bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of videos and pocket books on the level of knowledge and attitudes towards stigma people with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Setiyawati Nanik , Meilani Niken
Published: November 2020

Cases of human imunnodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in middle and low income countries were very many. One of the biggest obstacles in the prevention of HIV/AIDS is the high stigma people with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). There are still 34% of health students stigmatizing PLWHA. Appropriate learning media is needed to provide information about HIV/AIDS to midwifery students. The purpose was to determine the effect videos and pocket books on the knowledge, attitudes towards stigma of PLWHA. This research was a quantitative study with quasi-experimental non equivalent control group design. The intervention group was given information using video, the control group was given a pocket book. The number of samples is 100 respondents. Data analysis using t-test and simple linear regression. There is a relationship between the provision of videos and pocket books on the post test knowledge with p=0.002. There is an influence of giving video to attitude with p=0.022 OR 2.731. There was a relationship between the provision of videos and pocket books on the knowledge and attitudes of respondents. There was no relationship between the source of video information on the adequacy of material about HIV AIDS and the experience of meeting PLWHA with the level of knowledge and attitude of respondents.
Compressed Sensing Speech Signal Enhancement Research
Authors: Ning Kuangfeng , Qin Guojun
Published: November 2020

The proposed Compressive sensing method is a new alternative method, it is used to eliminate noise from the input signal, and the quality of the speech signal is enhanced with fewer samples, thus it is required for the reconstruction than needed in some of the methods like Nyquist sampling theorem. The basic idea is that the speech signals are sparse in nature, and most of the noise signals are non-sparse in nature, and Compressive Sensing(CS) eliminates the non-sparse components and it reconstructs only the sparse components of the input signal. Experimental results prove that the average segmental SNR (signal to noise ratio) and PESQ (perceptual evaluation of speech quality) scores are better in the compressed domain．
Long‐Term Fate of the Truncal Valve
Authors: Gellis Laura , Binney Geoffrey , Alshawabkeh Laith , Lu Minmin , Landzberg Michael J. , Mayer John E. , Mullen Mary P. , Valente Anne Marie , Sleeper Lynn A. , Brown David W.
Published: November 2020

Background

Long‐term survival in patients with truncus arteriosus is favorable, but there remains significant morbidity associated with ongoing reinterventions. We aimed to study the long‐term outcomes of the truncal valve and identify risk factors associated with truncal valve intervention.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent initial truncus arteriosus repair at our institution from 1985 to 2016. Analysis was performed on the 148 patients who were discharged from the hospital and survived ≥30 days postoperatively using multivariable competing risks Cox regression modeling. Median follow‐up time was 12.6 years (interquartile range, 5.0–22.1 years) after discharge from full repair. Thirty patients (20%) underwent at least one intervention on the truncal valve during follow‐up. Survival at 1, 10, and 20 years was 93.1%, 87.0%, and 80.9%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of any truncal valve intervention by 20 years was 25.6%. Independent risk factors for truncal valve intervention included moderate or greater truncal valve regurgitation (hazard ratio [HR], 4.77;
P
<0.001) or stenosis (HR, 4.12;
P
<0.001) before full truncus arteriosus repair and moderate or greater truncal valve regurgitation at discharge after full repair (HR, 8.60;
P
<0.001). During follow‐up, 33 of 134 patients (25%) progressed to moderate or greater truncal valve regurgitation. A larger truncal valve root
z
‐score before truncus arteriosus full repair and during follow‐up was associated with worsening truncal valve regurgitation.

Conclusions

Long‐term rates of truncal valve intervention are significant. At least moderate initial truncal valve stenosis and initial or residual regurgitation are independent risk factors associated with truncal valve intervention. Larger truncal valve root
z
‐score is associated with significant truncal valve regurgitation and may identify a subset of patients at risk for truncal valve dysfunction over time.
Goldenberg, R. & Bacci, L.F. (2020) Taxonomic Notes in South American Miconia IV: the rare Miconia pennipilis Cogn. is actually a synonym of the enigmatic Miconia dura Triana. Phytotaxa 459 (4): 296–300. (Erratum)

Authors: GOLDENBERG RENATO , BACCI LUCAS F.
Published: November 2020

Erratum
miR-3613 Regulates Gastric Cancer Cells Proliferation, Invasion, Migration and Apoptosis by Targeting Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 4
Authors: Luo Yuming , Cao Wei
Published: November 2020

