bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unrivaled quantum vacuum in the primordial universe
Authors: Momeni Davood
Published: January 2021

In a primordial universe pre- (post-)inflationary era, there could be phases of early universe made of cold gas baryons, radiation and early post-inflationary cosmological constant. I showed that in the baryonic epoch, the quantum vacuum is unique. By using the standard quantization scheme for a massive minimally coupled scalar field with maximal conformal symmetry in the classical space–time, I demonstrated that the scalar modes had an effective mass [Formula: see text] (or [Formula: see text]). This argument was validated when the conformal time [Formula: see text] kept so close to the inflation ending time [Formula: see text]. The energy density of the baryonic matter diverged at the inflation border and vanishes at the late time future. Furthermore, I argued that at very early accelerating epoch when the radiation was the dominant part in the close competition with the early time cosmological constant, fine-tuned mass of the scalar field [Formula: see text] also provided a unique quantum vacuum. The reason is that the effective mass eventually is vanished. A remarkable observation was that all the other possible vacuum states “squeezed” eternally.
Contributions of the Cartan generators in potentials between static sources
Authors: Hosseini Nejad Seyed Mohsen
Published: January 2021

We investigate the contributions of the Cartan generators in the static potentials for various representations in the framework of the domain model of center vortices for SU(3) gauge theory. Using the center domains with the cores corresponding to only one Cartan generator [Formula: see text], already given as a particular proposal, leads to some concavities in the potentials for higher representations. Furthermore, the string tension of the fundamental representation is the same at Casimir scaling and [Formula: see text]-ality regimes. We add the contribution of the other Cartan generator [Formula: see text] to the potentials and therefore these shortcomings can be eliminated. However, we discuss that at intermediate range of distances the potentials induced by only [Formula: see text] agree with the Casimir scaling better than those corresponding to both Cartan generators.
The utility of upper limb loading device in determining optimal walking ability in ambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury
Authors: Kumprou Makamas , Amatachaya Pipatana , Sooknuan Thanat , Arayawichanon Preeda , Thaweewannakij Thiwabhorn , Amatachaya Sugalya
Published: January 2021

Background: Walking devices are frequently prescribed for many individuals, including those with spinal cord injury (SCI), to promote their independence. However, without proper screening and follow-up care, the individuals may continue using the same device when their conditions have progressed, that may possibly worsen their walking ability.

Objective: This study developed an upper limb loading device (ULLD), and assessed the possibility of using the tool to determine the optimal walking ability of ambulatory participants with SCI who used a walking device daily ([Formula: see text]).

Methods: All participants were assessed for their optimal walking ability, i.e., the ability of walking with the least support device or no device as they could do safely and confidently. The participants were also assessed for their amount of weight-bearing on the upper limbs or upper limb loading while walking, amount of weight-bearing on the lower limbs or lower limb loading while stepping of the other leg, and walking performance.

Results: The findings indicated that approximately one third of the participants (31%) could progress their walking ability from their current ability, whereby four participants could even walk without a walking device. The amount of upper limb loading while walking, lower limb loading ability, and walking performance were significantly different among the groups of optimal walking ability ([Formula: see text]). Furthermore, the amount of upper limb loading showed negative correlation to the amount of lower limb loading and walking performance ([Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]0.493, [Formula: see text]).

Conclusion: The findings suggest the potential benefit of using the upper limb loading device and the amount of upper limb loading for walking device prescription, and monitoring the change of walking ability among ambulatory individuals with SCI.
Assessment of Above- and Below-Ground Carbon Pools in a Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest Ecosystem of Bhopal, India
Authors: KARMAKAR Subhajit , PRADHAN Bhabani Sankar , BHARDWAJ Ankit , PAVAN B. K. , CHATURVEDI Rishabh , CHAUDHRY Pradeep
Published: January 2021

This study estimated 18.35 Mg C/ha in standing biomass of natural forest and 15 Mg C/ha in Hardwickia binata Roxb. plantation in a tropical dry deciduous forest located in the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. The study area of Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, resembled a degraded dry scrubland in 1988 and for over about three decades, the degraded forest recovered remarkably, and ecological processes evolved favorably with canopy cover reaching over 60% in some patches and about 50% in general at most part of the campus. The study was conducted in 18 randomly laid plots in natural forest and over one-acre (0.405-ha) plantation area of Hardwickia binata for assessing the above-ground biomass, below-ground biomass and subsequent carbon content. The lower-diameter classes accounted for the maximum above-ground biomass, basal area and tree density. The forest is predominantly occupied by Leucaena leucocephala, an exotic tree species which showed higher standing biomass carbon storage of 3.79 Mg C/ha followed by Holoptelea integrifolia (2.11 Mg C/ha), Azadirachta indica (1.29 Mg C/ha), Gardenia latifolia (1.26 Mg C/ha) and Lannea coromandelica (1.24 Mg C/ha) besides Hardwickia binata plantation (15 Mg C/ha). It is recommended to plant and promote local native tree species in the urban forests of tropical dry deciduous nature as a means to mitigate climate change effects.
Stochastically Modeled Gas Diffusion Layers: Effects of Binder and Polytetrafluoroethylene on Effective Gas Diffusivity
Authors: Zhu Lijun , Yang Wangfan , Xiao Liusheng , Zhang Heng , Gao Xin , Sui Pang-Chieh
Published: January 2021

