bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State of the art in the teaching of digestive ultrasound
Authors: Maconi Giovanni , Sousa Mafalda
Published: January 2020

Gastrointestinal ultrasound (GIUS) has been increasingly used for the management of gastrointestinal disorders due to its potentialities as a cheap, widely available and safe examination with comparable accuracy to other techniques such as Computed Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging. However, some limitations have been stated to justify its underuse such as its dependency on the operator, small field of view and penetration and need of expertise. However, most of these limitations are inherent to any technique. The main problems with GIUS are lack of standardized definitions, adequate training programs and measures to assess the quality. The definition of universally applicable standardized measurements, the implementation of an internationally recognized curriculum as well as an agreed set of core competencies and the assessment of performance will hopefully overcome its potential limitations and implement its utilization universally in clinical practice.
Sonographic appearance of rhabdomyolysis – a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Sein Anand Łukasz , Kosiak Wojciech
Published: January 2020

Rhabdomyolysis is the process of striated muscle cell lysis, during which proteins and microelements such as myoglobin are released into the bloodstream. It is important to diagnose rhabdomyolysis as soon as possible and start the treatment according to severity, as it is a state that significantly increases the mortality of the patients. The current gold standard of rhabdomyolysis diagnosis is the creatine kinase plasma concentration test, but it can be also diagnosed with imaging techniques, such as ultrasound (US). This review aims to gather previously published information regarding sonographic appearance of rhabdomyolysis. We searched through PubMed and ScienceDirect databases for studies using designed queries. After the selection process we were left with 13 studies containing a description of US appearance of rhabdomyolysis confirmed with a CK plasma level test. Findings described in the majority of the cases were muscle thickening, ground glass opacity, traits of edema and anechoic areas. Other than these, there were several less often reported findings. As a conclusion, rhabdomyolysis seems to have its own US appearance, but for now it cannot be precisely specified and needs further research for clarification.
Cantrell syndrome in the first trimester of pregnancy: imagistic findings and literature review
Authors: Grigore Mihaela , Micu Romeo , Matasariu Roxana , Duma Odetta , Chicea Anca Lucia , Chicea Radu
Published: January 2020

Pentalogy of Cantrell (POC) is a rare condition characterized by complete or partial expression of 5 types of congenital birth defects originating in (1) the lower sternum, (2) the anterior diaphragm, (3) the diaphragmatic pericardium, (4) the midline/ventral supraumbilical abdominal wall region, and (5) the heart. POC can be diagnosed antenatally by means of ultrasonography (US), the task being difficult if defects are minor. Advances in the field of US and the introduction of the first morphology trimester as state-of-the-art pregnancy monitoring, facilitate the early diagnosis of this condition. We performed a systematic review on 67 reported cases of POC diagnosed in the first trimester of pregnancy (published from January 1980 to July 2019). The aim of our systematic review was twofold: to assess the main US findings in the first trimester of pregnancy and to increase awareness of early diagnostic possibilities. Our study showed that POC can be diagnosed in the first trimesterof pregnancy based on key US findings such as the association between omphalocele and ectopia cordis. When these two anomalies are present, increased nuchal translucency can also be considered a marker of POC in the first trimester.
Variability in the rigid pinna motions of hipposiderid bats and their impact on sensory information encoding
Authors: Qiu Peiwen , Müller Rolf
Published: January 2020

Many bat species, e.g., in the rhinolophid and hipposiderid families, have dynamic biosonar systems with highly mobile pinnae. Pinna motion patterns have been shown to fall into two distinct categories: rigid rotations and non-rigid motions (i.e., deformations). In the present work, two questions regarding the rigid rotations have been investigated: (i) what is the nature of the variability (e.g., discrete subgroups or continuous variation) within the rigid motions, (ii) what is its acoustic impact? To investigate the first question, rigid pinna motions in Pratt's leaf-nosed bats (Hipposideros pratti) have been tracked with stereo vision and a dense set of landmark points on the pinna surface. Axis-angle representations of the recorded rigid motions have shown a continuous variation in the rotation axes that covered a range of almost 180° in azimuth and elevation. To investigate the second question, the observed range of rigid pinna motions has been reproduced with a biomimetic pinna. Normalized mutual information between acoustic inputs associated with every pair of the rigid pinna motions showed that even small changes in the rotation axis resulted in more than 50% new sensory information encoding capacity (i.e., normalized mutual information less than 50%). This demonstrates a potential sensory benefit to the observed variability in the rigid pinna rotations.
A Comparison of Heart Rate Training Load and Perceptual Effort Between Masters and Young Cyclists
Authors: Borges Nattai R. , Scanlan Aaron T. , Reaburn Peter R. , Doering Thomas M.
Published: January 2020

