bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple system atrophy in Hokkaido, Japan: a prospective registry study of natural history and symptom assessment scales followed for 5 years
Authors: Matsushima Masaaki , Yabe Ichiro , Sakushima Ken , Kanatani Yasuhiro , Nishimoto Naoki , Matsuoka Takeshi , Sawada Jun , Uesugi Haruo , Sako Kazuya , Takei Asako , Tamakoshi Akiko , Shimohama Shun , Sato Norihiro , Kikuchi Seiji , Sasaki Hidenao
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a refractory neurodegenerative disease, but novel treatments are anticipated. An accurate natural history of MSA is important for clinical trials, but is insufficient. This regional registry was launched to complement clinical information on MSA.

Setting

Patient recruitment started in November 2014 and is ongoing at the time of submission. The number of participating facilities was 66. Postal surveys were sent to medical facilities and patients with MSA in Hokkaido, Japan.

Participants

After obtaining written consent from 196 participants, 184 overview surveys and 115 detailed surveys were conducted.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

An overview survey evaluated conformity to diagnostic criteria and a detailed survey implemented an annual assessment based on the Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS).

Results

At the time of registration, 58.2% of patients were diagnosed with cerebellar symptoms predominant type MSA (MSA-C) and 29.9% were diagnosed with parkinsonism predominant type MSA (MSA-P). UMSARS Part Ⅳ score of 4 or 5 accounted for 53.8% of participants. The higher the UMSARS Part Ⅳ score, the higher the proportion of MSA-P. At baseline, levodopa was used by 69 patients (37.5%) and the average levodopa dose was 406.7 mg/day. The frequency of levodopa use increased over time. Eleven cases changed from MSA-C to MSA-P during the study, but the opposite was not observed. Information about survival and causes of death was collected on 54 cases. Half of deaths were respiratory-related. Sudden death was recorded even in the group with UMSARS Part Ⅳ score of 1.

Conclusions

This study is the first large-scale prospective MSA cohort study in Asia. MSA-C was dominant, but the use of antiparkinsonian drugs increased over the study period. Changes from MSA-C to MSA-P occurred, but not vice versa.
Measurement of unnecessary psychiatric readmissions in the context of care transition interventions: a scoping review
Authors: Kim Bo , Weatherly Christopher , Wolk Courtney Benjamin , Proctor Enola K
Published: February 2021

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine how published studies of inpatient to outpatient mental healthcare transition processes have approached measuring unnecessary psychiatric readmissions.

Design

Scoping review using Levac et al’s enhancement to Arksey and O’Malley’s framework for conducting scoping reviews.

Data sources

Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane and ISI Web of Science article databases were searched from 1 January 2009 through 28 February 2019.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

We included studies that (1) are about care transition processes associated with unnecessary psychiatric readmissions and (2) specify use of at least one readmission time interval (ie, the time period since previous discharge from inpatient care, within which a hospitalisation can be considered a readmission).

Data extraction and synthesis

We assessed review findings through tabular and content analyses of the data extracted from included articles.

Results

Our database search yielded 3478 unique articles, 67 of which were included in our scoping review. The included articles varied widely in their reported readmission time intervals used. They provided limited details regarding which readmissions they considered unnecessary and which risks they accounted for in their measurement. There were no perceptible trends in associations between the variation in these findings and the included studies’ characteristics (eg, target population, type of care transition intervention).

Conclusions

The limited specification with which studies report their approach to unnecessary psychiatric readmissions measurement is a noteworthy gap identified by this scoping review, and one that can hinder both the replicability of conducted studies and adaptations of study methods by future investigations. Recommendations stemming from this review include (1) establishing a framework for reporting the measurement approach, (2) devising enhanced guidelines regarding which approaches to use in which circumstances and (3) examining how sensitive research findings are to the choice of the approach.
Engaging young people as simulated patients: a qualitative description of health professional educators’ perspectives
Authors: Gamble Andree , Bearman Margaret , Nestel Debra
Published: February 2021

Background

Real patients in clinical placements are important for learning and may well be the ‘gold standard’. However, simulated patients (SPs) are a viable alternative in the absence of this opportunity. While adult SPs contribute to health professions education, child and adolescent simulated patients (CASPs) are less common. This research aims to explore the perspectives of healthcare educators regarding the engagement of young SPs, specifically the identification of barriers and enablers to involving CASPs.

Methods

We used an interpretive paradigm of qualitative description. Thirteen interviewees, all educators involved in SP programmes, participated in semistructured interviews. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using an inductive thematic approach.

Findings

Not all participants saw value in engaging CASPs. A number of barriers and enablers to involving them were acknowledged in six themes: challenges and concerns; logistical barriers; benefits of CASPs; overcoming challenges; an ethical minefield; and child safety. Opinions differed with respect to feasibility and necessity for involving CASPs, particularly in the hospital setting where real patients are accessible. All participants articulated the critical importance of ensuring adequate support and adherence to ethical principles if CASPs were involved.