An improved stochastic reconstruction method for a gas diffusion layer (GDL) of proton exchange membrane fuel cell is developed to promote the accuracy in evaluating effective gas diffusivity. Carbon fibers are generated using stochastic algorithm within a representative element volume. Structural characteristics, porosity distribution and fiber orientation distribution are set as constraints in reconstructing the microstructure. Morphological opening of image processing with structuring element is employed to add binder and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), with disk and sphere binder configurations. Pore-scale simulations are subsequently carried out to compute the anisotropic, effective gas diffusivities of these reconstructed GDLs. Simulation results show that the reconstructed GDL with binder and PTFE produces significant decrease of the effective gas diffusivity. The disk-shape binder appears to match the real GDL geometry visually, and the predicted effective gas diffusivity is also in good agreement with the reported experimental data in the literature. This demonstrates the importance of binder and PTFE in GDL reconstruction. Moreover, the correlations of the effective diffusivities in the through-plane and in-plane directions as functions of porosity and volume fraction of binder and PTFE are determined for the reconstructed GDLs.
Inorganic Compounds as Binders for Si-Alloy Anodes
Authors: Wei Congxiao , Obrovac M. N.
Published: January 2021

The inorganic compounds, lithium polysilicate (Li2Si5O11), sodium polyphosphate ((NaPO3)n), and lithium phosphate monobasic (H2LiPO4) were investigated as the sole binders in Si-alloy and graphite electrodes for Li cells. Surprisingly, the coating quality and cycling performance of Si-alloy anodes with these inorganic binders is similar to those electrodes using the state of the art lithium polyacrylate (LiPAA) organic binder. Graphite electrodes with inorganic binders show good cycling despite having poor coating quality. Graphite electrodes with lithium polysilicate binder have three times the binder volume than expected, indicating that this binder has an open framework microstructure.
Binder-Free and Flexible Carbon-Encapsulated Oxygen-Vacancy Cerium Dioxide Electrode for High-Performance Supercapacitor
Authors: Kang Huan , Xu Liming , Cai Yue , He Yao , Xu Jingkun , Zhou Weiqiang
Published: January 2021

Binder-free and flexible oxygen-vacancy CeO2@C core–shell nanocomposites directly anchored on carbon cloth (CC) are prepared via a simple two-step process, in which CeO2 nanoparticles are hydrothermally fabricated and mixed with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) composites, subsequently, as-formed CeO2@PVP composites coated on CC are calcined at 700 °C. The morphologies, structures and electrochemical properties of as-obtained CeO2@C nanocomposites are studied by SEM, HRTEM, XRD, XPS and electrochemical techniques, respectively. The CeO2@C nanocomposites are composed of the CeO2 core with diameter of about 10 nm and the carbon shell with thickness of about 1.5 nm. The electrochemical results reveal that the CeO2@C nanocomposites show a wide electrochemical active window of −1.0 ∼ 0.8 V and a specific capacitance of 141.56 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 in 1.0 M Na2SO4 electrolyte. In addition, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) assembled with CeO2@C and poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT) can work in the wide operational voltage region of 2.0 V and deliver the energy density of 11.12 Wh kg−1 at 2000 W kg−1. The present study indicates that the CeO2@C will have a greater advantage in terms of energy density for CeO2 and its carbon-based composites supercapacitor electrodes.
An Electrochemical Nanosensor Using a Screen-Printed Electrode Modified with 1T-MoS2/Nafion for Determination of Renin Inhibitor Aliskiren
Authors: Er Engin , Erk Nevin
Published: January 2021

An overdose of the antihypertensive agent in the human body causes a high cardiotoxicity, which may lead to the heart failure and stroke. The routine detection of amount of the antihypertensive agents in biological fluids is vital to control the regulation of blood pressure. In this work, a novel and sensitive electrochemical sensor based on nafion (NF) modified molybdenum disulfide in a metallic 1T phase (1T-MoS2) for voltammetric determination of renin-inhibitor Aliskiren (ALN) in human plasma. 1T-MoS2 was effectively synthesized by the exfoliation of bulk MoS2 using NaK alloy. The structure and morphology of 1T-MoS2 was characterized by Raman, XPS and TEM. The electrochemical behavior of ALN was investigated on a screen-printed electrode (SPE) modified with 1T-MoS2/NF nanocomposite by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and adsorptive stripping differential pulse voltammetry (AdsDPV). The proposed electrochemical sensing platform (1T-MoS2/NF/SPE) demonstrated a good electrochemical activity towards the ALN. Under optimized condition, 1T-MoS2/NF/SPE exhibited an outstanding analytical performance for ALN with a wide linear working range of 0.05–7.0 μM and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 8.0 nM. The reliability of the developed sensing platform was successfully tested by analyzing of ALN in human plasma samples with satisfactory recoveries. Therefore, 1T-MoS2/NF/SPE could present as a promising analytical tool for the determination of ALN at trace level in clinical samples.
The Discrepancy in Oxygen Evolution Reaction Catalyst Lifetime Explained: RDE vs MEA - Dynamicity within the Catalyst Layer Matters
Authors: Fathi Tovini Mohammad , Hartig-Weiß Alexandra , Gasteiger Hubert A. , El-Sayed Hany A.
Published: January 2021

