bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of a prediction model for 30-day mortality in hospitalised patients with COVID-19: the COVID-19 SEIMC score
Authors: Berenguer Juan , Borobia Alberto M , Ryan Pablo , Rodríguez-Baño Jesús , Bellón Jose M , Jarrín Inmaculada , Carratalà Jordi , Pachón Jerónimo , Carcas Antonio J , Yllescas María , Arribas José R
Published: February 2021

Objective

To develop and validate a prediction model of mortality in patients with COVID-19 attending hospital emergency rooms.

Design

Multivariable prognostic prediction model.

Setting

127 Spanish hospitals.

Participants

Derivation (DC) and external validation (VC) cohorts were obtained from multicentre and single-centre databases, including 4035 and 2126 patients with confirmed COVID-19, respectively.

Interventions

Prognostic variables were identified using multivariable logistic regression.

Main outcome measures

30-day mortality.

Results

Patients’ characteristics in the DC and VC were median age 70 and 61 years, male sex 61.0% and 47.9%, median time from onset of symptoms to admission 5 and 8 days, and 30-day mortality 26.6% and 15.5%, respectively. Age, low age-adjusted saturation of oxygen, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, estimated glomerular filtration rate by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation, dyspnoea and sex were the strongest predictors of mortality. Calibration and discrimination were satisfactory with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve with a 95% CI for prediction of 30-day mortality of 0.822 (0.806–0.837) in the DC and 0.845 (0.819–0.870) in the VC. A simplified score system ranging from 0 to 30 to predict 30-day mortality was also developed. The risk was considered to be low with 0–2 points (0%–2.1%), moderate with 3–5 (4.7%–6.3%), high with 6–8 (10.6%–19.5%) and very high with 9–30 (27.7%–100%).

Conclusions

A simple prediction score, based on readily available clinical and laboratory data, provides a useful tool to predict 30-day mortality probability with a high degree of accuracy among hospitalised patients with COVID-19.
E-cigarette-inclusive smoke-free policies, excise taxes, tobacco 21 and changes in youth e-cigarette use: 2017–2019
Authors: Choi Kelvin , Omole Toluwa , Wills Thomas , Merianos Ashley L
Published: February 2021

Background

We examined whether the implementation of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) policies at the state level (e-cigarette-inclusive smoke-free (ESF) policies, excise taxes on e-cigarettes and raising tobacco legal purchasing age to 21 years (T21)) affected recent upward trends in youth e-cigarette use.

Methods

Data were from participants from 34 US states who completed the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) state surveys in 2017 and 2019 (n=278 271). States were classified as having or not having ESF policies, any e-cigarette excise tax and T21 policies by 1 January 2019. Participants reported ever, past 30-day and frequent (≥20 days) e-cigarette use; past 30-day combustible cigarette smoking; and age, sex and race/ethnicity. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models assessed whether changes in e-cigarette use over time differed by policy status, adjusting for participants’ demographics and combustible cigarette smoking.

Results

Prevalence of ever and past 30-day youth e-cigarette use in states with ESF policies decreased during 2017–2019, while the prevalence of these measures in states without ESF policies increased. States with T21 policies showed non-significant changes in prevalence of ever and past 30-day youth e-cigarette use, whereas states without T21 policies showed significant increases in ever and past 30-day youth e-cigarette use. States with ESF and T21 policies showed slower increases in youth frequent e-cigarette use. E-cigarette excise taxes were not associated with decreasing prevalence of youth e-cigarette use.

Conclusions

State-level ESF and T21 policies could be effective for limiting growth of youth e-cigarette use despite an overall national increase. Higher e-cigarette excise tax rates may be needed to effectively reduce youth e-cigarette use.
Visualizations as a tool to increase community engagement in climate change adaptation decision-making
Authors: DeCock-Caspell Meredith , Vasseur Liette
Published: February 2021

Many barriers to behavioural change exist when it comes to climate change action. A key element to overcoming some of these barriers is effective communication of complex scientific information. The use of visualizations, such as photographs or interactive maps, can increase knowledge dissemination, helping community members understand climatic and environmental changes. These techniques have been utilized in many disciplines but have not been widely embraced by climate change scholars. This paper discusses the utility of climate change data visualization as a tool for climate change knowledge mobilization. This paper draws on the case studying drivers of coastline change of Lake Ontario in the Town of Lincoln, Ontario, Canada. Historical aerial photographs were used to measure the rate of coastline change and visualize vulnerable sections of the coast. To better visualize the changes that occurred over time from a resident viewpoint, selected land-based historical photographs were replicated by taking new photographs at the same locations. These visualization tools can be useful to support the community in developing strategies to adapt to climate change by increasing understanding of the changes and knowledge through social learning. These tools can be generalized to other case studies dealing with community engagement in coastal adaptation efforts.
Mass spectrum and strong decays of tetraquark $${\bar{c}}{\bar{s}} qq$$ states
Authors: Wang Guang-Juan , Meng Lu , Xiao Li-Ye , Oka Makoto , Zhu Shi-Lin
Published: February 2021

