bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of Three-Dimensional Porous Media Using Deep Transfer Learning
Authors: Du Yi , Chen Jie , Zhang Ting
Published: December 2020

The reconstruction of porous media is widely used in the study of fluid flows and engineering sciences. Some traditional reconstruction methods for porous media use the features extracted from real natural porous media and copy them to realize reconstructions. Currently, as one of the important branches of machine learning methods, the deep transfer learning (DTL) method has shown good performance in extracting features and transferring them to the predicted objects, which can be used for the reconstruction of porous media. Hence, a method for reconstructing porous media is presented by applying DTL to extract features from a training image (TI) of porous media to replace the process of scanning a TI for different patterns as in multiple-point statistical methods. The deep neural network is practically used to extract the complex features from the TI of porous media, and then, a reconstructed result can be obtained by transfer learning through copying these features. The proposed method was evaluated on shale and sandstone samples by comparing multiple-point connectivity functions, variogram curves, permeability, porosity, etc. The experimental results show that the proposed method is of high efficiency while preserving similar features with the target image, shortening reconstruction time, and reducing the burdens on CPU.
Identification of a Prognostic Risk Signature of Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma Based on Regulating the Immune Response Pathway Exploration
Authors: Wu Guangzhen , Xu Yingkun , Han Chenglin , Wang Zilong , Li Jiayi , Wang Qifei , Che Xiangyu
Published: December 2020

Purpose. To construct a survival model for predicting the prognosis of patients with kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) based on gene expression related to immune response regulation. Materials and Methods. KIRC mRNA sequencing data and patient clinical data were downloaded from the TCGA database. The pathways and genes involved in the regulation of the immune response were identified from the GSEA database. A single factor Cox analysis was used to determine the association of mRNA in relation to patient prognosis

P
<
0.05

. The prognostic risk model was further established using the LASSO regression curve. The survival prognosis model was constructed, and the sensitivity and specificity of the model were evaluated using the ROC curve. Results. Compared with normal kidney tissues, there were 28 dysregulated mRNA expressions in KIRC tissues

P
<
0.05

. Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed that 12 mRNAs were related to the prognosis of patients with renal cell carcinoma. The LASSO regression curve drew a risk signature consisting of six genes: TRAF6, FYN, IKBKG, LAT2, C2, IL4, EREG, TRAF2, and IL12A. The five-year ROC area analysis (AUC) showed that the model has good sensitivity and specificity (AUC >0.712). Conclusion. We constructed a risk prediction model based on the regulated immune response-related genes, which can effectively predict the survival of patients with KIRC.
Online Static Voltage Stability Monitoring for Power Systems Using PMU Data
Authors: Pan Jianhong , Dong Aidi , Fan Jiashu , Li Yang
Published: December 2020

A new online static voltage stability monitoring method for power systems is proposed by using phasor measurement unit (PMU) data in this paper. This approach uses the real-time power, voltage, and phase angle data collected by the PMU to estimate the power flow Jacobian matrix of the system, and then the static voltage stability is monitored via the minimum singular values (MSVs) of the power flow Jacobian matrix. The novelty of the approach lies in the fact that it only utilizes PMU data for implementing online monitoring of the power system static voltage stability, independent of the physical model and its parameters. The application results on the IEEE 57-bus test system verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Analysis and Prediction of Overloaded Extra-Heavy Vehicles for Highway Safety Using Machine Learning
Authors: Lin Yi-Hsin , Gu Suyu , Wu Wei-Sheng , Wang Rujun , Wu Fan
Published: December 2020

Along with the prosperity and rapid development of the national economy, the transportation industry has rapidly developed in China. However, overloaded vehicles have been causing frequent traffic accidents. Thus, to alleviate or resolve the corresponding problems associated with highway engineering safety and the market economy, an improved technique for overload management is urgently required. In this study, to analyze the overload data on expressways and highways in China, we developed a machine learning model by comparing the performances of cluster analysis, backpropagation neural network (BPNN), generalized regression neural network (GRNN), and wavelet neural network (WNN) in analyzing global and local time series overload data. In a case study, our results revealed the trends of overloading on highways in Jiangsu Province. Given sufficient data, BPNN performed better than GRNN and WNN. As the amount of training data increased, GRNN performed better, but the runtime increased. WNN had the shortest runtime among the three methods and could reflect the future trends of the overload rate in the monthly data prediction of overload. Our model provides information with potential value for expressway network management departments through data mining. This information could help management departments allocate resources reasonably and optimize the information utilization rate.
Mechatronic Modelling of Industrial AGVs: A Complex System Architecture
Authors: Sierra-García J. Enrique , Santos Matilde
Published: December 2020

Automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) are unmanned transport vehicles widely used in the industry to substitute manned industrial trucks and conveyors. They are now considered to play a key role in the development of the Industry 4.0 due to their temporal and spatial flexibility. However, in order to deal with the AGV as a potential mobile robot with high capacities and certain level of intelligence, it is necessary to develop control-oriented models of these complex and nonlinear systems. In this paper, the modelling of this vehicle as a whole is addressed. It can be considered composed of several interrelated subsystems: control, safety, driving, guiding and localization, power storage, and charging systems. The kinematics equations of a tricycle vehicle are obtained, and a controller is proposed. An extended hybrid automata formalism is used to define the behaviour of the safety and the control systems, as well as their interaction. In addition, the electrical equivalent circuit of the batteries, charger, and the motors is studied. The architecture of the holistic model is presented. Simulation results of the AGV in a workspace scenario validate the model and prove the efficiency of this approach.
Adverse Effects of Ramadan Fasting in a Girl with Salt-Losing Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Calcaterra Valeria , Bassanese Francesco , Clemente Andrea Martina , Amariti Rossella , Regalbuto Corrado , Sala Anna , Zuccotti Gian Vincenzo
Published: December 2020

Objective. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is the most common cause of adrenal insufficiency in pediatrics. Chronic glucocorticoid replacement is the mainstay of treatment in the classic forms of CAH, and mineralocorticoid replacement therapy is mandatory in the salt-wasting form. Fasting is a mild stressor, which can expose to dehydration, hypotension, hypoglycemia, and acute adrenal crisis in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Case. We report the case of an adolescent affected by the classic form with salt-losing CAH, who observed Ramadan for 30 days, without individualized therapeutic management plan. After Ramadan, a dramatic increase of ACTH level (1081 pg/ml, n.v. 6–57), reduced cortisolemia, tendency to hypotension, and weight loss were recorded. She experienced insomnia, intense thirst, asthenia, and headache. The symptoms disappeared restarting the previous therapy schedule and increasing the total hydrocortisone daily dose with progressive restoring of hormonal control. Conclusion. Our case confirms that patients with CAH are vulnerable, especially during fasting in Ramadan, with a higher risk of acute adrenal crisis. CAH patients should reform and individualize their treatment plan and be submitted to careful monitoring.
Product Replacement Policy in a Production Inventory Model with Replacement Period-, Stock-, and Price-Dependent Demand
Authors: Das Subhajit , Manna Amalesh Kumar , Mahmoud Emad E. , Abualnaja Kholod M. , Abdel-Aty Abdel-Haleem , Shaikh Ali Akbar
Published: December 2020

In the competitive market situation, several companies confer various types of incentives and facilities during product sell to their customers with certain terms and conditions. For the products such as mobile, TV, water purifiers, marshal products, and many more, its corresponding companies offer replacement facility during the guarantee period to enhance the customers’ demand. In this study, we have formulated a production inventory model with considering product’s replacement facility of the failure product within guarantee periods to their customers. This work also leads two vital assumptions: (i) customers’ demand is depending on the replacement period, stock level, and selling price of the product and (ii) the rate of replacement loss of manufacturer’s capital is dependent on the replacement period, and it is a nonlinear function. Since the corresponding optimization problem is highly nonlinear, we have solved it by MATHEMATICA software. The concavity of the centre of interval-valued average profit of the proposed model is shown graphically. In order to justify the validity of the proposed model, a numerical example is considered and solved. Finally, the sensitivity analyses are carried out with respect to the different model parameters.
Jie‐Du‐Hua‐Yu Granules Promote Liver Regeneration in Rat Models of Acute Liver Failure: miRNA‐mRNA Expression Analysis
Authors: Wang Tingshuai , Wang Na , Zhang Rongzhen , Huang Shaodong , Qiu Hua , Long Fuli , Wang Minggang , Mao Dewen
Published: December 2020

Purpose. Jie‐Du‐Hua‐Yu (JDHY) granules are a traditional Chinese medicine with known therapeutic effects for the treatment of acute liver failure (ALF). This study explored the potential molecular mechanism(s) of JDHY granules in promoting liver regeneration and preventing ALF. Methods. Rat models of ALF were constructed through administration of D‐galactosamine (D‐GalN) (600 mg/kg) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) (20 μg/kg). Rats were gavaged with JDHY granules, and serum and liver samples were collected at 12 h post‐D‐GalN/LPS administration. The degree of liver injury was evaluated through hepatic pathology and alanine/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST) activity. miRNA chips were used to detect the miRNA expression profiles of rat models. Bioinformatics analysis was used to identify the biological processes and cell signaling pathways mediating the therapeutic effects of JDHY. Real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR) and western blotting were used to validate the data. Results. JDHY granules could effectively decrease the levels of ALT and AST, relieve D‐GalN/LPS‐induced liver injury, and improve hepatic function. JDHY granules were found to regulate the expression of 20 miRNAs and 19 mRNAs, which influenced 21 biological processes and 9 signaling pathways. Upon analysis of the therapeutic mechanism(s) governing the effects of JDHY granules on liver regeneration, enhanced DNA replication and an improved cholesterol metabolic ratio were identified. JDHY granules were also found to increase the expression of MCM3, CDK4, and TC, confirming the involvement of these pathways. Moreover, JDHY granules were found to promote hepatocyte mitosis and inhibit the progression of ALF. Conclusion. JDHY granules protect against D‐GalN/LPS‐induced ALF in rats by promoting liver regeneration through enhanced DNA replication and an improved cholesterol metabolic ratio.
VGLL4 Protects against Oxidized-LDL-Induced Endothelial Cell Dysfunction and Inflammation by Activating Hippo-YAP/TEAD1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Xu Kaicheng , Zhao Haomin , Qiu Xiaolei , Liu Xiwen , Zhao Fucheng , Zhao Yue
Published: December 2020

