bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of oxygen scavenging films and modified atmosphere on the color quality of hot‐filled freestone peach puree
Authors: Skrypec Steven , Doh Hansol , Whiteside William Scott
Published: March 2021

Effect of oxygen scavenging (OS) films and modified atmosphere on hot‐filled peach puree was investigated based on the results of color quality throughout storage. OS films and modified atmosphere with nitrogen aimed to protect against color degradation and browning for shelf life extension. Color differences of peach puree based on the results of L* (lightness), a* (redness), b* (yellowness), and chroma (saturation) were observed between films, but not atmospheres. Films significantly impacted color preservation, and a lower total color difference (∆E*) at the end of storage as ordered after 9 weeks; ultra‐high‐barrier multilayer film with an OS (UHB‐OS), inorganic‐barrier multilayer film with an OS (IB‐OS), and ultra‐high‐barrier multilayer film without an OS (UHB). Meanwhile, the most effective film to prevent puree from darkening during accelerated storage (35°C) was IB‐OS (36 weeks). Nitrogen influenced a lower ∆E* for the first 5 weeks and resulted in a lower browning index throughout storage compared to ambient air, demonstrating a protective effect. This study demonstrated that OS films significantly extended shelf life of peach puree.

Practical Applications

Oxygen scavengers were effective in the protection of peach puree quality. Color was analyzed for indicating quality change of peach puree. Modified atmosphere with nitrogen had no significant effect on hue, color change, and browning index. Color degradation of peach puree was driven by oxygen‐related reactions.
The electronic nose as a rule‐out test for tuberculosis in an indigenous population
Authors: Coronel Teixeira R. , IJdema D. , Gómez C. , Arce D. , Roman M. , Quintana Y. , González F. , Jiménez de Romero N. , Pérez Bejarano D. , Aguirre S. , Magis‐Escurra C.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

To end the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic, efficient diagnostic tools are needed. In a previous calibration study, a portable ‘point of care’ electronic nose device (AeonoseTM) proved to be a promising tool in a hospital setting. We evaluated this technology to detect TB in an indigenous population in Paraguay.

Methods

A total of 131 participants were enrolled. eNose results were compared with anamnesis, physical examinations, chest radiography and mycobacterial cultures in individuals with signs and symptoms compatible with TB. The eNose analysis was performed in two stages: first, the training with a combination of a previous study population plus 47 participants from the new cohort (total n = 153), and second, the ‘blind prediction’ of 84 participants.

Results

21% of all participants (n = 131) showed symptoms and/or chest radiography abnormalities suspicious of TB. No sputum samples resulted culture positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Only one patient had a positive smell print analysis. In the training model, the specificity was 92% (95% confidence interval (CI): 85%‐96%) and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 95%. In the blind prediction model, the specificity and the NPV were 99% (95% CI: 93%‐99%) and 100%, respectively. Although the sensitivity and positive predictive value of the eNose could not be assessed in this cohort due to the small sample size, no active TB cases were found during a one year of follow‐up period.

Conclusion

The eNose showed promising specificity and negative predictive value and might therefore be developed as a rule‐out test for TB in vulnerable populations.
The status of white seabass, Atractoscion nobilis as a commercially ready species for marine US aquaculture
Authors: Drawbridge Mark , Shane Michael , Silbernagel Constance
Published: March 2021

The white seabass, Atractoscion nobilis, is a member of the family Sciaenidae, which includes croakers and drums. Atractoscion nobilis have numerous aquaculture characteristics desirable for commercialization, including excellent market appeal. Consumer and market surveys of farmed A. nobilis have consistently yielded reviews of ‘good to excellent’ when rated for taste, texture, appearance, and freshness. Wild adult A. nobilis adapt readily to captivity, are highly fecund batch spawners (100,000 eggs/kg of female), will spawn out of season, and produce eggs with high viability (median 73%) and with good hatching rates (median 88%). Atractoscion nobilis larvae are first‐feed Artemia in clear water and weaning is complete by 30 days post hatch (dph). Survival of A. nobilis from unhatched egg to 50 dph is consistently 20–40%. A market size of 1.0 kg has been achieved in 18 months. Infectious diseases are uncommon and are effectively mitigated using recirculating systems with appropriate biosecurity. Atractoscion nobilis are highly susceptible to gas bubble disease, which is mitigated by vacuum degassing, culture in cooler temperatures, or using deep culture units like net pens. Commercial culture of A. nobilis will benefit from selective breeding programs, custom diet formulations, and more health management tools.
Sharing and double‐dating in the lichen world
Authors: Nelsen Matthew P.
Published: March 2021

Historic and modern efforts to understand lichen diversity and evolution have overwhelmingly concentrated on that of the fungal partner, which represents one of the most taxonomically diverse nutritional modes among the Fungi. But what about the algal and cyanobacterial symbionts? An explosion of studies on these cryptic symbionts over the past 20+ years has facilitated a richer understanding of their diversity, patterns of association, and the symbiosis itself. In a From the Cover article in this issue of Molecular Ecology, Dal Forno et al. (2021) provide new insight into one of the most fascinating lichen symbioses. By sequencing cyanobacterial symbionts from over 650 specimens, they reveal the presence of overlooked cyanobacterial diversity, evidence for symbiont sharing among distantly related fungi, and utilize a comparative dating framework to demonstrate temporal discordance among interacting fungal and cyanobacterial lineages.
Increased psychological distress and somatization in patients with irritable bowel syndrome compared with functional diarrhea or functional constipation, based on Rome IV criteria
Authors: Shiha Mohamed G. , Asghar Zohaib , Thoufeeq Mo , Kurien Matthew , Ball Alex J. , Rej Anupam , Tai Foong Way David , Afify Shima , Aziz Imran
Published: March 2021

