bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occupational therapy and physiotherapy interventions in palliative care: a cross-sectional study of patient-reported needs
Authors: Høgdal Nina , Eidemak Inge , Sjøgren Per , Larsen Henrik , Sørensen Jonas , Christensen Jan
Published: August 2020

Introduction

An interdisciplinary team approach to patients in specialised palliative care is recommended; however, the composition of the professionals tends to vary, and the roles of physiotherapists and occupational therapists may be underestimated. We aimed to investigate patient-reported unmet needs, which potentially could benefit from physiotherapy and occupational therapy interventions in a specialised palliative care team.

Methods

Adult patients with chronic advanced diseases referred to the Specialised Palliative Care Team at Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet were enrolled in the study. The Three-Levels-of-Needs Questionnaire was used as primary outcome to assess symptom/problem intensity, symptom/problem burden and felt needs for 12 commonly reported symptoms/problems for patients referred to a specialised palliative care team. Furthermore, participants’ level of distress, fatigue and physical activity, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and barriers towards the rehabilitation programme were registered with other measures.

Results

In total, 43 of 67 (64%) patients participated. The majority of participants reported severe symptoms/problems concerning fatigue (81%), impaired physical activities (77%), carrying out work and daily activities (77%), pain (72%), and worries (58%). Furthermore, need for help was expressed concerning physical activities (79%), work and daily activities (77%), fatigue (70%), pain (65%), concentration (58%) and worries (51%). On average the patients characterised 6 (out of 12) symptoms/problems as severe.

Conclusion

Patients referred to a specialised palliative care team reported extensive unmet needs concerning physical activities, work and daily activities, fatigue, pain, concentration and worries. Unmet needs that potentially could be alleviated by physiotherapists or occupational therapists implemented in the interdisciplinary team.
Socioeconomic determinants of depression amid the anti-extradition bill protests in Hong Kong: the mediating role of daily routine disruptions
Authors: Lai Francisco Tsz Tsun , Hall Brian J , Liang Li , Galea Sandro , Hou Wai Kai
Published: August 2020

Background

Previous research has suggested a socioeconomic gradient of mental health in the face of potentially traumatic events. Nevertheless, few studies examined the intermediary mechanisms of this gradient. This study tested a hypothesised mediating effect of disruptions to daily routines (eg, eating/sleeping habits) between socioeconomic status (SES) and depression among participants and non-participants of the anti-extradition bill protests in summer 2019 in Hong Kong.

Methods

A territory-wide telephone survey was conducted during the movement in the first 3 weeks of July 2019 to collect self-report data from 1112 Cantonese-speaking Hong Kong citizens. Stratified by participation in the anti-extradition bill protests, logistic regression was conducted to examine the inverse relationship between SES and depression. Subsequently, path analysis was conducted to test the hypothesised indirect effect through daily routine disruptions.

Results

In total, 581 (52.2%) respondents participated in the anti-extradition bill protests. Logistic regression showed that higher educational attainment was protective of depression among both participants and non-participants, while the protective effect of household income level HK$40 000–HK$79 999 (compared with <HK$20 000) was only observed among participants. Path analysis showed that 50.3% of the socioeconomic gradient was explained by daily routine disruptions among participants, compared with 8.3% among non-participants.

Conclusions

Daily routine disruptions partially explain the association between low SES and depression, especially among participants of the anti-extradition bill protests. To improve population mental health, such disruptions should be mitigated.
Oxazaphosphorines combined with immune checkpoint blockers: dose-dependent tuning between immune and cytotoxic effects
Authors: Delahousse Julia , Skarbek Charles , Desbois Mélanie , Perfettini Jean-Luc , Chaput Nathalie , Paci Angelo
Published: August 2020

Background

Oxazaphosphorines (cyclophosphamide (CPA), ifosfamide (IFO)) are major alkylating agents of polychemotherapy protocols but limiting their toxicity and increasing their efficacy could be of major interest. Oxazaphosphorines are prodrugs that require an activation by cytochrome P450 (CYP). CPA is mainly metabolized (>80%) to phosphoramide mustard while only 10%–50% of IFO is transformed in the alkylating entity, isophosphoramide mustard and 50%–90% of IFO release chloroacetaldehyde, a nephrotoxic and neurotoxic metabolite. Geranyloxy-IFO (G-IFO) was reported as a preactivated IFO to circumvent the toxic pathway giving directly the isophosphoramide mustard without CYP metabolization. The similarity in structure of CPA and IFO and the similarity in metabolic balance of CPA and G-IFO have led us to explore immunomodulatory effect of these components in mice and to investigate the combination of these oxazaphosphorines with immune checkpoint blockers (ICB).

Methods

The investigation of the immunomodulatory properties of IFO and G-IFO compared with CPA has been conducted through immune cell phenotyping by flow cytometry and analysis of the cytokine profile of T cells after ex-vivo restimulation. T cell-mediated antitumor efficacy was confirmed in CD4+and CD8+T cell-depleted mice. A combination of oxazaphosphorines with an anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) antibody has been studied in MCA205 tumor-bearing mice.

