bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the potential for online peer support mentorship: Perspectives of pediatric solid organ transplant patients
Authors: Anthony Samantha J. , Young Katarina , Ghent Emily , Gold Anna , Martin Kathy , Solomon Melinda , Teoh Chia Wei , Stinson Jennifer
Published: November 2020

Objective

Self‐management for patients who have undergone solid organ transplantation is demanding and a challenge for adolescents transitioning into adult‐oriented healthcare systems. This study explores whether adolescent and young adult solid organ transplant patients support the use of online peer support programs that encourage peer mentorship as an approach to improve disease self‐management.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive design comprised of semi‐structured interviews with adolescent and young adult transplant patients. Individual interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subject to content analysis. Emergent categories and themes were refined through member checking and team consensus following saturation.

Results

Interviews were conducted across organ groups with 15 participants (60% female) ages 14 to 22 years. Participants expressed unanimous support for an online peer support mentorship program to aid disease self‐management in the pediatric transplant patient population. Three themes emerged from the interviews: (a) self‐management care can be “taxing”; (b) there would be value in peer mentorship for adolescent transplant patients; and (c) online peer mentorship is the “best” option but still requires relationship building. Logistical preferences of an online peer mentorship program were solicited. The preferred peer “match” was someone of the same organ transplant group and gender who was able to have weekly contact via texting.

Conclusions

Creating tailored, online peer mentorship programs is gaining evidence to justify further development. Findings from this study will support program modifications for adolescent and young adult solid organ transplant patients. Next steps will involve usability and feasibility testing of an adapted online program for this patient group.
Developing oral nanovaccines for fish: a modern trend to fight infectious diseases
Authors: Angulo Carlos , Tello‐Olea Marlene , Reyes‐Becerril Martha , Monreal‐Escalante Elizabeth , Hernández‐Adame Luis , Angulo Miriam , Mazon‐Suastegui José M.
Published: November 2020

Nanovaccines constitute an innovative approach in vaccinology, enabled by the nanotechnology advances on the synthesis, functionalization and application of nanoparticles for immunization. Currently, several organic materials such as chitosan, poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid), nanopoliplexes and virus‐like particles (VLPs) have been used for nanovaccine development to fight against fish diseases. The oral route is the most practical and economical for fish vaccination; thus, several oral vaccine candidates have been developed by using NPs in which the antigen is encapsulated, surface exposed or recombinantly ensembled (VLPs), leading to promising results in terms of protection capacity against infectious diseases. In this review, the state of the art on oral nanovaccine prototypes developed for use in fish was analysed and discussed. Oral nanovaccines have showed remarkably possibilities for application in fish aquaculture, which surely will be adopted by the industry in the following years.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DQA1*01:19 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Genebrier Steve , Rouzaire Paul , Nivet Carl , Chérel Mathilde , Renac Virginie
Published: November 2020

DQA1*01:19 differs from DQA1*01:02:01:04 by one nucleotide substitution at position 731 in exon 4.
Reconfigurable Multi-Stable Helical Lattice
Authors: Carey Seán , McHale Ciarán , Oliveri Vincenzo , Weaver Paul M.
Published: November 2020

As materials and engineering design tools become more complex, engineers are looking to mimic structures and systems, occurring in nature, to design more efficient mechanical structures. One such structure is a morphing composite lattice structure, whose design was inspired by the tail of the bacteriophage T4 virus [1]. To date the morphing behavior of the tail structure of the virus has been simplified by neglecting the intermolecular mechanisms that actuate the bistable behavior of the tail. This behavior has been achieved using prestressed composite flanges that are mechanically joined in alternating clockwise and anti-clockwise chiralities. The composite lattice structure has previously been proposed as an actuator for aerospace structures, replacing more complex and heavier traditional actuator structures. McHale et al. [2] have shown that the composite lattice is capable of greatly improving upon the state-of-the-art in the form of a telescopic boom for CubeSat systems. This utility provides validity in studying further enhancements on the capabilities of the structure to enhance its potential applications in the aerospace industry.

This work proposes a mechanism for replicating the inter-molecular behavior that occurs in the bacteriophage T4 tail. The bonds between the inner and outer tail structures are broken and reformed, thus, driving the actuation process. This method will form a variable topology morphing system. As such, a novel category of morphing structure is presented here for the first time. The morphing topology behavior is proposed by replacing mechanical fasteners in the traditional lattice structure in select locations with a series of permanent magnets. Finite element analysis is used to calculate the difference in energies between the states before and after discrete topology changes occur, allowing the associated change in energy to be converted to a required actuation force. Varying the topology of the lattice structure allows the lattice to transition from a linear morphing actuator system to a bespoke and tunable curved actuator with potential applications in satellite dish actuation, for example.
Design of a Compliant Industrial Gripper Driven by a Bistable Shape Memory Alloy Actuator
Authors: Scholtes Dominik , Seelecke Stefan , Rizzello Gianluca , Motzki Paul
Published: November 2020

Within industrial manufacturing most processing steps are accompanied by transporting and positioning of workpieces. The active interfaces between handling system and workpiece are industrial grippers, which often are driven by pneumatics, especially in small scale areas. On the way to higher energy efficiency and digital factories, companies are looking for new actuation technologies with more sensor integration and better efficiencies.