We systematically study the mass spectrum and strong decays of the S-wave $${\bar{c}}{\bar{s}} q q$$

c

¯

s

¯

q
q

states in the compact tetraquark scenario with the quark model. The key ingredients of the model are the Coulomb, the linear confinement, and the hyperfine interactions. The hyperfine potential leads to the mixing between different color configurations, and to the large mass splitting between the two ground states with $$I(J^P)=0(0^+)$$

I

(

J
P

)

=
0

(

0
+

)

and $$I(J^P)=1(0^+)$$

I

(

J
P

)

=
1

(

0
+

)

. We calculate their strong decay amplitudes into the $${\bar{D}}^{(*)}K^{(*)}$$

D

¯

(

∗
)

K

(

∗
)

channels with the wave functions from the mass spectrum calculation and the quark-interchange method. We examine the interpretation of the recently observed $$X_0(2900)$$

X
0

(
2900
)

as a tetraquark state. The mass and decay width of the $$I(J^P)=1(0^+)$$

I

(

J
P

)

=
1

(

0
+

)

state are $$M=2941$$

M
=
2941

MeV and $$\Gamma _X=26.6$$

Γ
X

=
26.6

MeV, respectively, which indicates that it might be a good candidate for $$X_0(2900)$$

X
0

(
2900
)

. Meanwhile, we also obtain an isospin partner state $$I(J^P)=0(0^+)$$

I

(

J
P

)

=
0

(

0
+

)

with $$M=2649$$

M
=
2649

MeV and $$\Gamma _{X\rightarrow {\bar{D}} K}=48.1$$

Γ

X
→

D

¯

K

=
48.1

MeV, respectively. Future experimental search for X(2649) will be very helpful.
Enhancing the Electrochemical Performance of Al-Mg-Sn-Ga Alloy Anode for Al-Air Battery by Solution Treatment
Authors: Zhang Chun , Cai Zhiyong , Wang Richu , Yu Peng , Liu Hui , Wang Zhiguo
Published: February 2021

Electrochemical behavior and discharge performance of pure Al and Al-0.55Mg-0.028Sn-0.015Ga alloy anodes for Al-air battery were investigated. Solution heat treatment of the alloy was performed at different temperatures and the relationship between microstructural characteristics and properties was analyzed. The results indicated that the secondary phases dissolve into the Al matrix after solution treatment, and a more homogeneous distribution of the alloy elements is obtained. The solution treatment of the Al alloy anodes at 600 °C exhibits a superior performance in both the self-corrosion tests and the Al-air alkaline battery discharge. The energy density of the Al-air battery using this anode is comparable with that of other Al-air battery in the literatures. The anode utilization at 80 mA cm−2obtains 87.3% in the battery discharge, which is a desirable performance for the Al-air battery anode. Furthermore, the discharge mechanism of the Al alloy anode is also illuminate based on the microstructural characteristics and electrochemical evaluation.
Electropolishing of Tin in an Amide-Type Ionic Liquid
Authors: Yuza Nitaro , Serizawa Nobuyuki , Katayama Yasushi
Published: February 2021

Anodic dissolution and electropolishing of Sn were investigated in an amide-type ionic liquid, 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide. The rate of anodic dissolution was considered to be determined by the diffusion of anodically dissolved Sn(II) species. A large increase in the local viscosity during dissolution was observed in-situ by the impedance-type electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance, reflecting an increase in the local concentration of Sn(II) near the electrode. A shiny and smooth surface was obtained after anodic dissolution at 0.1 V vs Ag∣Ag(I) with agitation. A decrease in the surface roughness estimated by confocal laser scanning microscopy suggested electropolishing of Sn was possible in the ionic liquid within the electrochemical potential window probably due to the formation of the viscous layer near the electrode.
Neferine Exerts Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting the MAPK and NF-κB/IκBα Pathways
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Wang Shaozhan , Wang Rong , Li Shengnan , Yuan Yongfang
Published: February 2021

Reversible liver fibrosis is the consequence of diverse liver injuries. Oxidative stress combined with inflammation is the primary cause of carbon tetrachloride- (CCl4-) induced liver fibrosis. Neferine is a bibenzyl isoquinoline alkaloid, which has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The present study attempted to find its antiliver fibrosis effect and explore the potential mechanism to relieve oxidative stress and inflammation in rats with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Herein, we found that neferine noticeably mitigated fibrosis and improved liver function. Furthermore, neferine increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and catalase (CAT), but decreased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA). Neferine also decreased the levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), and inflammatory factors. These results may demonstrate that neferine could effectively inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation in liver fibrosis. To account for the potential mechanism by which neferine relieves oxidative stress and inflammation in liver fibrosis rats, immunohistochemistry analyses and western blotting were performed. The results showed that neferine inhibited the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, as evidenced by the reduced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, ERK 1/2, and JNK. And it inhibited the nuclear factor- (NF-) κB/IκBα pathway, as evidenced by preventing the translocation of NF-κB into nuclei. Our findings indicated a protective role for neferine, acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis.
Grouting Mechanism in Water-Bearing Fractured Rock Based on Two-Phase Flow
Authors: Ren Bo , Mu Wenqiang , Jiang Bingyou , Yu Guofeng , Li Lianchong , Wei Tingshuang , Han Yunchun , Xiao Diancai
Published: February 2021