Results

Studies on a MCA205 mouse model have demonstrated a dose-dependent effect of IFO and G-IFO on T cell immunity. These components in particular favored Th1 polarization when used at low dose (150 and eq. 100 mg/kg, respectively). Antitumor activity at low dose was abolished in mice depleted in CD4+and CD8+T cells. G-IFO at low dose (eq. 100 mg/kg) in combination with anti-PD-1 antidody showed high synergistic antitumor efficacy compared with IFO.

Conclusion

Oxazaphosphorines are characterized by a dual mechanism of antitumor action; low-dose schedules should be preferred in combination with ICB, and dose escalation was found to have better utility in polychemotherapy protocols where a conventional direct cytotoxic anticancer effect is needed. G-IFO, the novel oxazaphosphorine drug, has shown a better metabolic index compared with IFO as its metabolization gives mainly the alkylating mustard as CPA (and not IFO) and a best potential in combination with ICB.
Tissue bridges predict neuropathic pain emergence after spinal cord injury
Authors: Pfyffer Dario , Vallotton Kevin , Curt Armin , Freund Patrick
Published: August 2020

Objective

To assess associations between preserved spinal cord tissue quantified by the width of ventral and dorsal tissue bridges and neuropathic pain development after spinal cord injury.

Methods

This retrospective longitudinal study includes 44 patients (35 men; mean (SD) age, 50.05 (18.88) years) with subacute (ie, 1 month) spinal cord injury (25 patients with neuropathic pain, 19 pain-free patients) and neuroimaging data who had a follow-up clinical assessment at 12 months. Widths of tissue bridges were calculated from midsagittal T2-weighted images and compared across groups. Regression analyses were used to identify relationships between these neuroimaging measures and previously assessed pain intensity and pin-prick score.

Results

Pin-prick score of the 25 patients with neuropathic pain increased from 1 to 12 months (Δmean=10.08, 95% CI 2.66 to 17.50, p=0.010), while it stayed similar in pain-free patients (Δmean=2.74, 95% CI −7.36 to 12.84, p=0.576). They also had larger ventral tissue bridges (Δmedian=0.80, 95% CI 0.20 to 1.71, p=0.008) at 1 month when compared with pain-free patients. Conditional inference tree analysis revealed that ventral tissue bridges’ width (≤2.1 or >2.1 mm) at 1 month is the strongest predictor for 12 months neuropathic pain intensity (1.90±2.26 and 3.83±1.19, p=0.042) and 12 months pin-prick score (63.84±28.26 and 92.67±19.43, p=0.025).

Interpretation

Larger width of ventral tissue bridges—a proxy for spinothalamic tract function—at 1 month post-spinal cord injury is associated with the emergence and maintenance of neuropathic pain and increased pin-prick sensation. Spared ventral tissue bridges could serve as neuroimaging biomarkers of neuropathic pain and might be used for prediction and monitoring of pain outcomes and stratification of patients in interventional trials.
Four common diseases causing sudden blindness or death in the eye emergency department
Authors: da Cruz Escaleira Ana Leonor Rei , Kalogeropoulos Dimitrios , Kalogeropoulos Chris , Ch’Ng Soon Wai , Sung Velota C T , Asproudis Ioannis , Papoudou-Bai Alexandra , Malamos Konstantinos , Mitra Arijit
Published: August 2020

Neuro-ophthalmological emergency disorders typically present with symptoms of visual loss, diplopia, ocular motility impairment or anisocoria. The ocular manifestations of these disorders are sometimes indicative of a more serious global neurology disease rather than an isolated ocular disease. The aim of this review is to highlight four important neuro-ophthalmological emergency disorders that must not be missed by an ophthalmologist. These include acute painful Horner’s syndrome, painful cranial nerve III palsy, giant cell arteritis and transient ischaemic attack with amaurosis fugax. The delayed diagnosis of these clinical entities puts the patient at risk of blindness or death. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and management of these conditions are essential. This can be acquired from understanding the main signs and symptoms of the disease presentation together with a high index of suspicion while working at a busy eye emergency department.
SARS-CoV-2 and the pandemic of COVID-19
Authors: Adil Md Tanveer , Rahman Rumana , Whitelaw Douglas , Jain Vigyan , Al-Taan Omer , Rashid Farhan , Munasinghe Aruna , Jambulingam Periyathambi
Published: August 2020

SARS-CoV-2 is a virus that is the cause of a serious life-threatening disease known as COVID-19. It was first noted to have occurred in Wuhan, China in November 2019 and the WHO reported the first case on December 31, 2019. The outbreak was declared a global pandemic on March 11, 2020 and by May 30, 2020, a total of 5 899 866 positive cases were registered including 364 891 deaths. SARS-CoV-2 primarily targets the lung and enters the body through ACE2 receptors. Typical symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath and fatigue, yet some atypical symptoms like loss of smell and taste have also been described. 20% require hospital admission due to severe disease, a third of whom need intensive support. Treatment is primarily supportive, however, prognosis is dismal in those who need invasive ventilation. Trials are ongoing to discover effective vaccines and drugs to combat the disease. Preventive strategies aim at reducing the transmission of disease by contact tracing, washing of hands, use of face masks and government-led lockdown of unnecessary activities to reduce the risk of transmission.
Biopsychosocial baseline values of 15 000 patients suffering from chronic pain: Dutch DataPain study
Authors: Brouwer Brigitte , Waardenburg Sophie , Jacobs Christian , Overdijk Marjori , Leue Carsten , Köke Albère , Kuijk Sander van , van Kleef Maarten , Van Zundert Jan , de Meij Nelleke
Published: August 2020

