bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computation of Discrete Medial Axis Using Local Search in Domain Delaunay Triangulation of a Solid
Authors: Sharma G. K. , Gurumoorthy B.
Published: August 2020

A new method is proposed to determine the points on the medial axis transform (MAT) of an object from its surface mesh representation. Current art typically uses a Voronoi diagram-based approach to generate the medial axis of a given point cloud on the boundary of the object or a surface mesh representation as input. This approach defines the MAT points as a subset of the Voronoi vertices close to the medial axis, where the accuracy and density of the points on the medial axis depend on the sampling density of the input point cloud representation. Therefore, the set of medial axis points is incomplete and may lack various topological features of the MAT and its reconstruction property. Instead of filtering the Voronoi vertices that are not medial points, the method proposed in this paper searches for the correct MAT point in the vicinity of such Voronoi vertices and finds the pair of corresponding footpoints using the properties of the MAT point. Hence, the algorithm can determine points on the medial axis without being dependent on the given sampling density and even in the presence of inputs having non-manifold entities. As the MAT points are generated based on the definition of medial axis (MA), the result obtained is accurate to within a specified tolerance.
The Effect of Shape on the Motion and Stability of Marangoni Surfers
Authors: Sur Samrat , Uvanovic Nicholas , Masoud Hassan , Rothstein Jonathan P.
Published: August 2020

The Marangoni propulsion of spheres and elliptical disks floating on the air–water interface were studied to understand the effect of particle shape on its motion and its stability at moderate Reynolds numbers. Self-propulsion of the Marangoni surfer was achieved by coating half of the spheres and the elliptical disks with either a solution of soap or isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The presence of the soap or IPA resulted in a surface tension gradient across the particles which propelled the particles in the direction of increasing surface tension. Beyond a critical velocity, a transition was observed from a straight-line motion to a rotational motion. These vortices were observed to shed above a critical Reynolds number resulting in an unbalanced torque that caused the particles to rotate. Increasing the aspect ratio between the major and minor axes of the elliptical disks was found to decrease their stability and greatly enhance their rate of rotation. This was especially true for elliptical disks traveling in a direction parallel to their major axis. The interactions between the particles and the wall of a Petri dish were also studied. Repulsive, concave curvature was found to decrease stability and enhance rotational motion, while attractive, convex curvature was shown to stabilize the straight-line motion of the spheres. For the neutrally buoyant elliptical disks, the presence of the bounding wall was found to greatly stabilize the straight-line motion of the elliptical disks when they were traveling in a direction parallel to their minor axis.
The Role of Team Identification on the Sponsorship Articulation–Fit Relationship
Authors: Pontes Nicolas , Pontes Vivian , Jin Hyun Seung , Mahar Chris
Published: August 2020

Previous literature on sponsorship-linked marketing have shown that articulation messages lead to more favorable attitudes toward the sponsor brand. However, results from some studies do not entirely support this finding, suggesting that important variables affecting the sponsorship articulation–fit relationship may have been overlooked. Addressing this gap in the literature, the authors show that consumer responses to sponsorship articulation are moderated by the fan’s level of identification with a sports team. That is, fans high in team identification respond differently to various types of articulation messages whereas fans with lower team identification levels do not. Furthermore, the authors demonstrate that messages highlighting how fans and sports team benefit from the sponsorship deal elicit thoughts of sincerity which in turn evokes reciprocity and more favorable attitudes from highly identified fans.
Effect of Motor Development Levels on Kinematic Synergies During Two-Hand Catching in Children
Authors: Balali Marzie , Parvinpour Shahab , Shafizadeh Mohsen
Published: August 2020

The ability to coordinate different body parts under different constraints that are imposed by organism, environment, and tasks during motor development might be different in children. The aim of this study was to examine whether children with different motor development levels are different with regard to multijoint coordination during two-hand catching. Eighty-four children (age: 6.05 ±0.67 years) who were assessed on object control skills were recruited voluntarily. The biomechanical model was defined from 20 movements of seven segments (shoulders, elbows, wrists, and torso), and the principal component analysis was used to quantify the multijoint coordination and kinematic synergies during catching. The results showed that the redundancy of joints in two-hand catching is controlled by three kinematic synergies that defined the majority of the variance. The participants who were grouped based on their development levels did not show differences in the number and strength of synergies; however, they were different in the utilization of the kinematic synergies for successful catching. In conclusion, the number and the strength of the kinematic synergies during two-hand catching are not affected by the developmental levels and are related to the nature of the task.
COVID-19 unlikely to cause birth defects, but doctors await fall births
Authors: Wadman Meredith
Published: August 2020

Experts cautiously optimistic that virus doesn’t target fetus during first trimester.
Abortion opponents dominate Trump's fetal tissue review board
Authors: Wadman Meredith , Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: August 2020

Ethics advisory board will rule on federal funding for research that uses fetal organs and cells.
Africa's pandemic puzzle: why so few cases and deaths?
Authors: Nordling Linda
Published: August 2020

