification strategies entailing higher starting cell seeding densities, can potentially increase culture productivity, lower cost of goods and improve facility utilization. However, increased cell densities often trigger apoptotic cell death at the end of the cell culture process and thus reduce total viable cell count. Apoptosis‐resistant Chinese hamster ovary cell lines may offer the possibility to diminish this undesired outcome of the intensified production process. In this study, we have generated and tested Bax/Bak double‐knock‐out (DKO) apoptosis resistant hosts to express standard and bispecific antibodies, as well as complex molecules in intensified production processes both as pools and single cell clones, and at different scales. In all cases, therapeutic proteins expressed from clones or pools generated from the Bax/Bak DKO hosts showed not only better viability but also enabled extended productivity in the later stages of the 14‐day intensified production process. The product qualities of the produced molecules were comparable between Bax/Bak DKO and wild type cells. Overall, we showed that Bax/Bak DKO apoptosis‐resistant host cell lines significantly improve viability and volumetric productivity of the intensified production cultures without altering product qualities.
Challenges posed by COVID‐19 in cancer patients: A narrative review
Authors: Mohseni Afshar Zeinab , Hosseinzadeh Rezvan , Barary Mohammad , Ebrahimpour Soheil , Alijanpour Amirmasoud , Sayad Babak , Hosseinzadeh Dariush , Miri Seyed Rouhollah , Sio Terence T. , Sullman Mark J. M. , Carson‐Chahhoud Kristin , Babazadeh Arefeh
Published: December 2021

A novel coronavirus, or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), was identified as the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). In early 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID‐19 the sixth public health emergency of international concern. The COVID‐19 pandemic has substantially affected many groups within the general population, but particularly those with extant clinical conditions, such as having or being treated for cancer. Cancer patients are at a higher risk of developing severe COVID‐19 since the malignancy and chemotherapy may negatively affect the immune system, and their immunocompromised condition also increases the risk of infection. Substantial international efforts are currently underway to develop specific methods for diagnosing and treating COVID‐19. However, cancer patients’ risk profiles, management, and outcomes are not well understood. Thus, the main objective of this review is to discuss the relevant evidence to understand the prognosis of COVID‐19 infections in cancer patients more clearly, as well as helping to improve the clinical management of these patients.
Modelling and optimization of the ferrous to ferric sulphate conversion with hydrogen peroxide using polynomial‐PSO and PSO‐ANNs models
Authors: Mazza Verônica Barbosa , Bustamante Rodrigo , de Aguiar Martins Ana Rosa Fonseca , Teixeira Luiz Alberto Cesar , dos Santos Brunno Ferreira
Published: December 2021

In this present work, polynomial and artificial neural networks models, adjusted by particle swarm optimization, were implemented in an attempt to improve process modelling and to achieve reliable reaction representation behaviour. Parameter optimization of the conversion reaction of ferrous to ferric sulphate in concentrated solutions using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant is a process of interest due to the importance of producing this ferric salt, a widely used coagulant/flocculant in water treatment, as a chlorine‐free product. Previous work reported a process optimization attempt based on a factorial design of experiments. The obtained polynomial model based on least‐squares showed a minimally satisfactory R2 of 0.7481. The comparison of the obtained models' performance showed a significant improvement in the prediction of experimental conditions. The results indicated that artificial neural networks‐based models presented a higher predictive capability for highly non‐linear experimental data, and the best model achieved an R2 of 0.9744 for the conversion prediction. Optimal ranges for cost‐effective process conditions were investigated through the refined response surface charts obtained.
Reproducing kernel‐based functional linear expectile regression
Authors: Liu Meichen , Pietrosanu Matthew , Liu Peng , Jiang Bei , Zhou Xingcai , Kong Linglong ,   the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2021