Conclusions

The involvement of CASPs in health professions education is a divisive issue. CASPs’ ability to provide a realistic option for supporting learning is recognised yet perhaps not wholly perceived as a feasible alternative to real patients. Their engagement raises critical ethical, practical, logistical and financial challenges.
Safety and related factors of treatment with long-term atypical antipsychotic in Chinese patients with schizophrenia: observational study
Authors: Yu Wenjuan , Huang Jingjing , He Sidi , Zhang Lei , Shen Yifeng , Li Huafang
Published: February 2021

Background

Atypical antipsychotics as first-line drugs have been used in patients with schizophrenia in China and abroad. However, its safety still needs to be evaluated in a large population, especially in Chinese patients.

Objective

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and related factors of long-term atypical antipsychotic use in patients with schizophrenia in China. The secondary objective includes the long-term efficacy of atypical antipsychotics in these patients, as well as pharmacoeconomic evaluation, population pharmacokinetic studies and pharmacogenomics studies.

Methods

This study has an observational design. The atypical antipsychotics include quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone, aripiprazole, ziprasidone, paliperidone, amisulpride, perospirone and clozapine. Visits occur at 0, 4, 8, 13, 26, 52, 78, 104, 130 and 156 weeks. The efficacy evaluations include symptoms, social function, recurrence rate and hospitalisation. The safety measures include physical examination, vital signs, abdominal circumference, laboratory tests (such as blood cell analysis, blood biochemical tests and serum prolactin/thyroxine levels), 12-lead ECG, extrapyramidal syndrome assessment, sexual function evaluation, medication and other adverse events. The secondary measures include the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Clinical Global Impression-Severity of Illness Scale, Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia, Personal and Social Performance Scale, relapse rate, drug consolidation, medical-related expenses, income, drug plasma concentration and genetic information.

Results

This is a large sample, non-interventional and long-term prospective clinical study designed to truly reflect the specific details of clinical practice, fully respect patients’ needs, and understand patients’ treatment intentions and actual treatment details.

Conclusions

This research method details the aims, methods, study design, strengths and limitations of the study.
Rapid gut dysbiosis induced by stroke exacerbates brain infarction in turn
Authors: Xu Kaiyu , Gao Xuxuan , Xia Genghong , Chen Muxuan , Zeng Nianyi , Wang Shan , You Chao , Tian Xiaolin , Di Huiling , Tang Wenli , Li Pan , Wang Huidi , Zeng Xiuli , Tan Chuhong , Meng Fanguo , Li Hailong , He Yan , Zhou Hongwei , Yin Jia
Published: February 2021

Objective

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Neuroprotective approaches have failed in clinical trials, thus warranting therapeutic innovations with alternative targets. The gut microbiota is an important contributor to many risk factors for stroke. However, the bidirectional interactions between stroke and gut microbiota remain largely unknown.

Design

We performed two clinical cohort studies to capture the gut dysbiosis dynamics after stroke and their relationship with stroke prognosis. Then, we used a middle cerebral artery occlusion model to explore gut dysbiosis post-stroke in mice and address the causative relationship between acute ischaemic stroke and gut dysbiosis. Finally, we tested whether aminoguanidine, superoxide dismutase and tungstate can alleviate post-stroke brain infarction by restoring gut dysbiosis.

Results

Brain ischaemia rapidly induced intestinal ischaemia and produced excessive nitrate through free radical reactions, resulting in gut dysbiosis with Enterobacteriaceae expansion. Enterobacteriaceae enrichment exacerbated brain infarction by enhancing systemic inflammation and is an independent risk factor for the primary poor outcome of patients with stroke. Administering aminoguanidine or superoxide dismutase to diminish nitrate generation or administering tungstate to inhibit nitrate respiration all resulted in suppressed Enterobacteriaceae overgrowth, reduced systemic inflammation and alleviated brain infarction. These effects were gut microbiome dependent and indicated the translational value of the brain–gut axis in stroke treatment.

Conclusions

This study reveals a reciprocal relationship between stroke and gut dysbiosis. Ischaemic stroke rapidly triggers gut microbiome dysbiosis with Enterobacteriaceae overgrowth that in turn exacerbates brain infarction.
Mental distress among young people in inner cities: the Resilience, Ethnicity and AdolesCent Mental Health (REACH) study
Authors: Knowles Gemma , Gayer-Anderson Charlotte , Beards Stephanie , Blakey Rachel , Davis Samantha , Lowis Katie , Stanyon Daniel , Ofori Aisha , Turner Alice , Working Group Schools , Pinfold Vanessa , Bakolis Ioannis , Reininghaus Ulrich , Harding Seeromanie , Morgan Craig
Published: February 2021

Background

Recent estimates suggest around 14% of 11–16 years in England have a mental health problem. However, we know very little about the extent and nature of mental health problems among diverse groups in densely populated inner cities, where contexts and experiences may differ from the national average.

