bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restoring Sahelian landscapes with people and plants: insights from large‐scale interventions
Authors: Sacande Moctar , Muir Giulia
Published: February 2022

Combining traditional knowledge on native plant species with scientific plant expertise has been established as a critical factor to improve success of restoration interventions, yet evidence on its incorporation across large scales and in Africa, is scant. Even less known are the effective socio‐economic benefits that communities have reaped from restoration activities. This article builds on Sacande and Berrahmouni's paper, further supported by both socio‐economic and biophysical data from large‐scale restoration activities in Senegal, Niger, and Nigeria in support of Africa's Great Green Wall. In total, over 90,000 village households were involved and 56,000 ha of degraded lands planted in 10 countries across the Sahel to initiate restoration in 5 years. Key findings suggest not only ecological benefits, but improvements in livelihoods and health, critical factors underpinning restoration success in the drylands. Results show the profound role native plants and other non‐timber forest products play in the lives and livelihoods of dryland communities. Between 2016 and 2020, 120 tons of seeds were collected from over 110 native plant species and planted in 10 countries, with ecological and economic benefits. Perceived food insecurity significantly decreased in 2020 compared to 2016 observations, declining sharply from 46 to 15% in project sites in Senegal, from 69 to 58% in Niger, and 90 to 25% in Nigeria. In Niger and Senegal, communities generated revenues from fodder species alone of 40 USD/ha per year. The UN decade for Ecosystem restoration 2021–2030 will be an important platform to expand such climate change adaptation and mitigation programs.
Do US exporters take advantage of free trade agreements? Evidence from the US‐Colombia free trade agreement
Authors: Benguria Felipe
Published: February 2022

Using novel transaction‐level data, the author has studied the determinants of the utilization among US exporters of preferential treatment under the US‐Colombia free trade agreement (FTA). This study finds FTA's use is incomplete and increases based on the magnitude of duty savings, which suggests the existence of a fixed cost to taking advantage of these preferences. To shed light on the nature of this fixed cost, the author shows that after controlling for duty savings FTA use increases over time, is higher among larger exporters, and is positively associated to an exporter's past experience in using the FTA. This suggests the fixed cost of using the FTA falls over time and with exporter size and experience. Finally, the author constructs a measure of the restrictiveness of rules of origin specific to this FTA and find that more restrictive rules of origin lead to a lower use of the FTA, especially among producers of differentiated goods.
Party does not matter: Unified government and midterm elections
Authors: Holt Jacob
Published: February 2022

Objective

This article seeks to understand the effect unified government has on seat loss in midterm elections.

Methods

Using data from the 1950 to 2018 midterm elections, I use Ordinary Least Squares regression models to determine the effect of unified government on seat loss.

Results

I find that unified government increases the number of seats a president's party loses during a midterm election. In addition, unified government reduces the number of seats saved by presidential approval and increases surge and decline effects.

Conclusion

Unified government explains why Democrats have traditionally performed worse during midterm elections. The results also indicate that rather than a surge and decline, midterm elections are a counter‐surge to the surge in support the president's party receives in the previous presidential election.
HLA‐A*32:34, a variant of HLA‐A*32, detected in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Li Chi‐Cheng , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: February 2022

One nucleotide substitution in codon 128 of HLA‐A*32:01:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐A*32:34.
Unexplored aspects of a variational principle in electrostatics
Authors: Bhattacharya Kolahal , Syam Debapriyo
Published: February 2022

The electrostatic field magnitude can play a role in a variational principle similar to the role of the index of refraction in geometrical optics, allowing the determination of electric field lines. This was identified in the context of the grounded conducting sphere image problem. Assuming the knowledge of the magnitude of the electric field, in this paper, we validate this principle for the general case and explore some of its consequences.
Quantifying biomolecular diffusion with a “spherical cow” model
Authors: Freitas Frederico Campos , Byju Sandra , Hassan Asem , Oliveira Ronaldo Junio de , Whitford Paul C.
Published: February 2022

The dynamics of biological polymers, including proteins, RNA, and DNA, occur in very high-dimensional spaces. Many naturally occurring polymers can navigate a vast phase space and rapidly find their lowest free energy (folded) state. Thus, although the search process is stochastic, it is not completely random. Instead, it is best described in terms of diffusion along a downhill energy landscape. In this context, there have been many efforts to use simplified representations of the energetics, for which the potential energy is chosen to be a relatively smooth function with a global minimum that corresponds to the folded state. That is, instead of including every type of physical interaction, the broad characteristics of the landscape are encoded in approximate energy functions. We describe a particular class of models, called structure-based models, that can be used to explore the diffusive properties of biomolecular folding and conformational rearrangements. These energy functions may be regarded as the spherical cow for modeling molecular biophysics. We discuss the physical principles underlying these models and provide an entry-level tutorial, which may be adapted for use in curricula for physics and non-physics majors.
The Animal Audiogram Database: A community-based resource for consolidated audiogram data and metadata
Authors: Jäckel Denise , Ortiz Troncoso Alvaro , Dähne Michael , Bölling Christian
Published: February 2022