Expectile regression is a useful alternative to conditional mean and quantile regression for characterizing a conditional response distribution, especially when the distribution is asymmetric or when its tails are of interest. In this article, we propose a class of scalar‐on‐function linear expectile regression models where the functional slope parameter is assumed to reside in a reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS). Our approach addresses numerous drawbacks to existing estimators based on functional principal components analysis (FPCA), which make implicit assumptions about RKHS eigenstructure. We show that our proposed estimator can achieve an optimal rate of convergence by establishing asymptotic minimax lower and upper bounds on the prediction error. Under this framework, we propose a flexible implementation based on the alternating direction method of multipliers algorithm. Simulation studies and an analysis of real‐world neuroimaging data validate our methodology and theoretical findings and, furthermore, suggest its superiority over FPCA‐based approaches in numerous settings.
Expected and observed in‐hospital mortality in heart failure patients before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Introduction of the machine learning‐based standardized mortality ratio at Helios hospitals
Authors: König Sebastian , Pellissier Vincent , Leiner Johannes , Hohenstein Sven , Ueberham Laura , Meier‐Hellmann Andreas , Kuhlen Ralf , Hindricks Gerhard , Bollmann Andreas ,   Helios hospitals
Published: December 2021

Background

Reduced hospital admission rates for heart failure (HF) and evidence of increased in‐hospital mortality were reported during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to apply a machine learning (ML)‐based mortality prediction model to examine whether the latter is attributable to differing case mixes and exceeds expected mortality rates.

Methods and Results

Inpatient cases with a primary discharge diagnosis of HF non‐electively admitted to 86 German Helios hospitals between 01/01/2016 and 08/31/2020 were identified. Patients with proven or suspected SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were excluded. ML‐based models were developed, tuned, and tested using cases of 2016–2018 (n = 64,440; randomly split 75%/25%). Extreme gradient boosting showed the best model performance indicated by a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve of 0.882 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.872–0.893). The model was applied on data sets of 2019 and 2020 (n = 28,556 cases) and the hospital standardized mortality ratio (HSMR) was computed as the observed to expected death ratio. Observed mortality rates were 5.84% (2019) and 6.21% (2020), HSMRs based on an individual case‐based mortality probability were 100.0 (95% CI: 93.3–107.2; p = 1.000) for 2019 and 99.3 (95% CI: 92.5–106.4; p = .850) for 2020. Within subgroups of age or hospital volume, there were no significant differences between observed and expected deaths. When stratified for pandemic phases, no excess death during the COVID‐19 pandemic was observed.

Conclusion

Applying an ML algorithm to calculate expected inpatient mortality based on administrative data, there was no excess death above expected event rates in HF patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
19F MRI Nanotheranostics for Cancer Management: Progress and Prospects
Authors: Li Yanan , Cui Jing , Li Chenlong , Zhou Huimin , Chang Jun , Aras Omer , An Feifei
Published: December 2021

Fluorine magnetic resonance imaging (19F MRI) is a promising imaging technique for cancer diagnosis because of its excellent soft tissue resolution and deep tissue penetration, as well as the inherent high natural abundance, almost no endogenous interference, quantitative analysis, and wide chemical shift range of the 19F nucleus. In recent years, scientists have synthesized various 19F MRI contrast agents. By further integrating a wide variety of nanomaterials and cutting‐edge construction strategies, magnetically equivalent 19F atoms are super‐loaded and maintain satisfactory relaxation efficiency to obtain high‐intensity 19F MRI signals. In this review, the nuclear magnetic resonance principle underlying 19F MRI is first described. Then, the construction and performance of various fluorinated contrast agents are summarized. Finally, challenges and future prospects regarding the clinical translation of 19F MRI nanoprobes are considered. This review will provide strategic guidance and panoramic expectations for designing new cancer theranostic regimens and realizing their clinical translation.
Secondary effects of body dissatisfaction interventions on adolescent depressive symptoms: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Ahuvia Isaac , Jans Laura , Schleider Jessica
Published: December 2021

Objective

Depression is a leading cause of disability among adolescents, yet existing treatments are variably effective, suggesting needs to identify novel intervention targets. Body dissatisfaction (BD) may be a promising, but understudied, target: BD is common among adolescents; prospectively associated with future depression; and modifiable through intervention. BD interventions are typically evaluated in terms of impacts on eating disorders, but many trials also measure depression‐related secondary outcomes. However, BD intervention effects on depression have not been systematically examined. We, therefore, conducted a meta‐analysis to estimate secondary effects of BD interventions on depression symptoms and related outcomes in adolescents (ages 12–19).

