bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PREVENTion of CLots in Orthopaedic Trauma (PREVENT CLOT): a randomised pragmatic trial protocol comparing aspirin versus low-molecular-weight heparin for blood clot prevention in orthopaedic trauma patients
Authors: O"Toole Robert V , Stein Deborah M , Frey Katherine P , O"Hara Nathan N , Scharfstein Daniel O , Slobogean Gerard P , Taylor Tara J , Haac Bryce E , Carlini Anthony R , Manson Theodore T , Sudini Kuladeep , Mullins C Daniel , Wegener Stephen T , Firoozabadi Reza , Haut Elliott R , Bosse Michael J , Seymour Rachel B , Holden Martha B , Gitajn Ida Leah , Goldhaber Samuel Z , Eastman Alexander L , Jurkovich Gregory J , Vallier Heather A , Gary Joshua L , Kleweno Conor P , Cuschieri Joseph , Marvel Debra , Castillo Renan C
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Patients who sustain orthopaedic trauma are at an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), including fatal pulmonary embolism (PE). Current guidelines recommend low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for VTE prophylaxis in orthopaedic trauma patients. However, emerging literature in total joint arthroplasty patients suggests the potential clinical benefits of VTE prophylaxis with aspirin. The primary aim of this trial is to compare aspirin with LMWH as a thromboprophylaxis in fracture patients.

Methods and analysis

PREVENT CLOT is a multicentre, randomised, pragmatic trial that aims to enrol 12 200 adult patients admitted to 1 of 21 participating centres with an operative extremity fracture, or any pelvis or acetabular fracture. The primary outcome is all-cause mortality. We will evaluate non-inferiority by testing whether the intention-to-treat difference in the probability of dying within 90 days of randomisation between aspirin and LMWH is less than our non-inferiority margin of 0.75%. Secondary efficacy outcomes include cause-specific mortality, non-fatal PE and deep vein thrombosis. Safety outcomes include bleeding complications, wound complications and deep surgical site infections.

Ethics and dissemination

The PREVENT CLOT trial has been approved by the ethics board at the coordinating centre (Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) and all participating sites. Recruitment began in April 2017 and will continue through 2021. As both study medications are currently in clinical use for VTE prophylaxis for orthopaedic trauma patients, the findings of this trial can be easily adopted into clinical practice. The results of this large, patient-centred pragmatic trial will help guide treatment choices to prevent VTE in fracture patients.

Trial registration number

NCT02984384.
UK consultants’ experiences of the decision-making process around referral to intensive care: an interview study
Authors: Heidenreich Kaja , Slowther Anne-Marie , Griffiths Frances , Bremer Anders , Svantesson Mia
Published: March 2021

Objective

The decision whether to initiate intensive care for the critically ill patient involves ethical questions regarding what is good and right for the patient. It is not clear how referring doctors negotiate these issues in practice. The aim of this study was to describe and understand consultants’ experiences of the decision-making process around referral to intensive care.

Design

Qualitative interviews were analysed according to a phenomenological hermeneutical method.

Setting and participants

Consultant doctors (n=27) from departments regularly referring patients to intensive care in six UK hospitals.

Results

In the precarious and uncertain situation of critical illness, trust in the decision-making process is needed and can be enhanced through the way in which the process unfolds. When there are no obvious right or wrong answers as to what ought to be done, how the decision is made and how the process unfolds is morally important. Through acknowledging the burdensome doubts in the process, contributing to an emerging, joint understanding of the patient’s situation, and responding to mutual moral duties of the doctors involved, trust in the decision-making process can be enhanced and a shared moral responsibility between the stake holding doctors can be assumed.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the importance of trust in the decision-making process and how the relationships between the stakeholding doctors are crucial to support their moral responsibility for the patient. Poor interpersonal relationships can damage trust and negatively impact decisions made on behalf of a critically ill patient. For this reason, active attempts must be made to foster good relationships between doctors. This is not only important to create a positive working environment, but a mechanism to improve patient outcomes.
Defining standards in colorectal optimisation: a Delphi study protocol to achieve international consensus on key standards for colorectal surgery prehabilitation
Authors: Pearson Iona , Blackwell Sue , Fish Rebecca , Daniels Sarah , West Malcolm , Mutrie Nanette , Kelly P , Knight Stephen , Fearnhead Nicola S , Moug Susan
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Prehabilitation in colorectal surgery is evolving and may minimise postoperative morbidity and mortality. With many different healthcare professionals contributing to the prehabilitation literature, there is significant variation in reported primary endpoints that restricts comparison. In addition, there has been limited work on patient-related outcome measures suggesting that patients with colorectal cancer needs and issues are being overlooked. The Defining Standards in Colorectal Optimisation Study aims to achieve international consensus from all stakeholders on key standards to provide a framework for reporting future prehabilitation research.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review will identify key standards reported in trials of prehabilitation in colorectal surgery. Standards that are important to patients will be identified by a patient and public involvement (PPI) event. The longlist of standards generated from the systematic review and PPI event will be used to develop a three-round online Delphi process. This will engage all stakeholders (healthcare professionals and patients) both nationally and internationally. The results of the Delphi will be followed by a face-to-face interactive consensus meeting that will define the final standards for prehabilitation for elective colorectal surgery.

