bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decision aids to prepare patients for shared decision making: Two randomized controlled experiments on the impact of awareness of preference‐sensitivity and personal motives
Authors: Korger Simone , Eggeling Marie , Cress Ulrike , Kimmerle Joachim , Bientzle Martina
Published: January 2021

Objective

To participate in shared decision making (SDM), patients need to understand their options and develop trust in their own decision‐making abilities. Two experiments investigated the potential of decision aids (DAs) in preparing patients for SDM by raising awareness of preference‐sensitivity (Study 1) and showing possible personal motives for decision making (Study 2) in addition to providing information about the treatment options.

Methods

Participants (Study 1: N = 117; Study 2: N = 217) were put into two scenarios (Study 1: cruciate ligament rupture; Study 2: contraception), watched a consultation video and were randomized into one of three groups where they received additional information in the form of (a) narrative patient testimonials; (b) non‐narrative decision strategies; and (c) an unrelated text (control group).

Results

Participants who viewed the patient testimonials or decision strategies felt better prepared for a decision (Study 1:P < .001, = 0.43; Study 2:P < .001, = 0.57) and evaluated the decision‐making process more positively (Study 2:P < .001, = 0.13) than participants in the control condition. Decision certainty (Study 1:P < .001, = 0.05) and satisfaction (Study 1:P < .001, = 0.11; Study 2:P = .003,d = 0.29) were higher across all conditions after watching the consultation video, and certainty and satisfaction were lower in the control condition (Study 2:P < .001, = 0.05).

Discussion

Decision aids that explain preference‐sensitivity and personal motives can be beneficial for improving people's feelings of being prepared and their perception of the decision‐making process. To reach decision certainty and satisfaction, being well informed of one's options is particularly relevant. We discuss the implications of our findings for future research and the design of DAs.
PRICE COMPARISON WEBSITES
Authors: Ronayne David
Published: January 2021

The large and growing industry of price comparison websites (PCWs) or “web aggregators” is poised to benefit consumers by increasing competitive pricing pressure on firms by acquainting shoppers with more prices. However, these sites also charge firms for sales, which feeds back to raise prices. I find that introducing any number of PCWs to a market increases prices for all consumers, both those who use the sites and those who do not. I then use my framework to identify ways in which a more competitive environment could be achieved.
Experiences of intergenerational co‐parenting during the postpartum period in modern China: A qualitative exploratory study
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Loke Alice Yuen
Published: January 2021

Most studies conducted in the West on the role played by intergenerational families in co‐parenting have focused mostly on families with a single mother or those in difficult circumstances, while little is known about the experiences of members of intergenerational intact families during the early postpartum period. This study aimed to explore the intergenerational co‐parenting experiences of young parents and grandmothers in China, focusing on how they shared the responsibility of caring for the new mother and infant during the postpartum period. A total of 16 eligible intergenerational intact families, including 16 mothers, 15 fathers and 12 grandmothers, were interviewed. The data set was analysed using the approach of directed content analysis guided by Feinberg's Ecological Model of Co‐parenting. The data were categorized into four themes: ‘division of labour’, ‘postpartum and infant care agreement’, ‘support‐undermining’ and ‘joint family management’. An additional theme, ‘expressed a need for family support’, emerged from the data on these intergenerational families. The findings emphasize the importance of intergenerational co‐parenting relationships in families where two generations co‐parent the newborn together.
Differential protein metabolism and regeneration in hypertrophic diaphragm and atrophic gastrocnemius muscles in hibernating Daurian ground squirrels
Authors: Yan Xia , Gao Xuli , Niu Qiaohua , Peng Xin , Zhang Jie , Ma Xiufeng , Wei Yanhong , Wang Huiping , Gao Yunfang , Chang Hui
Published: January 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The aim was to investigate whether diaphragm hypertrophy and gastrocnemius atrophy during hibernation of Daurian ground squirrels involve differential regulation of protein metabolism and regeneration.

What is the main finding and its importance?

We clarified the differences in protein metabolism and muscle regenerative potential in the diaphragm and gastrocnemius of hibernating ground squirrels, reflecting the different adaptability of muscles.

Are differences in the regulation of protein metabolism and regeneration involved in the different phenotypic adaptation mechanisms of muscle hypertrophy and atrophy in hibernators? Two fast‐type muscles (diaphragm and gastrocnemius) in summer active and hibernating Daurian ground squirrels were selected to detect changes in cross‐sectional area (CSA) and protein expression indicative of protein synthesis metabolism (protein expression of P‐Akt, P‐mTORC1, P‐S6K1 and P‐4E‐BP1), protein degradation metabolism (MuRF1, atrogin‐1, calpain‐1, calpain‐2, calpastatin, desmin, troponin T, Beclin1 and LC3‐II) and muscle regeneration (MyoD, myogenin and myostatin). In the hibernation group compared with the summer active group, the CSA of the diaphragm muscle increased significantly by 26.1%, whereas the CSA of the gastrocnemius muscle decreased significantly by 20.4%. Our study also indicated that increased protein synthesis, decreased protein degradation and increased muscle regenerative potential contributed to diaphragm muscle hypertrophy, whereas decreased protein synthesis, increased protein degradation and decreased muscle regenerative potential contributed to gastrocnemius muscle atrophy. In conclusion, the differences in muscle regeneration and regulatory pattern of protein metabolism might contribute to the different adaptive changes observed in the diaphragm and gastrocnemius muscles of ground squirrels.
Prescribing pattern of antipsychotic medication for first-episode psychosis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Keating Dolores , McWilliams Stephen , Boland Fiona , Doyle Roisin , Behan Caragh , Strawbridge Judith , Clarke Mary
Published: January 2021

