bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Idiopathic Spontaneous Rupture of Renal Pelvis in a Single Functioning Kidney
Authors: Tylski Maciej , Muras-Szwedziak Katarzyna , Nowicki Michał
Published: July 2021

Spontaneous rupture of renal pelvis (SRRP) is a rare condition resulting in an extravasation of urine into retroperitoneal space. Due to the uncharacteristic symptoms, often mimicking renal colic, its diagnosis may be complicated. Herein, we report a case of a 73-year-old male with a solitary functioning kidney who presented with malaise and right-sided abdominal pain, rapidly followed by anuria. Laboratory tests showed the signs of AKI. Contrast-enhanced CT performed soon after the admission showed nonspecific abnormalities in the right middle abdomen suspected to be either inflammatory infiltration or surgical scarring. Symptomatic treatment was started, and an acute hemodialysis treatment was commenced. After a temporal improvement, the patient’s general condition worsened significantly, with exacerbated pain and massive increase in plasma creatinine. A second contrast-enhanced CT was performed with an addition of urography phase, revealing the extravasation of the contrast media in the location suggesting the rupture of the renal pelvis. The patient was treated successfully by the placement of a double-J ureteral stent into the ureter. Usually, a clear etiology of SRRP can be determined, that is, urinary tract obstruction, but in this case, we could not find a definite cause. It is important to remember that in the presence of a nonspecific abdominal pain and laboratory signs of AKI, a rare cause like SRRP should be taken into consideration. Performing a contrast CT scan with urography phase can save time in establishing a diagnosis and enable immediate urological intervention.
First Report of Two Egyptian Patients with Desbuquois Dysplasia due to Homozygous CANT1 Mutations
Authors: Thomas Manal M. , Ashaat Engy A. , Otaify Ghada A. , Ismail Samira , Essawi Mona L. , Abdel-Hamid Mohamed S. , Hassan Heba A. , Alsaiedi Sonia A. , Aglan Mona , El Ruby Mona O. , Temtamy Samia
Published: July 2021

Desbuquois dysplasia type 1 (DBQD1) is a very rare skeletal dysplasia characterized by growth retardation, short stature, distinct hand features, and a characteristic radiological monkey wrench appearance at the proximal femur. We report on 2unrelated Egyptian patients having the characteristic features of DBQD1 with different expressivity. Patient 1 presented at the age of 45 days with respiratory distress, short limbs, faltering growth, and distinctive facies while patient 2 presented at 5 years of age with short stature and hypospadias. The 2 patients shared radiological features suggestive of DBQD1. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a homozygous frameshift mutation in the CANT1 gene (NM_001159772.1:c.277_278delCT; p.Leu93ValfsTer89) in patient 1 and a homozygous missense mutation (NM_138793.4:c.898C>T; p.Arg300Cys) in patient 2. Phenotypic variability and variable expressivity of DBQD was evident in our patients. Hypoplastic scrotum and hypospadias were additional unreported associated findings, thus expanding the phenotypic spectrum of the disorder. We reviewed the main features of skeletal dysplasias exhibiting similar radiological manifestations for differential diagnosis. We suggest that the variable severity in both patients could be due to the nature of the CANT1 gene mutations which necessitates the molecular study of more cases for phenotype-genotype correlations.
239-kb Microdeletion Spanning KMT2E in a Child with Developmental Delay: Further Delineation of the Phenotype
Authors: Kosma Konstantina , Varvagiannis Konstantinos , Mitrakos Anastasios , Tsipi Maria , Traeger-Synodinos Joanne , Tzetis Maria
Published: July 2021

Pathogenic KMT2E variants underly O'Donnell-Luria-Rodan syndrome, a recently described neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by global developmental delay, variable degrees of intellectual disability, and subtle facial dysmorphism. Less common findings include autism, seizures, gastrointestinal (GI) problems, and abnormal head circumference. Occurrence of mostly truncating variants as well as the similar phenotype observed in individuals with deletions spanning KMT2E suggest haploinsufficiency of this gene as a common mechanism for the disorder, while a gain-of-function or dominant-negative effect cannot be ruled out for some missense variants. Deletions reported in the literature encompass several additional known or presumed haploinsufficient genes, thus leading to more complex phenotypes. Here, we describe a male with antenatal onset hydronephrosis, hypotonia, global developmental delay, prominent GI symptoms as well as facial dysmorphism. Chromosomal microarray revealed a 239-kb de novo microdeletion spanning KMT2E and LHFPL3. Clinical presentation of our proband, harboring one of the smallest deletions of the region confirms the core features of this disorder, suggests GI symptoms as a prominent finding in affected individuals while expanding the phenotypic spectrum to abnormalities of the urinary tract.
Metabolic Disorders/Obesity Is a Primary Risk Factor in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: An Immunohistochemical Real-World Approach
Authors: Kaleta Katarzyna P. , Nikolakis Georgios , Hossini Amir M. , Balthasar Ottfried , Almansouri Daifallah , Vaiopoulos Aristeidis , Knolle Jürgen , Boguslawska Anna , Wojas-Pelc Anna , Zouboulis Christos C.
Published: July 2021

