bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy risk-sudden cardiac death calculator in Asians
Authors: Choi You-Jung , Kim Hyung-Kwan , Lee Sang Chol , Park Jun-Bean , Moon Inki , Park Jiesuck , Kim Yong-Jin , Sohn Dae-Won , Ommen Steve
Published: August 2019

Objective

The hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) risk-sudden cardiac death (SCD) calculator endorsed by the 2014 European Society of Cardiology has not been independently validated in the Asians. We aimed to investigate whether the HCM Risk-SCD calculator effectively predicts SCD in Korean HCM population.

Methods

An observational, longitudinal cohort study was performed in 730 patients with HCM from 2007 to 2017. The primary endpoint was a composite of SCD and appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy.

Results

During a follow-up period of 4288 person-years, 16 (2.2%) patients reached the primary endpoint. This validation study revealed a calibration slope of 0.892 and C-statistics of 0.718. The primary endpoint occurred in 1.1% (7/615), 4.6% (3/65) and 12.0% (6/50) of low-risk, intermediate-risk and high-risk groups, respectively. Although most patients (85.2%) without the primary endpoint were classified into the low-risk group, 7 of 11 SCD (63.6%) occurred in the low-risk group. In univariable and multivariable analysis, sex (woman) was significantly associated with the primary endpoint and emerged as independent predictor. The addition of sex to the HCM Risk-SCD calculator significantly improved the predictive value of the primary endpoint (net reclassification improvement 0.557, p=0.015).

Conclusions

In the Korean HCM population, the HCM Risk-SCD calculator had a high negative predictive value and accuracy for predicting SCD or appropriate ICD therapy, but misclassified a few patients experiencing the primary endpoint as low-risk or intermediate-risk groups.
Experimental study of the evolution of soil arching effect under cyclic loading based on trapdoor test and particle image velocimetry
Authors: Bi Zongqi , Gong Quanmei , Guo Peijun , Cheng Qian
Published: August 2019

Arching effect, which is a common phenomenon in any system involving soil–structure interaction, has been found to be inevitably affected by various factors, including loading conditions. This study investigated the evolution of arching effect induced by cyclic loading by conducting a series of tests using a trapdoor apparatus. The test box was instrumented to control the displacement of the moving gate and to record the variation of vertical stress distribution by using a set of dynamic load cells. Digital images were captured during tests and processed using particle image velocimetry (PIV) to determine the displacement field and hence to examine the variation of geometric features of arch and particle movements. The evolution process of arching effect, from the initial formation to the finial collapse, was identified. Depending on the analysis for the geometry appearance, displacement region, and variation of cyclic stresses, both stable and collapsed arches were observed. By increasing the amplitude of cyclic loading step by step, critical loading amplitude corresponding to the threshold of collapse of the arching effect was determined. Based on the results, the effects of trapdoor displacement, cyclic loading frequency, and filling height on arching effect are discussed.
The fog on: Generalized teleportation by means of discrete-time quantum walks on N-lines and N-cycles
Authors: Nguyen Duc Manh , Kim Sunghwan
Published: August 2019

The recent paper entitled “Generalized teleportation by means of discrete-time quantum walks on [Formula: see text]-lines and [Formula: see text]-cycles” by Yang et al. [Mod. Phys. Lett. B 33(6) (2019) 1950069] proposed the quantum teleportation by means of discrete-time quantum walks on [Formula: see text]-lines and [Formula: see text]-cycles. However, further investigation shows that the quantum walk over the one-dimensional infinite line can be based over the [Formula: see text]-cycles and cannot be based on [Formula: see text]-lines. The proofs of our claims on quantum walks based on finite lines are also provided in detail.
Development and Application of a Coupling Method for Well Pattern and Production Optimization in Unconventional Reservoirs
Authors: Chen Yukun , Zhao Hui , Zhang Qi , Zhou Yuhui , Wang Hui , Lei Sheng , Xie Shujian , Xu Lingfei
Published: August 2019

Numerous optimization variables cause the optimization of large-scale field development challenging, which can be overcome by constraining wells to be within patterns and optimizing the parameters relevant to the pattern type and geometry. In this study, a new method incorporating well pattern optimization and production optimization for unconventional reservoirs is presented. By defining a quantitative well pattern description approach, we develop the geometric transformation parameters to quantify well pattern operations (e.g., rotation, shear, especially translation) to change the geometric shape of well patterns including five-spot, inverse seven-spot and inverse nine-spot well pattern. In contrast, a variety of optimization algorithms can be applied to accomplish the optimization of well pattern problems but the computational cost is large for many algorithms. Therefore, we also propose a general upscaling stochastic approximation algorithm (GUSA), which is an improved approximate perturbation gradient algorithm, to realize the combination of well pattern optimization and production optimization simultaneously. It is proved that both the gradient formulation of SPSA algorithm and EnOpt algorithm are the special form of the general approximate perturbation gradient. Afterwards, the synthetic cases (homogeneous and heterogeneous models) and actual unconventional field cases are discussed based on the three mentioned well pattern types. The detailed optimization results show that the presented coupling method can achieve the optimization by transforming well pattern geometry, reducing the total number of wells and adjusting the field injection rate, which is proved to be effective. In sum, this coupling method provides an efficient optimization procedure combing the well pattern optimization and production optimization for practical field development.
A Modified Two-Step ANN Ensemble Approach to Improve Generalization and its Application in Fractal Antenna Design
Authors: Dhaliwal Balwinder S. , Kaur Gaganpreet , Saini Navreet , Pattnaik Shyam Sundar , Josan Simranjit Kaur
Published: August 2019

