bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of photovoltaic potential application in urban environments using GIS-based method: the particular case of Baghdad / Iraq
Authors: Ibraheem Israa Fadhil , Al-Jaafari Mamoon A A
Published: July 2021

This paper aims to develop a multi-criteria technique that originated in Geo-Information Systems ( GIS), horizontal radiation data and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) to discover the installation potential of photovoltaic systems in an urban area and assess the output of yearly generation of electricity. In a small area in the center of Baghdad (Iraq), data that were obtained from LIDAR provide a precise representation of the urban environments through the development of a Digital Surface Model (DSM) that was utilized for computing the degree of the roofs of building local inclination and orientation using the impact of shadow for the different elements (other construction and trees). The paper introduces the possibility of distinguishing two forms of roof: for the first one, PV panels were situated parallel with the roofs, while for the second, the optimum position was obtained through the utilization of the structures to mount them. For the second case, the self-shading was considered. Incident radiation on the surface of panels is computed using a geometric technique that depends on horizontal radiation per hour, including direct and diffuse components. Finally, the evaluation of the effective production also includes panels efficiency and various sources of waste, particularly temperature.
Enhancing the mechanical properties of lightweight concrete using mono and hybrid fibers
Authors: Ismael Tuqa M , Mohammed Shatha D
Published: July 2021

This investigation aims to study some properties of lightweight aggregate concrete reinforced by mono or hybrid fibers of different sizes and types. In this research, the considered lightweight aggregate was Light Expanded Clay Aggregate while the adopted fibers included hooked, straight, polypropylene, and glass. Eleven lightweight concrete mixes were considered, These mixes comprised of; one plain concrete mix (without fibers), two reinforced concrete mixtures of mono fiber (hooked or straight fibers), six reinforced concrete mixtures of double hybrid fibers, and two reinforced concrete mixtures of triple hybrid fibers. Hardened concrete properties were investigated in this study. Generally, mono and hybrid fiber specimens showed a significant increase in the splitting tensile strength compared to the plain specimen while they had a slight improvement in compressive strength and modulus of elasticity. The outcomes of the experimental results illustrated that hybrid fibers had the most significant advanced effect on concrete hardened properties. Moreover; the optimization procedure revealed that the best performance in terms of maximum mechanical properties achieved in the mixture reinforced by hybrid fibers[straight + hooked + glass]. The maximum achieved advantage reached (14.18%), (91.97%), and (36.70%) for compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity respectively.
Evaluation of the factors affecting for selection the optimal site for construction & demolition waste recycling
Authors: Mohammed Al-Dhaheri Salman A , Burhan Abbas M
Published: July 2021

Iraq suffers from a large proportion of construction and demolition waste (C&DW) not exploited and causes a lot of environmental and health problems, therefore it is necessary to recycle this waste. The researcher used five point Likert scale to find out the degree of influence for the concluded factors on choosing an optimum site for recycling (C&DW) in Baghdad Governorate. The researcher received 40 of (44) distributed questionnaire. The results showed that all factors have a high (RII). The sequences of the main and sub-factors in terms of the importance were environmental: (distance to surface water, distance to reserves and natural attraction areas, distance to natural and national parks, distance to airports, distance to the military bases), economical: (the distance to the secondary sorting sites for (C&DW), the distance to the sanitary landfill of (C&DW), the distance from the highway taboo, land ownership, the distance to the rail network, the distance to the areas which constructed more than 50 years ago, the distance to the quarries in the region, the degree of inclination or slope of the land), social: (distance to the population groupings, distance to cultural and religious milestones, distance to historical monuments), technical: (available land area, land type).
Review on applications of RAP in civil engineering
Authors: Al-Shujairi Abbas O , Al-Taie Abbas J , Al-Mosawe Hasan M
Published: July 2021

The use of “Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement” waste (RAP) has begun to be needful in different industries. These industries works needs more development and new infrastructure construction. The roads, highways, airports, etc. are among these infrastructures. As a result, huge quantities of RAP waste are generated and require special processes including reuse and recycle. Such processes for RAP reduce the quantities of this waste and, also, reduce the consumption of the energy. Recycling RAP material has been utilized in a way that covers large civil engineering applications, e.g., roadbed layers, road surfacing, bituminous mixtures, road shoulders as embankment, back-filling material, retaining walls, slope protection, landfill capping systems, pothole filler material, and drainage works. In this paper, the definition of RAP, properties affecting the efficiency of the RAP, and factors controlling the recycling of RAP has been presented. Typical ranges and average properties of RAP has been summarized and presented. The applications of RAP in the construction of roadbed layers and the design of bituminous mixtures have been discussed with typical RAP contents. It appears that the basic properties of RAP are varied widely from country to others. RAP waste is accepted by civil engineers to improve roadbed layers and asphalt mixture design.
The percentage of humanization in the main walkway of the old city of Najaf, using GIS technique
Authors: Hadi Dhuha Waheed , Alwan Kareem Hassan
Published: July 2021

