bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology and risk factors for varicella zoster virus reactivation in heart transplant recipients
Authors: La Hoz Ricardo M. , Wallace Ashley , Barros Nicolas , Xie Donglu , Hynan Linda S. , Liu Terrence , Yek Christina , Schexnayder Scott , Grodin Justin L. , Garg Sonia , Drazner Mark H. , Peltz Matthias , Haley Robert W. , Greenberg David E.
Published: November 2020

Heart transplant (HT) recipients are at higher risk of varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation. Risk factors for VZV reactivation are currently not well defined, impeding the ability to design and implement strategies to minimize the burden of this illness in this population. Automated data extraction tools were used to retrieve data from the electronic health record (EHR) of all adult HT recipients at our center between 2010 and 2016. Information from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Standard Analysis and Research Files was merged with the extracted data. Potential cases were manually reviewed and adjudicated using consensus definitions. Cumulative incidence and risk factors for VZV reactivation in HT recipients were assessed by the Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox modeling, respectively. In 203 HT recipients, the cumulative incidence of VZV reactivation at 8‐years post‐transplantation was 26.4% (95% CI: 17.8‐38.0). The median time to VZV reactivation was 2.1 years (IQR, 1.5‐4.1). Half (14/28) of the cases experienced post‐herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Post‐transplant CMV infection (HR 9.05 [95% CI: 3.76‐21.77) and post‐transplant pulse‐dose steroids (HR 3.19 [95% CI: 1.05‐9.68]) were independently associated with a higher risk of VZV reactivation in multivariable modeling. Identification of risk factors will aid in the development of targeted preventive strategies.
Coronavirus disease‐19 deaths among children and adolescents in an area of Northeast, Brazil: why so many?
Authors: de Siqueira Alves Lopes Aline , Fontes Vieira Sarah Cristina , Lima Santos Porto Roseane , Santana Santos Victor , Fontes Leite Debora Cristina , Eduardo Cuevas Luis , Queiroz Gurgel Ricardo
Published: November 2020

Objective

To describe COVID‐19 deaths among children and adolescents in Sergipe, Brazil.

Methods

Ecological study of all COVID‐19 reported cases and deaths occurring in children and adolescents < 19 years of age in Sergipe reported by the health surveillance and mortality information systems of Sergipe’s Health Secretary and hospital records.

Results

Of 37 deaths of children < 19 years old were reported up to 30 September 2020, corresponding to 4.87 deaths for 100 000 population < 19 years old. Most deaths occurred among infants (44.1/100 000), and this age group had the highest case fatality rate (15.3 %). Most children had comorbidities such as chronic neurological diseases (n = 7; 19%) and prematurity (n = 4; 11%). Most children who died (n = 18; 49%) were not admitted to intensive care units (ICUs).

Conclusion

COVID‐19 mortality in children and adolescents in Sergipe was higher than in other Brazilian states and in high‐income countries. A large proportion of the deaths occurred among children with comorbidities and a minority of children were admitted to ICU, reflecting the limited provision of such beds in the State. Newborns and infants are a high‐risk group that must have priority in health public policy.
Spatiotemporal distribution and socioeconomic disparities of dengue, chikungunya and Zika in two Latin American cities from 2007 to 2017
Authors: Carabali Mabel , Harper Sam , Lima Neto Antonio S. , dos Santos de Sousa Geziel , Caprara Andrea , Restrepo Berta Nelly , Kaufman Jay S.
Published: November 2020

Objective

To assess the presence, pattern and magnitude of socioeconomic inequalities on dengue, chikungunya and Zika in Latin America, accounting for their spatiotemporal distribution.

Methods

Using longitudinal surveillance data (reported arboviruses) from Fortaleza, Brazil and Medellin, Colombia (2007–2017), we fit Bayesian hierarchical models with structured random effects to estimate: (i) spatiotemporally adjusted incidence rates; (ii) Relative Concentration Index and Absolute Concentration Index of inequality; (iii) temporal trends in RCIs; and (iv) socioeconomic‐specific estimates of disease distribution. The spatial analysis was conducted at the neighbourhood level (urban settings). The socioeconomic measures were the median monthly household income (MMHI) for Brazil and the Socio‐Economic Strata index (SES) in Colombia.

Results

There were 281 426 notified arboviral cases in Fortaleza and 40 887 in Medellin. We observed greater concentration of dengue among residents of low socioeconomic neighbourhoods in both cities: Relative Concentration Index = −0.12 (95% CI = −0.13, −0.10) in Fortaleza and Relative Concentration Index = −0.04 (95% CI = −0.05, −0.03) in Medellin. The magnitude of inequalities varied over time across sites and was larger during outbreaks. We identified a non‐monotonic association between disease rates and socioeconomic measures, especially for chikungunya, that changed over time. The Relative Concentration Index and Absolute Concentration Index showed few if any inequalities for Zika. The socioeconomic‐specific model showed increased disease rates at MMHI below US$400 in Brazil and at SES‐index below level four, in Colombia.

