bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between cumulative exposure to different lipid parameters and risk of newly developed carotid plaque
Authors: Wu Jianwei , Wang Yu , Kang Kaijiang , Wang Anxin , Xu Jie , Zhao Xingquan
Published: January 2021

Background and purpose

Both the magnitude and cumulative exposure of atherogenic lipoproteins have an impact on the atherosclerosis risk, and the exploration focus has shifted from one single lipoprotein assessment to the cumulative exposure of lipoproteins. We aim to investigate the relationship between cumulative exposure to different lipid parameters and the risk of newly developed carotid plaque in this study.

Methods

In the Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnormalities Community study, 2947 participants were included with follow-up every 2 years from 2006 to 2012. Lipid parameters including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) and non-HDLC were measured. Cumulative exposure was calculated by adding the weighted sum of the difference between the measured value and the cut-off value of each parameter. Newly developed carotid plaques were identified by carotid ultrasound performed at the third and fourth follow-ups.

Results

In the univariate analysis, non-HDLC burden had the highest ORs among the five lipid parameters for newly developed carotid plaque in each quartile, as 1.0 (reference), 1.35 (1.09–1.67), 1.68 (1.36–2.08) and 2.74 (2.22–3.38) from the lowest to the highest quartile. In the multivariate analysis and sensitivity analysis, we obtained similar results.

Conclusions

TC burden, TG burden, LDLC burden and non-HDLC burden are all independent risk factors for newly developed carotid plaque, especially for the vulnerable plaques. Among lipid parameters, non-HDLC burden is an optimal predictor. Moreover, the predictive value remained significant for participants under the age of 65 years old or free of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidaemia.
Lactoferrin receptors in Gram-negative bacteria: an evolutionary perspective
Authors: Ostan Nicholas K.H. , Moraes Trevor F. , Schryvers Anthony B.
Published: January 2021

In this short review, we outline the major events that led to the development of iron acquisition systems in Gram-negative bacteria and mammals since the beginning of life on earth. Naturally, the interaction between these organisms led to the development of a wonderfully complex set of protein systems used for competition over a once prevalent (but no longer) biocatalytic cofactor. These events led to the appearance of the lactoferrin gene, which has since been exploited into adopting countless new functions, including the provision of highly bactericidal degradation products. In parallel to lactoferrin’s evolution, evolving bacterial receptors have countered the bactericidal properties of this innate immunity protein.
Four lepton production and the accuracy of QED FSR
Authors: Gütschow Christian , Schönherr Marek
Published: January 2021

We scrutinise the ability of the primary QED final-state resummation tools, combined with electroweak virtual corrections, to reproduce the exact next-to-leading order electroweak calculation in the four-charged-lepton final state. We further examine the dependence of the findings on the lepton-photon dressing-cone size as well as the resonance identification strategy. Overall we find excellent agreement with the fixed-order result, but partial differences not directly connected with resummation-induced higher-order effects at the few-percent level are observed in some cases, which are relevant for precision measurements.
Hybrid nature of the abnormal solutions of the Bethe–Salpeter equation in the Wick–Cutkosky model
Authors: Carbonell J. , Karmanov V. A. , Sazdjian H.
Published: January 2021

In the Wick–Cutkosky model, where two scalar massive constituents interact by means of the exchange of a scalar massless particle, the Bethe–Salpeter equation has solutions of two types, called “normal” and “abnormal”. In the non-relativistic limit, the normal solutions correspond to the usual Coulomb spectrum, whereas the abnormal ones do not have non-relativistic counterparts – they are absent in the Schrödinger equation framework. We have studied, in the formalism of the light-front dynamics, the Fock-space content of the abnormal solutions. It turns out that, in contrast to the normal ones, the abnormal states are dominated by the massless exchange particles (by 90 % or more), what provides a natural explanation of their decoupling from the two-body Schrödinger equation. Assuming that one of the massive constituents is charged, we have calculated the electromagnetic elastic form factors of the normal and abnormal states, as well as the transition form factors. The results on form factors confirm the many-body nature of the abnormal states, as found from the Fock-space analysis. The abnormal solutions have thus properties similar to those of hybrid states, made here essentially of two massive constituents and several or many massless exchange particles. They could also be interpreted as the Abelian scalar analogs of the QCD hybrid states. The question of the validity of the ladder approximation of the model is also examined.
Characteristics of human mobility patterns revealed by high-frequency cell-phone position data
Authors: Zhao Chen , Zeng An , Yeung Chi Ho
Published: January 2021

