bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Study of Twisted Darrieus Hydrokinetic Turbine With Novel Blade Design
Authors: Mosbahi Mabrouk , Derbel Mouna , Lajnef Mariem , Mosbahi Bouzid , Driss Zied , Aricò Costanza , Tucciarelli Tullio
Published: June 2021

Twisted Darrieus water turbine is receiving growing attention for small-scale hydropower generation. Accordingly, the need for raised water energy conversion incentivizes researchers to focus on the blade shape optimization of twisted Darrieus turbine. In view of this, experimental analysis has been performed to appraise the efficiency of a spiral Darrieus water rotor in the present work. To better the performance parameters of the studied water rotor with twisted blades, three novel blade shapes, namely U-shaped blade, V-shaped blade, and W-shaped blade, have been numerically tested using a computational fluid dynamics three-dimensional numerical model. The maximum power coefficient of the Darrieus rotor reaches 0.17 at a 0.63 tip-speed ratio using twisted blades. Using V-shaped blades, the maximum power coefficient has risen to 0.185. The current study could be practically applied to provide more effective employment of twisted Darrieus turbines and to improve the generated power from flowing water such as river streams, tidal currents, or other man-made water canals.
Two new feather mites of the genus Proctophyllodes Robin (Acari formes: Proctophyllodinae) from passerines in Brazil
Authors: Pedroso Luiz Gustavo de Almeida , Hernandes Fabio Akashi
Published: June 2021

Proctophyllodes Robin (Proctophyllodidae: Proctophyllodinae) is a widely distributed feather mite genus, which most species show high level of specificity to their bird hosts. We describe two new species of this genus from passerines commonly found in urban environments in Brazil: Proctophyllodes molothrus sp. nov. from the Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis (Gmelin) (Icteridae), and P. carmenmirandae sp. nov. from the Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis (Statius Müller) (Passerellidae). The former is similar to P. egglestoni Spory and differs from it in having a unique shape of opisthosomal lobes in females; P. carmenmirandae is closer to P. tiaris Atyeo & Braasch and differs in having a relatively longer adeagus in males and setae h1 situated on soft tegument between hysteronotal and lobar shields in females.
Effect of cholesterol on the dimerization of C99—A molecular modeling perspective
Authors: Stange Amanda Dyrholm , Hsu Jenny Pin-Chia , Ravnkilde Lisbeth Kjølbye , Berglund Nils , Schiøtt Birgit
Published: June 2021

C99, a naturally occurring peptide, is a precursor of the amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) and plays an important role in the so-called amyloidogenic pathway of degradation of amyloid precursor protein. While the effect of C99’s dimerization is not clearly determined, it has been hypothesized that the dimerization protects C99 from being cleaved further. Cholesterol (CHOL) is known to interact with C99 and its presence in high concentrations has been linked to an increase in the production of Aβ; however, to what extent this is correlated, and how, has not yet been determined. In this study, we systematically examine the effect of increasing cholesterol concentration on the homodimerization propensity of C99, combining unbiased atomistic molecular dynamics simulations with biased simulations using a coarse grained resolution. Through the use of umbrella sampling, we show how the presence of high levels of CHOL destabilizes the interaction between two C99 monomers. The interaction pattern between the two C99s has shifted several residues, from the N-terminal end of the transmembrane region toward the corresponding C-terminal in the presence of CHOL. The umbrella sampling shows that the presence of high levels of CHOL led to a decrease of the disassociation energy by approximately 3 kJ/mol. In conclusion, this suggests that increasing CHOL destabilizes the interaction between the two C99 monomers, which may possibly cause an increase in the production of Aβ42.
BeamLearning: An end-to-end deep learning approach for the angular localization of sound sources using raw multichannel acoustic pressure data
Authors: Pujol Hadrien , Bavu Éric , Garcia Alexandre
Published: June 2021

Sound source localization using multichannel signal processing has been a subject of active research for decades. In recent years, the use of deep learning in audio signal processing has significantly improved the performances for machine hearing. This has motivated the scientific community to also develop machine learning strategies for source localization applications. This paper presents BeamLearning, a multiresolution deep learning approach that allows the encoding of relevant information contained in unprocessed time-domain acoustic signals captured by microphone arrays. The use of raw data aims at avoiding the simplifying hypothesis that most traditional model-based localization methods rely on. Benefits of its use are shown for real-time sound source two-dimensional localization tasks in reverberating and noisy environments. Since supervised machine learning approaches require large-sized, physically realistic, precisely labelled datasets, a fast graphics processing unit-based computation of room impulse responses was developed using fractional delays for image source models. A thorough analysis of the network representation and extensive performance tests are carried out using the BeamLearning network with synthetic and experimental datasets. Obtained results demonstrate that the BeamLearning approach significantly outperforms the wideband MUSIC and steered response power-phase transform methods in terms of localization accuracy and computational efficiency in the presence of heavy measurement noise and reverberation.
The acoustical properties of tetraethyl orthosilicate based granular silica aerogels
Authors: Begum H. , Horoshenkov K. V. , Conte M. , Malfait W. J. , Zhao S. , Koebel M. M. , Bonfiglio P. , Venegas R.
Published: June 2021