Purpose: Due to age-related changes in the psychobiological state of masters athletes, this brief report aimed to compare training load responses using heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during standardized training sessions between masters and young cyclists. Methods: Masters (n = 10; 55.6 [5.0] y) and young (n = 8; 25.9 [3.0] y) cyclists performed separate endurance and high-intensity interval training sessions. Endurance intensity was set at 95% of ventilatory threshold 2 for 1 hour. High-intensity interval training consisted of 6 × 30-second intervals at 175% peak power output with 4.5-minute rest between intervals. HR was monitored continuously and RPE collected at standardized time periods during each session. Banister training impulse and summated-HR-zones training loads were also calculated. Results: Despite a significantly lower mean HR in masters cyclists during endurance (P = .04; d = 1.06 [±0.8], moderate) and high-intensity interval training (P = .01; d = 1.34 [±0.8], large), no significant differences were noted (P > .05) when responses were determined relative to maximum HR or converted to training impulse and summated-HR-zone loads. Furthermore, no interaction or between-group differences were evident for RPE across either session (P > .05). Conclusions: HR and RPE values were comparable between masters and young cyclists when relative HR responses and HR training load models are used. This finding suggests HR and RPE methods used to monitor or prescribe training load can be used interchangeably between masters and young athletes irrespective of chronological age.
Increased Oxidative Stress in Injured and Ill Elite International Olympic Rowers
Authors: Lewis Nathan A. , Simpkin Andrew J. , Moseley Sarah , Turner Gareth , Homer Mark , Redgrave Ann , Pedlar Charles R. , Burden Richard
Published: January 2020

Background: Identifying strategies that reduce the risk of illness and injury is an objective of sports science and medicine teams. No studies have examined the relationship between oxidative stress (OS) and illness or injury in international athletes undergoing periods of intensified training and competition. Purpose: The authors aimed to identify relationships between illness, injury, and OS. Methods: A longitudinal, observational study of elite male rowers (n = 10) was conducted over 18 weeks, leading into World Championships. Following a recovery day and a 12-hour fast, hydroperoxides (free oxygen radicals test) and total antioxidant capacity (free oxygen radicals defense) were measured in venous blood, with the ratio calculated as the oxidative stress index (OSI). At all study time points, athletes were independently dichotomized as ill or not ill, injured or not injured. OS data were compared between groups using independent t tests. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the association of OS with injury and illness while adjusting for age and body mass index. Results: Free oxygen radicals defense was lower (P < .02) and OSI was higher (P < .001) with illness than without illness. Free oxygen radicals test and OSI were higher with injury than without injury (P < .001). A 0.5 mmol·L−1 increase in free oxygen radicals defense was associated with a 30.6% illness risk reduction (95% confidence interval, 7%–48%, P = .014), whereas 0.5 unit increase in OSI was related to a 11.3% increased illness risk (95% confidence interval, 1%–23%, P = .036). Conclusions: OS is increased in injured and ill athletes. Monitoring OS may be advantageous in assessing recovery from and in reducing injury and illness risk given the association.
A Simple Equation to Estimate Half-Marathon Race Time From the Cooper Test
Authors: Alvero-Cruz José R. , Standley Robert A. , Giráldez-García Manuel Avelino , Carnero Elvis A.
Published: January 2020

Background: Half-marathon races have become increasingly more popular with many recreational athletes all around the world. New and recreational runners are likely to have the greatest need for training advice to set running paces during long-distance races. Purpose: To develop a simple equation to estimate half-marathon time from the Cooper test and verify its validity. Methods: One hundred ninety-eight recreational runners (177 men and 21 women, 40 [6.8] years and 33.7 [8] years, respectively) participated in this study. All runners completed the Cooper test 7 to 10 days prior to races. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to select the main predictors of half-marathon time. Results: Simple correlation analysis showed that Cooper test performance (distance) was a good construct to estimate half-marathon time (r = −.906; 95% confidence interval, −0.927 to −0.877; P < .0001). The authors also derived an equation with a high predictive validity (R2 = .82; standard error of estimation = 5.19 min) and low systematic bias (mean differences between the predicted value and the criterion of 0.48 [5.2] min). Finally, the concordance coefficient of correlation (.9038) and proportional bias analysis (Kendall τ = −.0799; 95% confidence interval, −0.184 to 0.00453; P = .09) confirmed a good concurrent validity. Conclusion: In this study, the authors derived an equation from the Cooper test data with a high predictive and concurrent validity and low bias.
Shipborne eddy covariance observations of methane fluxes constrain Arctic sea emissions
Authors: Thornton Brett F. , Prytherch John , Andersson Kristian , Brooks Ian M. , Salisbury Dominic , Tjernström Michael , Crill Patrick M.
Published: January 2020

Direct measurements of methane fluxes from the Laptev, East Siberian, and Chukchi seas confirm low regional emissions.
A dual apolipoprotein C-II mimetic–apolipoprotein C-III antagonist peptide lowers plasma triglycerides
Authors: Wolska Anna , Lo Larry , Sviridov Denis O. , Pourmousa Mohsen , Pryor Milton , Ghosh Soumitra S. , Kakkar Rahul , Davidson Michael , Wilson Sierra , Pastor Richard W. , Goldberg Ira J. , Basu Debapriya , Drake Steven K. , Cougnoux Antony , Wu Ming Jing , Neher Saskia B. , Freeman Lita A. , Tang Jingrong , Amar Marcelo , Devalaraja Matt , Remaley Alan T.
Published: January 2020