The realization of the concept of humanizing cities was linked to the study of pedestrian behaviors and needs. Since the street was the first element of the urban space that defined the Old City, were used as multi-use spaces to include places of shopping, meeting, work and picnic. However, with the rapid and changing development in human needs, the streets lost some of their functional and urban characteristics, and thus affected the extent of them being an urban space for pedestrians. In this regard, the research examines the principles of humanization of cities, include (connectivity, accessibility, mixed land use, comfort, protection, attraction, vitality, and human scale). The purpose of the research is to find out the old city center of Najaf can be considered a humane pedestrian-friendly city And calculate the ratio of its areas. The research identifies six main streets in the city center as a case study, namely Street (Al-Khournak, Al-Sadiq, Al-Tusi, Zain Al-Abidin, Al-Rasoul, and The big market). The study uses the (GIS) technique to determine the percentage of these features the street provides. Concludes that the pedestrian streets of the study area differ in the percentage that achieves the principles of humanism, as it needs improvement.
Reinforced Concrete Curved Beams in Literature
Authors: Khaleel Wisam H. , Dawood Asala A. , Abdul-Razzaq Khattab S. , Talal Abdullah A. , Al-Karawi Sultan N.
Published: July 2021

The current paper presents a review of some previous experimental and theoretical studies concerning reinforced concrete (RC) curved or ring beams, behavior and strength. Due to curvature, it is necessary to include torsional effects in the analysis and design. The most effective parameters worth to be reviewed are; ring diameter, number of supports, width of beam, concrete compressive strength, and width of bearing plate. There are different analysis methods to estimate the load capacity and behavior in addition to finite element analysis. From the previous studies it was concluded that increasing ring diameter decreases the load capacity, while increasing number of supports, width of beam, concrete compressive strength, and width of bearing plate increases the load capacity due to the increase in beam section or its properties. RC ring beams fail in flexure, while the deep ring beams fail in shear in a manner similar to straight beams. Plastic analysis and strut and tie model (STM) are useful tools to analyze curved or ring deep beams effectively. Furthermore, the three-dimensional, nonlinear finite element modelling is ideal for predicting the behavior of RC curved deep beams.
Productivity enhancement through coating of core box - A Review
Authors: Bhuvaneswari V , Amarnath V , Balaji D , Andrew Meshach H , Aravinth A , Dineshkumar S , Saravanan V S
Published: July 2021

Coating of core box is normally done to enhance the surface finish of the cast component. Thermal resistance among the molten metal and mould is balance by means of mould. It is used to decrease the temperature effect through the sand. Increase in temperature effect results the following failures like, formation of pattern lines; penetrate to metal, outer layer formation, corrosion which creates failure to the surface. Major contribution of core box coating is to minimize or eliminate the above-mentioned issues. In order to enhance the coating technology first we need to go through the various types of core, core box and existing coating technology. In this review, the above-mentioned topics are discussed with enough samples for easy understanding.
Laboratory Study of Residual Oil Mobilization by Induce Vibration in Porous Media
Authors: Abdulkareem Ali Nooruldeen , Hussien Mudhfer Yacoub , Mashkoor Hanoon H.
Published: July 2021

The evolution of techniques required to mobilize reservoir fluids at critical saturation is important because of global petroleum needs because of the necessity to conserve the underground water that deteriorated because of the slowness of persistent organic pollutants’ dismantling. The acoustic waves of low-frequency are one of these methods, but the absence of understanding of the vibration effect to displace Oil prevents vibration application in the field until recently. This paper proves that oil permeability increased when the vibration induced in porous media; vibration makes resorting to the rock grains, which stimulates passage for liquid moving through the reservoir. The capillary pressure and reservoir pressure should be taken into consideration to make optimum validation for vibration stimulation.
50mv/Bar Sensitivity; Piezoresistive MEMS Altimeter Design for The Agricultural Drones
Authors: Sunkari Prathyusha , Sharma Avinash , Sushanth Babu M , Undrakonda Jyothsna , Ijjada Sreenivasa Rao
Published: July 2021

The technology innovations and adoptions outbreaks in the field of agriculture for the ease of forming and productivity improvement. Particularly, drones usage in this sector is very necessary for several activities like spraying pesticides and monitoring the crop growth all over the farm without human intervention. Earlier, the rules of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Sheldon the use of drones for the form fields. Now, the FAA liberalized their guidelines in order to encourage the technology to be part of the farming. Usually, drones should be operated at a specific altitude and thedrones flying above 130m from the ground level having security and privacy concerns. Hence, in order measure altitude of the drone, Micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) based Altimetry pressure sensors usually preferred in the drone, but in order to decrease the payload of the drone, a miniaturized MEMS based altimetry pressure sensor with high figure of merit design are highly need. In this paper, an attempt is made to design an Edge Centric Polycrystalline Piezoresistive MEMS(ECPP-MEMS) pressure sensor of 1000µm x 1000µm square structure, 1µm membrane thickness and X shaped strain gauge to achieve the sensitivity of 50mV/bar. This model should support to measure the pressure at low altitude ( < 50m above sea level) in the pressure range of 0.1-1 bar at ambient temperature.
Corrigendum: Formation of corundum-rich alumina coatings on low-carbon steel by plasma electrolytic oxidation (2021 IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater Sci Eng. 1147 012007)
Authors: Simchen F , Masoud-Nia N , Mehner T , Lampke T
Published: July 2021