Objective

Guidelines for antipsychotic use in first-episode psychosis (FEP) recommend that medication be chosen initially on the basis of side effect profile with doses at the lower end of the range. Our objective was to describe the pattern of antipsychotic use in FEP over a period of 21 years in the context of changing clinical guidelines and the development of specialist early intervention in psychosis (EIP) services.

Setting

A community-based mental health service in South County Dublin (population 187 000) and a large private hospital.

Participants

Participants included 465 patients with FEP (146 from an epidemiological study (1995–1999) and 319 from a specialist EIP service (2005–2016)). Treatment with antipsychotic medication did not exceed 30 days at study entry.

Outcome measures

This is a descriptive study of prescribing practices in the context of service development and changing guidelines.

Results

First-generation antipsychotics were prescribed for 65% of the early cohort compared with 4.3% of the EIP cohort. Olanzapine was initially prescribed for 79.7% of EIP patients. Initial doses of medication were frequently low (≤50% British National Formulary (BNF) maximum) in both cohorts (71% and 78.6%). The demographic and clinical factors investigated did not influence the initial choice of antipsychotic medication significantly. Univariate logistic regression analysis suggested inpatient treatment setting was associated with a higher initial dose (>50% BNF maximum) of antipsychotic medication. Increasing dose requirements over the first month of engagement with an EIP service was associated with poorer global functioning at baseline, greater positive symptoms at baseline and the inpatient treatment setting. However, these associations were not seen in the multivariable model.

Conclusions

Second-generation antipsychotic prescribing predominates, but guidelines are often overlooked when choosing olanzapine notwithstanding lower initial dosages. EIP services should include proactive support for optimising medicines in line with evidence-based guidelines.
Managing cancer in context of pandemic: a qualitative study to explore the emotional and behavioural responses of patients with cancer and their caregivers to COVID-19
Authors: Chia Jace Ming Xuan , Goh Zack Zhong Sheng , Chua Zi Yang , Ng Kennedy Yao Yi , Ishak Diana , Fung Si Ming , Ngeow Joanne Yuen Yie , Griva Konstadina
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Having to access life-sustaining treatment during the emerging COVID-19 outbreak has placed patients with cancer at an especially vulnerable position notwithstanding their immunocompromised condition. The present study aimed to elucidate cancer patients’ and their caregivers’ experiences during this outbreak.

Design

Face-to-face semistructured interviews were conducted.

Setting

A tertiary cancer care facility.

Participants

16 patients with cancer and 14 caregivers. Inclusions criteria were: (A) diagnosed with cancer, (B) receiving active treatment or follow-ups, (C) aged 21 years and above and (D) fluent in English or Mandarin.

Results

Thematic analysis was conducted. Five themes were identified: heightened sense of threat, impact on healthcare experience, responsibility falls on oneself, striving for normalcy and sense of safety and trust. Heightened threat of COVID-19 was more pronounced in patients and linked to vulnerability and fear, uncertainty and actions of socially irresponsible others. Dominant in their healthcare experience was prioritising cancer and treatment amidst heightened threat and anticipatory worry about treatment disruptions. Both noted on the importance of taking responsibility for one’s health, with caregivers reporting a reinforced sense of duty towards patients. They strived to maintain normalcy by viewing COVID-19 as beyond personal control, downplaying and living life as usual. Their resolve was supported by a sense of safety from the actions of authorities, hospitals and trust towards healthcare providers.

Conclusions

Cancer intensifies threat and the emotional impact of COVID-19 and may trigger specific concerns related to treatment. Psychoeducation interventions led by healthcare providers over digital platforms could help address cancer-specific concerns and support patients and caregivers during the pandemic.
Real-world, single-centre prospective data of age at breast cancer onset: focus on survival and reproductive history
Authors: Karihtala Peeter , Jääskeläinen Anniina , Roininen Nelli , Jukkola Arja
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Being either young or old at the time of breast cancer diagnosis has been suggested as an indicator of a poor prognosis. We studied the effect of age at breast cancer onset in relation to survival, focusing in particular on biological subtypes and reproductive anamnesis.

Design, setting and participants

Patients with early breast cancer (n=594) treated in a Finnish University Hospital during 2003–2013 were prospectively collected and followed in median 102 months.