An apolipoprotein C-II peptide mimetic for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia activates lipoprotein lipase and blocks apolipoprotein C-III.
Different human resting memory CD4
+
T cell subsets show similar low inducibility of latent HIV-1 proviruses
Authors: Kwon Kyungyoon J. , Timmons Andrew E. , Sengupta Srona , Simonetti Francesco R. , Zhang Hao , Hoh Rebecca , Deeks Steven G. , Siliciano Janet D. , Siliciano Robert F.
Published: January 2020

Latent replication-competent HIV-1 proviruses in different memory T cell subsets show no differences in viral gene transcription after T cell activation.
Immune correlates of tuberculosis disease and risk translate across species
Authors: Ahmed Mushtaq , Thirunavukkarasu Shyamala , Rosa Bruce A. , Thomas Kimberly A. , Das Shibali , Rangel-Moreno Javier , Lu Lan , Mehra Smriti , Mbandi Stanley Kimbung , Thackray Larissa B. , Diamond Michael S. , Murphy Kenneth M. , Means Terry , Martin John , Kaushal Deepak , Scriba Thomas J. , Mitreva Makedonka , Khader Shabaana A.
Published: January 2020

Comparison of human TB gene signature to mouse and macaque models reveals common immune correlates of TB disease and risk.
Airway macrophages reveal their origins
Authors: Dakin Stephanie G.
Published: January 2020

Airway macrophages are derived from recipient circulating monocytes after transplant.
Hypersusceptibility of Human Cytomegalovirus to Foscarnet Induced by Mutations in Helices K and P of the Viral DNA Polymerase
Authors: Zarrouk Karima , Pham Van Dung , Piret Jocelyne , Shi Rong , Boivin Guy
Published: January 2020

Herein, we phenotypically and enzymatically characterize the theoretical mutation Q579I in helix K and the already described clinical mutation K805Q in helix P of cytomegalovirus DNA polymerase for susceptibility to foscarnet. Q579I and K805Q recombinant viruses were hypersusceptible to foscarnet (respective mean 50% effective concentrations [EC
50
] of 0.12- and 0.19-fold that of the wild type). Three-dimensional modeling analysis suggested that both mutations favor the closed conformation of the enzyme to which foscarnet binds with a higher affinity.
MIC and Upper Limit of Wild-Type Distribution for 13 Antifungal Agents against a Trichophyton mentagrophytes-Trichophyton interdigitale Complex of Indian Origin
Authors: Shaw Dipika , Singh Shreya , Dogra Sunil , Jayaraman Jyothi , Bhat Ramesh , Panda Saumya , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Anjum Nishat , Chowdappa Aruna , Nagamoti Mahantesh , Varshney Umesh , Vanam Hari Pankaj , Savio Jayanthi , Antony Meryl , Rudramurthy Shivaprakash M.
Published: January 2020

Dermatophytosis due to theTrichophyton mentagrophytes-Trichophyton interdigitalecomplex is being increasingly reported across India. Reports of therapeutic failure have surfaced recently, but there are no clinical break points (CBP) or epidemiological cutoffs (ECVs) available to guide the treatment of dermatophytosis. In this study, a total of 498 isolates of theT. mentagrophytes-interdigitalecomplex were collected from six medical centers over a period of five years (2014 to 2018).
A Multispecies Cluster of VIM-1 Carbapenemase-Producing
Enterobacterales
Linked by a Novel, Highly Conjugative, and Broad-Host-Range IncA Plasmid Forebodes the Reemergence of VIM-1
Authors: Arcari Gabriele , Di Lella Federica Maria , Bibbolino Giulia , Mengoni Fabio , Beccaccioli Marzia , Antonelli Guido , Faino Luigi , Carattoli Alessandra
Published: January 2020

In this study, we investigated VIM-1-producing
Escherichia coli
,
Klebsiella oxytoca
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
,
Citrobacter freundii
, and
Enterobacter cloacae
strains, isolated in 2019 during a period of active surveillance of carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacterales
in a large university hospital in Italy. VIM-1-producing strains colonized the gut of patients, with up to three different VIM-1-positive bacterial species isolated from a single rectal swab, but also caused bloodstream infection in one colonized patient.
From the Inside Out: an Epibiotic
Bdellovibrio
Predator with an Expanded Genomic Complement
Authors: Deeg Christoph M. , Le Tan T. , Zimmer Matthias M. , Suttle Curtis A.
Published: January 2020

Bdellovibrio
and like organisms are bacteria that prey on other bacteria and are widespread in the environment. Most of the known
Bdellovibrio
species enter the space between the inner and outer prey membrane, where they consume their prey cells. However, one
Bdellovibrio
species has been described that consumes its prey from the outside. Here, we describe “
Ca
. Bdellovibrio qaytius,” a novel member of the genus
Bdellovibrio
that also remains outside the prey cell throughout its replication cycle. Unexpectedly, the genome of “
Ca
. Bdellovibrio” is much more similar to the genomes of intracellular predators than to the species with a similar life cycle. Since “
Ca
. Bdellovibrio” is also a basal representative of this genus, we hypothesize that extracellular predation could be the ancestral predation strategy.
Petrogenesis and tectonic setting of the Early Cretaceous granitoids in the eastern Tengchong terrane, SW China: Constraint on the evolution of Meso-Tethys
Authors: He Xiaohu , Liu Zheng , Wang Guochang , Leonard Nicole , Tao Wang , Tan Shucheng
Published: January 2020

