bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Specific Risk in Various Stages of the Life Cycle of Companies Listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange
Authors: Ebadi Mostafa , Azinfar Kaveh , Dadashi Iman , Fallah Reza
Published: October 2022

This research aims to examine the specific risk of companies and their effectiveness in various stages of the company life cycle on state and nonstate ownership. For this purpose, the specific risk was estimated using Fama and French three‐factor models, and the research objective was examined by considering the data panel model during the period 2015 to 2020 in a statistical sample consisting of 136 companies active in the Tehran Stock Exchange. For this purpose, the main contribution of research is evaluation of the effect of specific risk in different stages of the life cycle of companies admitted to the Tehran Stock Exchange. Therefore, the main valuable advantage to helping stock managers is assessing the impact of government ownership and nongovernment ownership on the specific risk of companies at different stages of the life cycle. Also, presenting a model to show the effects of dependent and independent variables in order to evaluate the impact of government and nongovernment ownership. The research results confirmed that the specific risk of the company in the stages of introduction, growth, and decline is higher compared to the stages of maturity and stagnation of the life cycle of companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange. Because the coefficients of virtual variables related to the life cycle stages of the company are estimated to be significant. Also, the finding confirmed that government ownership significantly affects the relationship between firm risk and life cycle stages in companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange. Because, the coefficient of variable state ownership is negative and significant, indicating a lower specific risk in state‐owned companies than in nonstate‐owned companies.
Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane Block for Total Hip Arthroplasty Comparing 24-Hour Opioid Requirements: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Townsend Dahlia , Siddique Nasir , Kimura Atsumi , Chein Yaacov , Kamara Eli , Pope John , Weiser Mitchell , Nair Singh , Muse Iyabo
Published: October 2022

Study Objective. Neuraxial and regional anesthesia have become commonly utilized for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty to aid in postoperative analgesia, facilitating early ambulation and better functional recovery. This study investigated the efficacy of a lumbar erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on reducing postoperative opioid consumption in total hip arthroplasty performed under spinal anesthesia. Design. Prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Patients. Sixty-three adult patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists Status I–III who are undergoing elective primary total hip arthroplasty. Interventions. Patients were randomized to the control group (no block) or the ESPB group (preoperative ultrasound-guided lumbar ESPB). Intraoperatively, all patients received spinal anesthesia with moderate sedation. Postoperatively, patients received a standardized multimodal analgesia protocol. Measurements. The primary outcome was cumulative opioid consumption at 24 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included cumulative opioid consumption at 8 hours and through 48 hours postoperatively and pain scores at 24 and 48 hours post surgery. Main Results. Thirty-one patients were randomized to the control group (spinal alone) and 32 patients to the ESPB group. The median opioid requirement in the first 8 hours after surgery was higher in the control group (28 mg of oral morphine equivalents (OME) versus 5 mg of OME in the ESPB group) (p=0.013). There was no statistically significant difference in opioid consumption between the groups at 24 hours (p=0.153) or 48 hours (p=0.357) postoperatively. There was no statistically significant difference in pain scores between the two groups through 24 hours (p=0.143) or 48 hours (p=0.617) after surgery. Conclusion. Lumbar ESPB reduces opioid utilization during the first 8 hours postoperatively after total hip arthroplasty but not thereafter. Evaluating the use of either adding a local anesthetic adjunct to the ESPB or using longer-acting local anesthetic warrants further investigation.
HIF2 Inactivation and Tumor Suppression with a Tumor-Directed RNA-Silencing Drug in Mice and Humans
Authors: Ma Yuanqing , Joyce Allison , Brandenburg Olivia , Saatchi Faeze , Stevens Christina , Toffessi Tcheuyap Vanina , Christie Alana , Do Quyen N. , Fatunde Oluwatomilade , Macchiaroli Alyssa , Wong So C. , Woolford Layton , Yousuf Qurratulain , Miyata Jeffrey , Carrillo Deyssy , Onabolu Oreoluwa , McKenzie Tiffani , Mishra Akhilesh , Hardy Tanner , He Wei , Li Daniel , Ivanishev Alexander , Zhang Qing , Pedrosa Ivan , Kapur Payal , Schluep Thomas , Kanner Steven B. , Hamilton James , Brugarolas James
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

HIF2α is a key driver of kidney cancer. Using a belzutifan analogue (PT2399), we previously showed in tumorgrafts (TG) that ∼50% of clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCC) are HIF2α dependent. However, prolonged treatment induced resistance mutations, which we also identified in humans. Here, we evaluated a tumor-directed, systemically delivered, siRNA drug (siHIF2) active against wild-type and resistant-mutant HIF2α.

Experimental Design:

Using our credentialed TG platform, we performed pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses evaluating uptake, HIF2α silencing, target gene inactivation, and antitumor activity. Orthogonal RNA-sequencing studies of siHIF2 and PT2399 were pursued to define the HIF2 transcriptome. Analyses were extended to a TG line generated from a study biopsy of a siHIF2 phase I clinical trial (NCT04169711) participant and the corresponding patient, an extensively pretreated individual with rapidly progressive ccRCC and paraneoplastic polycythemia likely evidencing a HIF2 dependency.