Available data suggests that granulated aerogels can be of interest in terms of their sound absorption performance in the audio frequency range. However, there is still no thorough understanding of the complex physical phenomena which are responsible for their observed acoustical properties. This work is an attempt to address this gap through advanced material characterization methods and mathematical modelling. Aerogel samples are produced through a two-step, acid-base sol-gel process, with sol silica concentration and density being the main variables. Their pore structure is carefully characterized by nitrogen sorption analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The acoustical properties of hard-backed granular silica aerogels are measured in an impedance tube and the results predicted accurately with the adopted theoretical model. Although silica aerogels have over 90% of open interconnected pores, this was neither reflected in the measured acoustical properties nor the parameter values predicted with the model. Novel results show that only a proportion of the micro and mesopores in the direct vicinity of the grain surface influenced the acoustical properties of aerogels. Further work in the hierarchical pore structure of aerogels is required to better understand the roles of different pore scales on the measured acoustical properties of a granulated aerogel.
A series approximation to the Kirchhoff integral for Gaussian and exponential roughness covariance functions
Authors: Olson Derek R.
Published: June 2021

The Kirchhoff integral is a fundamental integral in scattering theory, appearing in both the Kirchhoff approximation and the small slope approximation. In this work, a functional Taylor series approximation to the Kirchhoff integral is presented, under the condition that the roughness covariance function follows either an exponential or Gaussian form—in both the one-dimensional and two-dimensional cases. Previous approximations to the Kirchhoff integral [Gragg, Wurmser, and Gauss (2001) J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 110(6), 2878–2901; Drumheller and Gragg (2001) J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 110(5), 2270–2275] assumed that the outer scale of the roughness was very large compared to the wavelength, whereas the proposed method can treat arbitrary outer scales. Assuming an infinite outer scale implies that the root mean square (rms) roughness is infinite. The proposed method can efficiently treat surfaces with finite outer scale and therefore finite rms height. This series is shown to converge independently of roughness or acoustic parameters and converges to within roundoff error with a reasonable number of terms for a wide variety of dimensionless roughness parameters. The series converges quickly when the dimensionless rms height is small and slowly when it is large.
The transmembrane serine protease hepsin suppresses type I interferon induction by cleaving STING
Authors: Hsin Fu , Hsu Yu-Chen , Tsai Yu-Fei , Lin Shu-Wha , Liu Helene Minyi
Published: June 2021

The transmembrane protease hepsin reduces antiviral innate immunity in hepatocytes.
Serum neurofilament light protein correlates with unfavorable clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19
Authors: Prudencio Mercedes , Erben Young , Marquez Christopher P. , Jansen-West Karen R. , Franco-Mesa Camila , Heckman Michael G. , White Launia J. , Dunmore Judith A. , Cook Casey N. , Lilley Meredith T. , Song Yuping , Harlow Caroline F. , Oskarsson Björn , Nicholson Katharine A. , Wszolek Zbigniew K. , Hickson LaTonya J. , O’Horo John C. , Hoyne Jonathan B. , Gendron Tania F. , Meschia James F. , Petrucelli Leonard
Published: June 2021

Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 show increased serum concentrations of neurofilament light chain that correlate with worse clinical outcomes.
Reactive Oxygen Species-Dependent Innate Immune Mechanisms Control Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Virulence in the
Drosophila
Larval Model
Authors: Ramond Elodie , Jamet Anne , Ding Xiongqi , Euphrasie Daniel , Bouvier Clémence , Lallemant Louison , He Xiangyan , Arbibe Laurence , Coureuil Mathieu , Charbit Alain
Published: June 2021

The pathogenicity of methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) strains relies on their ability to produce a wide variety of tightly regulated virulence factors. Current
in vivo
models to analyze host-pathogen interactions are limited and difficult to manipulate.
A CLK1-KKT2 Signaling Pathway Regulating Kinetochore Assembly in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Saldivia Manuel , Wollman Adam J. M. , Carnielli Juliana B. T. , Jones Nathaniel G. , Leake Mark C. , Bower-Lepts Christopher , Rao Srinivasa P. S. , Mottram Jeremy C.
Published: June 2021

In eukaryotic cells, kinetochores are large protein complexes that link chromosomes to dynamic microtubule tips, ensuring proper segregation and genomic stability during cell division. Several proteins tightly coordinate kinetochore functions, including the protein kinase aurora kinase B.
Antibody Levels to Plasmodium falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein 1-DBLγ11 and DBLδ-1 Predict Reduction in Parasite Density
Authors: Araj Brittany N. , Swihart Bruce , Morrison Robert , Gonzales Hurtado Patricia , Teo Andrew , Mahamar Almahamoudou , Attaher Oumar , Diarra Bacary S. , Gaoussou Santara , Issiaka Djibrilla , Dicko Alassane , Duffy Patrick E. , Fried Michal
Published: June 2021

Plasmodium
infection causes devastating disease and high mortality in young children. Immunity develops progressively as children acquire protection against severe disease, although reinfections and recrudescences still occur throughout life in areas of endemicity, partly due to parasite immunoevasion via switching of variant proteins such as
Plasmodium falciparum
erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) expressed on the infected erythrocyte surface.
Rapid Increase of SARS-CoV-2 Variant B.1.1.7 Detected in Sewage Samples from England between October 2020 and January 2021
Authors: Wilton Thomas , Bujaki Erika , Klapsa Dimitra , Majumdar Manasi , Zambon Maria , Fritzsche Martin , Mate Ryan , Martin Javier
Published: June 2021

