bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ankyrin repeat gene family in Capsicum spp: Genome-wide survey, characterization and gene expression profile
Authors: Lopez-Ortiz Carlos , Peña-Garcia Yadira , Natarajan Purushothaman , Bhandari Menuka , Abburi Venkata , Dutta Sudip Kumar , Yadav Lav , Stommel John , Nimmakayala Padma , Reddy Umesh K.
Published: March 2020

The ankyrin (ANK) repeat protein family is largely distributed across plants and has been found to participate in multiple processes such as plant growth and development, hormone response, response to biotic and abiotic stresses. It is considered as one of the major markers of capsaicin content in pepper fruits. In this study, we performed a genome-wide identification and expression analysis of genes encoding ANK proteins in three Capsicum species: Capsicum baccatum, Capsicum annuum and Capsicum chinense. We identified a total of 87, 85 and 96 ANK genes in C. baccatum, C. annuum and C. chinense genomes, respectively. Next, we performed a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of the Capsicum ANK gene family including gene chromosomal localization, Cis-elements, conserved motif identification, intron/exon structural patterns and gene ontology classification as well as profile expression. Phylogenetic and domain organization analysis grouped the Capsicum ANK gene family into ten subfamilies distributed across all 12 pepper chromosomes at different densities. Analysis of the expression of ANK genes in leaf and pepper fruits suggested that the ANKs have specific expression patterns at various developmental stages in placenta tissue. Our results provide valuable information for further studies of the evolution, classification and putative functions of ANK genes in pepper.
Sensitive determination of malondialdehyde in rat prostate by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection
Authors: Dong Xiuli , Tang Jiayuan , Chen Xiangming
Published: March 2020

An excellent pre-column fluorescent derivatization reagent N-acetylhydrazine acridone for the quantitative determination of malondialdehyde was synthesized. Malondialdehyde was derivatized at 80 °C for 30 min in the presence of trichloroacetic acid. The separation of the derivative was performed on an Agilent ZORBAX SB-C18 column in conjunction with gradient elution. The excitation and emission wavelengths were 370 nm and 420 nm, respectively. The developed method demonstrated good linear relationship in the range of 0.02 pmol to 2.5 pmol (r = 0.9998). The calculated limit of detection and limit of quantification were 2.5 fmol and 8.3 fmol, respectively. The analytical precisions of the method were in the range of 1.36–2.27% (intra-day) and 2.36–3.92% (inter-day) respectively. The method was sensitive, specific and simple. It was successfully implemented to analysis the malondialdehyde in rat prostate.
Overconfidence Among Young Decision-Makers: Assessing the Effectiveness of a Video Intervention and the Role of Gender, Age, Feedback, and Repetition
Authors: Piehlmaier Dominik M.
Published: March 2020

Child development research on overconfidence suggests that the bias is present and persistent in preschoolers and kindergartners. However, little is known about what drives overconfidence among young decision-makers, how it changes over a large number of repetitions, and whether such changes differ by gender or age. The current experimental study analyzes data from 60 children, aged 4 years 0 months to 6 years 10 months, who played 60 turns of the Children’s Gambling Task and provided regular estimates on their performance. A video intervention, designed to demonstrate the consequences of disadvantageous choices, was tested in a double-blind randomized controlled trial to assess its impact on overconfidence. The results show that every third participant remained overconfident even after 60 trials and constant feedback. Unlike previously reported, gender seems to be a determining factor in this process. Lastly, providing additional information through a video intervention appears to have no impact on participants’ overconfidence levels.
Author Correction: pKa of opioid ligands as a discriminating factor for side effects
Authors: Del Vecchio Giovanna , Labuz Dominika , Temp Julia , Seitz Viola , Kloner Michael , Negrete Roger , Rodriguez-Gaztelumendi Antonio , Weber Marcus , Machelska Halina , Stein Christoph
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Octa-repeat domain of the mammalian prion protein mRNA forms stable A-helical hairpin structure rather than G-quadruplexes
Authors: Czech Andreas , Konarev Petr V. , Goebel Ingrid , Svergun Dmitri I. , Wills Peter R. , Ignatova Zoya
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Evaluation of narrow band imaging in the assessment of laryngeal granuloma
Authors: Klimza H. , Pietruszewska W. , Jackowska J. , Piersiala K. , Wierzbicka M.
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Effect of ceria morphology on the performance of MnOx/CeO2 catalysts in catalytic combustion of N,N-dimethylformamide
Authors: Huang Fengying , Ye Dongsheng , Guo Xiaohan , Zhan Wangcheng , Guo Yun , Wang Li , Wang Yunsong , Guo Yanglong
Published: March 2020

MnOx/CeO2 catalysts were prepared by a deposition–precipitation method, through loading MnOx into ceria supports with different morphologies (nanorods (NRs), nanocubes (NCs) and nano-octahedrons (NOs)).
Photocatalytic CO2 reduction using metal complexes in various ionic liquids
Authors: Asai Yoshiyuki , Katsuragi Haruka , Kita Kazuki , Tsubomura Taro , Yamazaki Yasuomi
Published: March 2020