Grouting is always used in mine water plugging, reinforcement, and other disaster prevention projects. The diffusion mechanism of slurry in fractured rock is affected by geological environment and slurry performance, which should be revealed and characterized better. Based on the two-phase flow diffusion theory, a slurry diffusion model considering flowing water condition was established for a blocking area of a fracture zone in one case from China. The feasibility of two-phase flow model in grouting diffusion calculation was analyzed. The diffusion model in dynamic water environment was studied, and the diffusion range varying with time in the grouting area of Zhangji Coal Mine was explored. The optimization method of multi grouting holes was put forward, and the influence of water flowing was discussed. The results show that the slurry diffusion calculated by the two-phase flow model was feasible and consistent with the experimental study. The dynamic water can change the conventional circular diffusion state of slurry, but its pattern was oval and leaf type. There were different penetration distances in directions, and typical grouting voids were made on the side and upstream. When the single-hole grouting was carried out, the predetermined value can be achieved in the height range, but it was only about 15 m on the side because of the water flowing, which cannot meet the requirements. The optimization scheme of grouting was put forward, which adopted multiple grouting holes in the long side, and grouting in different directions and periods to avoid the possible problems of multihole intersection. The rationality and effectiveness of the proposed optimization method were verified through the calculation of water yield and analysis of cement composition from the drilling core in the grouted zone. In the grouting process, the water flowing has double effects, which has a significant role in promoting and scouring along the flow direction, but there is a significant weakness in the side diffusion. It is very important to realize the rational use of the dynamic water through the optimization scheme. This study is an important basic work of grouting mechanism, and it is expected to promote the development of grouting technology and application of two-phase fluid-solid coupling theory.
Groundwater Depth Forecasting Using a Coupled Model
Authors: Zhang Manfei , Wang Yimeng , Wang Xiao , Zhou Weibo
Published: February 2021

Accurate and reliable prediction of groundwater depth is a critical component in water resources management. In this paper, a new method based on coupling wavelet decomposition method (WA), autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model, and BP neural network (BP) model for groundwater depth forecasting applications was proposed. The relative performance of the proposed coupled model (WA-ARMA-BP) was compared to the regular autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and BP models for annual average groundwater depth forecasting using leave-one-out cross-validation (LOO-CV). The variables used to develop and validate the models were average groundwater depth data recorded from 1981 to 2010 in Jinghui Canal Irrigation District in the northwest of China. It was found that the WA-ARMA-BP model provided more accurate annual average groundwater depth forecasts compared to the ARIMA and BP models. The results of the study indicate the potential of the WA-ARMA-BP model in forecasting nonstationary time series such as groundwater depth.
A Memristive Hyperjerk Chaotic System: Amplitude Control, FPGA Design, and Prediction with Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Wang Ran , Li Chunbiao , Çiçek Serdar , Rajagopal Karthikeyan , Zhang Xin
Published: February 2021

An amplitude controllable hyperjerk system is constructed for chaos producing by introducing a nonlinear factor of memristor. In this case, the amplitude control is realized from a single coefficient in the memristor. The hyperjerk system has a line of equilibria and also shows extreme multistability indicated by the initial value‐associated bifurcation diagram. FPGA‐based circuit realization is also given for physical verification. Finally, the proposed memristive hyperjerk system is successfully predicted with artificial neural networks for AI based engineering applications.
The Influences of Tai Chi on Balance Function and Exercise Capacity among Stroke Patients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zheng Xinhu , Wu Xiaoyang , Liu Zuhong , Wang Jing , Wang Keyang , Yin Jilin , Wang Xing
Published: February 2021

Objective. This study aims to explore the influences of Tai Chi on the balance function and exercise capacity among stroke patients. Methods. Databases including PubMed, Embase, WOS (Web of Science), the Cochrane Library, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), Wanfang Data, VIP (VIP database), and CBM (China Biology Medicine disc) were retrieved to gather the figures of randomized controlled trials on the balance function and exercise capacity among stroke patients. Then relevant data were input and analyzed in Review Manager 5.3. Results. Nineteen papers were included and analyzed in this study. According to the combined effect size, the balance function of stroke patients improved significantly: the Berg Balance Function Scale score [MD = 7.67, 95% CI (3.44, 11.90)]; standing and walking test scores [MD = 3.42, 95% CI (4.22, −2.63)]; gravity swing area [MD = 0.79, 95% CI (1.48, 0.10)]; and gravity swing speed [MD = −5.43, 95% CI (−7.79, 3.08)]. In addition, the exercise capacity improved significantly as well: the FMA (Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale) scale score [MD = 4.15, 95% CI (1.68, 6.63)]. There are no significant influences or changes of other related results. Conclusions. Stroke patients are able to improve their balance functions and exercise capacities prominently when they do Tai Chi exercise once or twice a week and ≥5 times/week and >30 ≤ 60 min/time.
Stability Rating of Mine Rock Slope Based on Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Li Hao
Published: February 2021