Commonly used actuators like solenoids and electric engines are in many cases too heavy and large for direct integration into the gripping system. Due to their high energy density shape memory alloys (SMA) are suited to overcome those drawbacks of conventional actuators. Additionally, they feature self-sensing abilities that lead to sensor-less monitoring and control of the actuation system. Another drawback of conventional grippers is their design, which is based on moving parts with linear guides and bearings. These parts are prone to wear, especially in abrasive environments. This can be overcome by a compliant gripper design that is based on flexure hinges and thus dispenses with joints, bearings and guides.

In the presented work, the development process of a functional prototype for a compliant gripper driven by a bistable SMA actuation unit for industrial applications is outlined. The focus lies on the development of the SMA actuator, while the first design approach for the compliant gripper mechanism with solid state joints is proposed. The result is a working gripper-prototype which is mainly made of 3D-printed parts. First results of validation experiments are discussed.
Study on Mechanical-Electric Characteristics of a Cantilever Beam of a Composite PZT Patch
Authors: Xue Xiaomin , Zhou Jiangwu , Sun Qing , Luo Dong
Published: November 2020

Piezoelectric transduction has received great attention for vibration-to-electric energy conversion in the last ten years. A typical PZT harvester is a cantilever subject due to its easy implementation. It has been investigated in regard to its harvesting capacity under various conditions. However, its electro-mechanical properties hasn’t gotten involved enough, which is in fact crucial for comprehending the intrinsic properties. Given that, this paper set out to explore the electro-mechanical characteristics of a cantilever beam from a laminated PZT patch by means of experiment and modeling studies. In the test, the PZT cantilever is magnetize by a tip mass, then connected into a circuit with a resistor and vibrated by an exciter. Through tuning excitation frequency, mass weight and resistances load, an optimal settings are summarized for obtaining more harvested energy in the system. Besides, the electro-mechanical behavior is investigated that demonstrates nonlinear hysteretic. On the basis, electromechanical model is presented to accurately mimic the aforementioned nonlinear behavior of the PZT harvester. The presented study has revealed that a proper choice of harvesting system with an accurate model can further exploit energy potentiality in piezoelectric material so as to apply its energy harvesting capability into much more extensive engineering fields.
Investigations Regarding Repeatability of Small Strokes of Electrically Activated SMA Wires
Authors: Theren Benedict , Glaser Thomas , Weirich Antonia , Kuhlenkötter Bernd
Published: November 2020

This work makes a contribution regearding research of the generation of small strokes of electrically activated shape memory actuator wires. Binary Ni50Ti50 wires of 100 mm length and diameter of 0.3mm are investigated. Within the scope of this work, a test rig has been designed and built to carry out the performed experiments. One side of the wire was fixed while the other side worked against a spring. The spring force provided the resetting of the wire. The spring constant was chosen low to avoid a strong influence of the spring deflection on the force.

The activation of the shape memory effect of the wires on this test rig was executed electrically by resistance heating and the adjustment of the mechanical load has been solved by pretensioning the spring. Four series of tests have been carried out to determine the feasibility and operational reliability of small stroke ranges. The focus here is on whether such strokes can be generated at all by means of electrical activation and on the other hand, how precisely these strokes can be achieved repeatably.
Mechanisms of Stiffening in Polymer-Filled Honeycomb Composites
Authors: Squibb Carson , Philen Michael
Published: November 2020

Honeycomb composites are common materials in applications where a high specific stiffness is required. Previous research has found that honeycombs with polymer infills in their cells exhibit effective stiffnesses greater than the honeycomb or polymer alone. Currently, the state of analytic models for predicting the effective properties of these honeycomb polymer composites is limited, thus further research is needed to better characterize the behavior of these materials. In this work, a nonlinear finite element analysis was employed to perform parametric studies of a filled honeycomb unit cell with isotropic wall and infill materials. A pinned rigid wall model was created as an upper bound on the deformable wall model’s performance, and an empty honeycomb model was employed to better understand the mechanisms of stiffness amplification. Mechanisms by which the stiffness amplification occurs is studied through parametric studies, and the results are compared to current analytic models. It has been observed that both the volume change within the honeycomb cell under deformation, and the mismatch in Poisson’s ratios between the honeycomb and infill influence the effective properties. Stiffness amplifications of over 4,000 have been observed, with auxetic behavior achieved by tailoring of the HPC geometry. This research provides an important step toward understanding the design space and benefits of honeycomb polymer composites, and demonstrates the possibilities for variable stiffness structures when considering smart material infill materials.
Environmentally Friendly Bio-Inspired Turtle Robot
Authors: Domazetovska Simona , Ivanoski Kristijan , Josifovska Stefani , Slavkovski Viktor , Jovanova Jovana
Published: November 2020

Inspired by the movement of a turtle in nature, a low-budget turtle-like robot was designed and developed to operate on natural terrain. Applying affordable additive manufacturing (3D printing) leads into creating unique 3-D structure with potential of flexibility, multi-functionality and multi-movement. By implementing solar panels, the energy from the sun is used, which makes the robot self-sustainable. The robot is controlled remotely with an android application designed for the need of this work.