Photoreduction of CO2 catalysed by metal complexes successfully took place in various ionic liquids with relatively high durability.
The effect of prolonged dietary sodium nitrate treatment on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis and testicular structure and function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats
Authors: Oghbaei Hajar , Hamidian Gholamreza , Alipour Mohammad Reza , Alipour Shahriar , Keyhanmanesh Rana
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of prolonged dietary nitrate supplementation on diabetic reproductive system.
Construction of a near-infrared responsive upconversion nanoplatform against hypoxic tumors via NO-enhanced photodynamic therapy
Authors: Lan Ying , Zhu Xiaohui , Tang Ming , Wu Yihan , Zhang Jing , Liu Jinliang , Zhang Yong
Published: March 2020

A near-infrared (NIR) activated theranostic nanoplatform based on upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) is developed in order to overcome the hypoxia-associated resistance in photodynamic therapy by photo-release of NO upon NIR illumination.
The effect of solvents on the thermal degradation products of two Amadori derivatives
Authors: Zhang Shiyi , Li Rui , Zhang Yudan , Zhao Mingqin
Published: March 2020

The number and content of thermal degradation products from two chemically-synthesized Amadori analogs could be influenced by solvent media.
An electroless-plating-like solution approach for the preparation of PS@TiO2@Ag core–shell spheres
Authors: Wang Chao , Ma Daichuan , Li Xinsheng , Luo Daibing , Wu Liangzhuan
Published: March 2020

PS@TiO2@Ag spheres with a core–shell nanostructure were prepared by electroless-plating-like solution deposition (EPLSD) method, which can be alternatively extended to prepare PS@metal(1) oxide@metal(2) composite spheres and their relative hollow spheres.
Transfer hydrogenation of alkynes into alkenes by ammonia borane over Pd-MOF catalysts
Authors: Bakuru Vasudeva Rao , Samanta Debabrata , Maji Tapas Kumar , Kalidindi Suresh Babu
Published: March 2020

Ammonia borane with both hydridic and protic hydrogens in its structure acted as an efficient transfer hydrogenation agent for selective transformation of alkynes into alkenes in non-protic solvents.
Global attractivity and asymptotic stability of mixed‐order fractional systems
Authors: Tuan Hoang T. , Trinh Hieu
Published: March 2020

This study investigates the asymptotic properties of mixed‐order fractional systems. By using the variation of constants formula, properties of real Mittag‐Leffler functions, and Banach fixed‐point theorem, the authors first propose an explicit criterion guaranteeing global attractivity for a class of mixed‐order linear fractional systems. The criterion is easy to check requiring the system's matrix to be strictly diagonally dominant (C1) and elements on its main diagonal to be negative (C2). The authors then show the asymptotic stability of the trivial solution to a non‐linear mixed‐order fractional system linearised along with its equilibrium point such that its linear part satisfies the conditions (C1) and (C2). Two numerical examples with simulations are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the results over existing ones in the literature.
Hints of γ-ray orbital variability from γ2 Velorum
Authors: Martí-Devesa G. , Reimer O. , Li J. , Torres D. F.
Published: March 2020

Context. Colliding wind binaries are massive systems featuring strong, interacting stellar winds which may act as particle accelerators. Therefore, such binaries are good candidates for detection at high energies. However, only the massive binary η Carinae has been firmly associated with a γ-ray signal. A second system, γ2 Velorum, is positionally coincident with a γ-ray source, but we lack unambiguous identification.

Aims. Observing orbital modulation of the flux would establish an unambiguous identification of the binary γ2 Velorum as the γ-ray source detected by the Fermi Large Area Telescope (Fermi-LAT).

Methods. We used more than ten years of observations with Fermi-LAT. Events are phase-folded with the orbital period of the binary to search for variability. We studied systematic errors that might arise from the strong emission of the nearby Vela pulsar with a more conservative pulse-gated analysis.

Results. We find hints of orbital variability, indicating maximum flux from the binary during apastron passage.

Conclusions. Our analysis strengthens the possibility that γ-rays are produced in γ2 Velorum, most likely as a result of particle acceleration in the wind collision region. The observed orbital variability is consistent with predictions from recent magnetohydrodynamic simulations, but contrasts with the orbital variability from η Carinae, where the peak of the light curve is found at periastron.
A novel image transmission method based on mosaic image creation and secret image recovery for electric power security
Authors: Zhang Ji , Ruan Haibo , Hu Dongsheng
Published: March 2020

Image transmission is very important for various applications. In order to ensure the security of image transmission, a novel image transmission method based on mosaic image creation and secret image recovery is proposed. The proposed method has two phases: 1) Mosaic image creation. A mosaic image is generated, which includes the fragments of an input secret image with color corrections according to a similarity criterion based on color variations. 2) Secret image recovery. Based on the received signal, the secret image is recovered losslessly from the generated mosaic image. Experimental results show that the proposed method has better feasibility.
Biometrics in cyber defense
Authors: Mogos Gabriela
Published: March 2020