This study reveals the source of discrepancy between the lifetime of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts determined by rotating disk electrode (RDE) measurements vs that obtained in a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in an electrolyzer. We show that the accumulation of microscopic oxygen bubbles in the pores of the electro-catalyst layer during the OER takes place in both RDE and MEA measurements. However, this accumulation was found to be much more significant in RDE measurements, where the shielding of almost all of the catalyst active sites by gas bubbles leads to rapid performance deterioration. This decrease in performance, albeit largely reversible, was found to also induce irreversible catalyst degradation, which could be avoided if the accumulation of microscopic bubbles is prevented. This type of artefact results in vastly under-estimated catalyst lifetimes obtained by RDE experiments, resulting in values that are orders of magnitude shorter than those obtained using MEA measurements, and a hypothesis for this discrepancy will be proposed. Therefore, electrochemical cells with liquid electrolytes are not reliable for OER catalyst lifetime determination.

This was paper 236 presented at the Atlanta, Georgia, Meeting of the Society, October 13–17, 2019.
The Association of Mean Plasma Glucose and In hospital Death Proportion: A Retrospective, Cohort Study of 162,169 In-Patient Data
Authors: Chen Peili , Chen Lili , Zhao Xiaolong , Sun Quanya
Published: January 2021

Aims. To investigate the association between mean plasma glucose and inhospital death proportion. Methods. We retrospectively collected 162,169 inpatient data in Huashan Hospital from January 2012 to December 2015. Mean plasma glucose was calculated and considered as the average glycemia control during hospitalization. Patients were stratified into six groups according to mean plasma glucose. Nonlinear regression was performed to determine the associations between mean plasma glucose and inhospital death proportion, medical cost, and length of stay. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to evaluate the relationship of mean plasma glucose and outcomes controlling for confounders including age, gender, and others. Subgroup analyses were performed on basis of whether they were surgical patients, ICU patients, patients with diabetes, or others. Results. Of the 162,169 hospitalized participants, 53.32% were male and 989 died during hospitalization. Nonlinear regression showed there were positive and significant associations between mean plasma glucose and death proportion, medical cost, and length of stay (

P
<
0.001

for all). Multivariate logistic regressions showed that, compared with group B, a statistically significant association between mean plasma glucose and predicted outcome was apparent, with the odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 5.79 (3.51–9.55), 2.85 (2.40–3.38), 6.29 (5.24–7.54), 9.34 (7.51–11.62), and 23.52 (16.64–33.26), for group A, group C, group D, group E, and group F, respectively. There was a U-shaped association between mean plasma glucose and death proportion. Subgroup analyses showed similar associations between mean plasma glucose and death proportion, medical cost, and length of stay as in the whole sample. Conclusions. There was a U-curve association between mean plasma glucose with inhospital death proportion. Mean plasma glucose was associated positively with medical cost and length of stay.
A New Approach to Hyers-Ulam Stability of
r
-Variable Quadratic Functional Equations
Authors: Govindan Vediyappan , Hammachukiattikul Porpattama , Rajchakit Grienggrai , Gunasekaran Nallappan , Vadivel R.
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we investigate the general solution of a new quadratic functional equation of the form

∑

1
≤
i
<
j
<
k
≤
r

ϕ

l

i

+

l

j

+

l

k

=

r
−
2

∑

i
=
1
,
i
≠
j

r

ϕ

l

i

+

l

j

+

−

r

2

+
3
r
−
2

/
2

∑

i
=
1

r

ϕ

l

i

.

We prove that a function admits, in appropriate conditions, a unique quadratic mapping satisfying the corresponding functional equation. Finally, we discuss the Ulam stability of that functional equation by using the directed method and fixed-point method, respectively.
Evaluating the Mechanism by Which the TNO Stereo Test Overestimates Stereo Thresholds
Authors: Zhang Yu , Meng Bingbing , Wu Huang
Published: January 2021

Several studies have revealed that results of the TNO stereo test may overestimate the stereoacuity value (the less the better) compared with other testing measurements. The manner in which vision is divided among two eyes of a person wearing anaglyph glasses may play an important role. This study aimed to examine the effect of anaglyph glasses on stereopsis measurements. A stereopsis measurement system using a phoropter and two Sony smartphones was established. Four types of test patterns, including the original TNO stereo test pictures, isoluminant red-green pictures, grayscale pictures, and black and white dots pictures, were designed. A total of 32 participants were recruited for this study. A significant difference was found among the four groups (Friedman test, chi-square = 50.985,

P
<
0.001

). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to detect differences between the groups. The stereoacuity of the original TNO group was significantly worse than those of the isoluminant, grayscale, and black-white groups. However, no significant difference was found between the isoluminant and grayscale groups. The correlation coefficient between the original TNO and isoluminant groups was 0.952 (Spearman’s rho,

P
<
0.001

; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.901–0.988), while that between the original and grayscale groups was 0.771 (Spearman’s rho,