The bio-inspired robot can play an interesting role in real-life applications, such as monitoring in hardly accessible terrain, video and data collection for environmental friendly application, animals’ observation and others. The main application of the robot is for animal observation in the zoo, so it will often need to move across not even landscape in order to allow surveillance of that area. By implementing smart materials, the movement of the turtle can be improved.

This paper presents the design concepts and functionality, together with CAD model of the robot, the prototyping (hardware, control and application design) and the results from the measurements.
Band Gap Formation in Metamaterial Beam With Torsional Local Resonators for Vibration Suppression
Authors: Jian Yupei , Hu Guobiao , Tang Lihua , Aw Kean C.
Published: November 2020

Locally resonant metamaterials have attracted lots of research interests for the application of vibration suppression which is a fundamental problem but remains a big challenge in the engineering field. The transverse wave propagation in a beam is through the transmission of the shear force and bending moment. Most designs of metamaterials in the existing literature exploit translational local resonators to induce reaction force to prevent the transmission of the shear force, hence the wave propagation. This paper studies a metamaterial beam attached with torsional local resonators. The reaction moments generated by the torsional resonators are expected to neutralize the bending moment in the beam, thus preventing the wave propagation. The existence of torsional resonators leads to the moment discontinuity conditions which cannot be directly taken into account using the Euler beam theory. Based on the Timoshenko beam theory, the band structure analysis is developed through a modal analysis based on the infinite periodic local resonator structure. The numerical results reveal that the locally resonant frequency corresponds to the upper bound of the band gap. Both infinitely long and finitely long beams are also modeled using finite element method. The transmittance is calculated to verify the band structure analysis.
Design of a Smart Morphing Wing Using Integrated and Distributed Trailing Edge Camber Morphing
Authors: Mkhoyan Tigran , Thakrar Nisarg Rashmin , De Breuker Roeland , Sodja Jurij
Published: November 2020

In this study, the design and development of an autonomous morphing wing concept were investigated. This morphing wing was developed in the scope of, the Smart-X project, aiming to demonstrate in-flight performance optimisation. This study proposed a novel distributed morphing concept, with six Translation Induced Camber (TRIC) morphing trailing edge modules, inter-connected triangular skin segments joined by an elastomer material to allow seamless variation of local lift distribution along the wingspan. An FSI structural optimisation tool was developed, to achieve this optimised design, and to produce an optimal laminate design of fibre Glass weave material, capable of reaching target shapes and minimise actuation loads. Analysis of the kinematic model of the embedded actuator was performed, and a conventional actuator design was selected to continuously operate at the required load and fulfil both static and dynamic requirements in terms of bandwidth, actuation force and stroke. Preparations were made in this study for the next stage of the Smart-X design, to refine the morphing mechanism design and build a functional demonstrator for wind tunnel testing.
Combined Finite Element Method (FEM) and Network Simulation of a Nonlinear Electromagnetic Energy Harvester
Authors: Germer Maxim , Marschner Uwe , Richter Andreas
Published: November 2020

Combined finite element and network modeling methods provide a time efficient instrument to simulate multi-physics systems. In this work, the Combined Simulation is applied to a nonlinear electromagnetic energy harvester with electrical interface circuit and capacitive energy storage. The energy harvester consists of two cylindrical permanent magnets placed in a cylinder with opposite directions to each other, whereas one magnet is fixed and the other magnet is freely movable in the vertical direction within the cylinder. A coil surrounds the cylinder and transforms the magneto-mechanical energy into electrical energy by means of electromagnetic induction. An external force with a certain wave-form excites the system.

Finite element and network modeling methods are combined to determine concentrated and distributed network parameters and to describe the nonlinear system as an equivalent circuit, whereas Finite element modeling of the two permanent magnets reveals the repulsive force at different distances. The position-dependent electromagnetic coupling coefficient is employed by calculating the linked magnetic flux gradient. The system performance, including the interface circuit and an energy storage component, is then predicted using the numerical network simulator LTspice. A voltage doubler is used to charge a capacitor and compared with a one-way and two-way rectifier. The voltage doubler shows the best results and charges the capacitor to the highest voltage. The presented method helped to understand the overall system behavior. Physical quantities can be quickly determined in the network. The method can be applied to other multi-physics systems and to more complex interface circuits, easily.
Complete Genome Sequences of Mycobacteriophages Apex and Gophee
Authors: Edwards Denzel , Carney Tara , Alvarez Yunia , Pagan Justin , Sarro Emma , Alvarez Regina , Connors Bernadette J.
Published: November 2020