Biometric identification is an up and coming authentication method. The growing complexity of and overlap between smart devices, usability patterns and security risks make a strong case for securer and safer user authentication. This paper aims to offer a broad literature review on iris recognition and biometric cryptography to better understand current practices, propose possible future enhancements and anticipate possible future usability and security developments.
Network security analysis from the perspective of “we-media”--taking the influence of ideological and political education in colleges and universities as an example
Authors: Lin Tong
Published: March 2020

Although “We-media” appeared earlier in foreign countries, its emergence in our country is relatively recent. It has the characteristics of commonality, low registration cost and fast information dissemination, which is favored by people of all ages, especially young people. The rise of “We-media” not only brings development opportunities to network security, but also can expand the scope of influence for publicizing network security credibility to a certain extent. However, at the same time, it also brings new challenges to network security. As a college educator, the author tries to analyze network security dialectically from the perspective of “We-media”, so as to further explain its influence on ideological and political education in colleges and universities. How to effectively manage the application and implementation of “We-media” and maintain a good network security environment is an important topic we will face in the current and future period.
Island division and multi-objective network reconstruction considering power flow entropy
Authors: Yang Linghui , Wang Yun , Wang Min , Wu Chao , Zhou Jian , Ji Kunhua , Chen Ran
Published: March 2020

Modern power system can identify component faults, isolate faults and resume operation quickly. In view of the problem that the distribution of line load in distribution network is not reasonable and it is easy to fall into the self-organized critical state, this paper introduces power flow entropy as an evaluation index to measure the robustness of power network reconstruction. Based on the power supply capability and node load level of distributed power supply in the process of network reconstruction, a strategy of island division is proposed. Then, a mathematical model is set up to minimize power flow entropy, network loss and node voltage drop, and the problem of network reconstruction after fault is solved by the improved chaos theory and binary particle swarm optimization algorithm. Finally, an example of IEEE-33 node distribution system is given to verify the feasibility of the proposed strategy and the effectiveness of the algorithm.
One out-of-core block solving method of large-scale linear equations
Authors: Xu Xiaofei , Wu Zongqing
Published: March 2020

The huge amount of memory is needed for solving the large-scale linear equations. However, many problems can not be calculated due to the limitation of the computer’s physical memory. To solve the above problem, One Out-of-Core solving method using the hard disk instead of memory is proposed in this paper. The data are read and written concentratively by blocks, thus the solving time of the problem can be greatly shortened. The experiments indicate that the method can solve the larger-scale linear equations efficiently, the solving time is only 5.7% more than In-Core method.
A multi-label text classification model based on ELMo and attention
Authors: Liu Wenbin , Wen Bojian , Gao Shang , Zheng Jiesheng , Zheng Yinlong
Published: March 2020

Text classification is a common application in natural language processing. We proposed a multi-label text classification model based on ELMo and attention mechanism which help solve the problem for the sentiment classification task that there is no grammar or writing convention in power supply related text and the sentiment related information disperses in the text. Firstly, we use pre-trained word embedding vector to extract the feature of text from the Internet. Secondly, the analyzed deep information features are weighted according to the attention mechanism. Finally, an improved ELMo model in which we replace the LSTM module with GRU module is used to characterize the text and information is classified. The experimental results on Kaggle’s toxic comment classification data set show that the accuracy of sentiment classification is as high as 98%.
Information exposure rating based on hierarchical model for big data
Authors: Yao Jianbo , Yang Chaoqiong
Published: March 2020

Big data improves the function of information, but also increases the exposure of information leakage. From the perspective of information leakage, Information entropy is used to quantify information, and the quantitative index of security exposure are identified as mutual information, and a hierarchical exposure assessment model is established. With the help of local priority principle, classify the types of information leaks and attack methods, the mutual information is determined as quantitative indicators for the exposure of information disclosure. The security exposure of information leakage is evaluated by fuzzy comprehensive evaluation
Algorithms for analysis of stability and dynamic characteristics of signal generators at the physical level in FANET networks
Authors: Vasilyev Gleb S. , Kuzichkin Oleg R. , Surzhik Dmitriy I. , Kurilov Igor A.
Published: March 2020

To ensure the reliability of the physical level of Flying Ad Hoc Networks (FANET), the article substantiates the relevance of the study of stability and dynamic processes of signal formation and processing paths in the terminal and intermediate network equipment. The limitations of the known methods of the theory of automatic control, which make it difficult to perform the analysis of essentially nonlinear high-order signal generators, are shown. To analyze the stability of such formations proposed algorithm based on the use of the Nyquist criterion and approximation of the characteristic polynomial of a device by continuous piecewise functions; to analyze the dynamic characteristics of the algorithm based on spectral method of the input signal approximation and the frequency characteristics of a device by continuous piecewise functions.
WRD: an approach for evaluating the performance of training program in virtual reality
Authors: Steshina Liudmila , Petukhov Igor , Glazyrin Andrey
Published: March 2020