In this work, a fractal antenna with rectangular base shape has been designed for 5.2[Formula: see text]GHz resonant frequency. Recently, ANN modeling of fractal antenna parameters have shown to be an effective approach for its design optimization. But the selection of ANN ensemble members and their output aggregation are two important issues for efficient operation of ANN ensembles. A novel two-step method based on output sensitivity of ANN and genetic algorithm optimization of ensemble members has been proposed in this paper for addressing the above two issues. The proposed approach, which is a modified form of existing technique, has been first validated by applying it over six benchmark functions and compared with existing approach for improved performance. Further, the proposed approach has been used to develop an ANN ensemble for design optimization of fractal antenna at 5.2[Formula: see text]GHz resonant frequency. The selected antenna geometry has been experimentally verified and has shown significant miniaturization of 48.34% as compared to conventional rectangular micro-strip antenna.
Shell closure at N = 34 and the 48Si nucleus
Authors: Co’ G. , Anguiano M. , Lallena A. M.
Published: August 2019

By using a nonrelativistic independent particle model, we investigate the mechanism promoting 34 as new magic number. We carried out Hartree–Fock plus Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer and Quasi-particle Random Phase Approximation calculations by consistently using the same finite-range interaction in all the three steps of our approach. We used four Gogny-like interactions, with and without tensor terms. We find that the shell closure for [Formula: see text] neutrons appears in isotones with [Formula: see text] protons. The smaller the proton number, the more evident is the shell closure at [Formula: see text]. An ideal nucleus to investigate this effect should be [Formula: see text]Si, as it has been recently suggested. However, some discrepancies occur between the results obtained with the four effective interactions we used concerning the position of the two-neutron drip line and, therefore, the existence of [Formula: see text]Si. The experimental identification of this nucleus could shed light about the shell evolution in nuclei far from the stability valley and put stringent tests on nuclear structure theories.
NON-SPECTRALITY OF THE PLANAR SELF-AFFINE MEASURES WITH FOUR-ELEMENT DIGIT SETS
Authors: SU JUAN , LIU YAO , LIU JING-CHENG
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we consider the non-spectrality of the planar self-affine measures [Formula: see text] generated by an expanding integer matrix [Formula: see text] and a four-element digit set [Formula: see text] We show that [Formula: see text] contains an infinite orthogonal set of exponential functions if and only if [Formula: see text]. Moreover, if [Formula: see text], then there exist at most [Formula: see text] mutually orthogonal exponential functions in [Formula: see text], and the number [Formula: see text] is the best.
CERTAIN INTEGRAL INEQUALITIES CONSIDERING GENERALIZED m-CONVEXITY ON FRACTAL SETS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS
Authors: DU TINGSONG , WANG HAO , KHAN MUHAMMAD ADIL , ZHANG YAO
Published: August 2019

First, we introduce a generalized [Formula: see text]-convexity concept defined on the real linear fractal set [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and discuss the relation between generalized [Formula: see text]-convexity and [Formula: see text]-convexity. Second, we present several important properties of the generalized [Formula: see text]-convex mappings. Meanwhile, via local fractional integrals, we also derive certain estimation-type results on generalizations of Hadamard-type, Fejér-type and Simpson-type inequalities. As applications related to local fractional integrals, we construct several inequalities for generalized probability density mappings and [Formula: see text]-type special means.
ASYMPTOTIC FORMULA OF AVERAGE DISTANCES ON FRACTAL NETWORKS MODELED BY SIERPINSKI TETRAHEDRON
Authors: DENG JUAN , WANG QIN
Published: August 2019

This paper concerns the average distances of evolving networks modeled by Sierpinski tetrahedron. We express the limit of average distances on reorganized networks as an integral of geodesic distance on Sierpinski tetrahedron. Based on the self-similarity and renewal theorem, we obtain the asymptotic formula on the average distance of our evolving networks.
PHYSICAL INSIGHT OF LOCAL FRACTIONAL CALCULUS AND ITS APPLICATION TO FRACTIONAL KDV–BURGERS–KURAMOTO EQUATION
Authors: WANG KANG-LE , WANG KANG-JIA , HE CHUN-HUI
Published: August 2019

Local fractional calculus is used to derive fractional partner of the KdV–Burgers–Kuramoto equation, its physical understanding is elucidated and its solution properties are revealed. Adomian’s decomposition method (ADM) and the variational iteration method (VIM) are applied to obtain its approximate analytical solution, the results have both theoretical importance and practical applications.
ORGANISATIONAL CHANGE IN THE INNOVATING FIRM: SIZE, R&D AND SECTOR EFFECTS
Authors: COZZARIN BRIAN PAUL , DIMITROV STANKO , KOO BONWOO
Published: August 2019