Results:

siHIF2 was taken up by ccRCC TGs, effectively depleted HIF2α, deactivated orthogonally defined effector pathways (including Myc and novel E2F pathways), downregulated cell cycle genes, and inhibited tumor growth. Effects on the study subject TG mimicked those in the patient, where HIF2α was silenced in tumor biopsies, circulating erythropoietin was downregulated, polycythemia was suppressed, and a partial response was induced.

Conclusions:

To our knowledge, this is the first example of functional inactivation of an oncoprotein and tumor suppression with a systemic, tumor-directed, RNA-silencing drug. These studies provide a proof-of-principle of HIF2α inhibition by RNA-targeting drugs in ccRCC and establish a paradigm for tumor-directed RNA-based therapeutics in cancer.
FGFR mRNA Expression in Cholangiocarcinoma and Its Correlation with FGFR2 Fusion Status and Immune Signatures
Authors: Sridharan Vishwajith , Neyaz Azfar , Chogule Abhijit , Baiev Islam , Reyes Stephanie , Barr Fritcher Emily G. , Lennerz Jochen K. , Sukov William , Kipp Benjamin , Ting David T. , Deshpande Vikram , Goyal Lipika
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

Selective FGFR inhibitors are effective against cholangiocarcinomas that harbor gene alterations in FGFR2. Clinical trials suggest that expression of wild-type FGFR mRNA can predict sensitivity to FGFR inhibitors, but this biomarker has not been well characterized in cholangiocarcinoma. This study explores the prevalence of FGFR mRNA overexpression in cholangiocarcinoma, its role in predicting sensitivity to FGFR inhibitors, and its association with immune markers.

Experimental Design:

Tissue microarrays of intrahepatic (ICC) and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (ECC) resected between 2004 and 2015 were used to evaluate FGFR1–4 mRNA expression levels by RNA in situ hybridization (ISH). Expression levels of FGFR2 mRNA were correlated with FGFR2 fusion status and with patient outcomes. Immune markers expression was assessed by IHC and CSF1 and CSF1 receptor expression were examined by RNA ISH.

Results:

Among 94 patients with resected cholangiocarcinoma, the majority had ICC (77%). FGFR2 fusions were identified in 23% of ICCs and 5% of ECCs. High levels of FGFR mRNA in FGFR2 fusion–negative ICC/ECC were seen for: FGFR1 (ICC/ECC: 15%/0%), FGFR2 (ICC/ECC: 57%/0%), FGFR3 (ICC/ECC: 53%/18%), and FGFR4 (ICC/ECC: 32%/0%). Overall, 62% of fusion-negative cholangiocarcinomas showed high levels of FGFR mRNA. In patients with advanced FGFR2 fusion–positive ICC, high levels of FGFR2 mRNA did not correlate with clinical benefit. FGFR2 fusion–positive tumors showed a paucity of PD-L1 on tumor cells.

Conclusions:

FGFR mRNA overexpression occurs frequently in cholangiocarcinoma in the absence of genetic alterations in FGFR. This study identifies a molecular subpopulation in cholangiocarcinoma for which further investigation of FGFR inhibitors is merited outside currently approved indications.
Antibody–Drug Conjugate Sacituzumab Govitecan Drives Efficient Tissue Penetration and Rapid Intracellular Drug Release
Authors: Kopp Anna , Hofsess Scott , Cardillo Thomas M. , Govindan Serengulam V. , Donnell Jennifer , Thurber Greg M.
Published: October 2022