Antibody surveys tell a different story than official tolls.
Fed-up archaeologists aim to fix field schools' party culture
Authors: Wade Lizzie
Published: August 2020

Drinking and harassment spur experiments, including local projects and student stipends, for core training course.
BAF restricts cGAS on nuclear DNA to prevent innate immune activation
Authors: Guey Baptiste , Wischnewski Marilena , Decout Alexiane , Makasheva Kristina , Kaynak Murat , Sakar Mahmut S. , Fierz Beat , Ablasser Andrea
Published: August 2020

A loose BAF puts its foot on the cGAS

A signaling pathway in vertebrates called cGAS-STING detects the presence of intracellular DNA as a surrogate for both cellular damage and viral infection. At the same time, sensing of self-DNA must be suppressed to prevent the development of autoimmune responses. Guey
et al.
identify barrier-to-autointegration factor 1 (BAF) as a protein that intrinsically competes with the cGAS component of this pathway for binding to genomic self-DNA. When there is a breakdown in nuclear compartmentalization, cytosolic cGAS enzymatic activity is prevented because of BAF. This work suggests that the regulation of DNA detection by the innate immune system relies on more complex mechanisms than simple physical separation alone.

Science
, this issue p.
823
Emergent helical texture of electric dipoles
Authors: Khalyavin Dmitry D. , Johnson Roger D. , Orlandi Fabio , Radaelli Paolo G. , Manuel Pascal , Belik Alexei A.
Published: August 2020

A helix of dipoles

In magnetic materials, magnetic dipoles typically line up parallel or antiparallel to each other. However, more complex orderings, such as helical, can also occur. Khalyavin
et al.
found that in the material BiCu
0.1
Mn
6.9
O
12
, a helical order can be formed out of electric rather than magnetic dipoles. The material also harbors an associated structural helical order, which symmetry analysis suggests might be switchable with an applied electric field.

Science
, this issue p.
680
Sequencing of metals in multivariate metal-organic frameworks
Authors: Ji Zhe , Li Tong , Yaghi Omar M.
Published: August 2020

Mapping metal sequences in MOFs

Most metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) contain just one type of metal in the nodes connecting the organic linkers. Multivariate MOFs containing multiple metals can offer greater selectivity in sorption and catalytic properties, but determining the arrangement of metals in these materials is challenging. Ji
et al.
found that atom-probe tomography can reveal sequences of metals for MOF-74 single crystals containing combinations of cobalt, cadmium, lead, and manganese ions. In this MOF, the metals form oxide rods that are connected by the organic linker into a honeycomb lattice. The obtained sequences, which were tuned by varying the proportion of metals and synthesis temperature, could be random, short and long duplicates, and single metal insertions.

Science
, this issue p.
674
Mitochondrial dynamics in postmitotic cells regulate neurogenesis
Authors: Iwata Ryohei , Casimir Pierre , Vanderhaeghen Pierre
Published: August 2020

Mitochondrial dynamics and cell fate

Radial glia cells, the stem cells of early brain development, can generate more of themselves or generate differentiating neurons. Iwata
et al.
now show that these fate decisions involve the mitochondria. Cells that have fragmented mitochondria shortly after mitosis are more likely to become neurons, whereas cells that are undergoing mitochondrial fusion are likely to continue being stem cells.

Science
, this issue p.
858
Binding mechanisms of therapeutic antibodies to human CD20
Authors: Kumar Anand , Planchais Cyril , Fronzes Rémi , Mouquet Hugo , Reyes Nicolas
Published: August 2020

Strength in numbers

Human cluster of differentiation 20 (CD20) is expressed on malignant B cells and is the target of therapeutic antibodies used in cancer immunotherapy. Kumar
et al.
now present structures that explain why so-called type I antibodies efficiently activate the complement pathway to kill cells, whereas type II antibodies do not. Type I antibodies each bind to two CD20 dimers and form clusters that facilitate binding to a component of the complement pathway. The second-generation type I antibody ofatumumab has molecular features that make it more efficient at clustering than first-generation rituximab. By contrast, the type II antibody obinutuzumab interacts with just one CD20 dimer and cannot form higher-order assemblies. Understanding these mechanisms will inform the design of next-generation immunotherapies.

Science
, this issue p.
793
Using nature’s blueprint to expand catalysis with Earth-abundant metals
Authors: Bullock R. Morris , Chen Jingguang G. , Gagliardi Laura , Chirik Paul J. , Farha Omar K. , Hendon Christopher H. , Jones Christopher W. , Keith John A. , Klosin Jerzy , Minteer Shelley D. , Morris Robert H. , Radosevich Alexander T. , Rauchfuss Thomas B. , Strotman Neil A. , Vojvodic Aleksandra , Ward Thomas R. , Yang Jenny Y. , Surendranath Yogesh
Published: August 2020

Making chemistry less precious

Much of modern chemistry relies on catalysis by precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. By contrast, more abundant metals such as iron and copper suffice in biochemistry. Bullock
et al.
review the opportunities presented from the study of enzymes to shift the balance in synthetic catalysts further toward the use of these abundant metals. Whether by modifying the enzymes themselves or by designing ligand and support architectures that take advantage of the cheaper metals' characteristic electron transfer properties, recent work points toward substantial progress.