The paper presents a new approach for evaluating the performance of the training program in virtual reality. The training process is described through three main steps: watching, recalling and doing (WRD). Each step is related to the sensor-motoric layer. The watching is related to the sensory layer, which accumulates the visual information from virtual reality. After then, that visual information will source for recalling the previous experiences followed by the decision-making using the cognitive layer. Finally, the decision-making activates the motor layer in form doing. The WRD approach uses the tests for the measuring of motor and sensory layers. The tests describe typical model of reaction for operator and activate motor and sensory layers as in real professional case. The cognitive layer may be measured with EEG. At the same time, the continuous generation of training cases may help to saturate the knowledge base. For this reason, the fuzzy model based on the generation of training cases was developed. The analysis of experimental data showed the decreasing of time delay by 83%. Moreover, it was shown the decreasing of rejection from horizontal and vertical axes in pixels by 62.7% and decreasing of time expected by 57% for motor tracking. The WRD approach may help to evaluate training program with evaluating sensory, cognitive and motor layer without developing prototype training simulator.
Research on task offloading based on deep reinforcement learning in mobile edge environment
Authors: Gao Xia , Xu Fangqin
Published: March 2020

With the rapid development of Internet technology and mobile terminals, users’ demand for high-speed networks is increasing. Mobile edge computing proposes a distributed caching approach to deal with the impact of massive data traffic on communication networks, in order to reduce network latency and improve user service quality. In this paper, a deep reinforcement learning algorithm is proposed to solve the task unloading problem of multi-service nodes. The simulation platform iFogSim and data set Google Cluster Trace are used to carry out experiments. The final results show that the task offloading strategy based on DDQN algorithm has a good effect on energy consumption and cost, it has verified the application prospect of deep reinforcement learning algorithm in mobile edge computing.
Multi-scale fusion and non-local attention mechanism based salient object detection
Authors: Chen Liyuan , Zheng Zhonglong , Bian Pengcheng , Mo Jiashuaizi , Khodja Abd Erraouf
Published: March 2020

With the development of deep learning, researches in the field of computer vision are attracting more attention. As the pre-processing operation of visual tasks, a salient model may focus on pure architectures. The paper proposes a new multi-scale fusion network to enrich high-level redundant information with the enlarged receptive field. With the guidance of attention mechanism, the framework can capture more effective correlation spatial and channels information. Building a short-connection between high-level and each level features to transmit the contextual features. The model can be used in a variety of complex scenes for end-to- end image detection, with simple structure and strong versatility. Experimental results obtained on multiple common datasets have shown that the proposed model achieved better performance both in the visual effect and the accuracy for small object and multi-target detection.
Research on target location of unmanned aerial vehicles in parallel path
Authors: Luo Huadong , Yan Jun , Ling Haifeng , Zhang Guangna , Wang Qing , Luo Hongchuan , Zhu Tao
Published: March 2020

This paper mainly studies how to use the stereo vision system that combines the monocular vision with parallel path search to locate the target. When the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) searches in the mission area according to the parallel path, the SSD image detection algorithm based on deep learning is adopted to detect and identify the target in the area. The image coordinate information is inversely calculated by using the pixel coordinate information fed back by machine vision. The auxiliary coordinate system is established according to the relationship of angle position between the track line and the basic coordinate system in the parallel path. Combining the position relation and the attitude direction information of UAV, the target position conversion relation between the imaging coordinate system and the auxiliary coordinate system is solved by using the direction cosine matrix. Combined with the coordinate information of UAV, the coordinate position of the target point in the basic coordinate system is finally solved through three coordinate conversion operations. In order to avoid the single calculating error of the target coordinates, the weighted average operation is carried out. On the basis of not changing the search trip of the parallel path, the target location function is preliminarily realized through the reverse solution and the weighted average operation of the target coordinates.
Optimal path planning based on A* algorithm for submarine mining vehicle
Authors: Chen Yuheng , Wu Hongyun , Sui Qiru , Chen Yinghao , Wang Rongyao , Chen Bei , Chen Bingzheng , Li Jingwei , Yin Boling , Wang Chunlai
Published: March 2020

Deep sea mining, as a frontier area in China, urgently needs to make progress in automatic navigation technology. In order to improve the operation efficiency of the seabed mining machine on the soft seabed, the submarine mining vehicle which complete the mining work in a certain mining area need to enter the next mining area quickly and economically. As a classical algorithm, the majority of scholars consider that A * algorithm is the most practical path planning search algorithm. Considering the limitation of operation conditions, the three-dimensional diagram is transformed into two-dimensional diagram by interpolation method when the seabed terrain conditions allow, and then the obstacles can be marked in two-dimensional diagram. A* algorithm was applied into the path planning of mining truck. The simulation results of the paper show that path cost, turning time and turning mode should be considered in the process of avoiding obstacles.
Research on display system for agricultural science and technology support data based on Microsoft data warehouse
Authors: Wang Liyun , Liu Tingting , Wu Dingfeng
Published: March 2020