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of miR-3613 on the biological functions of gastric cancer cell lines. The expression of miR-3613 and SOCS4 in gastric cancer cells were detected by RT-qPCR and western blot. The target genes of miR-3613 were verified with the luciferase
reporter system and western blot. The SOCS4 overexpression plasmid was constructed and transfected into gastric cancer cells. To further investigate the function of miR-3613, shRNA targeting miR-3613 and SOCS4 overexpression were transfected into SGC-7901. The growth of cells was detected
by CCK-8, then the cell invasion and migration ability were detected by wound healing and transwell. Furthermore, the level of cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. The expression of cell proliferation, cyclin and migration-related proteins were detected by western blot. The results revealed
that the expression of miR-3613 is significantly increased in gastric cancer cells. SOCS4 is one of the target genes of miR-3613. Additionally, interference with miR-3613 promotes cell cycle arrest in gastric cancer cells and reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-3613 on biological function
of gastric cells. Collectively, the data demonstrated that miR-3613 regulates gastric cancer cell by targeting SOCS4, which is expected to be an attractive target for the development of new drugs for the treatment of gastric cancer.
Postmortem Changes in Skeletal Muscle Can Be Expressed by Hounsfield Unit Measurements in Postmortem Computed Tomography—A Murine Model Study
Authors: Yamada Tsuyoshi , Takeuchi Tamaki , Ito Morihiro
Published: November 2020

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to assess time-dependent changes in postmortem images of mouse skeletal muscle that were obtained with a small animal CT scanner. Materials and methods: Mice were euthanized and time-dependent changes in postmortem computed tomography
(PMCT) images of skeletal muscle were recorded for 11 elapsed intervals: at the confirmed time of cardiac arrest, and at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours after death. After acquiring PMCT images, skeletal muscle was removed and prepared for histological evaluation. Histological
images and PMCT images of the skeletal muscle were then compared. Hounsfield unit (HU) measurements were obtained for the skeletal muscle PMCT images at each interval and time-dependent changes were examined. Results: Time-dependent changes were observed in histological images of skeletal
muscle, but not in PMCT images. Time-dependent changes were detectable by HU values of skeletal muscle. Conclusion: Postmortem changes in skeletal muscle tissue appear as decreases in HU values on PMCT.
Effects of Virtual Reality Therapy on Neuro-Cognitive and Behavioral Skills in Alcohol-Dependent Patients: A Quantitative Electroencephalography Imaging Investigation
Authors: Ryu Chang Hyun
Published: November 2020

An immersive virtual reality based cognitive-behavioral therapy (VR-CBT) has been clinically used to improve the neuro-cognitive and behavioral skills in alcohol-dependent patients with destructive impulse-control disorders, but the therapeutic effects are unknown. The purpose of the
investigation was to determine the effectiveness of an impulse-anger management VR-CBT program (IAM-VR-CBTP) on cortical activation, neuro-cognitive and behavioral skills as well as drinking, impulse-anger control, anxiety, and depression. A convenience sample of 11 patients diagnosed with
DICD participated and underwent the IAM-VR-CBTP intervention, a 90-minute session, two times/week for 3 weeks. The intervention related physiological and neuro-psychiatric behavioral changes were measured with a quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) brain mapping and standardized neurocognitive
and behavioral tests including the alcohol dependence scale, the obsessive compulsive drinking scale, the readiness to change questionnaire, the Barratt impulsiveness scale II, the Beck anxiety, the Beck depression inventory II, and the state trait anger expression inventory-2. The non-parametric
Wilcoxon statistic was used at P < 0.05. There were no statistically significant differences between the pretest and the posttest scores induced by the IAM-VR-CBTP. QEEG data analyses showed that the post-QEEG maps were characterized by mildly diminished (z -score < –
1.5) relative powers in theta (Fz and Cz), fast alpha (Cz), and slow beta (Cz) bands after the IAM-VR-CBTP intervention. The results suggest that the IAM-VR-CBTP had promising effects on abnormal brain activity underlying compulsive drinking behaviors, motivation to change, and anger experience
and unfair treatment by others and provide the first clinical evidence of IAM-VR-CBT on non-invasive neuromodulation and associated neuro-cognitive and behavioral outcomes in alcohol-dependent patients.
Diagnosis of Fetal Esophageal Atresia by Prenatal MRI and Analysis of Prognostic Factors
Authors: An Peng , Song Ping , An Kun , Liu Xinyi , Zhang Yanting , Gan Ling , Ye Derong , Liang Yuanying , Zhang Shunyu , Zhou Sufen , Xing Limin
Published: November 2020

Objective To investigate the value of prenatal ultrasound and MRI in the diagnosis of types I and III fetal esophageal atresia (EA), in addition to analyzing the factors related to prognosis. Methods The clinical data regarding six cases of type I and 39 cases of type
III EA, with the diagnosis confirmed by postnatal autopsy, MRI, CT, or surgical operation from November 2012 to January 2018, were retrospectively analyzed. Moreover, the prenatal ultrasound and MRI features were summarized. According to the prognosis, 45 fetuses with EA were divided into
study (poor prognosis) and control (better prognosis) groups. Logistic regression was used to analyze the prognostic factors. Results The imaging features of 45 EA cases were as follows: Ultrasound features of fetal EA: polyhydramnios (AFI ≥ 25), continuously absent stomach bubble
(rechecked 48 hours later), and reduced or no fetal swallowing over 30 minutes; the measured values for fetal head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and estimated fetal weight (EFW) were lower than expected according to the clinical gestational age. MRI features: appearance
of line-like long T1 and long T2 signals from the fetal neck to the esophagus at the upper mediastinal spinal anterior area; esophageal disconnection, sagging, or the appearance of a visible blind-ended pouch, and disappearance of the stomach bubble. Three cases (6.67%, 3/45) were diagnosed
accurately by prenatal ultrasound, while 45 cases (100%, 45/45) were diagnosed accurately by MRI after prenatal ultrasound suggested EA. The incidences of complex cardiovascular malformation, low birth weight ( < 1200 g), EA type (type I), hypoproteinemia, and an esophageal deletion length
> 5 cm were significantly higher in the poor prognosis group than those in the better prognosis group ( P < 0 05). Conclusions Due to interference factors such as fetal movement, excessive skin thickness, skeleton, and surrounding tissues and organs, only 6.67% of types I and
III EA were directly diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound in the present study. The risk factors for poor prognosis of EA were complex cardiovascular malformation, low birth weight, EA type, hypoproteinemia, and esophageal deletion length > 5 cm; when these ultrasound features were found, performing
MRI to diagnose EA and predict prognosis was valuable.
Computed Tomography and Statistical Health Informatics Analysis of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Gastrointestinal Patients
Authors: Zhang Lijie , Wang Wei
Published: November 2020