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory, potentially scarring disease of the hair follicle, affecting the apocrine gland-bearing skin areas. The major comorbid disorders associated with the occurrence or the aggravation of the disease are obesity and smoking. Numerous efforts to dissociate these factors led to controversial results. Objectives: To assess the importance of metabolic disorders/obesity, smoking/environmental toxins, and inflammation in HS by utilizing the differential expression of major relevant protein markers in lesional skin of obese/smoking versus non-obese/non-smoking HS patients. Methods: Lesional skin specimens deriving from two groups of HS patients (BMI >30 and smokers, n = 12 vs. BMI <30 and non-smokers, n = 10) were stained with antibodies raised against irisin, PPARγ, and IGF-1R, which correlate with metabolic disorders/obesity, EGFR and AhR, associated with smoking, and IL-17, IL-17R, and S100A8, as markers of inflammation. Results: Metabolic disorders/obesity-related markers exhibited marked differential expression between the two groups, while smoking-associated markers a limited one. IL-17R expression was stronger in obese/smokers, and S100A8 staining exhibited intense strong immunoreactivity in both groups without significant difference. Conclusions: The notion that obesity plays a role in HS development appears to be supported by the prominent regulation of the associated lesional biomarkers. Tobacco smoking might contribute less to HS than previously suspected.
Risk Factors for Retinopathy of Prematurity in the Netherlands: A Comparison of Two Cohorts
Authors: Trzcionkowska Kasia , Groenendaal Floris , Andriessen Peter , Dijk Peter H. , van den Dungen Frank A.M. , van Hillegersberg Jacqueline L. , Koole Sanne , Kornelisse René F. , van Westering-Kroon Elke , von Lindern Jeanette S. , Meijssen Clemens B. , Schuerman Frank A.B.A. , Steiner Katerina , van Tuyl Minke W.G. , Witlox Ruben S.G.M. , Schalij-Delfos Nicoline E. , Termote Jacqueline U.M.
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) remains an important cause for preventable blindness. Aside from gestational age (GA) and birth weight, risk factor assessment can be important for determination of infants at risk of (severe) ROP. Methods: Prospective, multivariable risk-analysis study (NEDROP-2) was conducted, including all infants born in 2017 in the Netherlands considered eligible for ROP screening by pediatricians. Ophthalmologists provided data of screened infants, which were combined with risk factors from the national perinatal database (Perined). Clinical data and potential risk factors were compared to the first national ROP inventory (NEDROP-1, 2009). During the second period, more strict risk factor-based screening inclusion criteria were applied. Results: Of 1,287 eligible infants, 933 (72.5%) were screened for ROP and matched with the Perined data. Any ROP was found in 264 infants (28.3% of screened population, 2009: 21.9%) and severe ROP (sROP) (stage ≥3) in 41 infants (4.4%, 2009: 2.1%). The risk for any ROP is decreased with a higher GA (odds ratio [OR] 0.59 and 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54–0.66) and increased for small for GA (SGA) (1.73, 1.11–2.62), mechanical ventilation >7 days (2.13, 1.35–3.37) and postnatal corticosteroids (2.57, 1.44–4.66). For sROP, significant factors were GA (OR 0.37 and CI 0.27–0.50), SGA (OR 5.65 and CI 2.17–14.92), postnatal corticosteroids (OR 3.81 and CI 1.72–8.40), and perforated necrotizing enterocolitis (OR 7.55 and CI 2.29–24.48). Conclusion: In the Netherlands, sROP was diagnosed more frequently since 2009. No new risk factors for ROP were determined in the present study, apart from those already included in the current screening guideline.
Seborrheic Keratosis-Like Lesion of the Cervix: First Report of the Cytological Features of a Low-Risk HPV 42-Associated Lesion
Authors: Pujari Reshma , Newman Marsali Ruth , Talia Karen L. , Pendlebury Adam , Hawkes David , Ireland-Jenkin Kerryn , McCluggage W. Glenn
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Seborrheic keratosis-like lesion of the cervix and vagina is a rare lesion and shows similar morphology to vulvar seborrheic keratosis; 3 of the 7 previously reported cases were associated with low-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) type 42. We report a case of seborrheic keratosis-like lesion of the cervix and provide the first description of the cytological features of this lesion. Case Presentation: A woman in her late forties presented with postcoital bleeding. She had a cervical screening test following which she underwent cervical biopsy, endocervical and endometrial curettage, large loop excision of the transformation zone of the cervix, and hysterectomy. Results: The liquid-based cytology preparation showed cohesive groups of mildly atypical squamoid cells with a spindle cell morphology, mildly increased nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio, prominent nucleoli, and occasional nuclear grooves. No koilocytes were identified. Molecular genotyping revealed positivity for HPV type 42. Discussion/Conclusion: This represents the first description of the cytological features of a seborrheic keratosis-like lesion of the cervix, which are distinctive and unusual. Whilst the mild squamous atypia raised the possibility of a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, no koilocytes were identified. The association in our case with a low-risk HPV type, HPV 42, provides further evidence for a role of this HPV type in the pathogenesis of these lesions.
Prevalence of Back Pain among German Ophthalmologists
Authors: Bertelmann Thomas , Heutelbeck Astrid , Bopp Silvia , Sagebiel Lise-Lott , Eichberg Silke , Hallier Ernst , Hilgers Reinhard , Quiering Claudia , Hoerauf Hans
Published: July 2021