Apex and Gophee are mycobacteriophages directly isolated from soil using the host
Mycobacterium smegmatis
mc
2
155. Apex has a 71,244-bp double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genome encoding 98 putative proteins, and Gophee has a 68,556-bp dsDNA genome encoding 101 putative proteins.
Acquired tracheoesophageal fistula in disseminatedMycobacterium aviumcomplex associated with anti-interferon-gamma autoantibodies
Authors: Yaghnam Ibrahim , Jain Rohit , Golamari Rashma , Clarke Kofi
Published: November 2020

We describe a case of a 30-year-old previously healthy woman who presented to our hospital with a 2-month history of fevers, tender lymphadenopathy, dysphagia, globus sensation and occasional haematemesis. Further evaluation revealed cervicothoracic adenopathy and a subcarinal mass with oesophageal involvement. Imaging showed a transesophageal fistula at the level of the carina with contrast extravasation to the left main bronchus. Our patient was diagnosed with disseminatedMycobacterium aviumcomplex (MAC) based on acid-fast bacillus noted on sputum cultures and nodal biopsies. Further investigation revealed anti-interferon-gamma autoantibodies as a possible predisposing factor for the disseminated MAC infection. This case demonstrates the importance of a broad differential diagnoses in a patient presenting with unexplained cervicothoracic lymphadenopathy, fever and dysphagia. Although acquired tracheoesophageal fistulae are uncommon, it should be considered in the clinical setting of globus sensation, haemoptysis and dysphagia. Furthermore, our case highlights a rare predisposition to disseminatedMycobacteriuminfection.
Anti-Müllerian hormone in African-American women with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Angley Meghan , Spencer Jessica B , Lim S Sam , Howards Penelope P
Published: November 2020

Objective

Women with SLE may experience ovarian insufficiency or dysfunction due to treatment or disease effects. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a marker of ovarian reserve, has been examined in small populations of women with SLE with conflicting results. To date, these studies have included very few African-American women, the racial/ethnic group at greatest risk of SLE.

Methods

We enrolled African-American women aged 22–40 years diagnosed with SLE after age 17 from the Atlanta Metropolitan area. Women without SLE from the same area were recruited from a marketing list for comparison. AMH was measured in serum using the Ansh Labs assay (Webster, Texas, USA). We considered AMH levels <1.0 ng/mL and AMH <25th percentile of comparison women as separate dichotomous outcomes. Log-binomial regression models estimating prevalence ratios were adjusted for age, body mass index and hormonal contraception use in the previous year.

Results

Our sample included 83 comparison women without SLE, 68 women with SLE and no history of cyclophosphamide (SLE/CYC−) and 11 women with SLE and a history of cyclophosphamide treatment (SLE/CYC+). SLE/CYC+ women had a greater prevalence of AMH <1.0 ng/mL compared with women without SLE (prevalence ratio (PR): 2.90, 95% CI: 1.29 to 6.51). SLE/CYC− women were also slightly more likely to have AMH <1.0 ng/mL (PR: 1.62, 95% CI: 0.93 to 2.82) than comparison women. Results were similar when considering AMH <25th percentile by age of comparison women.

Conclusions

Treatment with CYC is associated with low AMH in African-American women with SLE. SLE itself may also be associated with reduced AMH, but to a lesser extent.
Percutaneous left ventricular assist support is associated with less pulmonary congestion and lower rate of pneumonia in patients with cardiogenic shock
Authors: Haberkorn Sandra , Uwarow Angelika , Haurand Jean , Jung Christian , Kelm Malte , Westenfeld Ralf , Horn Patrick
Published: November 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of acute left ventricular unloading by percutaneous left ventricular assist device on pulmonary congestion and pneumonia in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS).

Methods

In this retrospective study, we analysed patients with CS who received the Impella percutaneous left ventricular assist device (n=50) compared with those who received intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support (n=50). Pulmonary congestion was longitudinally assessed while on support by calculating characteristic findings on the chest X-ray using the Halperin score. The rate of pneumonia and early mortality were assessed as a secondary endpoint.

Results

The groups (Impella vs IABP) did not differ in terms of age, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Acute Physiology, Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score or serum lactate levels. Pulmonary congestion decreased in patient treated with Impella at each time point postimplantation. No change in congestion status was observed in patients supported with IABP. Multivariate analysis indicated Impella support as an independent predictor for pulmonary decongestion (OR 4.06, 95% CI 1.15 to 14.35, p=0.030). The rate of early pneumonia was lower in the Impella group compared with the IABP group (54% vs 74%, p=0.037). Failure of pulmonary decongestion during mechanical circulatory support independently predicted early pneumonia (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.70, p=0.006).