The surface area of the test sample depicted in figure 2 was calculated wrong (without the contribution of the lateral area). Thats why the current densities in Table 3, Figure 4 and Figure 5 were wrong also. We adjusted the mentioned article elements as well as the corresponding statement within the abstract:

As a result of this, it was possible to obtain alumina layers of 80 micrometers in thickness, with a high corundum content of approximately 50 to 90%, after 37 minutes of treatment time, at a current density below 10 (instead of 25) A/dm2 on C8C-steel.
Morphology, nano-mechanical properties and bending fracture stress of hind leg material of Cybister japonicus beetle
Authors: Yang Zhixian , Zhang Ming , Zhang Chao
Published: July 2021

Biomaterials are complex composites with hierarchical structure and multi-function. The mechanical properties of biomaterials are often outstanding, especially considering their weak constituents. After evolving for millions of years to adapt to water surroundings, the diving beetles Cybister japonicus possess a pair of relatively large flattened hind legs which are optimized for sliding and rowing functions for swimming. In this paper, the morphology and microstructures of the hind leg biomaterial of Cybister japonicus are observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The nano-mechanical properties of the hind leg cuticle are measured with a nano-indentation system and the bending fracture stress is investigated by employing a multi-functional mechanical properties testing machine. The results of this study provide an appropriate biological pattern for the structural design of novel advanced lightweight composites with high specific strength.
Effects of fuel cost and driving behaviors on operational costs of gasoline and electric vehicles in the US
Authors: Schmidt Isaac , Grubert Emily
Published: July 2021

Internal combustion engine vehicles have long dominated personal vehicle sales in the United States. As electric vehicles gain market share, understanding fuel costs of gasoline versus electric vehicles (EVs) is increasingly relevant for potential buyers and for researchers. In particular, understanding the influence of fuel price volatility on fuel costs is of interest. Although it is well known that fueling an EV is cheaper than fueling a gasoline vehicle, costs are less commonly expressed in explicit spatially and temporally resolved terms. This note presents an Excel model that includes state-specific gasoline and residential electricity price data for US states between 2015–2020, including both average overall electricity prices and lowest-cost time-of-use electricity rates (measured over a consecutive 8-hour potential residential charging period) for each state. This model, which we call the Fuel Cost Calculator, also allows users to evaluate the impact of several major external and driver behavior factors on fuel costs for gasoline versus electric vehicles. These combinations of these factors result in unique scenarios which make price differences for the fuel costs more variable. With the Fuel Cost Calculator, the user can create specific scenarios reflecting potential real-world conditions to create cost estimates for gasoline and residential EV fueling over user-determined time periods and distances. Fuel costs for gasoline vehicles are generally higher than for electric vehicles in the US, consistent with prior studies. We also explicitly show that fuel cost budgets are much more volatile for gasoline versus electric vehicles charged at a residence, given the much less stable price of oil versus electricity. This volatility is sufficiently large so as to be relevant for vehicle owner budgets. The FCC also shows carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with vehicle use, resolved at the state level.
Swarm v3: towards tera-scale amplicon clustering
Authors: Mahé Frédéric , Czech Lucas , Stamatakis Alexandros , Quince Christopher , de Vargas Colomban , Dunthorn Micah , Rognes Torbjørn
Published: July 2021

Motivation

Previously we presented swarm, an open-source amplicon clustering programme that produces fine-scale molecular operational taxonomic units (OTUs) that are free of arbitrary global clustering thresholds. Here, we present swarm v3 to address issues of contemporary datasets that are growing towards tera-byte sizes.

Results

When compared with previous swarm versions, swarm v3 has modernized C++ source code, reduced memory footprint by up to 50%, optimized CPU-usage and multithreading (more than 7 times faster with default parameters), and it has been extensively tested for its robustness and logic.

Availability and implementation

Source code and binaries are available at https://github.com/torognes/swarm.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Ryūtō: improved multi-sample transcript assembly for differential transcript expression analysis and more
Authors: Gatter Thomas , Stadler Peter F
Published: July 2021

Motivation

Accurate assembly of RNA-seq is a crucial step in many analytic tasks such as gene annotation or expression studies. Despite ongoing research, progress on traditional single sample assembly has brought no major breakthrough. Multi-sample RNA-Seq experiments provide more information than single sample datasets and thus constitute a promising area of research. Yet, this advantage is challenging to utilize due to the large amount of accumulating errors.

