bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formulation of Multibody Dynamics Equations in Absolute or Relative Coordinates Using the Vector-Network Method
Authors: McPhee John J.
Published: March 2021

The objective of this paper is to show how a single linear graph representation of a multibody system can be used to derive the complete set of equations of motion in either absolute or relative coordinates, depending upon the elements selected into the spanning tree of the linear graph. Criteria for selecting a tree that gives the desired set of equations is given and the systematic nature of this graph-theoretical procedure, known as the Vector-Network Method, is demonstrated by means of two planar examples. The first is an open-loop compound pendulum, and the second is a closed-loop four-bar mechanism driven by a time-varying torque.
Recursive Dynamics of Overconstrained Mechanisms
Authors: Rein Udo
Published: March 2021

Overconstrained mechanisms contain loop-closure constraints which are redundant due to a special geometry of the links. Some reaction forces of an overconstrained mechanism cannot be calculated from the dynamics of the mechanism. This means that an overconstrained mechanism is statically indeterminate. The recursive formalism was originally developed to derive the equations of motion for open-loop kinematic chains, but it has been extended by various authors to closed-loop mechanisms. This paper discusses the recursive formalism when it is applied to an overconstrained closed-loop mechanism. It will be shown that the redundant loop-closure constraints lead to rather small singular, but consistent sets of linear equations for the reaction forces at the corresponding cut joints. This means that the reaction forces at those cut joints are not unique for an overconstrained mechanism, but the variety of possible solutions does not affect the dynamics of the overconstrained mechanism. This behaviour of the recursive formalism can be used to perform an on-line investigation of the static indeterminacy of a mechanism, including singular positions, where joint constraints are redundant only at one specific position.
The Development of Force-Deflection Relationships for Compliant Mechanisms
Authors: Howell Larry L. , Midha Ashok
Published: March 2021

The advantages of compliant or flexible link mechanisms include increased design flexibility and reduction in manufacturing time and cost. The analysis of such mechanisms may be difficult and time consuming due to the nonlinearities introduced by large deflections. Also, unlike rigid-body mechanisms, the type and form of motion of a compliant mechanism is dependent on the location and magnitude of applied loads. The pseudo-rigid-body model concept has been developed to simplify the analysis of compliant mechanisms by allowing them to be modeled as rigid-link mechanisms with springs. This work uses the principle of virtual work and the pseudo-rigid-body model concept to develop force-deflection relationships for compliant mechanisms. Several examples are presented, and general design equations are derived for pseudo-rigid-body four-bar and slider-crank mechanisms.
Form Feature Based Design of Turned Parts
Authors: Avasarala Pantulu V. , Stern Elliot L.
Published: March 2021

A form feature based modeller implemented on a personal computer is developed to design turned parts. The interactive environment provides the designer with a means of conveying the design intent and functionality without manipulating low-level graphics. Geometric defaults, tolerances, and warnings are embedded in the system and may be expanded for effective design for manufacture. The implementation of the modeller and usefulness of feature based design is discussed. This modeller is implemented in AutoLisp to run within AutoCAD.
Package Configuration for High Performance Storage and Retrieval of Cylindrical Components Robotically Assembled Into Large Structures in Space
Authors: Brewer W. V.
Published: March 2021

As the quantity of cylindrical components needed for in-space assembly grows to accommodate larger structures, so does the need for compact storage of these components during transportation to the site. Hex-Close-Pack is the ideal configuration for cylindrical parts. It offers a density increased by a factor of 4 compared to existing methods intended for robotic assembly.

Usual requirements for objects maneuvered on-orbit include: positive hold-down, positive hand-off, and package strength to withstand launch dynamic loads. The first two issues have been addressed with new manipulation techniques that are compatible with both robotic construction and compact storage. Packaging schemes that improve strength and are consistent with the new techniques are presented.

Pallet manipulation and storage are additional issues that are a function of package configuration. Pallet design can greatly reduce time and space required, for these tasks.
Information Needs in Agile Manufacturing
Authors: Candadai Arun , Champati Supratik , Herrmann Jeffrey W. , Minis Ioannis , Ramachandran Vijaysundar
Published: March 2021

In this paper we discuss the special information technology needed to support the emerging trend of agile manufacturing. Specifically, we address product data exchange standards, tools for efficient searches of product databases, and information models for the processing capabilities of manufacturing plants. The implementation of the product and plant information models is also discussed. Finally, we outline the role of these models in an ongoing study on the design-for-manufacture of electromechanical devices in an agile manufacturing environment.
M-CSF, IL-6, and TGF-β promote generation of a new subset of tissue repair macrophage for traumatic brain injury recovery
Authors: Li Zhiqi , Xiao Jun , Xu Xiaoyan , Li Weiyun , Zhong Ruiyue , Qi Linlin , Chen Jiehui , Cui Guizhong , Wang Shuang , Zheng Yuxiao , Qiu Ying , Li Sheng , Zhou Xin , Lu Yao , Lyu Jiaying , Zhou Bin , Zhou Jiawei , Jing Naihe , Wei Bin , Hu Jin , Wang Hongyan
Published: March 2021