Objective: We statistically analyzed the status of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with gastroenterology and its correlation with gastrointestinal diseases in order to control the infection rate and reduce gastrointestinal diseases using health informatics and
computer tomography (CT). Methods: CT images from March 2014 to April 2016 were selected to analyze the incidence of 184 patients in the hospital. Among them, 78 cases of H. pylori infection were compared. We concluded that we compared clinical data and distribution of H.
pylori age, disease type, smoking, drinking, and other gastrointestinal diseases. Results: The positive rate was 42.39%. Linear regression models showed that age, occupation, smoking, alcohol consumption, and gastrointestinal diseases were risk factors for Helicobacter pylori
infection in patients with gastrointestinal diseases (P < 0.05). Both duodenal and gastric ulcers were positive. Higher than the positive rate of other gastrointestinal diseases. The positive rate of Helicobacter pylori in gastric polyps is lower than other gastrointestinal
diseases. Results obtained by detailed analysis of difference statistics using CT imaging (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Strengthening the screening of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with digestive medicine and analyzing its correlation with gastrointestinal diseases
is an effective way to prevent the occurrence of H. pylori. It is of great value to reduce the infection rate and prevent the occurrence of gastrointestinal diseases. We eventually confirmed this using CT image analysis.
Improved Tooth Crown Edge Smoothing Method Based on Noise Classification and Fitting
Authors: Ma Tian , Li Yurong
Published: November 2020

Because three-dimensional (3D) models of teeth are currently obtained via oral scanning, there are only the tooth crown and gingival surface part, lack of data on the roots of teeth, which is not conducive to the 3D reconstruction of teeth. In order to help doctors to carry out virtual
tooth correction, this paper studies the edge characteristics of the tooth crown model, removes the edge noise, which can better carry out the 3D reconstruction of teeth. Therefore, this paper proposes an improved method of tooth crown edge smoothing based on noise classification and fitting.
First, according to the characteristics of the tooth crown edge, the method of noise classification is proposed after fitting analysis. The noise can be divided into two types: the noise in the boundary line and the noise in the fitting curve. Then, the noise can be identified according to
the Gaussian curvature. Finally, the improved Laplacian smoothing and least squares fitting methods are used to remove the two types of noise, and the denoised tooth crown model is the output. The smoothing effect of the method is verified in terms of the noise removal rate, the patch filling
rate, and the patch deletion rate. Compared with the traditional Laplacian smoothig, the new method exhibited a noise removal rate increase of 86.0%, a probability of patch filling that approximately doubled, and a probability of patch deletion that basically remained the same. Compared with
the least squares fitting method, the new method exhibited a noise removal rate increase of 75.9%, a patch filling reduction of 22.61%, and a patch deletion reduction of 22.14%.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Properties of N and Fe Co-Doped TiO2 Nanocomposites with Reduced Graphene Oxide for Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Li Zhanguo , Shi Chao , Wang Lijuan , Sun Lijing , Sun Qiang
Published: November 2020

Photocatalytic nanocomposites of titanium dioxide (TiO2) were prepared by hydrothermal method. Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was applied to prepare various TiO2 composites of doped nanoparticles by using NH4Cl and FeCl3 as sources. The structure
and morphology of these composites showed that TiO2 was loaded on surface of RGO. Meanwhile, the agglomeration of TiO2 decreased and the dispersion became uniform for doped materials. Under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation, the photocatalytic degradation of volatile
organic compounds (VOC) by RGO/TiO2 composites with codoping of N and Fe reached to 90.5%. The photocatalytic degradation was higher than RGO/TiO2 composites and pure TiO2 by 1.8 and 5.9 times, respectively. The role of co-doping composites may have a possible
mechanism for toluene under UV light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic properties were attributed to N and Fe doping which generated intermediate energy level, extended absorption and decreased band gap of UV light.
Nanofluid Viscoelastic Fluid Flow with Thermophoresis
Authors: Abdel-Rahman Gamal M. , El-Fayez Faiza M. N.
Published: November 2020