Conclusions

We provide robust quantitative estimates of socioeconomic inequalities in arboviruses for two Latin American cities. Our findings could inform policymaking by identifying spatial hotspots for arboviruses and targeting strategies to decrease disparities at the local level.
Foliar water and solute absorption: an update
Authors: Fernández Victoria , Gil‐Pelegrín Eustaquio , Eichert Thomas
Published: November 2020

The absorption of water and solutes by plant leaves has been recognised since more than two centuries. Given the polar nature of water and solutes, the mechanisms of foliar uptake have been proposed to be similar for water and electrolytes, including nutrient solutions. Research efforts since the 19th century focussed on characterising the properties of cuticles and applying foliar sprays to crop plants as a tool for improving crop nutrition. This was accompanied by the development of hundreds of studies aimed at characterising the chemical and structural nature of plant cuticles from different species and the mechanisms of cuticular and, to a lower extent, stomatal penetration of water and solutes. The processes involved are complex and will be affected by multiple environmental, physico‐chemical and physiological factors which are only partially clear to date. During the last decades, the body of evidence that water transport across leaf surfaces of native species may contribute to water balances (absorption and loss) at an ecosystem level has grown. Given the potential importance of foliar water absorption for many plant species and ecosystems as shown in recent studies, the aim of this review is to first integrate current knowledge on plant surface composition, structure, wettability and physico‐chemical interactions with surface‐deposited matter. The different mechanisms of foliar absorption of water and electrolytes and experimental procedures for tracing the uptake process are discussed before posing several outstanding questions which should be tackled in future studies.
Visualizing vinca alkaloids in the petal of Catharanthus roseus using functionalized titanium oxide nanowire substrate for surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry
Authors: Dutkiewicz Ewelina P. , Su Chun‐Han , Lee Han‐Jung , Hsu Cheng‐Chih , Yang Yu‐Liang
Published: November 2020

Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) is a powerful technique that enables analysis of various molecular species at a high spatial resolution with low detection limits. In contrast to the matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) approach, surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (SALDI) can be more effective in the detection of small molecules due to the absence of interfering background signals in low m/z ranges. We developed a functionalized TiO2 nanowire as a solid substrate for IMS of low‐molecular‐weight species in plant tissues. We prepared TiO2 nanowires using an inexpensive modified hydrothermal process and subsequently functionalized them chemically with various silane analogs to overcome the problem of superhydrophilicity of the substrate. Chemical modification changed the selectivity of imprinting of samples deposited on the substrate surface and thus improved the detection limits. The substrate was applied to image distribution of the metabolites in very fragile specimens such as the petal of Catharanthus roseus. We observed that the metabolites are distributed heterogeneously in the petal, which is consistent with previous results reported for the C. roseus plant leaf and stem. The intermediates corresponding to the biosynthesis pathway of some vinca alkaloids were clearly shown in the petal. We also performed profiling of petals from five different cultivars of C. roseus plant. We verified the semi‐quantitative capabilities of the imprinting/imaging approach by comparing results using the LC‐MS analysis of the plant extracts. This suggested that the functionalized TiO2 nanowire substrate‐based SALDI is a powerful technique complementary to MALDI‐MS.
Evaluation of A plasma for incompatible patients
Authors: Olsen Gregory , Passwater Michael , Huggins Monique , Mukhtar Faisal , Pelletier Peter
Published: November 2020

Background

Plasma transfusion is a critical treatment in managing bleeding patients. In an effort to make plasma immediately available in spite of the limited amount of AB plasma, providers have begun using A plasma in life‐threatening emergencies. As this practice becomes widely adopted it is important to evaluate safety. Hemolytic transfusions reactions are underreported, and hemolysis may be subclinical.

Study Design and Methods

A retrospective study was performed at the University of Florida/Shands Hospital of B and AB patients who received 1 unit or more of A plasma. Patient charts were reviewed and data collected included age; sex; mortality; intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay; and laboratory tests used in identifying hemolysis including direct antiglobulin test, lactate dehydrogenase, haptoglobin, indirect bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, urinalysis, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. The primary end points of the study were immune mediated hemolysis, mortality, and length of ICU stay.

Results

Ninety‐three patients were identified as eligible for the study. One patient suffered a delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction determined to be due to an anti‐Jka. No evidence of hemolysis due to ABO‐incompatible plasma transfusion was identified. The volume of A plasma transfused was found to be weakly related to mortality and ICU stay.

Conclusion

No evidence of ABO immune‐mediated hemolysis was observed in the patient population. The results of the study support the safety of A plasma transfusion in B and AB patients. We hypothesize the relationship observed between A plasma volume and mortality/ICU stay may be from collinearity with disease severity.
Amazon rainforest photosynthesis increases in response to atmospheric dryness
Authors: Green J. K. , Berry J. , Ciais P. , Zhang Y. , Gentine P.
Published: November 2020

Models show that increasing air dryness reduces photosynthesis in the Amazon rainforest, while observations show the opposite.
High-throughput single-EV liquid biopsy: Rapid, simultaneous, and multiplexed detection of nucleic acids, proteins, and their combinations
Authors: Zhou Jian , Wu Zuoren , Hu Jie , Yang Dawei , Chen Xiaoyan , Wang Qin , Liu Jie , Dou Maosen , Peng Wenjun , Wu Yuanyuan , Wang Wenhao , Xie Chenjian , Wang Ming , Song Yuanlin , Zeng Hengshan , Bai Chunxue
Published: November 2020