P
<
0.001

; 95% CI, 0.550–0.916). Anaglyph glasses played an important role in determining the stereoacuity values with the TNO stereo test, and the results were overestimated when compared with that of the other testing methods. The imbalance of chroma and luminance between the two eyes caused by the anaglyph glasses was indicated as one of the reasons for the overestimation of stereo thresholds.
Study on Wellbore Stability and Failure Regions of Shale considering the Anisotropy of Wellbore Seepage
Authors: Zhang Fan , Liu Houbin , Meng Yingfeng , Cui Shuai , Ye Haifeng
Published: January 2021

The hard and brittle shale formation is prone to collapse and instability, and the penetration of drilling fluid along the bedding reduces the mechanical properties of rock near the borehole wall, resulting in serious downhole accidents. Therefore, in this paper, the geomechanical parameters of the reservoir in the Longmaxi formation of Jiaoshiba were determined by field hydraulic fracturing and laboratory experiments. Then, the stress distribution model of borehole wall under the condition of underbalanced seepage flow is established based on the experimental results obtained by mechanical experiments on underground cores. The instability zone of borehole wall under the condition of underbalance is calculated and analyzed. The results show that the two-way horizontal ground stress of the Longmaxi formation is higher than 2.2 MPa/100 m, and the original ground stress is high. Moreover, the mechanical parameters of the stratified shale stratum matrix and weak surface are significantly different. The cohesion (4.7 MPa) and the angle of internal friction (26.9°) of bedding plane are significantly lower than that of the matrix (7.77 MPa) and the angle of internal friction (46.7°). Hard and brittle shale is easy to be destroyed along the stratification. Under the condition of underbalanced seepage, the mechanical properties of borehole shale can be stable. It is found that when the borehole axis is vertically stratified, the collapse pressure is the lowest, while in other drilling directions, the drilling fluid density needs to be increased by 0.5 g/cm3 to maintain the borehole stability. With the increase of the inclination angle of bedding plane, the wall failure area increases. The results of this study can provide guidance and suggestions for drilling in Jiaoshiba block and other permeable hard and brittle shale formations.
A 5-lncRNA Signature Associated with Smoking Predicts the Overall Survival of Patients with Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Sheng Haoyue , Zhang Guiming , Huang Yongqiang , Sun Lijiang , Shi Guohai , Ye Dingwei
Published: January 2021

Increasing evidence demonstrated that noncoding RNA is abnormally expressed in cancer tissues and serves a vital role in tumorigenesis, tumor development, and metastasis. The aim of the present study was to determine an lncRNA signature in order to predict the overall survival (OS) of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). A total of 246 patients with pathologically confirmed MIBC in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset were recruited and included in the present study. We choose patients who have smoked less (including never smoking) or more than 15 years. A total of 44 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified with a fold change larger than 1.5 and a

P

value < 0.05 through the limma package. Subsequently, a comparison between patients with no tobacco smoke exposure for <15 years and patients who had been exposed to tobacco smoke for >15 years was performed by using the matchIt package. Among the 44 differentially expressed lncRNAs, 5 lncRNAs were identified to be significantly associated with OS. Based on the characteristic risk scores of these 5 lncRNAs, patients were divided into low-risk and high-risk groups and exhibited significant differences in OS. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the 5-lncRNA signature was independent of age, tumor-node metastasis (TNM) staging, lymphatic node status, and adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy. In the present study, a novel 5-lncRNA signature was developed and was demonstrated to be useful in predicting the survival of patients with MIBC. If validated, this lncRNA signature may assist in the selection of a high-risk subpopulation that requires more aggressive therapeutic intervention. The risk scores involved in several associated pathways were identified using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). However, the clinical implications and mechanism of these 5 lncRNAs require further investigation.
A New Joint Denoising Algorithm for High‐G Calibration of MEMS Accelerometer Based on VMD‐PE‐Wavelet Threshold
Authors: Cao Huiliang , Zhang Zekai , Zheng Yu , Guo Hao , Zhao Rui , Shi Yunbo , Chou Xiujian
Published: January 2021