Results

Patients with luminal A-like breast cancer were older than the patients with luminal B-like (HER2-positive) (p=0.045) or patients with the HER2-positive (non-luminal) subtype (p=0.029). Patients ≥70 years received substantially less adjuvant chemotherapy (p=1.5×10−9) and radiotherapy (p=5.9×10−7) than younger women. Nevertheless, the estimated 10-year breast cancer-specific rates of survival were 84.2%, 92.9% and 87.0% in age groups <41 years, 41–69 years and ≥70 years, respectively, with no statistical difference (p=0.115). Survival rates were also comparable between the three age groups when assessed separately in different biological subtypes, and for patients with metastatic breast cancer there was similarly no difference between the age groups. Later menarche (p=5.7×10−8) and high parity (p=0.000078) correlated with increased age at breast cancer diagnosis, but, according to the patients’ oestrogen receptor (ER) status, only among ER-positive patients.

Conclusions

Despite the suggested undertreatment of older patients, we report excellent long-term outcomes in all age groups in this prospective cohort. Later endogenous endocrine exposure may cause delay in breast cancer onset, but the exact biology behind this phenomenon is so far unclear.
Optimised anthropometric indices as predictive screening tools for metabolic syndrome in adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wu Yating , Li Hongyu , Tao Xiujuan , Fan Yanna , Gao Qinghan , Yang Jianjun
Published: January 2021

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and two latest optimised indices, waist divided by height0.5(WHT.5R) and body mass index (BMI) multiply by the square root of BMI and waist circumference (BMI√WC), and to comprehensively compare the ability of 10 anthropometric indices to identify MetS, including BMI√WC, WHT.5R, abdominal volume index (AVI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), Body Roundness Index (BRI).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Ningxia, China.

Participants

A total of 3860 adults aged 18–88 years from Ningxia, China were recruited by a single stratified cluster random sampling method.

Methods

ORs and 95% CIs for associations between indices and MetS were calculated using binary logistic regression, and areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUCs) were performed to compare their predictive capacity for MetS. All results for men and women were analysed and presented separately.

Results

The highest adjusted ORs for MetS were observed for the following indices: AVI (OR 15.22, 95% CI 10.88 to 21.30), WHT.5R (OR 13.83, 95% CI 9.89 to 19.35) and BMI√WC (OR 12.14, 95% CI 8.79 to 16.76) in men, whereas BRI, WHtR (both OR 14.91, 95% CI 10.39 to 21.4), WHT.5R (OR 14.22, 95% CI 9.96 to 20.29) and AVI (OR 14.03, 95% CI 9.91 to 19.87) in women. In ROC analysis, AVI (AUC: 0.767 for men and 0.749 for women) and WHT.5R (AUC: 0.761 for men and 0.747 for women) showed the highest predictive ability for MetS.

Conclusions

BMI√WC and WHT.5R were significantly positively associated with MetS, and AVI and WHT.5R could be useful screening tools for identifying MetS in both sexes.
Prognostic role of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes assessed by H&E-stained section in gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tian Chunfang , Jing Haiyan , Wang Caixia , Wang Weibo , Cui Yangang , Chen Jianpeng , Sha Dan
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Some studies have identified tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in H&E-stained sections of gastric cancer, but the prognostic and clinicopathological significance of this remains unclear. The objective of this study is to evaluate the associations between H&E-based TIL density and prognosis and clinicopathological characteristics of patients with gastric cancer.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Cochrane Library, PubMed and Embase databases were searched through 25 February 2020.

Eligibility criteria

Studies evaluating the correlations between TILs assessed by H&E-stained sections and prognosis and clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer were included.

Data extraction and synthesis

Relevant data were extracted and risks of bias were assessed independently by two reviewers. HR and relative risk (RR) with 95% CI were pooled by random-effect models to estimate the associations between TIL density and overall survival (OS) and clinicopathological characteristics, respectively.

Results

We enrolled nine studies including 2835 cases for the present meta-analysis. High TILs were associated with superior OS (HR=0.68, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.87, p=0.003) compared with low TILs. High TILs were significantly associated with lower depth of invasion (T3–T4 vs T1–T2) (RR=0.58, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.66, p<0.001), less lymph node involvement (presence vs absence) (RR=0.68, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.81, p<0.001) and earlier TNM (tumour, node, metastasis) stage (III–IV vs I–II) (RR=0.68, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.83, p<0.001). TIL density was not associated with age, gender, Lauren classification or histological grade. The methodology for evaluating TIL and its cut-off value varied across different studies, which might affect the results of our meta-analysis.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis suggests that H&E-based TIL density is a reliable biomarker to predict the clinical outcomes of patients with gastric cancer. Multicentre, prospective studies are needed to further confirm our findings.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020169877.
Impact of moderate and late preterm birth on neurodevelopment, brain development and respiratory health at school age: protocol for a longitudinal cohort study (LaPrem study)
Authors: Cheong Jeanie , Cameron Kate Lillian Iona , Thompson Deanne , Anderson Peter J , Ranganathan Sarath , Clark Ross , Mentiplay Benjamin , Burnett Alice , Lee Katherine , Doyle Lex William , Spittle Alicia J
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Children born moderate to late preterm (MLP, 32–36 weeks’ gestation) account for approximately 85% of all preterm births globally. Compared with children born at term, children born MLP are at increased risk of poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. Despite making up the largest group of preterm children, developmental outcomes of children born MLP are less well studied than in other preterm groups. This study aimed to (1) compare neurodevelopmental, respiratory health and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes between children born MLP and term at 9 years of age; (2) examine the differences in brain growth trajectory from infancy to 9 years between children born MLP and term; and in children born MLP; (3) examine the relationship between brain development and neurodevelopment at 9 years; and (4) identify risk factors for poorer outcomes at 9 years.