Science
, this issue p.
eabc3183
Marine food webs destabilized
Authors: Chown Steven L.
Published: August 2020

A combination of warming and acidification threaten marine biomass and productivity
Filociclovir Is a PotentIn VitroandIn VivoInhibitor of Human Adenoviruses
Authors: Toth Karoly , Hussein Islam T. M. , Tollefson Ann E. , Ying Baoling , Spencer Jacqueline F. , Eagar Jessica , James Scott H. , Prichard Mark N. , Wold William S. M. , Bowlin Terry L.
Published: August 2020

Human adenovirus (HAdV) infection is common in the general population and can cause a range of clinical manifestations, among which pneumonia and keratoconjunctivitis are the most common. Although HAdV infections are mostly self-limiting, infections in immunocompromised individuals can be severe. No antiviral drug has been approved for treating adenoviruses. Filociclovir (FCV) is a nucleoside analogue which has successfully completed phase I human clinical safety studies and is now being developed for treatment of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-related disease in immunocompromised patients.
Detection of the Rhoptry Neck Protein Complex in
Plasmodium
Sporozoites and Its Contribution to Sporozoite Invasion of Salivary Glands
Authors: Nozaki Mamoru , Baba Minami , Tachibana Mayumi , Tokunaga Naohito , Torii Motomi , Ishino Tomoko
Published: August 2020

Sporozoites are the motile infectious stage that mediates malaria parasite transmission from mosquitoes to the mammalian host. This study addresses the question whether the rhoptry neck protein complex forms and functions in sporozoites, in addition to its role in merozoites. By applying coimmunoprecipitation and sporozoite stage-specific gene knockdown assays, it was demonstrated that RON2, RON4, and RON5 form a complex and are involved in sporozoite invasion of salivary glands via their attachment ability. These findings shed light on the conserved invasion mechanisms among apicomplexan infective stages. In addition, the sporozoite stage-specific gene knockdown system has revealed for the first time in
Plasmodium
that the RON2 and RON4 interaction reciprocally affects their stability and trafficking to rhoptries. Our study raises the possibility that the RON complex functions during sporozoite maturation as well as migration toward and invasion of target cells.
Adaptations Accumulated under Prolonged Resource Exhaustion Are Highly Transient
Authors: Avrani Sarit , Katz Sophia , Hershberg Ruth
Published: August 2020

Many bacterial species can survive for decades under starvation, following the exhaustion of external growth resources. We have previously shown that bacteria genetically adapt under these conditions in a manner that reduces their ability to grow once resources again become available. Here, we study how populations that have been subject to very prolonged resource exhaustion recover from costs associated with their adaptation. We demonstrate that rapid adaptations acquired under prolonged starvation tend to be highly transient, rapidly reducing in frequency once bacteria are no longer starved. Our results shed light on the longer-term consequences of bacterial survival under prolonged starvation. More generally, these results may also be applicable to understanding longer-term consequences of rapid adaptation to additional conditions as well.
Biotinylated Surfome Profiling Identifies Potential Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Therapy of Aspergillus fumigatus Infection
Authors: Jia Lei-Jie , Krüger Thomas , Blango Matthew G. , von Eggeling Ferdinand , Kniemeyer Olaf , Brakhage Axel A.
Published: August 2020

Aspergillus fumigatus
is the most important airborne human-pathogenic mold, capable of causing both life-threatening invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients and allergy-inducing infections in individuals with atopic allergy. Despite its obvious medical relevance, timely diagnosis and efficient antifungal treatment of
A. fumigatus
infection remain major challenges. Proteins on the surface of conidia (asexually produced spores) and mycelium directly mediate host-pathogen interaction and also may serve as targets for diagnosis and immunotherapy. However, the similarity of protein sequences between
A. fumigatus
and other organisms, sometimes even including the human host, makes selection of targets for immunological-based studies difficult. Here, using surface protein biotinylation coupled with LC-MS/MS analysis, we identified hundreds of
A. fumigatus
surface proteins with exposed regions, further defining putative targets for possible diagnostic and immunotherapeutic design.
Anterior segment optical coherence tomography angiography for iris vasculature in pigmented eyes
Authors: Ang Marcus , Devarajan Kavya , Tan Anna CS , Ke Mengyuan , Tan Bingyao , Teo Kaiying , Sng Chelvin C.A. , Ting Daniel S , Schmetterer Leopold
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To compare anterior segment optical coherence tomography angiography (AS-OCTA) systems in delineating normal iris vessels and iris neovascularisation (NVI) in eyes with pigmented irides.