Method

Our systematic review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 2006 and December 2020. Across‐group effect sizes were analyzed using robust variance estimation. Preregistered methods, data, and analytic code are available at https://osf.io/734n8/.

Results

The meta‐analysis included 13 RCTs, 50 effect sizes, and 6,962 participants. BD interventions led to significant postintervention reductions in depression‐related outcomes versus control conditions (g = −0.19 at postintervention, 95% confidence interval: −0.07, −0.31, p = .005). No evidence emerged for moderators of this meta‐analytic effect.

Discussion

Overall, BD‐focused interventions significantly reduced adolescent depression, with mean postintervention effect sizes comparable to those observed for interventions targeting depression explicitly. Results are bolstered by preregistered methods and robustness checks. Limitations include a lack of data on participants' sexual and gender identities and a significant risk of bias in the underlying literature. Future research on BD interventions should measure depression symptom severity as a secondary outcome.
Retrospective stable isotopes of vertebrae reveal sexual ontogenetic patterns and trophic ecology in oceanic whitetip shark, Carcharhinus longimanus
Authors: Shen Yongfu , Gong Yi , Wu Feng , Li Yunkai
Published: December 2021

There is a common phenomenon in nature whereby some animals have differences in their ontogenetic changes in dietary preferences between sexes, especially apex predators. These reflect changes in the needs of development during their lifetimes. Apex predators potentially have diverse dietary niches and a large impact on the trophic dynamics within ecosystems. However, the difference in life history between males and females often leads to increased difficulty in management and conservation. In this study, 25 oceanic whitetip sharks, Carcharhinus longimanus, were collected from the central and eastern tropical Pacific. Retrospective stable isotope analysis of vertebrae was used to evaluate the potential ontogenetic differences in feeding habits and niche width between sexes. Results showed that C. longimanus had a wide range of δ13C values (−18.1 to −12.3‰) and δ15N values (8.9–14.8‰). However, males and females had similar trophic positions with large niche overlap at similar growth stages. Both sexes had increasing δ13C values but relatively constant δ15N values along the vertebrae. These results indicated that male and female C. longimanus may share similar feeding strategies and movement patterns. The results presented in this study enhance our understanding of sexual ontogenetic patterns and ecological role of C. longimanus and highlighted the applicability of vertebrae for characterizing shark life‐history traits.
Transboundary environmental publics and hydropower governance in the Mekong River Basin: A contested politics of place, scale and temporality
Authors: Yong Ming Li
Published: December 2021

This study proposes a conceptualisation of transboundary environmental publics (TEPs) to interrogate the distinctive pathways through which contestations over public participation and ‘stakeholder engagement’ in transboundary environmental governance have emerged. While much attention has been paid to how the discourse and practices of public participation have been co‐opted by powerful actors to serve vested interests, fewer studies have questioned how the contingent and fragmented nature of ‘publics’ entangled with a politics of representation have contributed towards the failings of public participation. This paper examines how state and nonstate TEPs have emerged as multi‐dimensional, material and discursive entities within hybrid hydropower governance arrangements in the Mekong River Basin. Public participation in relation to hydropower dams on the Mekong River's mainstream is intertwined with the contingent formation of TEPs through the Mekong River Commission's Procedures for Notification, Prior Consultation and Agreement (PNPCA). Contestations over public participation may be understood by examining the specific ways in which 1) ‘publics’ were assembled, 2) notions of ‘place’ were interpreted, 3) scalar constructions were influenced by centre‐periphery power dynamics and 4) temporality was defined. To understand how this convening of ‘publics’ fundamentally influences the potential for meaningful public participation, this paper contrasts the TEPs formed through the PNPCA and the Save the Mekong Coalition (STMC), a transnational activism network. The STMC TEP provided reimaginations of scalar constructions and broadened definitions of publics, places, and temporality in participation, reflecting how the topographical and discursive practices that underlie the creation of TEPs have important implications for their legitimacy and effectiveness in influencing decision making.
A review of connectors and joining technologies for electronic textiles
Authors: Stanley Jessica , Hunt John A. , Kunovski Phil , Wei Yang
Published: December 2021