Mine rock slope stability rating is the process of assessing its stability probability, analyzing its failure mode, and then determining its stability rating by location matching principle and scale matching principle, having important theoretical and practical significance in putting forward reasonable restoration suggestions. In recent years, rapidly developing artificial intelligence methods not only have the characteristics of highly nonlinear mapping, self‐organization, and self‐adaptation but also mostly apply probability optimal strategy and, hence, bypass the problem of solving function derivatives, having higher efficiency and feasibility in solving the problems of global optimal solution and local optimal solution. On the basis of summarizing and analyzing previous research works, this paper expounded the current research status and significance of mine rock slope stability rating, elaborated the development background, current status, and future challenges of artificial intelligence methods, introduced the principles of the limit equilibrium method and finite element method, constructed an artificial intelligence‐based mine rock slope stability calculation model, performed slope stability influencing factors’ analysis and optimization model parameter selection, proposed a mine rock slope stability rating algorithm based on artificial intelligence, analyzed the rating algorithm design and rating algorithm implementation, and finally conducted a case analysis and its discussion. The study results show that the artificial intelligence‐based mine rock slope stability rating method can make full use of computer advantages to have larger capacity and faster calculation speed and solve to the greatest extent the randomness, timeliness, ambiguity, and other uncertain characteristics of mine rock slope stability by a large number of random sampling for finding the optimal value of the objective function. The study results of this paper provide a reference for further research studies on the stability rating of mine rock slopes based on artificial intelligence.
The Value and Clinical Significance of Tumor Marker Detection in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Sun Wei-Li , Shen Yong , Yuan Yuan , Zhou Xiao-Jing , Li Wei-Peng
Published: February 2021

When it comes to cervical cancer, it is the most common malignancy in gynecology. This study aimed to investigate the concomitant status of miRNA-9-5p in cervical cancer and explore its potential mechanism for treating cervical cancer. The levels of miRNA-9-5p, CA125, CA199, and CEA expression were detected by RT-PCR, and the downstream target genes regulated by miRNA-9-5p were screened by the Venn map. Cytoscape was utilized to find the binding sites of the two genes, and luciferase reporter assay verified the direct regulation of miRNA-9-5p and CXCR4; the CCK-8 assay detected its regulation on cell proliferation, and the expression of miRNA-9-5p, CXCR4, PCNA, Ki67 mRNA, and proteins was detected by RT-PCR and western blot. The expression of miRNA-9-5p was decreased, while the levels of CA125, CA199, and CEA were increased in the model group. The database predicts that CXCR4 is a gene regulated by miRNA-9-5p. The luciferase reporter gene results indicated that miRNA-9-5p could directly regulate the expression of CXCR4 and miRNAs are detected by intracellular transfer inhibitors. In total, MiRNA-9-5p can be utilized as a biological marker for cervical cancer that may inhibit cancer cells’ proliferation by inhibiting the expression of the CXCR4 gene and protein.
Appraisal Resources in an Academic Genre: English versus Persian Nutrition Research Articles
Authors: Saidi Mavadat
Published: February 2021

Academic study writers utilize a specific set of discursive resources backed up by both cultural and professional norms to be endorsed by the intended audience. The current study aimed to investigate if there were any significant differences between English and Persian academic research articles published in peer-reviewed journals in the field of nutrition in light of appraisal theory. To this end, a corpus of 40 English and 40 Persian academic research articles was analyzed in terms of three categories and subcategories of appraisal theory. The results revealed that the authors of both English and Persian research articles included more attitude resources followed by graduation and engagement resources. Furthermore, no significant difference was observed between these two sets of articles in terms of three major appraisal categories. The findings carry pedagogical implications for English for academic purposes courses to provide the academic discourse communities with the required discursive competencies.
Numerical Solution of Multidimensional Stochastic Itô-Volterra Integral Equation Based on the Least Squares Method and Block Pulse Function
Authors: Ke Ting , Jiang Guo , Deng Mengting
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a method based on the least squares method and block pulse function is proposed to solve the multidimensional stochastic Itô-Volterra integral equation. The Itô-Volterra integral equation is transformed into a linear algebraic equation. Furthermore, the error analysis is given by the isometry property and Doob’s inequality. Numerical examples verify the effectiveness and precision of this method.
Isolation and Functional Determination of SKOR Potassium Channel in Purple Osier Willow, Salix purpurea
Authors: Chen Yahui , Peng Xuefeng , Cui Jijie , Zhang Hongxia , Jiang Jiang , Song Zhizhong
Published: February 2021