This study investigates whether organisational innovation has positive impacts on small and medium enterprises, using three waves of the South Korean innovation survey. While correcting for endogeneity, we find that the probability of achieving a process or product innovation conditional on organisational innovation increases in a linear fashion from small to large firms. Moreover, the effects of organisational innovation are more pronounced for process innovation relative to product innovation. We show that R&D performers who implement an organisational innovation have a greater probability of introducing a new product or process. We also show that larger R&D performing firms benefit more from organisational innovation than smaller firms. Finally, we find evidence that high-tech industries benefit more from organisational innovation, in accordance with one of our hypotheses.
EFFECT OF ABSORPTION CAPACITY ACQUIRED ON ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Authors: ZUÑIGA-COLLAZOS ALEXANDER , LOZADA NELSON , PERDOMO-CHARRY GEOVANNY
Published: August 2019

Emerging markets have achieved important growth through innovation in services and industrial sectors. However, both research and empirical evidence about innovation development is very limited in Latin America. Innovation-based absorption capacity of different companies is one of the main keys to this growth. This empirical study analysed the relationships between absorption capacity and organisational performance (OP) in a sample of 227 firms in Medellin, Colombia. The findings show that enterprises developing the absorption capacity acquired (ACA) may have better probabilities to improve OP. This study argues that companies whose managers motivate their employees to use information within sources from their industry may have higher probabilities to improve organisational profit and growth.
Version-Compatible HL7 Parser Based on Object-Oriented Design
Authors: Hoang Dinh Tuyen , Lee In Keun , Hwang Dosam
Published: August 2019

International standards for the exchange of healthcare information, known as Health Level Seven (HL7), were developed for the interoperability of healthcare information systems. Because of HL7’s complex structure and syntax, HL7 messages are processed by computer software. HL7 defines that, when the version is updated, it should be compatible with the previous version. However, most of the HL7 interface software that is currently in development does not consider the version compatibility of HL7 messages. Instead, a separate conversion software module has been used to handle the version compatibility of HL7 messages for the healthcare information system. However, such a method is inefficient, because it requires several hours and incurs a huge cost. Therefore, in this study, an HL7 parser was developed that not only supports backward compatibility with older versions in accordance with the version compatibility definition of the HL7 V2 messages but also guarantees forward compatibility with newer versions to enhance its utilization. The developed parser was used to test conversion between different versions of HL7 V2 messages which were created to transmit information from one healthcare device to another. Through this test, the usefulness of the developed parser was verified.
Belt and Road
Authors: Sharma Buddhi Prasad
Published: August 2019

Since the formal launch of the China-led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), it has received both positive and negative feedbacks and responses. Comparatively, the studies show that it gained more positive responses and accumulative attraction. Notorious Western hegemony, in general, and conditionbased Western cooperation model, in particular, were ignored and felt useless by the developing world. Comparatively, they perceive BRI to be more appropriate for strengthening connectivity, attracting investment and enhancing other necessary cooperations. As a leading power, China needs to show more generosity, flexibility and respect to the interests of the developing world. BRI in itself is a global program. China cannot display comprehensive posture without the genuine support of the developing world. In some countries, BRI projects faced severe criticism due to the lack of proper management, lack of implementation and issues of financial transactional irregularities. This is not a right sign for a new global program like BRI. To resolve it, as an emerging power, China needs to be more serious and responsible to address the issues and uphold the true meanings of mutual trust and win–win situation. Developing countries like Nepal expect more comprehensive and constructive cooperation through BRI to help in their national development and increase the global connectivity and cooperation.
Methane Source and Turnover in the Shallow Sediments to the West of Haima Cold Seeps on the Northwestern Slope of the South China Sea
Authors: Feng Junxi , Yang Shengxiong , Wang Hongbin , Liang Jinqiang , Fang Yunxin , Luo Min
Published: August 2019

The Haima cold seeps are active cold seep areas that were recently discovered on the northwestern slope of the South China Sea (SCS). Three piston cores (CL30, CL44, and CL47) were collected within an area characterized by bottom simulating reflectors to the west of Haima cold seeps. Porewater profiles of the three cores exhibit typical kink-type feature, which is attributed to elevated methane flux (CL30) and bubble irrigation (CL44 and CL47). By simulating the porewater profiles of SO42-, CH4, PO43-, Ca2+, Mg2+, and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in CL44 and CL47 using a steady-state reaction-transport model, we estimated that the dissolved SO42- was predominantly consumed by anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) at rates of 74.3 mmol m−2 yr−1 in CL44 and 85.0 mmol m−2 yr−1 in CL47. The relatively high AOM rates were sustained by free gas dissolution rather than local methanogenesis. Based on the diffusive Ba2+ fluxes and the excess barium contents in the sediments slightly above the current SMTZ, we estimated that methane fluxes at core CL44 and CL47 have persisted for ca. 3 kyr and 0.8-1.6 kyr, respectively. The non-steady-state modeling for CL30 predicted that a recent increase in upward dissolved methane flux was initiated ca. 85 yr ago. However, the required time for the formation of the barium front above the SMTZ at this core is much longer (ca. 2.2-4.2 kyr), which suggests that the depth of SMTZ possibly has fluctuated due to episodic changes in methane flux. Furthermore, using the model-derived fractions of different DIC sources and the δ13CDIC mass balance calculation, we estimated that the δ13C values of the external methane in cores CL30, CL44, and CL47 are -74.1‰, -75.4‰, and -66.7‰, respectively, indicating the microbial origin of methane. Our results suggest that methane seepage in the broader area surrounding the Haima cold seeps probably has persisted at least hundreds to thousands of years with changing methane fluxes.
Clinical, Laboratory, and Therapeutic Aspects of Crotalus durissus (South American Rattlesnake) Victims: A Literature Review
Authors: Frare Bruno Tumang , Silva Resende Yann Keller , Dornelas Bruno de Carvalho , Jorge Miguel Tannus , Souza Ricarte Valter Augusto , Alves Lívia Maria , Izidoro Luiz Fernando Moreira
Published: August 2019