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADC) are a rapidly growing class of targeted cancer treatments, but the field has experienced significant challenges from their complex design. This study examined the multiscale distribution of sacituzumab govitecan (SG; Trodelvy), a recently clinically approved ADC, to clarify the mechanism(s) of efficacy given its unique design strategy. We employed a multiscale quantitative pharmacokinetic approach, including near-infrared fluorescence imaging, single-cell flow cytometry measurements, payload distribution via γH2AX pharmacodynamic staining, and a novel dual-labeled fluorescent technique to track the ADC and payload in a high trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 expression xenograft model of gastric cancer (NCI-N87). We found that rapid release of the SN-38 payload from the hydrolysable linker inside cells imparts more DNA damage in vitro and in vivo than an ADC with a more stable enzyme cleavable linker. With SG, little to no extracellular payload release in the tumor was observed using a dual-labeled fluorescence technique, although bystander effects were detected. The high dosing regimen allowed the clinical dose to reach the majority of cancer cells, which has been linked to improved efficacy. In addition, the impact of multiple doses (day 1 and day 8) of a 21-day cycle was found to further improve tissue penetration despite not changing tumor uptake [percent injected dose per gram (%ID/g)] of the ADC. These results show increased ADC efficacy with SG can be attributed to efficient tumor penetration and intracellular linker cleavage after ADC internalization. This quantitative approach to study multiscale delivery can be used to inform the design of next-generation ADCs and prodrugs for other targets.
Fetal Hemoglobin and Cerebral Tissue Oxygenation during Immediate Postnatal Transition
Authors: Suppan Ena , Urlesberger Berndt , Schwaberger Bernhard , Höller Nina , Wolfsberger Christina Helene , Avian Alexander , Pichler Gerhard
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Concentration of fetal hemoglobin (HbFc) in human neonates determines oxygen-carrying capacity of blood and the position of oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve. Near-infrared spectroscopy enables the measurement of regional cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (rScO2) and in combination with measurements of pulsatile arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), the calculation of cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE). Methods: We aimed to investigate the impact of HbFc on rScO2, cFTOE, and SpO2 in preterm and term neonates during the first 15 min after birth. Blood analyses provided total blood hemoglobin (Hb) and HbFc measurements. Correlations between HbFc, Hb and rScO2, cFTOE, and SpO2 in each minute were analyzed. Results: Ninety term and 19 preterm neonates without medical support were included. HbFc was significantly higher in preterm neonates, whereas there were no significant differences in Hb between the groups. In preterm neonates, we found positive correlations of both HbFc and Hb with rScO2 and negative correlations of HbFc and Hb with cFTOE in the first minutes after birth. In contrast, there were no significant correlations between the same parameters in term neonates. Correlations between HbFc or Hb and SpO2 were either insignificant, negligible, or very low in both groups. Discussion/Conclusion: In preterm neonates, higher HbFc was associated with higher rScO2 and lower cFTOE in the first minutes after birth. This phenomenon could not be confirmed in term neonates and might reflect immature autoregulation of oxygen delivery to the brain or lower oxygen consumption in preterm neonates in the first minutes of immediate postnatal transition.
Multiple Cranial Neuropathies Similar to Orbital Apex Syndrome Associated with Pembrolizumab: A Case Report
Authors: Nishimura Taku , Sakatani Toshio , Takeshima Hideyuki , Matsuda Shunichi , Yoshizawa Toshihiro , Usui Kazuhiro
Published: October 2022

Neurotoxicity is one of the more serious immune-related adverse events (irAEs) linked to immune checkpoint inhibitors and calls for prompt diagnosis and treatment. We describe a case of posttreatment anti-programmed death-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab-induced oculomotor, optic, and trigeminal neuropathy in an 84-year-old female patient with recurrent pulmonary adenocarcinoma. After she received 13 cycles of pembrolizumab, she experienced hyponatremia, anorexia, and right ptosis. There were signs of the suspected irAEs of pembrolizumab, including trigeminal neuropathy, optic neuropathy, and oculomotor neuropathy. Steroid pulse therapy had good results for her neurological findings. We reported this case despite reports of pembrolizumab-induced mononeuropathy of the oculomotor and optic nerves because multiple cranial neuropathies like orbital apex syndrome are thought to be uncommon.
Lenvatinib Might Induce Activation of Host Immunity in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Nagai Hidenari , Mukozu Takanori , Kobayashi Kojiro , Nogami Akira , Nagumo Hideki , Mohri Kunihide , Watanabe Go , Amanuma Makoto , Yoshimine Naoyuki , Ogino Yu , Matsui Daigo , Daido Yasuko , Matsukiyo Yasushi , Matsui Teppei , Wakui Noritaka , Momiyama Koichi , Higai Koji , Matsuda Takahisa
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Atezolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, plus bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is an approved first-line systemic treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Immune checkpoint inhibitors are more effective in patients with HCC when administered with anti-VEGF drugs; however, these drugs affect host immunity. Lenvatinib is an anti-VEGF agent used to treat HCC; therefore, this study evaluated the effect of treatment of HCC with lenvatinib on host immunity in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). Methods: We studied adult Japanese patients with CLD and unresectable HCC treated with lenvatinib at our hospital. Lenvatinib was administered for 4 weeks (8 mg/day for bodyweight <60 kg; 12 mg/day for bodyweight >60 kg). Blood samples were collected at baseline and at 4 weeks of treatment and examined for immune-related changes. Results: Forty-three patients were enrolled in this study. We found a significant increase in T helper (Th) 1 cells following 4 weeks of lenvatinib treatment, although there was no significant difference in Th2 cells and regulatory T cells. We also found a significant increase in serum levels of TNF-alpha, soluble TNF-alpha receptor I, and endothelial growth factor following 4 weeks of lenvatinib treatment. Furthermore, an increase in Th1 cells and serum levels of TNF-alpha was found in patients with partial response. Conclusion: Lenvatinib might induce Th1-dominant host immunity in patients with CLD and unresectable HCC treatment in patients who showed a partial response. These changes in host immunity may be a biomarker in HCC patients treated with lenvatinib.
Does Sex Matter in Liver Surgery? Comparison of Severity Assessments between Female and Male Rats after Partial Hepatectomy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kümmecke Anna Maria , Zieglowski Leonie , Ernst Lisa , Palme Rupert , Tolba René H.
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Current animal-based biomedical research, including studies on liver function and disease, is conducted almost exclusively on male animals to mitigate confounding effects of the estrous cycle. However, liver diseases afflict both men and women, so translational research findings should also be applicable to female patients. This pilot study investigated sex differences in objective and subjective severity assessment parameters in rats following 50% partial hepatectomy. Materials and Methods: This study was performed using Wistar Han rats, in which measurements of body weight, spontaneous motor activity in the open field (OF) (movement distance, movement velocity, rearing frequency), and fecal corticosterone metabolites were conducted at baseline and at multiple times after partial hepatectomy. Subjective postsurgical severity assessments were conducted using modified score sheets. Blood parameters such as leukocyte count and serum aspartate aminotransferase, as well as estrogens and testosterone were measured from samples obtained during partial hepatectomy and at sacrifice. In addition, the amount of resected liver tissue was measured at partial hepatectomy, and the proliferated liver was weighed at sacrifice. Results: Fecal corticosterone metabolite concentrations differed significantly between males and females at baseline and following hepatectomy. Also, leukocyte counts and estrogen concentrations were significantly different between sexes before partial hepatectomy. Alternatively, there were no sex differences in severity assessments, body weight changes, and behavior in the OF at any measurement time point. Liver weight was significantly different in males and females at the time point of partial hepatectomy and sacrifice. Conclusion: The results of this pilot study suggest that males and females respond similarly following partial hepatectomy. Examination of both sexes is very important for translation to humans, where both men and women suffer from liver disease. Furthermore, the use of both sexes in animal-based research would improve the utilization of the animal breeding in terms of the 3 Rs. However, due to some limitations, larger scale investigations including a broader spectrum of pathophysiolological, behavioral, and pharmacokinetic measures are planned.
Early Versus Delayed Non–Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulant Therapy After Acute Ischemic Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation (TIMING): A Registry-Based Randomized Controlled Noninferiority Study
Authors: Oldgren Jonas , Åsberg Signild , Hijazi Ziad , Wester Per , Bertilsson Maria , Norrving Bo ,   for the National TIMING Collaborators
Published: October 2022