Vestigial-like 4 (VGLL4) has been found to have multiple functions in tumor development; however, its role in cardiovascular disease is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of VGLL4 on the dysfunction and inflammatory response of Ox-LDL-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and its mechanism, so as to provide a new theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis. In the present study, the protective activity of VGLL4 inhibiting Ox-LDL-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and injury as well as its molecular mechanisms was examined using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The results showed that the expression of VGLL4 was decreased with the increase of Ox-LDL concentration in HUVECs. In addition, the functional study found that VGLL4 overexpression alleviated Ox-LDL-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and dysfunction and inhibited apoptosis. Further research found that VGLL4 regulated Hippo-YAP/TEAD1 signaling pathway, and the Hippo-YAP/TEAD1 signaling pathway was involved in the protective mechanism of VGLL4 on HUVECs. In conclusion, it suggests that VGLL4 protects against oxidized-LDL-induced endothelial cell dysfunction by activating the Hippo-YAP/TEAD1 signaling pathway.
Three-Dimensional Imaging of Pulmonary Fibrotic Foci at the Alveolar Scale Using Tissue-Clearing Treatment with Staining Techniques of Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Togami Kohei , Ozaki Hiroaki , Yumita Yuki , Kitayama Anri , Tada Hitoshi , Chono Sumio
Published: December 2020

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive, chronic lung disease characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen and elastin. Imaging of extracellular matrix in fibrotic lungs is important for evaluating its pathological condition as well as the distribution of drugs to pulmonary focus sites and their therapeutic effects. In this study, we compared techniques of staining the extracellular matrix with optical tissue-clearing treatment for developing three-dimensional imaging methods for focus sites in pulmonary fibrosis. Mouse models of pulmonary fibrosis were prepared via the intrapulmonary administration of bleomycin. Fluorescent-labeled tomato lectin, collagen I antibody, and Col-F, which is a fluorescent probe for collagen and elastin, were used to compare the imaging of fibrotic foci in intact fibrotic lungs. These lung samples were cleared using the ClearT2 tissue-clearing technique. The cleared lungs were two dimensionally observed using laser-scanning confocal microscopy, and the images were compared with those of the lung tissue sections. Moreover, three-dimensional images were reconstructed from serial two-dimensional images. Fluorescent-labeled tomato lectin did not enable the visualization of fibrotic foci in cleared fibrotic lungs. Although collagen I in fibrotic lungs could be visualized via immunofluorescence staining, collagen I was clearly visible only until 40 μm from the lung surface. Col-F staining facilitated the visualization of collagen and elastin to a depth of 120 μm in cleared lung tissues. Furthermore, we visualized the three-dimensional extracellular matrix in cleared fibrotic lungs using Col-F, and the images provided better visualization than immunofluorescence staining. These results suggest that ClearT2 tissue-clearing treatment combined with Col-F staining represents a simple and rapid technique for imaging fibrotic foci in intact fibrotic lungs. This study provides important information for imaging various organs with extracellular matrix-related diseases.
A Cumulative Expansion Force‐Finding Method for Suspension‐Cable Truss Composite Structure
Authors: Huang Lifan , Luo Bin , Ding Mingmin , Zhang Chunshui , Ruan Yangjie
Published: December 2020

Suspension‐cable truss composite structure is a new type of cable‐strut structure which combines the conventional cable structure with the rigid truss. By laying rigid roofing slabs, this composite structure offsets most effect of the wind suction, reduces the axial force of the stable cables, and reduces the large vertical displacement effectively when compared with conventional cable trusses. For this new structure, the deformation relevance between adjacent substructures results in a nonindependent and stable union. To effectively and precisely find the cable forces of a suspension‐cable truss composite structure for the construction completion state, a proper optimization order and a suitable selection of the substructures are necessary. In this paper, the structural mechanical characteristics of the suspension‐cable truss composite structure are introduced at first, to reveal the force transmission path between adjacent substructures. Secondly, the cumulative expansion force‐finding method (CEFM) is proposed to obtain the optimal mode of the cable force distribution with a suitable operational efficiency. A numerical example is introduced and analyzed to verify the accuracy and feasibility of this method afterwards. The results show that CEFM could find out the optimal cable force distribution of the suspension‐cable truss composite structure, with a geometry shape of whole structure and a rational stress level of all the components.
Study of the Law of Hydraulically Punched Boreholes on Effective Gas Extraction Radius under Different Coal Outputs
Authors: Xu Dongdong , Tao Yunqi , Zhou Zhengtao , Hou Chao
Published: December 2020