A novel system is developed for high-throughput multiplexed biomarker detection in single extracellular vesicles.
Needle-compatible miniaturized optoelectronic sensor for pancreatic cancer detection
Authors: Lee Seung Yup , Pakela Julia M. , Na Kyounghwan , Shi Jiaqi , McKenna Barbara J. , Simeone Diane M. , Yoon Euisik , Scheiman James M. , Mycek Mary-Ann
Published: November 2020

Needle-compatible miniaturized optoelectronic sensor may help pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
Spatial variation in biodiversity loss across China under multiple environmental stressors
Authors: Lu Yonglong , Yang Yifu , Sun Bin , Yuan Jingjing , Yu Minzhao , Stenseth Nils Chr. , Bullock James M. , Obersteiner Michael
Published: November 2020

Multiple environmental stressors lead to biodiversity loss.
BDNF-induced local translation of
GluA1
is regulated by HNRNP A2/B1
Authors: Jung Youngseob , Seo Ji-Young , Ryu Hye Guk , Kim Do-Yeon , Lee Kyung-Ha , Kim Kyong-Tai
Published: November 2020

Noncanonical translation of the glutamate receptor is stimulated by nerve signal–mediated up-regulation of an RNA binding protein.
Systematic characterization of morphotectonic variability along the Cascadia convergent margin: Implications for shallow megathrust behavior and tsunami hazards
Authors: Watt Janet T. , Brothers Daniel S.
Published: November 2020

Studies of recent destructive megathrust earthquakes and tsunamis along subduction margins in Japan, Sumatra, and Chile have linked forearc morphology and structure to megathrust behavior. This connection is based on the idea that spatial variations in the frictional behavior of the megathrust influence the tectono-morphological evolution of the upper plate. Here we present a comprehensive examination of the tectonic geomorphology, outer wedge taper, and structural vergence along the marine forearc of the Cascadia subduction zone (offshore northwestern North America). The goal is to better understand geologic controls on outer wedge strength and segmentation at spatial scales equivalent to rupture lengths of large earthquakes (≥M 6.7), and to examine potential linkages with shallow megathrust behavior.

We use cross-margin profiles, spaced 25 km apart, to characterize along-strike variation in outer wedge width, steepness, and structural vergence (measured between the toe and the outer arc high). The width of the outer wedge varies between 17 and 93 km, and the steepness ranges from 0.9° to 6.5°. Hierarchical cluster analysis of outer wedge width and steepness reveals four distinct regions that also display unique patterns of structural vergence and shape of the wedge: Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada (average width, linear wedge, seaward and mixed vergence); Washington, USA (higher width, concave wedge, landward and mixed vergence); northern and central Oregon, USA (average width, linear and convex wedge, mixed and seaward vergence); and southern Oregon and northern California, USA (lower width, convex wedge, seaward and mixed vergence). Variability in outer wedge morphology and structure is broadly associated with along-strike megathrust segmentation inferred from differences in oceanic asthenospheric velocities, patterns of episodic tremor and slow slip, GPS models of plate locking, and the distribution of seismicity near the plate interface. In more detail, our results appear to delineate the extent, geometry, and lithology of dynamic and static backstops along the margin. Varying backstop configurations along the Cascadia margin are interpreted to represent material-strength contrasts within the wedge that appear to regulate the along- and across-strike taper and structural vergence in the outer wedge. We argue that the morphotectonic variability in the outer wedge may reflect spatial variations in shallow megathrust behavior occurring over roughly the last few million years. Comparing outer wedge taper along the Cascadia margin to a global compilation suggests that observations in the global catalog are not accurately representing the range of heterogeneity within individual margins and highlights the need for detailed margin-wide morphotectonic analyses of subduction zones worldwide.
Concentric and eccentric isokinetic hamstring injury risk among 582 professional elite soccer players: a 10-years retrospective cohort study
Authors: Burigo Ricardo Lima , Scoz Robson Dias , Alves Bruno Mazziotti de Oliveira , da Silva Rubens Alexandre , Melo-Silva Cesar Augusto , Vieira Edgar Ramos , Hirata Rogerio Pessoto , Amorim Cesar Ferreira
Published: November 2020

Background/Aim

Different authors have tried to correlate the peak isokinetic torque values with the incidence of soccer match injuries. However, due to the wide variety of assessment testing protocols, such an inference becomes difficult. This study aimed to verify the capacity of an isokinetic test to establish injury risk reference values for hamstring strain injuries.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study based on isokinetic data and clinical records from the last 10 years was conducted in 582 Brazilian elite-professional soccer players, who were subjected to the same isokinetic test protocol, machine, and tester. A Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis for Complex Data Sampling was used to generate injury risk statistical indexes.

Results

Multivariate regression analysis of both legs provided important data to identify the cut-off values of Concentric Peak Torque (181.82 Newton/*metres), Concentric Work (236.23 watts) and Concentric Power (130.11 joules).