Knowledge of hearing ability, as represented in audiograms, is essential for understanding how animals acoustically perceive their environment, predicting and counteracting the effects of anthropogenic noise, and managing wildlife. Audiogram data and relevant background information are currently only available embedded in the text of individual scientific publications in various unstandardized formats. This heterogeneity makes it hard to access, compare, and integrate audiograms. The Animal Audiogram Database (https://animalaudiograms.org) assembles published audiogram data, metadata about the corresponding experiments, and links to the original publications in a consistent format. The database content is the result of an extensive survey of the scientific literature and manual curation of the audiometric data found therein. As of November 1, 2021, the database contains 306 audiogram datasets from 34 animal species. The scope and format of the provided metadata and design of the database interface were established by active research community involvement. Options to compare audiograms and download datasets in structured formats are provided. With the focus currently on vertebrates and hearing in underwater environments, the database is drafted as a free and open resource for facilitating the review and correction of the contained data and collaborative extension with audiogram data from any taxonomic group and habitat.
Sovereignty, sanctions, and data sharing under international law
Authors: Rourke Michelle , Eccleston-Turner Mark , Switzer Stephanie
Published: February 2022

Pathogen samples and scientific data are bargaining chips in a global argument about who gets what in a pandemic
Surprising superconductivity of graphene
Authors: Heikkilä Tero T.
Published: February 2022

An ordinary graphene bilayer exhibits extraordinary superconductivity
In Science Journals
Authors: Vignieri Sacha , Yeston Jake , Lavine Marc S. , Vinson Valda , Stajic Jelena , Malo Courtney S. , Sugden Andrew M. , Nusinovich Yevgeniya , Purnell Beverly A. , Ray L. Bryan , VanHook Annalisa M. , Erkes Dan A. , Hurtley Stella M.
Published: February 2022

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
Genomes of Bacteriophages Belonging to the Orders
Caudovirales
and
Petitvirales
Identified in Fecal Samples from Pacific Flying Fox (
Pteropus tonganus
) from the Kingdom of Tonga
Authors: Lopez Jasmine K. M. , Aleamotu’a Maketalena , Kami Viliami , Stainton Daisy , Lund Michael C. , Kraberger Simona , Varsani Arvind
Published: February 2022

Twenty-nine circular genomes of bacteriophages in the orders
Caudovirales
and
Petitvirales
were identified from fecal samples from Pacific flying foxes that were collected from their roosting sites on the Pacific Island of Tonga in 2014 and 2015. The vast majority are microviruses (
n
= 25), with 2 siphoviruses, 1 myovirus, and 1 podovirus.
Draft Genome Sequence of Acidiplasma aeolicum Strain V1
T
, Isolated from a Hydrothermal Pool
Authors: Bulaev Aleksandr G. , Kanygina Aleksandra V. , Mardanov Andrey V.
Published: February 2022

We report the draft genome sequence of
Acidiplasma aeolicum
strain V1
T
, isolated from a hydrothermal pool (Vulcano Island, Italy). The genome is 1.8 Mbp long with a GC content of 34%. The genome sequence was found to be closely related to those of other known strains of
Acidiplasma
genus.
Detrital zircon provenance of the Cretaceous–Neogene East Coast Basin reveals changing tectonic conditions and drainage reorganization along the Pacific margin of Zealandia
Authors: Gooley Jared T. , Nieminski Nora M.
Published: February 2022

The Upper Cretaceous–Pliocene strata of New Zealand record ~100 m.y. of Zealandia's evolution, including development of the Hikurangi convergent margin and Alpine transform plate boundary. A comprehensive, new detrital zircon U-Pb data set (8315 analyses from 61 samples) was generated along a ~700 km transect of the East Coast Basin of New Zealand. Age distributions were analyzed and interpreted in terms of published data available for Cambrian–Cretaceous igneous and metasedimentary source terranes using a Monte Carlo mixture modeling approach. Results indicate a widespread Early Cretaceous transition in sediment source from the Gondwana interior to the Median Batholith magmatic arc prior to Late Cretaceous rifting from Antarctica. Submergence of Zealandia during a Late Cretaceous–Paleogene drift phase led to major drainage reorganization and the influx of Eastern Province sediment to the East Coast Basin. A long-lived sediment conduit that transported extraregional Western Province detritus to the south-central East Coast Basin may have developed along a structural precursor to the Alpine Fault. Marked Neogene increase of Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous Torlesse Composite Terrane sediment to the central East Coast Basin resulted from exhumation of the Axial Ranges, convergence along the Hikurangi subduction margin, and concurrent development of the Alpine Fault. Concurrent influx of contemporaneous Neogene zircon in the northern East Coast Basin indicated the onset of subduction-related volcanism of the Northland–Coromandel Volcanic Arc. Middle Miocene–Pliocene exhumation and dextral translation of the Nelson region along the Alpine Fault resulted in the eastward routing of Western Province sediment to the central East Coast Basin. Finally, topography developed across the plate boundary and ultimately partitioned continental drainage of Zealandia, such that sediment from the Murihiku, Caples, and Rakaia Terranes in the Otago region was routed to the southern extent of the East Coast Basin. These results illuminate the evolution of the Zealandia continental drainage divide in response to the initiation of the Pacific-Australian plate boundary and demonstrate the power of mixture modeling and large data sets for deciphering sediment routing in dynamic tectonic environments.
Bone-targeting agents in major solid tumour metastases: a multinational cohort study
Authors: Kim Ju Hwan , Shen Chin-Yao , Au Philip Chun-Ming , Baek Yeon-Hee , Cheung Ching-Lung , Chung Wei-Pang , Kleinman Nora Joelle , Lam Tai Chung , Liao Tzu-Chi , Lin Tzu-Chieh , Shin Ju-Young , Sing Chor-Wing , Wong Ian Chi Kei , Lai Edward Chia-Cheng
Published: February 2022