Conclusion

Pulmonary decongestion may facilitate treatment of pneumonia in patients with CS. Left ventricular unloading by Impella device might support pulmonary decongestion, although a larger prospective trial in this patient population is required.
Supervised pulmonary rehabilitation using minimal or specialist exercise equipment in COPD: a propensity-matched analysis
Authors: Patel Suhani , Palmer Melanie D , Nolan Claire Marie , Barker Ruth Emily , Walsh Jessica Anne , Wynne Stephanie C , Jones Sarah Elizabeth , Shannon Harriet , Hopkinson Nicholas S , Kon Samantha Swee Chin , Gao Wei , Maddocks Matthew , Man William D-C
Published: November 2020

Background

Many trials supporting the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) have used specialist exercise equipment, such as treadmills and cycle ergometers. However, access to specialist equipment may not be feasible in some settings. There is growing interest in delivering PR programmes with minimal, low-cost equipment, but uncertainty remains regarding their efficacy compared with programmes using specialist equipment.

Methods

Using propensity score matching, 318 consecutive patients with COPD undergoing supervised PR using minimal equipment (PR-min) were compared 1:1 with a control group of 318 patients with COPD who underwent supervised PR using specialist equipment (PR-gym). A non-inferiority analysis was performed for the primary outcome (incremental shuttle walk (ISW)) and secondary outcomes (Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ)—domain and total scores).

Results

Similar improvements in ISW and CRQ-domains were observed in PR-min and PR-gym groups (mean difference ISW: 3 m (95% CI −16 to 9); CRQ-total: 0.9 (95% CI −2.7 to 4.5)). The 95% CI between group differences for ISW and CRQ-total did not cross the predefined non-inferiority margins. However, completion rates were lower in PR-min compared with PR-gym (64% vs 73%; p=0.014).

Conclusions

In patients with COPD, PR delivered using minimal equipment produces clinically significant benefits in exercise capacity and health-related quality of life that are non-inferior to rehabilitation delivered using specialist equipment. This study provides support for the provision of PR using minimal exercise equipment, particularly in areas where access to specialist exercise equipment is limited.
$$\chi _{c1}$$ and $$\chi _{c2}$$ polarization as a probe of color octet channel
Authors: Baranov S. P. , Lipatov A. V.
Published: November 2020

We analyze joint LHC data on the production of $$\chi _{c1}$$

χ

c
1

and $$\chi _{c2}$$

χ

c
2

mesons together with the polarization data obtained very recently by the CMS Collaboration at $$\sqrt{s} = 8$$

s

=
8

 TeV. Our consideration is based on the $$k_T$$

k
T

-factorization approach and nonrelativistic QCD formalism for the formation of bound states. The observed polar anisotropy of $$\chi _{c1}$$

χ

c
1

and $$\chi _{c2}$$

χ

c
2

decays can be described as a combined effect of the color-singlet and color-octet contributions. We extract the corresponding long-distance matrix elements from the fits. Our fits point to unequal color singlet wave functions for $$\chi _{c1}$$

χ

c
1

and $$\chi _{c2}$$

χ

c
2

states.
Thermodynamic geometry of normal (exotic) BTZ black hole regarding to the fluctuation of cosmological constant
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Hosein , Rastkatr Maryam , Najafi Morteza Nattagh
Published: November 2020

We construct the thermodynamic geometry of ([Formula: see text])-dimensional normal (exotic) BTZ black hole regarding the fluctuation of cosmological constant. We argue that while the thermodynamic geometry of black hole without fluctuation of cosmological constant is a two dimensional flat space, the three-dimensional space of thermodynamics parameters including the cosmological constant as a fluctuating parameter is curved. Some consequences of the fluctuation of cosmological constant will be investigated. We show that such a fluctuation leads to a thermodynamic curvature which is singular at the critical surface. Also, we consider the validity of first thermodynamics law regarding the fluctuation of the cosmological constant.
Esthetic Evaluation of Facial Soft Tissue Based on Nonrigid Image Deformation
Authors: He Yali , Yang Yan , Mohamed Abdelrahman , Qi Genmiao
Published: November 2020

As the time passes by, orthodontics is paying more and more attention to facial aesthetics. However, related research is mostly in the stage of qualitative evaluation without clinical reference of specific soft tissue data. Therefore, by collecting the pre- and post-treatment photographs of 26 adult female patients, this study used image deformation technology to process the photos of a 23-year-old female patient, and two groups of facial photos were established. Then, 22 males and 27 females were selected to conduct an aesthetic evaluation to the original and processed photos by questionnaire survey. Relevant indicators of the corresponding photos were obtained. Group t-test, paired t-test, and nonparametric test were used in data calculation. For patients with high compliance, deep overbite with low angle or average angle are more suitable for fixed appliance with the bite plate, while with high angle are not suitable. The nonprofessionals prefer narrower face, more retracted lip position, and fuller chin than in the actual treatment. Among them, female evaluators prefer narrower lower face than male evaluators do. Male evaluators prefer thicker lips and chins, especially thicker lower lips than female evaluators do. Laypeople prefer narrower face, more retracted lip position, and fuller chin.
A Novel Parent Centric Crossover with the Log-Logistic Probabilistic Approach Using Multimodal Test Problems for Real-Coded Genetic Algorithms
Authors: ul Haq Ehtasham , Ahmad Ishfaq , Almanjahie Ibrahim M.
Published: November 2020

