bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of adaptive humidity control system based on ultrasonic humidification in room temperature
Authors: Deng Jun , Chang Limin , Cui Gang , Wang Ping , Lu Yongji
Published: July 2021

Humidity is an important parameter of ambient air. Humid air has a great influence on discharge and fuel combustion. In order to simulate a real humid environment for studying the effect of humidity on different experment, based on ultrasonic humidification mechanism, an adaptive humidity control system is designed. The system can produce uniform wet air without liquid water. By self-adaptive control, humidity can reach the required value and keep stable. The response time and humidity accuracy is investigated. The results show that the system can provide uniform gaseous humid air. Its response time can be up to 2s. Control accuracy is up to ±2%RH. These works are significant and can be widely used for combustion and discharge.
Research on temperature field model of hot air reflow soldering process
Authors: Pang Zhanming , Zheng Yi , Shen Hongqiao , Ji Chengyang , Pan Kailin , Gong Yubing
Published: July 2021

In this paper, two typical temperature models on the hot air reflow soldering process are studied. The critical difference between the two model is the approach used to compute the convective heat trans coefficient during the soldering process. In the model 1, the Martin formula and k-epsilon (2eqn) equation is applied to obtain the average convective heat transfer coefficient. And in model 2, the liquid and solid coupling CFD model is built to compute the convective heat transfer coefficient inherently. The comparing between the simulation and the test is conducted and shows that the simulation result of model 2 are closer to the real value. The comparing between these two models shows that the gas temperature, the gas velocity and the convective heat transfer coefficient around the PCBA is quite different. It is indicated that the average convective heat transfer coefficient calculated by Martin formula was larger. The CFD model is prefer for simulating the temperature distribution of the PCBA during the air reflow soldering when higher result precision is needed.
Research on agricultural machinery operation path optimization based on traveling salesman problem (TSP)
Authors: Liao Huichuan
Published: July 2021

Based on the characteristics and properties of TSP, a new heuristic algorithm is designed. Firstly, the nodes on the graph are divided into regions, and then the minimum spanning tree is found in the region. Then, the nodes larger than 2 are broken and reconnected into trees with 2 degrees except the start and end points. Finally, the start and end points of adjacent regions are connected to get the solution of the problem. Two examples show that this heuristic algorithm can effectively avoid the round trip of several points between different regions. The algorithm is applied to the optimization of agricultural machinery operation path, which provides a reference for the daily operation of agricultural machinery households.
Development of underwater vehicle’s application in offshore oil and study on the key problems of anti-disturbance control
Authors: Geng Wenbao , Lv Xinze , Wang Lin , Wang Kejia , Xiao Xinjie
Published: July 2021

Underwater Vehicles are promising in offshore oil and gas development, but there are some problems. The beginning of the essay introduces the concept and classification of underwater vehicles. Then the application of underwater vehicle in offshore oil and gas is recommended. This paper briefly introduces the development status of underwater vehicle and the disadvantages of its application in offshore oil and gas engineering. The underwater vehicle needs to carry out fine detection and operation in oil and gas operation. In view of this requirement, the advantages and feasibility of anti-disturbance control in realizing high-precision control of underwater vehicle are analyzed in detail from the angle of motion control.
Research on health management technology of ship cabin equipment
Authors: Zhuo Jie , Wu Maopu , Sun Qingxin
Published: July 2021

The research and development of health management technology of ship cabin equipment is backward, which can’t meet the development needs of intelligent ship. In view of the current large number of ship cabin equipment and low operation and maintenance level, the study of cabin equipment system and reliability analysis are carried out with the cabin equipment as the research object, and the data of the cabin equipment are modeled by data collected and processed. The health management system of cabin equipment is developed to realize the functions of health management, such as equipment fault diagnosis and predictive maintenance, to improve the automation and intelligence level of equipment operation and maintenance.
Short review of concepts and practices in green airports in China
Authors: Sun Liang , Pan Hu , Hu Xinqiang
Published: July 2021

Becoming a green airport is an inevitable trend of future airport construction. In recent years much effort has been put towards developing green airports in China. This paper reviewed the evolution of the concepts of green airports, analyzed the domestic green airport projects according to the publicity material, to provide some useful suggestions for the future development of green airports in China.
Influence of upgrading natural gas quality standard on purification plant
Authors: Yang Chaoyue , Zhu Wenzhao , Li Linfeng , Li Jinjin , Wang Xianglin
Published: July 2021

GB17820-2018 has been formally implemented, which puts forward higher requirements for the quality index of natural gas entering the long-distance pipeline network. It is required that the H2S in the first type of natural gas should be less than 6mg/m3 and the total sulfur should be less than 20mg/m3. Because of the high content of organic sulfur in feed gas, MDEA desulfurization can not meet the standard requirements in some purification plants. At present, sulfolamine solvent desulfurization, COS hydrolysis process and molecular sieve desulfurization process are often used to remove organic sulfur. The purification plant can meet the requirements of GB 17820-2018 through solvent upgrading and new process technology. However, each of the three technologies has its own advantages and disadvantages, which should be reasonably selected according to the feed gas situation of the purification plant.
Reform and exploration of the single chip experiment practice teaching
Authors: Fan Lili
Published: July 2021

