bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Smoking habit as a risk amplifier in chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Provenzano Michele , Serra Raffaele , Michael Ashour , Bolignano Davide , Coppolino Giuseppe , Ielapi Nicola , Serraino Giuseppe Filiberto , Mastroroberto Pasquale , Locatelli Francesco , De Nicola Luca , Andreucci Michele 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSeveral studies showed the association between non-traditional risk factors [proteinuria and estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)] and cardiovascular (CV) and renal outcomes. Nevertheless, the etiologic role of traditional CV risk factors in referred CKD patients is less defined. Herein, we examined the association between smoking habit and CV events, mortality and CKD progression. We undertook an observational analysis of 1306 stage III–V CKD patients. Smoking habit was modeled as a categorical (never, current or former smokers) and continuous (number of cigarettes/day) variable. Mean eGFR was 35.8 ± 12.5 mL/min/1.73 m2. Never, current and former smokers were 61.1%, 10.8% and 28.1%. During a median follow-up of 2.87 years, current and former smokers were at significant risk for CV events (HRs of 1.93 [95% CI, 1.18–3.16] and 1.44 [95% CI, 1.01–2.05]) versus never smokers. Current smokers were at increased mortality risk (HR 2.13 [95% CI, 1.10–4.11]). Interactions were found between former smokers and proteinuria (p = 0.007) and diabetes (p = 0.041) for renal risk, and between current smokers and male gender (p = 0.044) and CKD stage V (p = 0.039) for renal and mortality risk. In referred CKD patients, smoking habit is independently associated with CV events and mortality. It acts as a risk “amplifier” for the association between other risk factors and renal outcomes.
Risk factors for onset or progression of epiretinal membrane after cataract surgery
Authors: Kwon Soonil , Kim Boyun , Jeon Sohee 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWhile the precise diagnosis of early stage epiretinal membrane (ERM) at the time of cataract surgery and evaluation of risk factors for development or progression of ERM after cataract surgery is increasingly important, there is only limited information. In the present study, we evaluated the risk factors for onset or progression of ERM on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) after cataract surgery. The univariate analysis showed that eyes with partial posterior vitreous detachment (PVD; p < 0.001), hyper-reflective foci (HF) on the inner retinal surface (p < 0.001), vitreoschisis (p = 0.014), and discrete margin of different retinal reflectivity (DMDRR; p = 0.007) on ultra-widefield fundus photography (UWF-FP) had significant risk for the onset or progression of ERM after cataract surgery. The multivariate analysis showed that partial PVD (HR, 3.743; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.956–7.162; p < 0.001), HF (HR, 2.330; 95% CI, 1.281–4.239; p = 0.006), and DMDRR on UWF-FP (HR, 3.392; 95% CI, 1.522–7.558; p = 0.003) were the independent risk factors for the onset or progression of ERM after cataract surgery after adjustment for other confounding factors. Our study shows that the onset or progression of ERM after cataract surgery depends on an abnormal vitreoretinal interface (VRI) represented by partial PVD, HF on SD-OCT, and DMDRR on UWF-FP, not on age, axial length, or presence of ERM at the time of surgery. A meticulous funduscopic evaluation of the VRI would help to predict the ERM risk before cataract surgery.
Simple and cost-effective microfabrication of flexible and stretchable electronics for wearable multi-functional electrophysiological monitoring
Authors: Kim Chae Hyun , Lee Dong Hyeon , Youn Jiman , Lee Hongje , Jeong Joonsoo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe fabrication of flexible and stretchable electronics is a critical requirement for the successful application of wearable healthcare devices. Although such flexible electronics have been commonly fabricated by microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technologies, they require a specialised equipment for vacuum deposition, photolithography, and wet and dry etching. A photolithography-free simple patterning method using a desktop plotter cutter has been proposed; however, the metal formation and electrode opening still rely on the MEMS technology. To address this issue, we demonstrate a simple, rapid, cost-effective, and a complete microfabrication process for flexible and stretchable sensor platforms encompassing conductor formation and patterning to encapsulate and open sensing windows, which only require an economic plotter cutter and readily available supplies. Despite its simplicity, the proposed process could stably create microscale features of 200 μm wide conductor lines and 1 mm window openings, which are in the useful range for various wearable applications. The feasibility of the simple fabrication of multi-functional sensors for various physiological monitoring applications was successfully demonstrated in electrochemical (glucose), electrical (electrocardiogram), mechanical (strain), and thermal (body temperature) modalities.