Snakebite envenoming is a neglected public health issue in many tropical and subtropical countries. To diagnosis and treat snakebites may be challenging to health care personnel since sufficient information has not been yet provided. This review presents the clinical, therapeutic, and laboratory aspects of Crotalus durissus (South American rattlesnakes) victims. The clinical setting may show local effects such as little or no pain, mild edema, and recurrent erythema. In contrast, the systemic effects may be quite remarkable, such as changes due to neurological damage, intense rhabdomyolysis, incoagulability of the blood, and variations in the peripheral blood elements. The main complication is acute kidney injury. The appropriate treatment depends mainly on the correct recognition of the aggressor snake and the symptoms expressed by the victim. Rattlesnake venom can cause irreparable damage and lead to death. Therefore, a prompt diagnosis allows the immediate onset of proper serotherapy.
Experimental Investigation into the Bedding Plane Slip Effect on the Overlying Strata Behavior in Longwall Top Coal Caving of Soft Coal Seam
Authors: Liu Hengfeng , Zhang Jixiong , Zhou Nan , Sun Qiang , Li Meng , Cui Zhizhong
Published: August 2019

Bedding plane shear slip becomes more obvious in rock strata with quite different mechanical properties. A composite beam model considering the behaviors of the main roof and the immediate roof in the “three‐soft” coal seam is established based on physical similarity simulation experiments and the slip theory in this paper. The movement and failure of the overlying strata and the mechanism of the bedding plane slip at the 2211 working face are studied by experimental and theoretical analysis. The results suggest that the front abutment stress distribution occurs 50 m ahead of the working face, the initial caving interval of the main roof is 55 m, and the peak stress appears at a distance 20 to 32 m ahead of the working face. The bedding plane slip areas can be divided into the obvious slip area and the slight slip area along the mining direction. The range of the obvious slip area becomes wider and the range of the slight slip area grows to be narrower as the working face advances. The bedding plane slip becomes steady after gradual increase and leads to the subsidence of the overlying strata in the “three‐soft” coal seam. The observed initial caving interval of the main roof by field measurement is 51 m, which is consistent with the results of physical similarity simulation experiments and theoretical analysis. The results demonstrate that the beam slip model proposed in this paper is reasonable and able to describe the behaviors of overlying strata and bedding plane slip.
Effect of Different Body Postures on the Severity of Stuttering in Young Adults with Developmental Stuttering
Authors: Almudhi Abdulaziz , Zafar Hamayun , Anwer Shahnawaz , Alghadir Ahmad
Published: August 2019

Objective. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of body position on the level and severity of stuttering in young adults with developmental stuttering. Methods. A total of 24 subjects (male: 17; female: 7; mean age: 24.9 ± 6.2 years) with developmental stuttering participated. The participants were asked to perform oral reading and spontaneous monologue-speaking tasks in different body postures while their speech was recorded. During reading and speaking tasks, the Stuttering Severity Instrument was used to quantify the severity of stuttering. The effects of different body postures on stuttering severity, reading task, and speaking task scores were analyzed. Results. Significant differences in stuttering severity, reading task, and speaking task scores were found for different body postures. Post hoc analyses revealed a significant difference in stuttering severity, reading task, and speaking task scores when subjects were sitting on a chair with no arm support compared to lying down (p<0.05). Similarly, there were significant differences for two sitting positions (sitting on a chair with no arm support vs sitting on a chair with arm support (p<0.05)). Conclusions. Body postures or body segment positions that relax and facilitate the muscles of the neck and shoulders may potentially improve speech fluency in young adults with developmental stuttering.
An Application of (3+1)‐Dimensional Time‐Space Fractional ZK Model to Analyze the Complex Dust Acoustic Waves
Authors: Fu Lei , Yang Hongwei
Published: August 2019

Dust plasma is a new field of physics which has developed rapidly in recent decades. The study of dust plasma has received much attention due to its importance in the environment of space and the Earth. Dust acoustic waves are generated because of the inertia of dust mass while the restoring force is provided by the thermal pressure of electrons and ions. Since dust acoustic waves were first reported theoretically in unmagnetized dust plasma by Rao et al., they have become a research hot spot. In this paper, the excitation of dust acoustic waves by a gravity field in a dust plasma is analyzed. According to the control equations of dust plasma motion and employing multiscale analysis and perturbation method, we have obtained a (3+1)‐dimensional ZK model. Because of the space property of dust plasma, (3+1)‐dimensional ZK equation is more suitable than KdV equation and (2+1)‐dimensional ZK equation to describe the real dust acoustic waves. Then, the (3+1)‐dimensional time‐space fractional ZK (TSF‐ZK) equation describing the fractal process of nonlinear dust acoustic waves is given for the first time. To further explore how dust acoustic waves change energy as they travel, we discuss the conservation laws of the new model. Moreover, we study the exact solution of (3+1)‐dimensional TSF‐ZK equation by using extended Kudryashov method. Finally, based on the exact solution, we further investigate the effect of the parameter k, the charge properties of dust particle Zd0, the fractional order values α, β, γ, and θ, the temperature Td, the gravity g, and the collision frequency β0 and β1 on the properties of dust acoustic waves by a gravity field in dust plasma.
Preoperative Intravitreal Conbercept Facilitates Vitrectomy in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: Is Attention Required for the Fellow Eye?
Authors: Xu Wei , Cheng Weijing , Yao Yao , Guo Jian , Xu Guoxing
Published: August 2019