The combination use of TGF-β, M-CSF, and IL-6 represents a promising therapy to repair traumatic brain injury.
Iron isotopes trace primordial magma ocean cumulates melting in Earth’s upper mantle
Authors: Williams Helen M. , Matthews Simon , Rizo Hanika , Shorttle Oliver
Published: March 2021

Iron isotope data for ancient basalts can be explained by melting of magma ocean cumulate component(s) in the upper mantle.
Injury-mediated stiffening persistently activates muscle stem cells through YAP and TAZ mechanotransduction
Authors: Silver Jason S. , Günay K. Arda , Cutler Alicia A. , Vogler Thomas O. , Brown Tobin E. , Pawlikowski Bradley T. , Bednarski Olivia J. , Bannister Kendra L. , Rogowski Cameron J. , Mckay Austin G. , DelRio Frank W. , Olwin Bradley B. , Anseth Kristi S.
Published: March 2021

Skeletal muscle stiffening after injury induces proliferation and activation of muscle stem cells via YAP and TAZ signaling.
Synergistically enhance confined diffusion by continuum intersecting channels in zeolites
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Yuan Jiamin , van Baten Jasper M. , Zhou Jian , Tang Xiaomin , Zhao Chao , Chen Wei , Yi Xianfeng , Krishna Rajamani , Sastre German , Zheng Anmin
Published: March 2021

Synergetic enhancement between sorption and diffusion has been found in zeolites with continuum intersecting channels.
GIP mediates the incretin effect and glucose tolerance by dual actions on α cells and β cells
Authors: El K. , Gray S. M. , Capozzi M. E. , Knuth E. R. , Jin E. , Svendsen B. , Clifford A. , Brown J. L. , Encisco S. E. , Chazotte B. M. , Sloop K. W. , Nunez D. J. , Merrins M. J. , D’Alessio D. A. , Campbell J. E.
Published: March 2021

GIPR activity in α cells is required for the complete metabolic response to a meal.
Small-molecule mimicry hunting strategy in the imperial cone snail,
Conus imperialis
Authors: Torres Joshua P. , Lin Zhenjian , Watkins Maren , Salcedo Paula Flórez , Baskin Robert P. , Elhabian Shireen , Safavi-Hemami Helena , Taylor Dylan , Tun Jortan , Concepcion Gisela P. , Saguil Noel , Yanagihara Angel A. , Fang Yixin , McArthur Jeffrey R. , Tae Han-Shen , Finol-Urdaneta Rocio K. , Özpolat B. Duygu , Olivera Baldomero M. , Schmidt Eric W.
Published: March 2021

The imperial cone uses small-molecule mimicry, imitating the pheromones of its worm prey in a hunting strategy.
Probing the photointermediates of light-driven sodium ion pump KR2 by DNP-enhanced solid-state NMR
Authors: Jakdetchai Orawan , Eberhardt Peter , Asido Marvin , Kaur Jagdeep , Kriebel Clara Nassrin , Mao Jiafei , Leeder Alexander J. , Brown Lynda J. , Brown Richard C. D. , Becker-Baldus Johanna , Bamann Christian , Wachtveitl Josef , Glaubitz Clemens
Published: March 2021

Chromophore perturbations in the sodium transport intermediate states of KR2 are revealed by DNP-enhanced ssNMR.
Interfacial superstructures and chemical bonding transitions at metal-ceramic interfaces
Authors: Yang Can , Hu Chongze , Xiang Congying , Nie Hongbo , Gu Xinfu , Xie Lin , He Jiaqing , Zhang Wenqing , Yu Zhiyang , Luo Jian
Published: March 2021

Interfacial superstructures with dopant segregation facilitate the covalent-to-metallic bonding transition at WC-Co interfaces.
Improving Acetic Acid and Furfural Resistance of Xylose-Fermenting Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains by Regulating Novel Transcription Factors Revealed via Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis
Authors: Li Bo , Wang Li , Wu Ya-Jing , Xia Zi-Yuan , Yang Bai-Xue , Tang Yue-Qin
Published: March 2021

Inhibitor tolerance is essential for
S. cerevisiae
when fermenting lignocellulosic hydrolysate with various inhibitors, including weak acids, furans, and phenols. The details regarding how xylose-fermenting
S. cerevisiae
strains respond to multiple inhibitors during fermenting mixed glucose and xylose are still unknown.
Early lessons learnt using simulation to rapidly deploy a trained observer programme during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City
Authors: Yusaf Tricia , Meguerdichian Michael , Astuto Angela , Rucker Lisa , Arbo John , Bajaj Komal
Published: March 2021

New York City became one of the epicentres of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Simulation was used to establish the COVID-19 trained observer programme to mitigate healthcare workers’ infection risk during patient care. The members of the trained observer group consisted of 32 staff members. At the start of the training programme, they were provided donning and doffing guides with a step-by-step description of personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, followed by in-situ PPE simulation training. Later on, as PPE protocols evolved, additional educational modalities were used and included training videos, picture demonstrations of common PPE mistakes and repeated in-situ simulations. The early lessons which emerged from using simulation to train observers during the COVID-19 pandemic were the following: address PPE shortages during presimulation planning, prepare to perform updates for trained observers and use multiple educational modalities to train observers. Adequate amounts of PPE should be available to train observers. Repeated simulations are necessary to update observers on PPE protocols. Multiple learning modalities should educate the trained observers and equip them for their role in COVID-19 units.
Prasugrel versus ticagrelor in patients with myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Venetsanos Dimitrios , Träff Erik , Erlinge David , Hagström Emil , Nilsson Johan , Desta Liyew , Lindahl Bertil , Mellbin Linda , Omerovic Elmir , Szummer Karolina Elisabeth , Zwackman Sammy , Jernberg Tomas , Alfredsson Joakim
Published: March 2021

Objective

The comparative efficacy and safety of prasugrel and ticagrelor in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the association of treatment with clinical outcomes.