As a result of the evolution of Meso-Tethys, Early Cretaceous granitoids are widespread in the eastern Tengchong terrane, SW China, which is considered as the southern extension of the Tibetan Plateau. These igneous rocks are therefore very important for understanding the tectonic setting of Meso-Tethys and the formation of the Tibetan Plateau. In this paper, we present new zircon U-Pb dating, whole-rock elemental, and Nd isotopic data of granitoids obtained from the eastern Tengchong terrane. Our results show that these granitoids are composed of monzogranites and granodiorites and formed at ca. 124 Ma in the Early Cretaceous. Mineralogically and geochemically, these granitoids display metaluminous nature and affinity to I-type granites, which are derived from preexisting intracrustal igneous source rocks. The predominantly negative whole-rock εNd(t) values (−10.86 to −8.64) for all samples indicate that they are derived mainly from the partial melting of the Mesoproterozoic metabasic rocks in the lower crust. Integrating previous studies with the data presented in this contribution, we propose that the Early Cretaceous granitic rocks (135–110 Ma) also belong to I-type granites with minor high fractionation. Furthermore, in discriminant diagrams for source, granitoids are mainly derived from the partial melting of metaigneous rocks with minor sediments in the lower crust. The new identification of the Myitkyina Meso-Tethys ophiolitic suite in eastern Myanmar and mafic enclaves indicate that these Cretaceous igneous rocks were the products of the tectonic evolution of the Myitkyina Tethys Ocean, which was related to post-collisional slab rollback. Moreover, the Tengchong terrane is probably the southern extension of the South Qiangtang terrane.
STOP HPV study protocol: a nationwide case–control study of the association between oropharyngeal cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in Brazil
Authors: Wendland Eliana Marcia , Kops Natalia Luiza , Comerlato Juliana , Horvath Jaqueline Driemeyer Correia , Bessel Marina , Sperb Daniel , Pimenta Cristina , de Souza Flávia Moreno Alves , Mendes Pereira Gerson Fernando , Falcetta Frederico Soares
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection and is associated with several types of cancer. The number of cases of HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), especially oropharyngeal carcinomas, has increased significantly in recent years despite decreased tobacco smoking rates. Currently, no data concerning the risk factors and prevalence of HPV in HNSCC patients in all regions of Brazil are available, making it difficult to promote advances in this field of public health. Therefore, our goal is to determine the impact of infection by HPV, including HPVs with different genotypes, on head and neck cancer and the risk factors associated with the development of head and neck cancer in all regions of Brazil.

Methods and analysis

This is a case–control study that will include 622 patients and 622 controls from all regions of Brazil. A questionnaire will be applied to gather information on sociodemographic, behavioural and health factors. Oral, cervical or penile/scrotal, and anal specimens and serum samples will be collected from all participants. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue from tumour biopsies will be analysed only in the case group. Molecular and serological analyses will be performed to evaluate the presence and role of HPV in the development of head and neck cancer.

Ethics and dissemination

This project was approved by the research ethical committee of the proposing institution (Hospital Moinhos de Vento, number 2.852.060). Ethical approval from the collaborators is currently under evaluation and is not yet complete. The results of this study will be presented at meetings with the Brazilian Ministry of Health through technical reports and to the scientific community at national and international events, with subsequent publication of scientific articles.
Five-year follow-up outcomes after Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty: a retrospective study
Authors: Wakimasu Koichi , Kitazawa Koji , Kayukawa Kanae , Yokota Isao , Inatomi Tsutomu , Hieda Osamu , Sotozono Chie , Kinoshita Shigeru
Published: January 2020

Objective

To assess graft survival and endothelial cell density (ECD) over a 5-year follow-up period after Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK).

Methods and analysis

This retrospective study involved 130 eyes of 130 consecutive patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), non-FECD bullous keratopathy (BK) (non-FECD) or BK post-trabeculectomy or tube-shunt surgery (glaucoma with bleb) who underwent DSAEK between August 2007 and January 2012 and were followed for more than 5 years postoperatively. Patients with previous keratoplasty, graft suture failure, primary graft failure, postoperative endophthalmitis and ocular infection were excluded. Graft survival and ECD was then examined in all patients who underwent DSAEK and completed the postoperative follow-up period. The association between clinical factors and 5-year graft survival after DSAEK was analysed with multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

The overall graft survival rate at 5 years postoperatively was 85%, yet significantly poorer in the glaucoma with bleb eyes (47%) than in the FECD (100%) or non-FECD (90%) eyes (p<0.01, log-rank test). In the FECD, non-FECD and glaucoma with bleb eyes, the mean ECD at 5 years postoperatively was 1054 cells/mm2, 1137 cells/mm2and 756 cells/mm2, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed history of trabeculectomy or tube-shunt surgery and postoperative allograft rejection to be negative factors for graft survival at 5 years after DSAEK (OR 0.01, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.10 and OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.33, respectively).