Human mobility is an important characteristic of human behavior, but since tracking personalized position to high temporal and spatial resolution is difficult, most studies on human mobility patterns rely on sparsely sampled position data. In this work, we re-examined human mobility patterns via comprehensive cell-phone position data recorded at a high frequency up to every second. We constructed human mobility networks and found that individuals exhibit origin-dependent, path-preferential patterns in their short time-scale mobility. These behaviors are prominent when the temporal resolution of the data is high, and are thus overlooked in most previous studies. Incorporating measured quantities from our high frequency data into conventional human mobility models shows inconsistent statistical results. We finally revealed that the individual preferential transition mechanism characterized by the first-order Markov process can quantitatively reproduce the observed travel patterns at both individual and population levels at all relevant time-scales.
Consensus-based optimization on hypersurfaces: Well-posedness and mean-field limit
Authors: Fornasier Massimo , Huang Hui , Pareschi Lorenzo , Sünnen Philippe
Published: January 2021

We introduce a new stochastic differential model for global optimization of nonconvex functions on compact hypersurfaces. The model is inspired by the stochastic Kuramoto–Vicsek system and belongs to the class of Consensus-Based Optimization methods. In fact, particles move on the hypersurface driven by a drift towards an instantaneous consensus point, computed as a convex combination of the particle locations weighted by the cost function according to Laplace’s principle. The consensus point represents an approximation to a global minimizer. The dynamics is further perturbed by a random vector field to favor exploration, whose variance is a function of the distance of the particles to the consensus point. In particular, as soon as the consensus is reached, then the stochastic component vanishes. In this paper, we study the well-posedness of the model and we derive rigorously its mean-field approximation for large particle limit.
On 2-twist-spun spherical Montesinos knots
Authors: Jang Yeonhee , Kataoka Misaki , Miyakoshi Rika
Published: January 2021

We give a classification of 2-twist-spun spherical Montesinos knots.
Reverse Engineering and Database of Off-the-Shelf Propellers for Middle-Size Multirotors
Authors: Jung Yeong-Ki , Chang Kyoungsik , Park Sang-Hwan , Ho Van Thanh , Shim Ho-Joon , Kim Min-Woo
Published: January 2021

In this work, 22 off-the-shelf propellers of 15–40 inches in diameter are reverse-engineered using a scanning system and reverse engineering software. Geometric information, including the diameter and pitch of the propeller and its airfoil sections, are extracted, and the chord length and twist angle of the extracted airfoil sections are investigated. All processes for reverse engineering are validated through comparison with design drawing information, product and performance data of the KPROP propeller designed by Korea Aerospace Research Institute. Based on the validated process, a database of 22 commercial propellers from four companies is constructed containing all the reverse-engineered information. The chord length, the maximum length and twist angle with respect to the diameter of the extracted airfoil section are analyzed in comparison with each other depending on the company and propeller size. In addition, the thrust and torque are simulated using computational fluid dynamic methodology, and the predictions are compared with reference data provided by the manufacturers.
A conversation with Felix Kerger
Authors: Anjum Bushra
Published: January 2021

In this interview, Ubiquity's senior editor Dr. Bushra Anjum chats with Felix Kerger, an experienced developer advocate working for King.com (Spain). They focus on the increasing challenges of information overload for computing professionals and students. The discussion then moves to some of the strategies that can be employed to make information easier to find and ensure the right audience receives the right information directly.
Illustrating clinical relevance in the preclerkship medical school curriculum through active learning with KardiaMobile electrocardiography
Authors: Frisch Emily H. , Greb Alexandra C. , Youm Julie H. , Wiechmann Warren F. , Greenberg Milton L.
Published: January 2021

We introduced the AliveCor KardiaMobile electrocardiogram (ECG), a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved, iPad-enabled medical device, into the preclerkship curriculum to demonstrate the clinical relevance of cardiac electrophysiology with active learning. An evaluation showed that medical students considered the KardiaMobile ECG active learning activity to be a valuable educational tool for teaching cardiac physiology.
Programming course for health science as a strategy to engage students during the coronavirus pandemic
Authors: De la Fuente Carlos I. , Guadagnin Eliane Celina , Kunzler Marcos Roberto , Carpes Felipe P.
Published: January 2021

Programming is an important skill for different areas of knowledge. While in the past, programming skills were much more related to fields of computer sciences and engineering, today, professionals from different areas benefit from the ability to write codes for different applications. Furthermore, programming stimulates logical thinking, which impacts other personal abilities. Health science students have limited exposure to programming during their studies. Aware of this and considering the prolonged time in social distancing in Brazil due to the SARS-COV2 pandemic in 2020, we organized an outreach course dedicated to teaching introductory concepts of programming for health science students. The activity was developed fully online using the Zoom web conference agent, lasting 12 wk (8 synchronous classes, 15 synchronous hours in total), and attended by 27 undergraduate and graduate students from two different universities. A collaborative problem-based learning and group-learning methodology were developed through asynchronous homework and mainly online synchronous activities. In this article, we describe our approach and provide some suggestions for replicating the course in other universities. We observed that the activities of the outreach course improved programming skills and confidence for most of the students. More importantly, it piqued their interest enough to motivate them to continue to practice writing and testing their programs. We concluded that an outreach course dedicated to programming promoted improvements in programming skills in health science students. Furthermore, the program was an opportunity to keep the students active in science while working from their homes during the pandemic.
Critical skill of teaching: learning the cognitive and emotional states of our students during class
Authors: Lujan Heidi L. , Raizada Amit , DiCarlo Stephen E.
Published: January 2021