Hydraulic punching technology has recently developed into an effective pressure relief measure and permeability enhancement method for soft and low permeability coalbeds. Different coal outputs directly affect the shape and size of boreholes as well as the effective extraction radius. Taking the Zhongmacun mine as an example, the influence of different coal outputs and different extraction periods on effective extraction radius was analyzed and studied through field tests and numerical simulation. The results show that the increase in coal outputs from hydraulic punching can improve the effective extraction radius of the boreholes. For example, when the gas extraction reaches 90 days, with a coal output of 0.5 t/m, 1.0 t/m, and 1.5 t/m, the effective extraction radius is 3.08 m, 3.46 m, and 3.83 m, respectively. The difference in gas extraction effect of different coal output boreholes increases significantly with the extension of the extraction time, but the speed of growth gradually decreases, which is consistent with the conclusions obtained on-site. This result has important practical significance for optimizing the technical parameters of hydraulic punching, guiding the accurate layout of extraction and drilling, and enhancing the effect of gas control in mines.
Endoscopic Removal of an Uncommon Iatrogenic Foreign Body from the Maxillary Sinus: A Dental Burr
Authors: Arimbrathodi Nafil , Aslam Waqar , Menon Abhishek , Al Saadi Ali Ahmad
Published: December 2020

Instrument fracture during procedure is not uncommon for dental surgeons, especially in root canal surgeries, usually inside the root canals. In rare instances, high-speed rotary instruments can be fractured and can be dislodged in key anatomical areas of face. In our case report, a high-speed dental burr most probably penetrated the root and was seen in the left maxillary sinus during a likely routine dental procedure. The work-up and endoscopic surgical management of the case is described. Practitioners should be in great care during dental procedures and endodontic treatment to avoid unexpected complications by introducing foreign bodies into maxillary sinus. Any patient presenting with recurrent unilateral facial pain or unilateral sinus symptoms with/without previous history of sinusitis should raise the suspect of a foreign body in the paranasal sinus regardless of any previous history of dental procedure.
Recurrent Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus Preceded by Anabolic Steroids and High-Dose L-Arginine
Authors: LoBue Stephen A. , Goldman Adam , Giovane Richard A. , Carlson Stacy M. , Bivona Michael , Albear Sinan , LoBue Thomas D.
Published: December 2020

Purpose. To report a case of a 34-year-old male with recurrent herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) preceded by a 6-week cycle of anabolic steroids and high-dose amino acid supplementation. Case Presentation. A 34-year-old man presented to our institution for left eye pain for one week associated with a vesicular rash in the V1 dermatome, respecting the midline. The patient had no significant past medical or past ocular history, including systemic immunosuppressive agents or HIV. However, prior to the onset of his symptoms the patient had completed a 6-week course of anabolic steroids including trenbolone, deca-durabolin, and testosterone as well as high-dose arginine supplementation averaging more than 40 grams a day. The best-corrected vision was 20/25 OS with slit-lamp examination remarkable for punctate staining and pseudodendrites at 6 o’clock, outside the visual axis. The patient was treated with oral acyclovir 800 mg five times a day for seven days along with prednisolone QID and moxifloxacin QID which was tapered over a month. Four months after resolution, the patient developed a recurrent HZO keratitis preceded by another cycle of anabolic steroids and amino acid supplementation. Conclusion. In vitro L-arginine supplementation has been associated with the proliferation and virulence of a variety of herpes viruses. Anabolic steroids have also been demonstrated by various studies to negatively affect cell-mediated immunity necessary to prevent viral infection. Thus, it is possible that anabolic steroids in conjunction with increased L-arginine intake may have precipitated a recurrent HZO in a previously healthy, immunocompetent individual.
Predicting the Permeability of Pervious Concrete Based on the Beetle Antennae Search Algorithm and Random Forest Model
Authors: Huang Jiandong , Duan Tianhong , Zhang Yi , Liu Jiandong , Zhang Jia , Lei Yawei
Published: December 2020

Pervious concrete is an environmentally friendly material that improves water permeability, skid resistance, and sound absorption characteristics. Permeability is the most important functional performance for the pervious concrete while limited studies have been conducted to predict permeability based on mix‐design parameters. This study proposed a method to combine the beetle antennae search (BAS) and random forest (RF) algorithm to predict the permeability of pervious concrete. Based on the 36 samples designed in the laboratory and 4 key influencing variables, the permeability of pervious concrete can be obtained by varying mix‐design parameters by RF. BAS algorithm was used to tune the hyperparameters of RF, which were then verified by the so‐called 10‐fold cross‐validation. Furthermore, the model to combine the BAS and RF was validated by the correlation parameters. The results showed that the hyperparameters of RF can be tuned by the BAS efficiently; the BAS can combine the conventional RF algorithm to construct the evolved model to predict the permeability of pervious concrete; the cement/aggregate ratio was the most significant variable to determine the permeability, followed by the coarse aggregate proportions.
Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) in a Child with Congenital Chronic Intestinal Pseudoobstruction (CIPO)
Authors: Zameer Mohammed , Peeran Syed Ali , Basheer Syed Nahid , Peeran Syed Wali , Birajdar Sameen Badiujjama , Alzahrani Faisal Mohammad , Alkhayrat Ali Mohammed A.
Published: December 2020