Conclusion

Our findings show that at 5 years postoperatively, the surgical outcome after DSAEK was poorer in eyes after trabeculectomy or tube-shunt surgery.

Trial registration number

UMIN000024891.
Twitter debate: controversies in the management of portal hypertension
Authors: Chung William , Maurice James , Patch David
Published: January 2020

The latest ‘Controversies in…’ series for theFrontline GastroenterologyTwitter debates addressed the challenges of managing patients with portal hypertension, facilitated by Hepatologist and Liver Transplant physician Dr David Patch from the Royal Free London. Key topics discussed include basic principles of managing a patient with variceal bleeding, techniques for treating oesophageal and ectopic varices, pitfalls of vasoactive therapy, indications for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, and a brief discussion of portal vein thrombosis. This article aims to summarise key areas of discussion from the event.
Shared decision making in older patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis: a systematic review
Authors: van Beek-Peeters Judith J A M , van Noort Elsemieke H M , Faes Miriam C , de Vos Annemarie J B M , van Geldorp Martijn W A , Minkman Mirella M N , van der Meer Nardo J M
Published: January 2020

This review provides an overview of the status of shared decision making (SDM) in older patients regarding treatment of symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (SSAS). The databases Embase, Medline Ovid, Cinahl and Cochrane Dare were searched for relevant studies from January 2002 to May 2018 regarding perspectives of professionals, patients and caregivers; aspects of decision making; type of decision making; application of the six domains of SDM; barriers to and facilitators of SDM. The systematic search yielded 1842 articles, 15 studies were included. Experiences of professionals and informal caregivers with SDM were scarcely found. Patient refusal was a frequently reported result of decision making, but often no insight was given into the decision process. Most studies investigated the ‘decision’ and ‘option’ domains of SDM, yet no study took all six domains into account. Problem analysis, personalised treatment aims, use of decision aids and integrating patient goals in decisions lacked in all studies. Barriers to and facilitators of SDM were ‘individualised formal and informal information support’ and ‘patients’ opportunity to use their own knowledge about their health condition and preferences for SDM’. In conclusion, SDM is not yet common practice in the decision making process of older patients with SSAS. Moreover, the six domains of SDM are not often applied in this process. More knowledge is needed about the implementation of SDM in the context of SSAS treatment and how to involve patients, professionals and informal caregivers.
History and evolution of regional anesthesiology and acute pain medicine fellowship training
Authors: Shapiro David Michael , Hargett Mary J , Kopp Sandra , Neal Joseph M , Mariano Edward R , Liguori Gregory
Published: January 2020

Introduction

In 2016, individual training programs in regional anesthesiology and acute pain medicine (RA/APM) became eligible for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), thereby culminating a process that began 15 years earlier. Herein, we review the origins of regional anesthesia training in the USA, the events leading up to accreditation and the current state of the fellowship.

Methods

We reviewed pertinent literature on the historical aspects of RA/APM in the USA, related subspecialty training and the formation and current state of RA/APM fellowship training programs. Additionally, a survey was distributed to the directors of the 74 RA/APM fellowships that existed as of 1 January 2017 to gather up-to-date, program-specific information.

Results

The survey yielded a 76% response rate. Mayo Clinic Rochester and Virginia Mason Medical Center likely had the first structured RA/APM fellowships with formalized curriculums and stated objectives, both starting in 1982. Most programs (86%), including ACGME and non-ACGME fellowships, came into existence after the year 2000. Six responding programs have or previously had RA/APM comingled with another subspecialty. Eight current programs originally offered unofficial or part-time fellowships in RA/APM, with fellows also practicing as attending physicians.

Discussion

The history of RA/APM training in the USA is a tortuous one. It began with short ‘apprenticeships’ under the tutelage of the early proponents of regional anesthesia and continues today with 84 official RA/APM programs and a robust fellowship directors’ group. RA/APM programs teach skills essential to the practice and improvement of anesthesiology as a specialty.
Proctitis in gay and bisexual men. Are microscopy and proctoscopy worthwhile?
Authors: Mwasakifwa Gwamaka Eliudi , Nugent Colleen , Varma Rick
Published: January 2020

Objectives

We explored the association between nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) and rectal microscopy/proctoscopy findings and correlates of rectal STIs among 150 gay and bisexual men (GBM) diagnosed with proctitis at the Sydney Sexual Health Centre from March 2016 to October 2017.

Methods

From case files, we analysed risk behaviours, microscopy, proctoscopy and NAAT results for rectal STIs (Chlamydia trachomatis,Neisseria gonorrhoeae,Mycoplasma genitalium, herpes simplex virus type 1/2, lymphogranuloma venereum and syphilis). χ2test assessed the association between microscopy/proctoscopy findings and NAAT results. Linear regression assessed the association between NAAT positivity and correlates of rectal STIs.