Methods

In the SWEDEHEART (Swedish Web-system for enhancement and development of evidence-based care in heart disease evaluated according to recommended therapies) registry, all patients with MI treated with PCI and discharged on prasugrel or ticagrelor from 2010 to 2016 were included. Outcomes were 1-year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE, death, MI or stroke), individual components and bleeding. Multivariable adjustment, inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and propensity score matching (PSM) were used to adjust for confounders.

Results

We included 37 990 patients, 2073 in the prasugrel group and 35 917 in the ticagrelor group. Patients in the prasugrel group were younger, more often admitted with ST elevation MI and more likely to have diabetes. Six to twelve months after discharge, 20% of patients in each group discontinued the P2Y12 receptor inhibitor they received at discharge. The risk for MACCE did not significantly differ between prasugrel-treated and ticagrelor-treated patients (adjusted HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.24). We found no significant difference in the adjusted risk for death, recurrent MI or stroke alone between the two treatments. There was no significant difference in the risk for bleeding with prasugrel versus ticagrelor (2.5% vs 3.2%, adjusted HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.22). IPTW and PSM analyses confirmed the results.

Conclusion

In patients with MI treated with PCI, prasugrel and ticagrelor were associated with similar efficacy and safety during 1-year follow-up.
Evaluation of an intervention to reduce child injury in Bedouin communities in Southern Israel
Authors: Myers Vicki , Malkin Gali , Nir Natalie , Orr Daniella , Baron-Epel Orna
Published: March 2021

Background

Child injury is particularly prevalent in low socioeconomic populations and minorities. In Israel, Bedouin children exhibit high rates of injuries and death. A multifaceted community intervention to reduce injury in children in and around the home was run in nine Bedouin communities in Southern Israel during 2014–2018. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the intervention on injuries among children aged 0–4 by comparing emergency room (ER) visits and hospitalisations before and after the intervention.

Methods

Child injury data (ages 0–4, 5–17) for 2013–2018 were obtained from Soroka Medical Center, including ER visits and hospitalisations. Further data on reason for hospitalisation and injury severity score (ISS) were obtained from the National Centre for Trauma Research for 2011–2018. Reach was assessed by calculating the per cent of participants from the total relevant population in each town. Poisson regression was used to assess change over time, from preintervention (2013) to postintervention (2018).

Results

A high proportion of educational institutions took part in the intervention, and around 20% of relevant households received a home visit (n=6334). There was a significant reduction in ER visits (7.6%) in children aged 0–4 in 2018 compared with 2013. Hospitalisations did not decrease significantly, although the number of admissions for burns and falls was reduced significantly at follow-up.

Conclusions

This multifaceted intervention programme resulted in reduced injury in children aged 0–4 years in the Bedouin community. The use of simultaneous multiple intervention methods was effective in increasing child safety.
Longitudinal effects of perinatal social support on maternal depression: a marginal structural modelling approach
Authors: Hagaman Ashley , LeMasters Katherine , Zivich Paul N. , Sikander Siham , Bates Lisa M. , Bhalotra Sonia , Chung Esther O. , Zaidi Ahmed , Maselko Joanna
Published: March 2021

Background

Depression in the perinatal period, during pregnancy or within 1 year of childbirth, imposes a high burden on women with rippling effects through her and her child’s life course. Social support may be an important protective factor, but the complex bidirectional relationship with depression, alongside a paucity of longitudinal explorations, leaves much unknown about critical windows of social support exposure across the perinatal period and causal impacts on future depressive episodes.

Methods

This study leverages marginal structural models to evaluate associations between longitudinal patterns of perinatal social support and subsequent maternal depression at 6 and 12 months postpartum. In a cohort of women in rural Pakistan (n=780), recruited in the third trimester of pregnancy and followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months postpartum, we assessed social support using two well-validated measures: the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and the Maternal Social Support Index (MSSI). Major depressive disorder was assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV).

Results

High and sustained scores on the MSPSS through the perinatal period were associated with a decreased risk of depression at 12 months postpartum (0.35, 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.63). Evidence suggests the recency of support also matters, but estimates are imprecise. We did not find evidence of a protective effect for support based on the MSSI.