Purpose. To evaluate the effect of preoperative intravitreal conbercept (IVC) injection on patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Methods. Medical records of patients who underwent vitrectomy due to complications of PDR were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were grouped as the IVC group and non-IVC group according to preoperative IVC. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data of both eyes were collected. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), central retinal thickness (CRT), and incidence of tractional retinal detachment (TRD). Results. A total of 37 cases were included, 16 in the IVC group and 21 in the non-IVC group. Preoperative IVC significantly reduced surgical duration (IVC vs. non-IVC, 88.9 ± 11.9 min vs. 97.8 ± 12.8 min, p < 0.05). In the vitrectomized eye, no significant difference existed between the IVC group and non-IVC group regarding postoperative BCVA (logMAR, 1.20 ± 0.53 vs. 1.27 ± 0.54, p = 0.68), IOP (16.5 ± 2.9 mmHg vs. 15.6 ± 3.7 mmHg, p = 0.44), and CRT (330.1 ± 35.2 μm vs. 319.2 ± 32.5 μm, p=0.34). In the fellow eye, 6 cases in the IVC group were diagnosed with TRD during postoperative follow-up, while only 2 cases were diagnosed in the non-IVC group (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Preoperative intravitreal injection of conbercept has effectively facilitated vitrectomy in PDR patients, but it potentially promotes tractional retinal detachment in the fellow eye following preoperative injection.
Adequacy of the Fogging Test in the Detection of Clinically Significant Hyperopia in School-Aged Children
Authors: Esteves Leandro João , Meira Jorge , Ferreira Carla Sofia , Santos-Silva Renato , Freitas-Costa Paulo , Magalhães Augusto , Breda Jorge , Falcão-Reis Fernando
Published: August 2019

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy of the “fogging test,” performed with a +2 diopters (D) lens, in the exclusion of clinically significant hyperopia in school-aged children. Methods. We studied 54 children between 5 and 11 years of age, with 10/10 best-corrected bilateral visual acuity (VA) without significant degree of correction. VA was assessed in each eye with a “bilateral” +2 D sphere over-refraction followed by cycloplegic retinoscopy. The capacity of the test to detect hyperopia of ≥+2 D and ≥+1.5 D was evaluated by examining the respective receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and sensitivity and specificity values for different cutoff values of VA. Results. For the detection of hyperopia ≥+2 D, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.955 (p≤0.001). The VA cutoff with best discriminative capacity was ≥5/10, with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 79%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 57%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%. In respect of ≥+1.5 D hyperopia, the test capacity was lower (AUC = 0.832; p≤0.001). The best VA cutoff was also of ≥5/10, with a PPV of 81% and a NPV of 85%. Conclusion. The accuracy of the test was high for the evaluation of ≥+2 D hyperopia but lower for ≥+1.5 D hyperopia. For the detection of ≥+2 D hyperopia, the VA cutoff of <5/10 may permit the exclusion of clinically significant hyperopia in selected children, without the need for cycloplegia. For the same cutoff, the PPV was low, meaning that in children with ≥5/10 VA cycloplegic refraction remains obligatory.
Intradural Extramedullary Spinal Sarcoidosis Mimicking Meningioma
Authors: Ishiwata Sho , Iizuka Yoichi , Mieda Tokue , Hirato Junko , Koshi Hiromi , Kakuta Yohei , Honda Akira , Sonoda Hiroyuki , Tajika Tsuyoshi , Chikuda Hirotaka
Published: August 2019

Background. Spinal sarcoidosis is a rare subgroup of neurosarcoidosis. Although most sarcoid lesions develop in the intramedullary compartment, intradural extramedullary (IDEM) spinal sarcoidosis is an extremely rare entity. Case Presentation. We herein report a case of IDEM spinal sarcoidosis mimicking a meningioma. A 32-year-old man presented to the hospital with clumsy hands and was unable to walk without assistance. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine revealed a dural tail sign that is common in meningiomas. The patient underwent gross total resection. The pathological findings consisted with a sarcoid leision of the spinal cord. The patient’s myelopathy recovered after surgery. Conclusions. Physicians should be alert for the possibility of IDEM sarcoidosis mimicking a meningioma in the differential diagnosis of IDEM spinal cord tumors.
sEMG Based Human Motion Intention Recognition
Authors: Zhang Li , Liu Geng , Han Bing , Wang Zhe , Zhang Tong
Published: August 2019