We in this study investigated Brownian motion and thermophoresis effects embedded in a porous medium flow with heat transfer generation and chemical reaction on a stretching sheet and Jeffrey fluid model for viscoelastic nanofluid under the effects of magnetic field and thermal radiation.
The nanofluid was assumed incompressible and the flow was laminar, with base fluid containing the following types of nanoparticles: Copper (Cu), Aluminum (Al2O3) and Titanium Oxide (TiO2). The governing continuity, momentum, and energy equations for the nanofluid
were reduced using similarity transformation and converted into a system of non-Linear ordinary differential equations which were solved numerically. Numerical solutions were also obtained for the velocity, temperature and nanoparticle concentration fields, as well as for skin friction coefficient
and Nusselt number. Finally, numerical values for the physical quantities, such as local skin-friction coefficient, local Nusselt number, local Sherwood number and wall deposition flux are herein presented in tabular form.
Tigris Basin Landscapes: Sensitivity of Vegetation Index NDVI to Climate Variability Derived from Observational and Reanalysis Data
Authors: Alhumaima A. S. , Abdullaev S. M.
Published: November 2020

The primary aim of this work is to study the response of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of landscapes in the lower Tigris basin to current global and regional climate variability presented, respectively, by the global circulation indices and monthly temperatures and precipitation extracted from five observational/reanalysis datasets. The second task is to find the dataset that best reflects the regional vegetation and climate conditions. Comparison of the Köppen–Trewartha bioclimatic landscapes with the positions of botanical districts, land-cover types, and streamflow estimates led to the conclusion that only two datasets correctly describe regional climatic zones. Therefore, searching for the NDVI response to regional climate variability requires the use of normalized analogs of temperatures and precipitations, as well as the Spearman rank correlation. We found that March/April NDVI, as proxies of the maximum biological productivity of the regional landscapes, are strongly correlated with October–March precipitation derived from three datasets and January–March temperatures derived from one dataset. We discovered the significant impact of autumn–winter El Niño–Southern Oscillation and winter Indian Oceanic dipole states on regional weather (e.g., all five recent severe droughts occurred during strong La Niña events). However, the strength of this impact on the vegetation was clearly linked to the zonal landscape type. By selecting pairs of the temperature/precipitation time series that best correlated with NDVI at a given landscape, we have built a synthetic climate dataset. The landscape approach presented in this work can be used to validate the viability of any dataset when assessing the impacts of climate change and variability on weather-dependent components of Earth’s surface.
Event-triggered guaranteed cost control of time-varying delayed fuzzy systems with limited communication
Authors: Li Yinlin , Jia Lihao , Ji Yidao , Li Rui
Published: November 2020

Modern network applications place higher demands on its controller, especially for those with time-varying delays and limited communication capacity. For such cases, the fuzzy system has already become an advanced and powerful tool to deal with the control problem in consideration of a guaranteed cost performance. In this paper, we introduce the event-triggered mechanism with quantization effect to the controller, which proves to be more effective in terms of the information transmission. We adopt the classical Lyapunov approach to find the sufficient conditions for the controller and we illustrate the effectiveness of the controller with a numerical simulation.
Polyoxymethylene/graphene nanocomposites: thermal, crystallization, melting and rheological behavior
Authors: Santos Clara Luz de Souza , Dias Marcos Lopes , Silva Marcelo Henrique Prado da
Published: November 2020

Polyoxymethylene (POM) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) nanocomposites were produced and their thermal properties investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Torque rheology was used to evaluate melted nanocomposites behavior. As nanofiller, two commercial GNP grades were used and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), DSC and TGA showing great morphological and structural differences. Nanocomposites thermal stability has increased for additions up to 0.25 wt.% of both nanoparticles. However, for concentrations above 0.50 wt.%, severe matrix degradation was observed. The extent of the effect on the thermal stability of the materials also varied with the grade of GNP used and seems to be related with GNP’s extent of oxidation and defect density. The extrusion process was optimized in order to minimize secondary thermal degradation mechanisms, showing that the nanofiller nature is the most relevant factor in POM/GNP based systems. DSC analyzes showed that the addition of GNP interferes with the polymer crystallization process, alters the degree of crystallinity and increases the crystallization temperature, indicating that GNP acts as a nucleating agent for POM. The torque rheology showed that slope and level of the torque curve seems to be related with the stabilization or degradation effect observed in the thermal analysis, allowing immediate qualitative evaluation of degradation effect during extrusion process.
Left politics and popular culture in Britain: From left-wing populism to ‘popular leftism’
Authors: Dean Jonathan
Published: November 2020