Conclusions

The injury risk indexes indicate that an increase of just one Newton unit in CPT (Concentric Peak Torque) and CJ (Concentric Power) above those cut-off values, can reduce the risk of future injuries by 2% and 2.7%, respectively.
Local Root Numbers for Heisenberg-Representations — Some Explicit Results
Authors: Biswas Sazzad Ali , Zink Ernst-Wilhelm
Published: November 2020

Heisenberg representations [Formula: see text] of (pro-)finite groups [Formula: see text] are by definition irreducible representations of the two-step nilpotent factor group [Formula: see text] Better known are Heisenberg groups which can be understood as allowing faithful Heisenberg representations. A special feature is that [Formula: see text] will be induced by characters [Formula: see text] of subgroups in multiple ways, where the pairs [Formula: see text] can be interpreted as maximal isotropic pairs. If [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-adic number field and [Formula: see text] the absolute Galois group then maximal isotropic pairs rewrite as [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is an abelian extension and [Formula: see text] a character. We will consider the extended local Artin-root-number [Formula: see text] for those [Formula: see text] which are essentially tame and express it by a formula not depending on the various maximal isotropic pairs [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text]
Classification of certain inductive limit actions of compact groups on AF algebras
Authors: Wang Qingyun
Published: November 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be an AF algebra, [Formula: see text] be a compact group. We consider inductive limit actions of the form [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is an action on the finite-dimensional C*-algebra [Formula: see text] which fixes each matrix summand. We give a complete classification up to conjugacy of such actions using twisted equivariant K-theory.
Dyonic objects and tensor network representation
Authors: Belhaj A. , El Maadi Y. , Ennadifi S-E. , Hassouni Y. , Sedra M. B.
Published: November 2020

Motivated by particle physics results, we investigate certain dyonic solutions in arbitrary dimensions. Concretely, we study the stringy constructions of such objects from concrete compactifications. Then, we elaborate their tensor network realizations using multistate particle formalism.
Unitary evolution to a state with a fixed mean number of particles
Authors: Broda Bogusław
Published: November 2020

In the framework of finite-dimensional Fock space models, for a predefined fixed mean number of particles [Formula: see text], it is shown that there is a “large” multidimensional subspace [Formula: see text] of initial pure states, in the space [Formula: see text] of all pure states, unitarily evolving to a subspace [Formula: see text] of final pure states which yield [Formula: see text]. As an example, in particular it follows that the blackbody form of the mean number of particles [Formula: see text] does not by itself contradict unitarity of black hole evaporation.
Stability Analysis of Luo Converter Using State Space Modeling
Authors: Aberoumandazar Mehrdad , Shahir Farzad Mohammadzadeh
Published: November 2020

In this paper, stability of the Luo converter and the effect of circuit elements on the stability and damping fluctuation frequency is investigated. Along with this, the mathematical modeling of positive output (P/O) Luo converter in continuous conduction mode (CCM) is done by using an average state-space method. By using the obtained mathematical model, the transfer function of the Luo converter is extracted, and by using the location of the roots the mentioned transfer function, stability, and effect of circuit elements on converter behavior are studied. Also, its situations are compared with other converters. The analyses are performed through MATLAB based on simulations, which includes both roots location and bodes diagram.
Common Kernels and Convolutions in Binary- and Ternary-Weight Neural Networks
Authors: Ahn Byungmin , Kim Taewhan
Published: November 2020

A new algorithm for extracting common kernels and convolutions to maximally eliminate the redundant operations among the convolutions in binary- and ternary-weight convolutional neural networks is presented. Precisely, we propose (1) a new algorithm of common kernel extraction to overcome the local and limited exploration of common kernel candidates by the existing method, and subsequently apply (2) a new concept of common convolution extraction to maximally eliminate the redundancy in the convolution operations. In addition, our algorithm is able to (3) tune in minimizing the number of resulting kernels for convolutions, thereby saving the total memory access latency for kernels. Experimental results on ternary-weight VGG-16 demonstrate that our convolution optimization algorithm is very effective, reducing the total number of operations for all convolutions by [Formula: see text], thereby reducing the total number of execution cycles on hardware platform by 22.4% while using [Formula: see text] fewer kernels over that of the convolution utilizing the common kernels extracted by the state-of-the-art algorithm.
Tilting modules over Auslander algebras of Nakayama algebras with radical cube zero
Authors: Xie Zongzhen , Gao Hanpeng , Huang Zhaoyong
Published: November 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be the Auslander algebra of a finite-dimensional basic connected Nakayama algebra [Formula: see text] with radical cube zero and [Formula: see text] simple modules. Then the cardinality [Formula: see text] of the set consisting of isomorphism classes of basic tilting [Formula: see text]-modules is [Formula: see text]
Thermodynamic aspects of entropic cosmology with viscosity
Authors: Brevik I. , Timoshkin A. V.
Published: November 2020

We describe the evolution of the early and late universe from thermodynamic considerations, using the generalized nonextensive Tsallis entropy with a variable exponent. A new element in our analysis is the inclusion of a bulk viscosity in the description of the cosmic fluid. Using the generalized Friedmann equation, a description of the early and the late universe is obtained.
Hybrid stars from a three-flavor NJL model with two kinds of tensor condensates
Authors: Morimoto Masatoshi , Tsue Yasuhiko , da Providência João , Providência Constança , Yamamura Masatoshi
Published: November 2020