Background

The Rome IV criteria for disorders of gut‐brain interaction define irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as a functional bowel disorder associated with frequent abdominal pain of at least 1 day per week. In contrast, functional diarrhea (FD) and functional constipation (FC) are relatively painless. We compared differences in mood and somatization between Rome IV IBS and FC/FD.

Methods

A total of 567 patients with Rome IV defined IBS or FD/FC completed a baseline questionnaire on demographics, abdominal pain frequency, mood (hospital anxiety and depression scale, HADS), and somatization (patient health questionnaire, PHQ‐12). The primary analysis compared differences in mood and somatization between IBS and FC/FD, and the relative influence of abdominal pain frequency on these extra‐intestinal symptoms. The secondary analysis evaluated differences across individual IBS subtypes, and also between FC and FD.

Key Results

Patients with IBS—in comparison to those with FC/FD—had significantly higher mean PHQ‐12 somatization scores (9.1 vs. 5.4), more somatic symptoms (6.0 vs. 4.3), abnormally high somatization levels (16% vs. 3%), higher HADS score (15.0 vs. 11.7), and clinically abnormal levels of anxiety (38% vs. 20%) and depression (17% vs. 10%). Increasing abdominal pain frequency correlated positively with PHQ‐12, number of somatic symptoms, and HADS; p < 0.001. No differences in mood and somatization scores were seen between individual IBS subtypes, and nor between FC and FD.

Conclusion & Inferences

Based on the Rome IV criteria, IBS is associated with increased levels of psychological distress and somatization compared with FD or FC. Patients reporting frequent abdominal pain should be comprehensively screened for psychosomatic disorders, with psychological therapies considered early in the disease course.
Using structural colour to track length scale of cell‐wall layers in developing Pollia japonica fruits
Authors: Middleton Rox , Moyroud Edwige , Rudall Paula J. , Prychid Christina J. , Conejero Maria , Glover Beverley J. , Vignolini Silvia
Published: March 2021

Helicoidally arranged layers of cellulose microfibrils in plant cell walls can produce strong and vivid coloration in a wide range of species. Despite its significance, the morphogenesis of cell walls, whether reflective or not, is not fully understood. Here we show that by optically monitoring the reflectance of Pollia japonica fruits during development we can directly map structural changes of the cell wall on a scale of tens of nanometres.

Visible‐light reflectance spectra from individual living cells were measured throughout the fruit maturation process and compared with numerical models.

Our analysis reveals that periodic spacing of the helicoidal architecture remains unchanged throughout fruit development, suggesting that interactions in the cell‐wall polysaccharides lead to a fixed twisting angle of cellulose helicoids in the cell wall.

By contrast with conventional electron microscopy, which requires analysis of different fixed specimens at different stages of development, the noninvasive optical technique we present allowed us to directly monitor live structural changes in biological photonic systems as they develop. This method therefore is applicable to investigations of photonic tissues in other organisms.
Offshore longline mussel farms: a review of oceanographic and ecological interactions to inform future research needs, policy and management
Authors: Mascorda Cabre Llucia , Hosegood Phil , Attrill Martin J. , Bridger Danielle , Sheehan Emma V.
Published: March 2021

With a growing human population and the need to protect our oceans from overfishing, there is a requirement for society to source alternative means of sustainable protein. Mussel aquaculture has rapidly expanded in many countries serving as an important supply of protein, but its development has been limited due to competition for coastal space and the associated environmental impacts of farming in inshore waters. Offshore aquaculture developments have the potential to overcome such issues. This review synthesises the current literature on the ecological and oceanographic interactions of longline offshore mussel farms with the aim to elucidate the main knowledge gaps in a context of management and conservation. Large offshore aquaculture installations interact with the hydrodynamics of the area causing water flow distortions and current attenuation, wake formation and distorting water column stratification which can have an effect on the supply of nutrient and seston as well as altering material dispersal, biodeposition and resuspension, having in turn, a knock‐on effect on the carrying capacity of the system, ultimately affecting the surrounding ecology and its ecosystem services. Offshore mussel farm studies report an increase biomass or numbers of benthic and pelagic organisms beneath and around mussel ropes relative to control sites using the structure for shelter, refuge and nursery. Improving our understanding of offshore aquaculture–environment interactions is crucial to identify the priorities needed for future research to inform policy and management practices as well as its role as part of the Blue Growth Agenda and as ‘other effective area‐based conservation measures’ (OECMs).
Genome engineering of Nannochloropsis with hundred‐kilobase fragment deletions by Cas9 cleavages
Authors: Wang Qintao , Gong Yanhai , He Yuehui , Xin Yi , Lv Nana , Du Xuefeng , Li Yun , Jeong Byeong‐ryool , Xu Jian
Published: March 2021