Reliable connections between electronic circuits remain a challenge in electronic (e‐) textiles, where circuitry and components are embedded into clothing and other soft objects. E‐textiles that can measure physiological signals, deliver medical interventions, or act as a human‐computer interface are becoming increasingly pervasive, and the market for such products is predicted to grow dramatically in the coming years. Despite market predictions, several technical and production challenges persist, and these need to be overcome in order to realize commercial success. Challenges include a lack of standards for materials and manufacturing methods, issues with durability and washability, and incompatibility between textiles and electronic manufacturing methods. Joining technologies are a central part of this, as connecting e‐textile parts in a way that is electrically reliable and durable, without negatively impacting the form, fit, and function of a garment is challenging. This article reviews key joining technologies used in e‐textiles to date, demonstrating that few solutions have been specifically developed for e‐textile applications. Existing solutions are mostly connectors designed for use in rigid electronics, or textile closure mechanisms adapted to work with e‐textiles. A need for development of new joining technologies for e‐textiles, as well as further research into the performance of existing methods is highlighted.
The efficacy and safety of adjunctive perampanel for the treatment of refractory focal‐onset seizures in patients with epilepsy: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Yiming , Zeng Ya , Mu Jie , Zhou Dong
Published: December 2021

Objective

The last decade has seen an increase in the use of anti‐seizure medications (ASMs); however, the burden of treating drug‐resistant epilepsy has not fallen. We performed this meta‐analysis to evaluate the optimal dose of Perampanel (PER) as a new adjunctive treatment for drug‐resistant seizures.

Methods

We searched for studies published from inception to February 1, 2021 from PubMed, Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ScienceDirect. Research characteristics, patients' characteristics, and treatment regimen, concomitant ASMs, clinical outcomes were extracted. The practical outcome included a reduction in seizures frequency ≥50%, ≥75%, and ≥100% from baseline convulsive seizure frequency, and the safety outcome included the proportion of drug withdrawal and adverse reactions. Odds ratios (OR) for 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated by the inverse variance method.

Results

Four trials which enrolled 2187 participants (1569 in the PER group and 618 in the placebo group) were included. Results showed that 8 or 12 mg per day had the best effect on all three outcomes, with no significant difference between 8 and 12 mg per day (≥50% reduction, 35.5% vs 36.1%, P = .84; ≥75% reduction, 17.8% vs 19.1%, P = .64; seizure‐free, 3.5% vs 3.7%, P = .85). In addition, 12‐mg PER compared to 8 mg had a higher proportion of trial withdrawal (8.7% vs 17.0%; P < .00001) and treatment‐emergent adverse event (TEAE) resulting in dose reduction/discontinuation (18.5% vs 32.0%; P < .00001). The adverse events (AEs) significantly associated with adjunctive PER were dizziness, somnolence, fatigue, and irritability.