“The principle and application of single chip” is a very important professional course in electronic engineering, computer and control program. This paper which aimed at system bias problem in the experiment teaching course proposed the reform of the teaching mode from four aspects: experimental teaching system, teaching content, teaching method and evaluation. The students’ practical ability is effectively enhanced by combining the theory and practice and the hardware and software during the teaching process. After 5 years of teaching practice, students get a number of awards, and achieved satisfactory teaching results.
Discussion on online classroom teaching mode under the concept of active learning
Authors: Li Linbo , Wang Yanli , Wu Bing
Published: July 2021

The rise and development of the new engineering poses challenges to the traditional teaching mode, and the online class under epidemics conditions also faces the transformation demand of the traditional teaching mode. In the face of difficulties met with the traditional teaching model and online classes, this paper takes the online classroom teaching of the curriculum of “traffic management and control” as an example, introduces into the class the concept of active learning in the teaching model design, and makes the bold innovation practice on the traditional teaching mode from the online teaching contents, teaching methods and evaluation.
The influence of 3D printing on the education of primary and secondary school students
Authors: Chen Jimin , Cheng Lying
Published: July 2021

As a product of high and new technology, 3D printing is applied to the education industry, and its impact on the education of primary and secondary school students is also of great significance. In creation, students can improve their practical ability and comprehensive quality. Observing objects before modelling helps to improve their observation and concentration. In the use of software modelling, we can give full play to their imagination to build models, improve their creativity and spatial imagination, stimulate students’ enthusiasm for learning, and cultivate the habit of autonomous learning. After the completion of modelling printing, students can reflect on the problems found in time and improve them to improve their ability to think hard and solve problems. At the same time, both the modelling process and the analysis and thinking are inseparable from the mutual help of teachers and students, which also promotes the interactive learning and enhances the collective sense of honour. In the process of communication, which can promote students’ communication and learning, so that teachers and students can make progress together.
Application of Fuzzy-Taguchi theory in the optimization of teaching method and process design
Authors: Hsueh Boren , Lin Wenchieh , Huang Chouchun , Wu Bowen
Published: July 2021

Based on the design of the case reference teaching method, this study designs the teaching materials case through the design concept, class summary, evaluation, and teaching analysis. Innovative teaching method and course design optimization combined analysis mode with Fuzzy-Taguchi theory. The first use of the fuzzy theory system is combined with Taguchi L9 (orthogonal-table) to obtain high-precision experimental results with the smallest number of experimental designs, thereby developing the best design combination. The first paragraph describes the research motivation and instructional design concepts. The second paragraph analyzes various forms of teaching methods and their characteristics through a literature review. Third paragraph using Fuzzy-Taguchi theory to research and develop the teaching method and the analysis mode of the optimal combination of course design. Fourth paragraph summarizes the teaching practice results, including the research, practice, analysis, innovation and contribution of the promotion and reproduction of the teaching design.
Mixed teaching of design patterns based on MOOC
Authors: Chen Wenping , Meng Fanqing , Jiang Zhenfeng
Published: July 2021

In order to improve teaching effect of the “Java Design Patterns” course, the teaching process uses cases as the main line through the pattern concept, pattern structure diagram, pattern realization, application scenarios and the advantages and disadvantages of the pattern. This teaching method combines the orientation of application-oriented undergraduate, the characteristics of students’ knowledge structure and course’s abstract nature. In addition, this method combines traditional classrooms and MOOC platforms, and has achieved good results in actual teaching.
The exploration of PBL mixed teaching mode in secondary vocational classes
Authors: Li Guoqin , Zhang Wen , Lou Sai
Published: July 2021

The The large area coverage of network and the upgradation of intelligent software promote the further reform of network teaching. With the discussion of hot topics of Online teaching and Network teaching, teachers are also experiencing how to adopt appropriate teaching methods to solve the teaching problem of “being apart from each other” between teachers and students. The rise of platform technology and technical resources also promote the innovation of teaching. This paper will research on the mixed teaching mode based on PBL learning method, using platform tools to explore the practical significance of this teaching mode in secondary vocational classes, it provides a kind of thinking framework for teachers’ reference.
Logics execution in a multi-layers memristor array
Authors: Ma Desheng , Hu Yihong , Xu Nuo , Huang Chenglong , Yang Binbin , Qiu Shan , Chen Yabo , Zeng Junwei , Fang Liang
Published: July 2021