In this paper, a comprehensive empirical study is conducted to evaluate the performance of a new real-coded crossover operator called Fisk crossover (FX) operator. The basic aim of the proposed study is to preserve population diversity as well as to avoid local optima. In this context, a new crossover operator is designed and developed which is linked with Log-logistic probability distribution. For its global performance, a realistic comparison is made between FX versus double Pareto crossover (DPX), Laplace crossover (LX), and simulated binary crossover (SBX) operators. Moreover, these crossover operators are also used in conjunction with three mutation operators called power mutation (PM), Makinen, Periaux, and Toivanen mutation (MPTM), and nonuniform mutation (NUM) for inclusive evaluation. The performance of probabilistic-based algorithms is tested on a set of twenty-one well-known nonlinear optimization benchmark functions with diverse features. The empirical results show a substantial dominance of FX over other crossover operators with authentication of performance index (PI). Moreover, we also examined the significance of the proposed crossover scheme by administrating ANOVA and Gabriel pairwise multiple comparison test. Finally, the statistically significant results of the proposed crossover scheme have a definite edge over the other schemes, and it is also expected that FX has a great potential to solve complex optimization problems.
Colonoscopy Quality and Adherence to Postpolypectomy Surveillance Guidelines in an Underinsured Clinic System
Authors: John Jaison , Al-Douri Abdul , Candelaria Bretta , Gandhi Saurin , Guzik Paul , Herndon Brent , Kim Christopher , Kluz Nicole , Thompson Jennifer , Trevino Jessica , Valencia Victoria , Pignone Michael
Published: November 2020

Background. Delivery of high-quality colonoscopy and adherence to evidence-based surveillance guidelines is essential to a high-quality screening program, especially in safety net systems with limited resources. We sought to assess colonoscopy quality and ensure appropriate surveillance in a network of safety net practices. Methods. We identified age-eligible patients ages 50-75 within a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) clinic system with evidence of colonoscopy in preceding 10 years. We performed chart reviews to assess key aspects of colonoscopy quality: bowel preparation quality, evidence of cecal intubation, cecal withdrawal time, and the adenoma detection rate. We then utilized established guidelines to assess and revise surveillance colonoscopy intervals, determine whether appropriate surveillance had taken place, and schedule overdue patients as appropriate. Results. Of 26,394 age-eligible patients, a total of 3,970 patients had evidence of prior colonoscopy and 1,709 charts were selected and reviewed. Mean age was 57, 54% identified as women and 51% identified as Hispanic. Of 1709 colonoscopies reviewed, 77% had data on bowel preparation, and of those, 85% had adequate preparation quality. Cecal intubation was documented in 89% of procedures. Adequate cecal withdrawal time was documented in 59% of those with documented cecal intubation. Overall adenoma detection rate was 42%. Initial surveillance interval was clearly stated in 72% (

n
=
1238

) of procedures. Of these, initial recommended intervals were too short in 24.5% (

n
=
304

) and too long in 3.6% (

n
=
45

). A total of 132 patients (10.7%) were overdue for appropriate surveillance and were referred for follow-up colonoscopy. Conclusions. Overall, the quality of screening colonoscopy was high, but reporting was incomplete. We found fair adherence to evidence-based surveillance guidelines, with significant opportunities to extend surveillance intervals and improve adherence to best practices.
The Interactions among the Heavy Metals in Soils and in Weeds and Their Antioxidant Capacity under the Mining Activities in Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc-Lien , Vu Cam-Tu , To Hien-Minh , Pham Hoang-Nam , Nguyen Hai-Dang , Nguyen Tien-Dat , Nguyen Thi Kieu-Oanh
Published: November 2020

In this study, the relationship between heavy metals (HMs) concentrations in soils and several weeds including Cyclosorus parasiticus, Dicranopteris linearis, Pityrogramma calomelanos, and Pteris vittata in three mining sites (Cam Gia (Thai Nguyen city), Tan Long (Dong Hy district), and Ha Thuong (Dai Tu district)) in Thai Nguyen province, Vietnam, have been investigated. The levels of HMs varied among soil origins and showed the contaminations of As, Cu, and Pb in soil samples collected in Dong Hy and Dai Tu districts. In addition, the HM distribution and cocontamination phenomena in different soils significantly affected the HM residues and transportation abilities into different species as well as tissues. Moreover, based on the analysis of bioaccumulation factor (BF) and translocation factor (TF), C. parasiticus and D. linearis were found potentially for phytoextraction by roots, while P. calomelanos and P. vittata were suitable for hyperaccumulation in shoots and leaves. Consequently, the strongest antioxidant property by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide anion (SRSA) radical scavenging assays were demonstrated in the methanol root extracts of C. parasiticus and P. vittata, respectively. In conclusion, the correlation among HM in soils and tissues with antioxidant property allows us to hypothesize that the presence of these elements can enhance the antioxidant activity of plant extracts, suggesting to apply the weeds in phytoremediation as well as in phytomedicine.
Tissue-Resident Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells Arrest Alveolarization in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Mi Lanlan , Zhu Shaoxuan , Cai Jiayu , Xu Suqing , Xue Zhengyang , Lu Hongyan
Published: November 2020