Background and objectives

Chronic pain affects many adults. To improve our daily practice, we need to understand multidisciplinary approaches, integrated treatment plans and the biopsychosocial context of these patients. To date, almost 15 000 chronic pain patients have been referred to the Maastricht University Pain Center in the Netherlands.

Methods

This study describes 11 214 of these patients suffering from chronic pain. Chronic pain was analyzed using relevant Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials instruments.

Results

Most patients were female (59.3%). The prevalence of low education was 59%, and unemployment/disability was 35.9%. The mean age was 55.6 years. Severe pain (Numerical Rating Sale score 7–10) was reported by 71.9% of the patients; psychological and quality of life values deteriorated when pain severity increased. Approximately 36% of patients showed severe signs of depression or anxiety, and 39% displayed high pain catastrophizing. Of all patients, 17.8% reported high values for pain severity, catastrophizing and anxiety or depression.

Conclusions

Based on baseline biopsychosocial values, this study shows the complexity of patients referred to pain centers. Pain management with a biopsychosocial approach in an integrated multidisciplinary setting is indispensable. Above all, adjusted education on chronic pain and attention to its biopsychosocial aspects are deemed necessary.
Images in anesthesiology: three safe, simple, and inexpensive methods to administer the sphenopalatine ganglion block
Authors: Levin Danielle , Cohen Shaul
Published: August 2020

The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block is a simple and valuable technique that was discovered over a century ago, but, unfortunately, very few anesthesiology providers are familiar with this block. After some of our recent publications, physicians from different countries have reached out to us requesting more specifics on how we perform our version of the block. In this report, we provide a brief history of the block and demonstrate our three effective, simple, readily available, and inexpensive methodologies with images. We are proud to share that our three SPG block techniques have so far effectively relieved patients of chronic migraines, acute migraines, tension headaches, moderate-to-severe back pain, and post-dural puncture headaches.
Theoretical photoionization study of Ti9+ ion
Authors: Wang Hongbin , Jiang Gang
Published: August 2020

Photoionization (PI) of the Ti9+ ion is investigated using the Dirac R-matrix method. Multi-configuration Dirac–Fock (MCDF) calculations are performed to construct accurate target functions. Good agreement of energy levels and radiative transition rates indicate the accuracy of target functions. PI cross sections show good consistency between length and velocity forms. The results are consistent with the previous theoretical values in high-energy regions. Partial waves’ contribution to the total PI cross sections are discussed for the GS and MS. Moreover, the PI cross sections are dominated by many resonance structures and affected by the channel coupling effects in the low-energy region. In addition to providing data for the Opacity Project TOPbase, the present work promotes plasma simulation and diagnosis.
Development of small-scale unmanned hydrofoil boats
Authors: Thompson Noah T. , Whitworth Phillip R. , Matveev Konstantin I.
Published: August 2020

Unmanned boats have gained a lot of interest in the maritime community during the last decade. Most hydrodynamic platforms employed for unmanned boats are based on traditional relatively simple hulls. In the present study, small-scale hydrofoil-assisted unmanned boats (0.6–0.7 m in length and 3.5–5.5 kg in mass) have been developed and tested. Design calculations using a hydrodynamic transverse-strip engineering method with semi-empirical correlations were applied to determine suitable dimensions for hydrofoil systems. The boat hulls and hydrofoils were fabricated by laying up carbon-fiber cloth sheets on foam cores or 3-D printed profiles. The boats were instrumented with outboard propulsors and electronic equipment for operations in both remote control and autopilot modes. In addition, an in-situ thrust-measuring module was designed and installed at the hull sterns to gather thrust data at GPS-measured speeds in the range between 0 and 11 m/s. The developed boats proved to be robust platforms capable of going over 600 m distances at high speeds while autonomously following preset paths. The presented methods and results can assist engineers developing unmanned surface vehicles that utilize advanced hydrodynamic concepts.
Towards reconciling the holographic and lattice descriptions of radially excited hadrons
Authors: Afonin S. S.
Published: August 2020