Objective

To describe the epidemiology, clinical characteristics and utilisation patterns of bone-targeting agents (BTAs) in patients with bone metastases from breast, prostate and lung cancer.

Methods

This is a multinational retrospective cohort study including patients with three major solid tumours (breast, prostate and lung cancer) and newly initiated on BTAs (ie, denosumab, zoledronic acid and pamidronate). Records were retrieved from nationwide health databases from Hong Kong and Taiwan (HK and TW: 2013–2017) and Korea (KR: 2012–2016). Descriptive analyses included the annual incidence rates of bone metastases and the cumulative incidence curves of BTA initiation. We used Sankey diagrams to visualise the dynamic BTA utilisation patterns.

Results

The annual incidence rate of bone metastases ranged from 3.5% to 4.5% in TW, from 9.6% to 10.3% in HK and from 2.9% to 3.8% in KR. We identified 14.1% (5127), 9.3% (883) and 9.4% (4800) of patients with bone metastases newly initiated on BTAs in TW, HK and KR, respectively. The most frequently used BTA in TW (67.1%) and HK (51.9%) was denosumab, while in KR (84.8%) it was zoledronic acid. Sankey diagrams indicated the proportion of patients remaining on denosumab was highest in TW and HK, while it was zoledronic acid in KR. Specifically, in TW, patients who were on bisphosphonates or had discontinued treatment frequently switched to or reinitiated denosumab.

Conclusions

We found the rate of BTA utilisation remained low across all sites and tumour types in recent years. The dynamic utilisation patterns of BTAs provide better understanding of the treatment landscape for future evaluation of associated outcomes of patients.
A software simulator for noisy quantum circuits
Authors: Chaudhary H. , Mahato B. , Priyadarshi L. , Roshan N. , Utkarsh  , Patel A. D.
Published: February 2022

We have developed a software library that simulates noisy quantum logic circuits. We represent quantum states by their density matrices in the Pauli basis, and incorporate possible errors in initialization, logic gates, memory and measurement using simple models. Our quantum simulator is implemented as a new backend on IBM’s open-source Qiskit platform. In this paper, we provide its description, and illustrate it with some simple examples.
A Mini Review on the Excellent Nanostructures in Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion
Authors: Xu Xiaolong , Cai Shen , Song Xiaodong , Zhao Yiming , Zhou Guowei , Liu Yong
Published: February 2022

Electrochemical energy storage and conversion have been in a significant position for meeting the increasing demand for the development of the society. The design and preparation of high-performance functional semiconductor materials have played a critical role in the development of electrochemical energy storage and conversion. In this context, the nanostructures in functional semiconductor materials provide an alternative route by virtue of their unique and promising nanoscale. Controlling the geometrical parameters of nanostructures and thus forming expected nanomaterials is very important to the investigation and applications of functional semiconductor materials. In this review, we summarized the preparation and applications of the nanostructures for electrochemical energy storage and conversion. It demonstrates simple and controllable design methods for functional materials with ideal nanostructures.
Significant Improvement of Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2/g–C3N4 Composite Synthesized by the Aiding of Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Wang Mengfan , Miao Wenbo , Xu Hongliang , Huang Chaoning , Li Mingliang , Shao Gang , Wang Hailong , Lu Hongxia , Zhang Rui
Published: February 2022