The recent appearance and growth of new SARS-CoV-2 variants represent a major challenge for the control of the COVID-19 pandemic. These variants of concern contain mutations affecting antigenicity, which raises concerns on their possible impact on human immune response to the virus and vaccine efficacy against them.
Lactobacillus acidophilus
LA14 Alleviates Liver Injury
Authors: Lv Longxian , Yao Chunyan , Yan Ren , Jiang Huiyong , Wang Qiangqiang , Wang Kaicen , Ren Siqi , Jiang Shandong , Xia Jiafeng , Li Shengjie , Yu Ying
Published: June 2021

The probiotic
Lactobacillus acidophilus
LA14 is widely used worldwide, but its effect on liver diseases has not been elucidated. We explored the protective effect of
L. acidophilus
LA14 on the liver using rats with
d
-galactosamine-induced liver injury.
DNA Extraction and Host Depletion Methods Significantly Impact and Potentially Bias Bacterial Detection in a Biological Fluid
Authors: Ganda Erika , Beck Kristen L. , Haiminen Niina , Silverman Justin D. , Kawas Ban , Cronk Brittany D. , Anderson Renee R. , Goodman Laura B. , Wiedmann Martin
Published: June 2021

Tracking the bacterial communities present in our food has the potential to inform food safety and product origin. To do so, the entire genetic material present in a sample is extracted using chemical methods or commercially available kits and sequenced using next-generation platforms to provide a snapshot of the microbial composition.
Biogeography, Assembly Patterns, Driving Factors, and Interactions of Archaeal Community in Mangrove Sediments
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Feng , Pan Jie , Pan Yue-Ping , Li Meng
Published: June 2021

As a key microbial community component with important ecological roles, archaea merit the attention of biologists and ecologists. The mechanisms controlling microbial community diversity, composition, and biogeography are central to microbial ecology but poorly understood.
Deep sclerectomy after DSAEK: A cautionary tale
Authors: Salam Aysha
Published: June 2021

A 78-year-old pseudophakic women with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma and 6-year history of prior Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) underwent deep sclerectomy for a poorly controlled glaucoma. Exposure of the trabeculo-Descemet’s window (TDW), showed a very poor drainage. An attempt to dissect the fibrous tissue off the TDW resulted in perforation of the window needing peripheral iridectomy, followed by a white fibrous band which had to be excised to prevent blockade of the filtration channel. Postoperatively, there was complete detachment of the endothelial graft on day 1 with an intraocular pressure of 20 mm Hg. She was commenced on topical steroids and listed for a revisionary DSAEK in 6 weeks but when reviewed in a month postoperatively, a spontaneous reattachment of the endothelial graft was seen.
Vulval squamous cell carcinoma arising from hidradenitis suppurrativa
Authors: Boo Marilyn , Eva Lois , Kellow Mayada , Scurry James
Published: June 2021

A 47- year-old woman developed a rapidly enlarging vulvar mass. Although the clinical appearance suggested malignancy, its lack of atypia and invasion on initial superficial biopsy delayed the pathological diagnosis. It was not until a large incisional biopsy was performed that showed the diagnosis of verrucous squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) involving pre-existing sinuses of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). VSCC arising in HS is very rare and often leads to death in published cases. This case demonstrates the challenge in pathological diagnosis of this condition which impacted time to treatment.
Pleural malignant mesothelioma with metastatic deposition in the tongue
Authors: Steward Matthew , Pearce Catharine , Powari Manish , Bakere Hugh
Published: June 2021

A 70-year-old man with epithelioid malignant pleural mesothelioma was referred to the maxillofacial surgery department with a painful lesion on the lateral border of his tongue which interfered with swallowing. Physical examination demonstrated a 3 cm firm, non-ulcerated mass on the left lateral tongue, histologically shown to be metastatic epithelioid mesothelioma. MRI of the neck and CT scan of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis scans also demonstrated progressive local and metastatic disease. The patient was not felt to be fit for further treatment. More than 90% of oral cavity cancers are squamous cell carcinoma. All reported cases of metastasis of malignant mesothelioma to the tongue have been of the epithelioid subtype with 10 cases reported in the literature to date. Diagnosis is important as tongue lesions can significantly impact on quality of life and synchronous tongue primaries should be ruled out. Tongue lesions may herald metastases to other extrapleural locations.
Risk of hospital admission for patients with SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7: cohort analysis
Authors: Nyberg Tommy , Twohig Katherine A , Harris Ross J , Seaman Shaun R , Flannagan Joe , Allen Hester , Charlett Andre , De Angelis Daniela , Dabrera Gavin , Presanis Anne M
Published: June 2021

Objective

To evaluate the relation between diagnosis of covid-19 with SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 (also known as variant of concern 202012/01) and the risk of hospital admission compared with diagnosis with wild-type SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Design

Retrospective cohort analysis.

Setting

Community based SARS-CoV-2 testing in England, individually linked with hospital admission data.