Industrial microalgae are promising photosynthetic cell factories, yet tools for large‐scale targeted genome engineering are limited. Here for the model industrial oleaginous microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica, we established a method to precisely and serially delete large genome fragments of ~100 kb from its 30.01 Mb nuclear genome. We started by identifying the ‘non‐essential’ chromosomal regions (i.e. low expression region or LER) based on minimal gene expression under N‐replete and N‐depleted conditions. The largest such LER (LER1) is ~98 kb in size, located near the telomere of the 502.09‐kb‐long Chromosome 30 (Chr 30). We deleted 81 kb and further distal and proximal deletions of up to 110 kb (21.9% of Chr 30) in LER1 by dual targeting the boundaries with the episome‐based CRISPR/Cas9 system. The telomere‐deletion mutants showed normal telomeres consisting of CCCTAA repeats, revealing telomere regeneration capability after losing the distal part of Chr 30. Interestingly, the deletions caused no significant alteration in growth, lipid production or photosynthesis (transcript‐abundance change for < 3% genes under N depletion). We also achieved double‐deletion of both LER1 and LER2 (from Chr 9) that total ~214 kb at maximum, which can result in slightly higher growth rate and biomass productivity than the wild‐type. Therefore, loss of the large, yet ‘non‐essential’ regions does not necessarily sacrifice important traits. Such serial targeted deletions of large genomic regions had not been previously reported in microalgae, and will accelerate crafting minimal genomes as chassis for photosynthetic production.
The preclinical and clinical implications of fetal adnexa derived mesenchymal stromal cells in wound healing therapy
Authors: Mankuzhy Pratheesh D. , Ramesh Sreekumar T. , Thirupathi Yasotha , Mohandas Ponny S. , Chandra Vikash , Sharma Taru Guttula
Published: March 2021

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) isolated from fetal adnexa namely amniotic membrane/epithelium, amniotic fluid and umbilical cord have hogged the limelight in recent times, as a proposed alternative to MSCs from conventional sources. These cells which are identified as being in a developmentally primitive state have many advantages, the most important being the non‐invasive nature of their isolation procedures, absence of ethical concerns, proliferation potential, differentiation abilities and low immunogenicity. In the present review, we are focusing on the potential preclinical and clinical applications of different cell types of fetal adnexa, in wound healing therapy. We also discuss the isolation‐culture methods, cell surface marker expression, multi‐lineage differentiation abilities, immune‐modulatory capabilities and their homing property. Different mechanisms involved in the wound healing process and the role of stromal cells in therapeutic wound healing are highlighted. Further, we summarize the findings of the cell delivery systems in skin lesion models and paracrine functions of their secretome in the wound healing process. Overall, this holistic review outlines the research findings of fetal adnexa derived MSCs, their usefulness in wound healing therapy in human as well as in veterinary medicine.
Archaeology and the History of the Lithuanian Resistance in the 19th and 20th Centuries: in search of the public benefit
Authors: Dediala Ričardas
Published: March 2021

Two chance discoveries during development-led archaeology in Vilnius have brought the recent history of the Lithuanian Republic to the forefront. The burials of 20 individuals involved in the uprising against the Russian Empire in 1863–1864 were found on Gedimas Hill in 2017, and in 2018 the remains of Adolfas Ramanauskas-Vanagas, a leader of the guerrilla warfare against the Soviet Union in 1944–1953 were found. These discoveries brought great public interest, and advanced knowledge of archaeology. Notably they also encouraged senior politicians from Poland, Belarus and Lithuania to enter into debates on matters that have historically been difficult to discuss.
Roman Water Pipeline Approved for 'Adoption' - Public engagement, awareness and benefit from a development-led archaeology project
Authors: Claßen Erich , Vollmer-König Martin
Published: March 2021

The construction of a by-pass in North Rhine-Westphalia resulted in the excavation, recording and relocation of one of the most important archaeological monuments in the Rhineland: a stone and masonry aqueduct up to 95km long, which had supplied water to Roman Cologne. As preservation in situ was not possible the pipe was lifted in segments; some were displayed on the site, others were moved to sites nearby. The conservation of the segments was undertaken by apprentices from the Chamber of Crafts and the whole project was a successful collaboration between private, public, business and local communities.
Scenarios for the spread of COVID-19 analyzed by the TVBG-SEIR spline model
Authors: Kounchev Ognyan , Simeonov Georgi , Kuncheva Zhana
Published: March 2021

We develop a novel TVBG-SEIR spline model for analysis of the coronavirus infection (COVID-19). It aims to analyze the long-term global evolution of the epidemics "controlled" by the introduction of lockdown/open up measures by the authorities. The incorporation of different "lockdown scenarios" varying in time permits to analyze not only the primary epidemic wave but also the arising secondary wave and any further waves.The model is supplied by a web-based Scenario Building Tool for COVID-19 (called shortly SBT-COVID19) which may be used as a decision support software by (health) policy makers to explore various scenarios. This can be achieved by controlling/changing the scale of the containment measures (home and social isolation/quarantine, travel restrictions and other) and to assess their effectiveness. In particular, the SBT-COVID19 Tool permits to assess how long the lockdown measures should be maintained.
Small Modular Reactors: Learning From the Past
Authors: Hussein Esam M. A.
Published: March 2021