Based on the introduction of Microsoft data warehouse service and related software architecture, in order to solve the problems of slow analysis queries caused by the great amount of the original data, complex classification and wide scope, the display system for agricultural science and technology support data was presented in this paper. In proposed system, agricultural science and technology support data were showed clearly and intuitively.
Crowd evacuation simulation for walking-along-side effect in the Stadium
Authors: Liang Benbu , Xie Kefan , Dong Xueqin
Published: March 2020

With growing concerns about stadiums where attract large mass gathering, modeling and simulating crowd evacuation is pertinent to ensuring efficient and safe conditions. Based on the modified social force model and multi-agent simulation, several simulation scenarios are conducted to study the walking-along-side effects. The results show that walking along the sides will increase evacuation time, but it can mitigate the pressure of clogging effects and stream arching queue. Meanwhile, walking-along-side effects can relieve the density pressure of the exit and the "fast-is-slow" phenomenon. At last, several suggestions are put forward to promote evacuating capacity of the stadium.
Kinematics modeling of a two DOFs continuum manipulator with uniform notches
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Wang Haodong , Du Zhijiang , Yang Wenlong
Published: March 2020

Continuum manipulators have been widely adopted for single-port laparoscopy (SPL). A novel continuum manipulator with uniform notches which has two degrees of freedom (DOFs) is presented in this paper. The arrangement of flexible beams makes it own a higher load capacity. Its kinematic model is coupled with the mechanical model. The comprehensive elliptic integral solution (CEIS) is more practical in the actual deformation of the flexible beams. Based on that method, kinematics modeling is established from the driven space to the Cartesian space. The friction coefficient is an important factor which can affect the kinematic modeling. Therefore, an experimental platform is established to obtain the friction coefficient. The kinematic modeling is verified through the prototype. Experimental results show that the model has high precision.
Acoustic model topology optimization for large vocabulary speech recognition
Authors: Bao Xirimo , Ning Chunmei
Published: March 2020

Acoustic model topology selection work in constructing large vocabulary speech recognition systems is being done empirically or heuristically. In this paper, we propose two improved algorithms, which are based on Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) respectively, on the basis of our previously proposed algorithms to select and optimize model topologies for small or medium vocabulary speech recognition systems. Our improved algorithms attain the goal of optimizing acoustic model topologies for large vocabulary speech recognition systems mainly through modifying the encoding schemes of our previously proposed algorithms. Experiments on the dialogue corpus of Inner Mongolia University show that, compared with the conventional acoustic model topology selection method, our newly proposed algorithms are able to bring much higher recognition performance for large vocabulary speech recognition systems by optimizing their acoustic model topologies.
Evaluation model of MOOC grade based on incidence matrix
Authors: Zhi Yafang , Wu Yizhi
Published: March 2020

Under the current situation that MOOC are highly valued, how to guide online students to learn through MOOC has become a research topic. The traditional score calculation model has some problems. This paper proposes a MOOC score calculation model based on incidence matrix. Compared with the traditional model, it is more reasonable and can effectively promote students’ learning enthusiasm and reduce the phenomenon of sudden improvement in scores.
A two-layer model to dispatch electric vehicles and wind power
Authors: Gao Song , Wang Linyu , Guo Lei , Qiu Zhifeng , Bao Yueshuang
Published: March 2020

In this paper, the optimal charging and discharging schedules of electric vehicle (EV) are studied considering wind power under the condition of distribution network. In view of the uncertainty of EV charging-discharging demand and wind power output, the Markov decision process is adopted to model the randomness of supply and demand. Considering the dimensional disaster caused by dispatching a large number of EVs’ charging and discharging behavior in a centralized way, this paper proposes the two-layer dispatching model based on Markov decision process. First, the lower EV agents are responsible for collecting the real-time charging-discharging demands for EV and report to the upper dispatching center. Then the upper dispatching center gives the optimal charging and discharging power according to the real-time distribution operating status, wind power output and the EV information reported by each EV agent. Last, the lower agent gives the optimal charging-discharging sequence of each EV according to the upper optimal power. The goal of the upper dispatching center considers the power losses in the distribution network, load variance and the matching degree between EV charging-discharging and wind power output. The goal of the lower EV agent considers the EV charging-discharging fees and costs by EV battery losses. When deciding the optimal charging strategy, we design the two-layer Rollout algorithm to decide the optimal charging-discharging strategy considering the impact on future strategy decisions by current strategy decisions. Finally, the optimal results under four different strategies are simulated on the IEEE 30-bus distribution network system. The simulation results show that the proposed model and strategy can effectively reduce the distribution network losses and load variance, and greatly improve the utilization rate of wind power. Compared to the cost of uncoordinated EV charging, EV charging-discharging fees and battery loss costs by the proposed strategy have been greatly reduced.
Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided deployment of embolization coils and cyanoacrylate injection in gastric varices versus coiling alone: a randomized trial
Authors: Robles-Medranda Carlos , Oleas Roberto , Valero Manuel , Puga-Tejada Miguel , Baquerizo-Burgos Jorge , Ospina Jesenia , Pitanga-Lukashok Hannah
Published: March 2020

Background Gastric variceal bleeding is a life-threating condition with challenging management. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided coil embolization and cyanoacrylate injection versus EUS-guided coil embolization alone in the management of gastric varices.