Aims

To estimate the extent and nature of mental health problems in inner city London, overall and by social group, using data from our school-based accelerated cohort study of adolescent mental health, Resilience, Ethnicity and AdolesCent Mental Health.

Methods

Self-report data on mental health (general mental health, depression, anxiety, self-harm) were analysed (n, 4353; 11–14 years, 85% minority ethnic groups). Mixed models were used to estimate weighted prevalences and adjusted risks of each type of problem, overall and by gender, cohort, ethnic group and free school meals (FSM) status.

Results

The weighted prevalence of mental health problems was 18.6% (95% CI 16.4% to 20.8%). Each type of mental health problem was more common among girls compared with boys (adjusted risk ratios: mental health problems, 1.33, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.48; depression, 1.52, 1.30 to 1.73; anxiety, 2.09, 1.58 to 2.59, self-harm, 1.40, 1.06 to 1.75). Gender differences were more pronounced in older cohorts compared with the youngest. Mental health problems (1.28, 1.05 to 1.51) and self-harm (1.29, 1.02 to 1.56)—but not depression or anxiety—were more common among those receiving (vs not receiving) FSM. There were many similarities, with some variations, by ethnic group.

Conclusions

Adolescent mental health problems and self-harm are common in inner city London. Gender differences in mental health problems may emerge during early adolescence.
Is area deprivation associated with greater impacts of COVID-19 in care homes across England? A preliminary analysis of COVID-19 outbreaks and deaths
Authors: Bach-Mortensen Anders Malthe , Degli Esposti Michelle
Published: February 2021

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted care homes and vulnerable populations, exacerbating existing health inequalities. However, the role of area deprivation in shaping the impacts of COVID-19 in care homes is poorly understood. We examine whether area deprivation is linked to higher rates of COVID-19 outbreaks and deaths among care home residents across upper tier local authorities in England (n=149).

Methods

We constructed a novel dataset from publicly available data. Using negative binomial regression models, we analysed the associations between area deprivation (Income Deprivation Affecting Older People Index (IDAOPI) and Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) extent) as the exposure and COVID-19 outbreaks, COVID-19-related deaths and all-cause deaths among care home residents as three separate outcomes—adjusting for population characteristics (size, age composition, ethnicity).

Results

COVID-19 outbreaks in care homes did not vary by area deprivation. However, COVID-19-related deaths were more common in the most deprived quartiles of IDAOPI (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 1.23, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.47) and IMD extent (IRR: 1.16, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.34), compared with the least deprived quartiles.

Discussion

These findings suggest that area deprivation is a key risk factor in COVID-19 deaths among care home residents. Future research should look to replicate these results when more complete data become available.
Does the timing and duration of mental health problems during childhood and adolescence matter for labour market participation of young adults?
Authors: de Groot Samira , Veldman Karin , Amick III Benjamin C , Oldehinkel Tineke A J , Arends Iris , Bültmann Ute
Published: February 2021

Background

Little is known about the timing and duration of mental health problems (MHPs) on young adults’ labour market participation (LMP). This life-course study aims to examine whether and how the timing and duration of MHPs between childhood and young adulthood are associated with LMP in young adulthood.

Methods

Logistic regression analyses were performed with data from the Tracking Adolescents’ Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS), a Dutch prospective cohort study with 15-year follow-up (N=874). Internalising and externalising problems were measured by the Youth/Adult Self-Report at ages 11, 13, 16, 19 and 22. Labour market participation (having a paid job yes/no) was assessed at age 26.

Results

Internalising problems at all ages and externalising problems at age 13, 19 and 22 were associated with an increased risk of not having a paid job (internalising problems ORs ranging from 2.24, 95% CI 1.02 to 4.90 at age 11 to OR 6.58, CI 3.14 to 13.80 at age 22; externalising problems ORs from 2.84, CI 1.11 to 7.27 at age 13 to OR 6.36, CI 2.30 to 17.56 at age 22). Especially a long duration of internalising problems increased the risk of not having a paid job in young adulthood.

Conclusion

The duration of MHPs during childhood and adolescence is strongly associated with not having paid work in young adulthood. This emphasises the necessity of applying a life-course perspective when investigating the effect of MHPs on LMP. Early monitoring, mental healthcare and the (early) provision of employment support may improve young adult’s participation in the labour market.
DNA barcode analysis of the endangered green turtle (Chelonia mydas) in Mexico1
Authors: Camacho-Sánchez Fátima Yedith , Aguirre A. Alonso , Narváez-Zapata José Alberto , Zavala-Norzagaray Alan A. , Ley-Quiñónez Cesar P. , Acosta-Sánchez H. Hugo , Rodriguez-González Hervey , Delgado-Trejo Carlos , Reyes-López Miguel Angel
Published: February 2021

