bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intention to Acquire and M&As: Evidence from European IPOs
Authors: Charitou Andreas , Karamanou Irene , Loizides George
Published: July 2020

In this study, we examine whether an IPO’s voluntary disclosure on the intention to engage in future M&A activity affects the market reaction to a subsequent acquisition and whether it is related to the acquisition’s long-run performance. Using a dataset of European IPOs during the period 2001–2017, we first document that disclosers are more likely to engage in future M&A activity than non-disclosers, thus supporting that such costless disclosures are credible. Secondly, we document a less positive market reaction around the announcement of an acquisition for disclosers than for non-disclosers, consistent with the anticipation hypothesis. Additional analyses suggest, however, that the market reaction is stronger and positive for target firms in countries with weak shareholder protection and legal environment and lower information quality. This suggests that when the acquisition is deemed more uncertain, the market perceives the disclosure of the intention to acquire as capturing a more diligent acquisition plan, consistent with the preparation hypothesis. Finally, results show that the long-run performance of the combined entity is more negative for disclosers than for non-disclosers. However, consistent with the market reaction results, this relation is reversed when the acquired company operates in a poor investor protection environment, suggesting that these acquisitions are associated with better long-term performance consistent with the conjecture that these acquisitions are also more carefully planned.
Reshaping the Global Order in the Post COVID-19 Era: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Akon Md. Saifullah , Rahman Mahfujur
Published: July 2020

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) — an infectious disease that is spread across the world in the last couple of months — has been declared as a global pandemic because of quick infections and a large number of deaths in the worst-affected countries. The impacts of this pandemic are very significant for the existing global political and economic leadership. The internal policies of the United States and other European countries have plunged the whole world into uncertainty, where China emerges as a new savior. Considering the global politics amid COVID-19, the paper’s main objective is to find out the role of the current global leaders amid COVID-19 and the future of global leadership. Following the qualitative methods of research, this paper critically analyzes the active global role of China to fight against this pandemic by providing necessary assistance to the affected countries. However, this paper shows that although China has emerged as the protector of countries during the coronavirus period, it will have to face many obstacles in leading the post-COVID-19 world order. This paper will help further research on the future of China’s One Belt One Road (OBOR) policy, which is now being used as a ‘global health silk road’.
How to make a microcosm into a universe
Authors: Yaffe Philip
Published: July 2020

Each "Communication Corner" essay is self-contained; however, they build on each other. For best results, before reading this essay and doing the exercise, go to the first essay "How an Ugly Duckling Became a Swan," then read each succeeding essay.

In general you can't get people to read something if they believe it is totally outside their domain of interest. Some will nevertheless read the first couple of lines to confirm what they believed that already knew. Here is a technique that could rapidly change their mind.
Sanity vs. Invisible Markings
Authors: Neville-Neil George
Published: July 2020

Invisible and near-invisible markings bring us to the human part of the problem?not that code editor authors aren’t human, but most of us will not write new editors, though all of us will use editors. As we all know, once upon a time computers had small memories and the difference between a tab, which is a single byte, and a corresponding number of spaces (8) could be a significant difference between the size of source code stored on a precious disk, and also transferred, over whatever primitive and slow bus, from storage into memory.
Localised atmospheric corrosion of magnesium-aluminium alloys produced by semi solid casting - A 2D and 3D investigation
Authors: Shahabi-Navid Mehrdad , Halvarsson Mats , Svensson Jan-Erik , Allanore Antoine , Birbilis Nick , Johansson Lars-Gunnar , Esmaily Mohsen
Published: July 2020

The localised corrosion of two magnesium-aluminium alloys produced by a semi-solid casting method was studied herein. Specifically, atmospheric corrosion, which comparatively less widely studied in the case of magnesium alloys, was explored for the alloys AM50 and AZ91. Gravimetry confirmed the beneficial effect from ambient levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in suppressing corrosion through the formation magnesium hydroxy carbonates. Both 2D and 3D characterisation revealed that ambient CO2 has a strong influence on the morphology and rate of localised corrosion. A CO2-free atmosphere resulted in the formation of deep, clustered and interconnected corrosion, whereas ambient CO2 resulted in isolated and shallow surface corrosion. The results herein support the notion that the CO2 induced acidity causes neutralisation of the catholyte, diminishing the activity of the cathodic areas and inhibiting NaCl (aq) droplet coalescence.
Composite Compensation Control of Robotic System Subject to External Disturbance and Various Actuator Faults
Authors: Sheng Hao , Liu Xia
Published: July 2020

This paper studies the problems of external disturbance and various actuator faults in a nonlinear robotic system. A composite compensation control scheme consisting of adaptive sliding mode controller and observer-based fault-tolerant controller is proposed. First, a sliding mode controller is designed to suppress the external disturbance, and an adaptive law is employed to estimate the bound of the disturbance. Next, a nonlinear observer is designed to estimate the actuator faults, and a fault-tolerant controller is obtained based on the observer. Finally, the composite compensation control scheme is obtained to simultaneously compensate the external disturbance and various actuator faults. It is proved by Lyapunov function that the disturbance compensation error and fault compensation error can converge to zero in finite time. The theoretical results are verified by simulations. Compared to the conventional fault reconstruction scheme, the proposed control scheme can compensate the disturbance while dealing with various actuator faults. The fault compensation accuracy is higher, and the fault error convergence rate is faster. Moreover, the robot can track the desired position trajectory more accurately and quickly.
Sleep Quality and Associated Factors among Peoples with Epilepsy Who Have a Follow-Up at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2019: An Institutional Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Adem Kemeriya , Kassew Tilahun , Birhanu Addis , Abate Ayalew
Published: July 2020