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a severe complication of the respiratory system associated with preterm birth. Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) play a major role in tissue homeostasis, inflammation, and wound healing. However, the role in BPD remains unclear. The present study showed that ILC2s, interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-13, and anti-inflammatory (M2) macrophages increased significantly in BPD mice as compared to the control mice. Administration with recombinant mouse IL-33 amplified the above phenomena and aggravated the alveolar structural disorder and functional injury in mice subjected to BPD, and the opposite was true with anti-ST2 antibody. In addition, the depletion of ILC2s in BPD mice with anti-CD90.2 antibody substantially abolished the destructive effect on BPD. In the treatment of BPD with dexamethasone, the number of ILC2s and M2 macrophages and levels of IL-4 and IL-13 decreased with remission as compared to the control group. This study identified a major destructive role of the ILC2s in BPD that could be attenuated as a therapeutic strategy.
Association between Parent’s Metabolic Syndrome and 12- to18-Year-Old Offspring’s Overweight: Results from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (K-NHANES) 2009–2016
Authors: Lee Na Yeong , Han Kyungdo , Lee Yoonji , Kim Seulki , Lee Seonhwa , Choi Yujung , Ahn Moon bae , Kim Shin Hee , Cho Won Kyoung , Cho Kyoung Soon , Jung Min Ho , Park Yong-Gyu , Suh Byung-Kyu
Published: November 2020

Background. Little information is available on the association between parents’ metabolic syndrome (MetS) and adolescent offspring’s obesity in Korea. The aim of our study is to determine the association between parent’s metabolic syndrome and offspring’s obesity. Methods. The study data were obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted during 2009–2016. In the present study, 3140 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years, their paternal pairs (PP, fathers = 2244), and maternal pairs (MP, mothers = 3022) were analyzed. Of these 3140 adolescents, 2637 had normal weight {age- and sex-specific body mass index (BMI) under the 85th percentile}, whereas 467 were overweight (age- and sex-specific BMI over the 85th percentile). Results. Offspring’s overweight and central obesity were associated with all components of the PP’s metabolic risk factors, including central obesity (

p
<
0.001

), systolic (

p
<
0.001

) and diastolic blood pressure (

p
<
0.001

), glucose intolerance (

p
<
0.001

), and triglyceride (

p
<
0.002

) and high-density lipoprotein levels (

p
=
0.049

). In addition, offspring’s overweight and central obesity were also associated with the metabolic risk factors of MP, including central obesity (

p
<
0.001

), systolic (

p
<
0.001

) and diastolic blood pressure (

p
<
0.001

), glucose intolerance (

p
<
0.001

), and triglyceride levels (

p
<
0.001

). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, offspring’s overweight was significantly and positively associated with parental central obesity (PP, adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.593; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.192–2.128; MP, adjusted OR = 2.221, 95% CI: 1.755–2.812) and parental metabolic syndrome (PP, adjusted OR = 2.032; 95% CI: 1.451–2.846; MP, adjusted OR = 2.972, 95% CI: 2.239–3.964). As the number of parental metabolic risk factors increased, offspring’s risk for overweight and central obesity increased (

p

for trends < 0.001). Conclusion. Parental metabolic syndrome was associated with obesity in 12- to 18-year-old offspring in Korea.
Electroacupuncture Improves Cognitive Function in Senescence-Accelerated P8 (SAMP8) Mice via the NLRP3/Caspase-1 Pathway
Authors: Hou Zhitao , Qiu Ruijin , Wei Qingshuang , Liu Yitian , Wang Meng , Mei Tingting , Zhang Yue , Song Liying , Shao Xianming , Shang Hongcai , Chen Jing , Sun Zhongren
Published: November 2020

Background. Clinically, electroacupuncture (EA) is the most common therapy for aging-related cognitive impairment (CI). However, the underlying pathomechanism remains unidentified. The aims of this study were to observe the effect of EA on cognitive function and explore the potential mechanism by which EA acts on the NLRP3/caspase-1 signaling pathway. Main Methods. Thirty male SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into the model, the 2 Hz EA and 10 Hz EA groups. Ten male SAMR1 mice were assigned to the control group. Cognitive function was assessed through the Morris water maze test. Hippocampal morphology and cell death were observed by HE and TUNEL staining, respectively. The serum IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α levels were measured by ELISA. Hippocampal NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, GSDM-D, IL-1β, IL-18, Aβ, and tau proteins were detected by Western blotting. Key Findings. Cognitive function, hippocampal morphology, and TUNEL-positive cell counts were improved by both EA frequencies. The serum IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α levels were decreased by EA treatment. However, 10 Hz EA reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells in the CA1 region and serum IL-1β and IL-6 levels more effectively than 2 Hz EA. NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway-related proteins were significantly downregulated by EA, but 2 Hz EA did not effectively reduce ASC protein expression. Interestingly, both EA frequencies failed to reduce the expression of Aβ and tau proteins. Significance. The effects of 10 Hz EA at the GV20 and ST36 acupoints on the NLRP3/caspase-1 signaling pathway may be a mechanism by which this treatment relieves aging-related CI in mice.
Permeability Properties of Crushed Stone Aggregates in Bedding Course of Urban Permeable Roads: An Experimental Study
Authors: Mao Rongrong , Yang Haiyan
Published: November 2020