g–C3N4 nanosheets were first synthesized by calcining the mixture of hydrochloric acid-pretreated melamine and ammonium chloride. Then, by the aiding of solvothermal method and hydrofluoric acid as morphology modifier, 001-TiO2/g–C3N4 (TCN-X, [Formula: see text], 3, 2, 1) nanocomposites were synthesized using g–C3N4 nanosheets and tetrabutyl titanate, with the mass ratio of g–C3N4 to TiO2 was 5:1, 3:1, 2:1 and 1:1, respectively. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption method, ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectrum, photoluminescence spectrum, etc. Their photocatalytic properties were evaluated under visible light irradiation with rhodamine B (RhB) as the target pollutant. The results reveal that the TCN-3 composites had a large specific surface area of 67.38[Formula: see text]m2/g and consisted of g–C3N4 nanosheets and anatase TiO2 crystals about 10–20[Formula: see text]nm in size. The (001) crystal planes of TiO2 can be easily observed in TCN-X composites. All TiO2/g–C3N4 composites exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity compared with the pure g–C3N4 did. The photocatalytic property of TCN-X samples varied with the mass ratio of g–C3N4to TiO2, and TCN-3 presented the optimum photocatalytic performance. In total, 50[Formula: see text]mg of TCN-3 completely degraded 50[Formula: see text]mL and 100[Formula: see text]mL of RhB solution (10[Formula: see text]mg/L) in 15[Formula: see text]min and 40[Formula: see text]min, respectively. The reaction rate constant of TCN-3 was 6.7 times as large as that of pure g–C3N4. TCN-3 also presented outstanding activity for the photocatalytic degradation of the colorless tetracycline solution. The significant improvement in photocatalytic activity of TCN-3 was attributed to the evenly distribution of TiO2 on g–C3N4, the enhanced specific surface area and the construction of 001-TiO2/g–C3N4 heterojunction between the g–C3N4 nanosheets and the (001) crystal planes of anatase TiO2, which greatly reduced the recombination rate of the photo-generated electron and hole.
Surgical Treatment of Ulnar Cleft Hand with All Fingers – A Report of Two Patients
Authors: NAKAGAWA Keisuke , TAKAYAMA Shinichiro , HIDAKA Noriaki , NAKAMURA Hiroaki
Published: February 2022

An ulnar cleft hand is a rare congenital deformity presenting with a cleft between the ring and little finger. It may be associated with the absence of a finger. The goals of treatment are cleft closure, increasing the length of the hypoplastic little finger and preservation of function. We report two patients with ulnar cleft hand without missing fingers. Both underwent cleft closure. One was treated by lengthening of the fifth metacarpal with an external fixator, and the other by finger translocation. Both patients achieved a near normal length of the little finger and a reasonable functional and aesthetic outcome.

Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)
Slips of the tongue and what to do about them
Authors: Yaffe Philip
Published: February 2022

Each "Communication Corner" essay is self-contained; however, they build on each other. For best results, before reading this essay and doing the exercise, go to the first essay "How an Ugly Duckling Became a Swan," then read each succeeding essay.

One of the most dreaded hobgoblins of public speaking is the pervasive fear that you will say something you didn't really mean to say. This is indeed a problem, but perhaps much less so than you might imagine.
Population Screening in Health Systems
Authors: Williams Marc S.
Published: February 2022

Applications of genomics to population screening are expanding in the United States and internationally. Many of these programs are being implemented in the context of healthcare systems, mostly in a clinical research setting, but there are some emerging examples of clinical models. This review examines these genomic population screening programs to identify common features and differences in screened conditions, genomic technology employed, approach to results disclosure, health outcomes, financial models, and sustainability. The diversity of approaches provides opportunities to learn and better understand the optimal approach to implementation based on the contextual setting.
Conducting Polyaniline/Au Nanorods Composite Film for High-Performance Electrochromic Device
Authors: Feng Tong , Guo Huili , Zhang Bingjie , Qu Xiaojie , Bai Yan , Dang Dongbin , Zhao Weizhen
Published: February 2022

Conducting polymers are promising candidate materials in next-generation electrochromic applications due to their multicolour changes, flexible and large-scale production capability; however, poor cycling stability and relatively low optical modulation limit their widespread application. In this article, a simple electrochemical deposition method is used to create a polyaniline (PANI)/Au nanorods composite electrochromic film on ITO glass as an electrode. This PANI/Au nanorods composite film has better electrochromic properties than the straight PANI film. Moreover, the electrochromic device (ECD) was successfully fabricated by PANI/Au nanorods composite film as anode and poly(3,4-ethyloxylthiophene) as the cathode. This resultant device exhibits perfect electrochromic performance, including higher optical modulation (56%), a faster response time (0.6 s for bleaching and 0.9 s for colouring) and good cycling stability (sustained 85% after 6750 cycles). Notably, the geometric structure of the film is formed by the Au nanorods coated with PANI, which not only can provide transport channel and ion storage space but also improving the conductivity. In addition, the composite structure can provide larger surface area and benefit the electrolyte ions insertion and extraction from the composite electrode film. The rational design of stacking nanocomposites on electrodes may be a useful method for fabricating high-performance ECDs.
An exploration of how gender, political affiliation, or religious identity is associated with comfort and perceptions of controversial topics in bioethics
Authors: Edwards Baylee A. , Roberts Julie A. , Bowen Chloe , Brownell Sara E. , Barnes M. Elizabeth
Published: February 2022