Background:

There are no evidence-based recommendations on the optimal time point to initiate non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) after acute ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of early versus delayed initiation of NOAC in these patients.

Methods:

TIMING (Timing of Oral Anticoagulant Therapy in Acute Ischemic Stroke With Atrial Fibrillation) was a registry-based, randomized, noninferiority, open-label, blinded end-point study at 34 stroke units using the Swedish Stroke Register for enrollment and follow-up. Within 72 hours from stroke onset, patients were randomized to early (≤4 days) or delayed (5–10 days) NOAC initiation, with choice of NOAC at the investigators’ discretion. The primary outcome was the composite of recurrent ischemic stroke, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, or all-cause mortality at 90 days. The prespecified noninferiority margin was 3%. Secondary outcomes included the individual components of the primary outcome.

Results:

Between April 2, 2017, and December 30, 2020, 888 patients were randomized to either early (n=450) or delayed (n=438) initiation of NOAC. No patient was lost to 90-day follow-up. Mean age was 78.3 years (SD, 9.9 years); 46.2% were women; 49.1% had previously known atrial fibrillation; and 17.5% prior stroke. The primary outcome occurred in 31 patients (6.89%) assigned to early initiation and in 38 patients (8.68%) assigned to delayed NOAC initiation (absolute risk difference, −1.79% [95% CI, −5.31% to 1.74%];
P
noninferiority
=0.004). Ischemic stroke rates were 3.11% and 4.57% (risk difference, −1.46% [95% CI, −3.98% to 1.07%]) and all-cause mortality rates were 4.67% and 5.71% (risk difference, −1.04% [95% CI, −3.96% to 1.88%]) in the early and delayed groups, respectively. No patient in either group experienced symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage.

Conclusions:

Early initiation was noninferior to delayed start of NOAC after acute ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Numerically lower rates of ischemic stroke and death and the absence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhages implied that the early start of NOAC was safe and should be considered for acute secondary stroke prevention in patients eligible for NOAC treatment.

Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02961348.
First record of Siamspinops Dankittipakul & Corronca, 2009 from India, first description of the female of Makdiops shevaroyensis (Gravely, 1931), and a catalogue of Indian selenopid fauna (Araneae, Selenopidae)
Authors: SANKARAN PRADEEP M. , KADAM GAUTAM , SUDHIKUMAR AMBALAPARAMBIL VASU , TRIPATHI RISHIKESH
Published: October 2022

The selenopid genus Siamspinops Dankittipakul & Corronca, 2009 is recorded for the first time from India. Siamspinops garoensis Kadam, Tripathi & Sankaran, 2022 sp. nov., based on male and female specimens, is described and illustrated in detail. The unknown female of Makdiops shevaroyensis (Gravely, 1931) is described and illustrated for the first time, and a catalogue and distribution maps of the Indian selenopid species are provided.
Origin of the Warm Arctic–Cold North American Pattern on the Intraseasonal Time Scale
Authors: Lin Hai , Yu Bin , Hall Nicholas M. J.
Published: October 2022