Ethics and dissemination

The University of Glasgow College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Ethics Committee has approved this protocol, which is registered as a study (200190120) with the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials Initiative. Publication of the standards developed by all stakeholders will increase the potential for comparative research that advances understanding of the clinical application of prehabilitation.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019120381.
Tumor-infiltrating plasmacytoid dendritic cells are associated with survival in human colon cancer
Authors: Kießler Maximilian , Plesca Ioana , Sommer Ulrich , Wehner Rebekka , Wilczkowski Friederike , Müller Luise , Tunger Antje , Lai Xixi , Rentsch Anke , Peuker Kenneth , Zeissig Sebastian , Seifert Adrian M , Seifert Lena , Weitz Jürgen , Bachmann Michael , Bornhäuser Martin , Aust Daniela , Baretton Gustavo , Schmitz Marc
Published: March 2021

Background

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) play a key role in the induction and maintenance of antitumor immunity. Conversely, they can act as tolerogenic DCs by inhibiting tumor-directed immune responses. Therefore, pDCs may profoundly influence tumor progression. To gain novel insights into the role of pDCs in colon cancer, we investigated the frequency and clinical relevance of pDCs in primary tumor tissues from patients with colon cancer with different clinicopathological characteristics.

Methods

Immunohistochemical stainings were performed to explore the frequency of tumor-infiltrating BDCA-2+pDCs in patients with colon cancer. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine an association between the pDC density and clinicopathological characteristics of the patients. Furthermore, we used multiplex immunofluorescence stainings to evaluate the localization and phenotype of pDCs in stroma and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) of colon cancer tissues.

Results

An increased density of infiltrating pDCs was associated with lower Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) stages. Furthermore, a higher pDC frequency was significantly correlated with increased progression-free and overall survival of patients with colon cancer. Moreover, a lower number of coloncancer-infiltrating pDCs was significantly and independently linked to worse prognosis. In addition, we found that a proportion of pDCs shows a nuclear expression of the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7), which is characteristic for an activated phenotype. In various tumor stroma regions, IRF7+pDCs were located in the neighborhood of granzyme B-expressing CD8+T cells. Moreover, pDCs were identified as a novel component of the T cell zone of colon cancer-associated TLS, which are major regulators of adaptive antitumor immunity. A proportion of TLS-associated pDCs displayed a nuclear IRF7 expression and was preferentially located close to CD4+T cells.

Conclusions

These results indicate that higher densities of tumor-infiltrating pDCs are associated with prolonged survival of patients with colon cancer. Moreover, colon cancer-infiltrating pDCs may represent a novel prognostic factor. The colocalization of activated pDCs and T cells in tumor stroma and within TLS may contribute to the correlation between higher pDC densities and better prognosis. In addition, our findings may have implications for the design of novel immunotherapeutic strategies that are based on targeting colon cancer-infiltrating pDCs.
Balancing rules in postmortem sperm donation
Authors: Pennings Guido
Published: March 2021

Postmortem sperm donation implies the acceptance of a very low sperm quality threshold. This threshold has two important consequences: recipients will have to submit to burdensome and expensive in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and many more living donors will be accepted, thus making postmortem donors largely superfluous. Given these strong arguments against the use of postmortem collected sperm, a good alternative to enlarge the donor pool would be men who stored sperm for self-use and no longer have the intention to use it.
Cardiac-autonomic and hemodynamic responses to a hypertonic, sugar-sweetened sports beverage in physically active men
Authors: Christiani Mark , Grosicki Gregory J. , Flatt Andrew A.
Published: March 2021

Hydration practices may confound heart rate variability (HRV) measurements when collected in the pre-training period. We aimed to determine the effects of ingesting a hypertonic, sugar-sweetened sports beverage on HRV and hemodynamic parameters in physically active young men. Fifteen subjects consumed 591 mL of Gatorade (6% carbohydrate, ∼330 mOsmol/kg), 591 mL water, or 10 mL water (control) in random order on separate days following overnight fasting. HRV and hemodynamics were evaluated in 5-min windows immediately before (T1) and 5–10 min (T2), 25–30 min (T3), 40–45 min (T4), and 55–60 min (T5) post-drinking. Root-mean square of successive differences and the standard deviation of normal RR intervals increased post-water intake at all time-points relative to T1 (P < 0.05). No increases were observed post-Gatorade intake, though small effect sizes were noted at T2 and T3 (P > 0.05, ES = 0.27–0.32). Systemic vascular resistance increased at T2 post-Gatorade intake and at T2 and T3 post-water intake (P < 0.05). No interactions were observed for blood pressure measures, stroke volume, or cardiac output. Gatorade does not evoke cardiovascular adjustments to the same magnitude as water. Practitioners should wait at least 45 min to record HRV post-Gatorade intake and >60 min post-water intake.