Conclusions

This study highlights the protective effect of sustained social support, particularly emotional support, on perinatal depression. Interventions targeting, leveraging and maintaining this type of support may be particularly important for reducing postpartum depression.
Gender‐Based Disparities in Covid-19 Patient Outcomes
Authors: Marik Paul Ellis , DePerrior Sarah E , Ahmad Qamar , Dodani Sunita
Published: March 2021

Studies reported to date suggest that men with COVID-19 have more severe disease and worse outcomes when compared with women. The explanation for this finding is not entirely clear. The goal of this study was to compare clinical characteristics, inflammatory biomarkers and clinical outcome between men and women. This retrospective study included patients with COVID-19 admitted to 10 Virginia hospitals from January 1, 2020, to June 15, 2020. Demographic data, comorbidities, and inflammatory markers, including C reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, ferritin, and the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio, as well as patient outcomes, were compared between men and women. During the study period, 701 patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection were admitted. The patient's mean age was 61±17 years. There were 370 men (52.8%). There was no difference in age, racial distribution, and comorbidities in the male patients compared with the female patients. However, both the baseline and peak levels of CRP and ferritin were significantly higher in men as compared with women. While the baseline D-dimer was similar between the sexes, men had a significantly higher maximal D-dimer. Men had evidence of greater disease severity, with a significantly greater admission to the intensive care unit and borderline higher hospital mortality. Our study supports the observation that COVID-19 causes more severe disease in men. The greater disease severity in men was not due to the effect of age or comorbidities; however, in keeping with experimental studies, men had evidence of a heightened inflammatory response, likely contributing to disease severity.
Comparison of efficacy of deep brain stimulation and focused ultrasound in parkinsonian tremor: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Fabin , Wu Dihang , Yu Jiao , Weng Huidan , Chen Lina , Meng Fangang , Chen Ying , Ye Qinyong , Cai Guoen
Published: March 2021

To compare the efficacy of deep brain stimulation (DBS) and MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRIgFUS) in parkinsonian tremor. We performed a network meta-analysis based on a Bayesian framework. We searched the literature for articles published between January 1990 and October 2020 using three databases: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library (The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews). A total of 24 studies were included in our analysis, comprising data from 784 participants. Our findings revealed similar efficacy of DBS and MRIgFUS in parkinsonian tremor suppression. Compared with internal globus pallidus (GPi)-MRIgFUS, GPi-DBS -1.84 (–6.44, 2.86), pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN)_DBS –3.28 (–9.28, 2.78), PPN and caudal zona incerta (cZI)-DBS 0.40 (–6.16, 6.87), subthalamic nucleus (STN)_DBS 0.89 (–3.48, 5.30), STN and cZI-DBS 1.99 (–4.74, 8.65), ventral intermediate nucleus(VIM)_DBS 1.75 (–2.87, 6.48), VIM_FUS 0.72 (–5.27, 6.43), cZI-DBS 0.27 (–4.75, 5.36) were no significantly difference. Compared with VIM-MRIgFUS, GPi-DBS -2.55(-6.94, 2.21), GPi-FUS -0.72 (–6.43, 5.27), PPN_DBS -4.01(–9.97, 2.11), PPN and cZI-DBS -0.32 (-6.73, 6.36), STN_DBS 0.16 (–3.98, 4.6), STN and cZI-DBS 1.31(-5.18,7.87), VIM-DBS 1.00(-3.41, 5.84)and cZI-DBS –0.43 (–5.07, 4.68) were no significantly difference. With respect to the results for the treatment of motor symptoms, GPi-DBS, GPi-MRIgFUS, STN-DBS and cZI-DBS were significantly more efficacious than baseline (GPi-DBS 15.24 (5.79, 24.82), GPi-MRIgFUS 13.46 (2.46, 25.10), STN-DBS 19.62 (12.19, 27.16), cZI-DBS 14.18 (1.73, 26.89). The results from the surface under the cumulative ranking results showed that STN-DBS ranked first, followed by combined PPN and cZI-DBS, and PPN-DBS ranked last. MRIgFUS, an efficacious intervention for improving parkinsonian tremor, has not demonstrated to be inferior to DBS in parkinsonian tremor suppression. Hence, clinicians should distinguish individual patients’ symptoms to ensure that the appropriate intervention and therapeutic approach are applied.
Impact of previous disease-modifying treatment on effectiveness and safety outcomes, among patients with multiple sclerosis treated with alemtuzumab
Authors: Pfeuffer Steffen , Ruck Tobias , Pul Refik , Rolfes Leoni , Korsukewitz Catharina , Pawlitzki Marc , Wildemann Brigitte , Klotz Luisa , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Scalfari Antonio , Wiendl Heinz , Meuth Sven G
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Alemtuzumab is effective in patients with active multiple sclerosis but has a complex safety profile, including the development of secondary autoimmunity. Most of patients enrolled in randomised clinical trials with alemtuzumab were either treatment naïve or pretreated with injectable substances. Other previous disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) were not used in the study cohorts, and therefore, associated risks might yet remain unidentified.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated a prospective dual-centre alemtuzumab cohort of 170 patients. We examined the baseline characteristics as well as safety and effectiveness outcomes, including the time to first relapse, the time to 3 months confirmed disability worsening and the time to secondary autoimmunity.

Results

The regression analysis showed that, among all previously used DMTs, the pretreatment with fingolimod (n=33 HRs for the time to first relapse (HR 5.420, 95% CI 2.520 to 11.660; p<0.001)) and for the time to worsening of disability (HR 7.676, 95% CI 2.870 to 20.534; p<0.001). Additionally, patients pretreated with fingolimod were more likely to experience spinal relapses (55% vs 10% among previously naïve patients; p<0.001) and had an increased risk of secondary autoimmunity (HR 5.875, 95% CI 2.126 to 16.27; p<0.001).