Significance

Adjunctive treatment of PER was associated with a more significant reduction in the frequency of seizures in patients with refractory epilepsy than placebo, but with a higher frequency of AEs. PER at a daily dose of 8 mg appears to have the best ratio between efficacy and tolerance in most study participants.
Earthquake ground motion estimation for buildings using absolute floor acceleration response data
Authors: Pan Haoran
Published: December 2021

Earthquake ground motion information is useful for structural vibration control during earthquakes and post‐earthquake inspections of structural damage. However, in practice, the ground input data on a specific location may not be available because of instrumentation limitations or technical issues. Numerous studies have been devoted to identifying the unknown excitation. Most of these studies required responses in relative coordinates or from systems with direct feedthrough. On the other hand, acceleration monitoring systems in applications measure global responses of buildings, which corresponds to the absolute acceleration of a point on a structure, that is, the measured floor acceleration is the sum of the unknown earthquake‐induced ground motion and acceleration relative to the ground when an earthquake happens. In this study, a ground motion estimation approach was developed based on an extended Kalman filter (EKF) with an embedded Bayesian noise parameter updating technique, which requires a relatively small number of sensors for absolute acceleration measurements. Numerical simulations, a shaking table test, and a real‐world application were performed to demonstrate the applicability and accuracy of the proposed method.
Spatio‐temporal reconstruction of avulsion history at the terminus of a modern dryland river system
Authors: Donselaar Marinus E. , Cuevas Gozalo Margarita C. , van Toorenenburg Koen A. , Wallinga Jakob
Published: December 2021

Fluvial depositional architecture in an unconfined environment is governed by sediment dispersal across the alluvial plain through river‐path switching by avulsion. Documented inter‐avulsion periodicity from modern rivers ranges from tens to over a thousand years. In this study, a quantitative spatio‐temporal reconstruction of avulsion history is presented of the non‐vegetated and pristine modern Río Colorado dryland river system in the semi‐arid Altiplano Basin (Bolivia), based on the integrated analysis of satellite imagery and absolute age dating using optically stimulated luminescence, complemented with sedimentological and geomorphological ground‐truth data. This approach enables us to reconstruct the chronological order of channel belts of the Río Colorado, to determine avulsion recurrence time and inter‐avulsion periodicity, to identify mechanisms for flow path changes, and to present a morphodynamic model for the spatio‐temporal evolution of fluvial deposits in a semi‐arid environment. In a maximum timespan of 12.71 ± 1.5 ka, successive avulsions of the Río Colorado created a sheet of interconnected fluvial deposits, consisting of diverging and juxtaposed alluvial ridges that formed by sediment aggradation in point bars, crevasse splays, levees, and on the channel floor. The ridges show lateral onlap and amalgamation as the result of repeated avulsion and compensational stacking, whereby the river avoided the positive alluvial‐ridge relief of its precursors. The resultant morphology is fan‐shaped, convex‐up with a surface area of approximately 500 km2 and a maximum observed thickness of 3 m. The results show inter‐avulsion periods of the river of up to 1.28 ± 0.34 ka. A paucity in fluvial activity around 2 ka BP, and at present, is interpreted as the result of low river discharge related to long‐term dry periodicity in the El Niño Southern Oscillation circulation system. Each river path started as a low sinuous, single‐thread channel in a narrow belt, and in time increased its width and sinuosity by point‐bar expansion and rotation.
Impact of energy storage and flexible alternating current transmission devices in combined voltage and frequency regulation of multiarea multisource interconnected power system
Authors: Dekaraja Biswanath , Saikia Lalit Chandra
Published: December 2021

This article emphasizes the impact of coordinated energy storage (ES) and flexible alternating current transmission (FACTS) devices in the combined voltage and frequency control of multi‐area systems having hydro, thermal, geothermal, and solar thermal power plants. Appropriate realistic constraints are equipped with both hydro and thermal units. A novel fuzzy logic controller‐based cascade PI and PID with filter coefficient (N), FCPI‐PIDN controller is proposed and optimized various controller parameters using artificial flora algorithm. Comparative analysis of FCPI‐PIDN, Cascade PI and PIDN (CPI‐PIDN), and PIDN controllers show the superiority of the FCPI‐PIDN controller to others. Integration of ES devices (ESDs), such as redox flow battery (RFB), capacitive energy storage (CES), and superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) indicates that the incorporation of ESDs enhance the system performance and RFB is superior to SMES and CES. Moreover, integration of FACTS devices, such as interline power flow controller (IPFC), thyristor control series capacitor (TCSC), and unified power flow controller (UPFC) indicates the incorporation of FACTS devices improve the system dynamic and coordination of IPFC‐RFB provide better response than TCSC‐RFB and UPFC‐RFB. Investigation reveals that the optimal location of RFB is Area 1 and IPFC is in between Areas 1 and 3. Sensitivity analysis validated the robustness of the FCPI‐PIDN controller.
A two‐stage energy management strategy for household microgrids considering the influence of electric vehicle travel characteristics and daylight hours
Authors: Song Kun , Wang Yang , Zhao Qizhi , Zhang Minghui , Xu Xilin , Ji Xing
Published: December 2021