Participants

839 278 patients with laboratory confirmed covid-19, of whom 36 233 had been admitted to hospital within 14 days, tested between 23 November 2020 and 31 January 2021 and analysed at a laboratory with an available TaqPath assay that enables assessment of S-gene target failure (SGTF), a proxy test for the B.1.1.7 variant. Patient data were stratified by age, sex, ethnicity, deprivation, region of residence, and date of positive test.

Main outcome measures

Hospital admission between one and 14 days after the first positive SARS-CoV-2 test.

Results

27 710 (4.7%) of 592 409 patients with SGTF variants and 8523 (3.5%) of 246 869 patients without SGTF variants had been admitted to hospital within one to 14 days. The stratum adjusted hazard ratio of hospital admission was 1.52 (95% confidence interval 1.47 to 1.57) for patients with covid-19 infected with SGTF variants, compared with those infected with non-SGTF variants. The effect was modified by age (P<0.001), with hazard ratios of 0.93-1.21 in patients younger than 20 years with versus without SGTF variants, 1.29 in those aged 20-29, and 1.45-1.65 in those aged ≥30 years. The adjusted absolute risk of hospital admission within 14 days was 4.7% (95% confidence interval 4.6% to 4.7%) for patients with SGTF variants and 3.5% (3.4% to 3.5%) for those with non-SGTF variants.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the risk of hospital admission is higher for people infected with the B.1.1.7 variant compared with wild-type SARS-CoV-2, likely reflecting a more severe disease. The higher severity may be specific to adults older than 30 years.
Child outcomes after induction of labour or expectant management in women with preterm prelabour rupture of membranes between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation: study protocol of the PPROMEXIL Follow-up trial. A long-term follow-up study of the randomised controlled trials PPROMEXIL and PPROMEXIL-2
Authors: de Ruigh Annemijn A , Simons Noor E , Van ‘t Hooft Janneke , van Wassenaer-Leemhuis Aleid G , Aarnoudse-Moens Cornelieke S H , van Wely Madelon , van Baaren Gert-Jan , Vlemmix Floortje , van der Ham D P , van Teeffelen Augustinus S P , Mol Ben W , Roseboom Tessa J , Pajkrt Eva
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Late preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PROM between 34+0and 36+6weeks gestational age) is an important clinical dilemma. Previously, two large Dutch randomised controlled trials (RCTs) compared induction of labour (IoL) to expectant management (EM). Both trials showed that early delivery does not reduce the risk of neonatal sepsis as compared with EM, although prematurity-related risks might increase. An extensive, structured long-term follow-up of these children has never been performed.

Methods and analysis

The PPROMEXIL Follow-up trial (NL6623 (NTR6953)) aims to assess long-term childhood outcomes of the PPROMEXIL (ISRCTN29313500) and PPROMEXIL-2 trial (ISRCTN05689407), two multicentre RCTs using the same protocol, conducted between 2007 and 2010 evaluating IoL versus EM in women with late preterm PROM. The PPROMEXIL Follow-up will analyse children of mothers with a singleton pregnancy (PPROMEXIL trial n=520, PPROMEXIL-2 trial n=191, total IoL n=359; total EM n=352). At 10–12 years of age all surviving children will be invited for a neurodevelopmental assessment using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-V, Color-Word Interference Test and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2. Parents will be asked to fill out questionnaires assessing behaviour, motor function, sensory processing, respiratory problems, general health and need for healthcare services. Teachers will fill out the Teacher Report Form and answer questions regarding school attainment. For all tests means with SDs will be compared, as well as predefined cut-off scores for abnormal outcome. Sensitivity analyses consisting of different imputation techniques will be used to deal with lost to follow-up.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been granted approval by the Medical Centre Amsterdam (MEC) of the AmsterdamUMC (MEC2016_217). Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and summaries shared with stakeholders. This protocol is published before analysis of the results.

Trial registration number

NL6623 (NTR6953).
Reducing health inequalities through general practice: protocol for a realist review (EQUALISE)
Authors: Ford John Alexander , Gkiouleka Anna , Kuhn Isla , Sowden Sarah , Head Fiona , Siersbaek Rikke , Bambra Clare , Harmston Rebecca R , Manji Sukaina , Moseley Annie , Wong Geoff
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Healthcare organisations recognise the moral imperative to address inequalities in health outcomes but often lack an understanding of which types of interventions are likely to reduce them. This realist review will examine the existing evidence on the types of interventions or aspects of routine care in general practice that are likely to decrease or increase health inequalities (ie, inequality-generating interventions) across cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Methods and analysis

Our realist review will follow Pawson’s five iterative stages. We will start by developing an initial programme theory based on existing theories and discussions with stakeholders. To navigate the large volume of literature, we will access the primary studies through the identification of published systematic reviews of interventions delivered in general practice across the four key conditions. We will examine the primary studies included within each systematic review to identify those reporting on inequalities across PROGRESS-Plus categories. We will collect data on a range of clinical outcomes including prevention, diagnosis, follow-up and treatment. The data will be synthesised using a realist logic of analysis. The findings will be a description and explanation of the general practice interventions which are likely to increase or decrease inequalities across the major conditions.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required because this study does not include any primary research. The findings will be integrated into a series of guiding principles and a toolkit for healthcare organisations to reduce health inequalities. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and user-friendly summaries.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020217871.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors: current status
Authors: Palma dos Reis Ana Filipa , Hennig Ivo , Wilcock Andrew
Published: June 2021