Conclusion

In the real-world setting, we demonstrated suboptimal disease control and increased risk of secondary autoimmunity following alemtuzumab, among patients previously treated with fingolimod. These data can provide guidance for improving MS therapeutic management.
Prevalence and determinants of hypertension control among almost 100 000 treated adults in the UK
Authors: Tapela Neo , Collister Jennifer , Clifton Lei , Turnbull Iain , Rahimi Kazem , Hunter David J
Published: March 2021

Objective

To identify factors associated with hypertension control among treated middle-aged UK adults.

Methods

A cross-sectional population-based study including 99 468 previously diagnosed, treated hypertensives enrolled in the UK Biobank. Hypertension control was defined as systolic blood pressure <140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg.

Results

Median age was 62.3 years (IQR 57.3 to 66.0), 45.9% female, 92.0% white, 40.1% obese, 9.3% current smokers and 19.4% had prior cardiovascular disease. 38.1% (95% CI 37.8% to 38.4%) were controlled. In multivariable logistic regression, associations with lack of hypertension control included: older age (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.64 for 60–69 years compared with age 40–50 years), higher alcohol use (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.64, for consuming >30 units per week compared with none), black ethnicity (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.82 compared with white), obesity (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.76 compared with normal body mass index). The strongest positive association with control was having ≥3 comorbidities (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.95 to 2.23). Comorbidities associated with control included cardiovascular disease (OR 2.11, 95% CI 2.04 to 2.19), migraines (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.56 to 1.81), diabetes (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.36) and depression (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.34).

Conclusions

In one of the largest population-based analyses of middle-aged adults with measured blood pressure, the majority of treated hypertensives were uncontrolled. Risk factors for hypertension were associated with a lower probability of control. Having a comorbidity was associated with higher probability of control, possibly due to more frequent interaction with the healthcare system and/or appropriate management of those at greater cardiovascular risk.
Five-year outcome of respiratory muscle weakness at intensive care unit discharge: secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Van Aerde Nathalie , Meersseman Philippe , Debaveye Yves , Wilmer Alexander , Gunst Jan , Casaer Michael P , Wauters Joost , Wouters Pieter J , Gosselink Rik , Van den Berghe Greet , Hermans Greet
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To assess the association between respiratory muscle weakness (RMW) at intensive care unit (ICU) discharge and 5-year mortality and morbidity, independent from confounders including peripheral muscle strength.

Methods

Secondary analysis of the prospective 5-year follow-up of the EPaNIC cohort (ClinicalTrials.gov:
NCT00512122
), limited to 366 patients screened for respiratory and peripheral muscle strength in the ICU with maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) after removal of the artificial airway, and the Medical Research Council sum score. RMW was defined as an absolute value of MIP <30 cmH
2
O. Associations between RMW at (or closest to) ICU discharge and all-cause 5-year mortality, and key measures of 5-year physical function, comprising respiratory muscle strength (MIP), hand-grip strength (HGF), 6 min walk distance (6MWD) and physical function of the SF-36 quality-of-life questionnaire (PF-SF-36), were assessed with Cox proportional hazards and linear regression models, adjusted for confounders including peripheral muscle strength.

Results

RMW was present in 136/366 (37.2%) patients at ICU discharge. RMW was not independently associated with 5-year mortality (HR with 95% CI 1.273 (0.751 to 1.943), p=0.352). Among 156five-year survivors, those with, as compared with those without RMW demonstrated worse physical function (MIP (absolute value, cmH
2
O): 62(42–77) vs 94(78–109), p<0.001; HGF (%pred): 67(44–87) vs 96(68–110), p<0.001; 6MWD (%pred): 87(74–102) vs 99 (80–111), p=0.009; PF-SF-36 (score): 55 (30–80) vs 80 (55–95), p<0.001). Associations between RMW and morbidity endpoints remained significant after adjustment for confounders (effect size with 95% CI: MIP: −23.858 (−32.097 to −15.027), p=0.001; HGF: −18.591 (−30.941 to −5.744), p=0.001; 6MWD (transformed): −1587.007 (−3073.763 to −179.253), p=0.034; PF-SF-36 (transformed): 1.176 (0.144–2.270), p=0.036).

Conclusions

RMW at ICU discharge is independently associated with 5-year morbidity but not 5-year mortality.
Developing common protocols to measure tundra herbivory across spatial scales
Authors: Barrio I.C. , Ehrich D. , Soininen E.M. , Ravolainen V.T. , Bueno C.G. , Gilg O. , Koltz A.M. , Speed J.D.M. , Hik D.S. , Mörsdorf M. , Alatalo J.M. , Angerbjörn A. , Bêty J. , Bollache L. , Boulanger-Lapointe N. , Brown G.S. , Eischeid I. , Giroux M.A. , Hájek T. , Hansen B.B. , Hofhuis S.P. , Lamarre J.-F. , Lang J. , Latty C. , Lecomte N. , Macek P. , McKinnon L. , Myers-Smith I.H. , Pedersen Å.Ø. , Prevéy J.S. , Roth J.D. , Saalfeld S.T. , Schmidt N.M. , Smith P. , Sokolov A. , Sokolova N. , Stolz C. , van Bemmelen R. , Varpe Ø. , Woodard P.F. , Jónsdóttir I.S.
Published: March 2021