Recently, the High‐G MEMS accelerometer (HGMA) has been used in navigation, mechanical property detection, consumer electronics, and other fields widely. As the core component of a measuring system, it is very crucial to enhance the calibration accuracy of the accelerometer. In order to remove the noises in the accelerometer output signals to enhance its calibration accuracy, a combined denoising method which combines variational mode decomposition (VMD) with permutation entropy (PE) and wavelet threshold is given in this article. For the sake of overcoming the defect of signal distortion caused by the traditional denoising methods, this joint denoising method combines the good decomposition characteristics of VMD and the good denoising ability of wavelet threshold and introduces PE as a judgment criterion to achieve a good balance between denoising effect and signal fidelity. The combination of PE and VMD not only avoids the phenomenon of mode aliasing but also improves the ability to identify the noise components, which makes the wavelet threshold denoising more specific. Firstly, some intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) are obtained by using VMD to decompose the complex signal containing noise which is outputted from the accelerometer. Secondly, the IMF components can be divided into noise IMF components, mixed IMF components, and useful IMF components by PE algorithm. Thirdly, the noise IMF components can be discarded directly, and then the mixed IMF components can be denoised by wavelet threshold to obtain the noiseless IMF components; in addition, the useful IMF components need to be retained. Finally, the final denoising signal can be obtained by reconstructing the IMF components which have been denoised by the wavelet threshold and the useful IMF components retained before denoising. The experimental results prove that the combined denoising algorithm combines the merits of VMD, PE, and wavelet threshold, and this new algorithm has a good performance in the calibration denoising of accelerometer. Compared with the serious signal distortion caused by using only EMD or wavelet threshold, this method not only has a good denoising effect (the noises in the static part are eliminated by 99.97% and the SNR of the dynamic part is raised to 18.56) but also can maintain a good signal fidelity (the error of shock peak amplitude is 3.4%, the error of vibration peak amplitude is 0.4%, and the correlation coefficient between the denoising signals and dynamic part is as high as 0.982).
P2X7 Receptor Induces Pyroptotic Inflammation and Cartilage Degradation in Osteoarthritis via NF‐κB/NLRP3 Crosstalk
Authors: Li Zihao , Huang Ziyu , Zhang He , Lu Jinghan , Tian Yicheng , Wei Yingliang , Yang Yue , Bai Lunhao
Published: January 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an urgent public health problem; however, the underlying causal mechanisms remain unclear, especially in terms of inflammatory mediators in cartilage degradation and chondrocyte imbalance. P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is a critical inflammation switch, but few studies have examined its function and mechanisms in OA‐like pyroptotic inflammation of chondrocytes. In this study, Sprague–Dawley rats were injected in the knee with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) to induce OA, followed by multiple intra‐articular injections with P2X7R antagonist A740003, P2X7R agonist BzATP, NF‐κB inhibitor Bay 11‐7082, and NLRP3 inhibitor CY‐09. Primary rat chondrocytes were harvested and treated similarly. We assessed cell viability, damage, and death via cell viability assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and flow cytometry. Concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and interleukin‐ (IL‐) 1β in cell culture supernatant and joint cavity lavage fluid were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Changes in expression levels of P2X7 and inflammation‐related indicators were analyzed by immunofluorescence, quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting. Cell morphology changes and pyroptosis were observed using transmission electron microscopy. Histology, immunohistochemistry, and microcomputed tomography were used to analyze damage to bone and cartilage tissues and assess the severity of OA. Similar to MIA, BzATP reduced cell viability and collagen II expression in a dose‐dependent manner. Conversely, A740003 ameliorated MIA‐induced cartilage degradation and OA‐like pyroptotic inflammation by rescuing P2X7, MMP13, NF‐κB p65, NLRP3, caspase‐1 (TUNEL‐positive and active), and IL‐1β upregulation. Additionally, A740003 reduced the caspase‐1/propidium iodide double‐positive rate, LDH concentration, and reactive oxygen species production. These effects also occurred via coincubation with Bay 11‐7082 and CY‐09. In conclusion, activated P2X7 promoted extracellular matrix degradation and pyroptotic inflammation in OA chondrocytes through NF‐κB/NLRP3 crosstalk, thus, aggravating the symptoms of OA. The study findings suggest P2X7 as a potential target for inflammation treatment, providing new avenues for OA research and therapy.
Study on the Microscopic Fracture Process and Acoustic Emission of Shale Based on Digital Image
Authors: Tang Motian , Wu Zhonghu , Wang Anli , Zuo Yujun , Lou Yili , Liu Hao , Sun Wenjibin
Published: January 2021

The Niutitang Formation shale is often filled with calcite minerals, which significantly affects the physical and mechanical properties of shale reservoirs. To correctly understand the microscale fracture characteristics of the Niutitang Formation shale and the evolution of acoustic emission signals, this paper uses digital image processing technology to characterize the geometric characteristics and nonuniform distribution of calcite minerals in the shale at the microscale and then maps it to finite elements; uniaxial compression tests of different calcite vein inclination angles are carried out on a microscale. The results show that under the microscale structure, the changes in compressive strength and brittleness index of the Niutitang Formation shale with different calcite vein dip angles are all N-shaped. The calcite veins affect the distribution of the stress field, leading to significant differences in the shale fracture process and fracture mode. The shale fracture process can be divided into two types. The first type (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°) is that the shale matrix is destroyed first, and then, the calcite veins are destroyed; the second type (60°, 75°, 90°) is that the calcite veins are destroyed first, and then, the shale matrix is destroyed. Shale fracture modes can be divided into w-type, v-type, inverted v-type, and inverted z-type. The inclination angle of calcite veins has a significant influence on the AE evolution characteristics of the Niutitang Formation shale. According to the characteristics of the AE active period, it can be divided into two types: surge type and step type. The surge type has a short active period, the number of AE count surges is small, the AE peak is large, and the failure mode is relatively simple. The step type has a long active period, the number of AE count surges is large, and the AE peak is small, and the failure mode is relatively complicated. The research results provide important theoretical guidance for shale gas fracturing mining.
A Vehicle Reidentification Algorithm Based on Double-Channel Symmetrical CNN
Authors: Yang Lijun , Huang Tangsen
Published: January 2021