Results

We present an extension to Ryūtō enabling the reconstruction of consensus transcriptomes from multiple RNA-seq datasets, incorporating consensus calling at low level features. We report stable improvements already at three replicates. Ryūtō outperforms competing approaches, providing a better and user-adjustable sensitivity-precision trade-off. Ryūtō’s unique ability to utilize a (incomplete) reference for multi sample assemblies greatly increases precision. We demonstrate benefits for differential expression analysis.

Ryūtō consistently improves assembly on replicates of the same tissue independent of filter settings, even when mixing conditions or time series. Consensus voting in Ryūtō is especially effective at high precision assembly, while Ryūtō’s conventional mode can reach higher recall.

Availability and implementation

Ryūtō is available at https://github.com/studla/RYUTO.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Effects of LPXRFamide peptides on chub mackerel gonadotropin secretion
Authors: Ohga Hirofumi , Matsuyama Michiya
Published: July 2021

Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), a neuropeptide, suppresses gonadotropin (GTH) secretion in birds and mammals. In fish, the GnIH homolog LPXRFamide (LPXRFa) produces mature peptides with species-dependent effects on sexual reproduction. Here, we investigated the effects of LPXRFa on GTH secretion in the chub mackerel (cm; Scomber japonicus). We cloned cmlpxrfa (603 bp) and cmlpxrfa-r (1416 bp). Additionally, we isolated lpxrfa from the bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) to confirm the conservation of the LPXRFa mature sequence. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the LPXRFa precursor protein produces three mature peptides, LPXRFa-1, -2, and -3, in both species. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that cmlpxrfa is expressed in the hypothalamus and thalamus and midbrain (T.MB), and sexual differences were observed. Receptor expression was observed in the preoptic area, hypothalamus, T.MB, and pituitary. Female hypothalamic lpxrfa expression did not change during puberty. Reporter gene assay showed that LPXRFa induced receptor activation via the CRE and SRE signaling pathways. However, in the presence of forskolin, an intracellular cyclic AMP enhancer, none of the LPXRFa could suppress receptor activity. The in vitro bioassay results showed that gonadotropin-releasing hormone-1 (GnRH1) had no effect on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion, whereas the three LPXRFa significantly increased FSH secretion in pituitary cells from male chub mackerel. Contrarily, GnRH1 and three LPXRFa significantly increased luteinizing hormone secretion. The in vivo administration of LPXRFa had no effect on fshb and lhb expression in prepubertal and mature male chub mackerel. Overall, cmLPXRFa lacks the ability to suppress GTH secretion but can promote GTH secretion.
A deep learning approach for monitoring parietal-dominant Alzheimer’s disease in World Trade Center responders at midlife
Authors: Chen Allen P F , Clouston Sean A P , Kritikos Minos , Richmond Lauren , Meliker Jaymie , Mann Frank , Santiago-Michels Stephanie , Pellecchia Alison C , Carr Melissa A , Kuan Pei-Fen , Bromet Evelyn J , Luft Benjamin J
Published: July 2021

Little is known about the characteristics and causes of early-onset cognitive impairment. Responders to the 2001 New York World Trade Center disaster represent an ageing population that was recently shown to have an excess prevalence of cognitive impairment. Neuroimaging and molecular data demonstrate that a subgroup of affected responders may have a unique form of parietal-dominant Alzheimer’s Disease. Recent neuropsychological testing and artificial intelligence approaches have emerged as methods that can be used to identify and monitor subtypes of cognitive impairment. We utilized data from World Trade Center responders participating in a health monitoring program and applied a deep learning approach to evaluate neuropsychological and neuroimaging data to generate a cortical atrophy risk score. We examined risk factors associated with the prevalence and incidence of high risk for brain atrophy in responders who are now at midlife. Training was conducted in a randomly selected two-thirds sample (N = 99) enrolled using of the results of a structural neuroimaging study. Testing accuracy was estimated for each training cycle in the remaining third subsample. After training was completed, the scoring methodology that was generated was applied to longitudinal data from 1441 World Trade Center responders. The artificial neural network provided accurate classifications of these responders in both the testing (Area Under the Receiver Operating Curve, 0.91) and validation samples (Area Under the Receiver Operating Curve, 0.87). At baseline and follow-up, responders identified as having a high risk of atrophy (n = 378) showed poorer cognitive functioning, most notably in domains that included memory, throughput, and variability as compared to their counterparts at low risk for atrophy (n = 1063). Factors associated with atrophy risk included older age [adjusted hazard ratio, 1.045 (95% confidence interval = 1.027–1.065)], increased duration of exposure at the WTC site [adjusted hazard ratio, 2.815 (1.781–4.449)], and a higher prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder [aHR, 2.072 (1.408–3.050)]. High atrophy risk was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality [adjusted risk ratio, 3.19 (1.13–9.00)]. In sum, the high atrophy risk group displayed higher levels of previously identified risk factors and characteristics of cognitive impairment, including advanced age, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, and prolonged duration of exposure to particulate matter. Thus, this study suggests that a high risk of brain atrophy may be accurately monitored using cognitive data.
Comparative analysis of experimental testing procedures for the elicitation of rescue actions in ants
Authors: Turza Filip , Miler Krzysztof
Published: July 2021