Technological and analytical advances to study evolutionary biology, ecology, and conservation of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) are realized through molecular approaches including DNA barcoding. We characterized the usefulness of COI DNA barcodes in green turtles in Mexico to better understand genetic divergence and other genetic parameters of this species. We analyzed 63 sequences, including 25 from green turtle field specimens collected from the Gulf of Mexico and from the Mexican Pacific and 38 already present in the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD). A total of 13 haplotypes were identified with four novel haplotypes from the Pacific Ocean and three novel haplotypes from the Atlantic Ocean. Intraspecific distance values among COI gene sequences by two different models were 0.01, demonstrating that there is not a subdivision for green turtle species. Otherwise, the interspecific distance interval ranged from 0.07 to 0.13, supporting a clear subdivision among all sea turtle species. Haplotype and total nucleotide diversity values of the COI gene reflect a medium genetic diversity average. Green turtles of the Mexican Pacific showed common haplotypes to some Australian and Chinese turtles, but different from the haplotypes of the Mexican Atlantic. COI analysis revealed new haplotypes and confirmed that DNA barcodes were useful for evaluation of the population diversity of green turtles in Mexico.
An exact solution of the observable universe in Bianchi V space–time
Authors: Prasad Rajendra , Singh Manvinder , Yadav Anil Kumar , Beesham A.
Published: February 2021

In this paper we investigate an observable universe in Bianchi type V space–time by taking into account the cosmological constant as the source of energy. We have performed an [Formula: see text] test to obtain the best fit values of the model parameters of the universe in the derived model. We have used two types of data sets, viz: (i) 31 values of the Hubble parameter and (ii) the 1048 Pantheon data set of various supernovae distance moduli and apparent magnitudes. From both the data sets, we have estimated the current values of the Hubble constant, density parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The present value of deceleration parameter of the universe in derived model is obtained as [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in accordance with [Formula: see text] and Pantheon data, respectively. Also we observe that there is a signature flipping in the sign of deceleration parameter from positive to negative and a transition redshift exists. Thus, the universe in the derived model represents a transitioning universe which is in an accelerated phase of expansion at present epoch. We have estimated the current age of the universe [Formula: see text] and present value of the jerk parameter [Formula: see text]. Our obtained values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are in good agreement with their values estimated by Planck collaborations and WMAP observations.
The specificity of the interactions of electroweak gauge bosons coming from extra dimensions
Authors: Boos Eduard , Volobuev Igor
Published: February 2021

We discuss the specificity of the interactions of the electroweak gauge boson excitations in models with warped extra dimensions and the Standard Model fields living in the bulk. In particular, we show that the couplings of the gauge boson excitations [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] to the SM gauge bosons treated as the zero modes of the 5D gauge fields are either exactly equal to zero or very much suppressed. In the former case, the three-particle and four-particle interaction Lagrangians of the SM gauge bosons and their lowest excitations are found explicitly. Meanwhile, the couplings of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] to the SM fermions are nonzero allowing for their production and decays. These are the characteristic features of the gauge boson excitations in models with warped extra dimensions, which distinguish them from the gauge boson excitations in other models beyond the SM.
τ-Tilting modules over one-point extensions by a simple module at a source point
Authors: Gao Hanpeng
Published: February 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be an one-point extension of a finite-dimensional [Formula: see text]-algebra [Formula: see text] by a simple [Formula: see text]-module at a source point [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we classify the [Formula: see text]-tilting modules over [Formula: see text]. Moreover, it is shown that there are equations [Formula: see text] As a consequence, we can calculate the numbers of [Formula: see text]-tilting modules and support [Formula: see text]-tilting modules over linearly Dynkin type algebras whose square radical are zero.
Generalized bounds for sine and cosine functions
Authors: Bagul Yogesh J. , Chesneau Christophe
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we propose several new lower and upper bounds for the functions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] In particular, we refine by generalizing some known inequalities involving these functions. To attain this aim, monotonicity rules and ratio of consecutive even indexed Bernoulli numbers play an important role. Graphic evidence of the results is provided.
Finite groups with generalized subnormal and generalized permutable subgroups
Authors: Zakrevskaya Viktoria S.
Published: February 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite group and [Formula: see text] a subgroup of [Formula: see text]. We say that [Formula: see text] is strongly[Formula: see text]-subnormal in [Formula: see text] if either [Formula: see text] is normal in [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] and every chief factor of [Formula: see text] between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is cyclic; strongly[Formula: see text]-permutable in [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] permutes with all Hall [Formula: see text]’-subgroups and with all Sylow [Formula: see text] -subgroups of [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text]; partially[Formula: see text]-subnormal in [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a strongly [Formula: see text]-subnormal subgroup and [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-subnormal subgroup of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we study finite groups whose 3-maximal or 2-maximal subgroups are partially [Formula: see text]-subnormal (strongly [Formula: see text]-permutable).
Fracture analysis of composite pressure vessel using FEM
Authors: Ramaswamy K. , Ramesh Babu P.
Published: February 2021