The warm Arctic–cold continent pattern (WACC) of near-surface air temperature variability has often been associated with the connection between Arctic sea ice reduction and cold weather over the midlatitude continents. Whether the existence of this pattern is due to variability of sea ice or is caused by atmospheric internal dynamics is subject to debate. Based on a long integration of a primitive equation atmospheric model (SGCM), this study examines the origin of the warm Arctic–cold North American pattern (WACNA), which is characterized by a pair of opposite surface air temperature anomalies over the high-latitude Chukchi–Bering Sea region and the North American continent, in boreal winter on the intraseasonal time scale. The model atmosphere is maintained by a time-independent forcing, so that atmospheric internal dynamics is the only source of variability. It is found that the SGCM model simulates well the behavior of the observed WACNA pattern. The WACNA pattern develops by interacting with the time-mean flow and synoptic-scale transient eddies. Two pathways of Rossby wave propagation are associated with WACNA. The northern pathway originates from eastern Siberia moving eastward across the Bering Strait to Canada, and the southern pathway is rooted in the subtropical waveguide propagating across the eastern North Pacific. Our simulation of this pattern implies that tropospheric dynamics alone can generate the WACNA, and the predictability associated with this pattern is likely limited by its internal dynamics nature.

Significance Statement

The warm Arctic–cold continent pattern of temperature variability has often been associated with the connection between Arctic sea ice reduction and cold weather over the midlatitude continents, which implies possible impacts of polar warming on midlatitude climate. There has been debate on whether the existence of this pattern depends on variability of sea ice or can be caused by processes within the atmosphere. In this study, we use a simple atmospheric model, which has a constant forcing; thus, atmospheric internal dynamics is the only source of variability. We show that atmospheric internal dynamics alone can generate the warm Arctic–cold North American pattern. The result has implications for our understanding of the impact of global warming.
Book review: Ashok Pankaj, Atul Sarma and Antora Borah (Eds.), Social Sector Development in North-East India
Authors: Gogoi Yuvaraj
Published: October 2022

Ashok Pankaj, Atul Sarma and Antora Borah (Eds.), Social Sector Development in North-East India. New Delhi: SAGE Publishing, 2021, xxiii + 404 pp, ₹1595, ISBN: 978–93–5388–532–8 (HB)
GIScience III: Questions of time
Authors: Wilson Matthew W.
Published: October 2022

In this, my third annual report, I contemplate inquiries about time as these might impact the work of GIScience. I review how GIScience grapples with, and thereby constitutes, the temporal dimension. I suggest that while efforts in critical cartography and critical geographic information systems have opened GIScience to alternative spatial representations and imaginings (sometimes beyond Cartesian analytics), unsettling temporal linearity in GIScience remains an important pathway to realize political and radical agendas for the field.
Experimental investigation of pulsation behaviour and performance of pulsating heat pipe
Authors: Madhuri M , Yadav NP
Published: October 2022

This paper focuses on the experimental study of a closed-loop pulsating heat pipe with water. The unsteady state experiment was conducted to understand the role of different evacuation pressure, variable heat input and filling ratio on the PHP behaviour. The DAQ system did temperature measurements of the pipe at 13 locations for variable heat inputs, evacuation pressure, and filling ratio. PHP thermal behaviour is evaluated in terms of temperature variation with time, thermal resistance, effective thermal conductivity, and pulsation frequency. The strong pulsating effect is observed at 0.0799 bar. The thermal resistance of the heat pipe declines with the decrease in evacuation pressure. The lowest thermal resistance 0.05,786 K/W is observed at 0.0799 bar evacuation pressure with 30% FR, 6 times lower than 90% FR. Effective thermal conductivity rises with the decrease in evacuation pressure. The highest effective thermal conductivity of 10,233.32 W/mK is found at 30% FR and 0.0799 bar evacuation pressure, 7.5 times higher than atmospheric pressure. So, better performance is observed at low evacuation pressure of 0.0799 bar and 30% FR. This study benefits the heat transfer of integrated circuit technology and electronic devices because of its high effective thermal conductivity.
Fuzzy variable impedance-based adaptive neural network control in physical human–robot interaction
Authors: Liu Andong , Chen Tao , Zhu Huazhong , Fu Minglei , Xu Jianming
Published: October 2022

This article focus on the problems of trajectory tracking and motion constraint for physical human–robot interaction, and a compliant adaptive control method is proposed for stable and safe physical human–robot interaction during the interaction. First, a fuzzy variable impedance control strategy is given to make the robot to use suitable impedance parameters in different motion states, which can improve positioning accuracy and reduce the interaction force. Second, by transforming the safety interaction constraint into output constraint, a tan-type barrier Lyapunov function is presented to guarantee the safety of human partner in physical human–robot interaction. Third, an adaptive neural network is employed to design the adaptive controller to handle with the dynamic uncertainties and improve the robustness of the system. Finally, simulation results of a 2-degree-of-freedom manipulator are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Use of Holo-Hilbert spectral analysis to reveal the amplitude modulation features of faulty rolling bearing signals
Authors: Ying Wanming , Zheng Jinde , Pan Haiyang , Liu Qingyun , Tong Jinyu
Published: October 2022