The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is growing rapidly in oncology and palliative care clinicians and other generalists will increasingly see patients who are receiving, or who have received ICI. For optimal care, it is important that clinicians have a basic understanding of the unique nature of ICI as anticancer treatments, including patterns of response, potential issues with concurrent corticosteroid use and the wide range of possible immune-related adverse effects (IrAEs). This paper, informed by a recent literature search, provides a succinct yet comprehensive overview of ICI, with a particular focus on IrAE, highlighting that some are potentially life-threatening and/or can develop a long time, sometimes years, after even a short course of an ICI.
Metastatic bone disease: new quality performance indicator development
Authors: Downie Samantha , Cherry Jennifer , Hall Peter , Stillie Alison , Moran Matthew , Sudlow Cathie , Simpson A Hamish RW
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Patients with metastatic bone disease (MBD) should receive the same standard of care regardless of which centre they are treated in. The aim was to develop and test a set of quality performance indicators (QPIs) to evaluate care for patients with MBD referred to orthopaedics.

Methods

QPIs were adapted from the literature and ranked on feasibility and necessity during a modified RAND/Delphi consensus process. They were then validated and field tested in a retrospective cohort of 108 patients using indicator-specific targets set during consensus.

Results

2568 articles including six guidelines were reviewed. 43 quality objectives were extracted and 40 proceeded to expert consensus. After two rounds, 18 QPIs for MBD care were generated, with the following generating the highest consensus: ‘Patients with high fracture risk should receive urgent assessment’ (combined mean 6.7/7, 95% CI 6.5 to 6.8) and ‘preoperative workup should include full blood tests including group and save’ (combined mean 6.7/7, 95% CI 6.5 to 6.9). In the pilot test, targets were met for 5/18 QPIs (mean 52%, standard deviation 22%). The median deviation from projected target was −14% (interquartile range −11% to −31%, range −74% to 11%). The highest scoring QPI was ‘adults with fractures should have surgery within 7 days’ (target 80%:actual 92%).

Conclusions

The published evidence and guidelines were adapted into a set of validated QPIs for MBD care which can be used to evaluate variation in care between centres. These QPIs should be correlated with outcome scores to determine whether they can act as predictors of outcome after surgery.
Republished: Successful treatment of ruptured multiple fusiform middle cerebral artery aneurysms with silk vista baby flow diverter in a 10-months-old infant
Authors: Barchetti Giovanni , Di Clemente Loris , Mazzetto Mauro , Zanusso Mariano , Ferrarese Paola , Iannucci Giuseppe
Published: June 2021

We report the successful treatment of multiple ruptured fusiform middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms in a 10-month-old girl. This previously healthy infant presented with subarachnoid haemorrhage and was found to have multiple irregular dilatations of the superior division branch of the right MCA. Cerebral angiography was performed and confirmed the presence of multiple fusiform aneurysms of the MCA. After multidisciplinary team discussion, it was decided to treat the aneurysms with endovascular approach, using a flow-diverter. Microsurgical clipping was deemed risky because of the high likelihood of parent artery occlusion and expectant management was also considered inappropriate because of the risk of re-bleeding. Dual antiplatelet therapy was started, and a flow-diverter was successfully delivered in the superior division branch of the right MCA. The post-operative course was uneventful, MRI at 12 months did not show any sign of recurrence and at 3 years of age the patient had a normal neurological examination.
Pre-slaughter road transportation times: meat quality and sensory properties of Nellore bull meat
Authors: Lacerda Natália Gomes , Mezzomo Rafael , de Oliveira Ivanna Moraes , Alves Kaliandra Souza , de Oliveira Luis Rennan Sampaio , Santos Mychelle Cristina Alves , Lima Ramon Rodrigo Ferreira , Gomes Daiany Iris
Published: June 2021

This study evaluated the effects of different pre-slaughter road transportation times on sensory evaluation and instrumental measurements of Nellore cattle meat quality. About 15 farms were classified according to transportation times (five farms per transportation time group) as follows: 1 — less than 2 h (<2), 2 — between 2 and 4 h (>2 and ≤4), and 3 — between 4 and 6 h (>4 and ≤6). The experiment was a completely randomized design with 15 replications and three treatments. Meat analyses were performed on steaks taken from the longissimus dorsi muscle from the 10th rib to the third lumbar vertebra. Road transportation times had no significant effects on pH and mean shear force values. Sarcomere length, myofibrillar fragmentation index, and creatine kinase levels were also not affected by transportation time. Furthermore, road transportation times had no effect on meat tenderness, flavour, odour, and overall acceptability when evaluated by consumers. Thus, a pre-slaughter road transportation time up to 6 h does not affect the sensory evaluation and instrumental measurements of Nellore cattle meat quality when raised using a grazing system.
Relative importance of climate, vegetation, and spatial factors in the community and functional composition of wood-inhabiting fungi in discontinuously distributed subalpine spruce forests
Authors: Fukasawa Yu , Matsukura Kimiyo , Ando Yoko , Suzuki Satoshi N. , Okano Kunihiro , Song Zewei , Aizawa Mineaki , Sakuma Daisuke
Published: June 2021