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a qualitative enamel defect of systemic origin affecting 1–4 permanent first molars (PFMs) frequently in association with affected permanent incisors (PIs). The exact etiology of MIH is still unclear but considered to be multifactorial. This present case report to the best of our knowledge is the first case reported which acknowledges MIH in a patient with chronic intestinal pseudoobstruction (CIPO) with underlying neurological disease due to somatic mitochondrial disorder. It also elicits the availability of various contemporary treatment options and their proper selection and early intervention to manage the functional and aesthetic problems caused by enamel defects and to improve the quality of life in the patients.
Circle-Based Ratio Loss for Person Reidentification
Authors: Yang Zhao , Liu Jiehao , Liu Tie , Wang Li , Zhao Sai
Published: December 2020

Person reidentification (re-id) aims to recognize a specific pedestrian from uncrossed surveillance camera views. Most re-id methods perform the retrieval task by comparing the similarity of pedestrian features extracted from deep learning models. Therefore, learning a discriminative feature is critical for person reidentification. Many works supervise the model learning with one or more loss functions to obtain the discriminability of features. Softmax loss is one of the widely used loss functions in re-id. However, traditional softmax loss inherently focuses on the feature separability and fails to consider the compactness of within-class features. To further improve the accuracy of re-id, many efforts are conducted to shrink within-class discrepancy as well as between-class similarity. In this paper, we propose a circle-based ratio loss for person re-identification. Concretely, we normalize the learned features and classification weights to map these vectors in the hypersphere. Then we take the ratio of the maximal intraclass distance and the minimal interclass distance as an objective loss, so the between-class separability and within-class compactness can be optimized simultaneously during the training stage. Finally, with the joint training of an improved softmax loss and the ratio loss, the deep model could mine discriminative pedestrian information and learn robust features for the re-id task. Comprehensive experiments on three re-id benchmark datasets are carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Specially, 83.12% mAP on Market-1501, 71.66% mAP on DukeMTMC-reID, and 66.26%/63.24% mAP on CUHK03 labeled/detected are achieved, respectively.
CXC Chemokine Receptor Type 5 Gene Polymorphisms in a Cohort of Egyptian Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Makhlouf Manal Mohamed , Radwan Eman Roshdy , Khorshed Ola Mohamed , Fathi Lamees Mohamed , Elmasry Manal Mohamed
Published: December 2020

Background: The chemokine receptor CXCR5 is selectively expressed on B cells; it is involved in lymphocyte homing and the development of normal lymphoid tissue. Its principle ligand is CXCL13 or B lymphocyte chemoattractant. Three polymorphisms in the CXCR5 gene, rs148351692 C/G, rs6421571 C/T, and rs78440425 G/A, have been identified. Objective: To assess the genetic polymorphisms of CXCR5 and evaluate their possible contribution to the susceptibility and response to therapy of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Patients and Methods: Fifty DLBCL (not otherwise specified) patients and 50 control subjects were included in this study. CXCR5 genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP. Results: Our study revealed that the CXCR5 rs148351692 C/G and rs6421571 C/T gene polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of developing DLBCL (OR 28.57 [95% CI 8.96–96.56] and 3.45 [1.67–11.83] respectively), while CXCR5 rs78440425 G/A showed no association with the risk of lymphoma. Moreover, the double and triple combined gene polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of developing DLBCL of approximately 120-fold and 105-fold, respectively. CXCR5 gene polymorphisms had no significant impact on disease outcome or response to therapy. Conclusions: CXCR5 gene polymorphisms could be considered a potential risk factor for the development of DLBCL.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Case Report of an Underdiagnosed Condition
Authors: Nogueira João Machado , Fonseca Inês , Duarte Marco
Published: December 2020

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is characterized by episodic bursts of nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, affecting chronic cannabis users. The clinical picture mimics an acute abdomen, usually leading to multiple assessments in the emergency department. Several complementary diagnostic examinations are performed with non-specific results, making differential diagnosis puzzling. We present a case of a 42-year-old man, who has been admitted multiple times to the emergency department in the last 3 months for abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, without triggering factors and improving only with hot water baths. He was evaluated by different specialties, the various complementary diagnostic tests performed showed no significant results, and no definitive diagnosis was obtained. Treatment resulted only in a partial and transient resolution of symptoms. A more detailed medical history revealed cannabis use for more than 5 years, with a recent increase in the amount consumed. After psychoeducation, explaining the risks associated with consumption and its relationship with the clinical symptoms, which resulted in complete suspension of cannabis, there have been no new symptomatic episodes since then. We present an illustrative case of a poorly reported clinical entity despite having a probable significant prevalence, raising awareness in order that clinicians identify and properly manage these cases.
Clinical Analysis of Thrombocytopenia following Transcatheter Occlusion of a Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Authors: Li Ang , Yin Dan , Huang Xupei , Zhang Lixin , Lv Tiewei , Yi Qijian , Xiang Ping
Published: December 2020