Methods

Prospective study from January 2019 to June 2019 of 10 consecutive patients with normal pigmented iris, had AS-OCTA scans with a described illumination technique, before using the same protocol in five eyes with NVI (clinical stages 1–3). All scans were sequentially performed using a spectral-domain OCTA (SD-OCTA), and a swept-source OCTA (SS-OCTA, Plex Elite 9000). Images were graded by two masked observers for visibility, artefacts and NVI characteristics. The main outcome measure was iris vessel density measurements comparing SS-OCTA and SD-OCTA systems.

Results

The median age of subjects was 28 (20–35) years, and 50% were female. The paired mean difference of iris vessel density measurements was 11.7 (95% CI 14.7 to 8.1; p=0.002), SS-OCTA detecting more vessels than SD-OCTA. The inter-rater reliability for artefact score (κ=0.799, p<0.001) and visibility score (κ=0.722; p<0.001) were substantial. Both AS-OCTA systems were able to detect NVI vessels with a fair agreement (κ=0.588), with clearer NVI characteristics in stage 1/2 compared to stage 3 NVI (mean difference NVI score: 2.7±0.4, p=0.009).

Conclusion

The SS-OCTA was better able to delineate iris vessels in normal pigmented irides compared to SD-OCTA. Both AS-OCTA systems identified NVI characteristics based on its atypical configuration or location, but further improvements are needed to allow for more accurate objective, serial quantification for clinical use.
Performance and costs of multiple screening strategies for type 2 diabetes: two population-based studies in Shanghai, China
Authors: Li Yanyun , Jiang Huiru , Cheng Minna , Yao Weiyuan , Zhang Hua , Shi Yan , Xu Wanghong
Published: August 2020

Introduction

To compare the performance and the costs of various assumed screening strategies for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among Chinese adults, and identify an optimal one for the population.

Research design and methods

Two multistage-sampling surveys were conducted in Shanghai, China, in 2009 and 2017. All participants were interviewed, had anthropometry, measured fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin A1c (A1c) and/or postprandial glucose. The 1999 WHO diagnostic criteria was used to identify undiagnosed T2DM. A previously developed Chinese risk assessment system and a specific risk assessment system developed in this study were applied to calculate diabetes risk score (DRS) 1 and 2. Optimal screening strategies were selected based on the sensitivity, Youden index and the costs using the 2009 survey data as the training set and the 2017 survey data as the validation set. A twofold cross-validation was also performed.

Results

Of numerous assumed strategies, FPG ≥5.6 mmol/L alone performed well (Youden index of 71.8%) and cost least (US$18.4 for each case detected), followed by the strategy of DRS2 ≥8 combining with FPG ≥5.6 mmol/L (Youden index of 71.7% and US$20.2 per case detected) and the strategy of DRS1 ≥17 combining with FPG ≥5.6 mmol/L (Youden index of 72.0% and US$21.6 per case detected). However, FPG alone resulted in more subjects requiring oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) than did combining with DRS. The strategy of FPG ≥5.6 mmol/L combining with A1c ≥4.7% achieved a Youden index of 72.1%, but had a cost as high as US$48.8 for each case identified. Twofold cross-validation also supported the use of FPG alone, but with an optimal cut-off of 6.1 mmol/L.

Conclusions

Our results support the use of FPG alone in T2DM screening in Chinese adults. DRS may be used combining with FPG in populations with available electronic health records to reduce the number of OGTT and save costs of screening.
Diagnosis of Stress fractures in military trainees: a large-scale cohort
Authors: Shapiro Michael , Zubkov K , Landau R
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has strict protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of stress fractures wherein diagnosis is clinical with imaging used for persistent symptoms only. The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of clinical and radiological stress fractures during IDF combat training.

Methods

Medical records of all soldiers enlisted to combat training between 2014 and 2017 were scanned for the diagnosis of stress fractures. We examined the imaging tests ordered (plain radiographs and bone scans) and their results and the time between the clinical diagnosis to imaging tests.

Results

During 4 years, 62 371 soldiers (10.1% women) had started combat training, and 3672 of them (5.9%) were diagnosed with clinical stress fractures. Radiographs were ordered for 53.5% of those diagnosed, of whom 29.7% also had a bone scan. Some 42% of radiographs were taken within 21 days. Radiographs were positive for stress fractures in 11.1% of tests. Bone scans showed evidence of stress fractures in 49.7%, of which 49.2% diagnosed stress fractures in multiple bones.