Wood-inhabiting fungi are critically important for the decomposition of coarse woody debris (CWD). To evaluate the relative importance of climate, vegetation, and spatial factors in the functional composition of fungal communities that inhabit CWD in discontinuously distributed subalpine Hondo spruce (Picea jezoensis (Sieb. & Zucc.) Carr. var. hondoensis (Mayr) Rehder) forests, a metabarcoding analysis was conducted on spruce deadwood samples obtained from six subalpine forests in central Japan using a high-throughput DNA sequencing technique. We detected 454 fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) from 67 spruce CWDs and determined that spatial factors explained a larger fraction of community variation than environmental (climate and vegetation) factors at all six study sites. However, environmental factors explained a larger fraction than spatial factors if we excluded data from one site that is geographically distant from other study sites. The OTU number and the occurrence of brown-rot fungi were positively associated with mean annual temperature and negatively associated with mean annual precipitation. Similarly, the principal component of forest vegetation significantly affected the OTU number and occurrence of brown-rot fungi. Precipitation seasonality was positively associated with the OTU number of undefined saprotrophs. These results suggest that fungal OTUs belonging to different functional groups respond differently to environmental variables.
Probing UHECR production in Centaurus A using secondary neutrinos and gamma-rays
Authors: de Oliveira Cainã , de Souza Vitor
Published: June 2021

In this paper the production of neutrinos and photons by ultra high energy cosmic rays (UHECR) interacting with the extragalactic background radiation is studied. Centaurus A is assumed as the prime source of UHECR and the possibility to identify this source by detecting the secondary neutrinos and photons produced in the propagation of UHECR is investigated. Fifteen astrophysical models regarding three extragalactic magnetic fields (EGMF) and five composition abundances are simulated. The flux and arrival direction of neutrinos and photons are investigated. It is shown that the detection of a signal from Cen A with statistical significance is achievable by current observatories in a few years and by proposed experiments in the near future. The dependence of the results on the models is also presented.
Are all the word ranking methods the same?
Authors: Najafi Elham , Valizadeh Alireza , Darooneh Amir H.
Published: June 2021

Text as a complex system is commonly studied by various methods, like complex networks or time series analysis, in order to discover its properties. One of the most important properties of each text is its keywords, which are extracted by word ranking methods. There are various methods to rank words of a text. Each method differently ranks words according to their frequency, spatial distribution or other word properties. Here, we aimed to explore how similar various word ranking methods are. For this purpose, we studied the rank correlation of some important word ranking methods for number of sample texts with different subjects and text sizes. We found that by increasing text size the correlation between ranking methods grows. It means that as the text size increases, the associated word ranks calculated by different ranking methods converge. Also, we found out that the rank correlations of word ranking methods approach their maximum value in the case of large enough texts.
A new solution of the fermionic mass hierarchy of the standard model
Authors: Abbas Gauhar
Published: June 2021

We present a new mechanism for solving the fermionic masses and mixing hierarchies of the Standard Model through a minimal symmetry [Formula: see text]. The mechanism is also capable of explaining the neutrino masses and mixing parameters. The phenomenological bounds arising from kaon mixing are also derived on the parameter space of the model.
Exact multi-instanton solutions to self-dual Yang–Mills equation on curved spaces
Authors: Nian Jun , Qian Yachao
Published: June 2021

We find exact multi-instanton solutions to the self-dual Yang–Mills equation on a large class of curved spaces with [Formula: see text] isometry, generalizing the results previously found on [Formula: see text]. The solutions are featured with explicit multi-centered expressions and topological properties. As examples, we demonstrate the approach on several different curved spaces, including the Einstein static universe and [Formula: see text], and show that the exact multi-instanton solutions exist on these curved backgrounds.
A hybrid fuzzy neural network analysis to the risk factors of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Su Te-Jen , Lee Feng-Chun , Pan Tzung-Shiarn , Wang Shih-Ming
Published: June 2021

The number of people suffering from diabetes in Taiwan has been increasing in recent years, according to data from the Health Promotion Administration, the prevalence rate of diabetes in Taiwan has reached 5%. In 2019, there were approximately 1.1 million type 1 diabetes patients under the age of 20 in the world, indicating that diabetes is also threatening the health of children and adolescents. Moreover, the vast majority of about 463 million diabetic patients globally between the ages of 20 and 79 suffer from type 2 diabetes. One can see that diabetes is an important public health problem and one of the four major noncommunicable diseases that leaders of all countries should take priority action to address. Type 2 diabetes causes many complications, including cardiovascular disease, impaired vision, amputation, kidney disease, etc. and increases the cost of social medical care. This study takes data from the Data Database of the Health Promotion Administration as the parent population, fuzzy theory and neural network to build predictive models with Matlab tools. The predictive results can be used as a reference for medical personnel in any diagnosis.
Design of True Random Number Generator Using Fingerprint as an Entropy Source and Its Implementation in S-Box
Authors: Kumar Dhirendra , Chaurasia Utkarsh Kumar , Mishra Shreyansh , Patel Prafull Singh , Misra Prasanna Kumar , Goswami Manish
Published: June 2021