Most emerging small modular reactor (SMR) designs resemble older reactors that were designed in the early days of the nuclear technology. Experience with operating these old reactors can contribute to the licensing of new SMRs, by showing that some safety concepts were already proven, and their viability was demonstrated. This paper shows examples of older reactors in each of the reemerging SMR concepts of integrated pressurized water reactors, high temperature gas cooled reactors, molten salt reactors, and liquid metal cooled fast reactors. The Canadian experience with the WR-1 organic cooled reactor is also discussed to examine whether it can inform the development on an organic cooled SMR.
Transverse Vibration of Geared-Rotor Integrated With Active Magnetic Bearings in Identification of Multiple Faults
Authors: Majumder Gargi , Tiwari Rajiv
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a novel concept of the modeling, active control of transverse vibration responses, and identification of fault parameters in a geared-rotor system integrated with active magnetic bearings (AMBs). The sources of error in gears while in the operation are the gear mesh deformation, transmission error, and runout, resulting in dynamic forces, excessive vibration, and noise. To avoid any undesirable effect on the gear-pair and other supporting structures, it is essential to investigate these forced vibrations in time and frequency domain. Hence, an approach to monitor and control the transverse vibration of mating gears is presented with the help of AMBs. The AMBs are capable of suppressing the vibration of the system (transients as well as steady-state) by controlled electromagnetic forces considering the rotor vibrational displacement with a closed-loop feedback system. A mathematical model has been developed with geared rotor faults, like the mesh deformation, gear run-out, and asymmetric transmission error. The transmission error has been modeled as the sum of mean and varying components of error in two orthogonal transverse directions. Based on the mathematical model, an identification algorithm has been developed. Considering full spectrum analysis of the rotor vibration and AMB current information, estimation of system parameters, i.e., the equivalent mesh stiffness, mesh damping, gear runouts, the mean and varying transmission error magnitude and phase angles, and the current and displacement constants of AMBs has been performed. Gaussian noise in responses and modeling errors in mathematical models have been added to test the robustness of the proposed algorithm to comply with the experimental settings.
Verification of Numerically Controlled Manufacturing Processes, Toward Identifying Cyber-Physical Threats
Authors: Piacenza Joseph R. , Faller Kenneth John , Regez Bradley , Gomez Luisfernando
Published: March 2021

Motivated by cyber-physical vulnerabilities in precision manufacturing processes, there is a need to externally examine the operational performance of computer numerically controlled (CNC) manufacturing systems. The overarching objective of this work is to design and fabricate a proof-of-concept CNC machine evaluation device, ultimately re-configurable to the mill, lathe, and 3D printing machine classes. This device will assist in identifying potential cyber-physical security threats in manufacturing systems by identifying perturbations outside the expected variations of machining processes and comparing the desired command inputted into the numerical controller and the actual machine performance (e.g., tool displacement, frequency). In this paper, a requirement-driven prototype device design method is presented and tested, and the results will be used to improve future iterations of the design. The first design iteration is tested on a Kuka KR 6 R700 series robotic arm, and machine movement comparisons are performed ex situ using Keyence laser measurement sensors. Data acquisition is performed with a Raspberry Pi 4 microcomputer, controlled by custom, cross-platform python code, and includes a touch screen human–computer interface (HCI). A device design adapted for a CNC mill is also presented, and the Haas TM-2 is used as a case study, which can be operated by CNC operators to assess machine performance, as needed, before a critical manufacturing process. This research will enable the broader goal of recognizing repeating advanced manufacturing performance deviations, which occur outside of a machine's normal variability, that could signal a malicious “attack.”
Active acoustic cloaking and illusions of sound-hard bodies using the boundary element method
Authors: Lin Cikai , Liu Daipei , Eggler Daniel , Kessissoglou Nicole
Published: March 2021

Acoustic cloaking has received significant interest due to the appealing ability to render an object acoustically invisible. In a similar concept to acoustic cloaking, acoustic illusions provide the capability to misrepresent the acoustic field of an object. Combining acoustic cloaking and illusions with numerical discretization methods allow objects of greater complexity to be considered. This work presents active acoustic cloaking and illusions of three-dimensional rigid objects. The boundary element method is utilized to efficiently predict the exterior acoustic domain. A multi-input/multi-output control system comprising monopole control sources, error sensors, and a controller based on a feedforward linear-quadratic regulator algorithm is employed. Active acoustic cloaking of a simple object corresponding to a sphere is demonstrated for both non-decaying and decaying incident fields. For the same control configuration but minimizing a cost function based on different error signals, acoustic illusions are generated to mimic the presence of a sphere within a free field. Illusional fields are also generated for a cube and a bird to misrepresent their size or orientation.
T cell and antibody kinetics delineate SARS-CoV-2 peptides mediating long-term immune responses in COVID-19 convalescent individuals
Authors: Bilich Tatjana , Nelde Annika , Heitmann Jonas S. , Maringer Yacine , Roerden Malte , Bauer Jens , Rieth Jonas , Wacker Marcel , Peter Andreas , Hörber Sebastian , Rachfalski David , Märklin Melanie , Stevanović Stefan , Rammensee Hans-Georg , Salih Helmut R. , Walz Juliane S.
Published: March 2021