Understanding and predicting large-scale ecological responses to global environmental change requires comparative studies across geographic scales with coordinated efforts and standardized methodologies. We designed, applied, and assessed standardized protocols to measure tundra herbivory at three spatial scales: plot, site (habitat), and study area (landscape). The plot- and site-level protocols were tested in the field during summers 2014–2015 at 11 sites, nine of them consisting of warming experimental plots included in the International Tundra Experiment (ITEX). The study area protocols were assessed during 2014–2018 at 24 study areas across the Arctic. Our protocols provide comparable and easy to implement methods for assessing the intensity of invertebrate herbivory within ITEX plots and for characterizing vertebrate herbivore communities at larger spatial scales. We discuss methodological constraints and make recommendations for how these protocols can be used and how sampling effort can be optimized to obtain comparable estimates of herbivory, both at ITEX sites and at large landscape scales. The application of these protocols across the tundra biome will allow characterizing and comparing herbivore communities across tundra sites and at ecologically relevant spatial scales, providing an important step towards a better understanding of tundra ecosystem responses to large-scale environmental change.
Nichols algebras over classical Weyl groups(II)
Authors: Wu Weicai
Published: March 2021

It is shown that except in three cases conjugacy classes of classical Weyl groups [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are of type [Formula: see text]. This proves that Nichols algebras of irreducible Yetter–Drinfeld modules over the classical Weyl groups [Formula: see text] (i.e. [Formula: see text]) are infinite dimensional, except the class of type [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text].
Design and analysis of a waterproof capacitive touch key sensor interface circuit
Authors: Chen Yanbo , Dong Changchun , Wu Bo , He Guokun , Li Yunjie
Published: March 2021

Traditional mechanical keys are gradually replaced with touch keys. Capacitive touch keys have advantages in achieving higher sensitivity with a longer service life and lower cost. Hence, the capacitive touch key technology is widely used in consumer electronic products. In use of household electric appliances, such as electric kettle, induction cooker and exhaust hood, sometimes the water vapor would condense into visible moisture or even the water would splash out of the pot when overheated, which may lead to a falsely trigger of touch key. So, waterproof becomes a big challenge in household electric appliances. This paper analyzes how water affects capacitive touch key and proposes a waterproof capacitive touch key sensor interface circuit to overcome the challenge. Sensing of touch key capacitor would be influenced only when water covers more than two touch keys. Compensating channels working in certain strategy are used to decrease the influence of water. For the same water capacitor, the bigger threshold voltage, the bigger change of the counting number. A much smaller threshold voltage is better to further weak the effect of water. The circuit is implemented in a standard 110 nm CMOS process. The measured results show that the touch Signal to Noise and Water Disturb Ration (SNWDR) is 20.7 dB which proves that the proposed waterproof capacitive touch key sensor interface circuit is effective against water splash.
Cylindrically symmetric unimodular f(R) black holes
Authors: Aydın Hüseyi̇n , Dog̃ru Meli̇s Ulu
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we examine massless scalar field by using unimodular [Formula: see text] theory. It is taken into account unimodular and cylindrically symmetric spacetime which provides convenience in researching black hole. The field equations in unimodular [Formula: see text] theory for given spacetime with massless scalar field and additional Bianchi identities are solved. Cylindrically symmetric anti-de Sitter (AdS)–Schwarzschild-like and AdS–Reissner–Nordström-like black hole spacetimes are achieved. Equations of motion are derived by using Hamiltonian. Orbits of massless test particles are depicted. Obtained line element asymptotically converges to dS/AdS spacetime. Weak and strong energy conditions of the massless scalar field are obtained with Raychaudhuri equations in unimodular [Formula: see text] theory. Also, stiff fluid interpretation of scalar field is reviewed.
A Survey of State-of-the-Art on Blockchains
Authors: Huang Huawei , Kong Wei , Zhou Sicong , Zheng Zibin , Guo Song
Published: March 2021

To draw a roadmap of current research activities of the blockchain community, we first conduct a brief overview of state-of-the-art blockchain surveys published in the past 5 years. We found that those surveys are basically studying the blockchain-based applications, such as blockchain-assisted Internet of Things (IoT), business applications, security-enabled solutions, and many other applications in diverse fields. However, we think that a comprehensive survey toward the essentials of blockchains by exploiting the state-of-the-art theoretical modelings, analytic models, and useful experiment tools is still missing. To fill this gap, we perform a thorough survey by identifying and classifying the most recent high-quality research outputs that are closely related to the theoretical findings and essential mechanisms of blockchain systems and networks. Several promising open issues are also summarized for future research directions. We hope this survey can serve as a useful guideline for researchers, engineers, and educators about the cutting-edge development of blockchains in the perspectives of theories, modelings, and tools.
Electrochemical Behavior of Titanium Complexes in the KCl-KF Melt with Additions of Alkaline Earth Metal Cations
Authors: Vetrova D. A. , Kuznetsov S. A.
Published: March 2021