Simulated transient hearing loss improves auditory sensitivity
Authors: Krauss Patrick , Tziridis Konstantin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRecently, it was proposed that a processing principle called adaptive stochastic resonance plays a major role in the auditory system, and serves to maintain optimal sensitivity even to highly variable sound pressure levels. As a side effect, in case of reduced auditory input, such as permanent hearing loss or frequency specific deprivation, this mechanism may eventually lead to the perception of phantom sounds like tinnitus or the Zwicker tone illusion. Using computational modeling, the biological plausibility of this processing principle was already demonstrated. Here, we provide experimental results that further support the stochastic resonance model of auditory perception. In particular, Mongolian gerbils were exposed to moderate intensity, non-damaging long-term notched noise, which mimics hearing loss for frequencies within the notch. Remarkably, the animals developed significantly increased sensitivity, i.e. improved hearing thresholds, for the frequency centered within the notch, but not for frequencies outside the notch. In addition, most animals treated with the new paradigm showed identical behavioral signs of phantom sound perception (tinnitus) as animals with acoustic trauma induced tinnitus. In contrast, animals treated with broadband noise as a control condition did not show any significant threshold change, nor behavioral signs of phantom sound perception.
Microfluidic chips provide visual access to in situ soil ecology
Authors: Mafla-Endara Paola Micaela , Arellano-Caicedo Carlos , Aleklett Kristin , Pucetaite Milda , Ohlsson Pelle , Hammer Edith C. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMicrobes govern most soil functions, but investigation of these processes at the scale of their cells has been difficult to accomplish. Here we incubate microfabricated, transparent ‘soil chips’ with soil, or bury them directly in the field. Both soil microbes and minerals enter the chips, which enables us to investigate diverse community interdependences, such as inter-kingdom and food-web interactions, and feedbacks between microbes and the pore space microstructures. The presence of hyphae (‘fungal highways’) strongly and frequently increases the dispersal range and abundance of water-dwelling organisms such as bacteria and protists across air pockets. Physical forces such as water movements, but also organisms and especially fungi form new microhabitats by altering the pore space architecture and distribution of soil minerals in the chip. We show that soil chips hold a large potential for studying in-situ microbial interactions and soil functions, and to interconnect field microbial ecology with laboratory experiments.
Social familiarity improves fast-start escape performance in schooling fish
Authors: Nadler Lauren E. , McCormick Mark I. , Johansen Jacob L. , Domenici Paolo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractUsing social groups (i.e. schools) of the tropical damselfishChromis viridis, we test how familiarity through repeated social interactions influences fast-start responses, the primary defensive behaviour in a range of taxa, including fish, sharks, and larval amphibians. We focus on reactivity through response latency and kinematic performance (i.e. agility and propulsion) following a simulated predator attack, while distinguishing between first and subsequent responders (direct response to stimulation versus response triggered by integrated direct and social stimulation, respectively). In familiar schools, first and subsequent responders exhibit shorter latency than unfamiliar individuals, demonstrating that familiarity increases reactivity to direct and, potentially, social stimulation. Further, familiarity modulates kinematic performance in subsequent responders, demonstrated by increased agility and propulsion. These findings demonstrate that the benefits of social recognition and memory may enhance individual fitness through greater survival of predator attacks.