There has been an increased reliance on prerecorded lectures as a source of learning in place of live lectures in higher education. However, we must appreciate that our students send countless intended and unintended messages during class that relate to their cognitive and emotional states. Shaping productive learning experiences requires understanding their cognitive and emotional states by interpreting their statements, actions, and body language in real time. This can only occur with face-to-face instruction and makes it possible to tailor the class to the students’ needs. Becoming aware of the students’ cognitive and emotional state by listening and learning their body language is fundamental to teaching, as it will alert educators to cognitive effort and attention, surprise, or uncertainty, as well as a range of emotions, including confusion. Without an understanding of the students cognitive and emotional states, we lose our ability to structure conversations or to reinforce difficult concepts and important ideas in real time. We also lose our ability to adjust on the fly and modify instruction on the basis of the needs of our students. Thus, learning the cognitive and emotional states of our students during class is an essential skill of teaching and the critical means that a teacher uses to promote understanding and positive attitudes about education.
Clinical Features and Outcomes of Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in China
Authors: Zhang Shangzhu , Li Meng , Zhang Li , Wang Ziqian , Wang Qiang , You Hui , Wang Yanhong , Li Mengtao , Zeng Xiaofeng
Published: January 2021

Objective. To identify the clinical characteristics, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results, and prognostic factors of neuropsychiatric (NP) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE; NPSLE) in a relatively large patient series in China. Methods. Data of patients with NPSLE at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) were collected retrospectively from June 2012 to June 2016. NPSLE patients were compared with 220 non-NPSLE patients. Survival rates were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards modeling. Cranial MRI results were also studied. Results. Of the 194 included patients, sixteen subtypes of NPSLE were identified, and the most common manifestations were seizure (36.6%), acute confusional state (25.3%), and cerebral vascular disease (15.5%). Compared with the non-NPSLE group, NPSLE patients were significantly more likely to have typical lupus symptoms, higher Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) scores (

P
=
0.002

), and positive rate of anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies (

P
=
0.008

). Patients with seizure were more likely to have higher SLEDAI-2K scores and positive anti-β2GP1 than non-NPSLE patients. Sixteen patients died during follow-up. The most common cause of death was infection (37.5%). NPSLE significantly decreased survival rates of SLE patients. Patients with elevated serum creatinine (

P
=
0.001

), hypocomplementemia (

P
=
0.031

), and

SLEDAI
−
2
K
 
scores
≥
15

(

P
=
0.014

) had shorter survival periods. Eighty-two patients underwent detailed cranial MRI analysis; of these, 50 (61.0%) had abnormal results. Small vessel disease was the most common abnormal finding, followed by inflammatory-like lesions and large vessel disease. Conclusions. High disease activity and positive rate of anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies may be risk factors for NPSLE. NPSLE decreases survival rates of SLE patients. Renal insufficiency and high disease activity are predictive of poor prognoses for NPSLE patients.
Numerical Investigation of Wind Erosion to the Grooved Concrete Wall Surface under a Wind‐Blown Sand Movement
Authors: Chen Shanqun , Tang Runchao , Zhang Longzhu , Liao Bin
Published: January 2021

Wind erosion to the grooved concrete wall surface under a wind‐blown sand movement was numerically studied. Particularly, the influencing factors that affect the wind erosion to the grooved concrete wall surface were systematically investigated by using the RNG k − ε turbulence model combined with the discrete phase model (DPM). It was found that, under a relatively low impact angle, the damage mechanism to the grooved wall surface is wind‐blown sand impact, and the erosion rates of the grooved wall surfaces are higher than those of the smooth wall surfaces. By contrast, under a relatively high impact angle, the damage mechanism to the grooved wall surface transfers to the microcutting effect, and the erosion rates show an opposite trend. The optimization rates between the erosion of grooved and smooth wall surfaces increase with increasing groove size or groove number. However, the damage mechanism to the grooved wall surface is hardly changed by expanding the groove area. The erosion rate distribution and the optimization rates of the groove wall surfaces are not significantly changed by adjusting the spacing between the grooves alone. When the groove shape changes from semicircular to rectangular, the erosion rate distribution is significantly changed, and the wear resistance of the changed grooved wall surface gets better.
Opioid Prescription Patterns for Discharged Patients from the Emergency Department
Authors: Yanuck Justin , Lee Jonathan B. , Saadat Soheil , Rouhi Jila , Ghanem Ghadi , Chakravarthy Bharath , Shah Shalini
Published: January 2021