A finite element-based numerical method is applied to predict the possibility of propagation of existing delamination/patch in a filament wound composite pressure vessel in this work. Strain energy release rates (SERRs’) in the three principal modes are predicted along the circumference of delamination for two different load cases, i.e., internal pressure load when two diametrically opposite patches are existing in the nozzle end side dome portion, and combined load due to thrust and bending when a patch is located in the nozzle end side skirt region of the composite pressure vessel (CPV). The problem is modeled in ANSYS software and a three-dimensional finite element approach in association with virtual crack closure technique (VCCT) is used to analyze the fracture behavior of the CPV under two load cases as stated. In both the load cases, SERR is found to be maximum at the bottom side of the patch, Mode-I being dominant under pressure load, and Mode-II in axial load. Delamination growth is observed at 26.5% of applied pressure in Case-1 and 57.5% of axial load in Case-2. This fracture analysis approach can be extended to composite structural components in defense and aerospace applications.
Review—Photoluminescence Properties of Cr3+-Activated Oxide Phosphors
Authors: Adachi Sadao
Published: February 2021

The Cr3+-activated phosphor properties are discussed in detail from an aspect of spectroscopic point of view. The host materials considered here are a various kind of oxide compounds. The photoluminescence (PL) and PL excitation spectra of the Cr3+-activated oxide phosphors are analyzed based on Franck−Condon analysis within the configurational-coordinate model. A new method is proposed for obtaining reliable crystal-field (Dq) and Racah parameters (B and C) based on a general ligand field theory with paying an attention to difficulty in the exact estimation of such important ligand field parameters. The intra-d-shell Cr3+ states, such as 2
E

g
(2
G), 4
T
2g
(4
F), and 4
T
1g
(4
F), in various oxide hosts are determined and plotted against Dq in the Tanabe−Sugano energy-level diagram. The results obtained are summarized in graphical and tabular forms. A comparative discussion of Cr3+ ion as an efficient activator in oxide and fluoride hosts is also given. The present analysis method can be used to predict an energy of Cr3+ emission and/or to check a validity of the Racah parameter values for a variety of Cr3+-activated phosphors and related optical and optoelectronic device applications.
Enhanced Comprehensive Learning Particle Swarm Optimization with Dimensional Independent and Adaptive Parameters
Authors: Yu Xiang , Qiao Yu
Published: February 2021

Comprehensive learning particle swarm optimization (CLPSO) and enhanced CLPSO (ECLPSO) are two literature metaheuristics for global optimization. ECLPSO significantly improves the exploitation and convergence performance of CLPSO by perturbation‐based exploitation and adaptive learning probabilities. However, ECLPSO still cannot locate the global optimum or find a near‐optimum solution for a number of problems. In this paper, we study further bettering the exploration performance of ECLPSO. We propose to assign an independent inertia weight and an independent acceleration coefficient corresponding to each dimension of the search space, as well as an independent learning probability for each particle on each dimension. Like ECLPSO, a normative interval bounded by the minimum and maximum personal best positions is determined with respect to each dimension in each generation. The dimensional independent maximum velocities, inertia weights, acceleration coefficients, and learning probabilities are proposed to be adaptively updated based on the dimensional normative intervals in order to facilitate exploration, exploitation, and convergence, particularly exploration. Our proposed metaheuristic, called adaptive CLPSO (ACLPSO), is evaluated on various benchmark functions. Experimental results demonstrate that the dimensional independent and adaptive maximum velocities, inertia weights, acceleration coefficients, and learning probabilities help to significantly mend ECLPSO’s exploration performance, and ACLPSO is able to derive the global optimum or a near‐optimum solution on all the benchmark functions for all the runs with parameters appropriately set.
Symmetric Quantile Quantizer Parameterization for the Laplacian Source: Qualification for Contemporary Quantization Solutions
Authors: Perić Zoran , Nikolić Jelena , Aleksić Danijela , Perić Anastasija
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we consider the opportunities and constraints, which rest on quantization as a guiding principle for data representation and compression. In particular, we propose a novel model of Symmetric Quantile Quantizer (SQQ) and we describe in detail its parameterization. We suggest a simple method for offline precalculation of its parameters and we examine the inevitable loss of information introduced by SQQ, as an important part of bit optimization task at the traditional network level, which can be globally mapped out in many contemporary solutions. Our anticipation is that such precalculated values can be leveraged in deterministic quantization process. We highlight that this notice heavily relies on the fact that the values of interest are distributed according to the Laplacian distribution, which we consider in the paper. The basic difference of our SQQ and the previously established asymptotically optimal quantizer model, that is, Scalar Companding Quantizer (SCQ), is reflected in the fact that, in SCQ model, both decision thresholds and representation levels are determined in accordance with the specified compressor function, whereas in our SQQ model, a precedence of SCQ model for the straightforward decision thresholds calculation is used, while the representation levels are optimally determined for the specified decision thresholds and assumed Laplacian distribution. As a result, our SQQ outperforms SCQ in terms of signal-to-quantization noise ratio (SQNR). As stated in this paper, there are numerous indications to make us believe that appropriate quantizer parameterization will move us closer to an optimization in the amount of the transferred data in bits, which is strongly dependent on the amount of SQNR.
Building a Real-Time 2D Lidar Using Deep Learning
Authors: Arubai Nadim , Hamdoun Omar , Jafar Assef
Published: February 2021