A combined GWAS approach reveals key loci for socially-affected traits in Yorkshire pigs
Authors: Wu Pingxian , Wang Kai , Zhou Jie , Chen Dejuan , Jiang Anan , Jiang Yanzhi , Zhu Li , Qiu Xiaotian , Li Xuewei , Tang Guoqing 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSocially affected traits in pigs are controlled by direct genetic effects and social genetic effects, which can make elucidation of their genetic architecture challenging. We evaluated the genetic basis of direct genetic effects and social genetic effects by combining single-locus and haplotype-based GWAS on imputed whole-genome sequences. Nineteen SNPs and 25 haplotype loci are identified for direct genetic effects on four traits: average daily feed intake, average daily gain, days to 100 kg and time in feeder per day. Nineteen SNPs and 11 haplotype loci are identified for social genetic effects on average daily feed intake, average daily gain, days to 100 kg and feeding speed. Two significant SNPs from single-locus GWAS (SSC6:18,635,874 and SSC6:18,635,895) are shared by a significant haplotype locus with haplotype alleles ‘GGG’ for both direct genetic effects and social genetic effects in average daily feed intake. A candidate gene, MT3, which is involved in growth, nervous, and immune processes, is identified. We demonstrate the genetic differences between direct genetic effects and social genetic effects and provide an anchor for investigating the genetic architecture underlying direct genetic effects and social genetic effects on socially affected traits in pigs.
A general mechanism of KCNE1 modulation of KCNQ1 channels involving non-canonical VSD-PD coupling
Authors: Wu Xiaoan , Perez Marta E. , Noskov Sergei Yu , Larsson H. Peter 
Published: July 2021

AbstractVoltage-gated KCNQ1 channels contain four separate voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) and a pore domain (PD). KCNQ1 expressed alone opens when the VSDs are in an intermediate state. In cardiomyocytes, KCNQ1 co-expressed with KCNE1 opens mainly when the VSDs are in a fully activated state. KCNE1 also drastically slows the opening of KCNQ1 channels and shifts the voltage dependence of opening by >40 mV. We here show that mutations of conserved residues at the VSD–PD interface alter the VSD–PD coupling so that the mutant KCNQ1/KCNE1 channels open in the intermediate VSD state. Using recent structures of KCNQ1 and KCNE beta subunits in different states, we present a mechanism by which KCNE1 rotates the VSD relative to the PD and affects the VSD–PD coupling of KCNQ1 channels in a non-canonical way, forcing KCNQ1/KCNE1 channels to open in the fully-activated VSD state. This would explain many of the KCNE1-induced effects on KCNQ1 channels.
Gauge-dependent topology in non-reciprocal hopping systems with pseudo-Hermitian symmetry
Authors: Zhang Xintong , Xu Ke , Liu Chunmin , Song Xiaoxiao , Hou Bowen , Yu Rui , Zhang Hao , Li Dan , Li Jing 
Published: July 2021

AbstractEnergy conservation is not valid in non-Hermitian systems with gain/loss or non-reciprocity, which leads to various extraordinary resonant characteristics. Compared with Hermitian systems, the intersection of non-Hermitian physics and topology generates new phases that have not been observed in condensed-matter systems before. Here, utilizing the designed two-dimensional periodical model with non-reciprocal hopping terms, we show how to obtain both the ellipse-like or hyperbolic-like spectral degeneracy, the topological boundary modes and the bulk-boundary correspondence by the protection of time-reversal symmetry and pseudo-Hermitian symmetry. Notably, the boundary modes and bulk-boundary correspondence can simultaneously appear only for specific selection of the primitive cell, and we explored the analytical solution to verify such gauge-dependent topological behaviors. Our topolectrical circuit simulation provides a flexible approach to confirm the designed properties and clarify the crucial role of pseudo-Hermiticity on the stability of a practical system. In a broader view, our findings can be compared to other platforms such as meta-surface or photonic crystals, for the purpose on the control of resonant frequency and localization properties.