Conclusion

The high percentage of negative radiographs may indicate towards alternative causes for symptoms. Performing the radiograph before or after 21 days did not affect workup results diverting from current belief that later radiographs will be more sensitive. Multiple stress fractures are a common finding, indicating that the increased training load puts the whole musculoskeletal system at increased risk for injury. Research results may necessitate a revision of clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of stress fractures in military trainees.
Liquefied strength ratio with stress densification and low stresses
Authors: Stark Timothy D. , MacRobert Charles J.
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a comparison of four assumptions or approaches for using a liquefied shear strength ratio for sandy soils in cases where there has been a large increase in effective vertical stress, e.g., structure raising or remedial measure, that is outside the effective stresses of the case histories used to develop the empirical liquefied shear strength ratio and penetration resistance correlations. Changes in penetration resistance due to an increase in effective vertical stress are used in an example to illustrate the following four assumptions for determining a liquefied shear strength ratio in such a post-liquefaction stability analysis: (1) initial effective vertical stress and initial penetration resistance; (2) initial effective vertical stress and the expected increase in penetration resistance due to the increase in effective vertical stress; (3) final effective vertical stress and initial penetration resistance, which is suggested; and (4) final effective vertical stress and final penetration resistance. This paper also presents suggestions for using a liquefied strength ratio at low effective vertical stresses, e.g., approaching the toe of a dam or embankment, in a post-liquefaction stability analysis.
Computationally-Efficient Algorithm for Real-Time Absence Seizure Detection in Wearable Electroencephalography
Authors: Dan Jonathan , Vandendriessche Benjamin , Paesschen Wim Van , Weckhuysen Dorien , Bertrand Alexander
Published: August 2020

Advances in electroencephalography (EEG) equipment now allow monitoring of people with epilepsy in their daily-life environment. The large volumes of data that can be collected from long-term out-of-clinic monitoring require novel algorithms to process the recordings on board of the device to identify and log or transmit only relevant data epochs. Existing seizure-detection algorithms are generally designed for post-processing purposes, so that memory and computing power are rarely considered as constraints. We propose a novel multi-channel EEG signal processing method for automated absence seizure detection which is specifically designed to run on a microcontroller with minimal memory and processing power. It is based on a linear multi-channel filter that is precomputed offline in a data-driven fashion based on the spatial-temporal signature of the seizure and peak interference statistics. At run-time, the algorithm requires only standard linear filtering operations, which are cheap and efficient to compute, in particular on microcontrollers with a multiply-accumulate unit (MAC). For validation, a dataset of eight patients with juvenile absence epilepsy was collected. Patients were equipped with a 20-channel mobile EEG unit and discharged for a day-long recording. The algorithm achieves a median of 0.5 false detections per day at 95% sensitivity. We compare our algorithm with state-of-the-art absence seizure detection algorithms and conclude it performs on par with these at a much lower computational cost.
High-accuracy measurement of radius using frequency-modulated technique for laser diode
Authors: Vu Thanh Tung , Truong Cong Tuan , Vu Toan Thang , Hoang Hong Hai
Published: August 2020

This paper proposes a method for high-precision radius measurements. The proposed system uses a frequency-modulation technique to improve the accuracy of detecting cat’s eye and the confocal position of a lens. The distance between two points defined as the radius of a lens was measured by using a frequency-modulated Michelson interferometer. In the confocal part, when the tested lens was moved along the optical axis, the intensity at the detector reaches a maximum at the confocal and cat’s eye positions of the sphere. Synchronous detection technique is used to turn the intensity signal from the detector into an odd-symmetry signal through a zero point. These symmetry points coincide with cat’s eye and confocal positions and thus enhance the accuracy with which these two points are detected. A frequency-modulated Michelson interferometer is used to accurately measure the displacement when moving the test sphere between the confocal and cat’s eye points.
Semi-quantum key distribution protocol based on the hyperentanglement Bell state of polarization-spatial mode
Authors: Xu Ling
Published: August 2020

The semi-quantum key distribution protocol based on the hyperentanglement Bell state of polarization-spatial mode is presented in this paper. This protocol is utilized to share the session keys and construct key hierarchy of security systems in high capacity between the legitimate users securely. Different from the previous protocols, two quantum non-demolition detectors are constructed with cross-Kerr nonlinearities and different phase shifts for distinguishing the Bell states in spatial mode degree of freedom. Meanwhile, this protocol can improve the capacity and efficiency when the legitimate users share the session keys. And the technology of the hyperentanglement purification and hyperentanglement concentration can enhance the robustness and stability of this protocol. At last, this protocol proposed in this paper can withstand several kinds of attacks.
The velocity splitting during the nucleation and growth of Si nanoparticles produced by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Qin Aili , Deng Zechao , Meng Xudong , Zhao Wei , Chu Lizhi , Ding Xuecheng , Wang Yinglong
Published: August 2020

The dynamic mechanism of the velocity splitting during the nucleation and growth of silicon nanoparticles produced by pulsed laser deposition is investigated using the Monte Carlo simulation method. Compared with the previous works, the earlier onset and end of the splitting phenomenon are found due to the nucleation and growth of Si nanoparticles in this paper. More importantly, our simulated results are more precisely consistent with the previous experimental data. The extrusion pressure and velocity elasticity of the “particle cluster” are proposed, it is the imbalance between them that induces the velocity splitting.
Asymptotics of the Charlier polynomials via difference equation methods
Authors: Huang Xiao-Min , Lin Yu , Zhao Yu-Qiu
Published: August 2020