Background. Sleep is an active cyclic biological phenomenon and necessary for survival. Individuals who suffer from sleep disturbance are less productive, decreased performance, and negative effects on mental health. Despite there are different studies on sleep quality in Ethiopia, no studies have been conducted on magnitude and predictors of sleep quality among people with epilepsy in the study setting. Objective. To assess sleep quality and associated factors among people with epilepsy who have a follow-up at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2019. Method. An institution-based cross-sectional study was employed from May-June 2019. Systematic random sampling following face to face interview technique was employed. Epi-data version 3.1 and SPSS version 25 statistical packages were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Frequencies, proportions, means, SDs, and cross-tabulations were used to summarize descriptive statistics of the data and tables, texts, and graphs were used for data presentation. To identify association and significant predictor with the outcome variable, binary logistic regression was fitted. The variable which has statistical significance was identified on the basis of p values ≤ 0.05 and AOR with 95% confident intervals. Results. A total of 423 participants have been enrolled to the study with a response rate of 98.1%. The prevalence of poor sleep quality among peoples live with epilepsy was found 65.4% (95% CI: 61.0, 69.9). Being female (AOR=2.94; (95% CI; 1.79, 4.85)), having stress full life events (AOR=2.38; (95% CI; 1.43, 3.97)), nonadherent to AED medication (AOR=1.86; (95% CI; 1.05, 2.78), poly-therapy treatment (AOR=2.24; (95% CI; 1.05, 2.78)), poor seizer control (AOR=2.4; (95% CI; 2.21, 12.46)), comorbid medical illness (AOR=2.6; (95% CI; 1.18, 5.61)), and anxiety (AOR=2.54; (95% CI; 1.52,4.24)) were factors significantly associated with poor sleep quality. Conclusion. This study revealed that more than half of the study participants were found to have poor sleep quality. So, considering the regular assessment of sleep quality and factors associated followed with appropriate intervention is recommended among peoples living with epilepsy.
Assessing the Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis Patients’ Voice: Comparison of Health-Related Quality of Life Experiences from Patients of Two Countries
Authors: Timbergen Milea J. M. , van der Graaf Winette T. A. , Grünhagen Dirk J. , Younger Eugenie , Sleijfer Stefan , Dunlop Alison , Dean Lucy , Verhoef Cornelis , van de Poll-Franse Lonneke V. , Husson Olga
Published: July 2020

Purpose. Desmoid-type fibromatosis (DTF) is a rare, nonmetastasising soft tissue tumour. Symptoms, unpredictable growth, lack of definitive treatments, and the chronic character of the disease can significantly impact health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed at identifying the most important HRQoL issues according to DTF patients in two countries, in order to devise a specific HRQoL questionnaire for this patient group. Methods. DTF patients and healthcare providers (HCPs) from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom individually ranked 124 issues regarding diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, recurrence, living with DTF, healthcare, and supportive care experiences, according to their relevance. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate priority scores. Results. The most highly ranked issues by patients (n = 29) were issues concerning “tumour growth,” “feeling that there is something in the body that does not belong there,” and “fear of tumour growth into adjacent tissues or organs” with mean (M) scores of 3.0, 2.9, and 2.8, respectively (Likert scale 1–4). British patients scored higher on most issues compared to Dutch patients (M 2.2 vs. M 1.5). HCPs (n = 31) gave higher scores on most issues compared to patients (M 2.3 vs. M 1.8). Conclusion. This study identified the most relevant issues for DTF patients, which should be included in a DTF-specific HRQoL questionnaire. Additionally, we identified differences in priority scores between British and Dutch participating patients. Field testing in a large, international cohort is needed to confirm these findings and to devise a comprehensive and specific HRQoL questionnaire for DTF patients.
Anticancer Effect of Mountain Ginseng on Human Breast Cancer: Comparison with Farm‐Cultivated Ginseng
Authors: Kim Jungeun , Yoo Jae-Myung , Kim Jin Soo , Kim Sun-Gun , Park Jong Eel , Seok Young Mi , Son Jun-Ho , Kim Hyo Jung
Published: July 2020

Mountain ginseng has been used generally as a pharmacopuncture for cancer therapy in clinical practice in Northeast Asia. Nonetheless, there have been few scientific reports for the anticancer action of mountain ginseng. In this study, we investigated whether mountain ginseng extract (MGE) could inhibit the growth of breast cancer in in vitro and in vivo models. MGE showed stronger cytotoxicity than farm‐cultivated ginseng extract (FGE) through promoting ROS generation. Also MGE dose‐dependently brought about mitochondrial dysfunction in MCF‐7 cells. In addition, MGE induced apoptosis through enhancing the activities of caspase‐3/7 by regulation of expression of Bcl‐2, Bax, cytochrome c, and cleaved caspase‐3 in the MCF‐7 cells. Consistent with the in vitro results, MGE significantly reduced tumor weights compared with FGE in mice transplanted with MCF‐7 cells, and it regulated the expression of apoptosis‐related proteins, such as Bcl‐2, Bax, cytochrome c, cleaved caspase‐3, and cleaved PARP, in the tumor tissues. Additionally, MGE included higher total ginsenoside contents than FGE. In conclusion, MGE, which is richer in ginsenosides, exerts a stronger anticancer action than FGE in breast cancer. The anticancer action of MGE may be closely correlated with caspase‐mediated apoptosis through upregulating ROS generation. Therefore, these findings may be helpful for a clinical understanding of the anticancer mechanism of MGE for breast cancer patients.
A Novel Neural Network-Based SINS/DVL Integrated Navigation Approach to Deal with DVL Malfunction for Underwater Vehicles
Authors: Li Wanli , Chen Mingjian , Zhang Chao , Zhang Lundong , Chen Rui
Published: July 2020