Longitudinal analysis identifies SARS-CoV-2 peptide targets of durable memory T cell responses in COVID-19 convalescent individuals.
No Light, No Germination: Excitation of the Rhodospirillum centenum Photosynthetic Apparatus Is Necessary and Sufficient for Cyst Germination
Authors: Ashok Nandhini , He Kuang , Bauer Carl E.
Published: March 2021

Environmental cues that signal Gram-positive spores to germinate (termed germinants) have been identified for several
Bacillus
and
Clostridium
species. These studies showed that germinants are niche and species specific.
Phylogenetic Distribution of Secondary Metabolites in the Bacillus subtilis Species Complex
Authors: Steinke Kat , Mohite Omkar S. , Weber Tilmann , Kovács Ákos T.
Published: March 2021

Members of the
B. subtilis
species complex are commonly recognized producers of secondary metabolites, among those, the production of antifungals, which makes them promising biocontrol strains. While there are studies examining the distribution of well-known secondary metabolites in
Bacilli
, intraspecies clade-specific distribution has not been systematically reported for the
B. subtilis
group.
Changing patterns of emergency paediatric presentations during the first wave of COVID-19: learning for the second wave from a UK tertiary emergency department
Authors: Shanmugavadivel Dhurgshaarna , Liu Jo-Fen , Gilhooley Colin , Elsaadany Loai , Wood Damian
Published: March 2021

Background

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and initial public health response led to significant changes in health service delivery, access and utilisation. However, SARS-CoV-2 illness burden in children and young people (CYP) is low. To inform effective child public health interventions, we aimed to compare patterns of paediatric emergency department presentation during the initial pandemic response with a previous non-pandemic period.

Methods

Retrospective review of attendances (0–18 years) over the initial pandemic (2 March 2020–3 May 2020) compared with 2019. Outcome measures included number of attendances, referral source, presenting complaint, discharge diagnosis and disposal. Descriptive statistics with subgroup analysis by age/sex/ethnicity and pandemic time periods (pre-lockdown, lockdown weeks 1–3 and lockdown weeks 4–6) was performed.

Results

4417 attendances (57% illness and 43% injuries) occurred, compared with 8813 (57% illness and 43% injuries), a reduction of 50%, maximal in lockdown week 2 (−73%). Ranking of top three illness presentations changed across the pandemic weeks. Breathing difficulty dropped from first (300, 25%) to second (117, 21%) to third (59, 11%) (p<0.001). Abdominal pain rose from the third pre-lockdown (87, 7%) and lockdown weeks 1–3 (37, 7%) to second in weeks 4–6 (62, 12%; p=0.004). Fever ranked second (235, 19%) in pre-lockdown and first in weeks 1–3 (134, 24%) and weeks 4–6 (94, 18%; p=0.035).

Conclusions

Despite a 50% reduction, there was no significant change in acuity of illness. Rank of illness presentations changed, with abdominal pain ranking second and fever first, an important change from previous, which should prompt further research into causes. CYP-specific public health messaging and guidance for primary care are required in this second wave to ensure access to appropriate emergency services.
Single-centre survey of parents regarding the hidden burden of paediatric flexible bronchoscopy
Authors: Swift Jayne A , Carroll William D , Gilchrist Francis J
Published: March 2021

Although paediatric flexible bronchoscopy is safe with relatively few side effects, parents frequently report an associated burden. To assess this, we undertook 25 semi-structured interviews with the parents of children who had recently undergone this procedure. Despite reporting the procedure was well explained, parental worry about procedure was common. The procedure resulted in children missing a median of 2 days from nursery/school and the parents having to take a median of 2 days carers leave. There was an additional financial burden related to sibling childcare, travel costs and car parking. Clinicians should address these issues in pre-procedure counselling.
Bailout stentectomy of 47 self-expandable intracranial stents
Authors: Chapot René , Stracke Christian Paul , Wallocha Marta , Rikhtegar Reza , Yamac Elif , Mosimann Pascal John
Published: March 2021

Background

Self-expanding stents are increasingly being deployed for stent-assisted coiling or flow diversion of intracranial aneurysms. Complications related to stent misbehavior may arise, however, including lack of expansion, device displacement, or parent vessel thrombosis. We present our experience of various stent removal techniques (stentectomy) with a focus on technical and clinical outcomes.

Methods

Stentectomy was attempted either with a single device, including the Alligator, Microsnare, or Solitaire, or by combining a Microsnare with a second device. Dual techniques included in this report are the Snare-over-Stentretriever technique we developed using a Microsnare and a Solitaire, and the previously described Loop-and-Snare technique using a Microsnare and a microwire. The technical success and complication rate, as well as the clinical outcome using the mRS were analyzed.

Results

Forty-seven stentectomies were attempted in 36 patients treated for 37 aneurysms. Forty-two devices (89.3%) were successfully retrieved. Single-device stentectomy was successful in 34% of cases, compared with 74% with dual-device techniques. Of the 20 patients with a thrombosed parent or efferent vessel, 17 were successfully recanalized using stentectomy. All successful stentectomy patients made a clinically uneventful recovery, except one with a minor postoperative stroke (mRS 1 at discharge). Failed stentectomy was associated with major ischemic stroke in two patients and death in one patient. There were no stentectomy-related vessel perforations or dissections.