Results

The mean age was 32.5 (9.8) years, 43% (65/150) were taking pre-exposure prophylaxis, 17% (26/150) were HIV positive and 24% (36/147) had multiple rectal STIs.

Among GBM with documented proctoscopy findings (n=113), 58% (65/113) had discharge, 36% (41/113) had anorectal erythema and 25% (28/113) had bleeding. A quarter of GBM (28/113) had negative proctoscopy findings.

Discharge found on proctoscopy (p=0.001), positive HIV status (p=0.030) and time since last receptive anal intercourse (p=0.028) were independently associated with NAAT positivity for any rectal STI. Discharge had a positive likelihood ratio of 1.6 (95% CI 1.0 to 2.4).

Among those with documented microscopy findings (n=69), 59% (41/69) and 41% (28/69) were NAAT positive and negative, respectively. Among NAAT-positive GBM, 27 (66%) had polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) (mean number of PMNs, 10 (SD 9) cells per oil immersion field), 1 (2%) had Gram-negative intracellular diplococci and 11 (27%) had negative findings. There was no significant association between microscopy findings and NAAT results (p=0.651) or the number of rectal STI (p=0.279).

Conclusion

Microscopy does not reliably provide information necessary to tailor the management of GBM diagnosed with proctitis. Discharge found during proctoscopy may identify GBM with rectal STI. Services should consider recommendations to perform these investigations.
Accurate Calculation of Unreliability of CMOS Logic Cells and Circuits
Authors: Beg Azam
Published: January 2020

Modern decananometer-sized MOS transistors tend to exhibit high rates of failure, underscoring the need for accurately estimating the unreliabilities of circuits built from such transistors. This paper presents a methodology for unreliability calculation that extends from individual transistors to complete logic circuits. As a logic cell’s or logic circuit’s unreliability is highly dependent on its transistors’ drain–source and gate–source voltages, SPICE simulations are used to determine the voltages for the individual transistors. The voltage measurements are then utilized by the mathematical equations to predict the unreliabilities with high accuracy. A scalable framework based on the proposed methodology has been successfully implemented. The framework has been validated using ISCAS85 benchmark circuits.
Design of a Stable Low Power 11-T Static Random Access Memory Cell
Authors: Sachdeva Ashish , Tomar V. K.
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a 11-T static random-access memory (SRAM) cell has been examined that shows a fair reduction in read power dissipation while upholding the stability and moderate performance. In the presented work, parametric variability analysis of various design metrices such as signal to noise margin, read current and read power of the Proposed 11T cell are presented and compared with few considered topologies. The Proposed cell offers single ended write operation and differential read operation. The improvement in read signal to noise margin and write signal to noise margin with respect to conventional 6T SRAM is 10.63% and 33.09%, respectively even when the write operation is single ended. Mean hold static noise margin of the cell for 3000 samples is [Formula: see text] times higher than considered D2p11T cell. Sensitivity analysis of data retention voltage (DRV) with respect to temperature variations is also investigated and compared with considered topologies. DRV variation with temperature is least in FF process corner. In comparison to conventional 6T SRAM cell, the write and read delay of Proposed 11T cell gets improved by [Formula: see text] and 1.64%, respectively. Proposed 11T topology consumes least read energy in comparison with considered topologies. In comparison with another considered 11T topology, i.e., D2p11T cell, Proposed cell consumes 13.11% lesser area. Process variation tolerance with Monte Carlo simulation for read current and read power has been investigated using Cadence virtuoso tool with GPDK 45-nm technology.
Novel Approach to Analyze Crosstalk for a Multi-Line Bus System at 32-nm Technology
Authors: Praveen Kumar Ch. , Sreenivasa Rao E. , Chandra Sekhar P.
Published: January 2020

This research paper presents a novel approach to analyze the crosstalk-induced delay of multi-layered graphene nanoribbon (MLGNR) and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) interconnects. A multi-line driver-interconnect-load (DIL) system is employed to analyze the crosstalk-induced delay for different switching transitions. The interconnect lines of the proposed DIL are said to be operated by either a resistive or a CMOS, or a CNFET driver for different switching transitions at 32-nm technology. Using the unique CNFET driver, the victim line of the multi-level MLGNR/MWCNT-based bus system experiences a delay almost 57.25% and 31.62% lesser in comparison to a resistive driver and a CMOS interconnect driver, respectively. Additionally, the overall worst-case delays are reduced by 89.45% and 98.98% for MLGNR in comparison to an equivalent MWCNT at 100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m and 1,000[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m interconnect lengths, respectively.
Lissajous-toric knots
Authors: Soret Marc , Ville Marina
Published: January 2020

A point in the [Formula: see text]-torus knot in [Formula: see text] goes [Formula: see text] times along a vertical circle while this circle rotates [Formula: see text] times around the vertical axis. In the Lissajous-toric knot [Formula: see text], the point goes along a vertical Lissajous curve (parametrized by [Formula: see text] while this curve rotates [Formula: see text] times around the vertical axis. Such a knot has a natural braid representation [Formula: see text] which we investigate here. If [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is ribbon; if [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is the [Formula: see text]th power of a braid which closes in a ribbon knot. We give an upper bound for the [Formula: see text]-genus of [Formula: see text] in the spirit of the genus of torus knots; we also give examples of [Formula: see text]’s which are trivial knots.
Ineffective sets and the region crossing change operation
Authors: Clikeman Miles , Morris Rachel , Russell Heather M.
Published: January 2020