Human motion intention recognition is a key to achieve perfect human-machine coordination and wearing comfort of wearable robots. Surface electromyography (sEMG), as a bioelectrical signal, generates prior to the corresponding motion and reflects the human motion intention directly. Thus, a better human-machine interaction can be achieved by using sEMG based motion intention recognition. In this paper, we review and discuss the state of the art of the sEMG based motion intention recognition that is mainly used in detail. According to the method adopted, motion intention recognition is divided into two groups: sEMG-driven musculoskeletal (MS) model based motion intention recognition and machine learning (ML) model based motion intention recognition. The specific models and recognition effects of each study are analyzed and systematically compared. Finally, a discussion of the existing problems in the current studies, major advances, and future challenges is presented.
Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava (PLSVC) with a Connection to the Azygos System: Case Report and Clinical Implications
Authors: Moody Alastair E. , Moody Catriona E. , Beutler Bryce D. , Koci Micaela M.
Published: August 2019

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare anatomic variant that has a significant effect on the structure of the heart and venous system with clinical implications that are far-reaching. The presence of this variant is relevant to central venous catheter insertion, cardioverter-defibrillator placement, coronary artery bypass grafting, and numerous other medical procedures. In this report, we describe a rare case of PLSVC with a connection to the azygos system; notably, the vast majority of PLSVCs connect to the coronary sinus. We also discuss the anatomic and anesthetic considerations for individuals with this uncommon variant.
Characterizations of Bloch-Type Spaces of Harmonic Mappings
Authors: Aljuaid Munirah , Colonna Flavia
Published: August 2019

We study the Banach space BHα (α>0) of the harmonic mappings h on the open unit disk D satisfying the condition supz∈D⁡(1-z2)α(hzz+hz¯z)<∞, where hz and hz¯ denote the first complex partial derivatives of h. We show that several properties that are valid for the space of analytic functions known as the α-Bloch space extend to BHα. In particular, we prove that for α>0 the mappings in BHα can be characterized in terms of a Lipschitz condition relative to the metric defined by dH,α(z,w)=sup⁡{hz-hw:h∈BHα,hBHα≤1}. When α>1, the harmonic α-Bloch space can be viewed as the harmonic growth space of order α-1, while for 0<α<1, BHα is the space of harmonic mappings that are Lipschitz of order 1-α.
Supercritical Fluid Geochemistry in Geothermal Systems
Authors: Heřmanská Matylda , Kleine Barbara I. , Stefánsson Andri
Published: August 2019

Supercritical fluids exist in the roots of many active high-temperature geothermal systems. Utilization of such supercritical resources may multiply energy production from geothermal systems; yet, their occurrence, formation mechanism, and chemical properties are poorly constrained. Flow-through experiments at 260°C and 400-420°C were performed to study the chemical and mineralogical changes associated with supercritical fluid formation near shallow magmatic intrusions by conductive heating and boiling of conventional subcritical geothermal fluids. Supercritical fluids formed by isobaric heating of liquid geothermal water had similar volatile element concentrations (B, C, and S) as the subcritical water. In contrast, mineral-forming element concentrations (Si, Na, K, Ca, Mg, and Cl) in the supercritical fluid were much lower. The results are consistent with the observed mineral deposition of quartz, aluminum silicates, and minor amount of salts during boiling. Similar concentration patterns have been predicted from geochemical modeling and were observed at Krafla, Iceland, for the IDDP-1 supercritical fluid discharge. The experimental results confirm previous findings that supercritical fluids may originate from conductive heating of subcritical geothermal reservoir fluids characterized by similar or lower elemental concentrations with minor input of volcanic gas.
ROS Generation and Antioxidant Defense Systems in Normal and Malignant Cells
Authors: Snezhkina Anastasiya V. , Kudryavtseva Anna V. , Kardymon Olga L. , Savvateeva Maria V. , Melnikova Nataliya V. , Krasnov George S. , Dmitriev Alexey A.
Published: August 2019

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are by-products of normal cell activity. They are produced in many cellular compartments and play a major role in signaling pathways. Overproduction of ROS is associated with the development of various human diseases (including cancer, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and metabolic disorders), inflammation, and aging. Tumors continuously generate ROS at increased levels that have a dual role in their development. Oxidative stress can promote tumor initiation, progression, and resistance to therapy through DNA damage, leading to the accumulation of mutations and genome instability, as well as reprogramming cell metabolism and signaling. On the contrary, elevated ROS levels can induce tumor cell death. This review covers the current data on the mechanisms of ROS generation and existing antioxidant systems balancing the redox state in mammalian cells that can also be related to tumors.
Antinociceptive Activity of Petroleum Ether Fraction ofClinacanthus nutansLeaves Methanolic Extract: Roles of Nonopioid Pain Modulatory Systems and Potassium Channels
Authors: Zakaria Zainul Amiruddin , Abdul Rahim Mohammad Hafiz , Roosli Rushduddin Al Jufri , Mohd Sani Mohd Hijaz , Marmaya Najihah Hanisah , Omar Maizatul Hasyima , Teh Lay Kek , Salleh Mohd. Zaki
Published: August 2019