Potassium (K+) plays key roles in plant growth and development. However, molecular mechanism studies of K+ nutrition in forest plants are largely rare. In plants, SKOR gene encodes for the outward rectifying Shaker-type K+ channel that is responsible for the long-distance transportation of K+ through xylem in roots. In this study, we determined a Shaker-type K+ channel gene in purple osier (Salix purpurea), designated as SpuSKOR, and determined its function using a patch clamp electrophysiological system. SpuSKOR was closely clustered with poplar PtrSKOR in the phylogenetic tree. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses demonstrated that SpuSKOR was predominantly expressed in roots, and expression decreased under K+ depletion conditions. Patch clamp analysis via HEK293-T cells demonstrated that the activity of the SpuSKOR channel was activated when the cell membrane voltage reached at -10 mV, and the channel activity was enhanced along with the increase of membrane voltage. Outward currents were recorded and induced in response to the decrease of external K+ concentration. Our results indicate that SpuSKOR is a typical voltage dependent outwardly rectifying K+ channel in purple osier. This study provides theoretical basis for revealing the mechanism of K+ transport and distribution in woody plants.
A New Support Vector Regression Model for Equipment Health Diagnosis with Small Sample Data Missing and Its Application
Authors: Liu Qinming , Liu Wenyi , Mei Jiajian , Si Guojin , Xia Tangbin , Quan Jiarui
Published: February 2021

Actually, it is difficult to obtain a large number of sample data due to equipment failure, and small sample data may also be missing. This paper proposes a novel small sample data missing filling method based on support vector regression (SVR) and genetic algorithm (GA) to improve equipment health diagnosis effect. First, the genetic algorithm is used to optimize support vector regression, and a new method GA‐SVR can be proposed. The GA‐SVR model is trained by using other data of the variable to which the missing data belongs, and the single‐variable prediction method can be obtained. The correlation analysis is used to reconstruct the training set, and the GA‐SVR is trained by using the data of the variables related to the missing data to obtain the multivariate prediction method. Then, the dynamic weight is presented to combine the single‐variable prediction method with the multiple‐variable prediction method based on certain principles, and the missing data are filled with the combined prediction methods. The filled data are used as input of GA‐SVM to diagnose equipment failure. Finally, a case study is given to verify the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Optimal Alliance Strategy and Its Impact in a Closed-Loop Supply Chain by considering Greenness and Service Effort
Authors: Shi Wei , Chen Haoran , Zhang Xuemei , Ma Chenhao
Published: February 2021

This paper handles Stackelberg game models in light of different alliance strategies in a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) consisting of a manufacturer, a retailer, and a third-party recycler. In this CLSC, four scenarios are examined: the decentralized case, the manufacturer and the retailer forming an alliance, the manufacturer and the third-party recycler forming an alliance, and the centralized case. And in these Stackelberg game models, a comparison between four alliance strategies is analyzed by considering greenness and service effort. The effect of alliance strategy on the decisions of the CLSC system, consumer, environment, and society is also investigated. The main objective is to find out the optimal price, greenness level, and service effort to maximize the CLSC members’ profits and give the optimal alliance strategy by using theoretical analysis. It is found that the alliance strategy improves the operation efficiency of the CLSC, and it also benefits consumers, the environment, and society. The MR alliance strategy is more effective than the MT alliance strategy, but it cannot achieve the efficiency of a centralized scenario. Finally, numerical examples are illustrated to justify the feasibility and practicability of the proposed models in reality.
Optimal Design Method for Inner-Intrinsically Safe Buck-Boost Converters Based on Ignition Capability
Authors: Zhao Yongxiu , Li Minggeng , Wang Qi
Published: February 2021

Intrinsically safe switching converters are the best choice for low-voltage DC power supplies in explosive environments (such as coal mine). To obtain the optimal design method of the inner-intrinsically safe buck-boost converter (IISBBC), the equivalent circuits for various switching states and operating conditions of the buck-boost converter are studied, and the most dangerous inductor-disconnected discharge (IDD) condition of the buck-boost converter is obtained. Based on this condition, the IDD behavior of the IISBBC is studied. According to the minimum ignition curves (MICs) of the resistive circuit and the simple inductive circuit, the expressions describing the IDD ignition capability of the IISBBC in terms of the critical ignition power and the critical ignition energy are derived. The IDD has the strongest ignition capability based on power when the IISBBC is working at its maximum input voltage and minimum load resistance, and it has the strongest ignition capability based on energy when the IISBBC is working at its minimum input voltage and minimum load resistance. The converter is inner-intrinsically safe only when the maximum arc power is less than the critical ignition power and the inductive energy is less than its critical value. By incorporating the proposed criterion, the optimal design method for IISBBCs that meets the demands of electric and inner-intrinsic safety performance is obtained. Based on this method, the design range of the inductance and capacitance and the optimal inductance to give the IISBBC the best inner-intrinsic safety performance are obtained. The feasibility and reliability of the proposed optimal design method are demonstrated by an explosion test.
The Modifiable Risk Factors of Uncontrolled Hypertension in Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Upoyo Arif Setyo , Setyopranoto Ismail , Pangastuti Heny Suseani
Published: February 2021

Objective. This review aimed at figuring out the risk factors of uncontrolled hypertension in stroke. Method. This study systematically analyzed the hypertension risk factors available in the ProQuest, EBSCO, and PubMed databases published between 2010 and December 2019. The risk factors’ pooled odds ratio (POR) included in this research was calculated using both fixed and random-effect models. The meta-data analysis was processed using the Review Manager 5.3 (Rev Man 5.3). Result. Of 1868 articles, seven studies were included in this review searched using specific keywords. Based on the analysis results, there were 7 risk factors of uncontrolled hypertension in stroke: medication nonadherence (