A navigation grade Strapdown Inertial Navigation System (SINS) combined with a Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) is widely used for autonomous navigation of underwater vehicles. Whether the DVL is able to provide continuous velocity measurements is of crucial importance to the integrated navigation precision. Considering that the DVL may fail during the missions, a novel neural network-based SINS/DVL integrated navigation approach is proposed. The nonlinear autoregressive exogenous (NARX) neural network, which is able to provide reliable predictions, is employed. While the DVL is available, the neural network is trained by the body frame velocity and its increment from the SINS and the DVL measurements. Once the DVL fails, the well trained network is able to forecast the velocity which can be used for the subsequent navigation. From the experimental results, it is clearly shown that the neural network is able to provide reliable velocity predictions for about 200 s–300 s during DVL malfunction and hence maintain the short-term accuracy of the integrated navigation.
The Depletion of ABI3BP by MicroRNA-183 Promotes the Development of Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Cai Hongfei , Li Yang , Qin Da , Wang Rui , Tang Ze , Lu Tianyu , Cui Youbin
Published: July 2020

Background. Esophageal cancer (EC), as a serious threat to human life and health, is one of the most common cancers around the world. Many studies have suggested that many microRNAs are involved in tumorigenesis and progression. Methods. To search for a novel and promising predictive therapeutic target or biomarker to achieve the goal of the early diagnosis and treatment of EC, we used the EC cell lines Eca-109 and KYSE-150 and normal human esophageal epithelial cells (HEECs) to investigate the effect of ABI3BP on EC. Results. We found that ABI family member 3 binding protein (ABI3BP) was downregulated in EC and suppressed the proliferation, activity, migration, and invasion of EC cells. ABI3BP was downregulated by miR-183, which plays the role of an oncogene. Conclusion. ABI3BP and miR-183 can be considered potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of patients with EC and can be effective targets for antitumor therapy.
Analysis and Evaluation of Braille to Text Conversion Methods
Authors: Shokat Sana , Riaz Rabia , Rizvi Sanam Shahla , Khan Khalil , Riaz Farina , Kwon Se Jin
Published: July 2020

Technology is advancing rapidly in present times. To serve as a useful and connected part of the community, everyone is required to learn and update themselves on innovations. Visually impaired people fall behind in this regard because of their inherent limitations. To involve these people as active participants within communities, technology must be modified for their facilitation. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of various user input schemes designed for the visually impaired for Braille to natural language conversion. These techniques are analyzed in detail with a focus on their accessibility and usability. Currently, considerable effort has been made to design a touch-screen input mechanism for visually impaired people, such as Braille Touch, Braille Enter, and Edge Braille. All of these schemes use location-specific input and challenge visually impaired persons to locate specified places on the touch screen. Most of the schemes require special actions to switch between upper and lowercase and between numbers and special characters, which affects system usability. The key features used for accessing the performance of these techniques are efficiency, accuracy, and usability issues found in the applications. In the end, a comparison of all these techniques is performed. Outcomes of this analysis show that there is a strong need for application that put the least burden on the visually impaired users. Based on this survey, a guideline has been designed for future research in this area.
The Effect of H2S Pressure on the Formation of Multiple Corrosion Products on 316L Stainless Steel Surface
Authors: Shah M. , Ayob M. T. M. , Rosdan R. , Yaakob N. , Embong Z. , Othman N. K.
Published: July 2020

H2S gas when exposed to metal can be responsible for both general and localized corrosion, which depend on several parameters such as H2S concentration and the corrosion product layer formed. Therefore, the formation of passive film on 316L steel when exposed to H2S environment was investigated using several analysis methods such as FESEM and STEM/EDS analyses, which identified a sulfur species underneath the porous structure of the passive film. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that the first layer of CrO3 and Cr2O3 was dissolved, accelerated by the presence of H2S-Cl-. An FeS2 layer was formed by incorporation of Fe and sulfide; then, passivation by Mo took place by forming a MoO2 layer. NiO, Ni(OH)2, and NiS barriers are formed as final protection for 316L steel. Therefore, Ni and Mo play an important role as a dual barrier to maintain the stability of 316L steel in high pH2S environments. For safety concern, this paper is aimed to point out a few challenges dealing with high partial pressure of H2S and limitation of 316L steel under highly sour condition for the oil and gas production system.
Effects of Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Persoon Essential Oil Aromatherapy on Mood States and Salivary Cortisol Levels in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Chaiyasut Chaiyavat , Sivamaruthi Bhagavathi Sundaram , Wongwan Jakkrit , Thiwan Kanyarat , Rungseevijitprapa Wandee , Klunklin Areewan , Kunaviktikul Wipada
Published: July 2020