It has become a challenging research topic to accurately identify the vehicles in the past from the mass monitoring data. The challenge is that the vehicle in the image has a large attitude, angle of view, light, and other changes, and these complex changes will seriously affect the vehicle recognition performance. In recent years, the convolutional neural network (CNN) has achieved great success in the field of vehicle reidentification. However, due to the small amount of vehicle annotation in the dataset of vehicle reidentification, the existing CNN model is not fully utilized in the training process, which affects the ability to identify the deep learning model. In order to solve the above problems, a double-channel symmetric CNN vehicle recognition algorithm is proposed by improving the network structure. In this method, two samples are taken as input at the same time, in which each sample has complementary characteristics. In this case, with limited training samples, the combination of inputs will be more diversified, and the training process of the CNN model will be more abundant. Experiments show that the recognition accuracy of the proposed algorithm is better than other existing methods, which further verifies the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in this study.
Acute Kidney Injury, Fluid Overload, and Renal Replacement Therapy Differ by Underlying Diagnosis in Neonatal Extracorporeal Support and Impact Mortality Disparately
Authors: Murphy Heidi J. , Gien Jason , Sahay Rashmi , King Eileen , Selewski David T. , Bridges Brian C. , Cooper David S. , Fleming Geoffrey M. , Paden Matthew L. , Zappitelli Michael , Gist Katja M. , Basu Rajit K. , Jetton Jennifer G. , Askenazi David
Published: January 2021

Introduction: We aimed to characterize acute kidney injury (AKI), fluid overload (FO), and renal replacement therapy (RRT) utilization by diagnostic categories and examine associations between these complications and mortality by category. Methods: To test our hypotheses, we conducted a retrospective multicenter, cohort study including 446 neonates (categories: 209 with cardiac disease, 114 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia [CDH], 123 with respiratory disease) requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2011. Results: AKI, FO, and RRT each varied by diagnostic category. AKI and RRT receipt were most common in those neonates with cardiac disease. Subjects with CDH had highest peak %FO (51% vs. 28% cardiac vs. 32% respiratory; p < 0.01). Hospital survival was 55% and varied by diagnostic category (45% cardiac vs. 48% CDH vs. 79% respiratory; p < 0.001). A significant interaction suggested risk of mortality differed by diagnostic category in the presence or absence of AKI. In its absence, diagnosis of CDH (vs. respiratory disease) (OR 3.04, 95% CL 1.14–8.11) independently predicted mortality. In all categories, peak %FO (OR 1.20, 95% CL 1.11–1.30) and RRT receipt (OR 2.12, 95% CL 1.20–3.73) were independently associated with mortality. Discussion/Conclusions: Physiologically distinct ECMO diagnoses warrant individualized treatment strategies given variable incidence and effects of AKI, FO, and RRT by category on mortality.
Residual Stroke Risk in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Treated with Non-Vitamin K Oral Anticoagulants: An 8-Year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Szeto Cheuk Ling Charing , Hui Kwok Fai
Published: January 2021

Background: Use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is common and significantly reduces stroke occurrence. Yet little is known about patients who have a stroke despite treatment. Objective: The aim of this work was to study the epidemiology of patients with stroke despite being treated with NOACs. Methods: We identified a cohort of patients with NVAF admitted to the United Christian Hospital for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) while on NOACs. The baseline characteristics, type of NOAC, compliance, duration of use, and dosage were reviewed. Results: Of 2,090 patients admitted for AIS/TIA from 2012 to 2019, 143 were on NOACs before the index episode. After excluding patients with non-compliance and incomplete data, 109 patients were included in the analysis; 65.1% were female and 79.8% were never smokers, with a mean age of 78 years. The mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 5; 83.5% had hypertension, 59.3% had hyperlipidemia, and 30.3% had diabetes mellitus. Overall, 52.9% presented with lacunar syndrome, suggesting an atherosclerotic cause of stroke. However, their risk factor control was unexpectedly good; none had HbA1c >7% and only 23.9% had a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level higher than 2.6 mmol/L. Conclusions: Stroke developed in NVAF patients despite being on NOACs, with the majority being female, older, and hypertensive. Surprisingly, in general they had reasonable lipid and diabetic control.
A new fossil Stempellinella from Eocene Baltic amber, with systematic notes and amendment of the generic diagnosis (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: ZAKRZEWSKA MARTA , JANKOWSKA ARIADNA
Published: January 2021

Stempellinella gilkai sp. nov., an Eocene non-biting midge of the subfamily Chironominae, tribe Tanytarsini is described on the basis of the adult male. This is the sixth fossil representative of the genus and the fifth described from Baltic amber (~40–45 Ma). The species displays a set of morphological characters typical of the genus. To facilitate a delimitation of fossil Stempellinella, a comparison of the most significant characters is provided. The key features of antenna and hypopygium are discussed in detail. A comparative analysis of both extinct and extant Stempellinella representatives allowed to perform an amendment of the current generic diagnosis. Notes on the genus’ palaeoecology and species richness during the Eocene are also included.
Transference, descriptions, and notes on Cuban Graciliini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae)
Authors: DEVESA SERGIO , SANTOS-SILVA ANTONIO
Published: January 2021