To obtain the equation of state of quark matter and construct hybrid stars, we calculate the thermodynamic potential in the three-flavor Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model including the tensor-type four-point interaction and the Kobayashi–Maskawa–’t Hooft interaction. To construct the hybrid stars, it is necessary to impose the [Formula: see text] equilibrium and charge neutrality conditions on the system. It is shown that tensor condensed phases appear at large chemical potential. Under the possibility of the existence of the tensor condensates, the relationship between the radius and mass of hybrid stars is estimated.
An answer to a conjecture on the sum of element orders
Authors: Baniasad Azad Morteza , Khosravi Behrooz , Jafarpour Morteza
Published: November 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite group and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denotes the order of [Formula: see text]. The function [Formula: see text] was introduced by Tărnăuceanu. In [M. Tărnăuceanu, Detecting structural properties of finite groups by the sum of element orders, Israel J. Math. (2020), doi:10.1007/s11856-020-2033-9], some lower bounds for [Formula: see text] are determined such that if [Formula: see text] is greater than each of them, then [Formula: see text] is cyclic, abelian, nilpotent, supersolvable and solvable. Also, an open problem aroused about finite groups [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is equal to the amount of each lower bound.

In this paper, we give an answer to the equality condition which is a partial answer to the open problem posed by Tărnăuceanu.

Also, in [M. Baniasad Azad and B. Khosravi, A criterion for p-nilpotency and p-closedness by the sum of element orders, Commun. Algebra (2020), doi:10.1080/00927872.2020.1788571], it is shown that: If [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a prime number, then [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is cyclic. As the next result, we show that if [Formula: see text] is not a [Formula: see text]-nilpotent group and [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text].
Enhancing performance of the back-propagation algorithm based on a novel regularization method of preserving inter-object-distance of data
Authors: Hu Junying , Sun Kai , Zhang Hai
Published: November 2020

Artificial neural networks, consisting of many levels of nonlinearities, have been widely used to deal with various supervised learning tasks. At present, the most popular and effective training method is back-propagation algorithm (BP). Inspired by manifold regularization framework, we introduce a novel regularization framework, which aims at preserving the inter-object-distance of the data. Then a refined BP algorithm (IOD-BP) is proposed by imposing the proposed regularization framework into the objective function of BP algorithm. Comparative experiments on various benchmark classification tasks show that the new regularization BP method significantly improves the performance of BP algorithm in terms of classification accuracy.
Dynamical analysis of an SIS epidemic model with migration and residence time
Authors: liu Maoxing , Fu Xinjie , Zhao Donghua
Published: November 2020

Migration can be divided into temporary and permanent migration, which is related to the residence time of people in the patch, thus we consider an SIS epidemic model with migration and residence time in a patchy environment. If [Formula: see text], the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable and the disease dies out. With the same migration rate of susceptible and infectious individuals and without disease-induced death, when [Formula: see text], the endemic equilibrium is unique and globally asymptotically stable. Numerical simulations are carried out to show the effects of residence time and the migration rate on disease prevalence.
Optimized Refrigerant Flow Rate and Dimensions of the Ejector Employed in a Modified Ejector Vapor Compression System
Authors: Sharma Dishant , Sachdeva Gulshan , Saini Dinesh Kumar
Published: November 2020

This paper presents the analysis of a modified vapor compression cooling system which uses an ejector as an expansion device. Expanding refrigerant in an ejector enhances the refrigeration effect and reduces compressor work. Therefore, it yields a better coefficient of performance. Thermodynamic analysis of a constant area ejector model has been done to obtain primary dimensions of the ejector for given condenser and evaporator temperature and cooling capacity. The proposed model has been used to design the ejector for three refrigerants; R134a, R152a and R1234yf. The refrigerant flow rate and the diameters at various sections of the ejector have been obtained by doing numerical modeling in Engineering Equation Solver (EES). Refrigerant R1234yf demanded the highest diameter requirements at a fixed 5∘C evaporator temperature and 40∘C condenser temperature for a given range of cooling load. Both primary and secondary refrigerants flow rates are higher for R1234yf followed by R134a and then R152a.
Microstructural and Optical Characterization of Heterostructures of ZnS/CdS and CdS/ZnS Synthesized by Chemical Bath Deposition Method
Authors: Geremew Temesgen , Abza Tizazu
Published: November 2020