Aromatherapy is one of the complementary therapies to improve health. The aromatic essential oils have been used in the treatment procedure through inhalation of essential oil vapor, massage, and herbal bathing. Litsea species are generally used in traditional medicine, and Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Persoon is a potent fumigant plant, used in cosmetics and foods as essence. The chemical composition of the essential oil of different parts of L. cubeba has been found to be varied. L. cubeba essential oil (LEO) is known for the treatment of cognition‐associated discomforts. The current study assessed the impact of inhalation of LEO on mood states and salivary cortisol levels of healthy people. Fifteen healthy volunteers were involved in the study. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) Questionnaire and ELISA methods were employed to determine the mood states and salivary cortisol level, respectively. (‐)‐β‐pinene, β‐citral, cis‐ and trans‐citral, citronellal, limonene, linalool, and 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one were detected in LEO by GC‐MS analysis. The heart rate and blood pressure were not affected significantly during LEO exposure. The inhalation of LEO significantly improved the total mood disturbance and reduced the confusion among the healthy human subjects. LEO inhalation reduced the salivary cortisol level at a notable level. The results of the current study warrant further studies on the beneficial effect of LEO aromatherapy in healthy and diseased subjects to uncover the therapeutic nature of the L. cubeba plant.
Comprehensive Screening of Mouse T-Cell Epitopes in Human Herpesvirus 6B Glycoprotein H/L/Q1/Q2 Tetramer Complex
Authors: Okutani Mie , Kawabata Akiko , Nishimura Mitsuhiro , Nagamata Satoshi , Kuwabara Soichiro , Haseda Yasunari , Munakata Lisa , Suzuki Ryo , Mori Yasuko , Aoshi Taiki
Published: July 2020

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infects over 90% of people. The HHV-6 subtype, HHV-6B in particular, is often associated with exanthem subitum in early childhood. Exanthem subitum is usually self-limiting and good prognosis disease; however, some infants primarily infected with HHV-6B develop encephalitis/encephalopathy, and half of the patients developed encephalopathy reported to have neurological sequelae. Furthermore, after primary infection, HHV-6B remains in a latent state and sometimes reactivated in immunosuppressed patients, causing life-threatening severe encephalopathy. However, effective immunotherapies or vaccines for controlling HHV-6B infection and reactivation have not yet been established. Recently, we have found that the HHV-6B tetrameric glycoprotein (g) complex, gH/gL/gQ1/gQ2 is a promising vaccine candidate, and currently under preclinical development. To confirm our vaccine candidate protein complex induce detectable T-cell responses, in this study, we comprehensively screened CD4+and CD8+T-cell epitopes in the gH/gL/gQ1/gQ2 tetrameric complex protein in mice immunisation model. Both BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were immunised with the tetrameric complex protein or plasmid DNA encoding gH, gL, gQ1, and gQ2, and then restimulated with 162 20-mer peptides covering the whole gH/gL/gQ1/gQ2 sequences; multiple CD4+and CD8+T-cell-stimulating peptides were identified in both BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Our study demonstrates that gH/gL/gQ1/gQ2 tetramer-targeted vaccination has potential to induce T-cell responses in two different strains of mice and supports the future development and application of T-cell-inducing vaccine and immunotherapies against HHV-6B.
Long Noncoding RNAs Coregulated by Annexin A7 and JNK in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Identified by Whole‐Genome Expression Profiling
Authors: Deng Qi , Li Lianhong , Jin Yanling
Published: July 2020

Knockdown of Annexin A7 (ANXA7) or C‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) inhibits the proliferation, migration, invasion, and lymphatic adhesion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, suggesting that ANXA7 and JNK signaling pathways contribute to HCC growth and lymph node metastasis (LNM). While the intervening molecular pathways are largely unknown, emerging evidence suggests that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in ANXA7 and JNK signaling. To identify potential therapeutic targets for HCC, we screened for lncRNAs differentially expressed among Hca‐P cells stably expressing shRNA‐ANXA7, shRNA‐JNK, or control‐shRNA. RNA sequencing identified 216 lncRNAs differentially expressed between shRNA‐ANXA7 and control‐shRNA cells, of which 101 were downregulated and 115 upregulated, as well as 436 lncRNAs differentially expressed between shRNA‐JNK and control‐shRNA cells, of which 236 were downregulated and 200 upregulated. Fifty‐six lncRNAs were differentially expressed under both ANXA7 and JNK knockdown. We selected 4 of these for verification based on putative involvement in cancer regulation according to GO and KEEG analyses of target genes. Knockdown of ANXA7 or JNK suppressed expression of NONMMUT012084.2, NONMMUT024756.2, and ENSMUST00000130486, and enhanced expression of ENSMUST00000197932. These lncRNAs are intriguing candidate targets for mechanistic analysis of HCC progression and therapeutic intervention.
Virtual Time-Inverse OFDM Underwater Acoustic Channel Estimation Algorithm Based on Compressed Sensing
Authors: Li Yun , Chen Xihua , Sun Sanlin , Tan Zhicheng , Yao Xing
Published: July 2020