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of back pain among German ophthalmologists, to investigate the relationship towards age, gender, various profession-related factors, to correlate localization of pain to subspecialties, and to explore individual therapeutic and coping strategies. Methods: In this prospective, cross-sectional survey, a 9-item questionnaire was sent via mail to all members of the German professional association of ophthalmologists “Berufsverband der Augenärzte Deutschlands e.V. (BVA).” Responses were analyzed according to a pre-specified analysis plan. Results: From a total of 5,954 members contacted, 1,861 copies (31%) were received back, of which 1,807 (30%) were suitable for analysis. 913 (51%) participants were female and 876 (48%) were male, with a median age of 50 years (interquartile range: 44; 57). 1,464 ophthalmologists (81%) reported current back problems, considerably more than had been reported in the general population or in other medical specialties. Older age, female gender, and higher number of professional years appeared to be risk factors for developing back pain. Overall, neck pain was the leading symptom in 951 attendees (65%) but differed between ophthalmologists who primarily performed conservative treatment (cervical spine) and those who performed surgery (mainly lumbar spine). 1,037 participants (71%) link their complaints to their occupational activity. Exercising and back training were reported as common strategies for prevention and coping with the problem. Recommendations for improvement were mainly ergonomic optimization of the working place. Conclusions: The prevalence of back pain complaints in German ophthalmologists is high. Neck pain (65%) was the leading localization, followed by low back pain (53%) and shoulder (38%) problems, which might emphasize a special back pain complaint profile in ophthalmologists. Low back pain seems to be more common in ophthalmologists with surgical specialization than in those with mainly medical tasks. The high prevalence of back pain in ophthalmologists should be communicated with employers, the industry, and professional societies to develop and implement a strategy to prevent occupational-related musculoskeletal disorders and preserve the ability to work and the quality of life.
A Smooth Muscle Cell–Enriched Long Noncoding RNA Regulates Cell Plasticity and Atherosclerosis by Interacting With Serum Response Factor
Authors: Ni Huaner , Haemmig Stefan , Deng Yihuan , Chen Jingshu , Simion Viorel , Yang Dafeng , Sukhova Galina , Shvartz Eugenia , Wara A.K.M. Khyrul , Cheng Henry S. , Pérez-Cremades Daniel , Assa Carmel , Sausen Grasiele , Zhuang Rulin , Dai Qiuyan , Feinberg Mark W.
Published: July 2021

Objective:

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) plasticity plays a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important regulators in the vessel wall and impact cellular function through diverse interactors. However, the role of lncRNAs in regulating VSMCs plasticity and atherosclerosis remains unclear.

Approach and Results:

We identified a VSMC-enriched lncRNA cardiac mesoderm enhancer-associated noncoding RNA (CARMN) that is dynamically regulated with progression of atherosclerosis. In both mouse and human atherosclerotic plaques, CARMN colocalized with VSMCs and was expressed in the nucleus. Knockdown of CARMN using antisense oligonucleotides in Ldlr
−/−
mice significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesion formation by 38% and suppressed VSMCs proliferation by 45% without affecting apoptosis. In vitro CARMN gain- and loss-of-function studies verified effects on VSMC proliferation, migration, and differentiation. TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor-beta) induced CARMN expression in a Smad2/3-dependent manner. CARMN regulated VSMC plasticity independent of the miR143/145 cluster, which is located in close proximity to the CARMN locus. Mechanistically, lncRNA pulldown in combination with mass spectrometry analysis showed that the nuclear-localized CARMN interacted with SRF (serum response factor) through a specific 600–1197 nucleotide domain. CARMN enhanced SRF occupancy on the promoter regions of its downstream VSMC targets. Finally, knockdown of SRF abolished the regulatory role of CARMN in VSMC plasticity.

Conclusions:

The lncRNA CARMN is a critical regulator of VSMC plasticity and atherosclerosis. These findings highlight the role of a lncRNA in SRF-dependent signaling and provide implications for a range of chronic vascular occlusive disease states.
Torque-Angle Relationship for a 2D RRR-Type Serial Link Manipulator
Authors: Gillawat Anil Kumar , Nagarsheth Hemant Jayantilal
Published: July 2021

This paper presents an application of Lagrange–Euler approach for dynamic analysis of three link with revolute type (RRR-type) rigid serial manipulators. MATLAB code is programmed for Lagrange– Euler approach for RRR-type serial manipulator for generating joint torque equations
and plotting these joint torque values for given range of angular rotations. This study is useful for understanding the effect of combinations of link rotation on joint torque behaviour. Maximum value of required joint torques obtained can be used for selection of motors for any mechanism
with serial links with revolute joints performing given task.
New Pathways in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Toll-Like Receptor 4-to-Nuclear Factor-κB Signaling Through the Coupled Uniform Sequential Reaction Systems Model
Authors: Kochel Bonawentura
Published: July 2021