ZnS/glass and CdS/glass single layers and ZnS/CdS and CdS/ZnS heterojunction thin films were deposited by the chemical bath deposition method using zinc acetate and cadmium acetate as the metal ion sources and thioacetamide as a nonmetallic ion source in acidic medium. Na2EDTA was used as a complexing agent to control the free cation concentration. The single layer and heterojunction thin films were characterized with X‐ray diffraction (XRD), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), and a UV‐VIS spectrometer. The XRD patterns of the CdS/glass thin film deposited on the soda lime glass substrate crystalized in the cubic structure with a single peak along the (111) plane. The ZnS/CdS heterojunction and ZnS/glass single layer thin films were crystalized in the hexagonal ZnS structure. The CdS/ZnS heterojunction thin film is nearly amorphous. The optical analysis results confirmed single band gap values of 2.75 eV and 2.5 eV for ZnS/CdS and CdS/ZnS heterojunction thin films, respectively. The CdS/glass and CdS/ZnS thin films have more imaginary dielectric components than the real part. The optical conductivity of the single layer and heterojunction films is in the order of 1015 1/s. The optical study also confirmed refractive index values between 2 and 2.7 for ZnS/glass, ZnS/CdS, and CdS/ZnS thin films for incident photon energies between 1.2 eV and 3.8 eV. The surface morphology studies revealed compacted spherical grains covering the substrate surfaces with few cracks on ZnS/glass, ZnS/CdS, and CdS/glass and voids on CdS/ZnS thin films. The EDX result confirmed nearly 1 : 1 metallic to nonmetallic ion ratio in the single‐layered thin films and the dominance of Zn ion over Cd ion in both ZnS/CdS and CdS/ZnS heterojunction thin films.
Distinct Features of Gut Microbiota in High-Altitude Tibetan and Middle-Altitude Han Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Zhu Lu-lu , Ma Zhi-jun , Ren Ming , Wei Yu-miao , Liao Yu-hua , Shen You-lu , Fan Shi-ming , Li Lin , Wu Qing-xia , Gao Zhong-shan , Song Jing-fu , Ma Yu-lan
Published: November 2020

Indigenous animals show unique gut microbiota (GM) in the Tibetan plateau. However, it is unknown whether the hypertensive indigenous people in plateau also have the distinct gut bacteria, different from those living in plains. We sequenced the V3-V4 region of the gut bacteria 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene of feces samples among hypertensive patients (HPs) and healthy individuals (HIs) from 3 distinct altitudes: Tibetans from high altitude (3600–4500 m, n = 38 and 34), Hans from middle altitude (2260 m, n = 49 and 35), and Hans from low altitude (13 m, n = 34 and 35) and then analyzed the GM composition among hypertensive and healthy subgroups using the bioinformatics analysis, respectively. The GM of high-altitude Tibetan and middle-altitude Han HPs presented greater α- and β-diversities, lower ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B), and higher abundance of beneficial Verrucomicrobia and Akkermansia than the low-altitudes HPs did. The GM of high-altitude Tibetan and middle-altitude HIs showed greater α-diversity and lower ratio of F/B than the low-altitudes HIs did. But, β-diversity and abundance of Verrucomicrobia and Akkermansia among different subgroups of HIs did not show any differences. Conclusively, the high-altitude Tibetan and middle-altitude Han HPs have a distinct feature of GM, which may be important in their adaptation to hypertension in the plateau environments.
The Formation and Evolution of Interorganisational Business Networks in Megaprojects: A Case Study of Chinese Skyscrapers
Authors: Lu Yujie , Wei Wei , Li Yongkui , Wu Zhilei , Jin Hao
Published: November 2020

Megaprojects are implemented by different organisations, such as owners, consultants, and contractors. Gradually, these organisations and their connections can form business networks that influence both the market position of individual organisations and project performance. Previous research on large-scale projects mainly focused on static and homogeneous networks that were constructed by one individual project and/or carried out over one-off collaboration. However, this neglected the consideration of project network diversity, as well as repetitive, dynamic, cross-project coopetition relationship (i.e., collaboration and competition) and long-term business networks formed by key actors. Here, we chose Chinese skyscrapers over 300 meters that were built from 1996 to 2015 as typical megaproject cases and analysed the formation and evolution of megaproject business networks from the perspective of interorganisational coopetition. We identified the key actors involved and empirically studied their dynamic network positions over time. The main contributions of this study are threefold. First, we found that past collaboration experience has direct and dynamic impacts on the formation of megaproject business networks. Second, we identified key actors in the interorganisational business network and unveiled their dynamic positions with clear patterns. Third, we highlighted the temporal-spatial effect on the formation and development of business networks, alongside developments in the megaproject market. The findings of this study also provide practical applications for owners to choose collaboration partners and to build high-performance teams and for suppliers to enter and sustain the business in the megaprojects networks.
Inhibitory Effect of Delphinidin on Oxidative Stress Induced by H2O2 in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Xu Jingjing , Zhang Yanwei , Ren Guofeng , Yang Rengui , Chen Jingfang , Xiang Xiaojing , Qin Hong , Chen Jihua
Published: November 2020

Chronic liver diseases (CLDs) are correlated with oxidative stress induced by the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we employed HepG2, a human liver carcinoma cell line containing many antioxidant enzymes, to explore the function of delphinidin against oxidative stress induced by H2O2 and to provide scientific data of the molecular mechanism. Cells were pretreated with different concentrations of delphinidin (10 μmol/L, 20 μmol/L, and 40 μmol/L) for 2 h before treatment with 750 μM H2O2 for 1 h. The results showed that H2O2 decreased the survival rate of HepG2 cells and increased the level of ROS, but delphinidin pretreatment could possess the opposite result. At the same time, the expression of Nrf2 was enhanced by the delphinidin pretreatment. This was because delphinidin promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation and inhibited its degradation, which led to the increase expression of antioxidant protein HO-1 (Nrf2-related phase II enzyme heme oxygenase-1). Besides, we found that delphinidin could significantly alleviate the reduction of Nrf2 protein levels and the accumulation of intracellular ROS levels in Nrf2 knockdown HepG2 cells. In conclusion, our study suggested that delphinidin, as an effective antioxidant, protected HepG2 cells from oxidative stress by regulating the expression of Nrf2/HO-1.
Learning the Car-following Behavior of Drivers Using Maximum Entropy Deep Inverse Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Zhou Yang , Fu Rui , Wang Chang
Published: November 2020