POR
=
2.23

[95% CI 1.71-2.89],

p
=
0.342

;

I

2

=
6.7
%

), use of antihypertensive drugs (

POR
=
1.13

[95% CI 1.19-1.59,

p
=
0.001

;

I

2

=
90.9
%

), stage of hypertension (

POR
=
1.14

[95% CI 1.02-1.27],

p
=
<
0.001

;

I

2

=
97.1
%

), diabetes mellitus (

POR
=
0.71

[95% CI 0.52-0.99],

p
=
<
0.001

;

I

2

=
96.5
%

), atrial fibrillation (

POR
=
1.74

[95% CI 1.48-2.04)],

p
=
<
0.001

;

I

2

=
93.1
%

), triglycerides (

POR
=
1.47

[95% CI 1.23-1.75],

p
=
0.879

;

I

2

=
0
%

), and age (

POR
=
1.03

[95% CI 0.89-1.18],

p
=
<
0.001

;

I

2

=
97.5
%

]. There were no bias publications among studies. Medication nonadherence and triglycerides had homogeneous variations, while the others had heterogeneous variations. Conclusion. Medication nonadherence, triglycerides, stage of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and use of antihypertensive drugs significantly affect the uncontrolled hypertension in stroke.
A Sparse Feature Extraction Method with Elastic Net for Drug-Target Interaction Identification
Authors: Zhao Zheng-Yang , Huang Wen-Zhun , Pan Jie , Huang Yu-An , Zhang Shan-Wen , Yu Chang-Qing
Published: February 2021

The identification of drug-target interactions (DTIs) plays a crucial role in drug discovery. However, the traditional high-throughput techniques based on clinical trials are costly, cumbersome, and time-consuming for identifying DTIs. Hence, new intelligent computational methods are urgently needed to surmount these defects in predicting DTIs. In this paper, we propose a novel computational method that combines position-specific scoring matrix (PSSM), elastic net based sparse features extraction, and rotation forest (RF) classifier. Specifically, we converted each protein primary sequence into PSSM, which contains biological evolutionary information. Then we extract the hidden sparse feature descriptors in PSSM by elastic net based sparse feature extraction method (ESFE). After that, we fuse them with the features of drug, which are represented by molecular fingerprints. Finally, rotation forest classifier works on detecting the potential drug-target interactions. When performing the proposed method by the experiments of fivefold cross validation (CV) on enzyme, ion channel, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and nuclear receptor datasets, this method achieves average accuracies of 90.32%, 88.91%, 80.65%, and 79.73%, respectively. We also compared the proposed model with the state-of-the-art support vector machine (SVM) classifier and other effective methods on the same datasets. The comparison results distinctly indicate that the proposed model possesses the efficient and robust ability to predict DTIs. We expect that the new model will be able to take effects on predicting massive DTIs.
Darmok and Jalad at the Psych Ward: A Case Demonstration of How to Creatively Communicate with a 19-Year-Old Patient with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Kim Elizabeth , Martin Katherine , Karper Laurence , Maru Siddhartha , Driscoll Maggie
Published: February 2021

Difficulties in communication often arise between individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their treating physicians because both sides struggle to find a common ground. The story of Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra from Star Trek: The Next Generation nicely exemplifies how two populations that spoke different languages were still able to find a creative way to communicate with each other. This story is used as a metaphor to illustrate how a novel connection was made with a 19-year-old patient with autism spectrum disorder who was admitted to the inpatient psychiatric unit.
Challenges in Treating Statin-Associated Necrotizing Myopathy
Authors: Webster Patrick , Wiemer Nicholas , Al Harash Abdalhamid , Marshall Cody , Khatoon Nazia , Lucke Michael
Published: February 2021

Myalgia and mild elevation in muscle enzymes are common side effects of statin therapy. While these symptoms are generally self-limited, in rare cases, statin use is associated with an immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy caused by development of autoantibodies against HMG-CoA reductase. The primary presenting symptom of this condition is progressive symmetric proximal weakness that does not abate or worsens even after cessation of statin therapy and is associated with markedly elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels. To date, no randomized controlled trials have been conducted to identify the most effective treatment for statin-associated autoimmune myopathy. Treatment recommendations involve a combination of steroids and immunosuppressive drugs. This single-center case series highlights the clinicopathologic features diagnostic for statin-associated autoimmune myopathy as well as treatment challenges for the patient population. The series highlights a range of potential presentations, from mildly symptomatic despite highly elevated CK, to severe muscle weakness including dysphagia. Multiple patients required several immunosuppressant medications as well as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to achieve disease control. In this case series, marked improvement was noted in several diabetic patients with IVIG.
Structure Analysis of Factors Influencing the Preference of Ridesplitting
Authors: Li Xinghua , Feng Feiyu , Wang Wei , Cheng Cheng , Wang Tianzuo , Tang Pengcheng
Published: February 2021