Bioethics is an important aspect of understanding the relationship between science and society, but studies have not yet examined undergraduate student experiences and comfort in bioethics courses. In this study, we investigated undergraduate bioethics students’ support of and comfort when learning three controversial bioethics topics: gene editing, abortion, and physician-assisted suicide (PAS). Furthermore, student identity has been shown to influence how students perceive and learn about controversial topics at the intersection of science and society. So, we explored how students’ religious affiliation, gender, or political affiliation was associated with their support of and comfort when learning about gene editing, abortion, and PAS. We found that most students entered bioethics with moderated viewpoints on controversial topics but that there were differences in students’ tendency to support each topic based on their gender, religion, and political affiliation. We also saw differences in student comfort levels based on identity: women reported lower comfort than men when learning about gene editing, religious students were less comfortable than nonreligious students when learning about abortion and PAS, and nonliberal students were less comfortable than liberal students when learning about abortion. Students cited that the controversy surrounding these topics and a personal hesitancy to discuss them caused discomfort. These findings indicate that identity impacts comfort and support in a way similar to that previously shown in the public. Thus, it may be important for instructors to consider student identity when teaching bioethics topics to maximize student comfort, ultimately encouraging thoughtful consideration and engagement with these topics.
Insulin blood-brain barrier transport and interactions are greater following exercise in mice
Authors: Brown Caitlin , Pemberton Sarah , Babin Alice , Abdulhameed Noor , Noonan Cassidy , Brown Mary Beth , Banks William A. , Rhea Elizabeth M.
Published: February 2022

Central nervous system (CNS) insulin and exercise are beneficial for cognition. CNS insulin resistance is present in Alzheimer’s disease. CNS insulin levels are regulated by transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We show that exercise can enhance insulin BBB transport and binding of insulin to the brain’s vasculature in mice. There were no changes in serum factors known to alter insulin BBB pharmacokinetics. We conclude exercise could impact cognition through regulation of insulin BBB transport.
Prolonged Application of Continuous Passive Movement Improves the Postoperative Recovery of Tibial Head Fractures: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Kabst Christiane , Tian Xinggui , Kleber Christian , Amlang Michael , Findeisen Lisa , Lee Geoffrey , Zwingenberger Stefan
Published: February 2022

Background and Purpose. Tibial head fracture (THF) rehabilitation is still a challenge in clinical practice. Short‐term use of continuous passive motion (CPM) postoperatively for THFs can increase knee range of motion (ROM) immediately, and its effect on enhanced rehabilitation also ended when the CPM application was discontinued. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect on the recovery of prolonged use of CPM in the postoperative treatment of THFs. Methods. 60 patients with THFs were randomly and equally divided into the CPM group and non‐CPM group. Both groups immediately received CPM and conventional physical therapies during hospitalization. After discharge, the non‐CPM group was treated with conventional physical therapy alone, while the CPM group received conventional physical training in combination with CPM treatment. At 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively, the primary outcome which was knee ROM and the secondary outcome which was knee functionality and quality of life were evaluated. Results. The CPM group had a significantly increased ROM at both follow‐up time points. The Knee Society Score, UCLA activity score, and the EuroQoL as well as the pain analysis showed significantly better results of the CPM group than the non‐CPM group. Conclusions. The prolonged application of CPM therapy is an effective method to improve the postoperative rehabilitation of THFs.
Locating Natural Frequency Faults in HVDC Transmission Systems Based on the Rotation-Invariant Technology Signal Parameter Estimation Algorithm and the Total Least Squares Method
Authors: Cao Wensi , Chen Xi , Li Zhaohui
Published: February 2022

After a fault occurs in a high-voltage direct current transmission (HVDC) line, the natural frequency of the fault wave contains a wealth of transient information. The mathematical relationship between the main component of the natural frequency and the fault point can be determined and used for rapid and high-precision fault locations. To accurately extract the natural frequency of a fault and improve the positioning accuracy, a single-ended ranging scheme for extracting the natural frequency of an HVDC transient traveling wave based on the rotation-invariant technology signal parameter estimation algorithm (TLS-ESPRIT) and the total least square method is proposed for the first time. The simulation platform is used to build a dual-ended unipolar and bipolar DC transmission system model, and the scheme is simulated and verified for metallic grounding at different locations and with different transition resistances at the same location. The verification experiment was carried out on the recorded wave data of the “3.21” grounding fault of the Tianguang (Tianshengqiao-Guangdong) DC line. The results showed that the algorithm can rapidly locate the ground fault in the HVDC line and provide high ranging accuracy and good practicality.
Segmentation and Classification of Glaucoma Using U-Net with Deep Learning Model
Authors: Sudhan M.B. , Sinthuja M. , Pravinth Raja S. , Amutharaj J. , Charlyn Pushpa Latha G. , Sheeba Rachel S. , Anitha T. , Rajendran T. , Waji Yosef Asrat
Published: February 2022