Methanolic extract ofClinacanthus nutansLindau leaves (MECN) has been reported to exert antinociceptive activity. The present study aimed to elucidate the possible antinociceptive mechanisms of a lipid-soluble fraction of MECN, which was obtained after sequential extraction in petroleum ether. The petroleum ether fraction ofC. nutans(PECN), administered orally to mice, was (i) subjected to capsaicin-, glutamate-, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-, bradykinin-induced nociception model; (ii) prechallenged (intraperitoneal (i.p.)) with 0.15 mg/kg yohimbine, 1 mg/kg pindolol, 3 mg/kg caffeine, 0.2 mg/kg haloperidol, or 10 mg/kg atropine, which were the respective antagonist ofα2-adrenergic,β-adrenergic, adenosinergic, dopaminergic, or muscarinic receptors; and (iii) prechallenged (i.p.) with 10 mg/kg glibenclamide, 0.04 mg/kg apamin, 0.02 mg/kg charybdotoxin, or 4 mg/kg tetraethylammonium chloride, which were the respective inhibitor of ATP sensitive-, small conductance Ca2+-activated-, large conductance Ca2+-activated-, or nonselective voltage-activated-K+channel. Results obtained demonstrated that PECN (100, 250, and 500 mg/kg) significantly (P<0.05) inhibited all models of nociception described earlier. The antinociceptive activity of 500 mg/kg PECN was significantly (P<0.05) attenuated when prechallenged with all antagonists or K+channel blockers. However, only pretreatment with apamin and charybdotoxin caused full inhibition of PECN-induced antinociception. The rest of the K+channel blockers and all antagonists caused only partial inhibition of PECN antinociception, respectively. Analyses on PECN’s phytoconstituents revealed the presence of antinociceptive-bearing bioactive compounds of volatile (i.e., derivatives ofγ–tocopherol,α–tocopherol, and lupeol) and nonvolatile (i.e., cinnamic acid) nature. In conclusion, PECN exerts a non-opioid-mediated antinociceptive activity involving mainly activation of adenosinergic and cholinergic receptors or small- and large-conductance Ca2+-activated-K+channels.
Enhancing Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Immunomodulation for Treating Conditions Influenced by the Immune System
Authors: Guerrouahen Bella S. , Sidahmed Heba , Al Sulaiti Asma , Al Khulaifi Moza , Cugno Chiara
Published: August 2019

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), formerly known as mesenchymal stem cells, are nonhematopoietic multipotent cells and are emerging worldwide as the most clinically used and promising source for allogeneic cell therapy. MSCs, initially obtained from bone marrow, can be derived from several other tissues, such as adipose tissue, placenta, and umbilical cord. Diversity in tissue sourcing and manufacturing procedures has significant effects on MSC products. However, in 2006, a minimal set of standard criteria has been issued by the International Society of Cellular Therapy for defining derived MSCs. These include adherence to plastic in conventional culture conditions, particular phenotype, and multilineage differentiation capacity in vitro. Moreover, MSCs have trophic capabilities, a high in vitro self-renewal ability, and immunomodulatory characteristics. Thus, immunosuppressive treatment with MSCs has been proposed as a potential therapeutic alternative for conditions in which the immune system cells influence outcomes, such as inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The precise mechanism by which MSCs affect functions of most immune effector cells is not completely understood but involves direct contact with immune cells, soluble mediators, and local microenvironmental factors. Recently, it has been shown that their homeostatic resting state requires activation, which can be achieved in vitro with various cytokines, including interferon-γ. In the present review, we focus on the suppressive effect that MSCs exert on the immune system and highlight the significance of in vitro preconditioning and its use in preclinical studies. We discuss the clinical aspects of using MSCs as an immunomodulatory treatment. Finally, we comment on the risk of interfering with the immune system in regard to cancer formation and development.
Association of Serum Lipocalin-2 Concentrations with Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: An Updated Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Dingjian , Fang Lanlan , Pan Guixia
Published: August 2019

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to explore the association of serum lipocalin-2 concentrations with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods. A systematic search of studies on the association of serum lipocalin-2 concentrations with psoriasis/PsA was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Elsevier ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library. Eventually, 8 eligible studies were included. The strength of association between serum lipocalin-2 concentrations and psoriasis/PsA was assessed by pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with its 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. A total of 8 case-control studies, consisting of 349 psoriasis/PsA patients and 258 controls, were included in the meta-analysis. This meta-analysis showed significant association between serum lipocalin-2 concentrations and psoriasis/PsA in overall population (SMD: 0.757, 95%CI=0.588‐0.926, and PH=0.114; PH is the P value for the heterogeneity test). Similar results were found in subgroup analysis by ethnicity. Conclusions. Serum lipocalin-2 concentrations are higher in psoriasis/PsA patients than controls. However, more large-scale studies are warranted to explore the association between serum lipocalin-2 and the pathogenetic mechanisms of psoriasis/PsA.
Tectonic Controls on Near-Surface Variations in CH4 and CO2 Concentrations along the Northwestern Margin of the Ordos Block, China
Authors: Cui Y. J. , Li Y. , Si X. Y. , Yang L. X. , Liu Z. F. , Sun F. X. , Li X. Y. , Zheng H. W. , Du J. G.
Published: August 2019