Region crossing change (RCC) is an operation on link diagrams in which all crossings incident to a selected region are changed. Two diagrams are called RCC-equivalent if one can be transformed to the other via a sequence of RCCs. RCC is an unknotting operation but not an unlinking operation. A set of regions of a diagram is called ineffective if RCCs at every region in that set have no net effect on the crossings of the diagram. The main result of this paper is a construction of the complete collection of ineffective sets for any link diagram. This involves a combination of linear algebraic and diagrammatic techniques including a generalization of checkerboard shading called tricoloring. Using this construction of ineffective sets, we provide sharp upper bounds on the maximum number of RCCs needed to transform between RCC-equivalent knot diagrams and reduced 2- and 3-component link diagrams with fixed underlying projections.
Stability and Dynamic Evolution of Sliding Fluid-Transporting Pipes in Three-Dimensional Sense
Authors: Sun Xiping , Yan Hao , Dai Huliang
Published: January 2020

This paper deals with the stability and dynamic evolution of a sliding pipe conveying fluid in the three-dimensional sense. The pipe is assumed to slide out from a fixed channel so that its free end is moving at the same time, a problem often associated with instabilities in applications of aerial refueling operation. To tackle this problem, the nonlinear governing equations of motion are derived by using the Hamilton’s principle and then reduced to a set of ordinary differential equations by the Galerkin’s method. A parametric study is performed to explore the transient vibration responses of the pipe for different values of flow velocity and sliding rate. Various dynamic behaviors are detected for the pipe in sliding and conveying fluid. The results show that 3-D oscillations of the pipe occur when the flow velocity exceeds a certain value, which can be affected by the sliding rate. For various flow velocities, the evolution of the dynamic characteristics of the sliding pipe can be classified into three typical types of motion. When at low flow velocity, the pipe is mainly subjected to a single type of 3-D motion. When the flow speed increases to high values, multi-type of 3-D motion consisting of three typical types occurs on the pipe. In addition, the pipe can display planar motions, transferring from one plane to the other. The result presented herein is helpful to understand the stabilities and dynamic behaviors of sliding-pipe systems used in aerial refueling applications.
Facile One-Step Dialysis Strategy for Preparation of Porous Silica Nanoparticles with Rough Surface
Authors: Chen Zhe , Xu Jiaqiong , Xiang Xuechen , Ren Dongfang , Chen Ning , Ye Zixin , Li Xiaofeng , Ma Shiyu , Chen Qiming
Published: January 2020

In this study, porous silica nanoparticles were fabricated in the absence of organic surfactant template at room temperature by a facile one-step dialysis method. By using a dialysis system comprising an ammonia solution as the dialysate, a series of porous silica nanoparticles with a rough surface (e.g., raspberry-like) were obtained by the initiation of a homogeneous ternary tetraethylsilicate-water-ethanol system with different ammonia solution concentrations. The specific surface area and pore volume of porous nanoparticles were regulated by changing the dialysate concentrations. N2 adsorption–desorption measurements revealed that the porous silica nanoparticles owned both mesopores and micropores and exhibited a type IV isotherm, hence, these nanoparticles can be used as mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). The Au@MSN nanocomposite can be used as a catalyst for the typical reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol by NaBH4 and exhibited excellent catalytic performance.
The signed Roman domination number of two classes graphs
Authors: Hong Xia , Yu Tianhu , Zha Zhengbang , Zhang Huihui
Published: January 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a simple graph with vertex set [Formula: see text] and edge set [Formula: see text]. A signed Roman dominating function (SRDF) of [Formula: see text] is a function [Formula: see text] satisfying the conditions that (i) [Formula: see text] for each [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the set, called closed neighborhood of [Formula: see text], consists of [Formula: see text] and the vertex of [Formula: see text] adjacent to [Formula: see text] (ii) every vertex [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text] is adjacent to at least one vertex [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text]. The weight of a SRDF [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]. The signed Roman domination number [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is the minimum weight of a SRDF of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we determine the exact values of signed Roman domination number of spider and double star. Specially, one of them generalizes the known result.
Pitchfork domination in graphs
Authors: Al-Harere Manal N. , Abdlhusein Mohammed A.
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a new model of domination in graphs called the pitchfork domination is introduced. Let [Formula: see text] be a finite, simple and undirected graph without isolated vertices, a subset [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is a pitchfork dominating set if every vertex [Formula: see text] dominates at least [Formula: see text] and at most [Formula: see text] vertices of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are non-negative integers. The domination number of [Formula: see text], denotes [Formula: see text] is a minimum cardinality over all pitchfork dominating sets in [Formula: see text]. In this work, pitchfork domination when [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is studied. Some bounds on [Formula: see text] related to the order, size, minimum degree, maximum degree of a graph and some properties are given. Pitchfork domination is determined for some known and new modified graphs. Finally, a question has been answered and discussed that; does every finite, simple and undirected graph [Formula: see text] without isolated vertices have a pitchfork domination or not?
On the signed strong Roman domination number of graphs
Authors: Mahmoodi A.
Published: January 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite and simple graph of order [Formula: see text] and maximum degree [Formula: see text]. A signed strong Roman dominating function on a graph [Formula: see text] is a function [Formula: see text] satisfying the conditions that (i) for every vertex [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the closed neighborhood of [Formula: see text] and (ii) every vertex [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text] is adjacent to at least one vertex [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]. The minimum of the values [Formula: see text], taken over all signed strong Roman dominating functions [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], is called the signed strong Roman domination number of [Formula: see text] and is denoted by [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we continue the study signed strong Roman domination number of a graph and give several bounds for this parameter. Then, among other results, we determine the signed strong Roman domination number of special classes of graphs.
The forcing near geodetic number of a graph
Authors: Lenin R.
Published: January 2020