Context. Opioid prescriptions from the emergency department (ED) have gradually increased over the last 20 years. Mounting evidence of the potential for abuse of these drugs, even after a transient ED encounter, has fueled a push to curtail the prescriptions of opioids from the ED. Objectives. It is important to analyze the types of etiologies and provider demographics that drive opioid prescription in our emergency departments. Our study aimed to determine which patients in the ED are receiving opioid prescriptions, as well as their strength and quantity. Secondary outcomes included identifying difference in prescribing between provider classes. Methods. We conducted a retrospective study at a tertiary care university-based, level-one trauma ED from November 2017 to October 2018. We identified and analyzed data from 2,259 patients who were sent home with an opioid prescription. We retrieved patient and provider demographics, diagnosis, etiologies, and prescription information. Results. The mean age of a patient receiving an opioid prescription was 45, and 72.7% of patients were white. The most common diagnosis groups associated with an opioid prescription were abdominal pain (18.5%), nonfracture extremity pain (18.4%), and back/neck pain (12.5%). Hydrocodone-acetaminophen 5–325 mg was the most commonly prescribed (67.4%). The median total prescribed milligram morphine equivalent (MME) was highest for extremity fracture (75.0; IQR 54.0–100.0). The median total prescribed amount of pills was highest for patients with extremity fractures (15.0; IQR 12.0–20.0). Conclusions. Our study elucidates the prescribing patterns of an academic level 1 trauma center and should pave the way for future studies looking to maximize effectiveness at ways to curb ED opioid prescription.
Design and Numerical Simulation of Pyramidal Prefolded Patterned Thin‐Walled Tubes
Authors: Zhou Junxian , Dong Chuang , Chen Bingzhi , Niu Xu
Published: January 2021

An improved pyramidal prefolded pattern was designed and applied to thin‐walled tubes. This delicately designed pattern modularizes the tube to control the folding process and act as an inducer to trigger deformation modes with outstanding crushing performance. Dynamic crushing tests were conducted numerically; the simulation results reveal that the patterned square tube developed a deformation mode with shorter wavelength, better load consistencies, and higher energy‐absorption efficiency (up to 29%) than that of the traditional counterpart. Moreover, geometric analysis was performed and structural improvements were conducted by applying the optimal geometric parameters onto an octagonal profile. The designed patterned octagonal tube collapsed into a highly efficient deformation mode known as diamond mode. Furthermore, the comparative results show that patterned octagonal tubes demonstrated an energy absorption up to 90.1% higher than that of a conventional square column while improving the geometric compliance. These findings enrich research on patterned tubes and provide new explorations for the development of high‐performance energy‐absorbing structures.
Obesity as a Possible Risk Factor for Progression from Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance Progression into Multiple Myeloma: Could Myeloma Be Prevented with Metformin Treatment?
Authors: Cunha Júnior Ademar Dantas da , Zanette Dalila Luciola , Pericole Fernando Vieira , Olalla Saad Sara Teresinha , Barreto Campello Carvalheira José
Published: January 2021

Obesity is increasingly associated with the transformation of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) into multiple myeloma (MM). Obesity, MGUS, and MM share common etiopathogenesis mechanisms including altered insulin axis and the action of inflammatory cytokines. Consistent with this interconnection, metformin could predominantly exert inhibition of these pathophysiological factors and thus be an attractive therapeutic option for MGUS. Despite the possible clinical significance, only a limited number of epidemiological studies have focused on obesity as a risk factor for MGUS and MM. This review describes multiple biological pathways modulated by metformin at the cellular level and their possible impacts on the biology of MGUS and its progression into MM.
Identification of Coxiella burnetii in Raw Milk of Livestock Animal in Iran
Authors: Mobarez Ashraf Mohabati , Mostafavi Ehsan , Khalili Mohammad , Esmaeili Saber
Published: January 2021

Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever in humans and animals. This study aimed to determine the frequency of C. burnetii in milk samples of dairy animals (goats, sheep, and cattle) in some selected regions in Iran, where there is no information about prevalence of C. burnetii. In this study, 162 individual milk samples were collected from 43 farms in three provinces (Tehran, Hamadan, and Mazandaran). Real-time PCR was used for the detection of IS1111a element of C. burnetii. In total, 23 of 162 samples (14.2%, 95% conﬁdence interval (CI): 9.65–20.2%) were positive for C. burnetii by real-time PCR. C. burnetii was detected in 10.17% (95% CI: 4.74–20.46) of goat milk samples. In sheep milk samples, 18.6% (95% CI: 9.74–32.62) were positive, and C. burnetii was detected in 15% (95% CI: 8.1–26.11) of cattle milk samples. Molecular evidence of the presence of C. burnetii was seen in milk samples of dairy animals in all the studied regions. These findings demonstrated that C. burnetii infection, especially in raw milk samples, deserves more attention from the health care system and veterinary organization in Iran.
The Comparison of Total Phenolics, Total Antioxidant, and Anti-Tyrosinase Activities of Korean Sargassum Species
Authors: Baek Su Hyeon , Cao Lei , Jeong Seung Jin , Kim Hyeung-Rak , Nam Taek Jeung , Lee Sang Gil
Published: January 2021