The coupled uniform sequential reaction systems (CUSERS) model, which allows for determining the structure of signaling pathways with incomplete information from the temporal patterns of their components, was applied to the experimental records of activities of TLR4 downstream species
IKK and NF-κB in LPS-stimulated wild-type (WT), MyD88-deficient and TRIF-deficient macrophages. New signaling pathways targeting IKK were revealed in MyD88-deficient and TRIF-deficient macrophages, and shown to be described by the coupled systems formed by 3- and 5-component or
5- and 10-component pathways, respectively. By comparing the temporal pattern of IKK in WT macrophages with those in MyD88-deficient and TRIF-deficient macrophages, two new signaling pathways, which were absent in the above defective macrophages, were found and described by a system formed
by coupling 9- and 10-component pathways. As a direct consequence of the above findings, a coupled system composed of six different 3-, 5-, 5-, 9-, 10- and 10-component pathways targeting IKK and describing its temporal pattern, IKK(f), in WT macrophages was constructed. This system
significantly modifies the canonical NF-κB signaling by introducing novel pathways of IKK activation. The expression of nuclear NF-κB in WT macrophages was found to depend on two different signaling pathways and to be modelled by a coupled system composed of 1- and
4-component or 2- and 8-component pathways, in dependence on sampling frequencies used in different experiments. From the three-modal NF-κB(t) temporal pattern in LPS-stimulated WT fibroblasts, three 1-, 12- and 17-component signaling pathways targeting nuclear NF-κB
were determined.
Catalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Using Gold Nanoparticles Capped by Polyoxyethylene Cholesteryl Ether
Authors: Rajput Gajendra , Pandya Niki
Published: July 2021

Simple spontaneous and eco-friendly green synthesis method for ultra-stable and catalytic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized through Polyoxyethylene cholesteryl ether (ChEO10) and sodium tetrachloroaurate (III) dihydrate (Na [AuCl4]-2H2O) were
prepared at 27 °C (AuNPs were formed in < 2 h). Here the creation of distinct AuNPs is supported by reductive ChEO10 surfactant solution via complexation and in-situ reduction of AuCl4− ions in which ChEO10 acts as self-reducing and stabilising
agent. This method is considered as simple and green. The positive development of colloidal AuNPs was monitored by simple UV-Vis spectroscopy. The complete characterization of synthesizing AuNPs was done in the previous part. The resulting AuNPs reveal outstanding catalytic properties for
degradation of Methyl Blue (MB) to Leucomethylene blue (LMB) in the presence of NaBH4. We further comment on challenges and future direction of this exciting and rapidly expanding area of research.
Effect of Intercritical Rolling on Microstructure, Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of the Dual Phase X70 American Petroleum Institute Pipeline Steel
Authors: Tassi Hocine , Zidelmel Sami , Allaoui Omar
Published: July 2021

The effect of intercritical annealing heat treatment on mechanical and corrosion properties of fer-rite/martensite dual-phase steels with and without deformation by rolling has been investigated in this study. The X70 steel was rolled at intercritical temperatures (760 and 800 °C)
with 30% amount of reductions followed by water quenching in order to produce dual-phase microstructure. The experimental results show that microstructures, mechanical and corrosion properties and were strongly affected by intercritical rolling conditions. It is established that the intercritical
rolling provides a fibrous structure, and improves the mechanical and corrosion properties of X70 dual phase steel. It was found that after intercritical rolling (DQR), grain refinement and hardness improved significantly compared to intercritical heat-treated steel without rolling (DQ). A
carefully conducted comparison of resistance corrosion of the representative specimens obtained after (DQ) and (DQR) treatments has been studied. (DQR) treatment shows better corrosion resistance than (DQ) treatment. The microstructure, mechanical and corrosion properties of the rolled X70
dual phase steel were investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, hardness tests and electrochemical measurements.
Vibrational Biospectroscopic Study on Biomedical and Clinical Engineering of Cancer Cells Fingerprints
Authors: Heidari Alireza
Published: July 2021

In the current research, spontaneous vibrational spectra resulted from two cells samples are investigated. The first sample, a mesenchymal stem cell derived from adipose tissue, is a sample of adult stem cell, which derived from human adipose tissue. The second sample was HepG2 cancer
cell which used as control cell. To reduce the effect of fluorescence during biospectroscopy, samples were cultured on quartz medium. Fifteen vibrational spectra were recorded for each sample and after processing and averaging, their differences were studied and it was identified that this
technique can be used as a strong cell fingerprinting method.
Study of Ultimate Tensile Strength of Borosilicate Reinforced Metal Matrix Composite
Authors: Biswas Ajay , Bhowmik Abhijit , Dey Dipankar , Vasekar Akshar S.
Published: July 2021