Background: Our aim is to analyze the correlation between severe thrombocytopenia and the diameter of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and residual shunt after PDA closure. Methods: The patients with severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count <50 × 109/L) following transcatheter occlusion of a PDA from January 2010 to December 2018 in the Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were collected. And the high-risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of severe thrombocytopenia were analyzed. Results: A total of 1,581 children with transcatheter occlusion of a PDA were collected; 22 (1.39%) of the enrolled patients had severe thrombocytopenia. Further data analysis showed that the median diameter of PDA (6.7 [IQR: 1.63]) mm in children with severe thrombocytopenia was significantly larger than that in children without severe thrombocytopenia (3.6 ± 1.7 mm, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the incidence of thrombocytopenia in children with residual shunt after operation (10.9%) was significantly higher than that in children without residual shunt (0.2%, p < 0.001). The mean time of thrombocytopenia was found to be 2.4 ± 1.3 days after intervention. All patients with thrombocytopenia were treated by methylprednisolone with or without platelet transfusion and recovered without major organ hemorrhage. Conclusions: Severe thrombocytopenia following transcatheter occlusion of a PDA may be related to the larger diameter of PDA and residual shunt. If early detection of severe thrombocytopenia is obtained, our study supports a good prognosis if appropriate measures are implemented.
Medical Care and Survival of Soft-Tissue and Bone Sarcoma Patients: Results and Methodological Aspects of a German Subnational Cohort Study Based on Administrative Healthcare Data
Authors: Schoffer Olaf , Roessler Martin , Datzmann Thomas , Andreou Dimosthenis , Jakob Jens , Eichler Martin , Richter Stephan , Schuler Markus K. , Schmitt Jochen
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Medical care of soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) and bone sarcoma (BS) patients in Germany has rarely been investigated. The objectives of this article were (1) to investigate medical care and survival in STS and BS patients, and (2) to examine methodological aspects of corresponding analyses based on administrative healthcare data. Methods: We analyzed data from a statutory health insurance located in Saxony, Germany, covering approximately 2 million individuals. We identified incident STS and BS patients in the period 2012–2016 using 4 different case definitions. We examined treatment rates and visits to medical oncologists and medical practices descriptively, and then compared results between case definitions. We investigated survival prospects using a relative survival analysis and estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for risk factors for mortality using Cox regression. Results: Across case definitions, the number of included sarcoma patients (STS: n = 871–1,757; BS: n = 216–689) and applied treatments (STS: 42.2–83.1%; BS: 28.3–77.8%) varied substantially. Irrespective of the case definition, the minority of patients visited medical oncologists (STS: 9.8–10.8% BS: 4.4–7.9%) and “experienced” medical practices (STS: 27.7–38.4%; BS: 18.3–23.6%). Survival prospects were better for patients who visited “experienced” medical practices (STS: HR = 0.55; BS: HR = 0.42). Conclusion: Treatment rates clearly <100% and evidence from survival analyses indicate the potential for improvements in the care of sarcoma patients in Germany, e.g., by physicians in “experienced” medical practices.
Eignung der Kapillarmikroskopie zur Diagnostik und Differenzierung einer ILD
Authors: Adler Sabine
Published: December 2020

Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) is an easy tool used for the assessment of patients with Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) as possibly associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Recent insights have also highlighted its role in the diagnostic assessment of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). The aim of this study is to describe the diagnostic role of NVC in a series of 361 consecutive patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). All the patients were assessed by clinical pulmonary and rheumatic examinations, blood exams, high-resolution computed tomography and NVC. NVC was considered positive only in the presence of avascular areas or giant capillaries, but also, the presence of bushy capillaries (BCs) was recorded. NVC was positive in 17.7% of ILD patients and in 78.1% of ILD patients associated with a diagnosis of connective tissue disease (CTD). In 25% of SSc-ILD patients, NVC proved necessary for a correct diagnosis. The presence of BCs and/or NVC positivity in ILD patients with normal levels of creatine phosphokinase is associated with amyopathic IIM, regardless the presence of RP. In conclusion, NVC is useful for the diagnostic assessment of incomplete forms of CTD and in amyopathic IIMs. NVC should be considered in the diagnostic assessment of ILD patients regardless of the presence of RP.
Reflux Aspiration Associated with Oesophageal Dysmotility but Not Delayed Liquid Gastric Emptying
Authors: Khoma Oleksandr , Mendu Maite Jeanne , Sen Amita Nandini , Van der Wall Hans , Falk Gregory Leighton
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Severe oesophageal dysmotility is associated with treatment-resistant reflux and pulmonary reflux aspiration. Delayed solid gastric emptying has been associated with oesophageal dysmotility; however, the role of delayed liquid gastric emptying (LGE) in the pathophysiology of severe reflux disease remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between delayed LGE, reflux aspiration, and oesophageal dysmotility. Methods: Data were extracted from a prospectively populated database of patients with severe treatment-resistant gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. All patients with validated reflux aspiration scintigraphy and oesophageal manometry were included in the analysis. Patients were classified by predominant clinical subtype as gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) or laryngopharyngeal reflux. LGE time of 22 min or longer was considered delayed. Results: Inclusion criteria were met by 631 patients. Normal LGE time was found in 450 patients, whilst 181 had evidence of delayed LGE. Mean liquid half-clearance was 22.81 min. Reflux aspiration was evident in 240 patients (38%). Difference in the aspiration rates between delayed LGE (42%) and normal LGE (36%) was not significant (p = 0.16). Severe ineffective oesophageal motility (IOM) was found in 70 patients (35%) and was independent of LGE time. Severe IOM was strongly associated with reflux aspiration (p < 0.001). GOR dominant symptoms were more common in patients with delayed LGE (p = 0.03). Conclusion: Severe IOM was strongly associated with reflux aspiration. Delayed LGE is not associated with reflux aspiration or severe IOM. Delayed LGE is more prevalent in patients presenting with GOR dominant symptoms.
Impact of Arterial Stiffness on All-Cause Mortality in Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19 in Spain
Authors: Rodilla Enrique , López-Carmona Maria Dolores , Cortes Xavi , Cobos-Palacios Lidia , Canales Sergio , Sáez Maria Carmen , Campos Escudero Samara , Rubio-Rivas Manuel , Díez Manglano Jesus , Freire Castro Santiago J. , Vázquez Piqueras Nuria , Mateo Sanchis Elisabeth , Pesqueira Fontan Paula Maria , Magallanes Gamboa Jeffrey Oskar , González García Andrés , Madrid Romero Victor , Tamargo Chamorro Lara , González Moraleja Julio , Villanueva Martínez Javier , González Noya Amara , Suárez-Lombraña Ana , Gracia Gutiérrez Anyuli , López Reboiro Manuel Lorenzo , Ramos Rincón José Manuel , Gómez Huelgas Ricardo ,   for the SEMI-COVID-19 Network
Published: December 2020