Methods and analysis

The ”LaPrem” (LatePretermMRI Study) study is a longitudinal cohort study of children born MLP and term controls, born at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, between 2010 and 2013. Participants were recruited in the neonatal period and were previously followed up at 2 and 5 years. This 9-year school-age follow-up includes neuropsychology, motor and physical activities, and lung function assessments, as well as brain MRI. Outcomes at 9 years will be compared between birth groups using linear and logistic regressions. Trajectories of brain development will be compared between birth groups using mixed effects models. The relationships between MRI and neurodevelopmental outcomes, as well as other early predictors of poor 9-year outcomes, will be explored using linear and logistic regression.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the human research ethics committee at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Study outcomes will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and social media.
The relationship between obesity, hemoglobin A1c and the severity of COVID-19 at an urban tertiary care center in New York City: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Randhawa Gurchetan , Syed Kunzah A , Singh Kavish , Kundal Sanchit V , Oli Sharad , Silver Michael , Syed Sumrah A , Suban Na Ayutthaya Thanunthorn , Williams Shanado , Lodato Zachary L , Rozvadovskiy Vladimir , Kamholz Stephan , Wolf Lawrence
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To determine if obesity and diabetes are risk factors for severe outcomes in COVID-19 and to compare patient outcomes in those two conditions.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Urban tertiary care center in New York City.

Participants

302 patients admitted in an inpatient setting, ≥18 years old, with a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 via nasal PCR swab were randomly selected. Patients were separated into two cohorts based on their body mass index and hemoglobin A1c. 150 patients were placed in the non-obese, non-diabetic cohort and 152 patients were placed in the corresponding cohort (obesity alone, obesity and diabetes, and diabetes alone).

Measurements

Primary outcomes were development of acute kidney injury, commencement of renal replacement therapy, aminotransferase elevation, troponin elevation, lactic acidosis, development of septic shock, use of vasopressors, presence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and intubation. The secondary outcomes were length of stay in days and mortality.

Results

Patients with obesity and/or diabetes were more likely to develop ARDS (79 patients vs 57 patients, p<0.0001) and to be intubated (71 patients vs 45 patients, p=0.0031). Patients with obesity and/or diabetes were more likely to require vasopressors (60 patients vs 41 patients, p=0.0284) and to develop lactic acidosis (median 3.15 mmol/L, IQR 1.8 to 5.2 mmol/L, p=0.0432). When comparing patients with diabetes with and without obesity against patients with obesity alone, they were more likely to develop ARDS (87.5%, p=0.0305). Despite these findings, there was no difference in mortality.

Conclusions

In patients hospitalised with COVID-19, those with obesity and/or diabetes were more likely to suffer severe complications, but had negligible differences in mortality. This highlights the importance of close monitoring of patients with these conditions and additional areas of research needed to explain the mortality findings.
Uncertainty and the reporting of intellectual disability on death certificates: a cross-sectional study of US mortality data from 2005 to 2017
Authors: Landes Scott D , Turk Margaret A , Bisesti Erin
Published: January 2021

Objective

To investigate whether uncertainty surrounding the death is associated with the inaccurate reporting of intellectual disability as the underlying cause of death.

Design

National Vital Statistics System 2005–2017 US Multiple Cause-of-Death Mortality files.

Setting

USA.

Participants

Adults with an intellectual disability reported on their death certificate, aged 18 and over at the time of death. The study population included 26 555 adults who died in their state of residence between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2017.

Primary outcome and measures

Decedents with intellectual disability reported on their death certificate were identified using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision code for intellectual disability (F70–79). Bivariate analysis and multilevel logistic regression models were used to investigate whether individual-level and state-level characteristics indicative of increased uncertainty at the time of death were associated with the inaccurate reporting of intellectual disability as the underlying cause of death.

Results

Inaccurate reporting of intellectual disability as the underlying cause of death was associated with sociodemographic characteristics, death context characteristics and comorbidities indicative of an increased amount of uncertainty surrounding the death. Most striking were increased odds of having intellectual disability reported as the underlying cause of death for decedents who had a choking event (OR=14.7; 95% CI 12.9 to 16.6, p<0.001), an external cause of death associated with a high degree of uncertainty, reported on their death certificate.