Methods A single-center, parallel-randomized controlled trial involving 60 participants with gastric varices (GOV II and IGV I) who were randomly allocated to EUS-guided coil embolization and cyanoacrylate injection (n = 30) or EUS-guided coil embolization alone (n = 30). The primary end points were the technical and clinical success rates of both procedures. The secondary end points were the reappearance of gastric varices during follow-up, along with rebleeding, the need for reintervention, and complication and survival rates.

Results The technical success rate was 100 % in both groups. Immediate disappearance of varices was observed in 86.7 % of patients treated with coils and cyanoacrylate, versus 13.3 % of patients treated with coils alone (P < 0.001). Median survival time was 16.4 months with coils and cyanoacrylate versus 14.2 months with coils alone (P = 0.90). Rebleeding occurred in 3.3 % of patients treated with combined treatment and 20 % of those treated with coils alone (P = 0.04). With combined treatment, 83.3 % of patients were free from reintervention versus 60 % with coils alone (hazard ratio 0.27; 95 % confidence interval 0.095 – 0.797; P = 0.01).

Conclusions EUS-guided coil embolization with cyanoacrylate injection achieved excellent clinical success, with lower rates of rebleeding and reintervention than coil treatment alone. Multicenter studies are required to define the most appropriate technique for gastric variceal obliteration.
Assessment of the Knowledge of Risk Factors of Congenital Hydrocephalus among Mothers Attending Antenatal Clinics in a Rural Tertiary Hospital Irrua, Edo State
Authors: Morgan Eghosa , Agbeboh Perpetua I. , Poluyi Charles O. , Ikwuegbuenyi Chibuikem A. , Aphiar Amy O. , Asogun Akhere D.
Published: March 2020

Background One of the congenital central nervous system malformations with great impact on the mental and psychosocial development of children is congenital hydrocephalus and it happens to be one of the most common. A large vacuum exists between knowledge on maternal environmental risk factors associated with congenital hydrocephalus, most especially in our rural community which consists of a large segment of our society. Our study aimed to determine the knowledge and perception of mothers on factors existing in the maternal environment that potentially puts an increased risk of developing congenital hydrocephalus.

Materials and Methods This was a cross-sectional study design spanning a period of 8 months (March 2018–October 2018), in which the knowledge and perception of the risk factors of congenital hydrocephalus among mothers attending antenatal clinic in Irrua specialist teaching hospital, a rural tertiary hospital in Irrua, Edo state, Nigeria, were assessed using a random sampling technique. Interviewer-administered questionnaires (reviewed and validated) were used. The data collected were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 21.

Results The findings showed varying levels of knowledge of congenital hydrocephalus. Less than half (44.0%) of the respondents had poor knowledge, 34.5% had fair knowledge, and 21.6% had good knowledge. There was a statistically significant relationship between knowledge of congenital hydrocephalus and respondents’ knowledge of the risk factors of congenital hydrocephalus. Most (52.6%) had good perception of the risk factors of congenital hydrocephalus, while 23.3% had poor perception.

Conclusion This study revealed a fairly good knowledge of congenital hydrocephalus and its risk factors among mothers, most especially those with a good level of education.
Emergent Percutaneous Nephrostomy for Pyonephrosis: A Primer for the On-Call Interventional Radiologist
Authors: Florido Christopher , Herren Josi L. , Pandhi Mithil B. , Niemeyer Matthew M.
Published: March 2020

Pyonephrosis is gross accumulation of pus within an obstructed renal collecting system that, if left untreated, can lead to potentially fatal septic shock. Treatment requires urgent decompression coupled with systemic antibiotics. Percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) placement, first described in 1976 for the treatment of pyonephrosis, is now widely utilized for emergent decompression in these patients. When performed by an experienced interventional radiologist, PCN is a safe procedure with technical success rates of over 96 to 99%. This article will address the clinical presentation of pyonephrosis, and will discuss the indications, technique, complications, and outcomes of emergent PCN placement. Additionally, the expanded indications for PCN placement in nonemergent scenarios will also be described.
Emergent Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation in Acute Variceal Bleeding
Authors: Pandhi Mithil B. , Kuei Andrew J. , Lipnik Andrew J. , Gaba Ron C.
Published: March 2020