Older age and cardiovascular comorbidities are well-known risk factors for all-cause mortality in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Hypertension and age are the 2 principal determinants of arterial stiffness (AS). This study aimed to estimate AS in patients with COVID-19 requiring hospitalization and analyze its association with all-cause in-hospital mortality. This observational, retrospective, multicenter cohort study analyzed 12 170 patients admitted to 150 Spanish centers included in the SEMI-COVID-19 Network. We compared AS, defined as pulse pressure ≥60 mm Hg, and clinical characteristics between survivors and nonsurvivors. Mean age was 67.5 (±16.1) years and 42.5% were women. Overall, 2606 (21.4%) subjects died. Admission systolic blood pressure (BP) <120 and ≥140 mm Hg was a predictor of higher all-cause mortality (23.5% and 22.8%, respectively,
P
<0.001), compared with systolic BP between 120 and 140 mm Hg (18.6%). The 4379 patients with AS (36.0%) were older and had higher systolic and lower diastolic BP. Multivariate analysis showed that AS and systolic BP <120 mm Hg significantly and independently predicted all-cause in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj]: 1.27,
P
=0.0001; ORadj: 1.48,
P
=0.0001, respectively) after adjusting for sex (males, ORadj: 1.6,
P
=0.0001), age tertiles (second and third tertiles, ORadj: 2.0 and 4.7,
P
=0.0001), Charlson Comorbidity Index (second and third tertiles, ORadj: 4.8 and 8.6,
P
=0.0001), heart failure, and previous and in-hospital antihypertensive treatment. Our data show that AS and admission systolic BP <120 mm Hg had independent prognostic value for all-cause mortality in patients with COVID-19 requiring hospitalization.
Shifting Attention in Feature Space: Fast Facilitation of the To-Be-Attended Feature Is Followed by Slow Inhibition of the To-Be-Ignored Feature
Authors: Vieweg Paula , Müller Matthias M.
Published: December 2020

In an explorative study, we investigated the time course of attentional selection shifts in feature-based attention in early visual cortex by means of steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs). To this end, we presented four flickering random dot kinematograms with red/blue, horizontal/vertical bars, respectively. Given the oscillatory nature of SSVEPs, we were able to investigate neural temporal dynamics of facilitation and inhibition/suppression when participants shifted attention either within (i.e., color to color) or between feature dimensions (i.e., color to orientation). Extending a previous study of our laboratory [Müller, M. M., Trautmann, M., & Keitel, C. Early visual cortex dynamics during top–down modulated shifts of feature-selective attention. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 28, 643–655, 2016] to a full factorial design, we replicated a critical finding of our previous study: Facilitation of color was quickest, regardless of the origin of the shift (from color or orientation). Furthermore, facilitation of the newly to-be-attended and inhibition/suppression of the then to-be-ignored feature is not a time-invariant process that occurs instantaneously, but a biphasic one with longer time delays between the two processes. Interestingly, inhibition/suppression of the to-be-ignored feature after the shifting cue had a much longer latency with between- compared to within-dimensional shifts (by about 130–150 msec). The exploratory nature of our study is reasoned by two limiting factors: (a) Identical to our precursor study, we found no attentional SSVEP amplitude time course modulation for orientation, and (b) the signal-to-noise ratio for single trials was too poor to allow for reliable statistical testing of the latencies that were obtained with running t tests of averaged data.
Evidence for Enhanced Long-term Memory in Professional Musicians and Its Contribution to Novel Word Learning
Authors: Dittinger Eva , Korka Betina , Besson Mireille
Published: December 2020