Applying deep learning methods, this paper addresses depth prediction problem resulting from single monocular images. A vector of distances is predicted instead of a whole image matrix. A vector-only prediction decreases training overhead and prediction periods and requires less resources (memory, CPU). We propose a module which is more time efficient than the state-of-the-art modules ResNet, VGG, FCRN, and DORN. We enhanced the network results by training it on depth vectors from other levels (we get a new level by changing the Lidar tilt angle). The predicted results give a vector of distances around the robot, which is sufficient for the obstacle avoidance problem and many other applications.
Influences of Two Calculation Methods about Dynamic Tension on Vibration Characteristics of Cable-Bridge Coupling Model
Authors: Min Guangyun , Liu Xiaohui , Wu Chuan , Yang Shuguang , Cai Mengqi
Published: February 2021

For the cable-bridge coupling model, the dynamic tension of cables is an important parameter to study the vibration characteristics of the model. Based on this concept, two calculation methods about dynamic tension of cables were introduced in great detail, and the influences of these two calculation methods on the vibration characteristics of cable-bridge coupling model were systematically investigated. Firstly, the vibration equation of the cable was derived based on the variational principle for Hamiltonian, and the vibration equation of the bridge deck was obtained by Newton’s law. Then, the vibration equation of the cable and bridge deck was transformed into ordinary differential vibration equation by the Galerkin method. In addition, the differences of the coefficients in the ordinary differential vibration equation obtained by these two calculation methods about dynamic tension were compared, and a parameter analysis was listed. Finally, the resonance mode of the cable-bridge coupling model was analyzed by a multiple scales method, and an example analysis was listed. The results of parameter analysis show that there are obvious differences in the linear coefficient and nonlinear coefficient of the ordinary differential vibration equation obtained by these two calculation methods. The results of example analysis show that, for the cable-bridge coupling model with 1 : 1 resonance, the amplitude of the model would not be different because of the two calculation methods about dynamic tension, but the amplitude of the cable would be affected by the calculation method significantly. It can be found that the research conclusions here can be helpful to the perfection of theoretical modeling and has certain guiding value for practical engineering.
Supply Interruption Supply Chain Network Model with Uncertain Demand: An Application of Chance-Constrained Programming with Fuzzy Parameters
Authors: Guo Haidong , Wang Shengyu , Zhang Yu
Published: February 2021

The downstream supply interruption of manufacturers is a disaster for the company when the demand is uncertain in the market; a fuzzy programming with fuzzy parameters model of supply interruption supply chain network is established by simulating market operation rules. The aim of the current study is to build a fuzzy chance-constrained programming method which is developed for supporting the uncertainty of demand. This method ensured that the fuzzy constraints can be satisfied at specified confidence levels, leading to cost-effective solutions under acceptable risk magnitudes. Finally, through the case of the electronic product manufacturing enterprise, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model are verified by adopting a sensitivity analysis of capacity loss level and minimizing objective function. Numerical simulation shows that selecting two manufacturing centers can effectively reduce the supply chain cost and maintain business continuity.
Quantitative Measurement of Plasma Free Metanephrines by a Simple and Cost-Effective Microextraction Packed Sorbent with Porous Graphitic Carbon and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Xiong Xin , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhao Rongsheng
Published: February 2021

Plasma free metanephrines are widely used for the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL), yet quantifying metanephrines using a simple and cost-effective approach may be challenging due to preanalytical and analytical constraints. In this study, we established and validated a new method for quantitative measurement of plasma free metanephrines based on microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) with porous graphitic carbon (PGC) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS). The elution step was fully compatible with HILIC mode without evaporation and reconstitution. The analytes were well resolved, and potential interferences (54 substances) were investigated. This method was linear from 24.7–2717 pg/mL for metanephrine (MN) and 24.5–4010 pg/mL for normetanephrine (NMN) with a coefficient of determination (R2) higher than 0.994. The limit of MN and NMN detection were 12.4 pg/mL and 12.3 pg/mL, respectively. The intra- and interassay impressions were ≤12.8% for spiked quality controls and ≤13.6% for commercial quality controls; the method recoveries ranged within 88.0–109.0%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.848 ± 0.047 for MN and 0.979 ± 0.021 for NMN. Validation that was performed by comparing clinical specimens with various biochemical results showed that plasma free metanephrines in a seated position had comparable sensitivity and lower specificity to urinary free metanephrines, which could be compensated by combining other biochemical tests. The newly developed MEPS method resulted as a time-saving, reliable, and cost-effective microextraction technique that can be applied for a successful screening of PPGL.
Caregiver’s Opinions on the Design of the Screens of a Future Gamified Mobile Application for Self-Management of Type 1 Diabetes in Children in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsalman Demah M. , Ali Zahra Bu , Alnosaier Zainab , Alotaibi Norah , Alanzi Turki M.
Published: February 2021