Application of composite materials are increasing remarkably because of its much advantage compared to base matrix alloys properties like reduced weight, increasing strength, increasing wear resistance capacity etc. Reinforcement particles play a very important role for preparing metal
matrix composite and ultimately improve its properties. In the present experiment, Al6063 designated aluminium alloy is used as matrix material and borosilicate glass powder is used as reinforcement. Specimens are prepared by stir casting method. Borosilicate glass is collected from scientific
laboratory scrap to support disposal as well as recycle of the waste glass materials. In order to reduce the experimental run, the design of experiment is incorporated as per Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array. It is observed that glass reinforcement in Al6063 aluminium alloy is compatible
to form metal matrix composite. Secondly, ultimate tensile strength of the composite increases in selected combination of grain size and weight ratio of the borosilicate glass powder to the metal matrix.
Fault Detection and Isolation for Systems in Aerospace: An Experience Report
Authors: Jyoti Borah Kaustav
Published: July 2021

The paper throws light on the review of detection of fault and isolation for aerospace systems. Developing detection framework for small satellites is critical task due to limited availability of on board sensors and computational budget. In aerospace operations there are many subsystems
and or components which can fail anytime. Once the fault has occurred, it can cause uncoverable losses and pollution of the environment and so forth. It is important to detect, isolate and find the remaining usefulness of that defective component and enable a suitable conclusion making before
such faults make a great damage. Hence the fault detection is very important aspect for improving the economy as well as the safety of the system. The following research is intended to introduce an overview for fault diagnosis and prognosis techniques.
A Full-Duplex 5×5 Optical Router Based on a Hybrid Photonic-Plasmonic Switch
Authors: Zhixun Liang , Chuanpei Xu , Cong Hu , Aijun Zhu , Lvqing Bi
Published: July 2021

An optical router is an essential component of a photonic network-on-chip (PNoC). Normally, an optical router consists of traditional optical elements such as the micro-ring resonator (MRR) and the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI). This type of router has many disadvantages, such as
a large size, lack of thermal stability and low speed, although their manufacturing technologies are mature. In this paper, we propose a full duplex 5×5 optical router based on a hybrid photonic-plasmonic switch (HPPS). The HPPS has the advantages of compactness, thermal stability and
high speed, which can effectively solve the problems of traditional optical routers. In this work, each optical communication link in the optical router is independent, and each optical communication link no longer shares the same switch, which avoids blocking between channels and achieves
full-duplex communication. The modelling of the optical router using the HPPS is performed through MATLAB as well as by a finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) simulation. The maximum and average insertion losses (ILs) of the router are 5.4 dB and 3.5 dB, respectively, and the router has a
fast switching time (100 ps). The results show that this optical router has the advantages of low loss and low energy consumption and provides a 5×5 full-duplex optical router for the PNoC.
Application of DNA Nanoparticle Conjugation on the Hamiltonian Path Problem
Authors: Ma Jingjing
Published: July 2021

A DNA computing algorithm is proposed in this paper. The algorithm uses the assembly of DNA/Au nanoparticle conjugation to solve an NP-complete problem in the Graph theory, the Hamiltonian Path problem. According to the algorithm, I designed the special DNA/Au nanoparticle conjugations
which assembled based on a specific graph, then, a series of experimental techniques are utilized to get the final result. This biochemical algorithm can reduce the complexity of the Hamiltonian Path problem greatly, which will provide a practical way to the best use of DNA self-assembly model.
Enhanced Catalytic Activity of PdNi Dilute Nanoalloy for Selective Phenylacetylene Hydrogenation
Authors: Zhang Yue , XU Changjin , Wu Yutong , Li Song
Published: July 2021

Coordination of identical metals has significant impact on catalytic activity and selectivity of heterogeneous catalyst. Here, we show that the selectivity for hydrogenation of Pd can be manipulated by altering the coordinate environment. PdNi/SiO2 dilute alloy nanocatalysts have been synthesized at room temperature, which show effectively the unparalleled catalytic performance (about 100% selectivity to styrene) for phenylacetylene hydrogenation at 30 °C with full conversion. Structural and surface analyses show that the improvement in dispersion of the Pd active sites and the changed electronic structure of Pd contribute the catalytic performance significantly. This work is an important step towards developing highly active hydrogenation catalysts by forming dilute alloys.
A Parallel Transmission Scheme Based on the Turbo Product Code for Through Silicon via Array in Three-Dimensional Integrated Circuits
Authors: Li Zhen-Song , Li Bing-Jie , Miao Min
Published: July 2021

Through silicon via (TSV) is the key technology for the vertical interconnect in three-dimensional integrated circuits (3-D ICs). With the help of TSVs, higher throughput in signal transmission can be attained. However, the tightly clustered TSVs in the TSV array suffer from crosstalk
noise, a situation which results in transmission errors. This study investigates, the channel model of the TSV array, involving main factors affecting transmission performance, such as transmission loss, inter-channel interference, and crosstalk noise with different digital patterns. A parallel
transmission scheme based on a turbo product code (TPC) parallel coding is proposed. In this scheme, the binary bits of information are reshaped into two dimensional blocks. Each block is parallel encoded using a TPC into a codeword block for parallel transmission through the TSV array channel.
At the receiver, the sending information is reformed by a concurrent hard decision decoding algorithm of a TPC. This parallel transmission scheme achieves low bit-error-rate, high throughput, and a lower system overhead relative to that of its ground TSV shielded counterpart if the type of
TPC is carefully selected. The simulation results confirm that this scheme reduces inter-symbol interference, minimizes structural defects in the TSV array, and improves transmission performance in 3-D ICs.
Disturbance Detection of Optical Fiber Sensing Electronic System and Its Loss Prediction Using Big Data Technology
Authors: Wu De
Published: July 2021