We derive uniform and non-uniform asymptotics of the Charlier polynomials by using difference equation methods alone. The Charlier polynomials are special in that they do not fit into the framework of the turning point theory, despite the fact that they are crucial in the Askey scheme. In this paper, asymptotic approximations are obtained, respectively, in the outside region, an intermediate region, and near the turning points. In particular, we obtain uniform asymptotic approximation at a pair of coalescing turning points with the aid of a local transformation. We also give a uniform approximation at the origin by applying the method of dominant balance and several matching techniques.
Scrum Essentials Cards
Authors: Sutherland Jeff , Jacobson Ivar , Kerr Brian
Published: August 2020

This article presents a series of examples and case studies on how people have used the Scrum Essentials cards to benefit their teams and improve how they work. Scrum is one of the most popular agile frameworks used successfully all over the world. It has been taught and used for 15-plus years. It is by far the most-used practice when developing software, and it has been generalized to be applicable for not just software but all kinds of products. It has been taught to millions of developers, all based on the Scrum Guide. Today all our Scrum training is accompanied by a set of cards designed using the Essence standard, which has given us a better Scrum.
The Fluid Mechanics of Cleaning and Decontamination of Surfaces
Authors: Landel Julien R. , Wilson D. Ian
Published: August 2020

The removal of unwanted entities or soiling material from surfaces is an essential operation in many personal, industrial, societal, and environmental applications. The use of liquid cleansers for cleaning and decontamination is ubiquitous, and this review seeks to identify commonality in the fluid flow phenomena involved, particularly in those that determine the effectiveness of such operations. The state of quantitative understanding and modeling is reviewed in relation to the topics of ( a) the cleanser contacting the soiled area, ( b) processes by which the cleanser effects soil removal, and ( c) transport of the soil or its derivatives away from the surface. This review focuses on rigid substrates and does not consider processes based on gas flows or bubbles.
An Investigation of the Recovery of Silicon Photovoltaic Cells by Application of an Organic Solvent Method
Authors: Heninger Milan Joseph , Subramanian Vaidyanathan
Published: August 2020

The treatment of photovoltaic (PV) waste is gaining traction the world over, with the recovery of valuable materials from end-of-life, or damaged and out-of-spec polycrystalline silicon PV modules. These materials are a focus of recycling. However, the current recycling practices usually involve excessive damage to PV cells that could otherwise be reused if extracted undamaged. The ability to extract undamaged PV cells, capable of reuse, would serve to further reduce the carbon footprint and cost associated with PV module manufacturing. This study focuses on the recovery of silicon PV cells from end-of-life PV modules by application of an organic solvent method. Herein, recovery tests were carried out in which silicon PV cells were recovered relatively undamaged with the application of hexane as solvent. XRD measurements showed that the recovered PV cells could be used in the fabrication of new PV modules.
Quantum Spectrum of Tachyonic Black Holes in a Brane-Anti-Brane System
Authors: Beesham Aroonkumar
Published: August 2020

Recently, some authors have considered the quantum spectrum of black holes. This consideration is extended to tachyonic black holes in a brane-anti-brane system. In this study, black holes are constructed from two branes which are connected by a tachyonic tube. As the branes come closer to each other, they evolve and make a transition to thermal black branes. It will be shown that the spectrum of these black holes depends on the tachyonic potential and the separation distance between the branes. By decreasing the separation distance, more energy emerges and the spectrum of the black hole increases.
Analysis of Cholera Epidemic Controlling Using Mathematical Modeling
Authors: Hailemariam Hntsa Kinfe , Nerea Kahsay Berhe
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study is to see whether it is possible to eradicate the disease theoretically using mathematical modeling with the aid of numerical simulation when disease occurs in a population by implementing adequate preventive measures. For this, we consider a mathematical model for the transmission dynamics of cholera and its preventive measure as one cohort of individuals, namely, a protected cohort in addition to susceptible, infected, and recovered cohorts of individuals including the concentration ofVibrio choleraein the contaminated aquatic reservoir with small modifications. We calculate the basic reproduction number,ℛ0, and investigate the existence and stability of equilibria. The model possessed forward bifurcation. Moreover, we compute the sensitivity indices of each parameter in relating toℛ0of the model. Numerical simulations are carried out to validate our theoretical results. The result indicates that the disease dies out in areas with adequate preventive measures and widespread and kills more people in areas with the inadequate preventive measures.
On the Use of Compound and Extracted Models in Thermal Dosimetry Assessment
Authors: Cvetković Mario , Dodig Hrvoje , Poljak Dragan
Published: August 2020