Neural network compensation method for improving detection accuracy of rotor position from magnetic encoder
Authors: Yin Zhipeng , Xu Jiaqun 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWith the advantages of low cost, small size and high resolution, the magnetic encoder is suitable for permanent magnet synchronous motor. However, due to the installation accuracy and the motor vibration, the rotor position error from magnetic encoder can seriously impact the performance of the motor. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the detection error of the rotor position from the encoder. In this letter, a new rotor position detection method is proposed based on neural network. The characteristic of the position error from magnetic encoder is analysed, and the backpropagation neural network is presented to obtain the error compensation function. On the basis of the compensation function, the rotor position error can be corrected and thus the precise rotor position can be detected. The experimental results show that not only the rotor position error but also the related total harmonic distortion of the phase current and the torque ripple can be reduced effectively.
Overview of grounding schemes for solid‐state transformers in distribution networks
Authors: Zang Jiajie , Wang Jiacheng , Zhang Jianwen , Zhou Jianqiao 
Published: July 2021

AbstractProposed to be the critical enabling component for future distribution networks, solid‐state transformers (SSTs) have drawn much attention lately. They have a massive potential to help reduce size and weight, improve efficiency, integrate microgrids, renewables and energy storages in distribution systems, and can fulfil multiple grid functions such as bidirectional power flow control, fault isolation, system reconfiguration, and post‐fault restoration. The introduction of these power electronics devices in distribution systems, however, also brings new challenges to the grid. Extra levels of electromagnetic interference, stray current, and personnel safety are among the most prominent practical issues that proper grounding arrangements can address. In this paper, considerations that should be factored into the grounding scheme design for SST ports with different voltage forms and levels are thoroughly reviewed and summarised. The characteristics of various grounding schemes used in AC and DC distribution systems are evaluated and compared in detail from different perspectives. Based on the comprehensive review, several combinations of grounding schemes are recommended for typical SSTs. In addition, the inclusion of new relay protection devices in the SST grounding scheme design, considering their characteristics and unique requirements, to enhance protection and reliability is also discussed.
Analysing public acceptance of autonomous buses based on an extended TAM model
Authors: Wu Zhongyi , Zhou Hongmei , Xi Haijiao , Wu Nan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntegrating advantages of automated driving and mass transport, autonomous buses have broad development prospects. The research on the public acceptance of autonomous buses will help to provide a basis for formulating policies and measures, and thus have important theoretical and practical significance. In this paper, an initial theoretical model of acceptance of autonomous buses was established. An on‐line survey was conducted with a total of 401 valid samples collected. The reliability and validity tests of the data showed that the internal consistency of the questionnaire was high, and the reliability and validity all met the requirements. Based on the results of structural equation modelling, the proposed model was validated and all the hypotheses were confirmed. Attitude would positively affect behavioural intention, and trust and perceived usefulness would positively affect attitudes. Moreover, both perceived ease of use and perceived comfort would have positive effects on perceived usefulness as well as on trust. Perceived risk would be negatively associated with trust. Multi‐group analyses were conducted to test the moderating effects of the individual's education and knowledge of autonomous buses, and the two factors showed significant effects. Based on the results, corresponding measures can be taken to increase the acceptance of autonomous buses.
Integral transforms and the regularisation method in the time‐domain excitation of open PEC slotted cone scatterers
Authors: Doroshenko Volodymyr O. , Stognii Nadiia P. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAn initial‐boundary value problem for the transient electromagnetic field in the presence of a complicated‐shape scatterer is studied. The considered biconical zero‐thickness and perfectly conducting surface with periodic longitudinal slots has many special cases, each of which is of separate practical interest. A new analytical‐numerical technique is presented that is based on the Mehler–Fock integral transform and the method of analytical regularisation. The source of excitation of the slotted bicone is a radial electric dipole with an arbitrary time dependence on the field. The proposed method makes it possible to obtain an analytical and numerical solution of the problem to carry out a qualitative and numerical analysis, and to study the characteristic features of the main scattering. Due to the use of the method, the initial‐boundary value problem is reduced to a Fredholm type of the second kind system of linear algebraic equations (SLAE‐2). The dependences of the condition number on the problem parameters and the estimation of the SLAE‐2 convergence with larger truncation orders are given. The far‐field radiation patterns are plotted for various values of the problem parameters, the behaviour of the near field at the apex of the slotted cone is studied, and the regime of the slot wave propagation is analysed.