The severe multipath delay of the underwater acoustic channel, the Doppler shift, the severe time-varying characteristics, and sparsity make it difficult to obtain the channel state information in the channel estimation of the virtual time-reverse mirror OFDM, which makes the virtual time mirror subcarrier orthogonality easy to suffer damage; the focusing effect is not obvious. Therefore, this paper proposes a virtual time-inverse OFDM underwater acoustic channel estimation algorithm based on compressed sensing. The algorithm extracts the detection signal, constructs a sparse signal model of the delay-Doppler shift, and then performs preestimation of the underwater acoustic channel based on the compressed sensing theory. Then, by predicting the timing of the underwater acoustic channel and convolving with the received signal, the algorithm improves the focusing effect better. Experimental simulations show that compared with LS and OMP algorithms, the algorithm can accurately recover channel information from a small number of observations, reduce the bit error rate by 10%, and improve the accuracy of channel estimation and the time-inverse OFDM performance of virtual time.
Delayed Presentation of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia with Acute Respiratory Distress: Challenges in Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Hon Kam Lun , Fung Ronald C. M. , Leung Alexander K. C.
Published: July 2020

Delayed presentation of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) with acute respiratory distress beyond the newborn period may poise challenges in diagnosis and management. We report a 3-month-old infant who presented with acute-onset respiratory distress and left congenital diaphragmatic hernia that was relieved with thoracoscopic repair. CDH must be differentiated from pneumothorax or pulmonary cyst. Erroneous diagnosis and treatment with thoracocentesis could be disastrous. Pediatricians and surgeons must be aware of this condition to allow early diagnosis and expeditious management. Subcutaneous emphysema should not be misdiagnosed as pneumothorax and management is expectant.
Finite Time Output Feedback Attitude Tracking Control for Rigid Body Based on Extended State Observer
Authors: Duan Meng , Jia Yingmin
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the attitude tracking control problem of output feedback is investigated. A finite time extended state observer (FTESO) is designed through the homogeneous Lyapunov method to estimate the virtual angular velocity and total disturbances. Based on these estimated states, a finite time attitude tracking controller is developed. The numerical simulations are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Generation-Load Coordinative Scheduling considering the Demand-Response Uncertainty of Inverter Air Conditioners
Authors: Hu Wei , Yang Jin , Wu Yi , Zhang Weiguo , Li Xueming , Li Xiaorong , Gao Ciwei
Published: July 2020

Inverter air conditioners (IACs) have gradually become the mainstream of resident air-conditioning equipment. Similar to traditional fixed-frequency air conditioners, IACs have the potential for demand response and load scheduling. However, the uncertainty of IACs is nonnegligible in generation-load scheduling. In this paper, the uncertain demand-response cost of IACs is studied for the first time. Meanwhile, based on the cost, a generation-load coordinative day-ahead scheduling model is proposed. In the scheduling, an IACs aggregator and traditional generators are coordinately dispatched to minimize the expected scheduling cost of the power system. The case study shows that the coordinative scheduling model can reduce the scheduling cost of the power system and encourage the IACs aggregator to improve their responsiveness or reduce their uncertainty, so as to improve the economy and reliability of power scheduling.
Guillain–Barré Syndrome Secondary to West Nile Virus in New York City
Authors: Beshai Rafail , Bibawy Daniel , Bibawy Joseph
Published: July 2020

West Nile virus (WNV) is an arthropod-borne flavivirus belonging taxonomically to the Japanese encephalitis subgroup. Usually, it is transmitted by Culex pipiens mosquitoes. Consequently, an increase in WNV-positive mosquitoes presents a rise of the number of patients, as it has been seen in NYC. We present a 65-year-old patient with WNV infection who presented with Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS). She had a rapidly progressing ascending paralysis, a common feature in GBS patients but an uncommon presentation in WNV. Realizing WNV as an emerging pathogen along with its uncommon presentation of GBS can be potentially lifesaving if caught at an early stage.
miRNA-22 as a Candidate Diagnostic Biomarker for Coronary Slow Flow
Authors: Chen Tong , Wang Zhen-Yu , Li Chuan-Chang
Published: July 2020

Background. Coronary slow flow (CSF) refers to the phenomenon of delayed distal flow in the absence of lesions detected on coronary angiography. Although the detection rate of CSF has been increasing in clinical practice, early diagnosis is difficult and the factors contributing to this condition remain unclear. Given the increasing demonstration of the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in disease and as diagnostic biomarkers, the aim of this study was to analyze the expression of serum miRNA-22 in patients with CSF detected using coronary angiography and its diagnostic efficacy. Methods and Results. A retrospective analysis including 44 patients with CSF and 42 patients with normal coronary flow (control group) was conducted. Additionally, all included patients either did not have visually estimated coronary artery stenosis or had <50% stenosis. Plasma samples were collected from patients in these two groups, and the levels of miRNA-22 were detected. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of serum miRNA-22 in the context of CSF. Results. The expression of serum miRNA-22 was significantly higher in the CSF patients than in the control subjects (P < 0.0001). The area under the ROC curve for miRNA-22 in diagnosing CSF was 0.8293 (95% confidence interval: 0.7313–0.9272), with a sensitivity of 75.0% and specificity of 88.1%. Conclusions. The expression of serum miRNA-22 in CSF is upregulated compared to that in subjects with normal coronary flow and shows relatively high clinical diagnostic efficiency, suggesting a new potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of CSF.
Acute Liver Failure in a Pediatric Patient with Tetralogy of Fallot following Cardiac Catheterization
Authors: Salik Irim , Easwar Jasmeet , Jacoby Michael
Published: July 2020