Optical fiber sensing technology performs quite well in large-scale positioning, real-time monitoring and other fields, while its stability and environmental adaptability of the system need to be improved in the application of engineering. There are two aspects that need to be improved.
The first is that the optical fiber signal disturbance needs to be located. The second is that the loss of fiber fusion joint needs to be predicted to replace the fiber components in time. Based on this, first, the transmission matrix model is established for interference optical path transmission
of optical fiber sensing electronic system in the case of signal disturbance. The abstract model of backscatter signal and disturbance signal location in the case of signal disturbance are proposed respectively; then, many correlative experiments are carried out for the loss problem of optical
fiber fusion points, and big data technologies such as grey model (GM (1,1)), ARIMA model and Elman neural network are introduced to predict the loss of fusion joint. In the experiment, the time difference between the singular signal and the optical pulse, or the corresponding time difference
between singular signal and the beginning of the sensing region, can be obtained from the backscattering trajectory. Then, the disturbance location can be obtained based on the disturbance location abstract model; deviation maintaining welding machine is used, its loss of fusion joint is low,
and the corresponding high temperature resistance and humidity resistance are good. The loss prediction performance of different models is compared, and the combined prediction model has smaller prediction error and higher prediction accuracy.
TCFTL: Improved Real-Time Flash Memory Two Cache Flash Translation Layer Algorithm
Authors: He Qinlu , Bian Genqing , Zhang Weiqi , Wu Fenglang , Li Zhen
Published: July 2021

The traditional flash translation layer (FTL) algorithm is mainly aimed at optimizing the average response time of flash reading and writing. Since it cannot be updated in place, for the traditional FTL algorithm, it is necessary to find a free page for writing each time. When a block
is full, it will redistribute a free block. Therefore, when the flash memory is almost full, a written request will lead to a garbage collection, which will have many write copies, which will lead to a substantial decline in response time. This paper proposes an algorithm that makes full use
of spatial locality and temporal locality to optimize the address cache in Demand-based Flash Translation Layer (DFTL) algorithm. In the experiment, this algorithm experiment and good results are obtained.
Rossby Wave Dynamics over South America Explored with Automatic Tropical–Extratropical Cloud Band Identification Framework
Authors: Zilli Marcia T. , Hart Neil C. G.
Published: July 2021

During austral summer, persistent tropical–extratropical cloud bands, such as the South Atlantic convergence zone (SACZ) over South America (SAm), link the tropical humid areas to the subtropics. In this study, we utilize an automatic object-based methodology to identify synoptic cloud band events occurring over SAm that are responsible for almost 60% of the precipitation during the rainy season (November–March). In addition to identifying SACZ events as cloud bands persisting 4 or more days, the framework also highlights the relevance of transient events (i.e., events persisting for 3 days or less) to the climatology. The location and persistence of the cloud band events are modulated by the propagation of synoptic-scale extratropical disturbances interacting with intraseasonal variability in the basic-state upper-level zonal wind. During persistent events (i.e., lasting 4 or more days), upper-level westerly anomalies over the subtropics favor the propagation extratropical disturbances deeper into the tropics. Conversely, transient events occur when the Bolivian high is displaced/expanded southeastward, bringing upper-level easterly winds into subtropical latitudes and blocking the propagation of Rossby waves into lower latitudes. Subsequent anomalous subtropical convection from the cloud bands result in sources of Rossby waves that interact with the basic flow, resulting in downwind enhancement or damping of the extratropical disturbances. The adopted methodology proved to be a powerful framework in demonstrating this interaction between scales, with the basic state influencing and being modified by the synoptic disturbances.
Bayesian Model Averaging with Temporal Correlation for Time Series Forecasts
Authors: Ono Kosuke
Published: July 2021

This study extends Bayesian model averaging (BMA) to a form suitable for time series forecasts. BMA is applied to a three-member ensemble for temperature forecasts with a 1-h interval time series at specific stations. The results of such an application typically have a problematic characteristic. BMA weights assigned to ensemble members fluctuate widely within a few hours because BMA optimizations are independent at each lead time, which is incompatible with the spatiotemporal continuity of meteorological phenomena. To ameliorate this issue, a degree of correlation among different lead times is introduced by the extension of latent variables to lead times adjacent to the target lead time for the calculation of BMA weights and variances. This extension approach stabilizes the BMA weights, improving the performance of deterministic and probabilistic forecasts. Also, an investigation of the effects of this extension technique on the shapes of forecasted probability density functions showed that the extension approach offers advantages in bimodal cases. This extension technique may show promise in other applications to improve the performance of forecasts by BMA.
Does the Size-Arrival Effect Occur With an Active Collision-Avoidance Task in an Immersive 3D Virtual Reality Environment?
Authors: DeLucia Patricia R. , Braly Adam M. , Savoy Bria R.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Determine whether the size-arrival effect (SAE) occurs with immersive, 3D visual experiences and active collision-avoidance responses.