Ridesplitting is a new form of for-hire service that riders with similar origins and destinations are matched to the same vehicle in real-time via Internet. However, the market share of ridesplitting only accounts for a small fraction of total travel. Understanding cognitive factors affecting ridesplitting preference would be helpful in designing its market measures, regulations, and incentives to achieve high-level customer attractions. This paper identifies the cognitive determinants affecting ridesplitting preference and their inner relationships via the structural equation model. The data from an online survey conducted in Shanghai were implemented for model calibration. The modal fitness results are reasonable, and the path coefficients are significant, exhibiting that the proposed hypothesis cannot be rejected. Specifically, attitude towards incentives and management issues, perceived benefit, and perceived usefulness appear to be strong active driving forces that encourage the desire to adopt ridesplitting.
New Characterizations for the Essential Norms of Generalized Weighted Composition Operators between Zygmund-Type Spaces
Authors: Hassanlou Mostafa , Sanatpour Amir H.
Published: February 2021

We give different types of new characterizations for the boundedness and essential norms of generalized weighted composition operators between Zygmund-type spaces. Consequently, we obtain new characterizations for the compactness of such operators.
Simulation and Analysis of Wind Pressure Coefficient of Landslide‐Type Long‐Span Roof Structure
Authors: Rong Bin , Yin Shuhao , Wang Quankui , Yang Yanhong , Qiu Jian , Lin Changsheng , Zhang Ruoyu
Published: February 2021

This article carries out a numerical simulation of a landslide‐type long‐span roof structure, Harbin Wanda Cultural Industry Complex. The maximum span of the landslide‐type roof is 150 m and the minimum span is 90 m, with a minimum height of 40 m and a maximum height of 120 m, and the roof area is divided into three different parts. The large eddy simulation (LES) method is used to simulate and record the wind pressure coefficient of the roof. The distribution law and cause of the mean wind pressure coefficient of the roof are firstly analyzed, and the comparison with the existing wind tunnel test data proves the validity of the numerical simulation. Secondly, a qualitative analysis is made on the distribution of root mean square (RMS) fluctuating coefficients. Subsequently, the non‐Gaussian characteristics of the roof are briefly discussed, and the peak factor distribution is calculated. Finally, based on the total wind pressure coefficient, a simple evaluation method for judging favorable and unfavorable wind direction angles is proposed, and only the shape of the roof and wind angle need to be known.
Using the “One Shot” Concept for Immediate Loading Implant Protocol in Edentulous Patient Rehabilitation with a Fixed Prosthesis: A 6-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Bousquet Philippe , Carayon Delphine , Durand Jean-Cedric
Published: February 2021

Immediate-loaded implants with a fixed prosthesis are a viable option for the restoration of edentulous ridges. Several procedures now allow for the fabrication of immediate-loading provisional and definitive prostheses. However, this complex treatment is not accessible to all patients with budget restrictions. By using a unique master model with a single titanium framework prosthesis can simplify and shorten the treatment, as well as reduce costs. After surgical placement of implant fixtures, an interim prosthesis was fabricated using a laser-welded definitive titanium framework. The prosthesis was fitted intraorally following the immediate loading protocols. The master cast model used to fabricate interim prosthesis was conserved and subsequently used in modifying the final prosthesis. After the healing process and complete soft tissue stability, an impression was made to register the clearance between the gingiva and resin. The light silicone material was directly injected under the prosthesis screwed in the mouth. In the master cast model, the stone was eliminated between the implants and a new plaster was poured to modify the crest profile with the posthealing new shape. With this modified model, it is possible to rehabilitate the denture to the new gingival anatomy in 3 to 4 hours and, if necessary, the tooth rearrangement. This “one shot” concept combines the single definitive titanium welded framework and limited laboratory work with a unique master model thereby decreasing the cost and the time of treatment.
Pan-cancer Transcriptomic Predictors of Perineural Invasion Improve Occult Histopathologic Detection
Authors: Guo Jimmy A. , Hoffman Hannah I. , Shroff Stuti G. , Chen Peter , Hwang Peter G. , Kim Daniel Y. , Kim Daniel W. , Cheng Stephanie W. , Zhao Daniel , Mahal Brandon A. , Alshalalfa Mohammed , Niemierko Andrzej , Wo Jennifer Y. , Loeffler Jay S. , Fernandez-del Castillo Carlos , Jacks Tyler , Aguirre Andrew J. , Hong Theodore S. , Mino-Kenudson Mari , Hwang William L.
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

Perineural invasion (PNI) is associated with aggressive tumor behavior, recurrence, and metastasis, and can influence the administration of adjuvant treatment. However, standard histopathologic examination has limited sensitivity in detecting PNI and does not provide insights into its mechanistic underpinnings.

Experimental Design:

A multivariate Cox regression was performed to validate associations between PNI and survival in 2,029 patients across 12 cancer types. Differential expression and gene set enrichment analysis were used to learn PNI-associated programs. Machine learning models were applied to build a PNI gene expression classifier. A blinded re-review of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slides by a board-certified pathologist helped determine whether the classifier could improve occult histopathologic detection of PNI.