The charge transfer kinetics for the Ti(IV)/Ti(III) redox couple in the KCl-KF(10 wt.%)-K2TiF6melt was studied. The standard rate constants of charge transfer (ks) for the redox couple Ti(IV)/Ti(III) in the KCl-KF(10 wt.%)-K2TiF6melt were calculated. The temperature dependence of the standard rate constants of charge transfer was described by the empirical equation: logks= (2.01 ± 0.40) – (4178 ± 810)/Т. The activation energy of charge transfer was equal to (80 ± 15) kJ mol–1. Influence of strongly polarizing cations (Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+and Ва2+) on the charge transfer kinetics was studied. It was determined the linear dependence ofkson the ionic potential of alkaline earth metal cations. Values of activation energy of charge transfer for systems with strongly polarizing cations were considerably less than activation energy of the initial system and decrease in case of ionic potential increasing.
Structure-Property Relationships of Silylamine-Type Reversible Ionic Liquids for Use as a Switchable Electrolyte
Authors: Jung Sungyup , Podder Showmik , Chen Josephine , Biddinger Elizabeth J.
Published: March 2021

Switchable electrolytes, whose properties (i.e., conductivity and polarity) can be switched dramatically are very useful. They can address problems associated with multiple electrochemical systems: (1) the need to separate products from the electrolyte after electro-organic syntheses, and; (2) the desire to stop the acceleration of electrochemical reactions in energy storage devices during thermal excursions. Silylamine-type reversible ionic liquids (RevILs) in co-solvents were used as switchable electrolytes in this work. The silylamine RevILs in co-solvents can have a dramatic change in conductivity when switching from a RevIL state to a molecular liquid (state) when heat is applied. The silylamines also have significant changes in polarity with switching. The fundamental silylamine structure-property relationships that can be tuned to control relevant properties such as conductivity, viscosity, thermal switch temperature, and solubility were investigated. In addition, these silylamine RevILs were tested with the addition of metal salts, which were found to increase the conductivity in both the RevIL and ML states. By tailoring the silylamine RevIL structures, the thermo-physical properties for the electrochemical application can be met.
Exercise alters cardiac function independent of acute systemic inflammation in healthy men
Authors: Coates Alexandra M. , Petrick Heather L. , Millar Philip J. , Burr Jamie F.
Published: March 2021

This experimental investigation sought to determine the role of inflammation on the occurrence of cardiovascular alterations following exercise. Despite successfully stimulating systemic inflammation via vaccination, vascular and cardiac functions were largely unaltered. Prolonged exercise itself reduced cardiac function assessed via echocardiography performed during light exercise stress. This demonstrates a potential advantage to using stress-echocardiography for measuring exercise-induced cardiac fatigue, as typical resting measures following similar exercise exposures commonly suggest no effect.
A Numerical Investigation of the Deformation Mechanism of a Large Metro Station Foundation Pit under the Influence of Hydromechanical Processes
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhang Yongjun , Li Mingfei , Qi Yi , Ma Tianhui
Published: March 2021

Considering the unique conditions of deep and large subway foundation pit excavation affected by heavy rainfall in soil-rock composite strata, this paper employs finite element numerical simulation methods to study foundation pit instability under the influence of heavy rainfall. According to the hydraulic coupling conditions caused by rainfall, a fluid-solid coupling numerical model for a deep and large subway foundation pit in soil-rock composite strata is established in this paper. By selecting the Anshan road station of Qingdao subway line 4 as the engineering background, various parameters related to foundation pit excavation affected by heavy rainfall at different excavation depths were analyzed. The study found that after the foundation pit was excavated, the surrounding pore water pressure decreased and the pore water pressure near the ground surface increased rapidly due to rainfall. As the horizontal distance from the foundation pit increased, the pore water pressure at the same depth also increased. The excavation of the foundation pit caused uplift of the bottom of the pit. After rainfall, the uplift value decreased compared with that before rainfall. With increasing excavation depth, the decreased value of the bottom uplift decreased and then increased. The rainfall caused the horizontal displacement of the pit walls on both sides of the pit to increase. When the excavation depth was 10 m, the horizontal displacements on both sides of the pit were equivalent. When the excavation depth was 20 m, the horizontal displacement was concentrated in the first 10 m; when the excavation depths were 30 m and 40 m, the horizontal displacement was concentrated in the first 13 m. This finding shows that when the foundation pit was affected by rainfall, the sidewall collapsed at a distance of 13 meters from the ground. As the excavation depth increased, the depth of excavation instability was closer to the bottom of the pit. The research in this paper can provide a reference for the construction of deep and large foundation pits in similar composite ground conditions that are affected by rainfall.
I2DS: Interpretable Intrusion Detection System Using Autoencoder and Additive Tree
Authors: Xu Wenfeng , Fan Yongxian , Li Changyong
Published: March 2021