Within the framework of AdS/QCD models, the spectra of radially excited hadrons are identified with towers of Kaluza–Klein (KK) states in a putative dual theory. The infinite number of KK states is indispensable to provide correct high energy asymptotics of correlation functions in QCD. It is known, however, that the KK modes of dual theory must be qualitatively different from real hadrons. And what is more important, the radially excited states appear in lattice calculations not as ”excitations” of some ground state, but rather as independent states coupled to higher dimensional QCD operators – the larger is a basis of interpolating operators, the larger set of states can be resolved. A question arises whether is it possible to reconcile the holographic and lattice descriptions of radially excited hadrons? We propose a new phenomenological ”consistency test” for bottom-up holographic models: If the KK spectrum of massive 5D fields dual to higher dimensional operators in QCD coincides with the conventional radial KK spectrum, then the holographic KK states can be identified with real excited mesons in the large-$$N_c$$Nclimit of QCD. We demonstrate that the Soft Wall holographic model passes this test while the Hard Wall model does not.
Mass spectra of heavy pseudoscalars using instantaneous Bethe–Salpeter equation with different kernels
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Ying-Long , Feng Tai-Fu , Wang Guo-Li
Published: August 2020

We solved the instantaneous Bethe–Salpeter equation for heavy pseudoscalars in different kernels, where the kernels are obtained using linear scalar potential plus one gluon exchange vector potentials in Feynman gauge, Landau gauge, Coulomb gauge and time-component Coulomb gauge. Since we cannot give a complete QCD-based calculation, the results are gauge dependent. We compared the obtained mass spectra of heavy pseudoscalars between different kernels, found that using the same parameters we obtain the smallest mass splitting in time-component Coulomb gauge, the similar largest mass splitting in Feynman and Coulomb gauges, middle size splitting in Landau gauge.
WHO IS THE CHASER IN CRYPTOCURRENCIES?
Authors: LI ZHENG ZHENG , SU CHI-WEI , QIN MENG , UMAR MUHAMMAD
Published: August 2020

This paper explores the interactions between the Bitcoin (BTC) prices in the US and Chinese markets, by employing the bootstrap rolling window causality test. The results reveal that BTC prices behave differently across markets, and also vary with time, which subjects to the theory of price discovery. In other words, the BTC price in one market could precede the other, and vice versa, based on the information advantage. Markets that are more flexible (US) respond sensitively to information, thus, in order to induce the price changes in Chinese markets. The improvements in the economic conditions of the emerging markets have exerted an influential role in global markets. Since the Chinese market possesses a considerable amount of trading volumes, the BTC price in the US can be assumed to chase the BTC price in China. The lead–lag relationship between these two markets also reflects the acknowledgement of the aversion towards the risks involved in accepting BTC as a currency. However, knowing which market reacts the most quickly to new information could prove to be beneficial to regulators who aim to implement a particular BTC price, and, as a result, prevent any arbitrary prices, and eventually stabilize the financial market.
Comparative analysis of properties for amplified coherent state and amplified squeezed vacuum
Authors: Cheng Yan-Bei , Guan Sheng-Guo , Wang Zu-Jian , Xu Xue-Xiang
Published: August 2020

Two “amplified” quantum states, that is, amplified coherent state (ACS) and amplified squeezed vacuum (ASV), are considered in this paper by applying operator [Formula: see text] on coherent state (CS) and squeezed vacuum (SV), respectively. Here [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] denotes a amplification factor and [Formula: see text]) denote the creation (annihilation) operator. Along these two lines, we make a comparative analysis of properties for ACS and ASV. The considered properties include density matrix elements, Wigner function, mean photon number, second-order autocorrelation function, and quadrature squeezing. We derive analytical expressions and make numerical simulations for all the properties. The noteworthy results include: (1) the ACS has antibunching and squeezing characters; (2) the ASV will have the bunching and antibunching effect in small initial squeezing.
Effect of isothermal process parameters on semi-solid microstructure of chip-based Al–Cu–Mn–Ti alloy prepared by SIMA method
Authors: Wang Ye , Hu Maoliang , Xu Hongyu , Ji Zesheng , Wen Xuefeng , Liu Xiaodong
Published: August 2020

A typical Al–Cu–Mn–Ti aluminum alloy chip was adopted to prepare semi-solid billets by a Strain-Induced Melt Activation (SIMA) method, and the effects of isothermal process parameters on the semi-solid microstructure evolution of the alloy were investigated in this work. The result showed that semi-solid billets with highly spheroidal and homogeneous fine grains could be prepared from chips by the SIMA method. With the increase of isothermal temperature, the finer and near-spherical grains are obtained, the grains coarsen and became ellipse at 903 K because of the coarsening mechanisms of coalescence and Ostwald ripening. The relationship of isothermal holding time and grains size followed the LSW theory well, and more spherical microstructure can be brought by prolonging the holding time until 3000 s. Thus, the optimal isothermal treatment temperature is 893 K and holding time is 3000 s, the corresponding average size and roundness of grains are 137 [Formula: see text]m and 1.108, respectively.
Twisted torus knots T(p,q,p − kq,−1) which are torus knots
Authors: Lee Sangyop
Published: August 2020

A twisted torus knot is a torus knot with some consecutive strands twisted. More precisely, a twisted torus knot [Formula: see text] is a torus knot [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] consecutive strands [Formula: see text] times fully twisted. We determine which twisted torus knots [Formula: see text] are a torus knot.
Dynamic Coupling and Control of Flexible Space Robots
Authors: Du Yanfeng , Wang Cong
Published: August 2020