Conclusion

It is imperative that medical personnel not let increased uncertainty lead to the inaccurate reporting of intellectual disability as the underlying cause of death as this practice obscures cause of death trends for this population. Instead, even in instances when increased uncertainty surrounds the death, certifiers should strive to accurately identify the disease or injury causing death, and report the disability in Part II of the death certificate.
Features of the chemical potential of a quasi-two-dimensional electron gas at low-temperatures
Authors: Baymatov P. J. , Gulyamov A. G. , Abdulazizov B. T. , Mavlyanov Kh. Yu. , Tokhirjonov M. S.
Published: January 2021

An analysis is made of the low-temperature behavior of the chemical potential [Formula: see text] of a quasi-two-dimensional electron gas near the resonance point (at the bottom of the miniband) and far from it. Low-temperature analytical formulas for [Formula: see text] are obtained under the conditions of the existence of an arbitrary number of minibands. It is shown that with the increasing temperature near the resonance point, the chemical potential decreases linearly and exponentially slowly in the middle of the resonance points. Analytical formulas are compared to the numerical solutions.
Feature Selection Method Based on Mutual Information and Support Vector Machine
Authors: Liu Gang , Yang Chunlei , Liu Sen , Xiao Chunbao , Song Bin
Published: January 2021

A feature selection method based on mutual information and support vector machine (SVM) is proposed in order to eliminate redundant feature and improve classification accuracy. First, local correlation between features and overall correlation is calculated by mutual information. The correlation reflects the information inclusion relationship between features, so the features are evaluated and redundant features are eliminated with analyzing the correlation. Subsequently, the concept of mean impact value (MIV) is defined and the influence degree of input variables on output variables for SVM network based on MIV is calculated. The importance weights of the features described with MIV are sorted by descending order. Finally, the SVM classifier is used to implement feature selection according to the classification accuracy of feature combination which takes MIV order of feature as a reference. The simulation experiments are carried out with three standard data sets of UCI, and the results show that this method can not only effectively reduce the feature dimension and high classification accuracy, but also ensure good robustness.
Accurate Liver Border Identification Model in CT Scan Images
Authors: Siri Sangeeta K. , Pramod Kumar S. , Latte Mrityunjaya V.
Published: January 2021

The liver is an important organ in human body with certain variations in its edges, color, shape and pixel intensity distribution. These uncertainties may be because of various liver pathologies, hereditary or both. Along with it, liver has close proximity to its nearby organs. Hence, identifying liver in scanned images is a challenging step in image processing. This task becomes more imprecise when liver diseases are present at the edges. The liver segmentation is prerequisite for liver volumetry, computer-based surgery planning, liver surgery modelling, surgery training, 3D view generation, etc. The proposed hybrid segmentation method overcomes the problems and identifies liver boundary in Computed-Tomography (CT) scan images accurately. In this paper, the first step is to study statistics of pixel intensity distribution within liver image, and novel methodology is designed to obtain thresholds. Then, threshold-based segmentation is applied which separates the liver from abdominal CT scan images. In the second step, liver edge is corrected using improved chain code and Bresenham pixel interconnection methods. This provides a precise liver image. The initial points are located inside the liver region without user interventions. These initial points evolve outwardly using Fast Marching Method (FMM), identifying the liver boundary accurately in CT abdominal scan images.
Regression-Based Noise Modeling for Speech Signal Processing
Authors: de Abreu Caio Cesar Enside , Duarte Marco Aparecido Queiroz , de Oliveira Bruno Rodrigues , Filho Jozue Vieira , Villarreal Francisco
Published: January 2021

Speech processing systems are very important in different applications involving speech and voice quality such as automatic speech recognition, forensic phonetics and speech enhancement, among others. In most of them, the acoustic environmental noise is added to the original signal, decreasing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the speech quality by consequence. Therefore, estimating noise is one of the most important steps in speech processing whether to reduce it before processing or to design robust algorithms. In this paper, a new approach to estimate noise from speech signals is presented and its effectiveness is tested in the speech enhancement context. For this purpose, partial least squares (PLS) regression is used to model the acoustic environment (AE) and a Wiener filter based on a priori SNR estimation is implemented to evaluate the proposed approach. Six noise types are used to create seven acoustically modeled noises. The basic idea is to consider the AE model to identify the noise type and estimate its power to be used in a speech processing system. Speech signals processed using the proposed method and classical noise estimators are evaluated through objective measures. Results show that the proposed method produces better speech quality than state-of-the-art noise estimators, enabling it to be used in real-time applications in the field of robotic, telecommunications and acoustic analysis.
KEY FACTORS TO THE RATE DEPENDENCE OF EARLY AFTERDEPOLARIZATIONS: A SIMULATION STUDY
Authors: JIN LIAN , HUANG YANQI , ZHU HONGLEI , GENG ZIHUI , WU XIAOMEI
Published: January 2021

Early afterdepolarizations (EADs) in cardiac myocytes have been reported to be associated with a series of cardiac arrhythmias. The generation of EADs has a high correlation with the excitation period, leading to repolarization dispersion over the cardiac tissue. However, the mechanism of EAD rate dependence has not been thoroughly revealed. In this study, the simulation approach was used to investigate the mechanism underlying EAD rate dependence. The results indicated that the gating variable of the delayed rectifier potassium current ([Formula: see text]-gate) and the intracellular sodium ion concentration ([Na[Formula: see text]][Formula: see text] were key factors contributing to EAD rate dependence. Also, different mathematical models showed different types of EAD rate dependence, which needs to be considered in the future simulation research related to EADs.
DESIGN, DYNAMIC MODELING AND CONTROL OF WEARABLE FINGER ORTHOSIS
Authors: TAŞAR BEYDA , TATAR AHMET BURAK , TANYILDIZI ALPER KADIR , YAKUT OGUZ
Published: January 2021