This article analyses the cultural traction and media visibility yielded by left-wing ideas and people during Jeremy Corbyn’s tenure as British Labour Party leader (2015–2019), while also offering some more general reflections on the relationship between left politics and popular culture. I begin by noting that the cultural and media aspects of Corbynism have largely been neglected in the scholarly literature. I then go on to caution against the temptation of subsuming the cultural aspects of Corbyn-era left politics under the label of ‘left-wing populism’. Instead, I defend a conception of ‘popular leftism’ as distinct from ‘left-wing populism’, via an engagement with Stuart Hall’s classic essay ‘Notes on Deconstructing the Popular’, as well as Sarah Banet-Wesier’s recent work on popular feminism. The second half of the article maps key features of ‘popular leftism’ as a distinct cultural/political formation that has emerged ‘in and against’ neoliberalism. In particular, it focuses on media visibility, affective tenor, and tactical and intellectual dynamics. While popular leftism’s entanglement with neoliberalism has proved problematic for its transformative capacity, I nonetheless conclude that its emergence is testament to the importance of popular cultural production and consumption in shaping recent iterations of left politics in Britain.
Systematic Evaluation of a Multi-Lane Green-Driving Algorithm in a Mixed Connected Environment
Authors: Yang Hao , Oguchi Kentaro
Published: November 2020

Vehicles traveling under oscillated traffic have low energy efficiency and high air pollutant emissions. Green driving with the help of connected vehicles (CVs) attracts a lot of research effort to improve vehicle energy efficiency. However, it is very challenging to perform green driving on multi-lane freeways under a mixed connected environment. In the researchers’ previous work, one innovative green-driving algorithm was proposed to solve the multi-lane problem with only one CV. In this study, a systematic analysis of the algorithm is conducted to understand its benefits and limitations on smoothing traffic oscillations. The effect of the steady states and the number of lanes is also analyzed. In addition, the algorithm is extended to a more general scenario with multiple CVs. The extended system coordinates multiple CVs to form multiple moving bottlenecks to mitigate traffic oscillation more efficiently as well as providing more realistic instructions to CVs. The evaluation of the extended system concludes with the most effective strategies to control CVs to smooth oscillations.
Timing of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Relationship With Meniscal Tears: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Prodromidis Apostolos D. , Drosatou Chrysoula , Thivaios Georgios C. , Zreik Nasri , Charalambous Charalambos P.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures are common, but the ideal timing for ACL reconstruction after injury is unclear with regard to meniscal insult.

Purpose:

To determine whether there is a relationship between timing from ACL rupture to ACL reconstruction and development of meniscal tears within this period.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was undertaken independently by 2 reviewers using the Cochrane method for systematic reviews in 5 online databases. The reviewers performed independent data extraction and assessment of risk of bias and study quality. The search included any comparative study, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective and retrospective cohort studies, and case-control studies of an adult population, that assessed the relationship between timing of ACL reconstruction surgery and rates of meniscal tears.

Results:

After screening, 12 studies (No. of participants = 3042) out of 3390 records were included for analysis: 3 RCTs (n = 272), 2 prospective cohort studies (n = 307), and 7 retrospective cohort studies (n = 2463). In analysis of these studies, rates of reported meniscal tears were compared for ACL procedures performed at 3 and 6 months after injury. Meta-analysis of 5 studies (n = 2012) showed that ACL reconstruction performed >3 months after injury was associated with a higher rate of medial meniscal tears compared with ACL reconstruction performed within 3 months of injury (estimated OR, 2.235; 95% CI, 1.183-4.223; P = .013) but not with a higher rate of lateral meniscal tears. Similarly, meta-analysis of 4 studies (n = 990) showed that ACL reconstruction performed >6 months after injury was associated with a higher rate of medial meniscal tears compared with ACL reconstruction performed within 6 months of injury (estimated OR, 2.487; 95% CI, 1.241-4.984; P = .01) but not with a higher rate of lateral meniscal tears.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that delay of ACL reconstruction surgery >3 months after injury is associated with a higher rate of medial meniscal tears within this prereconstruction time frame. Further high-quality prospective studies may help determine whether this is a causal effect. However, based on current evidence, in those patients for whom ACL reconstruction is indicated, ACL reconstruction within 3 months of injury may be recommended.

Registration:

CRD42016032846 (PROSPERO)
Adaptive Meyer wavelet filters for machinery fault diagnosis based on harmonic infinite-taxicab norm and grasshopper optimization algorithm
Authors: Mo Zhenling , Zhang Heng , Wang Jinglin , Wang Jianyu , Fu Hongyong , Miao Qiang
Published: November 2020

Meyer wavelet filters are the key building blocks of empirical wavelet transform. In mechanical fault diagnosis, however, the boundaries of Meyer wavelet filters are usually defined empirically. In order to solve the problems, this paper proposes a new index called harmonic infinite-taxicab norm to guide grasshopper optimization algorithm to primarily optimize a band-pass filter and thus, concurrently and secondarily optimize a low-pass filter and a high-pass filter of Meyer wavelet. The proposed index is inspired by spectral Lp/Lq norm and it is closely related to fault characteristic frequency of rotating machinery. In addition, only three Meyer wavelet filters are demanded in each iteration of optimization. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by comparing with fast kurtogram method on analyzing faulty bearing data and gearbox data.
Inter-lobe clearance estimation for twin-screw rotor pairs with point-meshing features
Authors: Hoàng Minh-Thuận , Wu Yu-Ren
Published: November 2020