The present study proposes a framework for learning the car-following behavior of drivers based on maximum entropy deep inverse reinforcement learning. The proposed framework enables learning the reward function, which is represented by a fully connected neural network, from driving data, including the speed of the driver’s vehicle, the distance to the leading vehicle, and the relative speed. Data from two field tests with 42 drivers are used. After clustering the participants into aggressive and conservative groups, the car-following data were used to train the proposed model, a fully connected neural network model, and a recurrent neural network model. Adopting the fivefold cross-validation method, the proposed model was proved to have the lowest root mean squared percentage error and modified Hausdorff distance among the different models, exhibiting superior ability for reproducing drivers’ car-following behaviors. Moreover, the proposed model captured the characteristics of different driving styles during car-following scenarios. The learned rewards and strategies were consistent with the demonstrations of the two groups. Inverse reinforcement learning can serve as a new tool to explain and model driving behavior, providing references for the development of human-like autonomous driving models.
miR‐21‐5p Suppresses Mitophagy to Alleviate Hyperoxia‐Induced Acute Lung Injury by Directly Targeting PGAM5
Authors: Liu Guoyue , Qian Mingjiang , Chen Miao , Chen Tao , Qin Song
Published: November 2020

Hyperoxia‐induced acute lung injury (HALI) is a severe side effect of refractory hypoxemia treatment, for which no effective therapeutic strategy is available. Here, we found that the lung miR‐21‐5p level was significantly decreased in the rats subjected to hyperoxia. Further, we presented evidence that miR‐21‐5p was a crucial regulator of mitophagy and mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, it proved that miR‐21‐5p regulated hyperoxia‐induced mitophagy and mitochondrial dysfunction by directly binding to the target gene PGAM5. In conclusion, for the first time, we found that miR‐21‐5p could directly suppress mitophagy and mitochondrial damage during HALI formation.
Monoclonal Antibody to CD14, TLR4, or CD11b: Impact of Epitope and Isotype Specificity on ROS Generation by Human Granulocytes and Monocytes
Authors: Kabanov Dmitry S. , Grachev Sergey V. , Prokhorenko Isabella R.
Published: November 2020

Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs or endotoxins) from Gram-negative bacteria represent pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that are recognized by CD14 and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Lipopolysaccharides prime polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) for substantial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during its response to secondary stimuli such as chemoattractants or pathogens. The excessive ROS production can damage surrounding host tissues, thereby amplifying the inflammatory reaction caused by pathogens. Today, specific antibodies against CD14, TLR4, and CD11b are being used as the essential tools to elucidate the role of these receptors in acute inflammation and some of these antibodies have advised as therapeutic agents for clinical use. Because each antibody has two antigen-binding arms [F(ab′)2] and one Fc arm, its effect on cellular response is much more complicated rather than simple blockage of target receptor. In fact, IgG antibody, once bound to target receptor, engages Fc receptors γ (FcγRs) and thereby is able to activate the adaptive immune system. The consequences of antibody-dependent binary heterotypic association of CD14, TLR4, or CD11b with FcγRs as well as homotypic one on ROS production are not well elucidated. Moreover, the consequences of antigenic recognition of CD14, TLR4, or CD11b by specific F(ab′)2 fragments are not always investigated. In this review, we will discuss known mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficiency of CD14, TLR4, and CD11b/CD18 antibodies with a focus on LPS-dependent ROS or cytokine production by PMNs or monocytes. The impacts of F(ab′)2 as well as antibody IgG subclasses (isotypes) in therapeutic efficiency or agonistic potency of known antibodies against abovementioned receptors are presented. We also pay attention to how the efficiency of different IgG antibody subclasses is modulated during LPS-induced inflammation and by production of priming agents such as interferon γ (IFN-γ). Our review reinforces the molecular targets and therapeutic approaches to amelioration of harmful consequences of excessive activation of human pattern recognition receptors.
A Study on Evaluating Water Resources System Vulnerability by Reinforced Ordered Weighted Averaging Operator
Authors: Suo Meiqin , Zhang Jing , He Lixin , Zhou Qian , Kong Tengteng
Published: November 2020

Evaluating the vulnerability of a water resources system is a multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) problem including multiple indictors and different weights. In this study, a reinforced ordered weighted averaging (ROWA) operator is proposed by incorporating extended ordered weighted average operator (EOWA) and principal component analysis (PCA) to handle the MCDA problem. In ROWA, the weights of indicators are calculated based on component score coefficient and percentage of variance, which makes ROWA avoid the subjective influence of weights provided by different experts. Concretely, the applicability of ROWA is verified by assessing the vulnerability of a water resources system in Handan, China. The obtained results can not only provide the vulnerable degrees of the studied districts but also denote the trend of water resources system vulnerability in Handan from 2009 to 2018. And the indictor that most influenced the outcome is per capita GDP. Compared with EOWA referred to various indictor weights, the represented ROWA shows good objectivity. Finally, this paper also provides the vulnerability of the water resource system in 2025 based on ROWA for water management in Handan City.
A Suggested Approach of Managing Excessive Maxillary Gingival Display in Terminal Dentition
Authors: Saad Daniel , Moukarzel Celine , Haddad Naim El , Rizk Anthony
Published: November 2020