A 4-month-old female with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) developed acute liver failure (ALF) following a cardiac catheterization procedure to correct severe stenosis of her right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) conduit via balloon angioplasty. Cardiac history included TOF, heterotaxy syndrome, ipsilateral pulmonary veins, interrupted inferior vena cava (IVC) with azygos continuation, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and pulmonary atresia that was repaired with a right ventricle (RV) to pulmonary artery (PA) conduit. This is the first case described of its kind to our knowledge. Consent was obtained from the patient’s family to publish this case report.
Study on the Atomization and Dust‐Reduction Performance of a New Type of External Pneumatic Vortex Fog Curtain Dust Removal Device in Fully Mechanized Excavation Face
Authors: Jing Deji , An Rina , Chen Jingxu , Ge Shaocheng , Sun Liying
Published: July 2020

To solve the problem of dust pollution in the heading face, a new type of external pneumatic vortex fog curtain dust removal device suitable for a fully mechanized excavation face is designed in this paper. Firstly, dust migration laws at different times are simulated and analyzed by COMSOL software, and the functional relationship of dust concentration distribution above 50 mg/m3 at different heights and different wind speed is derived. Aiming at the dust migration laws of the heading face, a new dust removal device was proposed, and the atomization performance of the new type of external pneumatic vortex fog curtain dust removal device under different jet wind speed, different atomization pressure, and different nozzle working angle is explored through atomization performance experiment. It is found that when jet wind speed is 30 m/s, atomization pressure is 4 MPa, and nozzle working angle is 75°, the atomization performance of the new type of external pneumatic vortex fog curtain dust removal device is the best. Through the simulation of COMSOL software, the influence of air volume on the new type of external pneumatic vortex fog curtain dust removal device is analyzed. It is found that the new type of external pneumatic vortex fog curtain dust removal device is relatively stable when the air volume at the pressure outlet is less than 400 m3/min. The dust‐reduction efficiency of the new type of external pneumatic vortex fog curtain dust removal device was investigated through the dust‐reduction experiment, and it is found that the new type of external pneumatic vortex fog curtain dust removal device had better dust removal performance under the condition that the ventilation conditions did not interfere with the integrity of the vortex fog curtain.
An Accelerated Simulation Approach for Multistate System Mission Reliability and Success Probability under Complex Mission
Authors: Yang Haojie , Xu Yifan , Lv Jianwei
Published: July 2020

The mission reliability and success probability estimation of multistate systems under complex mission conditions are studied. The reliability and success probability of multistate phased mission systems (MS-PMS) is difficult to use analytic modeling and solving. An estimation approach for mission reliability and success probability based on Monte Carlo simulation is established. By introducing accelerated sampling methods such as forced transition and failure biasing, the sampling efficiency of small-probability events is improved while ensuring unbiasedness. The ship’s propulsion and power systems are used as applications, and the effectiveness of the method is verified by a numerical example. Under complex missions, such as missions with different mission time and their combinations, and phased-missions, the proposed method is superior in small-probability event sampling than the crude simulation method. The calculation example also studies the influence of mission factors or system reliability and maintainability factors on system availability and mission success probability, and analyzes the relationship between different mission types and system availability and success probability.
Discussions on the Complete Strain Energy Characteristics of Deep Granite and Assessment of Rockburst Tendency
Authors: Chen Lu , Guo Lijie
Published: July 2020

In deep mining, the rockburst hazard has become a prominent problem. Rockburst is difficult to be predicted, and it gives a severe threat to mining safety. In this paper, the triaxial compressive tests with an acoustic emission (AE) device and full cyclic loading and unloading tests were carried out, respectively, to present characteristics of linear elastic strain energy and peak strain energy. Also, to consider the time-delay strain characteristics of granite found in the abovementioned tests, a new stage loading and unloading test with dual monitoring systems was designed and performed. Through 20 days’ time-delay strain monitoring, the peak-strength strain energy was further modified. The results showed that the peak strain energy is approximate 1.2-1.3 times than linear elastic strain energy under the same confining pressure, and after considering the time-delay strain effect, the modified maximal strain energy value of the deep granite significantly increased. The peak strain energy values are further enhanced from 1.0 × 104 J/m3 to 1.8 × 104 J/m3, respectively. At last, by taking advantage of the strain energy index model of rockburst, the tendency and intensity of rockburst were assessed contrastively.
Nonmosaic Isodicentric Y Chromosome: A Rare Cause of Azoospermia— From Genetics to Clinical Practice
Authors: Van Cauwenberghe Jolijn , Beckers Sigri , Coremans Peter
Published: July 2020