This paper deals with thermal analysis of realistic models of the human eye and brain using the finite element method. The research presented in this paper is the sequel to the electromagnetic dosimetry model presented in the previous work by the authors. The paper presents the numerical results for the specific absorption rate (SAR) and the related temperature increase in various models of the human eye and the brain/head exposed to high-frequency (HF) electromagnetic (EM) radiation. Based on the numerical results for the induced electric field, the distribution of SAR in the human brain and human eye is determined, subsequently used as input to the thermal model. The thermal dosimetry model of both the brain and eye are based on the form of Pennes’ bioheat transfer equation, numerically solved using the finite element method (FEM). The comparison between the extracted models and the compound models of both the eye and brain, placed inside the realistic head model is presented. In case of the human eye, generally, comparable results were obtained for both SAR and temperature increase, while the compound eye model is found to be more suitable when the polarization of incident wave is considered. Moreover, the extracted eye model underestimated the temperature rise, attributed to better heat exchange than the compound model. The results for the compound eye indicate that in some situations, the eye lens could be omitted from simulation, facilitating the model preparation. The numerical results for all three brain models showed similar distributions of SAR and temperature rise. Also, the obtained results show that the peak SAR does not exceed the basic restriction limit for localized SAR, for occupational exposure. The thermal dosimetry assessment of the human brain exposed in four considered scenarios indicates the temperature should not exceed 0.1°C. Finally, the use of a geometrically simplified model may also be found useful in the initial dosimetry assessment prior to dealing with models with more anatomical features.
A Female Case of X-Linked Retinoschisis with Macular Hole Bilaterally
Authors: Altun A.
Published: August 2020

Purpose. We aimed at reminding that X-linked retinoschisis may also be seen in female patients and share our vitreoretinal surgical experience. Methods. The patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy including the closure of the macular holes with inverted ILM flap technique bilaterally. Lens extractions were performed by phacoemulsification during the removal of silicone oil endotamponade. Patient. An 18-year-old girl with X-linked retinoschisis and large macular holes in both eyes presented to the clinic of ophthalmology. It was confirmed that the patient had RS1 mutation Results. Nine-month-follow-up was uneventful for retinal findings. Significant improvement in visual acuity was achieved, and macular holes were remained closed. Conclusion. In cases with large macular holes due to XLR, an inverted ILM flap technique might be safe and effective. Four-month-silicone-endotamponade might be sufficient.
Influence of the Slope Shape on Seismic Stability of a Slope
Authors: Zhang Zhaopeng , Chang Chaoyu , Zhao Zhiyi
Published: August 2020

The slope shape is one of the most intuitive factors affecting the seismic stability of a slope. However, current research on this subject is mainly focused on statistical analysis and seismic response law, and the influence on seismic stability evaluation of the slope is rarely discussed. Furthermore, slope shapes are often simplified for easy numerical model building. In view of this, five slope models with different slope shapes are considered, and the time‐history analysis method and Newmark method are chosen to evaluate the seismic stability of these slope models under different amplitudes. The purpose of this paper is to compare the seismic stability of slopes with different slope shapes and to study the feasibility of simplifying the slope shape when evaluating the seismic stability of a slope.
Personal Communication Technologies for Smart Spaces Density-Based Clustering for Content and Color Adaptive Tone Mapping
Authors: Javed Maleeha , Dawood Hassan , Khan Muhammad Murtaza , Banjar Ameen , Alharbey Riad , Dawood Hussain
Published: August 2020

Tone mapping operators are designed to display high dynamic range (HDR) images on low dynamic range devices. Clustering-based content and color adaptive tone mapping algorithm aims to maintain the color information and local texture. However, fine details can still be lost in low dynamic range images. This paper presents an effective way of clustering-based content and color adaptive tone mapping algorithm by using fast search and find of density peak clustering. The suggested clustering method reduces the loss of local structure and allows better adaption of color in images. The experiments are carried out to evaluate the effectiveness and performance of proposed technique with state-of-the-art clustering techniques. The objective and subjective evaluation results reveal that fast search and find of density peak preserves more textural information. Therefore, it is most suitable to be used for clustering-based content and color adaptive tone mapping algorithm.
Modified Two-Stage Exchange for Periprosthetic Joint Infection in UKA
Authors: Yun Andrew G. , Qutami Marilena , Pasko Kory B. Dylan
Published: August 2020

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare complication following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), and current management guidelines are still evolving. This report presents a novel surgical technique of resection arthroplasty with an articulated hemispacer as part of a 2-stage exchange protocol. A 66-year-old man developed a culture-negative PJI four months after a medial UKA. Rather than conventional full resection arthroplasty, the patient underwent partial resection with preservation of the lateral and patellofemoral compartments to maintain vascularized bone stock. An articulating hemispacer fashioned from the old implants after sterilization was reimplanted medially to preserve function during the course of antibiotic treatment. After successful eradication of infection, the patient underwent an uncomplicated conversion total knee replacement facilitated by prior preservation of bone stock. No stems or augments were needed. Therefore, a partial resection arthroplasty with an articulating hemispacer used in a 2-stage exchange protocol may be a reasonable option to eradicate infection and maintain function. In future cases of infected UKA, this technique warrants further consideration and investigation.
Detection of BRAF V600E Mutation in Ganglioglioma and Pilocytic Astrocytoma by Immunohistochemistry and Real-Time PCR-Based Idylla Test
Authors: Durślewicz Justyna , Klimaszewska-Wiśniewska Anna , Antosik Paulina , Kasperska Anna , Grzanka Dariusz , Szylberg Tadeusz , Szylberg Łukasz
Published: August 2020