Emergent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation is most commonly employed in the setting of acute variceal hemorrhage. Given a propensity for decompensation, these patients often require a multidisciplinary, multimodal approach involving prompt diagnosis, pharmacologic therapy, and endoscopic intervention. While successful in the majority of cases, failure to medically control initial bleeding can prompt interventional radiology consultation for emergent portal decompression via TIPS creation. This article discusses TIPS creation in emergent, acute variceal hemorrhage, reviewing the natural history of gastroesophageal varices, presentation and diagnosis of acute variceal hemorrhage, pharmacologic therapy, endoscopic approaches, patient selection and risk stratification for TIPS, technical considerations for TIPS creation, adjunctive embolotherapy, and the role of salvage TIPS versus early TIPS in acute variceal hemorrhage.
Concussion and Mild-Traumatic Brain Injury in Rural Settings: Epidemiology and Specific Health Care Considerations
Authors: Yue John K. , Upadhyayula Pavan S. , Avalos Lauro N. , Phelps Ryan R L. , Suen Catherine G. , Cage Tene A.
Published: March 2020

Background Mild-traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and concussions cause significant morbidity. To date, synthesis of specific health care disparities and gaps in care for rural mTBI/concussion patients remains needed.

Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed database for English articles with keywords “rural” and (“concussion” or “mild traumatic brain injury”) from 1991 to 2019. Eighteen articles focusing on rural epidemiology (n = 5), management/cost (n = 5), military (n = 2), and concussion prevention/return to play (n = 6) were included.

Results mTBI/concussion incidence was higher in rural compared with urban areas. Compared with urban patients, rural patients were at increased risk for vehicular injuries, lifetime number of concussions, admissions for observation without neuroimaging, and injury-related costs. Rural patients were less likely to utilize ambulatory and mental health services following mTBI/concussion. Rural secondary schools had decreased access to certified personnel for concussion evaluation, and decreased use of standardized assessment instruments/neurocognitive testing. While school coaches were aware of return-to-play laws, mTBI/concussion education rates for athletes and parents were suboptimal in both settings. Rural veterans were at increased risk for postconcussive symptoms and posttraumatic stress. Telemedicine in rural/low-resource areas is an emerging tool for rapid evaluation, triage, and follow-up.

Conclusions Rural patients are at unique risk for mTBI/concussions and health care costs. Barriers to care include lower socioeconomic status, longer distances to regional medical center, and decreased availability of neuroimaging and consultants. Due to socioeconomic and distance barriers, rural schools are less able to recruit personnel certified for concussion evaluation. Telemedicine is an emerging tool for remote triage and evaluation.
A 360-Degree Surgical Approach for Correction of Cervical Kyphosis and Atlantoaxial Dislocation in the Case of Larsen Syndrome
Authors: Deora Harsh , Singh Suyash , Sardhara Jayesh , Behari Sanjay
Published: March 2020

Larsen syndrome is chronic debilitating disease that presents with multiple joint dislocations and severely affects the cervical spine in the form of cervical kyphosis and atlantoaxial dislocation. Children usually present in early with a myriad of deficits, compressive myelopathy being the most common. In addition to a bony compression, there is sometimes a soft tissue component, which is seldom addressed. We present here a case of atlantoaxial dislocation with cervical kyphosis due to Larsen syndrome, and along with our previous experience on syndromic atlantoaxial dislocations, we try to define an algorithm for the treatment approach of these onerous challenges. The importance of early intervention is also emphasized with a literature review of similar cases. In addition to the obvious physical damage, early intervention can also avoid the more sinister socioeconomic face of this debilitating disease.
Evaluating the Role of Oxidative Stress in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Menon Bindu , Ramalingam Krishnan , Kumar Rajeev
Published: March 2020

Background The role of oxidative stress in neuronal injury due to ischemic stroke has been an interesting topic in stroke research. Malondialdehyde (MDA) has emerged as a sensitive oxidative stress biomarker owing to its ability to react with the lipid membranes. Total antioxidant power (TAP) is another biomarker to estimate the total oxidative stress in stroke patients. We aimed to determine the oxidative stress in acute stroke patients by measuring MDA and TAP.

Materials and Methods MDA and TAP were determined in 100 patients with ischemic stroke and compared with that in 100 age- and sex-matched healthy adults. Demographic data, stroke severity measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and disability measured by the Barthel index (BI) were recorded. The association of MDA and TAP with other variables was analyzed by paired t-test.

Results Of the whole sample, 74% represented males. The mean NIHSS score was 13.11 and BI was 38.87. MDA was significantly higher in stroke patients (7.11 ± 1.67) than in controls (1.64 ± 0.82; p = 0.00). TAP was significantly lower in stroke patients (5.72 ± 1.41) than in controls (8.53 ± 2.4; p = 0.00). The lipid profile and blood sugar levels were also significantly higher in stroke patients. There was no association of MDA and TAP with other variables.