In practical production, it is impossible even to measure the inter-lobe (meshing) clearance of a screw rotor pair. However, understanding of the clearance distribution is essential since it is a major leakage path which greatly affects the twin-screw pump performance. Previous publications did not disclose explicit detail on how to calculate the meshing clearance for screw rotor pairs with point-meshing features. Therefore, this study proposes a meshing clearance calculation method for screw rotor pairs with point-meshing features. The complex meshing clearance can be simply determined by calculating the shortest distance between two normal-rack profiles generated using point-enveloping principle. Clearance distributions are much more intelligible to be exhibited on a 3-D contact line and the rotor profile. Due to its immeasurability in practice, the adaptability and the solution accuracy of the proposed numerical method are verified by applications on different rotor profiles and comparisons with measured results from a 3-D CAD model. The meshing clearance in a variable-pitch screw rotor pair and the clearance adjustability are also illustrated through the proposed examples.
Barriers to Institutional Delivery Services in Districts With the Lowest Institutional Delivery Coverage in Bhutan
Authors: Gurung Mongal Singh , Wangdi Sonam , Lethro Pema , Tshomo Tashi , Dema Tashi , Pelzom Dorji
Published: November 2020

Bhutan aims to achieve 100% institutional delivery coverage. While evidence indicates improved institutional delivery coverage over the years, coverage in some of the districts is only 49%. This study was aimed at exploring barriers to institutional delivery in three low-coverage districts. In-depth qualitative interviews and six focus group discussions were conducted in December 2015. The analysis was done as per the Braun and Clarke’s 6-phase guide to doing thematic analysis. This study sheds light on 15 barriers for institutional deliveries, which include hesitancy to seek health care when the pregnancy is out of wedlock, the restriction of alcohol consumption at health centers, fear of hypothermia in cold places, pastoralism, health care providers shortage, lack of maternity waiting home and food, distance, difficult terrain, lack of transportation services, and financial constraints. Some of these barriers could be unique to Bhutan. The coverage could be improved considerably if the recommendations in this article are implemented.
Capacitance creep and recovery behavior of magnetorheological elastomers
Authors: Fan Yuqin , Qin Hong , Lu Chuan , Liao Changrong , Chen Xianping , Yu Jiabing , Xie Lei
Published: November 2020

As a novel conductive elastomer, magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) featuring both high sensitivity and wide working range have been employed as a new sensing material for flexible tactile sensors. Their sensing mechanism, that is, the spatial distribution rearrangement of particles under compression, completely differs from their conventional counterparts. The piezo-capacitive effect of MREs resulting from the unique mechanism of particles rearrangement is actually a response to the microscopic mechanical movement of particles. This nature brings a core concern on the intrinsic relationship between their mechanical and electrical properties. This study illuminates them from the perspective of electrical creep and recovery behavior of MREs. We give a meaningful analysis for the capacitance creep-recovery mechanism. The experimental fact strongly demonstrated that the particles rearrangement was the direct cause, while the strain creep was an indirect cause. All the behaviors were well interpreted by an evolution mechanism of the particles rearrangement driven by the mechanical strain creep of the flexible matrix under constant pressure. In simpler terms, the electrical creep was induced by the mechanical creep. We further explored the creep effect in practical applications and found a “self-healing” behavior, which indicated that the MRE sensors could obtain a stable sensing capability after a pre-processing.
Impact of a Pharmacist-Led Intensive Care Unit Sleep Improvement Protocol on Sleep Duration and Quality
Authors: Andrews Jessica L. , Louzon Patricia R. , Torres Xavier , Pyles Eric , Ali Mahmood H. , Du Yuan , Devlin John W.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Sleep improvement protocols are recommended for use in the intensive care unit (ICU) despite questions regarding which interventions to include, whether sleep quality or duration will improve, and the role of pharmacists in their development and implementation.

Objective:

To characterize the impact of a pharmacist-led, ICU sleep improvement protocol on sleep duration and quality as evaluated by a commercially available activity tracker and patient perception.

Methods:

Critical care pharmacists from a 40-bed, mixed ICU at a large community hospital led the development and implementation of an interprofessional sleep improvement protocol. It included daily pharmacist medication review to reduce use of medications known to disrupt sleep or increase delirium and guideline-based recommendations on both environmental and nonpharmacological sleep-focused interventions. Sleep duration and quality were compared before (December 2018 to December 2019) and after (January to June 2019) protocol implementation in non–mechanically ventilated adults using both objective (total nocturnal sleep time [TST] measured by an activity tracker (Fitbit Charge 2) and subjective (patient-perceived sleep quality using the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire [RCSQ]) measures.

Results:

Groups before (n = 48) and after (n = 29) sleep protocol implementation were well matched. After protocol implementation, patients had a longer TST (389 ± 123 vs 310 ± 147 minutes; P = 0.02) and better RCSQ-perceived sleep quality (63 ± 18 vs 42 ± 24 mm; P = 0.0003) compared with before implementation.