Azoospermia is diagnosed when no spermatozoa can be detected after centrifugation of seminal fluid on at least two separate occasions. A number of genetic disorders can be related to nonobstructive azoospermia, and in up to 15% of azoospermic males, a genetic disorder is diagnosed. A 36-year-old male with nonobstructive azoospermia was referred to our department of diabetes and endocrinology due to an aberrant testicular biopsy. The biopsy showed a disrupted spermatogenesis with a maturation arrest at the spermatocyte level in most tubuli seminiferi while others showed a Sertoli cell-only syndrome. Screening for Y chromosome microdeletions on peripheral blood using molecular analysis detected a terminal deletion of AZFbc. The result of karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) described an isodicentric Y chromosome with karyotype 46,X,idic(Y)(q11.22). Based on this case and the current available literature, we conclude that performing a testicular biopsy in patients with a nonmosaic idic(Y)(q) is not meaningful and that the prognosis on infertility is poor. Biological fatherhood is extremely unlikely in these patients, and proper counselling should be provided.
Cyst between Femoral Attachments of Cruciate Ligaments: Unusual Cause of Knee Pain and Review of Literature
Authors: Gupta Ravi , Singhal Akash , Mehta Rohil
Published: July 2020

Introduction. Cysts associated with the cruciate ligaments are rare with an incidence of less than 1%. Most are asymptomatic and detected as incidental findings, but some are symptomatic presenting with knee pain and restricted range of motion. Case report. A 33-year-old female presented with pain and restriction of terminal flexion at the knee. No history of trauma was present. Clinically no diagnosis could be established. MRI showed a cyst located between the femoral attachments of cruciate ligaments which was further confirmed by diagnostic arthroscopy. Rupture of the cyst was done arthroscopically. Postoperatively, patient was relieved of the pain. There were no subsequent recurrences. Conclusion. Cysts between the cruciate ligaments must be kept as a differential while dealing with a patient of knee pain, with no antecedent history of trauma and where clinically no diagnosis can be made. Arthroscopic excision or rupture has a good success rate with no recurrences.
A Novel Deep Sparse Filtering Method for Intelligent Fault Diagnosis by Acoustic Signal Processing
Authors: Zhang Guowei , Wang Jinrui , Han Baokun , Jia Sixiang , Wang Xiaoyu , He Jingtao
Published: July 2020

Increased attention has been paid to research on intelligent fault diagnosis under acoustic signals. However, the signal-to-noise ratio of acoustic signals is much lower than vibration signals, which increases the difficulty of signal denoising and feature extraction. To solve the above defect, a novel batch-normalized deep sparse filtering (DSF) method is proposed to diagnose the fault through the acoustic signals of rotating machinery. In the first stage, the collected acoustic signals are prenormalized to eliminate the adverse effects of singular samples, and then the normalized signal is transformed into frequency-domain signal through fast Fourier transform (FFT). In the second stage, the learned features are obtained by training batch-normalized DSF with frequency-domain signals, and then the features are fine-tuned by backpropagation (BP) algorithm. In the third stage, softmax regression is used as a classifier for heath condition recognition based on the fine-tuned features. Bearing and planetary gear datasets are used to validate the diagnostic performance of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed DSF model can extract more powerful features and less computing time than other traditional methods.
Application of 3D‐Printed Orthopedic Cast for the Treatment of Forearm Fractures: Finite Element Analysis and Comparative Clinical Assessment
Authors: Chen Yanjun , Lin Hui , Yu Qinqin , Zhang Xiaodong , Wang Defeng , Shi Lin , Huang Wenhua , Zhong Shizhen
Published: July 2020

Objective. This pilot study is aimed at investigating the mechanical characteristics of a cast‐wrapped fractured forearm and performing a clinical comparative study of our own developed 3D‐printed orthopedic cast. Methods. An integrated finite element (FE) model including a forearm and a 3D‐printed cast wrapping the forearm was created. The distal radial ulna in this model was cut through to mimic the bone fracture. A 400 N force and 1 Nm rotation moment, which were much larger than the loading conditions encountered in daily life for a human being, were applied on the palm. We conducted a comparative clinical study by using statistical assessment. 60 patients with forearm fractures were selected and treated with manual reduction and external fixation cast. All patients were divided into three groups with equal members (20): (a) 3D‐printed external cast group, (b) traditional plaster external fixation group, and (c) splint external fixation group. The clinical efficacy, wrist function, and patient satisfaction were scored and compared. Results. In the condition of 400 N loading, the fracture displacements in anterior‐posterior (AP), posterior‐anterior (PA), medial to lateral (ML), and lateral to medial (LM) compression directions were 1.2648, 1.3253, 0.8503, and 0.8957 (mm), respectively, and the corresponding fracture stresses were 4.5986, 3.9129, and 5.0334, 7.9197 (MPa), respectively. In the inward (IR) and outward (OR) rotations, the fracture displacements were both 0.02628 (mm), and the corresponding fracture surface stresses were 0.1733 and 0.1723 (MPa), respectively. In the clinical efficacy, wrist function, and patient comfort evaluation, the total scores of group A were both higher than those in groups B and C (P < 0.05). Conclusion. A 3D‐printed orthopedic cast was capable of exerting appropriate mechanical correction loads on specific areas to maintain optimal alignment of a fractured forearm and thus could achieve the favorable clinical efficacy and patient comfort.
Experiência política e cinema brasileiro contemporâneo
Authors: Langie Cíntia
Published: July 2020