Crushed stone is the most common material for use in the aggregate of bedding course. The aggregate for the bedding course of permeable roads needs to not only meet the requirements of basic mechanical properties but also ensure permeability and structural stability. This work analyzed permeability under extreme rainfall conditions and the particle mass loss during permeation and then investigated the stability of crushed stone aggregate and examined the optimal gradation and compaction levels of the crushed stone aggregate in engineering applications. It shows that (1) the permeation process included two phases, and the change of permeation velocity mainly occurred in the first phase. The permeation velocity of samples with different gradations at different compaction levels showed a stepwise change in its order of magnitude. (2) The change in permeability coincided with the change in flowrate, most probably because the sudden change of the flow altered the permeability of the sample. Factors such as gradation, compaction, and the randomness of particles arrangement in the crushed stone during sample charging all affected the permeability of the sample. (3) During the permeation process, the mass loss decreased with rising gradation. The gradation and compaction had strong influence on particle mass loss. Therefore, ensuring the structural stability of permeable road necessitates careful selection of the gradation and compaction for the crushed stone aggregate. It is recommended to use the crushed stone sample with a gradation of n = 0.7 and a compaction level of no greater than 20 mm for the aggregate of the bedding course.
Research on the Prediction of the Water Demand of Construction Engineering Based on the BP Neural Network
Authors: Peng Hao , Wu Han , Wang Junwu
Published: November 2020

The scientific and effective prediction of the water consumption of construction engineering is of great significance to the management of construction costs. To address the large water consumption and high uncertainty of water demand in project construction, a prediction model based on the back propagation (BP) neural network improved by particle swarm optimization (PSO) was proposed in the present work. To reduce the complexity of redundant input variables, this model determined the main influencing factors of water demand by grey relational analysis. The BP neural network optimized by PSO was used to obtain the predicted value of the output interval, which effectively solved the shortcomings of the BP neural network model, including its slow convergence speed and easy to fall into local optimum problems. In addition, the water consumption interval data of the Taiyangchen Project located in Xinyang, Henan Province, China, were simulated. According to the results of the case study, there were four main factors that affected the construction water consumption of the Taiyangchen Project, namely, the intraday amount of pouring concrete, the intraday weather, the number of workers, and the intraday amount of wood used. The predicted data were basically consistent with the actual data, the relative error was less than 5%, and the average error was only 2.66%. However, the errors of the BP neural network model, the BP neural network improved by genetic algorithm, and the pluralistic return were larger. Three conventional error analysis tools in machine learning (the coefficient of determination, the root mean squared error, and the mean absolute error) also highlight the feasibility and advancement of the proposed method.
Measuring the Spatial Spillover Effects of Multimodel Transit System in Beijing: A Structural Spatial Vector Autoregressive Approach
Authors: Li Honghai , Ma Xiaolei , Zhang Xian , Li Xin , Xu Weihan
Published: November 2020

Changes in local transit passenger flow may cause a spatial spillover effect across the involved regions and affect traffic patterns in other regions. To identify the affected areas and the traffic patterns, this study develops an enhanced spatial vector autoregressive (SpVAR) model to investigate relations in public transport systems in the case of sudden large passenger flow impact. The proposed model captures the interacted correlation within different transit models in separated regions. Three representative commuting regions in Beijing, namely, Zhongguancun, Guomao, and Huilongguan, are employed for empirical study. Results confirm the existence of spatial spillover effect in the commuter regions and reveal heterogeneous effects of multimodal transit system on regions with different distances.
A Novel Multiscale Deep Health Indicator with Bidirectional LSTM Network for Bearing Performance Degradation Trend Prognosis
Authors: Wang Han , Tang Gang , Zhou Youguang , Huang Yujing
Published: November 2020

As rolling bearings are the key components in rotating machinery, bearing performance degradation directly affects machine running status. A tendency prognosis for bearing performance degradation is thus required to ensure the stability of operation. This paper proposes a novel strategy for bearing performance degradation trend prognosis, including health indicator construction techniques and a performance degradation trend prediction method. To more accurately represent the degradation trend, the multiscale deep bottleneck health indicator is proposed as a new synthesized health indicator to remove high-frequency detail signals from features, which can reduce possible fluctuations in conventional synthetic health indicators. A suitable method for selecting the statistical characteristics required for fusion is also presented to solve the problem of information redundancy that affects trend representation. In addition, a stacked autoencoder network is used for deep feature extraction of selected statistical features. A bidirectional long short-term memory network prediction model is also proposed for the prediction of degradation trend, which can make full use of historical and future information to improve prediction accuracy. Finally, experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.