Novelty: Equal volumes of cold water and Gatorade produce inequivalent cardiac-autonomic and hemodynamic responses. HRV responses of greater amplitude and duration were observed following intake of water versus Gatorade. Failure to account for recent fluid intake may result in misinterpretation of autonomic status.
Is the annual maximum leaf area index an important driver of water fluxes simulated by a land surface model in temperate forests?
Authors: Maheu Audrey , Cholet Cybèle , Cordero Montoya Rebeca , Duchesne Louis
Published: March 2021

In land surface models, vegetation is often described using plant functional types (PFTs), a classification that aggregates plant species into a few groups based on similar characteristics. Within-PFT variability of these characteristics can introduce considerable uncertainty in the simulation of water fluxes in forests. Our objectives were to (i) compare the variability of the annual maximum leaf area index (LAImax) within and between PFTs and (ii) assess whether this variability leads to significant differences in simulated water fluxes at a regional scale. We classified our study region in southwestern Quebec (Canada) into three PFTs (evergreen needleleaf, deciduous broadleaf, and mixed forests) and characterized LAImax using remotely sensed MODIS-LAI data. We simulated water fluxes with the Canadian Land Surface Scheme (CLASS) and performed a sensitivity analysis. We found that within-PFT variability of LAImax was 1.7 times more important than variability between PFTs, with similar mean values for the two dominant PFTs, deciduous broadleaf forests (6.6 m2·m−2) and mixed forests (6.3 m2·m−2). In CLASS, varying LAImax within the observed range of values (4.0–7.5 m2·m−2) led to changes of less than 2% in mean evapotranspiration. Overall, LAImax is likely not an important driver of the spatial variability of water fluxes at the regional level.
Electrochemical characterization of β,β′-butanoporphyrins containing sterically hinderedmeso-2,6-dihalogenophenyl substituents and first-row transition metal ions in nonaqueous media
Authors: Hou Yueping , Fang Yuanyuan , Ou Zhongping , Wang Liping , Xu Weijie , Kadish Karl M.
Published: March 2021

Six [Formula: see text],[Formula: see text]-butano substituted metalloporphyrins containing sterically hindered meso-dihalogenophenyl substituents and first-row transition metal ions were synthesized and their electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical properties were characterized in nonaqueous media. The investigated compounds have the general formula butano(Y2Ph)4PorM, where Por is a dianion of the porphyrin, M = Mn[Formula: see text]Cl, Fe[Formula: see text]Cl, Co[Formula: see text], Ni[Formula: see text], Cu[Formula: see text] or Zn[Formula: see text]and Y2Ph is a sterically hindered 2,6-F2Ph or 2,6-Cl2Ph group on each of the four meso-positions of the macrocycle. The electrochemistry of each porphyrin was examined in CH2Cl2or pyridine containing 0.1 M tetra-[Formula: see text]-butylammonium perchlorate. The first one-electron reduction is metal-centered for the manganese(III), iron(III) and cobalt(II) porphyrins to generate the Mn(II), Fe(II) and Co(I) porphyrins, but it is porphyrin ring-centered for the other examined M(II) porphyrins to give porphyrin [Formula: see text]-anion radicals under the given solution conditions. The effect of the [Formula: see text],[Formula: see text]-butano and sterically hindered meso-Y2Ph substituents on redox potentials and electron transfer mechanisms are discussed and compared to what was previously reported for butano-substituted tetraarylporphyrins without hindered meso-substituents.
China’s Carbon Neutrality Policy: Objectives, Impacts and Paths
Authors: DONG Liang , MIAO Gaoyi , WEN Weigang
Published: March 2021

In order to realise the goal of the Paris Agreement, China has announced to enhance its nationally determined contributions (NDCs), demonstrating its determination to adopt more rigorous policies and measures to achieve a peak in carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. China’s pledge to carbon neutrality not only has a profound impact on its economic reforms, but also spurs the country to be more proactive in global climate governnance.
Japan’s Peacebuilding under the Abe Administration: Change and Continuity, 2012–2020
Authors: UESUGI Yuji , KOBAYASHI Kazushige , HONDA Tomoaki
Published: March 2021

This article traces the developments in Japan’s peacebuilding policy in Abe Shinzo’s second term (2012–2020) and presents illustrative case studies to highlight the change and continuity that occurred during this period. Although Abe is internationally known for launching a new doctrine of “active pacifism”, his reforms in international peace cooperation policy incrementally built upon the existing discourses and practices. Abe’s vision of a more proactive peacebuilding policy has also been heavily circumscribed by Japan’s Constitution.
Investigation of Cathode Electrolyte Interphase Layer in V2O5 Li-ion Battery Cathodes: Time and Potential Effects
Authors: Dhiman Rajnish
Published: March 2021

Basic understanding of surface reactions on the Li ion battery electrodes is of great importance as the interphase layers formed on the electrode surface due to the decomposition of electrolyte, during the initial battery cycles affects the safety, cycling life and performance of lithium-ion batteries. The effects of time, potential and cycling rate on the formation of cathode electrolyte interphases (CEIs) have been investigated on a V2O5 intercalation cathode by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). CEI layer on V2O5 based cathode is mainly composed of Li-alkyl carbonates (ROCO2Li), Li2CO3, LiF and some C−O, C=O species such as polyethylene oxide type compounds, Li-alkoxides (R−CH2OLi) and oxalates. Formation of CEI on cathode takes place during the discharge cycle while a partial dissolution/removal has been observed in the charging cycle. Removal of CEI species during the charging cycle could be ascribed to the puckering of V2O5 layers due to de-lithiation process. The formation and dissolution of LiF, ROCO2Li and other species has been observed until ≈215 ± 10 h, this may indicate that the decomposition of electrolyte is taking place till several cycles, which is an undesirable phenomenon in LIBs. CEI formation has shown a dependence on lower discharge potential, time and cycling rate.
Poly(arylamine-imide)s Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries with High Average Voltage and Long Cycle Life
Authors: Zhang Chengjun , Chen Sha , Zhou Guangying , Hou Qiong , Luo Suilian , Wang Yuhai , Shi Guang
Published: March 2021