Merostenus exiguous Zayas, 1975 (currently, Caribbomerus exiguus) is transferred to Perigracilia Linsley, 1942. Information on the type series of M. exiguous is provided, and a lectotype is designated to the species. Two new species of Caribbomerus are described from Cuba: C. elieri, and C. zayasi.
A revision of the shield-back katydid genus Neduba (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Tettigoniinae: Nedubini)
Authors: COLE JEFFREY A. , WEISSMAN DAVID B. , LIGHTFOOT DAVID C. , UESHIMA NORIHIRO , WARCHAŁOWSKA-ŚLIWA ELŻBIETA , MARYAŃSKA-NADACHOWSKA ANNA , CHATFIELD-TAYLOR WILL
Published: January 2021

The Nearctic shield-back katydid genus Neduba is revised. Species boundaries were demarcated by molecular phylogenetic analysis, morphology, quantitative analysis of calling songs, and karyotypes. Nine previously described species are redescribed: N. carinata, N. castanea, N. convexa, N. diabolica, N. extincta, N. macneilli, N. propsti, N. sierranus, and N. steindachneri, and twelve new species are described: N. ambagiosa sp. n., N. arborea sp. n., N. cascadia sp. n., N. duplocantans sp. n., N. inversa sp. n., N. longiplutea sp. n., N. lucubrata sp. n., N. oblongata sp. n., N. prorocantans sp. n., N. radicata sp. n., N. radocantans sp. n., and N. sequoia sp. n. We chose a lectotype for N. steindachneri and transferred N. picturata from a junior synonym of N. diabolica to a junior synonym of N. steindachneri. Diversification in this relict group reflects cycles of allopatric isolation and secondary contact amidst the tumultuous, evolving geography of western North America. The taxonomy and phylogenies presented in this revision lay the groundwork for studies of speciation, biogeography, hybrid zones, and behavioral evolution. Given that one Neduba species is already extinct from human environmental disturbance, we suggest conservation priorities for the genus.
An update of morphological and distributional data of the genus Patrera Simon (Araneae: Anyphaenidae: Anyphaeninae) with the description of twenty-five new species from Colombia
Authors: MARTÍNEZ LEONEL , BRESCOVIT ANTONIO D. , VILLARREAL EDUARDO , OLIVEIRA LUIZ FERNANDO M.
Published: January 2021

The knowledge on the diversity of the genus Patrera Simon in Colombia is widely expanded. P. auricoma (L. Koch, 1866) and P. armata (Chickering, 1940) are redescribed and their females are described for the first time and recorded from Cundinamarca and Meta departments, respectively. Aysha strandi (Caporiacco, 1947) is synonymized with P. armata. Three species groups in the genus Patrera are proposed to include the bulk of its species (fulvastra, florezi, and philipi). These groups are diagnosed based on sexual characters. Twenty-five new species are herein described, illustrated and mapped: P. anchicaya n. sp. (♂♀); P. barbacoas n. sp. (♂); P. borjai n. sp. (♂♀); P. danielae n. sp. (♂♀); P. dimar n. sp. (♂♀); P. perafani n. sp. (♂♀); P. platnicki n. sp. (♂); P. quillacinga n. sp. (♂♀), and P. ramirezi n. sp. (♂♀) into the fulvastra species group. P. bonaldoi n. sp. (♂♀); P. boteroi n. sp. (♂); P. carvalhoi n. sp. (♂♀); P. florezi n. sp. (♂♀); P. perijaensis n. sp. (♀); P. quimbaya n. sp. (♂♀); P. sampedroi n. sp. (♂); P. yukpa n. sp. (♂♀), and P. wiwa n. sp. (♂♀) in florezi species group. P. sutu n. sp. (♂); P. chucurui n. sp. (♂♀); P. dawkinsi n. sp. (♂); P. dentata n. sp. (♂); P. dracula n. sp. (♂); P. kuryi n. sp. (♂♀), and P. longitibialis n. sp. (♂) in philipi species group. We also briefly discuss some aspects of the species groups’ genital morphology, based on a comparison with the type, P. fulvastra Simon. Additionally, distribution maps for all Colombian species including new records for P. armata (Chickering, 1940), P. auricoma (L. Koch, 1866) and P. suni Dupérré & Tapia, 2016 from Cundinamarca, Meta and Nariño departments are also herein included.
Snow Particle Collection Efficiency and Adjustment Curves for the Hotplate Precipitation Gauge
Authors: Cauteruccio Arianna , Chinchella Enrico , Stagnaro Mattia , Lanza Luca G.
Published: January 2021

The hotplate precipitation gauge operates by means of a thermodynamic principle. It is composed of a small disk with two thin aluminum heated plates on the upper and lower faces. Each plate has three concentric rings to prevent the hydrometeors from sliding off in strong wind. As for the more widely used tipping-bucket and weighing gauges, measurements are affected by the wind-induced bias due to the bluff-body aerodynamics of the instrument outer shape. Unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations were numerically solved, using a k–ω shear stress transport closure model, to simulate the aerodynamic influence of the gauge body on the airflow. Wind tunnel tests were conducted to validate simulation results. Solid particle trajectories were modeled using a Lagrangian particle tracking model to evaluate the influence of the airflow modification on the ability of the instrument to collect the incoming hydrometeors. A suitable parameterization of the particle size distribution, as a function of the snowfall intensity, was employed to calculate the collection efficiency (CE) under different wind conditions. Results reveal a relevant role of the three rings in enhancing the collection performance of the gauge. Below 7.5 m s−1, the CE curves linearly decrease with increasing the wind speed, while beyond that threshold, the blocking caused by the rings counter effects the aerodynamic induced undercatch, and the CE curves quadratically increase with the wind speed. At high wind speed, the undercatch vanishes and the instrument exhibits a rapidly increasing overcatch. For operational purposes, adjustment curves were formulated as a function of the wind speed and the measured snowfall intensity.
Using faith-based organisations to promote mental health education to underserved populations in Jamaica
Authors: Pottinger Audrey M , Passard Nickiesha , Gordon Stair Angela
Published: January 2021

Objective:

The under-utilisation of mental health services by populations because of inadequate mental health education by community leaders and the public is of concern. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of brief 1-day workshops in educating the public about mental health.