Results:

PNI associated with both poor overall survival [HR, 1.73; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.27–2.36; P < 0.001] and disease-free survival (HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.38–2.32; P < 0.001). Neural-like, prosurvival, and invasive programs were enriched in PNI-positive tumors (Padj < 0.001). Although PNI-associated features likely reflect in part the increased presence of nerves, many differentially expressed genes mapped specifically to malignant cells from single-cell atlases. A PNI gene expression classifier was derived using random forest and evaluated as a tool for occult histopathologic detection. On a blinded H&E re-review of sections initially described as PNI negative, more specimens were reannotated as PNI positive in the high classifier score cohort compared with the low-scoring cohort (P = 0.03, Fisher exact test).

Conclusions:

This study provides salient biological insights regarding PNI and demonstrates a role for gene expression classifiers to augment detection of histopathologic features.
Comparative Safety of Bioabsorbable Polymer Everolimus-Eluting, Durable Polymer Everolimus-Eluting, and Durable Polymer Zotarolimus-Eluting Stents in Contemporary Clinical Practice
Authors: Sutton Nadia R. , Seth Milan , Madder Ryan D. , Sukul Devraj , Dixon Simon R. , Cannon Louis A. , Gurm Hitinder S.
Published: February 2021

Background:

Uncertainty exists over whether stents commonly used for percutaneous coronary intervention have comparable short- and long-term safety. The objective of this study was to determine the outcomes of patients treated with bioabsorbable polymer everolimus-eluting (BP-EES; Synergy, Boston Scientific), durable polymer everolimus-eluting (DP-EES; XIENCE, Abbott Vascular), or durable polymer zotarolimus-eluting (DP-ZES; Resolute, Medtronic) stents in routine clinical practice.

Methods:

All percutaneous coronary intervention cases from 48 hospitals performed after the introduction of the BP-EES stent in 2015 until the first quarter of 2018 were included. Propensity-matched multivariable analysis was used to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics and procedural variables. After matching, we performed pair-wise comparisons between DP-EES and BP-EES, DP-EES and DP-ZES, and BP-EES and DP-ZES for in-hospital postpercutaneous coronary intervention outcomes. We also evaluated 2-year postdischarge mortality in a subset of patients who could be matched to Medicare data.

Results:

During the study period, 53 724 percutaneous coronary intervention cases were performed. A total of 59% of patients were treated with DP-EES stents, 14% with BP-EES stents, and 27% with DP-ZES stents. Although baseline characteristics of patients differed between stent types, these differences were attenuated after matching. In the matched cohort, there was no difference in in-hospital mortality, stent thrombosis, or postprocedural stroke (a falsification end point) between BP-EES, DP-EES, and DP-ZES. After matching, there was no difference in 2-year postdischarge mortality (DP-EES versus BP-EES hazard ratio 0.91,
P
=0.50; DP-EES versus DP-ZES hazard ratio 1.03,
P
=0.77; BP-EES versus DP-ZES hazard ratio 1.20,
P
=0.29).

Conclusions:

Our data suggest similar risk-adjusted in-hospital outcomes among drug-eluting stent platforms commonly used in clinical practice. The absence of a difference in 2-year mortality between BP-EES, DP-EES, and DP-ZES suggests that stent choice decisions could be made based on other factors, including durability, availability, and cost.
Innervation and Neuronal Control of the Mammalian Sinoatrial Node a Comprehensive Atlas
Authors: Hanna Peter , Dacey Michael J. , Brennan Jaclyn , Moss Alison , Robbins Shaina , Achanta Sirisha , Biscola Natalia P. , Swid Mohammed A. , Rajendran Pradeep S. , Mori Shumpei , Hadaya Joseph E. , Smith Elizabeth H. , Peirce Stanley G. , Chen Jin , Havton Leif A. , Cheng Zixi (Jack) , Vadigepalli Rajanikanth , Schwaber James , Lux Robert L. , Efimov Igor , Tompkins John D. , Hoover Donald B. , Ardell Jeffrey L. , Shivkumar Kalyanam
Published: February 2021

Rationale:

Cardiac function is under exquisite intrinsic cardiac neural control. Neuroablative techniques to modulate control of cardiac function are currently being studied in patients, albeit with variable and sometimes deleterious results.

Objective:

Recognizing the major gaps in our understanding of cardiac neural control, we sought to evaluate neural regulation of impulse initiation in the sinoatrial node (SAN) as an initial discovery step.

Methods and Results:

We report an in-depth, multiscale structural and functional characterization of the innervation of the SAN by the right atrial ganglionated plexus (RAGP) in porcine and human hearts. Combining intersectional strategies, including tissue clearing, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural techniques, we have delineated a comprehensive neuroanatomic atlas of the RAGP-SAN complex. The RAGP shows significant phenotypic diversity of neurons while maintaining predominant cholinergic innervation. Cellular and tissue-level electrophysiological mapping and ablation studies demonstrate interconnected ganglia with synaptic convergence within the RAGP to modulate SAN automaticity, atrioventricular conduction, and left ventricular contractility. Using this approach, we comprehensively demonstrate that intrinsic cardiac neurons influence the pacemaking site in the heart.

Conclusions:

This report provides an experimental demonstration of a discrete neuronal population controlling a specific geographic region of the heart (SAN) that can serve as a framework for further exploration of other parts of the intrinsic cardiac nervous system (ICNS) in mammalian hearts and for developing targeted therapies.