Glaucoma is the second most common cause for blindness around the world and the third most common in Europe and the USA. Around 78 million people are presently living with glaucoma (2020). It is expected that 111.8 million people will have glaucoma by the year 2040. 90% of glaucoma is undetected in developing nations. It is essential to develop a glaucoma detection system for early diagnosis. In this research, early prediction of glaucoma using deep learning technique is proposed. In this proposed deep learning model, the ORIGA dataset is used for the evaluation of glaucoma images. The U-Net architecture based on deep learning algorithm is implemented for optic cup segmentation and a pretrained transfer learning model; DenseNet-201 is used for feature extraction along with deep convolution neural network (DCNN). The DCNN approach is used for the classification, where the final results will be representing whether the glaucoma infected or not. The primary objective of this research is to detect the glaucoma using the retinal fundus images, which can be useful to determine if the patient was affected by glaucoma or not. The result of this model can be positive or negative based on the outcome detected as infected by glaucoma or not. The model is evaluated using parameters such as accuracy, precision, recall, specificity, and F-measure. Also, a comparative analysis is conducted for the validation of the model proposed. The output is compared to other current deep learning models used for CNN classification, such as VGG-19, Inception ResNet, ResNet 152v2, and DenseNet-169. The proposed model achieved 98.82% accuracy in training and 96.90% in testing. Overall, the performance of the proposed model is better in all the analysis.
An AMOS Model for Examining the Factors Influencing the Development of China Cross‐Border E‐Commerce Comprehensive Pilot Areas
Authors: Wang Hong-Dou , Zheng Chun-Fang , Xiao Xu
Published: February 2022

Cross‐border e‐commerce has greatly promoted the development of China’s foreign trade, and the cross‐border e‐commerce comprehensive pilot area (CBECCPA, in brief) is the main form for promoting the development of cross‐border e‐commerce. The study aims to find out what factors and to what extent these factors affect the development of the CBECCPAs. Adopting the structural equation model analysis (AMOS) method and the data in 2017 of the 35 CBECCPAs set in the former three batches in China, the paper studies the effects of four main factors, including economic foundation, telecommunication network foundation, e‐commerce logistics, and scientific and technological innovation, on the development of the CBECCPAs. The empirical results show that the economic foundation of the city where a CBECCPA locates has a vital impact, scientific and technological innovation has a quite important effect, e‐commerce logistics has an important impact, and telecommunications network foundation has a slight influence on the development of CBECCPA. On the basis of empirically analysis results, it is suggested to strive to develop the cities’ economy, increase investment in scientific and technological development, attach importance to scientific and technological innovation, and perfect the urban logistics system. Some suggestions are put forward, such as to make great efforts to develop the economy sustainably, to encourage to scientific and technological innovation, and to improve the logistics system. It is meaningful for the construction and development of the fourth and fifth batches of CBECCPAs.
Lycopene Improves Bone Quality and Regulates AGE/RAGE/NF-кB Signaling Pathway in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Xia Bingke , Zhu Ruyuan , Zhang Hao , Chen Beibei , Liu Yage , Dai Xuan , Ye Zimengwei , Zhao Dandan , Mo Fangfang , Gao Sihua , Wang Xiang-Dong , Bromme Dieter , Wang Lili , Wang Xinxiang , Zhang Dongwei
Published: February 2022

Objective. This study was aimed at examining the effects of lycopene on bone metabolism in high-fat diet (HFD)- induced obese mice and to identify the potential underlying mechanisms. Methods. Mice were fed a HFD for 12 weeks and then continue with or without lycopene intervention (15 mg/kg) for additional 10 weeks. The effects of lycopene on blood glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by biochemical assays. Bone histomorphological features and osteoclast activity were assessed by hematoxylin/eosin and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining. Bone microstructure at the proximal tibial metaphysis and diaphysis was determined by microcomputed tomography. Tibial biomechanical strength and material profiles were measured by a three-point bending assay and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Protein expressions involved in the AGE/RAGE/NF-кB signaling pathway were determined by western blot and/or immunohistochemical staining. Results. Lycopene consumption reduced body weight gain and improved blood glucose and lipid metabolism in HFD-induced obese mice. In addition, lycopene treatment preserved bone biomechanical strength, material profiles, and microarchitecture in obese mice. Moreover, these alterations were associated with an increase in serum levels of T-AOC and SOD, and a decline in serum levels of MDA, as well as a reduction of AGEs, RAGE, cathepsin K, and p-NF-кBp65 and NF-кBp65 expressions in the femurs and tibias of obese mice. Conclusion. Lycopene may improve bone quality through its antioxidant properties, which may be linked with the regulation of the AGE/RAGE/NF-кB signaling pathway in obese mice. These results suggest that lycopene consumption may be beneficial for the management of obesity-induced osteoporosis.
Geometric Evolvement, Simulation, and Test of a Bionic Lateral PDC Reamer Bit Inspired by Capra sibirica Horn
Authors: Chen Chaoyu , Yan Jialin , Zou Yuntian , Luo Haifeng
Published: February 2022