Conclusion We found that oxidative stress was associated with acute ischemic stroke. However, we could not establish an association between oxidative stress and the severity of acute stroke.
Investigation on the structural property of the sputtered hcp-phase boron nitride tunnel barrier for spintronic applications
Authors: Peng Chaoyi , Yin Shaoqian , Zhang Delin , Chao Xiaohui , Quarterman P. , Wang Jian-Ping
Published: March 2020

Recently, two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted considerable interest for use in spintronic applications, especially hexagonal close-packed (hcp)-phase boron nitride (BN) as a tunnel barrier. In this paper, we experimentally investigated the structural properties of a sputtered hcp-BN thin film. By optimizing the experimental conditions, we obtained the stoichiometric BN thin film with a ratio of 1:1 of the Ar/N2 sputtering gas. Then the Co/BN/Co magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) stacks were prepared to study the crystalline structure of the BN tunnel barrier and their epitaxial relationship. We found that the as-deposited BN tunnel barrier layer follows the texture of the bottom Co layer and forms a polycrystalline structure. After the high-temperature treatment of the MTJ stack, texturing of the BN tunnel barrier layer is observed, however, this annealing process makes the BN tunnel barrier noncontinuous and induces serious interdiffusion between layers. These results will open the door for development of spintronic devices based on MTJs with hcp-phase BN tunnel barrier and hcp-phase perpendicular magnetic anisotropy ferromagnetic layer.
Study of high frequency acoustic directional transmission model based on graphene structure
Authors: Yang Peng , Wu Jingzhi , Zhao Rongrong , Han Jianning
Published: March 2020

The directional transmission of high-frequency sound waves is of great significance to the development of underwater communication and cell photoacoustic detection. In order to overcome the transmission loss of high-frequency sound waves, a new high-frequency sound wave directional transmission model based on acoustic metamaterials and graphene structures has been designed. The local sound field enhancement effect and directional transmission effect of this model on high-frequency sound waves were verified through finite element analysis. Using the special case of 450 kHz sound waves, the transmission effect of high-frequency sound waves in the model was studied. The result shows that the acoustic wave directional transmission model based on acoustic metamaterials and graphene structures had good high-frequency acoustic wave directional transmission characteristics. This research has important practical value in the research of underwater communication and cell photoacoustic detection.
Demonstrating laser-written waveguides in silicon
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: March 2020

Both straight and curved waveguides have been written inside silicon wafers using a combination of transverse laser motion and beam-shaping techniques.
Natural Inhibitors of Snake Venom Metalloproteinases
Authors: Aoki-Shioi Narumi , Koh Cho Yeow , Kini R. Manjunatha
Published: March 2020

Snakebites are a hazard in the tropical world. Although antivenom therapy is effective, it is beset with inherent drawbacks. A better understanding of the major components of snake venoms and their neutralisation will help in improving snakebite treatment. Snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) are responsible for severe haemorrhage, the inhibition of coagulation and platelet aggregation, observed in the victims of snakebite envenoming. Inhibitors from various sources including medicinal plants, animal venoms, and sera are sought to block the pharmacological functions of SVMPs. In this review, we describe the interaction of natural inhibitors with SVMPs. To understand their inhibitory mechanisms, we focussed on the complex structures of these inhibitors and SVMPs. There are three distinct classes of inhibitors; namely, chelators, competitive inhibitors, and non-competitive inhibitors. A small number of inhibitors show their anti-hemorrhagic activity in invivo animal models in treatment mode, but most studies evaluate either invitro neutralisation of enzymatic activity or invivo effects in pre-incubation protocols. We propose the distinct strategies and limitations to design either broad-spectrum or highly selective SVMP inhibitors. The goal of designing broad-spectrum inhibitors against SVMPs capable of effective treatment of snakebites without toxicity has been elusive, probably because of the narrow molecular footprint of inhibitors against a large number of SVMPs with distinct molecular surfaces. Our ability to design highly selective inhibitors is limited by the lack of information of interactions between selective inhibitors and SVMPs. Comparisons of structures of hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic SVMPs revealed different distributions of electric charge on the surface of SVMPs, which may be exploited to design specific inhibitors. The specific inhibitors may also be useful to identify target molecules of the SVMPs and help to understand their mechanism of action.
Mind the age gap
Authors: Fians Guilherme
Published: March 2020

Esperanto is neither an official nor a commonly spoken language anywhere in the world and, due to the limited number of people who speak this language from birth and who teach it to the next generation, the persistence of this speech community cannot rely on intergenerational language transmission. Based on a year of ethnographic fieldwork in France, mainly in Paris, this article explores continuities and discontinuities in the Esperanto community and movement bylooking at how present-day young Esperanto speakers use the language online and through networks of sociability. In asking what is transmitted from one generation of Esperanto speakers to the next, and how new communication technologies impact the ways in which people use the language, I analyse how the concentration of speakers from different age groups around distinct technologies creates a segmentation in this community that leaves some issues incommunicable and hard to transmit. I argue that, on the one hand, engaging with Esperanto through Esperanto associations and, on the other hand, through social media and non-institutionalised gatherings, shapesdifferent perceptions of the language, marking a shift from Esperanto as a forward-looking cause for activists to Esperanto as a tool for sociability and an intellectual game for language-lovers.