Conclusion

While various single devices can be used to safely retrieve dysfunctional intracranial self-expandable stents, dual-device techniques are more than twice as effective, according to our experience.
Carotid web: an under-recognized and misdiagnosed ischemic stroke etiology
Authors: Osehobo Ehizele M , Nogueira Raul G , Koneru Sitara , Al-Bayati Alhamza R , de Camara Catarina Perry , Nahab Fadi , Liberato Bernardo , Frankel Michael R , Allen Jason W , Park Charlie Chulhyun , Haussen Diogo C
Published: March 2021

Background

Carotid web (CaW) constitutes a possible cause of ischemic stroke, particularly large vessel occlusion syndromes. We aim to evaluate misdiagnosis rates and diagnosis trends for CaW.

Methods

Based on CT angiography (CTA), we prospectively identified a cohort of patients with symptomatic CaW treated at two comprehensive stroke centers (CSC) from 2014 to 2020 to assess misdiagnosis. Official CTA reports from the CSCs and referring hospitals were then reviewed for mention of CaW. For diagnosis trends, we retrospectively analyzed a CSC electronic medical record, identifying patients with CaW mentioned in an official CTA report from 2011 to 2020.

Results

For misdiagnosis, 56 patients with symptomatic CaW were identified in the CSCs; 16 (28%) had bilateral CaW, totaling 72 CaWs. Only one CaW (5.5%) was reported at referring facilities, from 14 patients/18 CaWs imaged with CTA. Conversely, 43 (69%) CaWs were reported from 49 patients/62 CaWs at the CSC (p<0.01). For diagnosis trends, from 2011 to 2020, 242 patients at a CSC accounted for 266 CTA reports mentioning CaW. The majority of these reports (n=206, 77%) were associated with stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) ICD-9/ICD-10 codes. The rate of CaW diagnosis adjusted per 1000 patients with stroke/TIA increased over time, 2015 being the most significant point of change ('joinpoint'; p=0.01). The analysis of CaW mentions normalized per 1000 CTA reports also showed increasing rates of diagnosis over time (joinpoint:2014; p<0.02).

Conclusion

CaW was predominantly identified in patients with strokes/TIAs rather than asymptomatic patients. CaW was commonly overlooked in facilities with lower levels of cerebrovascular certification. Recognition of CaW at a CSC has significantly increased over time, independent of overall imaging and stroke patient volume.
Maximizing the catheter-to-vessel size optimizes distal flow control resulting in improved revascularization in vitro for aspiration thrombectomy
Authors: Nogueira Raul G , Ryan David , Mullins Liam , Thornton John , Fitzgerald Seán
Published: March 2021

Background

Balloon guide catheters (BGCs) achieve proximal flow control during thrombectomy but antegrade intracranial flow often persists via the Circle of Willis. Closely sizing an aspiration catheter to the target vessel might achieve greater flow control and improve technical performance. Our objective was to measure the impact of aspiration catheter size on distal flow control and flow reversal with and without the use of BGCs. Clot retrieval testing was performed to establish the impact of these parameters on revascularization.

Methods

An in vitro thrombectomy model replicated in vivo conditions. Flow was measured continuously using ultrasonic flow sensors placed 20 cm distal to the catheter tip in the middlel cerebral artery (MCA). Four aspiration catheters of increasing size were evaluated: ACE 60 and 64 (Penumbra), SOFIA Plus (MicroVention), and Millipede 088 (Perfuze). Two clot analog types (red blood cell-rich and fibrin/platelet-rich) were used for clot retrieval testing.

Results

The larger area of the ‘superbore’ Millipede 088 catheter resulted in a larger reduction in antegrade flow than standard aspiration catheters, even when the latter were combined with a BGC. During aspiration, 6Fr catheters were unable to cause flow reversal in the distal MCA while the Millipede 088 achieved significant distal flow reversal (−146 mL/min) (P<0.0001*) (*denotes significance). The solo use of Millipede 088 resulted in better recanalization outcomes and significantly reduced distal emboli for internal carotid artery (P=0.015*) and MCA (P=0.014*) occlusions compared with all other devices and combinations.

Conclusions

Maximizing the catheter-to-vessel size facilitates near flow-arrest on catheter insertion, potentially negating the need for a BGC. A 0.088 inch aspiration catheter enables significant flow reversal in the distal MCA during aspiration.
On the order reduction
Authors: de Medeiros Waleska P. F. , Müller Daniel
Published: March 2021

In this work we present an extension of the technique of the order reduction to higher perturbative approximations in an iterative fashion. The intention is also to analyze more carefully the conditions for the validity of the order reduction technique. With this in mind, a few simple situations in which the iterative order reduction converges analytically to the exact solutions are presented as examples. It is discovered that the order reduction as a perturbative iterative technique does not converge in the weak coupling limit as most of the known perturbative schemes, at least when applied to these examples. Also, considering these specific examples, the convergence of the order reduction occurs in strong coupling regimes. As a more realistic case, the order reduction is applied to Starobinsky’s inflationary model is presented. It is verified that the method converges to the inflationary solution in the slow-roll regime.
Solitons in a class of interacting scalar field theories without SO(2) invariance
Authors: Mandal Susobhan
Published: March 2021