Memristor stateful logic based on a two-dimensional (2D) memristor crossbar array (MCBA) has been proved to be an effective approach to break the von Neumann bottleneck. But the three-dimensional (3D) array which has an inherent high storage density is less investigated in logic computation field. In this work, we implemented the whole linearly separable binary Boolean logic functions completely by using the stateful logic circuits configured in a multi-layer memristor crossbar array. This circuit primitive can execute multi-gates parallelly inside layer or the interlayer of 3D MCBA. This work provided a significant reference for the achievement of real processing in memory (PiM) in a high-density array.
Research on case virtual simulation teaching system for automobile engine based on Web 3D
Authors: Jin Shuyang , Xu Min , Chen Zhuoheng , Huang Tianle , Tan Lei , Wang Wenju
Published: July 2021

At present, the traditional teaching methods rely on paper teaching and specific physical equipment, which is a lack of immersion. Moreover, it is experimentally costly and the teaching effect is not good. Therefore, this paper proposes a Web 3D virtual simulation teaching system for automobile engine based on case teaching method. The system mainly includes three modules: account management, 3D virtual simulation teaching based on typical cases and document reading. Unity3D software and database technology are used to build a realistic virtual experiment scene, so that students can simulate interactive experiments online and master learning skills to achieve teaching objectives. The experimental results show that the 3D virtual simulation teaching system proposed in this paper can realize online simulation of specific interactive experiments of disassembly and assembly for automobile engine. In addition, students can learn independently, so as to achieve the purpose of immersive learning, improve teaching efficiency and reduce costs. Most importantly, it can avoid teachers and students from being hurt in the actual experiment and provide a new way for teaching.
Electromagnetic modeling of 35kV distribution transformer lightning overvoltage and its prevention method
Authors: Liu Zhenguo , Zhao Puzhi , Yang Zhushi , Wang Jie , Zhou Qipei , Cheng Tingli , Chen Zhiwei , Zhang Yingying
Published: July 2021

Distribution transformers are important power conversion equipment, whose safe and reliable operations affect the power supply quality of the distribution network. In order to analyze the lightning strike fault of distribution transformers, some more reasonable protection measures of transformers could be put forward. In this paper, a 35kV distribution transformer under the lightning strike is taken as the research object. Firstly, the lightning overvoltage model of the distribution transformer was established with the method of the double exponential model. Secondly, through the simulation of the distribution transformer, it was found that the electromagnetic transient distribution change dramatically, which will quickly cause the winding current flickering and form the winding overvoltage. Finally, through the voltage distribution law and the magnetic flux distortion of the transformer, it can be seen that the lightning overvoltage has a serious effect on the electromagnetic parameters of the transformer. The protection scheme is briefly analyzed, which has a guiding significance for the lightning protection design of distribution transformers.
Different proof methods of Dalton’s partial volume law equivalent to Dalton’s partial pressure law
Authors: Zhu Ping , Lu Yufa
Published: July 2021

As we all know, Dalton’s law of the partial pressure is equivalent to Dalton’s law of the partial volume. On the other hand, through experiments, it can be proved that Dalton’s law of the partial volume is correct, and Dalton’s law of the partial pressure can be derived from Dalton’s law of the partial volume, implying that both laws are equivalent to each other. Combined with the teaching of middle school physics and university basic physics, with different ideas and methods, this paper presents a variety of proof methods of Dalton’s law of the partial volume to be equivalent to Dalton’s law of the partial pressure. Different proof methods can improve the understanding and application of Dalton’s law of the partial pressure and law of the partial volume. It is proved that the relevant content of Dalton’s ideal gas partial pressure law is further supplemented and perfected, which plays a role throwing some light on this field.
Effects of confining layer and ablating layer on laser-induced shock wave characteristics during laser shock processing by PVDF gauge
Authors: Nie X F , Tang Y Y , Li Y , Yan L , Wu H N
Published: July 2021

The PVDF sensor is used to obtain the time variation curves of the shock wave pressure in the four states of the laser shock peening with or without confining layer and with or without ablating layer, the effects of confining layer and ablating layer on shock wave characteristics are analyzed. The results show that the confining layer limits the plasma expansion area, and the inverse bremsstrahlung absorption effect is enhanced, so that the peak pressure and pulse width of the shock wave are increased to 10 times and 2 times that under the condition of the without confining layer; The ablating layer significantly increases the peak pressure of the shock wave by improving the laser energy coupling efficiency. However, the influence of the ablating layer on the peak pressure tends to saturate with the increase of power density, the difference of the peak pressure is only 8.5% when the laser power density is 4.53GW/cm2. In addition, the ablating layer complicates the shock wave propagation process, and the shock wave curve presents a multi-peak structure.
Universe hypothesis of the quantum eleven-dimensional space-time
Authors: Tian X L , Li X H , Sun H
Published: July 2021