Two poly(arylamine-imide)s, poly(N,N,N′,N′-tetraphenyl-1,4-benzenediamine naphthalenediimide) (PDDP-NI) and poly(N,N,N′,N′-tetraphenyl-1,4-benzenediamine perylenediimide) (PDDP-PI), were successfully prepared by condensation polymerization of an amine monomer N,N,N′,N′-tetraphenyl-1,4-benzenediamine (DDP) with dianhydride monomer 1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (NTCDA) or 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA). The DDP units in the polymer can reversibly dope/dedope the PF6−anion, while the naphthalenediimide (NI) unit or perylene diimide (PI) unit can reversibly insert/extract the lithium cation. The lithium ion half-cells based on the polymer cathode and the lithium anode are assembled and the electrochemical properties are tested. Due to the high voltage of the DDP unit in the polymer backbone, lithium-ion half-cells based on PDDP-NI and PDDP-PI cathodes provide a high average discharge voltage of about 3.2 V. Moreover, the as-prepared polymer materials exhibit long-cycle performance, PDDP-NI remains 89% capacity after 500 cycles at 10 C and PDDP-PI maintains 98% capacity after 1000 cycles at 10 C, furthermore, their coulombic efficiency close to 100% at all current rates tested, which shows that these organic cathode materials have potential applications in long-cycle lithium-ion batteries.
Pennington Corner - ECS Transactions: Back to the Future
Authors: Calvo Roque J.
Published: March 2021

Over 103 years after we published the first issue of Transactions of The American Electrochemical Society, we are going to go back into ECS history to create a future publication. With all the dramatic changes in scientific publishing, it is ironic that we will revisit the type of publication established by our founding fathers, as we introduce the new publication, ECS Transactions (ECST), over the next six months.
Novel One-Dimensional Nanostructures
Authors: Meyyappan M. , Sukla Satyajit , Seal Sudipta
Published: March 2021

Of all the nanoscale materials, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have received the most attention worldwide. These are configurationally equivalent to a two-dimensional graphene sheet rolled into a tubular structure.
Experimental and Modeling Investigation of the Mechanism for Preventing Readhesion via Zeta Potential in the Spin-Rinse Process
Authors: Handa N. , Hiyama H. , Amagai K. , Yano A.
Published: March 2021

Adhesive particles on polished wafers are detached via, for example, scrubbing, and removed via liquid flow from the wafer while preventing readhesion by controlling the zeta potential. However, the effect of the zeta potential on the removal of detached particles in the spin-rinse process is yet to be quantitatively examined. Therefore, a physical model was constructed with some consideration of the zeta potential effect and was subsequently compared with the experimental results. According to the Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek theory, particle displacement in the direction normal to the wafer surface can be calculated from the energy that is mainly determined by the repulsive force depending on the zeta potential. Assuming that the particle displacement distribution takes the form of a Gaussian distribution, the ratio of particles present in the direction normal to the wafer surface can be expressed and the zeta potential effect could be incorporated into the model. Furthermore, assuming that the detached particles are removed from the wafer not only during the spin-rinse process but also during the spin-drying process, the model was in line with the experiment. It was found that the detached particles are removed from the wafer during both the spin-rinse process and the spin-drying process.
Luminescence and Energy Transfer of Li2Y4(MoO4)7: Ln3+ (Ln = Dy, Eu) Phosphors
Authors: Zhao Bing , Chen Feng , Ru Jingjing , Guo Feiyun , Chen Jianzhong
Published: March 2021

A series of novel Li2Y4(MoO4)7: Ln3+ (Ln = Dy, Eu) phosphors with color-tunable were prepared through solid-state reaction. The crystal structures, photoluminescence properties, energy transfer process, decay, and chromaticity coordinates were also investigated. The emission color of Li2Y4(MoO4)7: Ln3+ (Ln = Dy, Eu) phosphors were tunable from pale yellow to the nearly white position by adjusting the concentrations of Dy3+ and Eu3+ ions or converting the excitation wavelength from 353 nm to 391 nm, and η

τ
could reach 49.33% when y = 0.60. These results indicated that Li2Y4(MoO4)7: Ln3+ (Ln = Dy, Eu) may be served as color tunable phosphors.
NPC1L1-dependent transport of 27-alkyne cholesterol in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Ticho Alexander L. , Calzadilla Nathan , Malhotra Pooja , Lee Hyunjin , Anbazhagan Arivarasu Natarajan , Saksena Seema , Dudeja Pradeep K. , Lee Daesung , Gill Ravinder K. , Alrefai Waddah A.
Published: March 2021