Sargassum species, a group of marine brown algae consumed in Asian countries, have shown various health benefits, such as improving the conditions of cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and hypopigmentation. Also, these benefits are associated with their phenolic content and strong antioxidant capacities. However, the antioxidant capacities of different Sargassum species had not been thoroughly explored and compared. Thus, this study aimed to compare the total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents, total antioxidant capacities, and anti-tyrosine activity of eleven Sargassum species harvested off the Korean coast. The results revealed that the total phenolic content (from 20.57 to 88.97 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight (dw)), flavonoid content (from 22.08 to 82.33 mg quercetin equivalent/g dw), anti-tyrosinase activity (from 13.30 to 126.30 mg kojic acid equivalent/dw), and antioxidant capacities of the 11 Sargassum species had wide ranges. Among them, S. miyabei Yendo and S. hemiphyllum showed the highest total antioxidant capacities while S. miyabei Yendo exhibiting the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The highest anti-tyrosinase activity was seen in S. fillicinum and S. yendoi. Sargahydroqunoic acid and sargachromanol, two alga-derived meroterpenoid compounds with strong antioxidant activity, were detected and quantified in S. miyabei Yendo and S. serratifolium. Our findings guarantee further investigation of the health benefits of Sargassum species and maximize the commercial usage of these species.
Extended Perturbed Mixed Variational-Like Inequalities for Fuzzy Mappings
Authors: Khan Muhammad Bilal , Noor Muhammad Aslam , Noor Khalida Inayat , Ab Ghani Ahmad Termimi , Abdullah Lazim
Published: January 2021

In this article, our aim is to consider a class of fuzzy mixed variational-like inequalities (FMVLIs) for fuzzy mapping known as extended perturbed fuzzy mixed variational-like inequalities (EPFMVLIs). As exceptional cases, some new and classically defined “FMVLIs” are also attained. We have also studied the auxiliary principle technique of auxiliary “EPFMVLI” for “EPFMVLI.” By using this technique and some new analytic results, some existence results and efficient numerical techniques of “EPFMVLI” are established. Some advanced and innovative iterative algorithms are also obtained, and the convergence criterion of iterative sequences generated by algorithms is also proven. In the end, some new and previously known existence results and algorithms are also studied. Results secured in this paper can be regarded as purification and development of previously familiar results.
An Experimental Apparatus for Monitoring Radon during Compression of Coal/Rock Samples and Its Preliminary Application
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xie Kaidi , Zhu Yanchao , Zhang Yandong , Duan Xu , Zhu Jibo
Published: January 2021

Based on the radionuclide distributions in sedimentary coal‐bearing strata, this study analyzed the microrelease mechanisms of radon in coal‐bearing strata. It was found that the microrelease process includes three stages: emanation, migration, and exhalation. Based on this, an experimental apparatus was independently designed for monitoring radon during compression of coal/rock samples from coal‐bearing strata, whose major components include an electrohydraulic servocontrolled rock mechanics testing system, an airtight container, coal/rock samples, radon output device, and a continuous emanometer. The developed apparatus was preliminarily utilized for uniaxial compression tests on mudstone samples taken from the #21105 coalface of the Fourth Coal Mine in Yili Coalfield, China. The test results show that before sample failure under the uniaxial compressive load (UCL), the radon concentration is negatively correlated with the applied UCL and the magnitude of imposed elastic deformation. Increasing the applied load shortens the period of stable deformation, gradually decreasing the porosity of the rock, and as a result of declining the concentration of radon emanation from the rock. Finally, suggestions for future research are proposed, including mathematical equations to express the correlations between different experimental parameters and fractal characteristics of radon release from porous media.
Development and Evaluation of a Hydrometeorological Forecasting System Using the Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere-Wave-Sediment Transport (COAWST) Model
Authors: Zou Jing , Zhan Chesheng , Song Haiqing , Hu Tong , Qiu Zhijin , Wang Bo , Li Zhiqian
Published: January 2021

In this study, an experimental hydrometeorological forecasting system was developed based on the Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere-Wave-Sediment Transport (COAWST) model. The system downloads global real-time ocean, atmosphere, and wave forcing data, producing regional forecasts every day. A coastal area in South China, encompassing Hainan Island, Leizhou Peninsula, and surrounding sea areas, was chosen as the study domain. A series of 72-hour forecasting simulations were conducted in the area, lasting from July 27 to August 31, 2019. The forecasts throughout August were chosen for evaluation with station observations, along with two sets of reanalysis data, ERA5 and CLDAS. The evaluation results revealed that the COAWST model had high potential for routine forecasting operations. The 24 h forecasts, with a lead time of 24 hours, had high accuracy, while the 48 h and 72 h forecasts did not differ greatly in terms of performance. The distributions of bias between forecast and reanalysis data showed obvious differences between land and sea, with more forecasted precipitation and lower temperatures in land grids than in sea grids. In most cases, the forecasts were closer to ERA5 in terms of means and other statistical measures. The forecasts enlarged the land-sea differences of temperature when compared with ERA5 and strengthened summer monsoon with more moisture transported to land areas. Resulting from that, a forecasted bias of lower surface pressure, higher air humidity, stronger south wind, and so forth was also detected over the domain but at low values.
Field Experiment Research of the Polycystic Aeration Bolt: Model Design and Anchorage Mechanism
Authors: Peng Wen Xiang , Xu Ming Kai , Chen Yi Fan , Chen Zheng Hao , Yang Zhuo
Published: January 2021