In order to enhance the understanding of dark matter, dark energy and the 11-dimensional space-time in M theory, this paper proposes a new 11-dimensional space-time universe hypothesis based on the balance of Yin and Yang and the axiom of universal conservation. This new hypothesis of the universe holds that Yang quantum, Yin quantum and etheric are the three basic elements that constitute the universe. There is gravity between the Yang quanta, while repulsion force exists between the Yin quanta. Matter is made of a high density of the Yang quantum, with gravitational interactions, while the Yin matter evenly distribute in the universe in a quantum form, as a result of the repulsion force. The repulsion force of Yin matter and the gravitation of matter determine the motion state of the universe. The Yin quantum and Yang quantum meet in the ether and form a high energy state of mutual pregnancy and integration, which has huge energy and forms the dark energy in the universe. Matter, Yin matter and etheric each have three-dimensional space coordinates, matter and Yin matter share a one-dimensional time coordinate, and etheric has an independent one-dimensional time coordinate, which constitutes the 11-dimensional space-time of the universe. This universe hypothesis provides a new way to understand the universe and study the phenomena of matter, dark matter and dark energy.
The H2O2treated agarose compositing with gelatin for skin repair
Authors: Tang Tianyi , Chu Bin , Cao Jialin , Tang Shunqing
Published: July 2021

This paper presented that the H2O2treated agarose (abbr. AG) was composited with gelatin (abbr.Gel) as gel-like polymeric mixture for skin cut repair. The low molecular weight AG was prepared by H2O2treatment for certain intervals. The time of AG gelling might be tested by scattered light turbidimeter and its mechanical properties were evaluated. The degraded AG mixing with Gel was sprayed to cover rabbit lesion site. AG/Gel mixing gel had good biocomptability and could repair rabbit skin wound without liquid exudation and bacterium infection. H&E staining results disclosed that type I collagen and other extracelluar matrix in the repaired site have same with the original skin. The degraded AG mixing with Gel gels have potential as wound dressings.
Entropy-based economic complexity of China trade flows
Authors: Du Wenli , Ren Zhuoming
Published: July 2021

The growing interest in the study of economic complexity has been motivated by the intrinsic features of statistical physics. Entropy is one of essential concepts in statistical physics and a particularly active concept for characterizing the complexity of a system. Motived by this, we propose a new method based on a function of the entropy to quantify economic complexity of China trade flows. We focus on regional economy activities, and collect China trade flows according to the database of national export and import items. Compared with classic economic complexity measurements including diversity and ubiquity, eigenvector-based complexity index, fitness and complexity index, Hirschman-Herfindahl index, the proposed method based on entropy can generate a proper ranking list when we take USA as a benchmark. Furthermore, the comparison of the main economic complexity statics also exposes that several of which performance moderate correlations. The stability of the ranking positions from the static evolution of the economic complexity over 8 years discloses that the index of economic complexity performs extremely sensitive depending on the eigenvector of the product network space. The results reveal that we should pay attention to the relationships between economic complexity methods when analysing the structural characteristics of economic entity activities.
Residential green space structures and mortality in an elderly prospective longitudinal cohort in China
Authors: He Qile , Liu Linxin , Chang Hao-Ting , Wu Chih-Da , Ji John S
Published: July 2021

Greenness is beneficial to health and is associated with lower mortality. Many studies used the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to measure greenness. However, NDVI cannot be used to indicate landscape type. To go beyond NDVI, we aim to study the association between greenness structures and all-cause mortality of older adults using the 2008–2014 waves of Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. We calculated landscape indices to quantify three greenspace structure characteristics: area-edge, shape, and proximity. The health outcome was all-cause mortality. We used the Cox-proportional hazards model, adjusted for the study entrant year, age, sex, activities of daily living (ADL), marital status, geographic region, urban or rural residential location, literacy, annual household income, smoking, alcohol and exercise status, biodiversity, numbers of hosts for zoonosis, contemporaneous NDVI, annual average temperature, and 3 year average PM2.5. Among 12 999 individuals (average age at baseline 87.2 years, 5502 males), we observed 7589 deaths between 2008 and 2014. We did not find a consistent dose-response relationship between greenspace structures and all-cause mortality. However, there were some signals of associations. Compared with individuals living in the lowest quartile of the number of patches, the adjusted-hazard ratio (95% CI) of those in the highest quartile was 0.85 (0.80–0.92). In stratified analyses, the largest patch index and perimeter-area ratio had protective effects on males, individuals aged <90, those free of ADL disability, and with higher income. The protective influence of greenspace structures was not as evident compared to NDVI.
Current trends in the green syntheses of tin oxide nanoparticles and their biomedical applications
Authors: Sagadevan Suresh , Lett J Anita , Fatimah Is , Lokanathan Yogeswaran , Léonard Estelle , Oh Won Chun , Hossain M A Motalib , Johan Mohd Rafie
Published: July 2021