Niemann-Pick C1 Like-1 (NPC1L1) mediates the uptake of micellar cholesterol by intestinal epithelial cells and is the molecular target of the cholesterol-lowering drug ezetimibe (EZE). The detailed mechanisms responsible for intracellular shuttling of micellar cholesterol are not fully understood due to the lack of a suitable NPC1L1 substrate that can be traced by fluorescence imaging and biochemical methods. 27-Alkyne cholesterol has been previously shown to serve as a substrate for different cellular processes similar to native cholesterol. However, it is not known whether alkyne cholesterol is absorbed via an NPC1L1-dependent pathway. We aimed to determine whether alkyne cholesterol is a substrate for NPC1L1 in intestinal cells. Human intestinal epithelial Caco2 cells were incubated with micelles containing alkyne cholesterol in the presence or absence of EZE. Small intestinal closed loops in C57BL/6J mice were injected with micelles containing alkyne cholesterol with or without EZE. Alkyne cholesterol esterification in Caco2 cells was significantly inhibited by EZE and by inhibitor of clathrin-mediated endocytosis Pitstop 2. The esterification was similarly reduced by inhibitors of the acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT). Alkyne cholesterol efficiently labeled the apical membrane of Caco2 cells and the amount retained on the membrane was significantly increased by EZE as judged by accessibility to exogenous cholesterol oxidase. In mouse small intestine, the presence of EZE reduced total alkyne cholesterol uptake by ∼75%. These data show that alkyne cholesterol acts as a substrate for NPC1L1 and may serve as a nonradioactive tracer to measure cholesterol absorption in both in vitro and in vivo models.
Thalamic state influences timing precision in the thalamocortical circuit
Authors: Whitmire Clarissa J. , Liew Yi Juin , Stanley Garrett B.
Published: March 2021

The majority of sensory signals are transmitted through the thalamus. There is growing evidence of complex thalamic gating through coordinated firing modes that have a strong impact on cortical sensory representations. Optogenetic hyperpolarization of thalamus pushed it into burst firing that disrupted precise time-locked sensory signaling, with a direct impact on the downstream cortical encoding, setting the stage for a timing-based thalamic gate of sensory signaling.
Forecasting Wind Power Generation Using Artificial Neural Network: “Pawan Danawi”—A Case Study from Sri Lanka
Authors: Peiris Amila T. , Jayasinghe Jeevani , Rathnayake Upaka
Published: March 2021

Wind power, as a renewable energy resource, has taken much attention of the energy authorities in many countries, as it is used as one of the major energy sources to satisfy the ever-increasing energy demand. However, careful attention is needed in identifying the wind power potential in a particular area due to climate changes. In this sense, forecasting both wind power generation and wind power potential is essential. This paper develops artificial neural network (ANN) models to forecast wind power generation in “Pawan Danawi”, a functioning wind farm in Sri Lanka. Wind speed, wind direction, and ambient temperature of the area were used as the independent variable matrices of the developed ANN models, while the generated wind power was used as the dependent variable. The models were tested with three training algorithms, namely, Levenberg-Marquardt (LM), Scaled Conjugate Gradient (SCG), and Bayesian Regularization (BR) training algorithms. In addition, the model was calibrated for five validation percentages (5% to 25% in 5% intervals) under each algorithm to identify the best training algorithm with the most suitable training and validation percentages. Mean squared error (MSE), coefficient of correlation (R), root mean squared error ratio (RSR), Nash number, and BIAS were used to evaluate the performance of the developed ANN models. Results revealed that all three training algorithms produce acceptable predictions for the power generation in the Pawan Danawi wind farm with R > 0.91, MSE < 0.22, and BIAS < 1. Among them, the LM training algorithm at 70% of training and 5% of validation percentages produces the best forecasting results. The developed models can be effectively used in the prediction of wind power at the Pawan Danawi wind farm. In addition, the models can be used with the projected climatic scenarios in predicting the future wind power harvest. Furthermore, the models can acceptably be used in similar environmental and climatic conditions to identify the wind power potential of the area.
Commuting in the Storm: Adaptation of Transit Riders and Measures for Transit Operator—A Case in Shanghai
Authors: Bo Kun , Teng Jing , Zhang Cen , Han Dahai
Published: March 2021