As a new type of bolt, the polycystic aeration bolt has a broad application prospect in soft soil area; however, its design and production are still in the stage of constant exploration and improvement. From the perspective of bolt material and engineering cost, the important components of the polycystic aeration bolt were analyzed by combination with the existing bolt models, and a new structural design scheme of a kind of polycystic aeration bolt which can be used in practical engineering was presented in this paper. Then, the stress and failure mode of this bolt were discussed, and the theoretical equation of the bearing capacity was derived by using the elastic‐plastic theory. In addition, the assembly and fabrication technology of this bolt in practical foundation pit engineering was described in detail. Finally, the field pull‐out test of the polycystic aeration bolt was carried out, and the test results were compared with those of the conventional grouting bolt, which indicated that this new bolt has a greater advantage in bearing capacity than the conventional grouting bolt, verifying the feasibility of the structural design scheme of the polycystic aeration bolt proposed in this paper.
Study on Spatial Imbalance and Determinants of E-Commerce Development in Zhejiang, China
Authors: Zhong Haidong , Zhang Jinhui , Zhang Shaozhong , Zheng Wen
Published: January 2021

As a world-famous and well-developed e-commerce region, the development of e-commerce in Zhejiang province has always attracted people’s wide attention. Based on publicly available e-commerce transaction-related data, basic geographic data, and regional economic and social development data, we use the Gini coefficient to measure the imbalance of e-commerce development in Zhejiang province during 2017–2019. With the help of spatial analyst tools in ArcGIS desktop, the cluster and outlier analysis method is used to study the spatial pattern of e-commerce development in the province at the district or county-level city scale. To explore the causes of spatial aggregation and imbalance of e-commerce in Zhejiang province quantitatively, the paper proposes a geographical weighted regression (GWR) model with 15 economic and social development-related indicators. GWR and ordinary least squares (OLS) analysis indicate that 5 of the 15 selected indicators are highly related to the development of regional e-commerce development in Zhejiang, China.
English Grammar Error Correction Algorithm Based on Classification Model
Authors: Zhou Shanchun , Liu Wei
Published: January 2021

English grammar error correction algorithm refers to the use of computer programming technology to automatically recognize and correct the grammar errors contained in English text written by nonnative language learners. Classification model is the core of machine learning and data mining, which can be applied to extracting information from English text data and constructing a reliable grammar correction method. On the basis of summarizing and analyzing previous research works, this paper expounded the research status and significance of English grammar error correction algorithm, elaborated the development background, current status, and future challenges of the classification model, introduced the methods and principles of feature extraction method and dynamic residual structure, constructed a basic model for English grammar error correction based on the classification model, analyzed the classification model and translation model of English grammar error correction, proposed the English grammar error correction algorithm based on the classification model, performed the analyses of the model architecture and model optimizer of the grammar error correction algorithm, and finally conducted a simulation experiment and its result analysis. The study results show that, with the continuous increase of training samples and the continuous progress of learning process, the proposed English grammar error correction algorithm based on the classification model will continue to increase its classification accuracy, further refine its recognition rules, and gradually improve correction efficiency, thereby reducing processing time, saving storage space, and streamlining processing flow. The study results of this paper provide a certain reference for the further research on English grammar error correction algorithm based on the classification model.
The Neuroprotective Effect of Carvedilol on Diabetic Neuropathy: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Magadmi Rania M. , Alsulaimani Mujahid A. , Al-Rafiah Aziza Rashed , Esmat Ahmed
Published: January 2021

Diabetic neuropathy serves as a major complication for diabetic patients across the world. The use of effective treatment is integral for reducing the health complications for diabetic patients. This study has evaluated the carvedilol potential neuroprotective effect on diabetic neuropathy. An in vitro model of diabetic neuropathy was used, including dorsal root ganglia (DRG) that were cultured from male adult mice C57BL. These were incubated for about twenty-four hours in high glucose (HG) media (45 mM). Some cells were incubated with carvedilol (10 μM). Neuronal viability, neuronal morphology, and activating transcription factor 3 (AFT3) were measured. The cell viability was decreased, along with neuronal length, soma area, and soma perimeter with HG media. Also, there was an overexpression of ATF3, which is a neuronal stress response marker. The pretreatment with carvedilol increased the viability of DRG as compared to HG-treated cells. Also, it significantly protected the DRG from HG-induced morphology changes. Though it shows a decrease in AFT3 expression, the statistical results were insignificant. The current study demonstrates the neuroprotective effect of carvedilol against HG-induced DN using an in vitro model. This could be through carvedilol antioxidant effects.
Utilization of Thromboelastogram and Inflammatory Markers in the Management of Hypercoagulable State in Patients with COVID-19 Requiring ECMO Support
Authors: Smolarz Angela , McCarthy Paul , Shmookler Aaron , Badhwar Vinay , Hayanga Awori J. , Sakhuja Ankit
Published: January 2021