Conclusion and Relevance:

A sleep protocol that incorporated novel elements led to objective and subjective improvements in ICU sleep duration and quality. Application of this study may result in increased utilization of sleep protocols and pharmacist involvement.
Mill on Deference and Democratic Character
Authors: Arellano Alec
Published: November 2020

Citizens of liberal democracies today increasingly exhibit a distrust of perceived elites, especially experts and those of advanced educational attainment more generally. John Stuart Mill’s work offers potential responses to this phenomenon. Mill regards deference to superior wisdom as an essential part of a well-developed character while esteeming independent thought. Although his emphasis on the importance of character formation is well known, his concern for inculcating a salutary form of deference has been underexplored. I show how Mill’s approaches to this task include redesigning the political process to amplify the voice of the highly educated, promoting more widespread opportunities for learning, and consistently emphasizing the partiality of human understanding. I also compare Mill’s treatment of the place of deference in democratic politics with that of Alexis de Tocqueville’s, and consider how Tocqueville might critique Mill’s strategies for cultivating deference. In so doing, I demonstrate how these authors provide us with resources for navigating the tensions between popular sovereignty and expertise, and between independent thought and intellectual authority.
Biomechanical Comparison of 2 Common Techniques of Minimally Invasive Hallux Valgus Correction
Authors: Aiyer Amiethab , Massel Dustin H. , Siddiqui Noman , Acevedo Jorge I.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Hallux valgus is one of the most common surgically corrected forefoot deformities. Compared to open procedures, minimally invasive (MIS) treatment of hallux valgus has resulted in decreased operative time, reduced complication rates, and greater patient satisfaction. Historically, distal chevron osteotomies are the standard for moderate hallux valgus correction. To our knowledge, no studies have evaluated biomechanical strength of transverse and chevron distal first metatarsal osteotomy (DMO) constructs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical strength of these techniques.

Methods:

Eighteen cadaveric specimens (9 matched pairs) were randomized to transverse or chevron DMO. Each technique was performed by a separate fellowship-trained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon. Radiographic images were analyzed. Biomechanical testing was performed using Instron Mechanical System. Ultimate load to failure, yield load, and stiffness were assessed. A 10-N preload was applied to the sesamoid bones for stability. A coaxial compression rate (10 mm/min) was applied until failure was observed. Mean and standard deviations were compared. All cadaveric specimens were male.

Results:

There was no significant difference in percent metadiaphyseal shift between osteotomies ( P = .453). The most common mode of failure was fracture at screw insertion site (55.6%), followed by failure at osteotomy site (44.4%). A trend toward increased ultimate load to failure ( P = .480), yield load ( P = .054), and stiffness ( P = .438) among transverse compared to chevron osteotomy was observed, but this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Biomechanical testing demonstrated no significant difference in ultimate load, yield load, and stiffness between MIS transverse and chevron osteotomy constructs; a trend toward increased strength in the transverse osteotomy cohort was observed. Chevron osteotomies may result in early failure by relative ease of cutout through cancellous bone compared to transverse osteotomies in which failure requires cortical cutout.

Clinical Relevance:

Use of MIS techniques for hallux valgus correction is gaining clinical traction. Although various clinical studies have evaluated outcomes of these MIS techniques, biomechanical studies have been minimal. Specifically, the potential biomechanical benefits of various MIS hallux valgus osteotomy techniques have not been delineated to date. The content of this manuscript is quite timely, given the rise in use of these MIS techniques.
Incidence of ifosfamide induced encephalopathy in patients receiving concomitant fosaprepitant
Authors: Modi Jill N , Cimino Sarah K
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The incidence of Ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy (IIE) ranges from 5-30%. Aprepitant and fosaprepitant may increase the risk of IIE; however, data is limited. The objective of this study was to characterize the incidence of IIE in patients receiving concomitant fosaprepitant.

Methods

This single-center, retrospective chart review included adult patients diagnosed with sarcoma who received at least one administration of high dose ifosfamide (≥1800mg/m2) and fosaprepitant between January 2017 and June 2018. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patient cycles in which IIE was experienced. Secondary endpoints included characterization of IIE management strategies, time to IIE resolution, and the incidence of IIE upon ifosfamide re-challenge. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess whether the following variables predisposed a patient to neurotoxicity: elevated serum creatinine, hypoalbuminemia, metabolic acidosis, hyperbilirubinemia, shorter infusion time, and higher body mass index. The role of CYP2B6 inhibitors and prior cisplatin use were also examined.

Results

Fifty-one patients who received 215 total cycles of ifosfamide were included. Twenty (9.3%) patient cycles included documented evidence of IIE. The most common management strategies were to prolong the infusion time and administer methylene blue. The mean time to resolution of IIE was 2.58 days. The incidence of secondary IIE upon re-challenge was 26.3%. Baseline albumin <3.5 g/dL (p<0.001) was statistically associated with the development of IIE.