Background

When a small near object and a large far object approach the observer at the same speeds, the large object appears to arrive before the small object, known as the size-arrival effect (SAE), which may contribute to crashes between motorcycles and cars. Prior studies of the SAE were limited because they used two dimensional displays and asked participants to make passive judgments.

Method

Participants viewed approaching objects using a virtual reality (VR) headset. In an active task, participants ducked before the object hit them. In a passive prediction-motion (PM) judgment, the approaching object disappeared, and participants pressed a button when they thought the object would hit them. In a passive relative TTC judgment, participants reported which of two approaching objects would reach them first.

Results

The SAE occurred with the PM and relative TTC tasks but not with the ducking task. The SAE can occur in immersive 3D environments but is limited by the nature of the task and display.

Application

Certain traffic situations may be more prone to the SAE and have higher risk for collisions. For example, in left-turn scenarios (e.g., see Levulis, 2018), drivers make passive judgments when oncoming vehicles are far and optical expansion is slow, and binocular disparity putatively is ineffective. Collision-avoidance warning systems may be needed more in such scenarios than when vehicles are near and drivers’ judgments of TTC may be more accurate (DeLucia, 2008).
Isolating the Effect of Off-Road Glance Duration on Driving Performance: An Exemplar Study Comparing HDD and HUD in Different Driving Scenarios
Authors: Smith Missie , Bagalkotkar Kiran , Gabbard Joseph L. , Large David R. , Burnett Gary
Published: July 2021

Objective

We controlled participants’ glance behavior while using head-down displays (HDDs) and head-up displays (HUDs) to isolate driving behavioral changes due to use of different display types across different driving environments.

Background

Recently, HUD technology has been incorporated into vehicles, allowing drivers to, in theory, gather display information without moving their eyes away from the road. Previous studies comparing the impact of HUDs with traditional displays on human performance show differences in both drivers’ visual attention and driving performance. Yet no studies have isolated glance from driving behaviors, which limits our ability to understand the cause of these differences and resulting impact on display design.

Method

We developed a novel method to control visual attention in a driving simulator. Twenty experienced drivers sustained visual attention to in-vehicle HDDs and HUDs while driving in both a simple straight and empty roadway environment and a more realistic driving environment that included traffic and turns.

Results

In the realistic environment, but not the simpler environment, we found evidence of differing driving behaviors between display conditions, even though participants’ glance behavior was similar.

Conclusion

Thus, the assumption that visual attention can be evaluated in the same way for different types of vehicle displays may be inaccurate. Differences between driving environments bring the validity of testing HUDs using simplistic driving environments into question.

Application

As we move toward the integration of HUD user interfaces into vehicles, it is important that we develop new, sensitive assessment methods to ensure HUD interfaces are indeed safe for driving.
The Nature of Social Studies Teachers’ Beliefs About Teaching
Authors: Mphathiwa Ludo
Published: July 2021

This article reports on teachers’ beliefs about teaching and the implications of these beliefs in the teaching of Social Studies. A case study design was adopted using a beliefs tool that was administered to a sample of 21 Social Studies teachers in junior secondary schools and five in-service Social Studies teachers enrolled at the national university. Data were analyzed against the Luft and Roehrig (2007) belief categories and the South African Norms and Standards for teaching. The findings showed that teachers have different beliefs about teaching: as a knowledge-based profession and as a community, citizenship, and pastoral responsibility.
Leveraging Creativity in Charity Marketing: The Impact of Engaging in Creative Activities on Subsequent Donation Behavior
Authors: Xu Lidan , Mehta Ravi , Dahl Darren W.
Published: July 2021

Charities are constantly looking for new and more effective ways to engage potential donors in order to secure the resources needed to deliver services. The current work demonstrates that creative activities are one way for marketers to meet this challenge. Field and lab studies find that engaging potential donors in creative activities positively influences their donation behaviors (i.e., the likelihood of donation and the monetary amount donated). Importantly, the observed effects are shown to be context independent: they hold even when potential donors engage in creative activities unrelated to the focal cause of the charity (or the charitable organization itself). The findings suggest that engaging in a creative activity enhances the felt autonomy of the participant, thus inducing a positive affective state, which in turn leads to higher donation behaviors. Positive affect is demonstrated to enhance donation behaviors due to perceptions of donation impact and a desire for mood maintenance. However, the identified effects emerge only when one engages in a creative activity—not when the activity is noncreative, or when only the concept of creativity itself is made salient.
Using Clips in the Language Classroom
Authors: Mei Bing , Huang Shuo , Zhao Qian
Published: July 2021

With the exponential growth of information and communication technology, many digital tools that can provide immediate feedback on pronunciation have been developed in recent years. Among them, one recent noteworthy tool is Clips, which is capable of creating fun videos with automatically generated captions. This technology review provides an overview of its features and discusses how they can benefit foreign language teaching and learning.
A Polarized Discourse: Effects of Opinion Differentiation and Structural Differentiation on Communication
Authors: Koudenburg Namkje , Kashima Yoshihisa
Published: July 2021