Adverse weather has been recognized as an important factor to affect travelers’ activity plans in departure time, transport mode, route taken, or cancellation. In the storm, road waterlogging degrades the capacity of road networks and the service quality of transit systems, which further may affect the supply and demand for transit. Based on a typical case in Shanghai that commuters have no easy access to metro service, this paper aims to explore how transit passengers adapt to different situations in the storm and what emergency plans should be taken accordingly. Derived from the revealed preference (RP) and stated preference (SP) survey results for experienced transit commuters, a nested logit (NL) model was developed to describe the travel behavior of transit commuters. Six alternatives, Direct Bus, Bus + Bus, Metro, Bus + Metro, Taxi, and Cancel Trip, and three storm scenarios were set for transit commuters in this case. Estimated parameters indicate that, in storm weather, crowdedness is less considered by transit commuters, and transfer times, walking time, in-vehicle time, and waiting time have negative effects on the selection of the corresponding alternative, whereas the impact of taxi fare is positive since the higher fare is usually accompanied by worse weather and traffic condition. Sensitivity analysis shows that walking time to metro station, in-vehicle time, and waiting time at a bus stop are the most critical factors leading to transit ridership reduction in the storm. According to this, three possible plans for the transit operator, shuttle bus to the metro station (P1), information announcement (P2), and route adjustment (P3), are simulated and compared. We recommend adopting P2, P2 + P3, and P1 + P2 + P3 in turn with the increase of road waterlogging. These findings have important practical implications for developing transit emergency management plans and serve as references for the transit agencies and operators.
New Data on Migration Time, Breeding Phenology, and Breeding Success of European Turtle Doves in Their Highest Breeding Habitats in North Africa
Authors: Mansouri Ismail , Ousaaid Driss , Squalli Wafae , El Agy Abdelbari , EL-Hassani Abderahim , Mounir Mohamed , Elghadraoui Lahsen , Dakki Mohamed
Published: March 2021

The migration dates, breeding phenology, and reproductive success of the European turtle doves were studied in the highest breeding habitats at Midelt (1400 to 1600 m), Morocco. Data were recorded from March to October between 2015 and 2018, using the Common Bird Census methodology. Results showed that, at high-altitude breeding sites (n = 20), turtle doves arrived on 28.25 ± 2.05 March, while departure dates were on 28.00 ± 1.47 September. On the other hand, nesting activity began on 26.5 ± 0.64 April, and laying dates were only two days after the nest construction date on 28.00 ± 0.7 April. First fledged chicks were 17.50 ± 2.72 May, and chicks started flying on 3.50 ± 2.33 June. In addition, breeding chronology, including nesting and chick’s flight, was influenced by altitude and rainfall and more particularly controlled by temperature. For breeding success, among the 467 monitored nests, 73.87% survived during the nesting period and 71.16% of eggs have survived during incubation. Chicks' survival rate was higher with 79.56%. Failure factors during breeding success were diverse. Predation caused the loss of 18.89% of eggs during incubation periods and 10.54% of chicks during the nestling phase. A few portions, including 4.41% of eggs and 4.39% of chicks, were deserted by their dove parents. Finally, our study highlights that the turtle dove breeds in high-altitude habitats with late and shorter breeding periods, which might allow this bird to avoid the vigorous climate conditions at mountains and their effect on reproductive success.
Optical Coherence Tomography Predictors of Favorable Functional Response in Naïve Diabetic Macular Edema Eyes Treated with Dexamethasone Implants as a First-Line Agent
Authors: Meduri Alessandro , Oliverio Giovanni William , Trombetta Luigi , Giordano Marta , Inferrera Leandro , Trombetta Costantino John
Published: March 2021

Purpose. To evaluate efficacy and safety of intravitreal dexamethasone 0.7 mg implant in treatment-naïve DME patients and to assess the utility of OCT structural biomarkers as predictors of functional response after treatment. Methods. Thirty-nine eyes of 39 diabetic patients with center involving DME were enrolled. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and SS-OCT (DRI SS-OCT Triton, Topcon, Japan) to evaluate central retinal thickness (CRT), serous retinal detachment (SRD), intraretinal cysts (IRC), number of hyper-reflective spots (HRS), integrity of the ellipsoid zone (EZ), disorganization of the inner retinal layers (DRIL), vitreomacular adhesion (VMA), vitreomacular traction (VMT), and posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) were evaluated at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Multiple logistic analysis was performed to evaluate the possible OCT biomarker as predictive factors for final visual acuity improvement at the end of treatment. Results. At 12 months after treatment, the mean BCVA improved from 51.6 ± 17.5 to 56.9 ± 17.3 ETDRS letters (

p
=
0.03

). Furthermore, there were statistically significant changes in CRT, IRC, HRS, and SRD. Nineteen patients presented a  >10-letters improvement in BCVA; the presence of SRD at baseline was a predictor of good functional treatment response at 12 months (OR 2.1; 95% C.I. 1.2–4.9;

p
=
0.001

) as well as the presence of EZ integrity preoperatively (OR 1.3; 95% C.I. 0.5–2.4;

p
=
0.001

) and the absence of vitreoretinal interface alteration (OR 1.1; 95% C.I. 0.3–2.3;

p
=
0.02

). No significant changes in the IOP and lens status were observed throughout the follow-up period. Conclusion. This study empathized the importance of structural biomarkers as predictors of favorable response and confirmed the efficacy and safety of intravitreal dexamethasone implant in treatment-naïve DME patients showing a better functional response in the presence of SRD integrity of EZ and absence of vitreoretinal alterations.
Infant Oral Healthcare and Anticipatory Guidance Practices among Dentists in a Pediatric Care Shortage Area
Authors: Bakhurji Eman A. , Al-Saif Hassan M. , Al-Shehri Mohammed A. , Al-Ghamdi Khalid M. , Hassan Mohamed M.
Published: March 2021