We propose a two‐stage energy management strategy for household microgrids to improve their operational efficiency and economic benefits by making full use of the time‐of‐use electricity price and considering the impact of temporal and spatial uncertainty of electric vehicles (EVs) and different sunshine hours on household photovoltaic (PV). The strategy combines the time‐sharing tariff period and the travel time of EVs to make full use of the dual attributes of EVs as both load and generation units. Particle swarm algorithm is used to optimize the household PV output, EV and storage system charging/discharging strategies, and the energy interaction between the microgrid and the main network. This algorithm guides the household microgrid to achieve the optimal economic operation while cutting the peaks and filling the valleys of the main network to realize the efficient allocation of power resources. Finally, three typical scenarios are used for optimization, and the results show that the proposed energy management strategy can provide savings of 1,413.02, 1,026.94 and 929.19 yuan per day under the three scenarios analyzed, respectively, which verifies the effectiveness and rationality of the model. A sensitivity analysis is also conducted.
Enabling machine learning‐based side‐chaining for improving QoS in blockchain‐powered IoT networks
Authors: Vairagade Rupali Sachin , S. H. Brahmananda
Published: December 2021

Problem

The Internet of Things (IoT) makes developers for integrating various collection of device, saving, and processing a huge amount of data, allowing new services for improving several personal and professional activities. But, the privacy problems occur with a large amount of data produced and therefore the solutions on the basis of blockchain with sidechain technology have been developed to overcome these problems.

Aim

Blockchain powered IoT networks have high security levels, and are resilient to most network attacks. In order to deploy blockchains, a large set of hashing, encryption, and linking algorithms are implemented in the network. One of the recent developments is the sidechains and these sidechains reduce computational complexity during block creation, and thereby reduce the effect of high delay and high‐power consumption in the IoT network. But maintaining these sidechains requires an additional computational component, which adds to the computational complexity of the underlying system. To reduce the complexity of this maintenance while keeping the inherent advantages of side chaining networks, this article proposes a sidechain creation, updation, merging, and scanning processes.

Methods

In this article, the sidechain creation is done by modified two‐way peg protocol and updated by hybrid delegated practical byzantine fault tolerance‐delegated proof of stake (DPBFT‐DPOS), merging via continuous network information analysis and scanning via graph‐based searching mechanism to improve the Quality of Service (QoS) network and security.

Results

The proposed methodology achieves an accuracy and ‐score of about 98.6% and 99.5%, reduces end‐to‐end communication delay by 10% while increasing the energy efficiency by 15%, and improving the throughput by 15% when compared to other existing methods.

Conclusion

The IoT provides the possibility of creating real time data and the combination of the IoT with blockchain moves beyond authorization and financial recording. Then the utilization of sidechain provide better communication among devices and better sophistication of the data processing.
Genesis of the Aobaotu Pb–Zn deposit in the southern Great Xing'an Range, NE China: Constraints from geochronology and C–H–O–S–Pb isotopic and fluid inclusion studies
Authors: Wang Ruiliang , Zeng Qingdong , Zhang Zhaochong , Guo Yunpeng , Zhang Zhuang , Zhou Lingli , Wang Xiaowei , Yu Bing
Published: December 2021