Previous studies evidenced transfer effects from professional music training to novel word learning. However, it is unclear whether such an advantage is driven by cascading, bottom–up effects from better auditory perception to semantic processing or by top–down influences from cognitive functions on perception. Moreover, the long-term effects of novel word learning remain an open issue. To address these questions, we used a word learning design, with four different sets of novel words, and we neutralized the potential perceptive and associative learning advantages in musicians. Under such conditions, we did not observe any advantage in musicians on the day of learning (Day 1 [D1]), at neither a behavioral nor an electrophysiological level; this suggests that the previously reported advantages in musicians are likely to be related to bottom–up processes. Nevertheless, 1 month later (Day 30 [D30]) and for all types of novel words, the error increase from D1 to D30 was lower in musicians compared to nonmusicians. In addition, for the set of words that were perceptually difficult to discriminate, only musicians showed typical N400 effects over parietal sites on D30. These results demonstrate that music training improved long-term memory and that transfer effects from music training to word learning (i.e., semantic levels of speech processing) benefit from reinforced (long-term) memory functions. Finally, these findings highlight the positive impact of music training on the acquisition of foreign languages.
Fine-grained classification of social science journal articles using
textual data: A comparison of supervised machine learning
approaches
Authors: Eykens Joshua , Guns Raf , Engels Tim C. E.
Published: December 2020

We compare two supervised machine learning algorithms—Multinomial Naïve Bayes and Gradient Boosting—to classify social science articles using textual data. The high level of granularity of the classification scheme used and the possibility that multiple categories are assigned to a document make this task challenging. To collect the training data, we query three discipline specific thesauri to retrieve articles corresponding to specialties in the classification. The resulting data set consists of 113,909 records and covers 245 specialties, aggregated into 31 subdisciplines from three disciplines. Experts were consulted to validate the thesauri-based classification. The resulting multilabel data set is used to train the machine learning algorithms in different configurations. We deploy a multilabel classifier chaining model, allowing for an arbitrary number of categories to be assigned to each document. The best results are obtained with Gradient Boosting. The approach does not rely on citation data. It can be applied in settings where such information is not available. We conclude that fine-grained text-based classification of social sciences publications at a subdisciplinary level is a hard task, for humans and machines alike. A combination of human expertise and machine learning is suggested as a way forward to improve the classification of social sciences documents.
Canonical and Non-Canonical Sources for Biblical History in Two Arabic Universal Histories Written by Christians in al-Andalus
Authors: Penelas Mayte
Published: December 2020

This article examines the biblical material contained in two universal histories written by the Christians of al-Andalus: the so-called Kitāb Hurūshiyūsh (KH) and the “Mozarabic universal history” (MUH) preserved at MS Raqqada 2003/2. A thorough comparison of the parallel passages from the Books of Samuel and Kings shows that KH, which has proved to be one of the sources of MUH for profane history, was not used by the latter’s compiler for the large fragments relating to sacred history. Both KH and MUH contain copious material concerning biblical history that was derived from sources different than the Bible. Thus, Giorgio Levi Della Vida and I, as editors of MUH and KH respectively, have observed that the biblical material derived from the Vulgate in both texts was enriched with information from Jerome’s and Isidore’s works. In this article I show that both contain a substantial amount of information absent from Jerome’s and Isidore’s works and that canonical biblical material is largely interspersed with material from non-canonical and non-biblical sources, including information well rooted in the Jewish tradition. This is especially the case in MUH.
From Serial Access to Random Access: Tables of Contents, Chapter Headings and Hierarchical Text Structures in Fourth/Tenth-century Scientific Books
Authors: Thomann Johannes
Published: December 2020

The fourth/tenth century saw a number of innovations in the production of scientific books. Chapter headings that summarize the theme of the chapters were previously rare, but in this period they became standard. Tables of contents were placed at the beginning of the book with a list of the summarizing chapter headings. Page numbering is also encountered for the first time. Perhaps the most striking innovation of this period, however, is the increased complexity in the way authors structured their books. While the two-tier structure of books and chapters used to be standard for large works, three-tier structures were now introduced, and, by the first half of the fifth/eleventh century, books were even produced with five-tier structures. These innovations point to the use of books as a source of knowledge outside traditional learning contexts. Since these features were absent from the Greek scientific tradition, but were present in India and Central Asia, they could well be borrowings from the East. The examples treated here come from the fields of medicine, astrology, astronomy and mathematics.
Organizing, Presenting, and Reading Sexual Knowledge: The Abbasid Context of Jawāmiʿ al-ladhdha
Authors: Myrne Pernilla
Published: December 2020

The oldest surviving erotic manual in Arabic, Jawāmiʿ al-ladhdha, is characterised by a mix of medical and technical advice, interspersed with entertaining stories, hadith, poetry and historical anecdotes. In this article, I survey the organization of information in Jawāmiʿ al-ladhdha and discuss its contribution to Arab-Islamic scholarship. I argue that the author and his intended readers lived in the second half of the fourth/tenth century. The organization of sexual knowledge was part of the scholarly pursuit to organize the massive amount of pre-Islamic scholarship translated into Arabic during the Abbasid caliphate as well as the growing body of Arabic-Islamic scholarship. Although the presentation of this knowledge varies in the extant manuscript copies of the book, which were written for later audiences, all manuscripts share some basic tools for navigating the content, which suggests that the author made efforts to make it accessible for readers.