In Western societies, many polarized debates extend beyond the area of opinions, having consequences for social structures within society. Such segmentation of society into opinion-based groups may hinder communication, making it difficult to reconcile viewpoints across group boundaries. In three representative samples from Australia and the Netherlands ( N = 1,206), we examine whether perceived polarization predicts the quality (harmony, comfort, and experience of negative emotions) and quantity (avoidance of the issue) of communication with others in the community. We distinguish between perceived opinion differentiation (i.e., the extent to which opinions in society are divided) and perceived structural differentiation (i.e., the extent to which society fissions into subgroups). Results show that although opinion differentiation positively predicts the discussion of societal issues, the belief that these opinions reflect a deeper societal divide predicts negative communication expectations and intentions. We discuss how polarization perceptions may reinforce communicative behaviors that catalyze actual polarization processes.
Reputation versus office: Why populist radical right governmental participation has differed between Sweden and Denmark
Authors: McDonnell Duncan , Werner Annika , Karlsson Malin
Published: July 2021

Sweden and Denmark have presented contrasting relationships between centre-right and populist radical right (PRR) parties. In Sweden, the centre-right has refused cooperation with the Sweden Democrats (Sverigedemokraterna) (SD), even when this cost the centre-right office. However, in Denmark, coalitions led by centre-right parties have cooperated with the Danish People’s Party (Dansk Folkeparti) (DF) on multiple occasions. Through a controlled comparison, we examine what explains these different outcomes. Using Chapel Hill Expert Surveys and public opinion data, we firstly look at the policy congruence between parties and the social acceptability of cooperation. We then examine interview material with representatives from centre-right and PRR parties in Sweden and Denmark to see their explanations of cooperation and non-cooperation. We conclude that, while the office goals of Danish centre-right parties, along with the policy focus and uncontroversial past of DF, explain that case, the reputation and past of SD has precluded a similar outcome.
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in the treatment of neuropathic pain: a case study
Authors: Kamper Despina
Published: July 2021

Background:

Neuropathic pain is a condition caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system. It may present as debilitating pain with a sensation of burning and electric-like symptoms and is often difficult to manage effectively. Although pharmacological medications are the first line of treatment, multidisciplinary teams are sometimes required to provide appropriate treatment to improve quality of life and overall wellbeing.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to present a case of post herpetic neuralgia relieved successfully by the compound palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) – a natural alternative to pharmacological pain relief.

Methods:

We present the case of a 67 year-old male with ongoing post-herpetic neuralgia, over a 3-year period, as a result of complications from shingles (herpes zoster). Previous studies on the relationship between PEA and neuropathy were reviewed, with an attempt to discuss the possible underlying mechanism of PEA on neuropathic pain.

Results:

PEA demonstrated effective pain relief within 48 hours at an administered daily dose of 900 mg (10 mg/kg).

Conclusions:

PEA may offer a valid nutraceutical treatment for practitioners.
The Content of Gender Stereotypes Embedded in Language Use
Authors: Goodhew Stephanie C. , Reynolds Katherine , Edwards Mark , Kidd Evan
Published: July 2021

Gender stereotypes have endured despite substantial change in gender roles. Previous work has assessed how gender stereotypes affect language production in particular interactional contexts. Here, we assessed communication biases where context was less specified: written texts to diffuse audiences. We used Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA) to computationally quantify the similarity in meaning between gendered names and stereotype-linked terms in these communications. This revealed that female names were more similar in meaning to the proscriptive (undesirable) masculine terms, such as emotional.
Power, Freedom and Obedience in Foucault and La Boétie: Voluntary Servitude as the Problem of Government
Authors: Newman Saul
Published: July 2021

I investigate the contemporary problem of obedience through an exploration of Michel Foucault and Étienne de La Boétie, showing how the former drew on the latter’s concept of voluntary servitude as a way of thinking through the paradoxical relationship between power, freedom and subjectivity. My argument is that Foucault’s theory of government as the ‘conduct of conduct’ may be understood as a reflection on the question of voluntary servitude. My aim here is twofold. First, it is to show that obedience is an ethical and political problem just as relevant today as it was in La Boétie’s time. Secondly, it is to suggest that voluntary servitude should be interpreted in an emancipatory way, as a problematic that reveals the ontological primacy of freedom and the fragility and instability of power. ‘Voluntary inservitude’ is something that can be expressed in acts of civil disobedience, and alternate modes of ethical conduct and association.
The ambiguous labour of hope: Affective governance and the struggles of displaced street vendors in Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Authors: Nogueira Mara
Published: July 2021

This article focuses on the struggle of a group of street vendors in Belo Horizonte, Brazil – displaced in the run up to the 2014 World Cup – to claim back their traditionally occupied workspace. Their displacement dramatically ruptured their pursuit of dignified livelihoods in the city’s informal economy. Using prolonged ethnography between 2014 and 2016, I describe how the workers engaged with an affective governance regime in which narrow avenues of negotiation are opened but promises are never kept, generating a constant state of unpredictability and possibility. This cycle of hope and frustration demobilises their resistance movement while their charismatic leader struggles to produce and maintain the hope that they might achieve relocation. This labour of hope keeps their association alive but also generates frustration and further demobilisation. The article foregrounds the ambiguous role played by hope in the life of political movements and their everyday relationships with states.