Design:

Quantitative pre–post evaluation.

Setting:

Community-based mental health workshops in urban Jamaica.

Method:

A survey on awareness of mental health resources was completed by 39 community leaders. In addition, 204 participants, who attended three 1-day public educational workshops, anonymously completed evaluations of workshop objectives including met expectations, stimulated learning, and workshop strengths and weaknesses. Of these participants, 157 completed pre–post workshop evaluations to identify subjective improvements in knowledge and competency.

Results:

Almost 60% of community leaders reported being in regular contact with persons who expressed poor emotional well-being, but typically only referred 25%–30% for mental health counselling. The workshops on mental health education, facilitated by faith-based organisations, were well subscribed by the public and most participants rated them favourably. Significantly more participants reported satisfaction with the workshops on Parenting Practices compared to Workplace Wellness ( p < .05). Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests revealed higher mean scores overall on post-workshop evaluation indicating gain in knowledge and competency; mean pre-test score, 3.26 (0.77), and post-test, 4.38 (0.48), p < .000.

Conclusion:

One-day mental health education workshops met public expectations and resulted in subjective gains in knowledge and competency. Research is needed to clarify the specific benefits of using public education workshops supported by faith-based organisations to promote mental health.
Adaptive tracking control of stochastic nonlinear systems with unknown time-varying powers
Authors: Li Huijuan , Li Wuquan , Gu Jianzhong
Published: January 2021

This paper investigates the adaptive output tracking problem for a class of high-order stochastic nonlinear systems with unknown time-varying powers and nonlinear parameterized uncertainties. By using the parameter separation technique and adding a power integrator design method, an adaptive controller with upper and lower bounds of the unknown time-varying power is successfully designed to guarantee that all the states of the closed-loop system are bounded in probability and the output tracking error can be regulated into a small neighborhood of the origin in probability. Finally, a simulation example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the designed controllers.
Endoscopic management of multiple broken scalpel blades in the gastrointestinal tract: a case report
Authors: Chen Lisheng , Jia Lingwei
Published: January 2021

The entry of multiple broken scalpel blades into the gastrointestinal tract with involvement of the stomach, ileum, and colon is rare; no such cases have been reported to date. Whether management of multiple sharp foreign bodies is more effective by endoscopy or surgery remains controversial in clinical practice. We herein describe a 23-year-old man with depression who was admitted to our department 36 hours after swallowing multiple scalpel blades. The patient reported abdominal pain and bloody vomit. A radiograph revealed irregular blade-shaped foreign bodies in the abdomen, and computed tomography confirmed foreign bodies in the stomach, mid-distal segment of the ileum, proximal segment of the ascending colon, liver area of the transverse colon, and lumen of the sigmoid colon. Surgery was immediately suggested as the first-choice treatment, but endoscopy was instead performed after a thorough multidisciplinary discussion. All broken scalpel blades were successfully removed with combined gastroscopy and colonoscopy, and the patient’s postoperative recovery was uneventful. This case demonstrates the vital importance of multidisciplinary management and endoscopy as an appropriate treatment approach even for multiple sharp foreign bodies in patients without perforation or peritonitis.
An intraneural ganglion cyst of the ulnar nerve at the wrist: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Gu Heng , Mao Tian , Chen Ya Lan , Xu Cheng , Xing Shu Guo , Ni Xue Jun , Deng Ai Dong
Published: January 2021

Background

Intraneural ganglion cysts of the ulnar nerve at the wrist are rare and poorly understood. We report a case of an intraneural ganglion cyst at the level of the wrist. Case presentation: A 48-year-old man presented with the complaints of weakness for 6 months and serious aggravation for 1 month in his right hand. After examinations, including ultrasound, the patient was diagnosed with an intraneural ganglion cyst. Intraoperatively, with exposure of the ulnar nerve, we found that the intraneural ganglion cyst was at the level of Guyon’s canal and extended approximately 6 cm proximally. Postoperatively, sensation of the fingers was normal, but atrophy of his muscles and limited straightening of his ring and little fingers were similar to those preoperatively.

Conclusions

Diagnosis of an intraneural cyst before surgery is mostly based on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Transection of the articular branch is an important measure to prevent recurrence of this cyst. If the ulnar nerve is compressed and causes symptoms, nerve decompression, including removal/aspiration of the cyst, and sometimes external neurolysis of the nerve, are necessary to relieve the symptoms and allow regeneration of the nerve. However, these should be performed without damaging the nerve fascicles.