Metal oxide nanoparticles had found a variety of applications in numerous fields of industrial, medical, and environmental technologies, attributable to recent advances nanotechnology field. Tin oxide nanoparticles (SnO2NPs) have gained importance as metal oxide nanoparticles due to their potential in various fields, particularly nanomedicine and other biomedicine fields. Tin oxide nanoparticles can be made using a variety of biological, chemical, and physical methods. Physicochemical methods are costly, emit high levels of toxic chemicals into the atmosphere, and consume a lot of energy. On the other hand, the biological approach is an environmentally safe, cost-effective, dependable, convenient, and easy way to synthesize tin oxide nanoparticles. In this review, the bio-mediated synthesis, as well as various biomedical applications of tin oxide nanoparticles, were discussed.
Quantum logic and entanglement by neutral Rydberg atoms: methods and fidelity
Authors: Shi Xiao-Feng
Published: July 2021

Quantum gates and entanglement based on dipole–dipole interactions of neutral Rydberg atoms are relevant to both fundamental physics and quantum information science. The precision and robustness of the Rydberg-mediated entanglement protocols are the key factors limiting their applicability in experiments and near-future industry. There are various methods for generating entangling gates by exploring the Rydberg interactions of neutral atoms, each equipped with its own strengths and weaknesses. The basics and tricks in these protocols are reviewed, with specific attention paid to the achievable fidelity and the robustness to the technical issues and detrimental innate factors.
Hitchin fibrations, abelian surfaces, and the P=W conjecture
Authors: de Cataldo Mark , Maulik Davesh , Shen Junliang
Published: July 2021

We study the topology of Hitchin fibrations via abelian surfaces. We establish the P=W conjecture for genus

2
2

curves and arbitrary rank. In higher genus and arbitrary rank, we prove that P=W holds for the subalgebra of cohomology generated by even tautological classes. Furthermore, we show that all tautological generators lie in the correct pieces of the perverse filtration as predicted by the P=W conjecture. In combination with recent work of Mellit, this reduces the full conjecture to the multiplicativity of the perverse filtration.

Our main technique is to study the Hitchin fibration as a degeneration of the Hilbert–Chow morphism associated with the moduli space of certain torsion sheaves on an abelian surface, where the symmetries induced by Markman’s monodromy operators play a crucial role.
Performing Calcitonin Immunocytochemistry on an Additional ThinPrep Slide in Fine-Needle Aspiration Diagnosis of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Ahmed Muhammad , Abi-Raad Rita , Fu Liying , Holt Elizabeth H , Adeniran Adebowale J , Cai Guoping
Published: July 2021

Objectives

This study reviewed the institutional experience of performing calcitonin immunostain on an additional ThinPrep slide in fine-needle aspiration (FNA) diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

Methods

Thyroid FNA cases with MTC suspected or included in the differential diagnosis during cytologic evaluation and calcitonin immunostain performed were retrieved and reviewed.

Results

Calcitonin immunostain was performed in 132 cases with 41 positive, 81 negative, and 10 indeterminate results. All calcitonin-positive cases had a cytologic diagnosis of MTC while all calcitonin-negative cases were cytologically classified as non-MTCs except for two cases suspicious for MTC. In 10 cases with an indeterminate calcitonin result, diagnoses of non-MTC and suspicious for MTC were rendered in 6 and 4 cases, respectively. Histopathologic follow-up was available in 85 (64%) cases. All cytologically diagnosed MTC cases were confirmed on histopathology. In 3 MTC cases with an indeterminate calcitonin result, 1 case was misclassified cytologically as follicular neoplasm. The calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of calcitonin immunostain were all 100% for diagnosing MTC.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the feasibility of performing calcitonin immunostain on an additional ThinPrep slide. Calcitonin immunocytochemistry is a valuable adjunct test for FNA diagnosis and differential diagnosis of MTC.
Nonhormone-Related Histologic Findings in Postsurgical Pathology Specimens From Transgender Persons
Authors: Kakadekar Archan , Greene Dina N , Schmidt Robert L , Khalifa Mahmoud A , Andrews Alicia R
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The objective of this review is to characterize the literature addressing postprocedural complications in persons undergoing gender-affirming surgeries.

Methods

A literature search using the OVID MEDLINE and PubMed databases was performed to identify all studies describing histologic findings in surgical pathology specimens from transgender persons from 1946 to April 2021. The studies describing postsurgical complications were categorized based on anatomic site, type of complication, study design, publication region, and date.

Results

Thirty-nine studies describing postsurgical complications in transgender women were identified. The most common sites of postprocedural pathology included the breasts and neovagina, with additional studies including buttocks and thighs, cutaneous sites, and the pulmonary system. Most of the literature comprised case reports, followed by case series and comparative studies. The search did not identify any studies of complications secondary to masculinizing surgeries.