Time-frequency analysis (TFA) is a powerful tool for vibration signal analysis. However, it cannot comprehensively reflect the cross-scale coupling relationship between amplitude-modulated (AM) and frequency-modulated (FM) characteristics of the vibration signal collected from faulty rolling bearings. To address this shortcoming, the Holo-Hilbert spectral analysis (HHSA) method with combining the masking empirical mode decomposition (Masking-EMD) for signal separation is introduced to completely describe the internal modulation characteristics of faulty rolling bearing. In HHSA, first, the initial vibration signal of faulty rolling bearing is decomposed into numbers of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) to extract its time-varying FM and AM characteristics. Next, the instantaneous frequency and the instantaneous amplitude of each IMF are estimated, respectively. Then, each first-layer IMF is decomposed into a series of IMFs with AM characteristics via reusing Masking-EMD. Finally, the FM and AM components are combined with their instantaneous modulation energy to realize the three-dimensional Holo-Hilbert spectrum (HHS). The simulation and experiment results illustrate that the introduced method can completely reveal the AM characteristics of non-linear vibration signals and the corresponding carrier frequency range.
Exploiting temporal data reuse and asynchrony in the reverse time migration
Authors: Qu Long , Abdelkhalak Rached , Ltaief Hatem , Said Issam , Keyes David
Published: October 2022

Reverse Time Migration (RTM) is a state-of-the-art algorithm used in seismic depth imaging in complex geological environments for the oil and gas exploration industry. It calculates high-resolution images by solving the three-dimensional acoustic wave equation using seismic datasets recorded at various receiver locations. Reverse Time Migration’s computational phases are predominantly composed of stencil computational kernels for the finite-difference time-domain scheme, applying the absorbing boundary conditions, and I/O operations needed for the imaging condition. In this paper, we integrate the asynchronous Multicore Wavefront Diamond (MWD) tiling approach into the full RTM workflow. Multicore Wavefront Diamond permits to further increase data reuse by leveraging spatial with Temporal Blocking (TB) during the stencil computations. This integration engenders new challenges with a snowball effect on the legacy synchronous RTM workflow as it requires rethinking of how the absorbing boundary conditions, the I/O operations, and the imaging condition operate. These disruptive changes are necessary to maintain the performance superiority of asynchronous stencil execution throughout the time integration, while ensuring the quality of the subsurface image does not deteriorate. We assess the overall performance of the new MWD-based RTM and compare against traditional Spatial Blocking (SB)-based RTM on various shared-memory systems using the SEG Salt3D model. The MWD-based RTM achieves up to 70% performance speedup compared to SB-based RTM. To our knowledge, this paper highlights for the first time the applicability of asynchronous executions with temporal blocking throughout the whole RTM. This may eventually create new research opportunities in improving hydrocarbon extraction for the petroleum industry.
Everyday Environmentalism in Europe
Authors: Tuntiya Nana
Published: October 2022

While environmental threats affect all nations globally, different countries develop their unique ways of approaching the problem. In addition to the legal framework protecting its natural resources, Europe developed a model of addressing environmental concerns by everyday actions, incorporating sustainable practices into individual lifestyle choices and business practices. This photo essay documents examples of how such solutions are infused into everyday lives of citizens to a great cumulative impact on the region. This gives an inspiration to other nations to work on reducing their environmental footprint and balancing their economic goals with the mindful stewardship of nature.
Why Indian Americans are Successful
Authors: Chiang Tom
Published: October 2022

In 2020 IBM tapped Arvind Krishna to be their next CEO. While his success should be celebrated, I argue that Indian American success, as a whole, can be attributed to: (a) the immigration policy of the United States since 1965 and (b) the migratory patterns of Indian nationals when they immigrate. Specifically, the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965 and the Immigration Act of 1990, as well as the distinct migratory patterns among Indian nationals, especially within the last 5 years, resulted in unprecedented economic success among Indian Americans not seen in most other major Asian American communities
Microcatheters with extra-long detachable tip: A promising treatment option in dural arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Gölitz Philipp , Luecking Hannes , Knott Michael , Hock Stefan , Brandner Sebastian , Knossalla Frauke , Doerfler Arnd
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Treating cerebral dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) by transarterial embolization is an established endovascular approach but no data exist regarding the utility of using the newly introduced microcatheters with extra-long detachable tip. Aim of our study was to evaluate the value of these microcatheters and, additionally, of combining them with the simplified pressure cooker technique.

Methods

Twenty-nine patients treated for dAVF with transarterial embolization were enrolled. In a subgroup of fifteen patients the simplified pressure cooker technique was additionally applied. Demographics and characteristics were collected for patients and dAVFs and procedural details reviewed. The association between covariates and binary-coded occlusion status was evaluated.

Results

Microcatheter navigation into the target pedicle as well as application of the simplified pressure cooker technique were successful in all cases. Complete dAVF occlusion was reached in 69.0% at a single stage. In case of complete dAVF occlusion, embolization via only one pedicle was enough. Subgroup analysis revealed a higher occlusion status (80%) if using the simplified pressure cooker technique than if not (57%) but reached not significance level.