The aim of this paper is to report a suggested approach for the management of excessive maxillary gingival display with terminal dentition. A segmental osteotomy of the maxillary process was performed, and the latter used as grafting material for lateral sinus augmentation that was performed simultaneously. Following the graft maturation period, implants were inserted and rehabilitated with a fixed dentogingival prosthesis. Consequently, the mandible was prosthetically restored following the new occlusal plane dictated by the rehabilitated maxilla. Clinically, the procedure showed a drastic improvement in the patient’s appearance, eliminating the excessive gingival display. Radiologically, it led to a vertical translation of the maxillary process level in an apical direction. Nevertheless, the resected process used as grafting material was noticed to have a suboptimal behavior as long as it showed increased intrasinusal resorption, barely sufficient for a regular implant accommodation. The described therapy concept seems to be a plausible approach when it comes to manage excessive maxillary gingival displays in edentulous patients or those presenting a terminal dentition. However, at the time of sinus augmentation, authors recommend to graft a mixture of resected maxillary process and a bone substitute material, in order to get more stable results.
Evaluation of the Performance of Health Extension Workers in HIV-1/2 Screening Tests: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Gashaw Mulatu , Kindie Samuel , Fekadie Minale , Desta Kassu , Wolday Dawit
Published: November 2020

Background. Human resources for health-care delivery are essential for attaining global health and development goals. Especially in developing countries, health extension workers are frontline health personnel who can play a key role in preventing and controlling HIV/AIDS. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of health extension workers in HIV-1/2 screening tests. Methodology. A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the performance of health extension workers in HIV-1/2 screening tests. Study participants had performed HIV screening tests on the prepared sample panels. Finally, the percentage of accuracy, error rate, sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and measure of agreement (kappa) were calculated using SPSS version 26. Result. Totally, 1600 HIV screening tests were performed, and of these, 684 and 235 tests were done by HEWs (n = 15) and laboratory personnel (n = 5), respectively, with three discordant results by HEWs from a single sample panel which was weak reactive for HIV antibody test. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of HIV screening tests by HEWs were 97.4%, 100%, 100%, and 97.22%, respectively, and 100% for all parameters when it is tested by laboratory professionals. The measure of kappa agreement was 0.971 (95% CI, 0.932–1) for HEWs and 1 for laboratory personnel compared with the reference result. Conclusion. Based on this evidence, we conclude that the potential contribution of HEWs can be invaluable in the expansion of HIV screening tests nationwide to compensate the shortage of laboratory personnel.
A Test Procedure Optimization Method for an Industrial Robot Servo System on an Integrated Testing Platform
Authors: Tang Shaomin , Liu Guixiong , Lin Zhiyu , Li Xiaobing , Pan Minqiang
Published: November 2020

A test procedure optimization method was proposed in this paper to improve the test efficiency of the industrial robot servo system (IRSS) to be tested on the IRSS integrated testing platform (IITP). First, an ordered sequence was used to define the IRSS test project when tested on the IITP. The ordered sequence consisted of execution subelements, which were a combination of control variable parameters of the IITP. Second, the optimization relationships among the IRSS test projects were dug out according to the IRSS test project sequences. Finally, by using the traveling salesmen problem (TSP), an optimization model was established based on the optimization relationships of the IRSS test projects, and the optimal test order of the IRSS test projects to be tested on the IITP was obtained by solving the model. A case analysis showed that the proposed method optimized the test procedure on the IITP effectively, and the test time when implementing the test on the IITP according to the optimized order was nearly 50% shorter than before optimization. The optimization effect was thus found to be significant.
Significance of the Asymmetry of the Haltere: A Microscale Vibratory Gyroscope
Authors: Parween Rizuwana
Published: November 2020

Nature has evolved a beautiful design for small-scale vibratory gyroscopes in the form of halteres located in the metathorax region of the dipteran flies that detect body rotations based on the Coriolis principle. The specific design of the haltere is in contrast to the existing MEMS vibratory gyroscope, where the elastic beams supporting the proof mass are typically designed with symmetric cross-sections so that there is a mode matching between the actuation and sensing vibrations. The mode matching provides high sensitivity and low bandwidth. Hence, the objective of the manuscript is to understand the mechanical significance of the haltere’s asymmetry. In this study, the distributed Coriolis force and the corresponding bending stress by incorporating the actual mass variations along the haltere length are estimated. In addition, it is hypothesied that sensilla sense the rate of rotation based on the differential strain (difference between the final strain (strain due to the inertial and Coriolis forces) and the reference strain (strain due to inertial force)). This differential strain always occurs either on the dorsal or ventral surface of the haltere and at a distance away from the base, where the campaniform sensilla are located. This study brings out one specific feature—the asymmetric geometry of the haltere structure—that is not found in current vibratory gyroscope designs. This finding will inspire new designs of MEMS gyroscopes that have elegance and simplicity of the haltere along with the desired performance.