Intrusion detection system (IDS), the second security gate behind the firewall, can monitor the network without affecting the network performance and ensure the system security from the internal maximum. Many researches have applied traditional machine learning models, deep learning models, or hybrid models to IDS to improve detection effect. However, according to Predicted accuracy, Descriptive accuracy, and Relevancy (PDR) framework, most of detection models based on model-based interpretability lack good detection performance. To solve the problem, in this paper, we have proposed a novel intrusion detection system model based on model-based interpretability, called Interpretable Intrusion Detection System (I2DS). We firstly combine normal and attack samples reconstructed by AutoEncoder (AE) with training samples to highlight the normal and attack features, so that the classifier has a gorgeous effect. Then, Additive Tree (AddTree) is used as a binary classifier, which can provide excellent predictive performance in the combined dataset while maintaining good model-based interpretability. In the experiment, UNSW-NB15 dataset is used to evaluate our proposed model. For detection performance, I2DS achieves a detection accuracy of 99.95%, which is better than most of state-of-the-art intrusion detection methods. Moreover, I2DS maintains higher simulatability and captures the decision rules easily.
Artificial Intelligence‐Assisted Fresco Restoration with Multiscale Line Drawing Generation
Authors: Song Guanghui , Wang Hai
Published: March 2021

In this article, we study the mural restoration work based on artificial intelligence‐assisted multiscale trace generation. Firstly, we convert the fresco images to colour space to obtain the luminance and chromaticity component images; then we process each component image to enhance the edges of the exfoliated region using high and low hat operations; then we construct a multistructure morphological filter to smooth the noise of the image. Finally, the fused mask image is fused with the original mural to obtain the final calibration result. The fresco is converted to HSV colour space, and chromaticity, saturation, and luminance features are introduced; then the confidence term and data term are used to determine the priority of shedding boundary points; then a new block matching criterion is defined, and the best matching block is obtained to replace the block to be repaired based on the structural similarity between the block to be repaired and the matching block by global search; finally, the restoration result is converted to RGB colour space to obtain the final restoration result. An improved generative adversarial network structure is proposed to address the shortcomings of the existing network structure in mural defect restoration, and the effectiveness of the improved modules of the network is verified. Compared with the existing mural restoration algorithms on the test data experimentally verified, the peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) score is improved by 4% and the structural similarity (SSIM) score is improved by 2%.
Common Fixed Points of Two Mappings regarding a Generalizedc-Distance over a Banach Algebra
Authors: Aryanpour Ladan , Rahimi Hamidreza , Soleimani Rad Ghasem
Published: March 2021

In this article, applying the concept of a generalizedc-distance in coneb-metric spaces over Banach algebra with a nonnormal solid cone therein, we establish several common fixed point theorems for two noncontinuous mappings satisfying the Han-Xu-type contraction. Our results are interesting, since they are not equivalent to former well-known results regarding awt-distance inb-metric spaces while they contain recent results corresponding to a generalizedc-distance in coneb-metric spaces.
Microstructural Features of Freezing and Thawing-Creep Damages for Concrete Mixed with Fly Ash
Authors: Li Bing , Zhang Lian-ying , Li Ming , Pu Hai , Ma Chao , Qiu Pei-tao
Published: March 2021

The macroscopic morphology characteristics, pore structure characteristics, and microfracture morphology of concrete with fly ash subjected to the freeze-thaw-creep effect were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that the macrosection of a specimen subjected to freeze-thaw cycling evolves from a regular to an irregular morphology in which the degree of fragmentation increases. Four specimen pore structure types characterized by single holes, nonconnected hole clusters, connected hole clusters, and fly ash holes, respectively, were identified. The microfracture morphology of the concrete was found to include five types of brittle fractures—river, step, cascade, hemispherical, and irregular patterns—and two types of ductile fractures—dimple and peak forest patterns. Two sets of experiments in which (1) the fly ash content (

m
=
35
%

) was kept constant and the number of freeze-thaw cycles increased, and (2) the number of freeze-thaw cycles (

n
=
120

) was kept constant, and the fly ash content was increased were carried out. In both cases, the number of connected hole clusters increased and a surrounding skeleton structure with a needle filamentous or flaky appearance was produced. In addition, the degree of deterioration of the pore structure increased and the fracture features changed from brittle to ductile.
Oxidative Stress‐Derived Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Concise Review
Authors: Antunes Mariana A. , Lopes-Pacheco Miquéias , Rocco Patricia R. M.
Published: March 2021

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive and disabling disorder marked by airflow limitation and extensive destruction of lung parenchyma. Cigarette smoke is the major risk factor for COPD development and has been associated with increased oxidant burden on multiple cell types in the lungs. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may significantly affect expression of biological molecules, signaling pathways, and function of antioxidant defenses. Although inflammatory cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, contribute to the release of large quantities of ROS, mitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role in ROS production due to oxidative phosphorylation. Although mitochondria are dynamic organelles, excess oxidative stress is able to alter mitochondrial function, morphology, and RNA and protein content. Indeed, mitochondria may change their shape by undergoing fusion (regulated by mitofusin 1, mitofusin 2, and optic atrophy 1 proteins) and fission (regulated by dynamin‐related protein 1), which are essential processes to maintain a healthy and functional mitochondrial network. Cigarette smoke can induce mitochondrial hyperfusion, thus reducing mitochondrial quality control and cellular stress resistance. Furthermore, diminished levels of enzymes involved in the mitophagy process, such as Parkin (a ubiquitin ligase E3) and the PTEN‐induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1), are commonly observed in COPD and correlate directly with faulty removal of dysfunctional mitochondria and consequent cell senescence in this disorder. In this review, we highlight the main mechanisms for the regulation of mitochondrial quality and how they are affected by oxidative stress during COPD development and progression.