A set [Formula: see text] is a near geodetic set if for every [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] there exist some [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] The near geodetic number [Formula: see text] is the minimum cardinality of a near geodetic set in [Formula: see text] A subset [Formula: see text] of a minimum near geodetic set [Formula: see text] is called the forcing subset of [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] is the unique minimum near geodetic set containing [Formula: see text]. The forcing number [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] is the minimum cardinality of a forcing subset for [Formula: see text], while the forcing near geodetic number [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is the smallest forcing number among all minimum near geodetic sets of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we initiate the study of forcing near geodetic number of connected graphs. We characterize graphs with [Formula: see text]. Further, we compare the parameters geodetic number[Formula: see text] near geodetic number[Formula: see text] forcing near geodetic number and we proved that, for every positive integers [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], there exists a nontrivial connected graph [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
THE CRITICAL ROLE OF CONVERSION COST AND COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE IN MODELING AGRICULTURAL LAND USE CHANGE
Authors: ZHAO XIN , CALVIN KATHERINE V. , WISE MARSHALL A.
Published: January 2020

The difference in land use modeling approaches is an important uncertain factor in evaluating future climate scenarios in global economic models. We compare five widely used land use modeling approaches: constrained optimization, constant elasticity of transformation (CET), the additive form of constant elasticity of transformation (ACET), logit, and Ricardian. We demonstrate that the approaches differ not only by the extent of parameter uses but also by the definition of conversion cost and the consideration of comparative advantage implied by land heterogeneity. We develop a generalized hybrid approach that incorporates ACET/logit and Ricardian to account for both conversion cost and comparative advantage. We use this hybrid approach to estimate future climate impacts on agriculture. We find a welfare loss of about 0.38–0.46% of the global GDP. We demonstrate that ignoring land heterogeneity or land conversion costs underestimates climate impacts on agricultural production and welfare.
On the Monitoring of Decentralized Specifications
Authors: El-Hokayem Antoine , Falcone Yliès
Published: January 2020

We introduce two complementary approaches to monitor decentralized systems. The first approach relies on systems with a centralized specification, i.e., when the specification is written for the behavior of the entire system. To do so, our approach introduces a data structure that (i) keeps track of the execution of an automaton (ii) has predictable parameters and size, and (iii) guarantees strong eventual consistency. The second approach defines decentralized specifications wherein multiple specifications are provided for separate parts of the system. We study two properties of decentralized specifications pertaining to monitorability and compatibility between specification and architecture. We also present a general algorithm for monitoring decentralized specifications. We map three existing algorithms to our approaches and provide a framework for analyzing their behavior. Furthermore, we present THEMIS, a framework for designing such decentralized algorithms and simulating their behavior. We demonstrate the usage of THEMIS to compare multiple algorithms and validate the trends predicted by the analysis in two scenarios: a synthetic benchmark and the Chiron user interface.
Automatically Generating SystemC Code from HCSP Formal Models
Authors: Yan Gaogao , Jiao Li , Wang Shuling , Wang Lingtai , Zhan Naijun
Published: January 2020

In model-driven design of embedded systems, how to generate code from high-level control models seamlessly and correctly is challenging. This is because hybrid systems are involved with continuous evolution, discrete jumps, and the complicated entanglement between them, while code only contains discrete actions. In this article, we investigate the code generation from Hybrid Communicating Sequential Processes (HCSP), a formal hybrid control model, to SystemC. We first introduce the notion of approximate bisimulation as a criterion to check the consistency between two different systems, especially between the original control model and the final generated code. We prove that it is decidable whether two HCSPs are approximately bisimilar in bounded time and unbounded time with some conditions, respectively. For both the cases, we present two sets of rules correspondingly for discretizing HCSPs and prove that the original HCSP model and the corresponding discretization are approximately bisimilar. Furthermore, based on the discretization, we define a transformation function to map a discretized HCSP model to SystemC code such that they are also approximately bisimilar. We finally implement a tool to automatically realize the translation from HCSP to SystemC code and illustrate our approach through some case studies.