The BRAF V600E mutation is an important oncological target in certain central nervous system (CNS) tumors, for which a possible application of BRAF-targeted therapy grows continuously. In the present study, we aim to determine the prevalence of BRAF V600E mutations in a series of ganglioglioma (GG) and pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) cases. Simultaneously, we decided to verify whether the combination of fully automated tests—BRAF-VE1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Idylla BRAF mutation assay—may be useful to accurately predict it in the case of specified CNS tumors. The study included 49 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, of which 15 were GG and 34 PA. Immunohistochemistry with anti-BRAF V600E (VE1) antibody was performed on tissue sections using the VentanaBenchMark ULTRA platform. All positive or equivocal cases on IHC and selected negative ones were further assessed using the Idylla BRAF mutation assay coupled with the Idylla platform. The BRAF-VE1 IHC was positive in 6 (6/49; 12.3%) and negative in 39 samples (39/49; 79.6%). The interpretation of immunostaining results was complicated in 4 cases, of which 1 tested positive for the Idylla BRAF mutation assay. Therefore, the overall positivity rate was 14.3%. This included 2 cases of GG and 5 cases of PA. Our study found that BRAF V600E mutations are moderately frequent in PA and GG and that for these tumor entities, IHC VE1 is suitable for screening purposes, but all negative, equivocal, and weak positive cases should be further tested with molecular biology techniques, of which the Idylla system seems to be a promising tool.
Inflammatory Pseudotumor Formation at a Port Site after Robotic Partial Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ofude Mitsuo , Nakagawa Ryunosuke , Urata Satoko , Miyagi Tohru , Nakashima Takao , Minato Hiroshi
Published: August 2020

Inflammatory pseudotumors (IPTs) are benign masses arising from nonspecific inflammatory conditions including surgical invasion. We herein report the rare case of an IPT mimicking port-site metastasis in a 69-year-old patient who underwent retroperitoneal robotic partial nephrectomy for stage T1a renal cell carcinoma. Radiological examination performed six months after the surgery revealed the presence of a mass underneath the abdominal wall which coincided with a port site. The tumor was resected by laparoscopic transperitoneal approach, and histological examination led to the diagnosis of an IPT that consists of xanthogranulomatous inflammation. We also discuss the etiology of IPT formation and features distinguishing IPTs from port-site metastasis.
Dynamic Behaviour Analysis of Turbocharger Rotor-Shaft System in Thermal Environment Based on Finite Element Method
Authors: Liu Zhihao , Wang Renren , Cao Fang , Shi Pidong
Published: August 2020

The stable operation of a high-speed rotating rotor-bearing system is dependent on the internal damping of its materials. In this study, the dynamic behaviours of a rotor-shaft system with internal damping composite materials under the action of a temperature field are analysed. The temperature field will increase the tangential force generated by the internal damping of the composite material. The tangential force will also increase with the rotor speed, which can destabilise the rotor-shaft system. To better understand the dynamic behaviours of the system, we introduced a finite element calculation model of a rotor-shaft system based on a 3D high-order element (Solid186) to study the turbocharger rotor-bearing system in a temperature field. The analysis was done according to the modal damping coefficient, stability limit speed, and unbalance response. The results show that accurate prediction of internal damping energy dissipation in a temperature field is crucial for accurate prediction of rotor dynamic performance. This is an important step to understand dynamic rotor stress and rotor dynamic design.
Differences between the Anthropometric Measurements of Serbian and Libyan Male Passenger Car Drivers
Authors: Veljković Zorica , Brkić Aleksandar , Spasojevic Brkić Vesna , Klarin Milivoj , Essdai Ahmed , Stanisavljev Sanja
Published: August 2020

The collection and analysis of anthropometric characteristics for various passenger car user populations is a very important predecessor of the design process. The first aim of this survey is to collect up-to-date anthropometric data for male passenger car drivers in Serbia and to collect those data for the first time in Libya. The second aim of this survey is to compare the collected data and enable further modeling using both univariate and multivariate operators’ models from both samples. Anthropometric measurements on standing height, sitting height, lower leg length, upper leg length, shoulder width, hip breadth, arm length, and foot length were collected for 921 Serbian and 300 Libyan male drivers. Results show that, for Serbian male drivers, a correlation between variables exists in 67.85% cases, while for Libyan male drivers, a correlation between variables exists in 39.28% cases. The comparison of mean values between variables for Serbian and Libyan male drivers showed that, beside shoulder width, all others have significantly higher values for Serbians than for Libyikans. Consequently, there are different interior space dimensions of the vehicle obtained: for Serbian drivers, interior space dimensions amounted to 1500 × 561 × 1230 mm and for Libyan drivers amounted to1400 × 591 × 1155 mm which are useful to passenger car designers in eliminating existing anthropometric inconsistencies.