Conclusion

Using microcatheters with extra-long detachable tip for dAVF embolization seems to offer a safe and effective treatment option with exceptional high occlusion rate at a single stage. The high navigability facilitates catheterization of a single selected target pedicle that is often enough to reach complete dAVF occlusion. Combining these microcatheters with the simplified pressure cooker technique turned out to be safe and easy to handle and might allow an increasing dAVF occlusion rate.
Stunting and associated factors among school-age children (5–14 years) in Mulo district, Oromia region, Ethiopia
Authors: Berhanu Alemayehu , Garoma Sileshi , Arero Godana , Mosisa Getu
Published: October 2022

Objective:

Stunting continues to be a major public health challenge in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Studies revealed that the extent of stunting among under-5 children in Ethiopia is well studied, but there is a scarcity of data among school-age children. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of stunting and associated factors among school-age children in the Mulo district, Ethiopia.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 606 school-age children (5–14 years) in Mulo district, Central Ethiopia, from 1 to 30 July 2019. A multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants. The collected data were entered into Epi Info version 7.2.2.16 software and analyzed using SPSS version 21 and World Health Organization AnthroPlus software. Bivariate and backward stepwise multivariable statistical methods were employed to assess stunting and its associated factors. Statistical significant association was declared at a p value of <0.05.

Result:

In this study, prevalence of stunting among school-age children was 42.4%. Of which, 144 (23.76%) were males and 113 (18.65%) were females. Age group between 10 and 14 years old, (adjusted odds ratio = 1.896, 95% confidence interval: 1.328–2.708), male sex (adjusted odds ratio = 2.688, 95% confidence interval: 1.892–3.821), increased family size (adjusted odds ratio = 1.711, 95% confidence interval: 1.191–2.458), absence of latrine in the compound (adjusted odds ratio = 2.541, 95% confidence interval: 1.711–3.773), and consuming less than three times per day (adjusted odds ratio = 2.68, 95% confidence interval: 1.375–5.223) were factors significantly associated with stunting.

Conclusion:

The study revealed that the prevalence of stunting among school-age children was high. Age, sex, family size, availability of latrine, and meal frequency were factors significantly associated with stunting. Therefore, interventional educations on the importance of timely feeding, a balanced diet, family planning, environmental sanitation, and personal hygiene should be given for the parents/caregivers. In addition, analytic studies are recommended to further assess the causes of stunting among the school-age children in the area.
Assessment of prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasite infections among school children at Amber Primary School, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Getnet Tamiru , Alemayehu Tesfa , Demeke Tigist , Toru Milkiyas , Aschale Yibeltal
Published: October 2022

Objective:

This study is aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections among school children at Amber Primary School, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods:

A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Amber Primary School from December 2019 to January 2020. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and clinical characteristics. Direct wet mount technique was applied for detection and identification of intestinal parasites.

Result:

A total of 384 participants were included in this study of which 50.3% were males and 65.4% were in the age group 9–12 years. The prevalence of at least one intestinal parasite was 26.8% (n = 103), of which 13.6% (n = 14) were mixed infections. Hymenolepis nana was the most prevalent intestinal parasite (5.2%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (4.9%) and hookworm (4.7%). Male children (adjusted odds ratio = 0.624; 95% confidence interval: 0.392–0.993) and those whose mother completed elementary school (adjusted odds ratio = 2.171; 95% confidence interval: 1.012–4.658) were significantly associated with intestinal parasite infections (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Intestinal parasitic infections remained an important health problem among school children in the study area. Appropriate intervention measures should be taken to reduce the burden and related morbidities.
Democratic backsliding disrupted: The role of digitalized resistance in Myanmar
Authors: Ryan Megan , Tran Mai Van
Published: October 2022

More than one year since its coup, the Myanmar military has neither established effective control of the territory nor crushed online dissent. What factors have enabled the resistance forces to deny the consolidation of military rule? We address this question by building a novel theoretical framework that incorporates the role of long-standing digitalized pro-democracy activism and by conducting a mixed methods analysis that includes an original, largely representative sample of public Facebook posts in post-coup Myanmar. We find that the development of online and hybrid pro-democracy activism against digital abuse and other illiberal policies under previous quasi-civilian governments enabled anti-coup resistance forces to thwart the military's attempt at authoritarian revival in 2021. Our research findings deepen understanding of Myanmar's post-coup contestation dynamics as well as other cases of unpopular autocratization in the digital age.
Effects of International Tourist Flow on Startup Financing: Investment Scope and Market Potential Perspectives
Authors: Gao Xiang , Gu Zhenhua , Niu Shuzhen , Ryu Sunghan
Published: October 2022