Conclusions

This body of literature is small but growing. Most studies are case reports. There are significant gaps in the literature. The literature in this area is not yet mature enough to support a meta-analysis.
De novo generation of dual-target ligands using adversarial training and reinforcement learning
Authors: Lu Fengqing , Li Mufei , Min Xiaoping , Li Chunyan , Zeng Xiangxiang
Published: July 2021

Artificial intelligence, such as deep generative methods, represents a promising solution to de novo design of molecules with the desired properties. However, generating new molecules with biological activities toward two specific targets remains an extremely difficult challenge. In this work, we conceive a novel computational framework, herein called dual-target ligand generative network (DLGN), for the de novo generation of bioactive molecules toward two given objectives. Via adversarial training and reinforcement learning, DLGN treats a sequence-based simplified molecular input line entry system (SMILES) generator as a stochastic policy for exploring chemical spaces. Two discriminators are then used to encourage the generation of molecules that belong to the intersection of two bioactive-compound distributions. In a case study, we employ our methods to design a library of dual-target ligands targeting dopamine receptor D2 and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1A as new antipsychotics. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model can generate novel compounds with high similarity to both bioactive datasets in several structure-based metrics. Our model exhibits a performance comparable to that of various state-of-the-art multi-objective molecule generation models. We envision that this framework will become a generally applicable approach for designing dual-target drugs in silico.
Learning embedding features based on multisense-scaled attention architecture to improve the predictive performance of anticancer peptides
Authors: He Wenjia , Wang Yu , Cui Lizhen , Su Ran , Wei Leyi
Published: July 2021

Motivation

Anticancer peptides (ACPs) have recently emerged as effective anticancer drugs in cancer therapy. Machine learning-based predictors have been developed to identify ACPs and achieve satisfactory performance. However, existing methods suffer from experience-based feature engineering, which not only restricts the representation ability of the models to a certain extent but also lacks adaptivity for different data, limiting the further improvement of the predictive performance and impacting the robustness of the predictive models. To alleviate the above problems, we propose a novel deep-learning-based predictor named ACPred-LAF, in which we propose a novel multisense and multiscaled embedding algorithm to automatically learn and extract context sequential characteristics of ACPs.

Results

Through the feature comparative analysis, we demonstrate that our learnable and self-adaptive embedding features are better than hand-crafted features in capturing discriminative information, which can effectively benefit the performance improvement for ACP prediction. In addition, benchmarking comparison results demonstrate that our ACPred-LAF outperforms the state-of-the-art methods both on existing benchmark datasets and our newly constructed dataset. Furthermore, we also prove and validate the robustness of the model via the data interference experiment. To avoid potential evaluation bias, here, we construct a new ACP benchmark dataset named ACP-Mixed by integrating existing datasets. We expect our newly constructed dataset to be a golden standard benchmark dataset in this field. To facilitate the use of our model, we develop a web server as the implementation of ACPred-LAF.

Availability and implementation

Our proposed ACPred-LAF, newly constructed benchmark dataset ACP-Mixed are open source collaborative initiatives available in the GitHub repository (https://github.com/TearsWaiting/ACPred-LAF). Besides, a webserver as the implementation of ACPred-LAF that can be accessed via: http://server.malab.cn/ACPred-LAF.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Rewilding the Sea with Domesticated Seagrass
Authors: van Katwijk Marieke M , van Tussenbroek Brigitta I , Hanssen Steef V , Hendriks A Jan , Hanssen Lucien
Published: July 2021

It is well known that seagrass meadows sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide, protect coasts, provide nurseries for global fisheries, and enhance biodiversity. Large-scale restoration of lost seagrass meadows is urgently needed to revive these planetary ecosystem services, but sourcing donor material from natural meadows would further decline them. Therefore, we advocate the domestication and mariculture of seagrasses in order to produce the large quantities of seed needed for successful rewilding of the sea with seagrass meadows. We provide a roadmap for our proposed solution and show that 44% of seagrass species have promising reproductive traits for domestication and rewilding by seeds. The principle of partially domesticating species to enable subsequent large-scale rewilding may form a successful shortcut to restore threatened keystone species and their vital ecosystem services.
Females prefer males producing a high-rate song with shorter timbal–stridulatory sound intervals in a cicada species
Authors: Hou Zehai , Liu Yunxiang , Wei Songshan , Wei Cong
Published: July 2021