The role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the management of critically ill patients with COVID-19 is evolving. Extracorporeal support independently confers an increased predilection for thrombosis, which can be exacerbated by COVID-19-associated coagulopathy. We present the successful management of a hypercoagulable state in two patients who required venovenous ECMO for the treatment of COVID-19. This included monitoring inflammatory markers (D-dimer and fibrinogen), performing a series of therapeutic plasma exchange procedures, and administering high-intensity anticoagulation therapy and thromboelastography- (TEG-) guided antiplatelet therapy. TPE was performed to achieve goal D-dimer less than 3000 ng/mL D-dimer units (

N
≤
232
 
ng
/
mL

D-dimer units) and goal fibrinogen less than 600 mg/dL (

N
=
200

-400 mg/dL). These therapies resulted in improved TEG parameters and normalized inflammatory markers. Patients were decannulated after 37 days and 21 days, respectively. Post-ECMO duplex ultrasound of the upper and lower extremities and cannulation sites revealed a nonsignificant deep venous thrombosis at the site of femoral cannulation in patient 2 and no deep venous thrombosis in patient 1. The results of this case report show successful management of a hypercoagulable state among COVID-19 patients requiring ECMO support by utilization of inflammatory markers and TEG.
Fault-Tolerant Control for Three-Tank System in Case of Sensor Faults
Authors: Amor Mondher , Ladhari Taoufik , Hadj Said Salim , M’Sahli Faouzi
Published: January 2021

This research paper would be devoted to the application of a fault-tolerant control (FTC) for a benchmark system composed of three interconnected tanks in case of sensor faults. The control scheme includes two blocks: fault detection and isolation (FDI) block and a control law reconfiguration block. The strategy of the FDI method is based on a bank of high gain observers; each of them is constructed to estimate the system state vector. Thus, the diagnostic signal-residuals are generated by the comparison of measured and estimated outputs and the faulty sensor is isolated. The reconfiguration block performs an update of the controller parameters according to the operating mode. The application of this method to a pilot plant demonstrates that the hydrographic system maintains quite performances after sensor faults occurrence.
Experimental Research on Durability of Fly Ash Pavement Concrete and Mix Proportion Optimization
Authors: Zhai Hong-xia , Tang Yu-zhao , Chen Shu-hang , Chen Hui-hua , Cheng Bao-quan , Cai Xi , Wei Yu-hu
Published: January 2021

This paper focused on the optimization of the C40 fly ash concrete pavement, which was considered as a measure to accelerate the consumption of industrial solid wastes such as fly ash, committing to the goal of zero waste. By comparing with three groups of ordinary mix proportion, the performances (e.g., mechanical properties, durability, and brittle property) of the optimized mix proportion were evaluated via multiple mechanical and physical tests. Their air voids’ structure was characterized by the BJH method (a method to calculate pore size described by Barrett, Joyner, and Halenda), and the results were combined with the road performances of concrete to analyze the formation mechanism of high durability of optimized fly ash pavement concrete. As for the experimental results for the optimized, its 28 d compressive strength peaked at 50.8 MPa together with corresponding 28 d flexural strength at 8.2 MPa, which indicated a favorable mechanical performance for wide application in pavement construction. Except for the mechanical properties, the better durability indicators obtained after optimization also provided a more compact pore structure for the optimized. The raw materials and construction technology of the two kinds of pavements were compared. Promoting the use of optimized fly ash pavement concrete can break the situation of the asphalt pavement monopolizing heavy‐haul highway and greatly reduce the industrial wastes which can be used as raw materials in the production of cement, such as blast furnace slag and fly ash. It was proved that the optimized fly ash concrete pavement can be used to replace the asphalt pavement under the premise of achieving the same working performances.
The Generation and Modulation of Distinct Gamma Oscillations with Local, Horizontal, and Feedback Connections in the Primary Visual Cortex: A Model Study on Large-Scale Networks
Authors: Han Chuanliang , Wang Tian , Wu Yujie , Li Yang , Yang Yi , Li Liang , Wang Yizheng , Xing Dajun
Published: January 2021