Conclusion

Co-administration of fosaprepitant and ifosfamide in sarcoma appears to be safe. Hypoalbuminemia was a notable risk factor confirmed in this study. Further research is needed to delineate IIE risk factors.
Is the Vertical-Horizontal Illusion a Byproduct of the Environmental Vertical Illusion?
Authors: Hahnel-Peeters Rebecka K. , Idoine Jessica L. , Jackson Russell E. , Goetz Aaron T.
Published: November 2020

The vertical-horizontal illusion is the overestimation of a vertical line compared to a horizontal line of the same length. Jackson and Cormack (2007) proposed that the vertical-horizontal illusion might be a byproduct of the mechanisms that generate the environmental vertical illusion, which is the tendency to overestimate vertical distances (i.e., heights) relative to horizontal distances the same length. In our study, 326 undergraduate participants stood atop an 18.6-meter parking structure and estimated both the height of the structure and the horizontal distance of a target placed 18.6 meters away, using a moveable horizontal target across the length of the structure. Participants also completed a vertical-horizontal illusion task by drawing a horizontal line below a 9.1 cm vertical line. We correlated vertical distance estimates with vertical line estimates to test Jackson and Cormack’s byproduct hypothesis. This hypothesis was very weakly—if at all—supported by the data: Participants’ overestimations in the vertical-horizontal illusion task explained 1% of the variance associated with their overestimations in the environmental vertical illusion task. Additionally, to test whether the environmental vertical illusion is impervious to explicit awareness, a random half of our participants were advised to be mindful that people tend to overestimate heights. The results supported our second hypothesis: Even when participants were made aware of the environmental vertical illusion, they still reliably overestimated heights. Discussion addressed implications for the robustness of the environmental vertical illusion (e.g., treatment of those with acrophobia).
The p48 flow diverter: First clinical results in 25 aneurysms in three centers
Authors: den Bergh FRA Van , De Beule T , van Rooij WJ , Voormolen MH , Van der Zijden T , Stockx L , van Zwam WH , Fransen H
Published: November 2020

Background

The novel low-profile p48 flow diverter has been designed to treat aneurysms on small vessels of 1.75–3mm. We report our first clinical experiences.

Methods

Between March 2018–January 2020, 22 patients with 25 aneurysms were treated with the p48 in 3 centers. One patient had 3 aneurysms covered by one p48 and one patient had 2 aneurysms. There were 5 men, 17 women, with a mean age of 55 years (median 59, range 29–73 years).

Results

In 25 aneurysms, 24 p48 flow diverters were placed. In 1 patient additional coils were placed in the aneurysm. Procedural vessel rupture by the micro guidewire occurred in 2 patients and vessel rupture during p48 balloon dilatation occurred in 1 patient. Overall, the permanent morbidity rate was 13.6% (3 of 22, 95%CI 3.9–34.2%) and mortality was 4.5% (1 of 22, 95%CI <0.01–23.5%). Most complications were procedure-related and not device-specific. Of 22 patients with 25 aneurysms treated with p48, 18 patients with 20 aneurysms had angiographic follow-up after 5–18 months. Of 19 aneurysms, 10 were occluded and 7 showed a remnant. Two aneurysms were open after 6 months. Three aneurysms were still not occluded after 12, 14, and 18 months and these 3 were retreated. Retreatment rate was 16% (3 of 19) and the adequate occlusion rate was 90% (17 of 19).

Conclusions

Treatment of aneurysms in small-caliber vessels with the p48 is feasible and effective but is not without complications. More data is needed to establish indications, safety, and efficacy more accurately.
The next step in balloon assisted endovascular neurosurgical procedures: A case series of initial experience with the Scepter Mini balloon microcatheter
Authors: Mehta Tapan , Hassan Ameer , Masood Kamran , Tekle Wondwossen , Grande Andrew , Tummala Ramachandra , Jagadeesan Bharathi D
Published: November 2020

Background

The use of compliant dual lumen balloon microcatheters (CDLB) for the endovascular treatment of vascular malformations, wide neck aneurysms, and intracranial angioplasty (for vasospasm) is well documented. Navigation of 4 mm or larger CDLB within tortuous and small distal intracranial vessels can be challenging. Recently, the lower profile Scepter Mini balloon microcatheter (SMB) has been approved for use, with potential for improved intracranial navigation.

Objective

Discuss operative experience of Scepter Mini (Microvention, Aliso Viejo, CA).

Methods

We describe our initial experience with the SMB in a series of nine patients.

Results

The balloon microcatheter was used for delivery of liquid embolic in six patients (Case 1, 2, 6–9), adjunct support for delivery or positioning of the Woven Endobridge (WEB) device in two (Case 3,4), and gentle post-deployment repositioning of a WEB device in the last one (Case 5). We were able to successfully navigate the SMB over a 0.008 “micro wire to the target lesion in all the patients. We experienced initial difficulty with injecting liquid embolic in Case 2. We postulate that the SMB was in a tortuous segment of a dural vessel in this patient, and that it kinked on inflation with occlusion of the liquid embolic delivery lumen; this was overcome with slightly proximal repositioning and reinflation of the SMB.

Conclusion

Our initial experience shows that the SMB has potential to be useful in endovascular neurosurgical procedures requiring balloon assistance within smaller diameter blood vessels.