Uncovering mate choice and factors that lead to the choice are very important to understanding sexual selection in evolutionary change. Cicadas are known for their loud sounds produced by males using the timbals. However, males in certain cicada species emit 2 kinds of sounds using respectively timbals and stridulatory organs, and females may produce their own sounds to respond to males. What has never been considered is the mate choice in such cicada species. Here, we investigate the sexual selection and potential impact of predation pressure on mate choice in the cicada Subpsaltria yangi Chen. It possesses stridulatory sound-producing organs in both sexes in addition to the timbals in males. Results show that males producing calling songs with shorter timbal–stridulatory sound intervals and a higher call rate achieved greater mating success. No morphological traits were found to be correlated with mating success in both sexes, suggesting neither males nor females display mate preference for the opposite sex based on morphological traits. Males do not discriminate among responding females during mate searching, which may be due to the high energy costs associated with their unusual mate-seeking activity and the male-biased predation pressure. Females generally mate once but a minority of them re-mated after oviposition which, combined with the desirable acoustic traits of males, suggest females may maximize their reproductive success by choosing a high-quality male in the first place. This study contributes to our understanding mechanisms of sexual selection in cicadas and other insects suffering selective pressure from predators.
Case report: Dobutamine stress intracoronary physiology and imaging to examine the functional and dynamic properties of an apparent malignant intra-arterial right coronary artery
Authors: vanGorsel B , Voskuil M , Ijsselmuiden A J J , Meuwissen M
Published: July 2021

Background

We present a case concerning a 64-year-old female with complaints of palpitations, chest pain, and an anomalous right coronary artery (RCA) from the opposite sinus (R-ACAOS) with a suspected malignant trajectory on computed tomography. She was referred to our clinic for a second opinion to re-assess the suggested treatment of coronary surgery.

Case summary

A coronary angiogram was performed demonstrating a RCA with a tapered ostium typical for an inter-arterial course. Dobutamine and adenosine stress test during simultaneous intracoronary flow, pressure, and ultrasound assessment, was performed to determine the functional significance. After 120 mcg adenosine, intracoronary baseline flow velocity increased from 14 cm/s to a peak flow velocity of 37 cm/s, demonstrating a sufficient coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) of 2.6. No intracoronary pressure drop during maximal hyperaemia was found. After maximum dobutamine stress, CFVR was measured 2.5. Fractional flow reserve measured 0.99. Cross-sectional area measurement through intravascular ultrasound demonstrated a diameter reduction from 14.6 mm2 to 8.5 mm2. Therefore, we concluded this aberrant trajectory was not of any functional relevance and should be considered non-malignant.

Discussion

There are several anatomic coronary anomalies which may contribute to coronary compression during exercise and are therefore correlated with sudden cardiac death. Right coronary artery from the opposite sinus is correlated with a low mortality rate of 0.2% in comparison to left-ACAOS at 6.3% over 20 years in participants of competitive sport. Therefore, strong evidence of ischaemia must be present before opting for surgery. Our pragmatic approach provided in our opinion enough evidence for a conservative treatment strategy.
Variation in incidence, prevention and treatment of persistent air leak after lung cancer surgery
Authors: Hoeijmakers Fieke , Hartemink Koen J , Verhagen Ad F , Steup Willem H , Marra Elske , Röell W F Boudewijn , Heineman David J , Schreurs Wilhelmina H , Tollenaar Rob A E M , Wouters Michel W J M
Published: July 2021

OBJECTIVES

Persistent air leak (PAL; >5 days after surgery) is the most common complication after pulmonary resection and associated with prolonged hospital stay and increased morbidity. Literature is contradictory about the prevention and treatment of PAL. Variation is therefore hypothesized. The aim of this study is to understand the variation in the incidence, preventive management and treatment of PAL.

METHODS

Data from the Dutch Lung Cancer Audit for Surgery were combined with results of an online survey among Dutch thoracic surgeons. The national incidence of PAL and case-mix corrected between-hospital variation were calculated in patients who underwent an oncological (bi)lobectomy or segmentectomy between January 2012 and December 2018. By multivariable logistic regression, factors associated with PAL were assessed. A survey was designed to assess variation in (preventive) management and analysed using descriptive statistics. Hospital-level associations between management strategies and PAL were assessed by univariable linear regression.

RESULTS

Of 12 382 included patients, 9.0% had PAL, with a between-hospital range of 2.6–19.3%. Factors associated with PAL were male sex, poor lung function, low body mass index, high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, pulmonary comorbidity, upper lobe resection, (bi)lobectomy (vs segmentectomy), right-sided tumour and robotic-assisted thoracic surgery. Perioperative (preventive) management of PAL differed widely between hospitals. When using water seal compared to suction drainage, the average incidence of PAL decreased 2.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

In the Netherlands, incidence and perioperative (preventive) management of PAL vary widely. Using water seal instead of suction drainage and increasing awareness are potential measures to reduce this variation.
Does Contact with Foreigners Reduce Worries about Immigration? A Longitudinal Analysis in Germany
Authors: Khalil Samir , Naumann Elias
Published: July 2021

This article examines how contact with perceived foreigners affects natives’ attitudes towards immigration. Using six waves of individual level panel data from Germany (2007–2017), we find that natives’ reported mutual visits with foreigners reduce worries about immigration. However, the results do not imply an increase in this effect in the course of repeated contact. Our analyses also consider the possibility that the effect of out-group contact on attitudes is heterogeneous across social groups. Our results show that contact effects are not restricted to younger age groups but also hold for older age groups. Surprisingly, there are stronger reductions in worries among right-leaning compared to left-leaning individuals.
Pharmacotherapy interventions for adolescent co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Scott Kelli , Becker Sara J , Helseth Sarah A , Saldanha Ian J , Balk Ethan M , Adam Gaelen P , Konnyu Kristin J , Steele Dale W
Published: July 2021

Background

Co-occurring mental health and substance use (SU) disorders among adolescents are common, with two-thirds of adolescents who seek SU treatment also requiring support for mental health. Primary care physicians play a key role in the pharmacological treatment of mental health disorders among adolescents, however, little is known about the impact of these treatments on SU outcomes.