Objectives. To assess dentists’ practices and barriers towards infant oral healthcare (IOH) and anticipatory guidance (AG) in eastern Saudi Arabia. Methods. A regional, cross-sectional survey was distributed to 340 (323 general dentists (GPs) and 17 pediatric dentists (PDs)) working in a governmental setting in eastern Saudi Arabia. A 23 close-ended, pilot-tested questionnaire was developed. The questionnaire asked about dentists’ IOH and AG practices. A five-point Likert scale question assessed barriers interfering with AG practices. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regressions were used. Results. Participation rate was 98.5% (335/340). Only 18% of GPs indicated performing IOH exams, while 100% of PDs do. About 90% of GPs would see children on a first visit when they are ≥3 years old, whereas 60% of PDs reported seeing one-year-old children. Older practitioners and those performing AG were more likely to perform IOH (OR = 1.8, CI = 1.06–3.1, and OR = 3.84, CI = 1.93–7.65, resp.). The majority of respondents (94%) felt their training did not prepare them to practice AG. “Parents bringing their children for the first time for emergency or existing conditions” was cited by 99% of respondents as a barrier to performing AG. Conclusion. Increasing the awareness of GPs and parents about the importance of IOH and AG is crucial in improving children’s oral health. Collaboration with pediatricians for early referral of children is equally important in increasing the awareness on prevention principles.
Fault Diagnosis of Electric Impact Drills Based on Time‐Varying Loudness and Logistic Regression
Authors: Jing Yapeng , Su Haitao , Wang Shao , Gui Wenhua , Guo Qing
Published: March 2021

As the main component of an electric impact drill, the gearbox is used to decelerate and transmit power; damage and failure to the gears often lead to the transmission system′s failure. Therefore, as the core component of power transmission, the fault detection and diagnosis of gearbox devices have attracted increasing attention. This paper presents a psychoacoustic‐based fault diagnosis method for gears of electric impact drills. The proposed methods employ acoustic signals and the time‐varying loudness theory of psychoacoustic parameters. Two states of electric impact drills were analyzed: an electric impact drill with healthy gears and an electric impact drill with faulty gears. A feature extraction peak‐to‐average ratio (PAR) method based on the time‐varying loudness spectrum was described and implemented to compute the feature vectors. The classification was carried out by applying logistic regression (LR). This paper provides the results of an acoustic analysis of electric impact drills. The results had a good recognition rate and the total accuracy of recognition of EIDs based on the PAR with LR was 97%. This method simulates the human auditory perception to detect the gear components of an electric impact drill, which can replace the traditional artificial listening detection method.
XGBoost Optimized by Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization for Credit Scoring
Authors: Qin Chao , Zhang Yunfeng , Bao Fangxun , Zhang Caiming , Liu Peide , Liu Peipei
Published: March 2021

Personal credit scoring is a challenging issue. In recent years, research has shown that machine learning has satisfactory performance in credit scoring. Because of the advantages of feature combination and feature selection, decision trees can match credit data which have high dimension and a complex correlation. Decision trees tend to overfitting yet. eXtreme Gradient Boosting is an advanced gradient enhanced tree that overcomes its shortcomings by integrating tree models. The structure of the model is determined by hyperparameters, which is aimed at the time-consuming and laborious problem of manual tuning, and the optimization method is employed for tuning. As particle swarm optimization describes the particle state and its motion law as continuous real numbers, the hyperparameter applicable to eXtreme Gradient Boosting can find its optimal value in the continuous search space. However, classical particle swarm optimization tends to fall into local optima. To solve this problem, this paper proposes an eXtreme Gradient Boosting credit scoring model that is based on adaptive particle swarm optimization. The swarm split, which is based on the clustering idea and two kinds of learning strategies, is employed to guide the particles to improve the diversity of the subswarms, in order to prevent the algorithm from falling into a local optimum. In the experiment, several traditional machine learning algorithms and popular ensemble learning classifiers, as well as four hyperparameter optimization methods (grid search, random search, tree-structured Parzen estimator, and particle swarm optimization), are considered for comparison. Experiments were performed with four credit datasets and seven KEEL benchmark datasets over five popular evaluation measures: accuracy, error rate (type I error and type II error), Brier score, and

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score. Results demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms other models on average. Moreover, adaptive particle swarm optimization performs better than the other hyperparameter optimization strategies.
Improved Biogeography-Based Optimization Algorithm by Hierarchical Tissue-Like P System with Triggering Ablation Rules
Authors: Sang Xiao , Liu Xiyu , Zhang Zhe , Wang Lin
Published: March 2021

BBO is one of the new metaheuristic optimization algorithms, which is based on the science of biogeography. It can be used to solve optimization problems through the migration and drift of species between habitats. Many improved BBO algorithms have been proposed, but there were still many shortcomings in global optimization, convergence speed, and algorithm complexity. In response to the above problems, this paper proposes an improved BBO algorithm (DCGBBO) by hierarchical tissue-like P system with triggering ablation rules. Membrane computing is a branch of natural computing that aims to abstract computational models (P system) from the structure and function of biological cells and from the collaboration of cell groups such as organs and tissues. In this paper, firstly, a dynamic crossover migration operator is generated to improve the global search ability and also increase the species diversity. Secondly, a dynamic Gaussian mutation operator is introduced to speed up convergence and improve local search capabilities. To guarantee the correctness and feasibility of the mutation, a unified maximum mutation rate is designed. Finally, a hierarchical tissue-like P system with triggering ablation rules is combined with the DCGBBO algorithm, making use of evolution rules and communication rules to achieve migration and mutation of solutions and reduce computational complexity. In the experiments, eight classic benchmark functions and CEC 2017 benchmark functions are applied to demonstrate the effect of our algorithm. We apply the proposed algorithm to segment four colour pictures, and the results proved to be better compared to other algorithms.
Ginkgo Biloba Extract EGB761 Ameliorates the Extracellular Matrix Accumulation and Mesenchymal Transformation of Renal Tubules in Diabetic Kidney Disease by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Han Jiarui , Pang Xinxin , Shi Xiujie , Zhang Yage , Peng Zining , Xing Yufeng
Published: March 2021