Rescue behavior is observed when 1 individual provides help to another individual in danger. Most reports of rescue behavior concern ants (Formicidae), in which workers rescue each other from various types of entrapment. Many of these entrapment situations can be simulated in the laboratory using an entrapment bioassay, in which ants confront a single endangered nest mate entrapped on a sandy arena by means of an artificial snare. Here, we compared numerous characteristics of rescue actions (contact between individuals, digging around the entrapped individual, pulling at its body parts, transport of the sand covering it, and biting the snare entrapping it) in Formica cinerea ants. We performed entrapment tests in the field and in the laboratory, with the latter under varying conditions in terms of the number of ants potentially engaged in rescue actions and the arena substrate (marked or unmarked by ants’ pheromones). Rescue actions were more probable and pronounced in the field than in the laboratory, regardless of the type of test. Moreover, different test types in the laboratory yielded inconsistent results and showed noteworthy variability depending on the tested characteristic of rescue. Our results illustrate the specifics of ant rescue actions elicited in the natural setting, which is especially important considering the scarcity of field data. Furthermore, our results underline the challenges related to the comparison of results from different types of entrapment tests reported in the available literature. Additionally, our study shows how animal behavior differs in differing experimental setups used to answer the same questions.
Nutrient, Fibre, and FODMAP Intakes and Food-related Quality of Life in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Their Relationship with Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Differing Aetiologies
Authors: Cox Selina R , Clarke Hazel , O’Keeffe Majella , Dubois Patrick , Irving Peter M , Lindsay James O , Whelan Kevin
Published: July 2021

Background and Aims

Certain foods are reported as gut symptom triggers in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], and fructans are shown to worsen non-inflammatory symptoms in inactive IBD, which may result in self-imposed dietary restrictions. The aim of this study was to investigate nutrient and FODMAP intakes, and the relationship between gut symptoms and dietary intake, in IBD.

Methods

Nutrient, fibre, and FODMAP intakes were estimated using 7-day food records in patients with active IBD [Active IBD], inactive IBD with non-inflammatory gut symptoms [Inactive IBD-GI], inactive IBD without gut symptoms [Inactive IBD], and healthy controls. Nutrient intakes, numbers of participants achieving national recommendations, and food-related quality of life [FR-QoL] were compared across study groups.

Results

Food diaries were obtained from 232 patients with IBD [65 Active IBD, 86 Inactive IBD-GI, 81 Inactive IBD] and 84 healthy controls. Patients with Active IBD had significantly lower intakes of numerous micronutrients, including iron, folate, and vitamin C, compared with controls. All IBD groups consumed less total fibre [4.5 to 5.8 g/day] than controls [p = 0.001], and total FODMAP and fructan intakes were lower in Active IBD compared with controls. Strikingly, FR-QoL was significantly lower in all IBD groups compared with controls [all p = 0.001].

Conclusions

This study revealed lower intakes of fibre, FODMAPs, and micronutrients, in addition to poorer FR-QoL, in Active IBD and Inactive IBD-GI with gut symptoms compared with healthy controls. Future research should address dietary restrictions responsible for these differences.
A case report showing unusual atrial communication with severe regurgitation of multiple valves and pulmonary aneurysm: double atrial septum with persistent interatrial space
Authors: Ortiz de Murua José Antonio , de la Fuente Blanco Laura , Trigo-Bautista Alberto , Ruiz-Olgado María José
Published: July 2021

Background

We discuss an unusual association: double atrial septum, pulmonary artery aneurysm, and severe regurgitation of multiple valves.

Case summary

A 70-year-old man was admitted into the hospital because of progressive dyspnoea. Physical examination showed a blood pressure of 132/70 mmHg, a systolic murmur on the right upper sternal border, another systolic murmur at the apex, and a diastolic murmur at the lower left sternal border. Electrocardiogram revealed atrial fibrillation and complete left bundle branch block. Transthoracic echocardiography showed mitral prolapse, severe mitral, aortic, and pulmonary regurgitation, a 60 mm diameter pulmonary artery aneurysm, mild to moderate tricuspid regurgitation, and moderate pulmonary hypertension. Transoesophageal echocardiography also showed an unusual atrial communication consisting of a double atrial septum with a mid-line chamber between both atria. A cardiac magnetic resonance scan was performed and confirmed echocardiography findings and QP:QS ratio = 1.3.

Discussion

In our knowledge, this is the first case report with this association. We present the main clinical features of the double atrial septum with persistent interatrial space, its echocardiography anatomy, differential diagnosis, and embryology.
A case report of successful stent implantation through a fractured stent-strut in a superficial femoral artery based on bench testing simulation
Authors: Yamane Haruya , Kosugi Shumpei , Date Motoo , Ueda Yasunori
Published: July 2021

Background

Stent implantation through the stent-strut of a previously implanted self-expandable stent in the superficial femoral artery (SFA) is not usually performed because the additional stent cannot dilate sufficiently. The key point to achieve sufficient expansion of an additional stent is to break the stent-strut of the previously implanted stent. However, there is no report of how to break the stent-strut.