Human hands and fingers are of significant importance in people’s capacity to perform daily tasks (touching, feeling, holding, gripping, writing). However, about 1.5 million people around the world are suffering from injuries, muscle and neurological disorders, a loss of hand function, or a few fingers due to stroke. This paper focuses on newly developed finger orthotics, which is thin, adaptable to the length of each finger and low energy costs. The aim of the study is to design and control a new robotic orthosis using for daily rehabilitation therapy. Kinematic and dynamic analysis of orthosis was calculated and the joint regulation of orthosis was obtained. The Lagrange method was used to obtain dynamics, and the Denavit–Hartenberg (D–H) method was used for kinematic analysis of hand. In order to understand its behavior, the robotic finger orthotics model was simulated in MatLab/Simulink. The simulation results show that the efficiency and robustness of proportional integral derivative (PID) controller are appropriate for the use of robotic finger orthotics.
One-pot Synthesis of Multifunctional KGM/PDA/PVDF Composite Membrane for Efficient Treatment of Oil–water Emulsion and Dye
Authors: Wu Yilin , Yan Yan , Lu Jian , Yu Zhixin , Wu Junda , Wang Qianqian , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: January 2021

A new multifunctional KGM/PDA/PVDF composite membrane was successfully prepared via facile nonsolvent induced phase inversion method. Here, the KGM component consisted of numerous covalent bonds, which could improve the corrosion resistance of membrane materials. The dopamine, as a natural “glue” between PVDF substantial and KGM, is capable of integrating different materials together suitably. The as-prepared membrane possessed superior superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic property, great corrosion resistance and antifouling property. The separation efficiency was as high as 99.01%, and could stay relatively stable even in the acid, alkali or high salty environment. Additionally, the membrane had great regeneration performance and could keep stable after 15 cyclic separation, which was appropriate for efficient various oil–water separation process. Moreover, the composite membrane could also effectively separate dyes in different environments and the efficiencies were all more than 91%. All in all, the multifunctional composite membrane with facile preparation method might provide a promising strategy and significant theoretical basis for the efficient separation of oil–water emulsions and dyes.
A Novel Nitrogen-Doped Dual-Emission Carbon Dots as an Effective Fluorescent Probe for Ratiometric Detection Dopamine
Authors: Bai Jianliang , Chen Xu , Yuan Guojun , Zhang Lu , Huang Zhujun , Ren Lili
Published: January 2021

Fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) as a new-type kind of zero-venami material have attracted growing interest. Herein, we developed a novel and convenient method to prepare dual emission nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs). Under ultraviolet (UV) light, N-CDs show blue and orange fluorescence centered at 435[Formula: see text]nm and 595[Formula: see text]nm, respectively. Because the two emission peaks of N-CDs exhibit different sensitivity to dopamine (DA), the N-CDs can serve as ratiometric fluorescent probes for DA measurement. The ratio ([Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text]) exhibits good linear relationship with DA concentration within the scope of 45–80[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M. The quenching mechanism of N-CDs toward DA is also proposed, and it is suggested that the quenching may start because by the electrostatic interaction between N-CDs and DA.
𝒫𝒯-Symmetric Quantum Mechanics Basics & Zeeman Effect
Authors: Sharma Preet
Published: January 2021

The non-Hermitian aspect of Quantum Mechanics has been of great interest recently. There have been numerous studies on non-Hermitian Hamiltonians written for natural processes. Some studies have even expressed the hydrogen atom in a non-Hermitian basis. In this paper, the principles of non-Hermitian quantum mechanics are applied to the time independent perturbation theory and compared with the Zeeman effect. Here, we have also shown the condition under which the Zeeman Effect results will still be true even though the Hamiltonian taken into consideration is non-Hermitian.
The Lipiodol Uterine Bathing Effect to Improve Fertility May Include Uterine Natural Killer Cell Up-regulation in the Endometrium
Authors: Johnson N. P. , Baidya S. , Jessup S. O. , Muthukaruppan A. , Hadden W. E. , Hull M. L. , Mehta S. , Shelling A. N. , Print C. G. , Chamley L. W.
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND: Lipiodol has a dramatic short term fertility enhancing effect for women with endometriosis. Microarray studies have shown transcriptomic regulation of molecular markers of endometrial inflammation, most notably a consistent down-regulation of endometrial osteopontin. We further explored the endometrial bathing effect of lipiodol on leukocyte expression in endometrium.

METHODS: A cohort of four women, nested within a randomised trial of twelve women assessing the lipiodol uterine bathing effect, was studied as an ‘own control’ group, with their mid-luteal endometrium assessed before and after endometrial lipiodol exposure. Pipelle endometrial sampling allowed endometrial assessment by immunochemistry. Endometrial tissue samples were assessed by immunochemistry for total CD45+ leukocytes, CD68+ macrophages, CD3+ T-cells and CD56+ uterine natural killer cells.

RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in the mean density of uterine natural killer cells in the endometrium of women post-lipiodol. No other significant differences were found in the mean densities of all leukocytes, macrophages or T cells in the endometrium of women post-lipiodol.

CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data further support the concept of a uterine bathing effect of lipiodol. Whether the increase in the mean density of uterine natural killer cells in the endometrium might contribute to an improvement in endometrial receptivity to embryo implantation merits further investigation.
Microarray Data Mining and Preliminary Bioinformatics Analysis of Hepatitis D Virus‐Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yu Zhe , Ma Xuemei , Zhang Wei , Chang Xiujuan , An Linjing , Niu Ming , Chen Yan , Sun Chao , Yang Yongping
Published: January 2021

Several studies have demonstrated that chronic hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection is associated with a worsening of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there is limited data on the role of HDV in the oncogenesis of HCC. This study is aimed at assessing the potential mechanisms of HDV‐associated hepatocarcinogenesis, especially to screen and identify key genes and pathways possibly involved in the pathogenesis of HCC. We selected three microarray datasets: GSE55092 contains 39 cancer specimens and 81 paracancer specimens from 11 HBV‐associated HCC patients, GSE98383 contains 11 cancer specimens and 24 paracancer specimens from 5 HDV‐associated HCC patients, and 371 HCC patients with the RNA‐sequencing data combined with their clinical data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Afterwards, 948 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) closely related to HDV‐associated HCC were obtained using the R package and filtering with a Venn diagram. We then performed gene ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis to determine the biological processes (BP), cellular component (CC), molecular function (MF), and KEGG signaling pathways most enriched for DEGs. Additionally, we performed Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and protein‐to‐protein interaction (PPI) network construction with 948 DEGs, from which one module was identified by WGCNA and three modules were identified by the PPI network. Subsequently, we validated the expression of 52 hub genes from the PPI network with an independent set of HCC dataset stored in the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database. Finally, seven potential key genes were identified by intersecting with key modules from WGCNA, including 3 reported genes, namely, CDCA5, CENPH, and MCM7, and 4 novel genes, namely, CDC6, CDC45, CDCA8, and MCM4, which are associated with nucleoplasm, cell cycle, DNA replication, and mitotic cell cycle. The CDCA8 and stage of HCC were the independent factors associated with overall survival of HDV‐associated HCC. All the related findings of these genes can help gain a better understanding of the role of HDV in the underlying mechanism of HCC carcinogenesis.
BGP‐15 Protects against Heart Failure by Enhanced Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Decreased Fibrotic Remodelling in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Horvath Orsolya , Ordog Katalin , Bruszt Kitti , Deres Laszlo , Gallyas Ferenc , Sumegi Balazs , Toth Kalman , Halmosi Robert
Published: January 2021

Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome with poor clinical outcomes despite the growing number of therapeutic approaches. It is characterized by interstitial fibrosis, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, activation of various intracellular signalling pathways, and damage of the mitochondrial network. Mitochondria are responsible for supplying the energy demand of cardiomyocytes; therefore, the damage of the mitochondrial network causes cellular dysfunction and finally leads to cell death. BGP‐15, a hydroxylamine derivative, is an insulin‐sensitizer molecule and has a wide range of cytoprotective effects in animal as well as in human studies. Our recent work was aimed at examining the effects of BGP‐15 in a chronic hypertension‐induced heart failure model. 15‐month‐old male SHRs were used in our experiment. The SHR‐Baseline group represented the starting point (n = 7). Animals received BGP‐15 (SHR‐B, n = 7) or placebo (SHR‐C, n = 7) for 18 weeks. WKY rats were used as age‐matched normotensive controls (n = 7). The heart function was monitored by echocardiography. Histological preparations were made from cardiac tissue. The levels of signalling proteins were determined by Western blot. At the end of the study, systolic and diastolic cardiac function was preserved in the BGP‐treated animals. BGP‐15 decreased the interstitial collagen deposition via decreasing the activity of TGFβ/Smad signalling factors and prevented the cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in hypertensive animals. BGP‐15 enhanced the prosurvival signalling pathways (Akt/Gsk3β). The treatment increased the activity of MKP1 and decreased the activity of p38 and JNK signalling routes. The mitochondrial mass of cardiomyocytes was also increased in BGP‐15‐treated SHR animals due to the activation of mitochondrial biogenesis. The mitigation of remodelling processes and the preserved systolic cardiac function in hypertension‐induced heart failure can be a result—at least partly—of the enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis caused by BGP‐15.
Robust Observer Design for Discrete Descriptor Systems with Packet Losses
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhong Weifeng , Fan Qiang , You Bo , Xu Jiazhong
Published: January 2021