In this ppaer, we study kink soliton configurations in interacting scalar field theories containing two fields without [Formula: see text] invariance. We study a class of such theories, the well-known Montonen–Sarker–Trullinger–Bishop model is one of them. These models are interesting since the [Formula: see text] current is not conserved in them due to the presence of explicit symmetry breaking terms in the action. The existence of kink soliton configurations is shown in terms of a system of first-order ordinary differential equations. Although [Formula: see text] current in these models is nonconserved, our approach is general enough to study soliton configurations in a generic two interacting scalar field theory. We also discuss other benefits of this approach.
A New Content-Based Image Retrieval System Using Deep Visual Features
Authors: Hamroun Mohamed , Tamine Karim , Claux Frederic , Zribi Mourad
Published: March 2021

Content-based image retrieval (CBIR) is a technique for images retrieval based on their visual features, i.e. induced by their pixels. The images are, classically, described by the image feature vectors. Those vectors reflect the texture, color or a combination of them. The accuracy of the CBIR system is highly influenced by the (i) definition of the image feature vector describing the image, (ii) indexing and (iii) retrieval process. In this paper, we propose a new CBIR system entitled ISE (Image Search Engine). Our ISE system defines the optimum combination of color and texture features as an image feature vector, including the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm and employing an Interactive Genetic Approach (GA) for the indexing process. The performance analysis shows that our suggested PCM (Proposed Combination Method) upgrades the average precision metric from 66.6% to 89.30% for the “Food” category color histogram, from 77.7% to 100% concerning CCVs (Color Coherence Vectors) for the “Flower” category and from 58% to 87.65% regarding the DCD (Dominant Color Descriptor) for the “Building” category using the Corel dataset. Besides, our ISE system showcases an average precision of 98.23%, which is significantly higher than other CBIR systems presented in related works.
Products and intersections of prime-power ideals in Leavitt path algebras
Authors: Mesyan Zachary , Rangaswamy Kulumani M.
Published: March 2021

We continue a very fruitful line of inquiry into the multiplicative ideal theory of an arbitrary Leavitt path algebra [Formula: see text]. Specifically, we show that factorizations of an ideal in [Formula: see text] into irredundant products or intersections of finitely many prime-power ideals are unique, provided that the ideals involved are powers of distinct prime ideals. We also characterize the completely irreducible ideals in [Formula: see text], which turn out to be prime-power ideals of a special type, as well as ideals that can be factored into products or intersections of finitely many completely irreducible ideals.
Impact of Interorganisational Learning Factors on the Performance of Micro and Small Businesses
Authors: Ouro-Filho Abimael Magno do , Olave Maria Elena Leon , Barreto Ikaro Daniel de Carvalho
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study is to analyse the influence of interorganisational learning factors on the performance of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) participating in a Local Productive Arrangement (LPA) network; specifically, the clothing arrangement located in the city of Santa Cruz do Capibaribe, in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Three aspects were analysed in the performance of the MSEs: cooperation, innovation, and market. For this, a quantitative survey method was employed, with a sample of 301 respondents, analysed through the modelling of structural equations of the PLS type. The results indicate a complex model with the variable interorganisational learning characterised as being of second order, as it is filled by first-order variables of reflexive characteristic, which obtained validation in the measurement and structural assumptions. The model suggests that interorganisational learning positively influences the performance of cooperation, innovation, and market of the MSEs that constitute the LPA.
Construction of H5-Index for Conference Ranking Indicator and its Correlation to ERA
Authors: Kusakunniran Worapan , Ponn Thearith , Boonsom Nuttapol , Wahakit Suwimol , Thongkanchorn Kittikhun
Published: March 2021

This paper develops the Scopus H5-Index rankings, using the field of computer science as a case study. The challenge begins with the inconsistency of conference names. The rule-based approach is invented to automatically clean up duplicate conferences and assign unique pseudo ID for each conference. This data cleansing process is applied on conference names retrieved from both Scopus and ERA/CORE, in order to share common pseudo IDs for the sake of correlation analysis. The proposed data cleansing process is validated using ERA 2010 and CORE 2018 as references and reports the very small errors of 0.6% and 0.4%, respectively. Then, the Scopus H5-Index 2006–2010 and Scopus H5-Index 2014–2018 rankings are constructed and compared with the existing ERA 2010 and CORE 2018 rankings, respectively. The results show that the correlation within the Scopus H5-Index rankings (i.e. Scopus H5-Index 2006–2010 and Scopus H5-Index 2014–2018) is at the top of the moderate correlation band, where the correlation within the ERA/CORE rankings (ERA 2010 and CORE 2018) is at the top of the strong correlation band. While the correlations across ranking systems (i.e. Scopus H5-Index 2006–2010 vs. ERA 2010, and Scopus H5-Index 2014–2018 vs. CORE 2018) are at the bottom and middle of the moderate correlation band. It can be said that the quality assessment using the Scopus H5-Index ranking is more dynamic and quickly up-to-date when compared with the ERA/CORE ranking. Also, these two ranking systems are moderately correlated with each other for both periods of 2010 and 2018.
The Evolution of Internal Employer Branding and Employee Engagement: The Temporal Role of Internal Social Media Usage
Authors: Agarwal Tamanna , Arya Sandeep , Bhasin Kamini
Published: March 2021