The Aobaotu Pb–Zn deposit (470,700 t; 1.51% Pb, 2.30% Zn) in the southern Great Xing'an Range, northeastern China, is hosted by the Late Jurassic volcanic tuff and structurally controlled by a near‐east–west‐trending fault. Three stages of mineralization were identified, namely, stage I of quartz ± pyrite veins, stage II of quartz–polymetallic sulphide veins, and stage III of late quartz–calcite veins. The quartz and calcite that formed in the three stages were selected for fluid inclusion and C–H–O isotope analyses. The results show that the ore‐forming fluid of the deposit belongs to the H2O–CO2–NaCl system at a medium temperature (concentrated at 220–300°C) and in low salinity (0.7–12.1 wt% NaCl equiv). The δ13C values of the calcite and ankerite are in the range of −8.4 to −4.8‰, indicating that as a source of deep magma. The δDV‐SMOW and values of quartz range from −108 to −88‰ and 4.55 to 5.85‰, respectively, indicating that the initial fluid of the Aobaotu deposit was a mixture of residual magmatic and meteoric water. Sulphur isotope analysis of the sulphide minerals, that is, sphalerite, galena, pyrite, and chalcopyrite, yield δ34S value in a range of 1.44–4.94‰, indicating that sulphur is mainly derived from magma. In addition, the Pb isotopic composition of the sulphides indicates that the ore‐forming material has a mixed crust–mantle source. Zircon U–Pb dating suggests that the formation of the Aobaotu deposit is genetically related to the granodiorite porphyry (130.3 ± 0.9 Ma). The combined geochronology and isotopic evidence suggest that the Aobaotu deposit is a magmatic‐hydrothermal vein‐type Pb–Zn deposit, opposite to a volcanic Pb–Zn deposit as suggested before. The Aobaotu deposit formed in an extensional tectonic setting caused by the rollback of the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate.
Immunological Aspects of AXL/GAS‐6 in the Context of Human Liver Regeneration
Authors: Ortmayr Gregor , Brunnthaler Laura , Pereyra David , Huber Heidemarie , Santol Jonas , Rumpf Benedikt , Najarnia Sina , Smoot Rory , Ammon Daphni , Sorz Thomas , Fritsch Fabian , Schodl Michael , Voill‐Glaninger Astrid , Weitmayr Barbara , Födinger Manuela , Klimpfinger Martin , Gruenberger Thomas , Assinger Alice , Mikulits Wolfgang , Starlinger Patrick
Published: December 2021

AXL and its corresponding ligand growth arrest–specific 6 (GAS‐6) are critically involved in hepatic immunomodulation and regenerative processes. Pleiotropic inhibitory effects on innate inflammatory responses might essentially involve the shift of macrophage phenotype from a pro‐inflammatory M1 to an anti‐inflammatory M2. We aimed to assess the relevance of the AXL/GAS‐6‐pathway in human liver regeneration and, consequently, its association with clinical outcome after hepatic resection. Soluble AXL (sAXL) and GAS‐6 levels were analyzed at preoperative and postoperative stages in 154 patients undergoing partial hepatectomy and correlated with clinical outcome. Perioperative dynamics of interleukin (IL)‐6, soluble tyrosine‐protein kinase MER (sMerTK), soluble CD163 (sCD163), and cytokeratin (CK) 18 were assessed to reflect pathophysiological processes. Preoperatively elevated sAXL and GAS‐6 levels predicted postoperative liver dysfunction (area under the curve = 0.721 and 0.722; P < 0.005) and worse clinical outcome. These patients failed to respond with an immediate increase of sAXL and GAS‐6 upon induction of liver regeneration. Abolished AXL pathway response resulted in a restricted increase of sCD163, suggesting a disrupted phenotypical switch to regeneratory M2 macrophages. No association with sMerTK was observed. Concomitantly, a distinct association of IL‐6 levels with an absent increase of AXL/GAS‐6 signaling indicated pronounced postoperative inflammation. This was further supported by increased intrahepatic secondary necrosis as reflected by CK18M65. sAXL and GAS‐6 represent not only potent and easily accessible preoperative biomarkers for the postoperative outcome but also AXL/GAS‐6 signaling might be of critical relevance in human liver regeneration. Refractory AXL/GAS‐6 signaling, due to chronic overactivation/stimulation in the context of underlying liver disease, appears to abolish their immediate release following induction of liver regeneration, causing overwhelming immune activation, presumably via intrahepatic immune regulation.
Role of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic indicator for COVID‐19
Authors: Amer Samar A. , Albeladi Omar A. , Elshabrawy Arafa M. , Alsharief Naif H. , Alnakhli Fatimah M , Almugathaui Amani F. , Almashahadi Samar S. , Dawood Hosam M , Malik Muhammad Bilal , Shah Jaffer , Aiash Hani
Published: December 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a new pandemic disease, associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Its diagnosis requires centralized facilities and time.