The dynamic modeling and coupling effect of a space robot are complex when the flexible manipulator and solar panels are considered. This paper investigates the dynamic coupling effect and control of a flexible space robot with flexible manipulators and flexible panels. The equations of motion are derived for the robot model both of the rigid-flexible type and flexible-flexible type. The flexible space robot dynamic model is verified by comparison with the results generated by the ADAMS software, for which good agreement has been obtained. The dynamic coupling matrix of the flexible space robot is derived based on the dynamic model. The effects of the central rigid body mass and the joints angle on the dynamic coupling are analyzed. A control method is proposed to manipulate the flexible space robot based on the system dynamic model. The multiple-impulse robust (MIR) input shaper is used to suppress the vibration of flexible structures in the proposed controller. Appropriate design parameter and frequency scaling factor are selected for the MIR input shaper to suppress the flexible vibration. The flexible space robot control is conducted to illustrate the effect of the proposed controller. It is shown that the proposed control method can realize the desired joints manipulation, while suppressing the vibration of the flexible manipulators and flexible panels.
Study of Tsallis, Rényi and Sharma–Mittal holographic dark energies for entropy corrected modified field equations in Hořava–Lifshitz gravity
Authors: Maity Sayani , Debnath Ujjal
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this work is to study the Tsallis, Rényi and Sharma–Mittal holographic dark energy models in order to evaluate the accelerated expansion of the Universe. In this regard, we consider the modified field equations for logarithmic and power law versions of entropy corrected models in FRW Universe filled with interacting dark energy and cold dark matter within the framework of Hořava–Lifshitz gravity. Employing the Nojiri and Odintsov (NO) cut-off as infrared cutoff, we explore the nature of the different cosmological quantities like the equation of state parameter, squared speed of sound and [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] cosmological plane during the cosmic evolution. The equation of state parameter shows the different stages of the evolution of the Universe for the considered models. By analyzing the cosmological plane [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text], we obtain the freezing region for these models. Also, due to the study of squared speed of sound, we show the classically stable behavior of the considered models.
Spontaneous Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: Looking Beyond the Ovary
Authors: Patel Sukhpreet , Nath Purnendu
Published: August 2020

We report a case of a 22-year-old single female with spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (s-OHSS) referred for transvaginal aspiration of follicles. Investigations revealed primary hypothyroidism, mild hyperprolactinaemia and unelevated levels of both follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol. Supplementation with L-thyroxine lead to euthyroid status and gradual resolution of signs and symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) over 4 months.
A Survey on Heterogeneous One-class Collaborative Filtering
Authors: Chen Xiancong , Li Lin , Pan Weike , Ming Zhong
Published: August 2020

Recommender systems play an important role in providing personalized services for users in the context of information overload. Generally, users’ feedback toward items often contain the most significant information reflecting their preferences, which enables accurate personalized recommendation. In real applications, users’ feedback are usually heterogeneous (rather than homogeneous) such as
purchases
and
examinations
in e-commerce, which reflects users’ preferences in different degrees. Effective modeling of such heterogeneous one-class feedback is challenging compared with that of homogeneous feedback of ratings. As a response, heterogeneous one-class collaborative filtering (HOCCF) is proposed, which often converts the heterogeneous feedback into two parts (i.e., target feedback and auxiliary feedback), aiming to care more about the target feedback (e.g.,
purchases
) with the assistance of the auxiliary feedback (e.g.,
examinations
). In this survey, we provide an overview of the representative HOCCF methods from the perspective of factorization-based methods, transfer learning-based methods, and deep learning-based methods. First, we review the factorization-based methods according to different strategies. Second, we describe the transfer learning-based methods with different knowledge sharing manners. Third, we discuss the deep learning-based methods according to the neural architectures. Moreover, we include some important example applications, describe the empirical studies, and discuss some promising future directions.
Phyjama
Authors: Kiaghadi Ali , Homayounfar S. Zohreh , Gummeson Jeremy , Andrew Trisha L. , Ganesan Deepak
Published: August 2020

A key challenge that has emerged in recent years is the ability to remotely monitor patients, particularly elderly individuals while they are at home. This is particularly important given demographic shifts; the WHO estimates that the global share of the population aged 65 years or over increased from 6 percent in 1990 to 9 percent in 2019, and is projected to increase to 16 percent in the next two decades [1]. While the increase in life expectancy is a tremendous achievement, it also presents a growing need to go beyond episodic measurement collected in clinical settings to continuous monitoring at home. Indeed, this issue has become particularly acute in recent times in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to ensure timely treatment delivery while at the same time protecting elderly from exposure to the virus and alleviating burden on support staff.
Degradation of Commercial Lithium-Ion Cells as a Function of Chemistry and Cycling Conditions
Authors: Preger Yuliya , Barkholtz Heather M. , Fresquez Armando , Campbell Daniel L. , Juba Benjamin W. , Romàn-Kustas Jessica , Ferreira Summer R. , Chalamala Babu
Published: August 2020