Case summary

A 72-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with acute rest pain and coldness of his left leg; he was diagnosed with acute limb ischaemia. The angiogram demonstrated a fractured stent as well as stent occlusion in the left distal SFA. The guidewire could pass only through the stent-strut because of stent fracture. Fortunately, balloon angioplasty through the stent-strut and thrombolysis achieved successful revascularization. Thereafter, an additional stent was implanted in an attempt to manage the fractured and deformed stent. To obtain sufficient expansion of the additional stent, an experimental study to examine the balloon diameter and pressure to break the stent-strut was performed. Based on the results of the experiment, the stent-strut was successfully broken, and the additional stent was expanded through the stent-strut on the second intervention.

Discussion

If an additional self-expandable stent is deployed through the stent-strut directly, it would not be sufficiently dilated. The key point in such a case is to break the stent-strut of the previously implanted stent by balloon inflation before deployment of the additional stent. The experimental study examined the balloon diameter and pressure that can break the stent-strut. This information would be useful when we implant an additional stent through a stent-strut.
Easy identification of insertion sequence mobilization events in related bacterial strains with ISCompare
Authors: Mogro Ezequiel G , Ambrosis Nicolás M , Lozano Mauricio J
Published: July 2021

Bacterial genomes are composed of core and accessory genomes. The first is composed of housekeeping and essential genes, while the second is highly enriched in mobile genetic elements, including transposable elements (TEs). Insertion sequences (ISs), the smallest TEs, have an important role in genome evolution, and contribute to bacterial genome plasticity and adaptability. ISs can spread in a genome, presenting different locations in nearly related strains, and producing phenotypic variations. Few tools are available which can identify differentially located ISs (DLISs) on assembled genomes. Here, we introduce ISCompare, a new program to profile IS mobilization events in related bacterial strains using complete or draft genome assemblies. ISCompare was validated using artificial genomes with simulated random IS insertions and real sequences, achieving the same or better results than other available tools, with the advantage that ISCompare can analyze multiple ISs at the same time and outputs a list of candidate DLISs. ISCompare provides an easy and straightforward approach to look for differentially located ISs on bacterial genomes.
De-politicization and Corporate Transformation: Evidence from China
Authors: Berkowitz Daniel , Lin Chen , Liu Sibo
Published: July 2021

It is well understood that when firms receive favorable treatment from the government because of their political connections and not necessarily their economic merits, they may operate inefficiently while enjoying market advantages over their unconnected peers. However, just how firms respond to the sustained removal of their political connections has not been carefully studied. This article evaluates an unanticipated reform in China that removed government-related personnel from independent directorships of publicly listed companies. Our evidence indicates that treated firms experienced a temporary increase in their cost of debt, but invested more in R&D, imported more machinery, and became more productive and transparent. These adjustments counterbalanced the negative value effect from the financial markets when the regulation was first announced (JEL G38, P26, K20).
Ultra-short-period massive black hole binary candidates in LSST as LISA ‘verification binaries’
Authors: Xin Chengcheng , Haiman Zoltán
Published: July 2021

The Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory is expected to discover tens of millions of quasars. A significant fraction of these could be powered by coalescing massive black hole (MBH) binaries, since many quasars are believed to be triggered by mergers. We show that under plausible assumptions about the luminosity functions, lifetimes, and binary fractions of quasars, we expect the full LSST quasar catalogue to contain between 20 and 100 million compact MBH binaries with masses M = 105–9M⊙, redshifts z = 0–6, and orbital periods P = 1–70 d. Their light-curves are expected to be distinctly periodic, which can be confidently distinguished from stochastic red-noise variability, because LSST will cover dozens, or even hundreds of cycles. A very small subset of 10–150 ultracompact (P ≲ 1 d) binary quasars among these will, over ∼5–15 yr, evolve into the mHz gravitational-wave frequency band and can be detected by LISA. They can therefore be regarded as ‘LISA verification binaries’, analogous to short-period Galactic compact-object binaries. The practical question is how to find these handful of ‘needles in the haystack’ among the large number of quasars: this will likely require a tailored co-adding analysis optimized for this purpose.
High-contrast observations of brown dwarf companion HR 2562 B with the vector Apodizing Phase Plate coronagraph
Authors: Sutlieff Ben J , Bohn Alexander J , Birkby Jayne L , Kenworthy Matthew A , Morzinski Katie M , Doelman David S , Males Jared R , Snik Frans , Close Laird M , Hinz Philip M , Charbonneau David
Published: July 2021