Tectonic controls on near-surface CH4 and CO2 concentrations were investigated by measuring CH4 and CO2 concentrations at the surface and a height of 1.5 m, in the different tectonic units that comprise the northwestern margin of Ordos Block, China, which has a complex tectonic structure and a history of strong earthquakes. CH4 and CO2 concentrations varied from 1905 to 2472 ppb and 397.5 to 458.5 ppm, respectively. Surface CH4 and CO2 concentrations were generally higher than those measured at 1.5 m, but showed similar trends, indicating that the measured CH4 and CO2 predominantly originated from underground gases. The CH4 and CO2 concentrations increased with an increasing strike-slip rate across the faults, and concentrations in the blocks with high internal deformation were much higher than those measured in the stable blocks. Regions of extensional deformation had higher gas concentrations than regions that had experienced compressional deformation. The spatial distribution of CH4 and CO2 at the study site had similar trends to faults associated with the Yinchuan Graben. The results of this study indicated that gas source, gas migration pathway, and tectonic stress were the main factors that influenced gas emission. The key factor is tectonic stress, which controlled the formation of tectonic structures, changed the pathway of degassing, and acted as the driving force for gas migration. The results of this study clarify the mechanism of CH4 and CO2 degassing in faulted regions and suggest that CH4 and CO2 concentrations may be useful precursors in the monitoring of seismic activity. The results may also help inform future assessments of the contribution of geological sources to greenhouse gas emissions.
Accumulation of Circulating Cell-Free CpG-Enriched Ribosomal DNA Fragments on the Background of High Endonuclease Activity of Blood Plasma in Schizophrenic Patients
Authors: Ershova E. S. , Jestkova E. M. , Martynov A. V. , Shmarina G. V. , Umriukhin P. E. , Bravve L. V. , Zakharova N. V. , Kostyuk G. P. , Saveliev D. V. , Orlova M. D. , Bogush M. , Kutsev S. I. , Veiko N. N. , Kostyuk S. V.
Published: August 2019

Introduction. Schizophrenia (SZ) increases the level of cell death, leading to an increase in the concentration of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA). Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) contains many unmethylated CpG motifs that stimulate TLR9-MyD88-NF-κB signaling and the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines. The number of rDNA copies in the genomes of SZ patients is increased; therefore, we expect that the concentration of cell-free rDNA in the plasma of the SZ patients also increases. This may be one of the explanations of the proinflammatory cytokine increase that is often observed in SZ. The major research question is what is the rDNA copy number in cfDNA (cf-rDNA CN) and its putative role in schizophrenia?Materials and Methods. We determined cfDNA concentration (RNase A/proteinase K/solvent extraction; fluorescent dye PicoGreen) and endonuclease activity (NA) of blood plasma (radial diffusion method) in the untreated male SZ group (N=100) and in the male healthy control group (HC) (N=96). Blood leukocyte DNA and cfDNA rDNA CN were determined with nonradioactive quantitative hybridization techniques. Plasma concentration of cf-rDNA was calculated.Results. In the subjects from the SZ group, the mean cfDNA plasma concentration was twofold higher and NA of the plasma was fourfold higher than those in the healthy controls. rDNA CN in the blood leukocyte genome and in the cfDNA samples in the SZ group was significantly higher than that in the HC group. cf-rDNA concentration was threefold higher in the SZ group.Conclusion. Despite the abnormally high endonuclease activity in the blood plasma of SZ patients, the circulating cfDNA concentration is increased. Fragments of cf-rDNA accumulate in the blood plasma of SZ patients. Potentially, SZ patients’ cfDNA should be a strong stimulating factor for the TLR9-MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway.
Promiscuous Chemokine Antagonist (BKT130) Suppresses Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization by Inhibition of Monocyte Recruitment
Authors: Hagbi-Levi Shira , Abraham Michal , Tiosano Liran , Rinsky Batya , Grunin Michelle , Eizenberg Orly , Peled Amnon , Chowers Itay
Published: August 2019

Background. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness in the developed world, usually affects individuals older than 60 years of age. The majority of visual loss in this disease is attributable to the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Mononuclear phagocytes, including monocytes and their tissue descendants, macrophages, have long been implicated in the pathogenesis of neovascular AMD (nvAMD). Current therapies for nvAMD are based on targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This study is aimed at assessing if perturbation of chemokine signaling and mononuclear cell recruitment may serve as novel complementary therapeutic targets for nvAMD. Methods. A promiscuous chemokine antagonist (BKT130), aflibercept treatment, or combined BKT130+aflibercept treatment was tested in an in vivo laser-induced model of choroidal neovascularization (LI-CNV) and in an ex vivo choroidal sprouting assay (CSA). Quantification of CD11b+ cell in the CNV area was performed, and mRNA levels of genes implicated in CNV growth were measured in the retina and RPE-choroid. Results. BKT130 reduced the CNV area and recruitment of CD11b+ cells by 30-35%. No effect of BKT130 on macrophages’ proangiogenic phenotype was demonstrated ex vivo, but a lower VEGFA and CCR2 expression was found in the RPE-choroid and a lower expression of TNFα and NOS1 was found in both RPE-choroid and retinal tissues in the LI-CNV model under treatment with BKT130. Conclusions. Targeting monocyte recruitment via perturbation of chemokine signaling can reduce the size of experimental CNV and should be evaluated as a potential novel therapeutic modality for nvAMD.