International tourist flow positively affects human capital development and innovation at country and regional levels. This study examines how a country’s international tourist flow affects startup financing based on the “investment scope” and “market potential” perspectives. Analyzing the firm-country-year sample from 1995 to 2014 and the country-year tourism datasets, we find that startups engage in larger venture capital investment deals in countries attracting more international tourists and earning higher tourism revenue. The effect is more substantial for either venture capital-funded or high-technology startups, supporting that international tourist flow can increase the investment scope available to potential investors, specifically in the markets connected to tourism expenditures. Our findings contribute to the literature on the relationship between tourism and economic growth and practitioners and policymakers in the tourism and innovation sectors.
Statin Utilization Trend in Primary and Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases in a Teaching Hospital
Authors: Umarje Siddhi , Raut Asawari , Dave Priti , James Neha Mary
Published: October 2022

Objective

To conduct risk assessment and assess the choice of statins with regard to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Methodology

This is a cross-sectional observation study conducted on 500 patients visiting a teaching hospital. Medical records were used to obtain patient characteristics and type, dose, and regimen of prescribed statin. Prescribed statin dose was evaluated using standard prescribing guidelines by American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association.

Result

Out of the 500 patients studied, 70% (350) of patients were prescribed statin therapy for a CVD and 30% had at least 1 CVD risk factor. Proportion of males was higher. Mean age of patients with statin therapy for coexisting CVD was 61.16 ± 12.87. Among those with at least 1 cardiovascular risk factor but without CVD, 66% had risk score more than 7.5 out of 10 suggestive of high risk for CVDs within 10 years. Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin were the preferred choice of statin therapy, with higher preference for atorvastatin. Dosing criteria were well-met for secondary prevention; whereas, underdosing was prevalent among users of fixed-dose combinations and among patients prescribed a statin for primary prevention of CVDs.

Conclusion

Lack of use of risk scores may lead to underdosing and underutilization of statins.
Induction of ferroptosis promotes vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching and aggravates neointimal hyperplasia in mice
Authors: Zhang Shunchi , Bei Yanrou , Huang Yueling , Huang Yimin , Hou Lianjie , Zheng Xi-Long , Xu Yiming , Wu Shaoguo , Dai Xiaoyan
Published: October 2022

Background

Stent implantation-induced neointima formation is a dominant culprit in coronary artery disease treatment failure after percutaneous coronary intervention. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent regulated cell death, has been associated with various cardiovascular diseases. However, the effect of ferroptosis on neointima formation remains unclear.

Methods

The mouse common right carotid arteries were ligated for 16 or 30 days, and ligated tissues were collected for further analyses. Primary rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were isolated from the media of aortas of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and used for in vitro cell culture experiments.

Results

Ferroptosis was positively associated with neointima formation. In vivo, RAS-selective lethal 3 (RSL3), a ferroptosis activator, aggravated carotid artery ligation-induced neointima formation and promoted VSMC phenotypic conversion. In contrast, a ferroptosis inhibitor, ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), showed the opposite effects in mice. In vitro, RSL3 promoted rat VSMC phenotypic switching from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype, evidenced by increased contractile markers (smooth muscle myosin heavy chain and calponin 1), and decreased synthetic marker osteopontin. The induction of ferroptosis by RSL3 was confirmed by the increased expression level of ferroptosis-associated gene prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2). The effect of RSL3 on rat VSMC phenotypic switching was abolished by Fer-1. Moreover, N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), the reactive oxygen species inhibitor, counteracted the effect of RSL3 on the phenotypic conversion of rat VSMCs.

Conclusions

Ferroptosis induces VSMC phenotypic switching and accelerates ligation-induced neointimal hyperplasia in mice. Our findings suggest inhibition of ferroptosis as an attractive strategy for limiting vascular restenosis.
Resting-state magnetoencephalographic oscillatory connectivity to identify patients with chronic migraine using machine learning
Authors: Hsiao Fu-Jung , Chen Wei-Ta , Pan Li-Ling Hope , Liu Hung-Yu , Wang Yen-Feng , Chen Shih-Pin , Lai Kuan-Lin , Coppola Gianluca , Wang Shuu-Jiun
Published: October 2022

To identify and validate the neural signatures of resting-state oscillatory connectivity for chronic migraine (CM), we used machine learning techniques to classify patients with CM from healthy controls (HC) and patients with other pain disorders. The cross-sectional study obtained resting-state magnetoencephalographic data from 240 participants (70 HC, 100 CM, 35 episodic migraine [EM], and 35 fibromyalgia [FM]). Source-based oscillatory connectivity of relevant cortical regions was calculated to determine intrinsic connectivity at 1–40 Hz. A classification model that employed a support vector machine was developed using the magnetoencephalographic data to assess the reliability and generalizability of CM identification. In the findings, the discriminative features that differentiate CM from HC were principally observed from the functional interactions between salience, sensorimotor, and part of the default mode networks. The classification model with these features exhibited excellent performance in distinguishing patients with CM from HC (accuracy ≥ 86.8%, area under the curve (AUC) ≥ 0.9) and from those with EM (accuracy: 94.5%, AUC: 0.96). The model also achieved high performance (accuracy: 89.1%, AUC: 0.91) in classifying CM from other pain disorders (FM in this study). These resting-state magnetoencephalographic electrophysiological features yield oscillatory connectivity to identify patients with CM from those with a different type of migraine and pain disorder, with adequate reliability and generalizability.