Aims

To describe the exposure history and clinical picture of the COVID‐19 patients, to study the SARS‐CoV‐2 Virus load and some determinants that may correlate with its prognosis, and to evaluate the role of inflammatory index NLR as an early predictor of COVID‐19 prognosis.

Methodology

A prospective follow‐up study included laboratory‐confirmed 179 COVID‐19 cases out of 660 suspected COVID‐19 cases, at El‐Madinah El‐Monawarah General Hospital in April 2020. Confirmed cases were managed by the Saudi Protocol and followed up every 2 weeks by PCR, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for 1 month. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire and by qualified infection control staff.

Results

The majority of the COVID‐19 cases were 67 (37.4%) aged 30 to <45 years, 157 (87.7%) males, 76.0% working outside the medical field. 38.0% were asymptomatic and 26.3% had severe symptoms, while the main presenting symptoms were fever and dry cough (49.7% and 43.6%), respectively. The case fatality was 7.8%. The male, nonmedical occupation, and low level of education had a statistically significant relationship with the baseline PCR. There was an inverse significant correlation between baseline PCR readings and the recovery duration and health status outcomes. NLR was noted to be significantly higher among old age, illiterate nonmedical occupation, case with severe symptoms, MICU admission, and worst health status outcomes, but it was paradoxically higher among nonadmitted positive cases.

Conclusion

Admitted COVID‐19 cases outcomes (disease severity, ICU admission, and mortality) significantly correlated to NLR and not to the baseline PCR viral load. NLR could be a beneficial prognostic and triaging parameter especially old nonmedical COVID‐19 patients.
Exposure to armed conflict as a factor associated with very low birth weight: Case‐control population study
Authors: Cabra‐Bautista Ginna , Granados Rugeles Claudia Marcela , Grillo‐Ardila Carlos Fernando , Gil Laverde Fabián Armando
Published: December 2021

Objective

To determine the association between armed conflict and very low birth wright (VLBW), which is a multifactorial etiology public health problem that includes aspects of poverty and violence.

Methods

Case‐control population study matched by year of delivery conducted in Cauca, Colombia, between 2010 and 2016. Cases of VLBW, with weights between 500 and 1499 g and controls weighing between 2500 and 3999 g. Cases and controls were identified through the vital statistics registry, and exposure was determined using a multidimensional index designed by the Colombian State. Multiple gestations were excluded. Conditional logistic regression for matched data was used, adjusting for confounding variables.

Results

Overall, 7068 matched participants (1767 cases and 5301 controls) were included. Cases and controls had similar baseline characteristics. Participants were predominantly women in the second and third decades of life, 3222 (46%) were exposed to armed conflict, and 1902 (27%) were of African‐Colombian or indigenous ethnicity. Maternal exposure to armed conflict significantly increased the odds of VLBW among women with rural birth (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.74–5.45) and inadequate prenatal care (aOR 10.38, 95% CI 8.20–13.12).

Conclusion

Exposure to armed conflict increases the odds of VLBW neonates. This factor needs to be considered in prenatal care.