PDC (polycrystalline diamond compact) bit is the key equipment for drilling holes inside the rock in oil and mining industry. Inspired by the shape and structure of Capra sibirica horn, a bionic lateral PDC reamer bit with variable lateral reaming radius was developed. Side view of Capra sibirica horn was employed for fitting the horn shape curve based on picture processing method. PDC teeth were arranged on the horn shape blade imitating the transverse ridges on the horn to cut the rock material, found with only 30% utilization rate of the total teeth and load concentration of the last tooth. A bionic blade curve evolved from the Capra sibirica horn was defined with geometric method for the lateral reamer bit; the utilization rate of the teeth on the bionic blade curve was improved to 90% with uniformly distributed reaming load. Multigroup simulations were conducted with the finite element method; the effects of bit revolution speed and rotation feed speed of the bionic blade to reaming load were emphatically studied. Concrete sample was reamed indoors from 240 mm to 407 mm in diameter, and the bionic lateral PDC reamer bit was approved by the test result.
Application Development and Prospect of Family Therapy in China
Authors: Yao Feng
Published: February 2022

Family therapy has been introduced into China for more than 30 years. This paper summarizes, reviews, reflects, and looks forward to the current research literature on family therapy in China from the aspects of methods, theories, and cultural adaptability. The conclusion is that family therapy that originated in the west has proved to be effective in China. Compared with the west, it is not sufficient in the research of family therapy in China. Further research can be done in the direction of cultural adaptability in two aspects in the future: first, clinicians need to strengthen their understanding of Chinese families; second, Chinese family therapy clinicians need to strengthen their case studies.
Risk Analysis of Complex System Operation considering Effective Control Time
Authors: Li Xiaolei
Published: February 2022

The fresh new traits that new equipment possesses, such as the high complexity of complex equip-processing, the multiformity of the equip-used environment, the coupling characteristic of the human-equipment-environment factors, and the dynamic idiosyncrasy of risk, bring huge challenges to the safety analysis and evaluation. According to the characteristics of a complex system, such as hierarchy, structure, and complex operating environment, this paper analyzes and depicts the state evolution process of equipment from hazard symptoms to accidents under the influence of initial events (faults, human errors, etc.). At the same time, the parameters representing the concept of safety distance are put forward to effectively control the time. Combined with a certain abroad type of carrier-based aircraft landing process, the landing process safety analysis model is established to verify the applicability of theoretical methods. Through simulation, the hazard modes and their relationship with effective control time are analyzed and the safety constraints model of the landing process is established.
Assessment of Reporting Quality in Randomized Controlled Trials of Acupuncture for Primary Insomnia with CONSORT Statement and STRICTA Guidelines
Authors: Yang Jinsong , Yu Fanjun , Lin Keyi , Qu Haotian , He Yihan , Zhao Jing , Feng Fen , Pan Litao , Kui Yu
Published: February 2022

Aim. To assess the reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on acupuncture for primary insomnia (PI). Methods. Seven Chinese and English databases were searched for publication reporting RCTs on acupuncture for PI from the inception of the databases to August 6, 2021. The internationally recognized Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement and the International Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) guidelines were used to evaluate the reporting quality. The agreement between two researchers was calculated by Cohen’s kappa. Results. A total of 102 eligible RCTs were assessed. According to the CONSORT statement (2017), the positive reporting rates of items such as “abstract,” “background,” “participants,” and “numbers analyzed” were above 80%. However, the positive reporting rates of items such as “sample size,” “randomization implementation,” “Outcomes and estimation,” “Ancillary analyses,” and “Registration” were below 20%. According to STRICTA guidelines, the positive reporting rates of items such as “style of acupuncture,” “reasons for acupuncture treatment,” “Number of needles inserted,” “Needle retention time,” “Treatment regimen,” and “precise description of the control intervention” were above 80%. However, the positive reporting rates of items such as “setting and context of treatment” and “practitioner background” were below 20%. Conclusion. It is essential to advocate the endorsement of the CONSORT statement and STRICTA guidelines to improve the quality of acupuncture RCT reports.
Landscape Design Method of Urban Wetland Park Using the Building Information Model
Authors: He Jiye
Published: February 2022

Wetland has long been referred to as the “Kidney of the Earth” because of its many functions, including water conservation, flood control, sewage treatment, and biodiversity conservation. Urban wetland parks are important for maintaining urban ecological processes and improving human settlement health and safety. The construction of urban wetland parks in my country has a certain gap with that of other countries in terms of theoretical research, management and operation, and construction experience. However, as a unique ecological system, wetlands are experiencing unprecedented destruction as a result of the current social economy’s rapid development and the blind and disorderly expansion of human activities, and their area is shrinking or even disappearing. The current BIM policy has progressed from an initial application promotion and guidance stage to a comprehensive promotion and multipolicy integration development stage. BIM will be further integrated with related policies in the future, such as prefabricated buildings and the internet, as well as integrated management of service construction projects. Scientific decision-making, as well as improvements in quality and efficiency, will all contribute to the construction industry’s healthy development.
Assessing the Lifetime Performance Index with Digital Inferences of Power Hazard Function Distribution Using Progressive Type-II Censoring Scheme
Authors: EL-Sagheer Rashad M. , Jawa Taghreed M. , Sayed-Ahmed Neveen
Published: February 2022

This paper deals with estimating the lifetime performance index. The maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian estimators for lifetime performance index