Este texto objetiva agenciar a noção de política a um tipo específico de experiência cultural: as sessões de cinema brasileiro em universidades. Buscamos investigar os processos de subjetivação possíveis no encontro com obras de arte independentes, aquelas que não possuem espaço de circulação nas janelas tradicionais. Nessa trama de pensamento, uma experiência política pode ocorrer no estar-junto com o comum compartilhável que é o filme. Assim, propomos que projetos que profanam dispositivos na atualidade podem formar microcomunidades de partilha, para além de modelos capitalísticos hegemônicos.
Floristic diversity of Anjaneri Hills, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Auti Sanjay Gajanan , Kambale Sharad Suresh , Gosavi Kumar Vinod Chhotupuri , Chandore Arun Nivrutti
Published: July 2020

High altitude plateaux are found throughout northern Western Ghats.  These plateaux harbor a great diversity of monsoon flora and endemism but are highly neglected due to the seasonality and harsh climatic conditions.  Anjaneri Hill is an important rock outcrop in northern Western Ghats.  It is the type locality of Ceropegia anjanerica.  As an attempt to make a floristic inventory of an important area, a preliminary study was undertaken.  A total of 385 flowering plants from 68 families have been reported from Anjaneri protected area in the present study, of these 114 are endemics.  Out of these 114 species, 81 are endemic to India while 33 taxa are endemic to the Western Ghats.  Anjaneri rock outcrop shows great floral diversity due to varied microhabitats.  The observations on phenology and adaptive traits were recorded.  The data on geology and geomorphology is presented in order to understand the geological nature of the rock outcrop.  Intensive study on varied microhabitat is needed for the documentation of floral diversity existing on the Anjaneri Hill.
Prevalence and morphotype diversity of Trichuris species and other soil-transmitted helminths in captive non-human primates in northern Nigeria
Authors: Joshua Kamani , Yidawi James P. , Sada Aliyu , Msheliza Emmanuel G. , Turaki Usman A.
Published: July 2020

A study to determine the prevalence and morphotype diversity of soil-transmitted helminths in captive non-human primates (NHPs) in northern Nigeria was conducted.  Simple flotation and sedimentation methods were used to examine fecal samples. A Morphometric analysis was done on Trichuris spp. eggs to determine the diversity of whipworm circulating in NHPs in the study area.  High prevalence (60%) of infection was recorded in captive NHPs; Patas Monkey (n=17), Tantalus Monkey (n=9), Mona Monkey (n=7), Vervet Monkey (n=2), Mangabey Monkey (n=1), Baboon (n=14), and Chimpanzee (n=8) from parks and zoological gardens located in four Nigerian states (Borno, Gombe, Kano, and Plateau) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Captive NHPs examined were infected with helminths either as single, double or triple infections. Four zoonotic soil transmitted helminth (STH) genera, Trichuris, Strongyloides, Ancylostoma, and Enterobius were detected in the examined animals. Eggs of Trichuris spp. were the most prevalent with four morphotypes suggesting several morphotypes of whipworm were circulating among the NHPs in this region.  Further studies are required to elucidate the epidemiologic and public health implications of these findings.
Detection of hemoparasites in bats, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Shariful , Rakib Uddin Ahmed  , Md. Kaisar Rahman  , Ferdous Jinnat , Uddin Md. Helal , Akter Sazeda , Faruq Abdullah Al , Hassan Mohammad Mahmudul , Ausraful Islam  , Islam Ariful
Published: July 2020

A cross sectional study was conducted (2010–2013) to determine the diversity of hemoprotozoa among bats of Bangladesh.  Microscopic examination of blood smears (N=533; Pteropus medius (377), Rousettus leschenaultii (111), Megaderma lyra (45)) revealed 9% of bats (95% confidence interval CI: 7–12%) were positive for hemoprotozoa.  The overall prevalence of hemoparasites among P. medius was 5% (n=20, 95% CI: 3–8%); where Babesia sp. was 3% (n=12, 95% CI: 2–5%) and Hepatocytis sp. was 2% (n=8, 95% CI: 1–4%).  Moreover, 13% of R. leschenaultii were positive (n=14, 95% CI: 7–20%) where prevalence of Babesia sp. was 10% (n=11, 95% CI: 5–17%) and prevalence of Hepatocystis sp. was 3% (n=3, 95% CI: 1–8%).  Twenty-nine percent (n=13, 95% CI: 16–44%) of M. lyra harbored hemoparasites, among which 20% (n=9, 95% CI: 10–35%) were Babesia sp. and 9% (n=4, 95% CI: 2–21%) were Hepatocystis sp.  The study indicates bats remain important hosts for various zoonotic parasites and suggests further research.
New distribution record of the endemic and critically endangered Giant Staghorn Fern Platycerium grande (Fee) Kunze (Polypodiaceae) in central Mindanao
Authors: Cherie Cano-Mangaoang  , Gumban Charissa Joy Arroyo
Published: July 2020

Platycerium grande (Fee) Kunze is an endemic, Critically Endangered species of fern in the Philippines. The known distribution of this species remains limited at present and its population is threatened by various anthropogenic threats especially for ornamental collection.  In our recent survey, we found high abundance of this species in Central Mindanao, southern Philippines.  It can be distinguished from other species belonging to the genus Platycerium through its frond’s vegetative leaf which is symmetrical with two equally long main lobe.  Based on literatures, the known distribution range extend from Zambaonga, Lanao, and Davao (Mt. Apo); and our recent records extends the known distribution of this species in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat and South Upi, Maguindanao suggesting this species may still be around in other areas within the known range, however, the species may remain narrowly distributed as multiple threats to this species continue to persist.