Gamma oscillation (GAMMA) in the local field potential (LFP) is a synchronized activity commonly found in many brain regions, and it has been thought as a functional signature of network connectivity in the brain, which plays important roles in information processing. Studies have shown that the response property of GAMMA is related to neural interaction through local recurrent connections (RC), feed-forward (FF), and feedback (FB) connections. However, the relationship between GAMMA and long-range horizontal connections (HC) in the brain remains unclear. Here, we aimed to understand this question in a large-scale network model for the primary visual cortex (V1). We created a computational model composed of multiple excitatory and inhibitory units with biologically plausible connectivity patterns for RC, FF, FB, and HC in V1; then, we quantitated GAMMA in network models at different strength levels of HC and other connection types. Surprisingly, we found that HC and FB, the two types of large-scale connections, play very different roles in generating and modulating GAMMA. While both FB and HC modulate a fast gamma oscillation (around 50-60 Hz) generated by FF and RC, HC generates a new GAMMA oscillating around 30 Hz, whose power and peak frequency can also be modulated by FB. Furthermore, response properties of the two GAMMAs in a network with both HC and FB are different in a way that is highly consistent with a recent experimental finding for distinct GAMMAs in macaque V1. The results suggest that distinct GAMMAs are signatures for neural connections in different spatial scales and they might be related to different functions for information integration. Our study, for the first time, pinpoints the underlying circuits for distinct GAMMAs in a mechanistic model for macaque V1, which might provide a new framework to study multiple gamma oscillations in other cortical regions.
The Role of Neuroglial Crosstalk and Synaptic Plasticity-Mediated Central Sensitization in Acupuncture Analgesia
Authors: Lyu Zhongxi , Guo Yongming , Gong Yinan , Fan Wen , Dou Baomin , Li Ningcen , Wang Shenjun , Xu Yuan , Liu Yangyang , Chen Bo , Guo Yi , Xu Zhifang , Lin Xiaowei
Published: January 2021

Although pain is regarded as a global public health priority, analgesic therapy remains a significant challenge. Pain is a hypersensitivity state caused by peripheral and central sensitization, with the latter considered the culprit for chronic pain. This study summarizes the pathogenesis of central sensitization from the perspective of neuroglial crosstalk and synaptic plasticity and underlines the related analgesic mechanisms of acupuncture. Central sensitization is modulated by the neurotransmitters and neuropeptides involved in the ascending excitatory pathway and the descending pain modulatory system. Acupuncture analgesia is associated with downregulating glutamate in the ascending excitatory pathway and upregulating opioids, 𝛾-aminobutyric acid, norepinephrine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine in the descending pain modulatory system. Furthermore, it is increasingly appreciated that neurotransmitters, cytokines, and chemokines are implicated in neuroglial crosstalk and associated plasticity, thus contributing to central sensitization. Acupuncture produces its analgesic action by inhibiting cytokines, such as interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, and upregulating interleukin-10, as well as modulating chemokines and their receptors such as CX3CL1/CX3CR1, CXCL12/CXCR4, CCL2/CCR2, and CXCL1/CXCR2. These factors are regulated by acupuncture through the activation of multiple signaling pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling (e.g., the p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinases, and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase pathways), which contribute to the activation of nociceptive neurons. However, the responses of chemokines to acupuncture vary among the types of pain models, acupuncture methods, and stimulation parameters. Thus, the exact mechanisms require future clarification. Taken together, inhibition of central sensitization modulated by neuroglial plasticity is central in acupuncture analgesia, providing a novel insight for the clinical application of acupuncture analgesia.
Systemic Coagulation Markers Especially Fibrinogen Are Closely Associated with the Aggressiveness of Prostate Cancer in Patients Who Underwent Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Prostate Biopsy
Authors: Wang Fang-Ming , Xing Nian-Zeng
Published: January 2021

Objective. It has been well elucidated that multiple types of cancers are at high risk of thrombosis. Several studies have indicated the prognostic value of fibrinogen (Fib) and D-dimer (DD) in prostate cancer (PCa). However, it remains unclear regarding the association of the comprehensive coagulation markers with the clinicopathological features of PCa. Methods. A total of 423 pathologically diagnosed patients with PCa were consecutively collected and stratified as low-intermediate-risk or high-risk groups. The association of coagulation parameters including Fib, DD, prothrombin (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), and antithrombin III (AT-III) with clinicopathological features was determined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results. The levels of Fib, DD, and PT were significantly higher in the high-risk group (

p
<
0.001

,

p
<
0.001

, and

p
=
0.043

, resp.), while APTT, TT, and AT-III were similar between two groups (

p
>
0.05

, all). Univariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that Fib, DD, and PT were all positively correlated with high-risk PCa (

OR
=
2.041

,

p
<
0.001

;

OR
=
1.003

,

p
<
0.001

;

OR
=
1.247

,

p
=
0.044

). Nonetheless, after adjusting for PSA, grade, and stage, Fib (T3 vs. T1,

OR
=
15.202

, 95% CI: 1.725-133.959,

p
=
0.014

) but not DD or PT was the unique independent factor associated with high-risk PCa in the multivariate regression analysis. Conclusions. Our study firstly revealed that Fib but other coagulation markers was independently associated with the severity of PCa, suggesting Fib might be useful in PCa risk stratification beyond PSA, stage, and grade.