Coupling impedance of a PEC angular strip in a vacuum pipe
Authors: Assante Dario , Panariello Gaetano , Schettino Fulvio , Verolino Luigi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis study deals with the evaluation of the longitudinal and transverse coupling impedance of a charge travelling in a drift tube with a perfectly electric conductive angular strip. The problem is formulated in the particle frame as dual series equations, and efficiently solved through the representation of the unknown in terms of Neumann series. Then, the electric parameters are obtained in the pipe frame through the Lorentz transforms. The presented solution can be adopted as the general methodology in case of angular discontinuities in particle accelerators.
Hierarchical control and emulation of a wave energy hyperbaric converter
Authors: Machado Isaac R. , Garcia‐Rosa Paula B. , Watanabe Edson H. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWave energy emulators provide an option to extend studies of wave energy converters (WECs) in an electric power laboratory facility and to evaluate the performance of controllers in an experimental set‐up. In addition, the integration of control strategies in different steps of the energy conversion process is an important step to improve the WEC overall behaviour that has not yet been widely discussed. This paper proposes a real‐time emulator and a hierarchical control scheme for a hyperbaric WEC consisting of floating bodies, hydropneumatic storage system (HSS), hydraulic turbine, and doubly fed induction generator (DFIG). The proposed emulator is based on a typical electric power laboratory facility, where a numerical model reproduces the dynamics of the wet subsystem and a hardware is the WEC electrical subsystem. Thereby, a squirrel‐cage induction motor (SCIM) is coupled shaft‐to‐shaft with the DFIG. The SCIM reproduces the characteristics of torque and speed that would be observed in the real system, and then, the DFIG is subjected to a primary drive with same dynamic characteristics of the real plant. The hierarchical control integrates the generator and HSS controllers considering the optimal operating pressure for local sea state conditions. Experimental results illustrate the performance of the emulator and controllers.
Parametric study and optimization of a two‐body wave energy converter
Authors: Bao Xingxian , Xiao Weijie , Li Shubo , Iglesias Gregorio 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe parametric study and optimization of a two‐body wave energy converter (WEC) for the wave and current conditions in the region of Zhaitang Island (China) is presented. Nine parameters are considered, and their influence on the power captured by the two‐body WEC is investigated following both single‐parameter and multi‐parameter approaches. A backpropagation neural network model is developed and applied to predict the captured power for any given values of the nine parameters and the wave frequency. Then the robust design method, also known as the Taguchi method, is implemented to study the comprehensive effects of the parameters on the power output of the device. Moreover, scale model experiments are conducted to verify and confirm the influence of the principal parameters on the power output. Combining numerical simulations, a neural network model and experimental work, this study provides an optimization programme for the main parameters of the device in the target sea region and, at a more general level, references for two‐body WEC designs based on specific sea states.
Workplace risk management in the context of the covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Băbuţ Andrada Denisa , Morar Marius Simion , Cioară Cristian Raul , Tomescu Cristian 
Published: July 2021

In March 2020, a pandemic was declared internationally, caused by a new coronavirus called COVID-19. With the advent of the COVID-19 virus and the declaration of the pandemic, safety and distancing measures have been instituted, which we cannot say we are used to and which we easily accept, but which are necessary to combat the spread of the virus. We also cannot deny that this pandemic has affected and continues to affect our mental health, triggering a certain state of anxiety and with it the lowering of our immune system, which makes us more vulnerable to disease. Paradoxically, mental health is one of the first things that helps us to resist and survive the crisis, which is why it is important to provide employees with protection to ensure the necessary mental comfort at work.
In this context, this paper synthesizes the basic principles and best practices of psychosocial risk assessment, highlighting how hazard identification and risk management strategies should be based on the involvement of all stakeholders in combating anxiety at workplace.