Objectives

This systematic review summarizes the evidence regarding commonly used pharmacotherapy interventions for mental health and their impact on adolescent SU.

Methods

Literature searches were conducted across five databases as part of a larger systematic review of adolescent SU interventions. Studies were screened for eligibility by two researchers, and study data were extracted regarding study design, patient and treatment characteristics and results. Risk of bias analyses and qualitative syntheses were completed to evaluate the strength of the evidence and the impact of pharmacotherapy on SU outcomes.

Results

Ten randomized controlled trials exploring seven pharmacotherapies met criteria for inclusion. All studies had low to moderate risk of bias. Four studies evaluated pharmacotherapy for co-occurring depression and SU, three evaluated attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and SU, and three evaluated bipolar disorder and SU. Five of the 10 studies also included a behavioural intervention. We found no evidence that pharmacotherapy for co-occurring mental health diagnoses impacted SU.

Conclusion

Family medicine clinicians prescribing pharmacotherapy for mental health should be aware that additional interventions will likely be needed to address co-occurring SU.
The role of MfsR, a TetR-type transcriptional regulator, in adaptive protection of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia against benzalkonium chloride via the regulation of mfsQ
Authors: Chittrakanwong Jurairat , Charoenlap Nisanart , Vanitshavit Veerakit , Sowatad Apinya , Mongkolsuk Skorn , Vattanaviboon Paiboon
Published: July 2021

A gene encoding the TetR-type transcriptional regulator mfsR is located immediately downstream of mfsQ and is transcribed in the same transcriptional unit. mfsQ encodes a major facilitator superfamily (MFS) efflux transporter contributing to the resistance of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia towards disinfectants belonging to quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), which include benzalkonium chloride (BAC). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that MfsR is closely related to CgmR, a QAC-responsive transcriptional regulator belonging to the TetR family. MfsR regulated the expression of the mfsQR operon in a QAC-inducible manner. The constitutively high transcript level of mfsQ in an mfsR mutant indicated that MfsR functions as a transcriptional repressor of the mfsQR operon. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that purified MfsR specifically bound to the putative promoter region of mfsQR, and in vitro treatments with QACs led to the release of MfsR from binding complexes. DNase I protection assays revealed that the MfsR binding box comprises inverted palindromic sequences located between motifs −35 and −10 of the putative mfsQR promoter. BAC-induced adaptive protection was abolished in the mfsR mutant and was restored in the complemented mutant. Overall, MfsR is a QACs-sensing regulator that controls the expression of mfsQ. In the absence of QACs, MfsR binds to the box located in the mfsQR promoter and represses its transcription. The presence of QACs derepresses MfsR activity, allowing RNA polymerase binding and transcription of mfsQR. This MfsR-MsfQ system enables S. maltophilia to withstand high levels of QACs.
Cognitive Dispersion Predicts Grip Strength Trajectories in Men but not Women in a Sample of the Oldest Old Without Dementia
Authors: Watermeyer Tamlyn , Massa Fernando , Goerdten Jantje , Stirland Lucy , Johansson Boo , Muniz-Terrera Graciela
Published: July 2021

Background and Objectives

Grip strength is a reliable marker of biological vitality and it typically demonstrates an expected decline in older adults. According to the common-cause hypothesis, there is also a significant association between cognitive and physical function in older adults. Some specific cognitive functions have been shown to be associated with grip strength trajectories with most research solely focused on cutoff points or mean cognitive performance. In the present study, we examine whether a measure of cognitive dispersion might be more informative. We therefore used an index that quantifies dispersion in cognitive scores across multiple cognitive tests, shown to be associated with detrimental outcomes in older adults.

Research Design and Methods

Using repeated grip strength measures from men and women aged 80 and older, free of dementia in the OCTO-Twin study, we estimated aging-related grip strength trajectories. We examined the association of cognitive dispersion and mean cognitive function with grip strength level and aging-related rate of change, accounting for known risk factors.

Results

Cognitive dispersion was associated with grip strength trajectories in men and the association varied by mean cognitive performance, whereas we found no association in women.

Discussion and Implications

Our results provide evidence of a sex-specific vitality association between cognitive dispersion and aging-related trajectories of grip strength. Our results support the call for integration of sex and gender in health promotion and intervention research.