The vector Apodizing Phase Plate (vAPP) is a class of pupil plane coronagraph that enables high-contrast imaging by modifying the Point Spread Function (PSF) to create a dark hole of deep flux suppression adjacent to the PSF core. Here, we recover the known brown dwarf HR 2562 B using a vAPP coronagraph, in conjunction with the Magellan Adaptive Optics (MagAO) system, at a signal-to-noise of S/N = 3.04 in the lesser studied L-band regime. The data contained a mix of field and pupil-stabilized observations, hence we explored three different processing techniques to extract the companion, including Flipped Differential Imaging (FDI), a newly devised Principal Component Analysis (PCA)-based method for vAPP data. Despite the partial field-stabilization, the companion is recovered sufficiently to measure a 3.94 $\mu\mathrm{ m}$ narrow-band contrast of (3.05 ± 1.00) × 10−4 ($\Delta \, {\rm m}_{3.94 \mu {\rm m}}$ = 8.79 ± 0.36 mag). Combined with archival GPI and SPHERE observations, our atmospheric modelling indicates a spectral type at the L/T transition with mass M = 29 ± 15 MJup, consistent with literature results. However, effective temperature and surface gravity vary significantly depending on the wavebands considered (1200 ≤ Teff(K) ≤ 1700 and 4.0 ≤ log(g)(dex) ≤ 5.0), reflecting the challenges of modelling objects at the L/T transition. Observations between 2.4 and 3.2 $\mu\mathrm{ m}$ will be more effective in distinguishing cooler brown dwarfs due to the onset of absorption bands in this region. We explain that instrumental scattered light and wind-driven halo can be detrimental to FDI+PCA and thus must be sufficiently mitigated to use this processing technique. We thus demonstrate the potential of vAPP coronagraphs in the characterization of high-contrast substellar companions, even in sub-optimal conditions, and provide new complementary photometry of HR 2562 B.
Classification of true progression after radiotherapy of brain metastasis on MRI using artificial intelligence: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Hae Young , Cho Se Jin , Sunwoo Leonard , Baik Sung Hyun , Bae Yun Jung , Choi Byung Se , Jung Cheolkyu , Kim Jae Hyoung
Published: July 2021

Background

Classification of true progression from nonprogression (eg, radiation-necrosis) after stereotactic radiotherapy/radiosurgery of brain metastasis is known to be a challenging diagnostic task on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The scope and status of research using artificial intelligence (AI) on classifying true progression are yet unknown.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to identify studies that investigated the performance of AI-assisted MRI in classifying true progression after stereotactic radiotherapy/radiosurgery of brain metastasis, published before November 11, 2020. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated using bivariate random-effects modeling. Meta-regression was performed for the identification of factors contributing to the heterogeneity among the studies. We assessed the quality of the studies using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) criteria and a modified version of the radiomics quality score (RQS).

Results

Seven studies were included, with a total of 485 patients and 907 tumors. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 77% (95% CI, 70–83%) and 74% (64–82%), respectively. All 7 studies used radiomics, and none used deep learning. Several covariates including the proportion of lung cancer as the primary site, MR field strength, and radiomics segmentation slice showed a statistically significant association with the heterogeneity. Study quality was overall favorable in terms of the QUADAS-2 criteria, but not in terms of the RQS.

Conclusion

The diagnostic performance of AI-assisted MRI seems yet inadequate to be used reliably in clinical practice. Future studies with improved methodologies and a larger training set are needed.
Extended Retrosigmoid Approach for Resection of a Lateral Pontine Arteriovenous Malformation: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Catapano Joshua S , Singh Rohin , Srinivasan Visish M , Lawton Michael T
Published: July 2021

Pontine arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are uncommon lesions, with few reports in the literature. The best treatment option is debated, with options including surgical resection, endovascular embolization, and radiosurgery. Patient consent for the procedure was obtained. Herein, we report the successful resection of a ruptured lateral pontine AVM with an associated aneurysm in a woman in her early 70s. Surgical resection can be considered an effective treatment option for brainstem AVMs and should be considered alone or in conjunction with other treatment modalities. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.
Safety and efficacy of autologous tumor lysate particle-loaded dendritic cell vaccination in combination with systemic therapies in patients with recurrent and metastatic melanoma
Authors: Adams Alexandra M. , Chick Robert C. , Vreeland Timothy J. , Clifton Guy T. , Hale Diane F. , McCarthy Patrick M. , O’Shea Anne E. , Bohan Phillip M. Kemp , Hickerson Annelies T. , Park Hyohyun , Sloan Amanda JoEllen , Hyngstrom John , Berger Adam C. , Jakub James W. , Sussman Jeffrey J. , Shaheen Montaser , Wagner Thomas , Faries Mark B. , Peoples George E.
Published: July 2021

Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of melanoma, yet survival remains poor for patients with metastatic disease. The autologous tumor lysate, particle-loaded, dendritic cell (TLPLDC) vaccine has been shown to be safe adjuvant therapy for patients with resected stage III/IV melanoma who complete the primary vaccine series. Here, we describe an open-label trial of patients with metastatic melanoma treated with TLPLDC vaccine in addition to standard of care (SoC) therapies. The TLPLDC vaccine is created by loading autologous tumor lysate into yeast cell wall particles, which are phagocytosed by autologous dendritic cells ex vivo. Patients who recurred while enrolled in a phase IIb trial of adjuvant TLPLDC vaccine (crossover cohort) and patients with measurable metastatic melanoma cohort were offered TLPLDC vaccine along with SoC therapies. Tumor response was measured by RECIST 1.1 criteria. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated by intention-to-treat analysis. Fifty-four patients were enrolled (28 in crossover cohort; 26 in metastatic melanoma cohort). The vaccine was well-tolerated with no grade ≥3 adverse events when given with SoC therapies to include checkpoint inhibitors, BRAF/MEK inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, intralesional therapy and/or radiation. In the crossover arm, OS was 76.5% and PFS was 57.1% (median follow-up of 13.9 months). In the metastatic melanoma arm, OS was 85.7% and PFS was 52.2% (median follow-up 8.5 months). The TLPLDC vaccine is well-tolerated and safe in combination with SoC therapies. Future trials will determine the efficacy of TLPLDC in combination with SoC therapies in metastatic melanoma.
Implementation of a Supervised Focused Infusion Therapy Clinical Experience and Its Impact on Confidence and Competence
Authors: Lofton Caitlin M. , Schmaldinst Kristy E. , Cozort Rachel W.
Published: July 2021

Infusion therapy is a challenging skill set, yet nursing students are expected to implement these skills in the practice environment with minimal hands-on experience. This study aimed to determine whether implementation of a supervised, focused infusion therapy clinical resulted in competence and increased confidence of undergraduate nursing students when performing infusion therapy, as well as to evaluate student perceptions of the best instructional method. The study took place in February 2020 after 5 weeks of comprehensive instruction. Participants reported increased confidence (P < .005) and competence (66%) in infusion therapy following the focused clinical experience. Findings suggest that a focused clinical can facilitate confidence and competence in nursing students related to infusion therapy.
Measuring the Validity and Reliability of the Vascular Access Complication Staging and Treatment Instrument in a Pediatric Population
Authors: Cline Genieveve J. , Pohlod Virginia , Burger Kristina J. , Amankwah Ernest K.
Published: July 2021

A multiphase study designed with Delphi and observational components was conducted to establish the preliminary validity and reliability of the 2018 Vascular Access Complication Staging and Treatment Instrument in pediatric and neonatal populations from a single, free-standing academic children's hospital. The instrument uses objective measurement criterion to determine the severity of swelling and tissue damage to inform treatment decisions. The results of the study provided preliminary empirical evidence to support a pediatric and neonatal intravenous complication staging instrument to assess degree of swelling and severity of tissue injury. The study also offered preliminary evidence that the instrument was perceived by the nurses who participated in the study to be efficient and easy to use.
Optimal Timing of Tracheostomy in Injured Adolescents*
Authors: Butler Elissa K. , Killien Elizabeth Y. , Groner Jonathan I. , Arbabi Saman , Vavilala Monica S. , Rivara Frederick P.
Published: July 2021

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the optimal timing of tracheostomy for injured adolescents.

DESIGN:

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING:

Trauma facilities in the United States.

PATIENTS:

Adolescents (age 12–17 yr) in the National Trauma Data Bank (2007–2016) who were ventilated for greater than 24 hours and survived to discharge.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

After stratifying by traumatic brain injury diagnosis, we compared ICU and hospital length of stay, pneumonia, and discharge disposition of patients with tracheostomy prior to three cut points (3, 7, and 14 d after admission) to 1) patients intubated at least as long as each cut point and 2) patients with tracheostomy on or after each cut point. Of 11,045 patients, 1,391 (12.6%) underwent tracheostomy. Median time to tracheostomy was 9 days (interquartile range, 6–13 d) for traumatic brain injury and 7 days (interquartile range, 3–12 d) for nontraumatic brain injury patients. Nontraumatic brain injury patients with tracheostomy prior to 7 days had 5.6 fewer ICU days (–7.8 to –3.5 d) and 5.7 fewer hospital days (–8.8 to –2.7 d) than patients intubated greater than or equal to 7 days and had 14.8 fewer ICU days (–19.6 to –10.0 d) and 15.3 fewer hospital days (–21.7 to –8.9 d) than patients with tracheostomy greater than or equal to 7 days. Similar differences were observed at 14 days but not at 3 days for both traumatic brain injury and nontraumatic brain injury patients. At the 3- and 7-day cut points, both traumatic brain injury and nontraumatic brain injury patients with tracheostomy prior to the cut point had lower risk of pneumonia and risk of discharge to a facility than those with tracheostomy after the cut point.

CONCLUSIONS:

For injured adolescents, tracheostomy less than 7 days after admission was associated with improved in-hospital outcomes compared with those who remained intubated greater than or equal to 7 days and with those with tracheostomy greater than or equal to 7 days. Tracheostomy between 3 and 7 days may be the optimal time point when prolonged need for mechanical ventilation is anticipated; however, unmeasured consequences of tracheostomy such as long-term complications and care needs must also be considered.