The objective of this study was to design the screens of a future gamified mobile application for self-management of type 1 diabetes in children based on the opinion of caregivers at the King Fahad Hospital Diabetes Center, Saudi Arabia. To achieve this objective, a questionnaire was designed and distributed among 100 caregivers through face-to-face communication and social media using a Google Forms link. 65% of the participants met the inclusion criteria. The main result of this study was the design of 13 screens of a gamified application for self-management of type 1 diabetes in children from Saudi Arabia. The key features of the screens were caring for a character; using a challenging friend; inclusion of points, level, and leaderboard as rewarding principles; use of reminders and notifications for doctor’s appointments, insulin injection times, blood glucose readings; and tips for improving medication adherence, increasing blood glucose readings, supporting physical activities, and adopting healthy eating habits. It can be concluded that the practical implementation of the screens in a future mobile application can motivate children with type 1 diabetes to improve eating habits, physical exercise, and cognitive, emotional, and social behaviors to maintain a stable state of health. Also, the content of the designed screens can help to monitor blood glucose readings and comply with medication treatment. The designed screens are adapted to the Arab culture.
Study on Quasi-Static Loading Protocols considering the Action Characteristics of Long-Period Ground Motions
Authors: Yang Ke , Wang Bo , Zhang Jiawei , Li Zhe , Liu Boquan
Published: February 2021

Due to abundant low-frequency components of long-period ground motions (LPGMs), long-period structures are susceptible to severe damage. The corresponding time-history displacement responses have significant “large-displacement” and “long-duration” characteristics. These action characteristics essentially reflect the different loading paths imposed on structures of LPGMs from ordinary ground motions (OGMs). Hence, revealing the influence mechanism of the action characteristics on the seismic performance of structural components is the key to investigating the influence of LPGMs on the whole structure. This paper presents a kind of quasi-static loading protocol considering the action characteristics of LPGMs. Firstly, nonlinear time-history analyses on structural systems subjected to 50 selected representative LPGMs were conducted. Inelastic cycles and corresponding amplitudes of time-history displacement responses under LPGMs were statistically analyzed through the rainflow method. Then, considering two of the most significant factors, structural period and target ductility, a prediction model of cycle number and cycle amplitude was obtained by regression. On this basis, the quasi-static loading protocol considering the action characteristics of LPGMs was developed. Proposed protocols can be directly applied to experimental investigations on the seismic performance for structural components under LPGMs.
Data‐Driven Approaches for Diagnosis of Incipient Faults in Cutting Arms of the Roadheader
Authors: Liu Qiang , Liu Songyong , Dai Qianjin , Yu Xiao , Teng Daoxiang , Wei Ming
Published: February 2021

Incipient fault detection and identification (IFDI) of cutting arms is a crucial guarantee for the smooth operation of a roadheader. However, the shortage of fault samples restricts the application of the fault diagnosis technique, and the data analysis tools should be optimized efficiently. In this study, four machine learning tools (the back‐propagation neural network based on genetic algorithm optimization, the naive Bayes based on genetic algorithm optimization, the support vector machines based on particle swarm optimization, and the support vector machines based on dynamic cuckoo) are applied to address the challenge in the IFDI of cutting arms. The commonly measured current and vibration data cutting arms are used in the IFDI. The experimental results show that the support vector machines based on dynamic cuckoo outperform the other methods. Besides, the performance of the four methods under different operating conditions is compared. The fault cause of cutting arms of the roadheader is analyzed and the design improvement scheme for cutting arms is provided. This study provides a reference for improving the fault diagnosis of the roadheader.
Myogenic Differentiation of Stem Cells for Skeletal Muscle Regeneration
Authors: Yu Dengjie , Cai Zijun , Li Daishi , Zhang Yi , He Miao , Yang Yuntao , Liu Di , Xie Wenqing , Li Yusheng , Xiao Wenfeng
Published: February 2021