In recent times, Indian IT companies have been facing high attrition rates, especially with young employees having three to seven years of experience. Therefore, this study develops and tests a dynamic model of brand-endorsed employee engagement (EE) and employee retention (ER). Particularly, the carryover and temporal effects of the relationships and constructs are studied to understand how employee behaviour evolves over time. Using two waves of longitudinal data gathered from young employees ([Formula: see text]) of Indian IT companies, the proposed conceptual model is investigated to test the temporal differences in the relationships between internal employer branding (IEB), organisational commitment, EE and ER. Additionally, the impact of employer internal social media usage on the relationships is also examined as an effective human resources (HR) intervention in the evolution process. The findings show that excluding the organisational commitment to EE relationship, the other two relationships between IEB to organisational commitment and EE to ER become stronger over time. Interestingly, while internal social media usage does not exhibit direct effect on organisational commitment or ER, it is instrumental in influencing IEB perception and EE during subsequent periods. Overall, this study offers directions to HR managers in the services sector on how to effectively use social media to engender engagement in employees and ultimately, enhance their intention to stay.
Fluoride ion promoted NH deprotonation of dioxaPhlorin with NIR absorption vs. acid induced facile conversion to aromatic dioxaSapphyrin: Synthesis, spectroscopic and theoretical characterization
Authors: Chakraborty Buddhadeb , Mahadavaiah Maheshwari Horalavadi , Usharani Dandamudi , Rath Harapriya
Published: March 2021

Synthesis, spectroscopic and solid state structural proof of hitherto unknown highly stable meso-pyrrole appended expanded dioxaphlorin is reported. The macrocycle was susceptible to NH deprotonation upon TBAF titration leading to NIR absorption with vivid colour change to the naked eye paving the way towards the application as a fluoride ion sensor. Contrarily, efficient conversion to aromatic dioxasapphyrin has been anticipated upon trifluoroacetic acid reaction owing to facile elimination of meso-appended pyrrole ring. The conformational preorganzation and anion induced conformational reorganization owing to the base promoted NH deprotonation are thoroughly investigated by various spectroscopic techniques and DFT level theoretical calculations.
Brand Love and Brand Hate: Integrating Emotions into Brand-Related Experiences and Loyalty
Authors: Kohli Harpuneet Singh , Khandai Sujata , Yadav Renu , Kataria Sonia
Published: March 2021

Branding has always garnered substantial interest among marketers for many years. Brand love and brand hate are two aspects of branding that are drawing a great deal of attention today. Yet, there remains a gap in measuring the effect of brand love and brand hate on the relationship between brand experience and brand loyalty for the fashion apparel sector in India. Data was collected from 250 participants using both online and offline channels. Results imputed from the structural equation modeling show that brand experience is directly related to brand loyalty. In addition, brand love mediates the relationship between brand experience and attitudinal loyalty and for brand hate, ideological incompatibility and symbolic incongruity mediate the relationship between brand experience and attitudinal loyalty, as well as, behavioral loyalty.
A Hybrid Siamese Neural Network for Natural Language Inference in Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Ni Pin , Li Yuming , Li Gangmin , Chang Victor
Published: March 2021

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), as a multi-dimensional complex system that connects the physical world and the cyber world, has a strong demand for processing large amounts of heterogeneous data. These tasks also include Natural Language Inference (NLI) tasks based on text from different sources. However, the current research on natural language processing in CPS does not involve exploration in this field. Therefore, this study proposes a Siamese Network structure that combines Stacked Residual Long Short-Term Memory (bidirectional) with the Attention mechanism and Capsule Network for the NLI module in CPS, which is used to infer the relationship between text/language data from different sources. This model is mainly used to implement NLI tasks and conduct a detailed evaluation in three main NLI benchmarks as the basic semantic understanding module in CPS. Comparative experiments prove that the proposed method achieves competitive performance, has a certain generalization ability, and can balance the performance and the number of trained parameters.
I Know What You Know: What Hand Movements Reveal about Domain Expertise
Authors: Oviatt Sharon , Lin Jionghao , Sriramulu Abishek
Published: March 2021

This research investigates whether students’ level of domain expertise can be detected during authentic learning activities by analyzing their physical activity patterns. More expert students reduced their manual activity by a substantial 50%, which was evident in fine-grained signal analyses and total rate of gesturing. The quality of experts’ discrete hand movements also averaged shorter in distance, briefer in duration, and slower in velocity than those of non-experts. Interestingly, experts adapted by nearly eliminating gestures on easier problems, while selectively increasing them on harder ones. They also strategically produced 62% more iconic gestures, which serve to retain spatial information in working memory while extracting inferences required to solve problems correctly. These findings highlight the close relation between hand movements and mental state and, more specifically, that hand movements provide an unusually clear window on students’ level of domain expertise. Embodied Cognition and Limited Resource theories only partially account for the present findings, which specify future directions for theoretical work.