This paper deals with the design of a true random number generator (TRNG) using the fingerprint as an entropy source and its implementation in substitution box (S-box) of Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). Considering fingerprint as a unique and random arrangement of minutiae, these minutiae points are used as the source of entropy. The proposed design utilizes fewer resources minimizing hardware redundancy and enhancing the level of randomness. This TRNG has been designed and validated using Artix-7 FPGA. The data rate, speed and latency have been obtained as 40 Mbps, 5 Mbps and 305 ns, respectively. The generated random bit stream had also been sampled and converted to a binary format in MATLAB and tested through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800.22 statistical suite for validation. The proposed TRNG design pass efficiency achieved is more than 95% for a sample size of 10 binary sequences.
Information recovery from evaporating black holes
Authors: Braunstein Samuel L. , Das Saurya , Wang Zhi-Wei
Published: June 2021

We show that the apparent horizon and the region near [Formula: see text] of an evaporating charged, rotating black hole are timelike. It then follows that black holes in nature, which invariably have some rotation, have a channel, via which classical or quantum information can escape to the outside, while the black hole shrinks in size. We discuss implications for the information loss problem.
Scalarization of slowly rotating black holes
Authors: Myung Yun Soo , Zou De-Cheng
Published: June 2021

It is interesting to note that most black holes are born very slowly rotating. We investigate scalarization of slowly rotating black holes in the Einstein-scalar-Chern–Simons (EsCS) theory. In the slow rotation approximation, the CS term takes a linear form of rotation parameter [Formula: see text] which determines the tachyonic instability. The tachyonic instability for slowly rotating black holes represents the onset of spontaneous scalarization. It is shown that the slowly rotating black holes are unstable against a spherically symmetric scalar-mode perturbation for positive coupling [Formula: see text], whereas these black holes are unstable for negative coupling without any [Formula: see text]-bound.
Stability Characteristics of a Vibrating System with Double Rigid Frames Driven by Four Co-Rotating Coupling Vibrators
Authors: Zhang Xueliang , Yue Hongliang , Li Zhenmin , Hu Wenchao , Xu Jinlin , Wen Bangchun
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a dynamic model is adopted to investigate the stability and response characteristics of a vibrating system driven by four vibrators placed on two different rigid frames (RFs). Using the equations of motion of the system derived, the conditions for synchronization and stable operation of the system are studied by the average method and Hamilton’s rules, respectively. Based on the theoretical results obtained, some factors are further studied concerning the stable phase differences (SPDs), the coefficients for ensuring stability, and the vibration amplitudes of the two RFs in different resonant regions. These serve to reveal the stability and response characteristics of the system that determine the ultimate function of the vibrating machine. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to examine the validity of the theoretical methods and numerical qualitative results. Based on the results from the theory and simulation analyses, it is suggested that the working region of the system should be selected in the sub-resonant region corresponding to the natural frequency (NF) of the main vibrating system in the [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-directions. In this case, the ideal relative circular motion for two RFs with a well isolation effect can be achieved, and the energy is saved.
Bending and Buckling Analysis of Functionally Graded Euler–Bernoulli Beam Using Stress-Driven Nonlocal Integral Model with Bi-Helmholtz Kernel
Authors: Ren Yan-Ming , Qing Hai
Published: June 2021

Static bending and elastic buckling of Euler–Bernoulli beam made of functionally graded (FG) materials along thickness direction is studied theoretically using stress-driven integral model with bi-Helmholtz kernel, where the relation between nonlocal stress and strain is expressed as Fredholm type integral equation of the first kind. The differential governing equation and corresponding boundary conditions are derived with the principle of minimum potential energy. Several nominal variables are introduced to simplify differential governing equation, integral constitutive equation and boundary conditions. Laplace transform technique is applied directly to solve integro-differential equations, and the nominal bending deflection and moment are expressed with six unknown constants. The explicit expression for nominal deflection for static bending and nonlinear characteristic equation for the bucking load can be determined with two constitutive constraints and four boundary conditions. The results from this study are validated with those from the existing literature when two nonlocal parameters have same value. The influence of nonlocal parameters on the bending deflection and buckling loads for Euler–Bernoulli beam is investigated numerically. A consistent toughening effect is obtained for stress-driven nonlocal integral model with bi-Helmholtz kernel.
Minimal wave speed in an HIV-1 virus integrodifference system
Authors: Pan Shuxia
Published: June 2021

This paper is concerned with the minimal wave speed of nonconstant traveling wave solutions in an HIV-1 virus integrodifference system. Here, the traveling wave solution models the spatial spreading process of infected cells and virus. When the basic reproduction ratio of the corresponding ordinary differential system or difference system is larger than one, we establish the existence of nonconstant traveling wave solutions if the wave speed is not less than a threshold, and if the speed is smaller than the threshold, we prove the nonexistence of nonconstant traveling wave solutions. Moreover, when the basic reproduction ratio of the corresponding ordinary differential system or difference system is not larger than one, we also confirm the nonexistence of nonconstant traveling wave solutions.
Understanding the Reasons Behind Defect Levels in Post-Copper-CMP Cleaning Processes with Different Chemistries and PVA Brushes
Authors: Sampurno Y. , Philipossian A. , Linhart A. N. , Wortman-Otto K. M. , Tseng W-T , Tamboli D. , Keleher J. J.
Published: June 2021