This paper considers observer design for discrete‐time descriptor systems with packet losses. By taking packet loss into consideration, the error dynamic of the proposed observer becomes a stochastic switched system. Consequently, the proposed observer is synthesized in a stochastic switched system framework. Sufficient conditions for the stochastic stability with a prescribed robust performance of the error dynamic system are derived and converted into linear matrix inequalities. Not only can the proposed observer deal with packet losses, but it also attenuates the effect of process disturbance and measurement noise. A numerical simulation of a truck‐trailer is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The Pareto-Optimal Stop-Loss Reinsurance
Authors: You Haiyan , Zhou Xiaoqing
Published: January 2021

Reinsurance plays a role of a stabilizer of the insurance industry and can be an effective tool to reduce the risk for the insurer. This paper aims to provide the optimal reinsurance design associated with the stop-loss reinsurance under the criterion of value-at-risk (VaR) risk measure. In this paper, the probability levels in the VaRs used by the both reinsurance parties are assumed to be different and the optimality results of reinsurance are derived by minimizing linear combination of the VaRs of the cedent and the reinsurer. The optimal parameter values of the stop-loss reinsurance policy are formally derived under the expectation premium principle.
Research on Characteristics of Tracked Vehicle Steering on Slope
Authors: Zhang Yu , Qiu Mianhao , Liu Xixia , Li Jun , Song Haijun , Zhai Yue , Hu Hongjuan
Published: January 2021

A special design is needed for an unmanned tracked vehicle (UTV) to meet the requirements of off-road environments and complex tasks. A loose surface is the main terrain for tracked vehicles in off-road driving. Slope steering is inevitable while driving in such conditions; hence, its performance is a major concern for tracked vehicles on loose terrain. This study investigates the slope steering performance of a tracked vehicle. An improved dynamic steering model is proposed when considering the shear stress-shear displacement relation of soil at the track-ground interface. The influence of ground characteristics on the slope steering performance of a tracked vehicle is illustrated. The track slip rate is adopted as an index to evaluate the influence of typical vehicle structure parameters on the slope steering performance of a tracked vehicle. This study provides technical support for the design and optimization of UTV.
Deep Learning-Based Acute Ischemic Stroke Lesion Segmentation Method on Multimodal MR Images Using a Few Fully Labeled Subjects
Authors: Zhao Bin , Liu Zhiyang , Liu Guohua , Cao Chen , Jin Song , Wu Hong , Ding Shuxue
Published: January 2021

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has been a common threat to human health and may lead to severe outcomes without proper and prompt treatment. To precisely diagnose AIS, it is of paramount importance to quantitatively evaluate the AIS lesions. By adopting a convolutional neural network (CNN), many automatic methods for ischemic stroke lesion segmentation on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been proposed. However, most CNN-based methods should be trained on a large amount of fully labeled subjects, and the label annotation is a labor-intensive and time-consuming task. Therefore, in this paper, we propose to use a mixture of many weakly labeled and a few fully labeled subjects to relieve the thirst of fully labeled subjects. In particular, a multifeature map fusion network (MFMF-Network) with two branches is proposed, where hundreds of weakly labeled subjects are used to train the classification branch, and several fully labeled subjects are adopted to tune the segmentation branch. By training on 398 weakly labeled and 5 fully labeled subjects, the proposed method is able to achieve a mean dice coefficient of

0.699
±
0.128

on a test set with 179 subjects. The lesion-wise and subject-wise metrics are also evaluated, where a lesion-wise F1 score of 0.886 and a subject-wise detection rate of 1 are achieved.
A Complete Genome Sequence of the Wood Stem Endophyte Bacillus velezensis BY6 Strain Possessing Plant Growth‐Promoting and Antifungal Activities
Authors: Zhang Ping , Diao Jian , Xie Guangqiang , Ma Ling , Wang Lihai
Published: January 2021

An endophytic bacterium Bacillus velezensis BY6 was isolated from the wood stems of healthy Populus davidiana × P. alba var. pyramidalis (PdPap). The BY6 strain can inhibit pathogenic fungus Alternaria alternate in PdPap and promote growth of PdPap seedlings. In the present study, we used the Pacific Biosciences long‐read sequencing platform, a single‐molecule real‐time (SMRT) technology for strain BY6, to perform complete genome sequencing. The genome size was 3,898,273 bp, the number of genes was 4,045, and the average GC content was 47.33%. A complete genome of strain BY6 contained 110 secondary metabolite gene clusters. Nine of the secondary metabolite gene clusters exhibited antifungal activity and promoted growth functions primarily involved in the synthesis of surfactin, bacteriocins, accumulated iron ions, and related antibiotics. Gene clusters provide genetic resources for biotechnology and genetic engineering, and enhance understanding of the relationship between microorganisms and plants.
Spacelike Sweeping Surfaces and Singularities in Minkowski 3-Space
Authors: Mofarreh Fatemah , Abdel-Baky Rashad A. , Alluhaibi Nadia
Published: January 2021

We considered the spacelike sweeping surface with rotation minimizing frames at Minkowski 3-space

E
1
3

. We presented the new geometric invariant to demonstrate geometric properties and local singularities for this surface. Then, we derived sufficient and necessary conditions of the surface to become developable ruled surfaces. Additionally, its singularities are studied. Finally, examples are illustrated to explain the applications of the theoretical results.