Energy storage systems with Li-ion batteries are increasingly deployed to maintain a robust and resilient grid and facilitate the integration of renewable energy resources. However, appropriate selection of cells for different applications is difficult due to limited public data comparing the most commonly used off-the-shelf Li-ion chemistries under the same operating conditions. This article details a multi-year cycling study of commercial LiFePO4 (LFP), LiNixCoyAl1−x−yO2 (NCA), and LiNixMnyCo1−x−yO2 (NMC) cells, varying the discharge rate, depth of discharge (DOD), and environment temperature. The capacity and discharge energy retention, as well as the round-trip efficiency, were compared. Even when operated within manufacturer specifications, the range of cycling conditions had a profound effect on cell degradation, with time to reach 80% capacity varying by thousands of hours and cycle counts among cells of each chemistry. The degradation of cells in this study was compared to that of similar cells in previous studies to identify universal trends and to provide a standard deviation for performance. All cycling files have been made publicly available at batteryarchive.org, a recently developed repository for visualization and comparison of battery data, to facilitate future experimental and modeling efforts.
Long-Term Outcomes of Nonextraction Treatment in a Patient with Severe Mandibular Crowding
Authors: Grassia Vincenzo , Nucci Ludovica , Marra Paola Martina , Isola Gaetano , Itro Angelo , Perillo Letizia
Published: August 2020

Objective. To describe a clinical case with a severe mandibular crowding treated without extraction and showing a long-term outcome. Methods. A 14-year-old boy in permanent dentition showed a class I molar and cuspid relationship, a severe deep bite of 8 mm, a constricted V-shaped upper arch with moderate crowding, and a severe crowding of about 12 mm in the lower arch. The panoramic X-ray showed an impacted upper right canine. The treatment started with the placement of a transpalatal bar and 0.022×0.028 in standard edgewise appliances in the upper arch and a lip bumper bonded on the second lower molars. Initial leveling of the teeth was accomplished with light Australian round wires. Finishing was then performed with rectangular wires. The phase with fixed appliances lasted 2 years and 9 months, and the patient was motivated and cooperative throughout the treatment, although with poor oral hygiene. The patient was treated without extractions. Results. The space was gained with the first and second upper molar derotations using the transpalatal bar and the gingival lip bumper in the lower arch. The upper right canine was well positioned, and the maxillary arch form was improved. The severe lower crowding was completely corrected, and a good overbite was achieved. Conclusion. A conservative, nonextraction treatment approach for this patient with class I malocclusion with severe mandibular crowding was effective, and the results have remained stable after a long-term follow-up (10 years).
Challenge of Retinoblastoma in Mexico in 2020: Perspectives and Solutions
Authors: Garza-Garza Lucas A. , Ruiz-Lozano Raúl E. , Rebolledo-Méndez Genaro , Ibarra-Nava Ismael , Morales-Garza Héctor J. , Ancona-Lezama David
Published: August 2020

Early diagnosis and positive outcomes of retinoblastoma in childhood have been positively correlated with the economic wealth of high-income countries (HICs) worldwide. Adequate curability and survival rates, adherence to treatment, presence of poor prognostic initial clinical signs, and metastatic disease at diagnosis appear to have a less favorable picture in low-income countries (LICs). However, this is not always the case. An example is Argentina, where disease-free survival rates of retinoblastoma are notably higher than expected when taking into consideration its economic situation. Unfortunately, as in other Latin American LICs, retinoblastoma outcomes in Mexico are worrisome. Interestingly, the Human Development Index (HDI) in Mexico varies widely between its different geographical regions. While in some states, the HDI resembles those of high-income countries, and in others, the opposite is observed. A unifying picture of Mexico’s developmental status, health resources, indicators, and other factors possibly influencing outcomes in retinoblastoma is currently unavailable. The present review explores the previously mentioned factors in Mexico and compares them to other countries. Additionally, it recommends solutions or enhancements where possible.
Multiple Drug-Resistant CLABSI from an Extremely Rare Bacterium, Chryseobacterium gleum
Authors: Anson David , Chaucer Benjamin , Norton Joseph , Bansal Saurabh
Published: August 2020

Chryseobacterium gleum is a lactose nonfermenting Gram-negative bacillus (NFGNB) found in soil, plants, and some water sources but rarely implicated as a human pathogen. Its scarcity in the medical literature and resistance to numerous broad-spectrum antibiotics such as carbapenems, cephalosporins, and beta-lactam/lactamase inhibitors pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We present the first reported case, to the best of our knowledge, of sepsis from central line-associated blood stream infection from Chryseobacterium gleum in the United States.
Optimization of Physicochemical Parameters during the Electrocoagulation Cadmium Elimination
Authors: Aityoub Abdelaaziz , Abouelfida Abdesselam , Benyaich Abdelaziz , Romane Abderrahmane , Elmeray Mohamed , Idouhli Rachid , Koumya Yassine , Khadiri Mohyeddine
Published: August 2020