Results from a series of post-CMP PVA scrubbing marathon runs performed in a high-volume manufacturing fab are scientifically explained via a series of controlled laboratory tests. The major differences in the ingredients within the cleaning solutions, and some of the key physical properties of the brushes are identified and their effects on various critical factors are studied. These include the magnitude of shear forces present in the brush-solution-wafer interface, the water uptake and porosity of the brushes, the diffusivity of a given cleaning solution through the micro-pores and macro-pores of each type of brush, the open-circuit potential in a dynamic process, and the availability of the cleaning fluid between the brush nodules and the wafer surface. Results show a strong inverse correlation between wafer-level defects and shear force. The latter is shown to decrease with solution availability at the brush-wafer interface which in turn is shown to depend on brush porosity and the diffusion rate of the solution through the pores. Our understanding is further strengthened by dynamic electrochemical analysis data where we see a greater interfacial chemical activity (i.e., an increase in corrosion current) as solution availability is increased.
Preparation and Properties of Novel Superhydrophobic Cellulose Nanofiber Aerogels
Authors: Liu Guoqing , Li Jing , Li Xiaodong , Pan Xiangjun , Qian Chao
Published: June 2021

The superhydrophobic cellulose nanofiber aerogels were prepared via sol-gel and subsequent freeze-drying with cellulose nanofibers as raw materials and perfluorohexyl ethyl trimethoxysilane and 3-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane as modifying monomers. The effect of volume ratio and total dosage of the two modifying monomers on the superhydrophobic properties was investigated, and the property variations of the cellulose nanofibers before and after modification were also characterized by FT-IR, XRD, TGA, SEM, XPS, and laser flash diffusivity apparatus. The results showed that the modifying monomers were successfully grafted onto cellulose nanofibers, and the prepared modified cellulose nanofiber aerogels had higher thermal stability. After modification, a micron-level arrayed three-dimensional grid superhydrophobic surface structure was constructed, and the surface energy was reduced. The prepared aerogels exhibited superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle up to 151° and excellent thermal insulation performance with a thermal conductivity of 0.035 W·m−1·K−1, which displayed promising application potential in the field of thermal insulation and waterproof materials.
AGV Scheduling Optimization for Medical Waste Sorting System
Authors: He Xueting , Quan Hao , Lin Wanlong , Deng Weiliang , Tan Zheyi
Published: June 2021

The dramatic increase in medical waste has put a severe strain on sorting operations. Traditional manual order picking is extremely susceptible to infection spread among workers and picking errors, while automated medical waste sorting systems can handle large volumes of medical waste efficiently and reliably. This paper investigates the optimization problem in the automated medical waste sorting system by considering the operational flow of medical waste. For this purpose, a mixed-integer programming model is developed to optimize the assignment among medical waste, presorting stations, and AGVs. An effective variable neighborhood search based on dynamic programming algorithm is proposed, and extensive numerical experiments are conducted. It is found that the proposed algorithm can efficiently solve the optimization problem, and the sensitivity analysis gives recommendations for the speed setting of the conveyor.
A Comparative Study on Anticancer Effects of the Alhagi maurorum and Amygdalus haussknechtii Extracts Alone and in Combination with Docetaxel on 4T1 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Bahamin Nayereh , Ahmadian Shahin , Rafieian-Kopaei Mahmoud , Mobini Gholamreza , Shafiezadeh Mahshid , Soltani Amin
Published: June 2021

Medicinal plants have long been studied due to their anticancer effects and use of them is commonly increased as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM therapies) among patients with cancer. In this study, Alhagi maurorum (A.m) and Amygdalus haussknechtii (A.h) extracts were evaluated for their effects on inhibiting the growth of 4T1 breast cancer cells. Based on MTT assay results, the IC50s of A.m and A.h extracts were 57 µg/ml and 85 µg/ml, respectively. Then the cell migration, gene expression, and degree of apoptosis after 48 hours in each treated group with A.m and A.h extracts alone or in combination with docetaxel (DTX) on 4T1 cells were evaluated. A.m had a synergistic behavior with DTX (CI < 1). A.h reduced DTX IC50 but presented CI > 1. Cell migration assay showed that each extract alone or in combination with DTX prevented the migration of 4T1 cells. The Ao/EB staining and flowcytometry results confirmed that, in combination therapy, A.m + DTX and A.h + DTX induced apoptosis close to the level of DTX. Real-time PCR analysis showed that A.m + DTX (IC50 + IC25) downregulated the mRNA expression of HIF-1α and FZD7. A.m + DTX (IC50 + IC10) group decreased the expression of HIF-1α. Moreover, in A.h + DTX (IC50 + IC25) group, β-Catenin and FZD7 were downregulated and upregulated, respectively. Generally, our findings suggest that the combination of A.m and DTX possesses synergistic antitumor effects on 4T1 cells, which may be a valuable choice for CAM therapies. A.h has an acceptable antitumor activity but not in combination with DTX.