Stem cells have become a hot research topic in the field of regenerative medicine due to their self-renewal and differentiation capabilities. Skeletal muscle tissue is one of the most important tissues in the human body, and it is difficult to recover when severely damaged. However, conventional treatment methods can cause great pain to patients. Stem cell-based tissue engineering can repair skeletal muscle to the greatest extent with little damage. Therefore, the application of stem cells to skeletal muscle regeneration is very promising. In this review, we discuss scaffolds and stem cells for skeletal muscle regeneration and put forward our ideas for future development.
Periodic Oscillating Dynamics for a Delayed Nicholson-Type Model with Harvesting Terms
Authors: Xu Changjin , Zhang Wei , Li Peiluan
Published: February 2021

In this manuscript, a delayed Nicholson-type model with linear harvesting terms is investigated. Applying coincidence degree theory, we establish a sufficient condition which guarantees the existence of positive periodic solutions for the delayed Nicholson-type model. By constructing suitable Lyapunov functions, a new criterion for the uniqueness and global attractivity of the periodic solution of the Nicholson-type delay system is obtained. The derived results of this article are completely new and complement some previous investigations.
ELOVL5 Is a Critical and Targetable Fatty Acid Elongase in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Centenera Margaret M. , Scott Julia S. , Machiels Jelle , Nassar Zeyad D. , Miller Deanna C. , Zinonos Irene , Dehairs Jonas , Burvenich Ingrid J.G. , Zadra Giorgia , Chetta Paolo M. , Bango Clyde , Evergren Emma , Ryan Natalie K. , Gillis Joanna L. , Mah Chui Yan , Tieu Terence , Hanson Adrienne R. , Carelli Ryan , Bloch Katarzyna , Panagopoulos Vasilios , Waelkens Etienne , Derua Rita , Williams Elizabeth D. , Evdokiou Andreas , Cifuentes-Rius Anna , Voelcker Nicolas H. , Mills Ian G. , Tilley Wayne D. , Scott Andrew M. , Loda Massimo , Selth Luke A. , Swinnen Johannes V. , Butler Lisa M.
Published: February 2021

The androgen receptor (AR) is the key oncogenic driver of prostate cancer, and despite implementation of novel AR targeting therapies, outcomes for metastatic disease remain dismal. There is an urgent need to better understand androgen-regulated cellular processes to more effectively target the AR dependence of prostate cancer cells through new therapeutic vulnerabilities. Transcriptomic studies have consistently identified lipid metabolism as a hallmark of enhanced AR signaling in prostate cancer, yet the relationship between AR and the lipidome remains undefined. Using mass spectrometry–based lipidomics, this study reveals increased fatty acyl chain length in phospholipids from prostate cancer cells and patient-derived explants as one of the most striking androgen-regulated changes to lipid metabolism. Potent and direct AR-mediated induction of ELOVL fatty acid elongase 5 (ELOVL5), an enzyme that catalyzes fatty acid elongation, was demonstrated in prostate cancer cells, xenografts, and clinical tumors. Assessment of mRNA and protein in large-scale data sets revealed ELOVL5 as the predominant ELOVL expressed and upregulated in prostate cancer compared with nonmalignant prostate. ELOVL5 depletion markedly altered mitochondrial morphology and function, leading to excess generation of reactive oxygen species and resulting in suppression of prostate cancer cell proliferation, 3D growth, and in vivo tumor growth and metastasis. Supplementation with the monounsaturated fatty acid cis-vaccenic acid, a direct product of ELOVL5 elongation, reversed the oxidative stress and associated cell proliferation and migration effects of ELOVL5 knockdown. Collectively, these results identify lipid elongation as a protumorigenic metabolic pathway in prostate cancer that is androgen-regulated, critical for metastasis, and targetable via ELOVL5.

Significance:

This study identifies phospholipid elongation as a new metabolic target of androgen action that is critical for prostate tumor metastasis.
Somatic Mosaicism in the Pathogenesis of de novo Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations: A Paradigm Shift Implicating the RAS-MAPK Signaling Cascade
Authors: Peterson Keyan , Coffman Stephanie , Zehri Aqib , Anzalone Anthony , Xiang Zhidan , Wolfe Stacey
Published: February 2021

Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are leading causes of lesional hemorrhagic stroke in both the pediatric and young adult population, with sporadic AVMs accounting for the majority of cases. Recent evidence has identified somatic mosaicism in key proximal components of the RAS-MAPK signaling cascade within endothelial cells collected from human sporadic cerebral AVMs, with early preclinical models supporting a potential causal role for these mutations in the pathogenesis of these malformations. Germline mutations that predispose to deregulation of the RAS-MAPK signaling axis have also been identified in hereditary vascular malformation syndromes, highlighting the key role of this signaling axis in global AVM development. Herein, we review the most recent genomic and preclinical evidence implicating somatic mosaicism in the RAS-MAPK signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of sporadic cerebral AVMs. Also, we review evidence for RAS-MAPK dysregulation in hereditary vascular malformation syndromes and present a hypothesis suggesting that this pathway is central for the development of both sporadic and syndrome-associated AVMs. Finally, we examine the clinical implications of these recent discoveries and highlight potential therapeutic targets within this signaling pathway.