The study is aimed at investigating the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGB761 on renal tubular damage and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). A total of 50 C57BL/6 N mice were randomly divided into the normal group, DKD group, DKD+EGB761 group (36 mg/kg), and DKD+4‐phenylbutyrate (4‐PBA) group (1 g/kg). The DKD model was replicated by high‐fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Renal tubular epithelial cells (HK‐2) were divided into the control group, high‐glucose group (30 mmol/L), EGB761 group (40 mg/L, 20 mg/L, 10 mg/L), TM group, and TM+4‐PBA group. After 8 weeks of administration, expressions of serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), 24 h urinary protein (24 h Pro), fasting blood glucose (FBG), β2‐microglobulin (β2‐MG), and retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) of mice were tested. The pathological changes of renal tissue were observed. The expressions of extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), E‐cadherin, fibronectin, and collagen IV, as well as the ERS markers GRP78 and ATF6, were tested by Western blot, qPCR, immunohistochemistry, or immunofluorescence. EGB761 could decrease the Scr, BUN, 24 h Pro, and FBG levels in the DKD group, alleviate renal pathological injury, decrease urine β2‐MG, RBP4 levels, and decrease the expression of α‐SMA, collagen IV, fibronectin, and GRP78, as well as ATF6, while increase the expression of E‐cadherin. These findings demonstrate that EGB761 can improve renal function, reduce tubular injury, and ameliorate ECM accumulation and EMT in DKD kidney tubules, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of ERS.
Market Structure, International Competitiveness, and Price Formation of Hainan’s Fruit Exports
Authors: Fu Hailing , Huang Chongli , Teng Zhuoqi , Fang Yuantao
Published: March 2021

Through a constant market share (CMS) model and a price index model, current research aims to analyze the impetus of the growth of Hainan, China’s fruit exports and the adverse impact of rising production costs. This paper considered the changes in the international competitiveness of Hainan’s fruit exports and analyzed the reasons for these changes. Additionally, this manuscript analyzed the effects of Hainan’s price-bargaining power on fruit exports under the condition of asymmetric information by applying a two-tier stochastic frontier analysis model. The results show that the rising costs of labor led to the gradual loss of price advantage, and the contribution of competitiveness to the growth of Hainan’s fruit exports has rapidly declined. The results also indicate that the degree of information held by both importers and Hainan has an important influence on the final exporting price, whereas the importers hold more information and have stronger price-bargaining power than Hainan. Policy suggestions based on the results are proposed.
Teratogenic Effect of High Dose of Syzygium guineense (Myrtaceae) Leaves on Wistar Albino Rat Embryos and Fetuses
Authors: Abebe Melese , Asres Kaleab , Bekuretsion Yonas , Woldkidan Samuel , Debebe Eyob , Seyoum Girma
Published: March 2021

Syzygium guineense is an important medicinal plant effective against hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cancer but with no evidence of its teratogenicity. This study was planned to investigate the teratogenic potential of S. guineense leaves on rat embryos and fetuses. Five groups of Wistar albino rats, each consisting of ten pregnant rats, were used as experimental animals. Groups I-III rats were treated with 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg of hydroethanolic extract of S. guineense leaves, and groups IV and V were control and ad libitum control, respectively. Rats were treated during day 6–12 of gestation. Embryos and fetuses were retrieved at day 12 and day 20 of gestation, respectively. The embryos were assessed for developmental delays and growth retardation. The fetuses were examined for gross external, skeletal, and visceral anomalies. In 12-day old rat embryos, crown-rump length, number of somites, and morphological scores were significantly reduced by the treatment of 1000 mg/kg of the extract. The external morphological and visceral examinations of rat fetuses did not reveal any detectable structural malformations in the cranial, nasal, oral cavities, and visceral organs. The ossification centers of fetal skull, vertebrae, hyoid, forelimb, and hindlimb bones were not significantly varied across all groups. However, even if not statistically significant, high-dose treated rat fetuses had a reduced number of ossification centers in the sternum, caudal vertebrae, metatarsal, metacarpal, and phalanges. Treatment with the hydroethanolic extract of S. guineense leaves produced no significant skeletal and soft tissue malformations. The plant extract did not produce significant teratogenic effects on rat embryos/fetuses up to 500 mg/kg doses but retarded the growth of embryos at high dose (1000 mg/kg) as evidenced by decreased crown-rump length, number of somites, and morphological scores. Therefore, it is not advisable to take large doses of the plant during pregnancy.