The increased use of fertilizers from phosphates in agriculture generates water pollution by heavy metals contained in these phosphates at levels higher than the standards. In our study, we used a cadmium nitrate Cd(NO3)2 solution to simulate artificially polluted water, whose decontamination efficiency will be evaluated by an electrocoagulation/flotation process. During this work, we aimed to optimize the electrocoagulation process according to the following factors: initial pH of the solution, density of the electrolysis current, cell time, and nature of the supporting electrolyte and its concentration. The criteria adopted during the optimization of the process are relatively different from those used in similar studies. Indeed, we have tried to achieve maximum efficiency and also seeking to minimize costs and facilitate implementation. We achieved a 98% Cd removal efficiency from the solution at pH = 7, J = 6.25 A/m2, t = 10 min, and [K2SO4] = 0.01 M. In addition, during the characterization of the flocs obtained as a supernatant, we first highlighted the presence of Cd in this gelatinous body and then the relatively easy volatility of Cd as well as that of aluminum oxide (Al2O3).
Optimal Expected Utility of Dividend Payments with Proportional Reinsurance under VaR Constraints and Stochastic Interest Rate
Authors: Wen Yuzhen , Yin Chuancun
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we consider the problem of maximizing the expected discounted utility of dividend payments for an insurance company taking into account the time value of ruin. We assume the preference of the insurer is of the CRRA form. The discounting factor is modeled as a geometric Brownian motion. We introduce the VaR control levels for the insurer to control its loss in reinsurance strategies. By solving the corresponding Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation, we obtain the value function and the corresponding optimal strategy. Finally, we provide some numerical examples to illustrate the results and analyze the VaR control levels on the optimal strategy.
Exploring Strategies to Improve Adherence to Immunization Schedule: A Study among Children Attending Maternal and Child Health Clinic at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Muathe Esther Cheptanui , Kamau Mary , Rajula Eve
Published: August 2020

Background. Globally, immunization is among the major contributors to public health, preventing 20% of childhood mortality annually. The highest fatality rates from vaccine preventable diseases are usually among children under five. Despite immunization guidelines put in place by the World Health Organization, globally, 1.5 million children die annually related to inadequate vaccination coverage. Existing literature indicate that there is an increase in nonadherence to immunization schedule in developing countries, and therefore, there is an increased demand to improve adherence to immunization schedule. Objective. To explore strategies that will improve adherence to immunization schedule among children under 24 months attending the Maternal and Child Health clinic at Kenyatta National Hospital. Methods. A cross-sectional mixed method study involving caregivers (n=214) of well babies attending the Maternal and Child Health clinic. Data was collected using semistructured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews and analyzed using SPSS V.20. Results. There was a significant relationship between the level of education and marital status of the caregivers and adherence to immunization schedule. Barriers found that is related to adherence to immunization schedule included far distance from health facility, baby’s sickness, and vaccine stock-outs while employment of a caregiver was a constrainer factor. Conclusion. The enabling factors to current strategies of improving adherence to immunization schedule were having more health facilities near residential areas, using text messages reminders a day before the clinic date to remind caregivers of the due date for the clinic, and constant availability of vaccines. The health system strategies that would improve adherence to immunization schedules were more flexible clinic hours, availability of vaccines on daily basis, phone call reminders by health care providers, and increasing awareness on the importance of both vaccinations and adherence to immunization schedule.
Perspective of CIGS-BIPV’s Product Competitiveness in China
Authors: Kong Hui , Yu Zhufeng , Zhang Jun , Han Yijie , Wu Lin , Wang Hongsheng , Wang Jian
Published: August 2020

Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin-film battery has high photoelectric conversion efficiency, better spectral dispersion ability, and weak light-adsorption characteristics, as well as shape and size flexibility. CIGS-BIPV (building integrated photovoltaic) has attracted more and more research attention with the advantages of good curvature, form and color diversity, and broad application prospects. This paper uses the classical “Porter’s Five Forces Model” to make a preliminary analysis of the competitiveness of CIGS-BIPV products. A more specific competitiveness analysis model is further built with the index modeling method, and the competitiveness of CIGS-BIPV products is thoroughly analyzed from qualitative and quantitative perspectives. Six primary research indicators are used, i.e., safety index, building aesthetics index, economic index, energy-saving and environmental protection index, innovation index, and sales force index. The weight analysis of index modeling shows that compared with a glass curtain wall, exterior stone, and silica-based BIPV, CIGS-BIPV is characterized by high product competitiveness, acceptable cost, attractive appearance, environmental benignity, high technical quality, and certain economic benefits. The product competitiveness of CIGS-BIPV could be further enhanced through the construction and promotion of sales channels.
Modeling a Rumor Propagation in Online Social Network: An Optimal Control Approach
Authors: Ghazzali Rachid , El Bhih Amine , El Alami Laaroussi Adil , Rachik Mostafa
Published: August 2020