C

L

X

where

L

X

is the lower specification limit are derived based on progressive type-II censored (Prog-Type-II-C) sample from two-parameter power hazard function distribution (PHFD). Knowing the lower specification limit, the MLE of

C

L

X

is applied to construct a new hypothesis testing procedure. Bayesian estimator of

C

L

X

is also utilized to develop a credible interval. Also, the relationship between the

C

L

X

and the conforming rate of products is investigated. Moreover, the Bayesian test to evaluate the lifetime performance of units is proposed. A simulation study and illustrative example based on a real dataset are discussed to evaluate the performance of the two tests.
Free-Hand versus Surgical Guide Implant Placement
Authors: Afshari Aysooda , Shahmohammadi Rojin , Mosaddad Seyed Ali , Pesteei Ozra , Hajmohammadi Emran , Rahbar Mahdi , Alam Mostafa , Abbasi Kamyar
Published: February 2022

One of the most key areas of dentistry is dental implant surgery. The use of digital equipment and software in dentistry has developed considerably in recent years compared to other fields of medicine. Since examining the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, along with case studies, can help physicians make informed decisions, this review study aims to raise the awareness of dentists to make easier decisions about using guided or free-hand surgery. When planning for a dental implant, one of the most challenging questions that doctors face is which method to use (guided surgery or free-hand). Choosing the right method, such as other clinical considerations, will depend on the individual circumstances of each patient and the preference of the treating physician. Free-hand surgery is a cost-effective method in which the flap is reflected, and, according to the doctor's diagnostic information, an implant is placed, which in many cases is a useful method. Guided surgery has the highest level of accuracy and control, in which osteotomy is designed and printed through a digital surgery guide, and depending on the complexity of the case and the patient's anatomy, it has a higher level of value than free surgery. The surgical guide helps the surgeon make the implant surgery more accurate, safer, simpler, at a lower cost, and in less time. In fact, there are patterns that convey information about the position of the tooth to the dentist before the implant is placed.
Incorporating Machine Learning into Vibration Detection for Wind Turbines
Authors: Vives J.
Published: February 2022

With machine learning techniques, wind turbine components can be detected and diagnosed in advance, so degeneration can be prevented. Automatic and autonomous learning is used to predict, detect, and diagnose electrical and mechanical failures in wind turbines. Based on the implementation of machine learning algorithms adapted to the different components and faults of wind turbines, this study evaluates different methodologies for monitoring, supervision, and fault diagnosis.
Serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid Testing in Optic Neuropathy Patients with Malignant Tumors
Authors: Sun Chuan-bin , Liu Geng-hao , Xiao Qing , Zhao Yi-nv , Ren Qian
Published: February 2022

Purpose. To evaluate the value of serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing in optic neuropathy (ON) patients with malignant tumors. Methods. Fourteen patients clinically diagnosed as ON with malignant tumors but without intracranial or orbital mass in MRI were included in this study. Detailed medical records including medical history, complete ophthalmic examination, colour fundus photography, visual field test, orbital MRI examination, serum and CSF testing data were collected and analyzed. The diagnosis of paraneoplastic optic neuropathy (PON) based on the 2004 recommended criteria of the paraneoplastic syndrome- Euronetwork consortium for paraneoplastic neurological disorders, and current adaption for neuropathies. All patients underwent serum tests for pathogens and autoantibodies including antinuclear antibodies, anticardiolipin antibodies, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, AQP4-Ab and MOG-Ab, as well as CSF tests for malignant cells under microscope. Serum paraneoplastic antibodies were detected in PON patients. Monkey cerebellar tissue-based assay was used to detect unknown serum anti-neuron antibodies in PON patients with negative paraneoplastic antibody testing results. Results. Fourteen ON patients were classified as four groups based on their clinical and MRI characteristics, as well as serum and CSF testing results: [1] definite PON, 6 cases (11 eyes); [2] possible PON, 3 case (5 eyes); [3] meningeal carcinomatosis-associated optic neuropathy (MCON), 4 cases (6 eyes); [4] infiltrative optic neuropathy (ION), 2 cases (2 eyes). Malignant cells were found under microscope in CSF samples from MCON and ION patients, contrast to no malignant cells in CSF samples from PON cases. All 14 ON patients with malignant tumors showed negative results in serum tests for pathogens and autoantibodies. Serum paraneoplastic antibodies were tested in PON patients, anti- CV2, anti-Yo, and anti- amphiphysin were detected positive in 2, 1, and 1 case, respectively, in definite PON group, whereas no serum paraneoplastic antibody detected in possible PON group. Two unknown serum antineuronal antibodies (an anti- Purkinje cell antibody and an anti-granular cell antibody) were detected using monkey cerebellar tissue-based assay in 2 of 5 PON patients with negative paraneoplastic antibody test results. Conclusions. Serum and CSF tests are of great importance in differentiating different subtypes of ON with malignant tumors. Current diagnosis of PON still depends on combination of clinical and MRI manifestations, as well as serum and CSF tests. Tissue-based assay may help to detect new biomarkers for ON etiology and diagnosis.