We propose to model the phenomenon of the spread of a rumor in social networks in this paper. From an existing SIR model, we manipulate a new one that is based on the model of cholera in order to take into account professional pages that specialize in spreading rumors. In the second part, we introduce a control strategy to fight against the diffusion of the rumor. Our main objective is to characterize the three optimal controls that minimize the number of spreader users, fake pages, and the corresponding costs. For that matter, using the maximum principle of Pontryagin, we prove the existence and we give characterization of our controls. Numerical simulations are given to concretize our approach.
Faecopneumothorax Caused by Perforated Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Necke Kristina , Heeren Nickolaus , Mongelli Francesco , FitzGerald Maurice , Fornaro Jürgen , Minervini Fabrizio , Metzger Jürg , Gass Jörn-Markus
Published: August 2020

Incarcerated diaphragmatic hernias with intrathoracic perforation of the colon is a very rare but serious surgical emergency. A 78-year-old male patient presented to our emergency department with severe abdominal pain. A computer tomography (CT) scan revealed herniation of the left transverse colon and spleen into the thorax with colon perforation and fecal contents in the thoracic cavity. An emergent laparotomy confirmed the radiological diagnosis and showed a 6 cm dehiscence of the left diaphragm with strangulation of the left transverse colon as well as the spleen. A left-sided hemicolectomy with terminal transversostomy and splenectomy were performed. The diaphragm was closed with interrupted nonabsorbable sutures. We abstained from reinforcement of the suture line with a mesh because of the feculent contamination of the abdominal cavity. After extensive thoracoscopic lavage and insertion of two chest tubes, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit. Diaphragmatic hernia even after a mild chest trauma can cause fatal complications. Diagnosis and treatment can be challenging and an interdisciplinary approach is recommended. Due to the associated comorbidity and long-lasting sequelae, we believe the awareness of this rare pathology as a differential diagnosis is important; both as an abdominal and thoracic emergency.
Abstract A022: [Advocate Abstract] Are you dense?
Authors: D'Agostino Chiara
Published: August 2020

My poster will educate people about density of breasts, the different levels of density and how breast density affects the results of imaging. What to do about imaging when one has dense breast tissue. How to find out about your breast density. The different kinds of screening measures that can be done now. And of course, speaking up for yourself because early detetcion is best.

Citation Format: Chiara D'Agostino. [Advocate Abstract] Are you dense? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr A022.
Abstract A111: Urine-based gene expression panels with focus on prostate cancer in African Americans
Authors: Kohaar Indu , Banerjee Sreedatta , Chen Yongmei , Ali Amina , Kagan Jacob , Srivastava Sudhir , Cullen Jennifer , Rosner Inger , Srivastava Shiv , Petrovics Gyorgy
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Prostate cancer (CaP) affects 1 in 7 men in their lifetime. African American (AA) men have significantly higher incidence and mortality from CaP compared to Caucasian American (CA) men. We and others have also noted that the genes commonly overexpressed in CaP (e.g., ERG) and currently used as diagnostic markers exhibit much lower frequency and more heterogeneity in AA men. The goals of this study are to develop CaP diagnostic/prognostic marker panels that takes into account race-associated differences in molecular alterations. Here we evaluated a panel of CaP associated genes using regular (non-DRE) urine from AA and CA CaP for discriminating between high-grade (Gleason score [GS], 7-10) and low-grade disease (GS, 6) and cancer negative biopsy.

Methods: The quantitative expression assay protocols have been developed for noninvasive detection of candidate genes in exosomal RNAs from regular urine. The selected genes were reverse transcribed in a single reaction using gene-specific primer pool (GSP) followed by preamplification and PCR-based assay of all target genes.

Results: Regular urine exosomal RNA-based assays were developed and optimized for PSGR, DLX1, HOXC4, NKX2-3, COL10A1, HOXC6, PCA3, PCGEM1, PCAT1, CTBP1, SChLAP1, ERG and SPDEF. All markers have been evaluated in a pilot study of 72 subjects undergoing diagnostic biopsies. For AA patients a sensitivity of 88.2%, specificity of 83.3%, and AUC of 0.81 were achieved for the panel (PCA3, PCGEM1, HOXC6 and SChLAP1). Consistent with numerous studies, ERG and PCA3 panel was optimal for CA patients. Preliminary analysis showed that 3 markers were found to be associated with improved discrimination between GS7 or greater and GS6 (AUC 0.78 for ERG; AUC 0.72 for PSGR and AUC 0.72 for SChLaP1) in AA CaP. In CA patients, PCA3 gave an AUC of 0.76 for predicting high-grade from low-grade disease. Analysis of an additional 100 patients is in progress.

Conclusions: Given the genomic difference of prostate cancer among different race/ethnicity, this study highlights the potential for developing CaP biomarker panels in the context of race for enhancing precision medicine through improved CaP diagnosis/prognosis

Citation Format: Indu Kohaar, Sreedatta Banerjee, Yongmei Chen, Amina Ali, Jacob Kagan, Sudhir Srivastava, Jennifer Cullen, Inger Rosner, Shiv Srivastava, Gyorgy Petrovics. Urine-based gene expression panels with focus on prostate cancer in African Americans [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr A111.