bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unilateral rhinorrhoea and button battery: a case report
Authors: Tuang Geng Ju , Nik Hussin Nik Roslina , Zainal Abidin Zainal Azmi
Published: January 2020

Unilateral rhinorrhoea in the paediatric age group could be an alarming sign that warrants a clinician attention. These patients are routinely brought to see general practitioner as parents may not be aware of the urgency to intervene surgically. Herein we describe a case of a toddler who presented initially to a general practitioner with unilateral nasal discharge. He was subsequently referred to the otorhinolaryngology department for unresolved rhinitis. The child was examined, and the diagnosis of an embedded foreign body was made. X-ray of the paranasal sinus unveiled an embedded button battery. An emergency endoscopic retrieval of the button battery was performed under general anaesthesia. Unfortunately, the case was complicated with a huge septal perforation.
Association of metabolic NCD risk factors with oral, breast and cervical precancers and cancers in India
Authors: Kedar Ashwini , Hariprasad Roopa , Kumar Vipin , Dhanasekaran Kavitha , Mehrotra Ravi
Published: January 2020

Objective

To find an association between metabolic non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors (high blood pressure (BP), high random blood sugar (RBS) and overweight /obesity) and oral, breast, cervical cancers/precancerous or potentially malignant conditions.

Design

This is an observational study using convenience sampling. The participants were screened through opportunistic or population-based screening.

Setting

The study was conducted at a health promotion clinic (HPC) located in Northern India under the Indian Council of Medical Research. HPC is a screening clinic where screening is done for hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, and oral, breast and cervical cancers. The study was conducted between December 2016 and January 2019.

Participant

The number of participants screened was 8352 (6712 women and 1640 men). All consenting men and women above 18 years were included. All participants were screened for oral cancer, DM, HT and obesity. All women were also screened for breast and cervical cancers. Cervical screening was done for non-pregnant women 21 years and above with history of sexual activity.

Result

Oral potentially malignant disease (OPMD) was the most prevalent, followed by breast cancer, oral cancer, cervical cancer and cervical precancer. High RBS had a strong association with oral cancer (OR=2.29, 95% CI 1.09 to 4.82, p=0.03) and breast cancer (OR=1.95, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.76, p=0.05). High BP had a strong association with breast cancer (OR=2.50, 95% CI 1.43 to 4.35, p<0.0001). An inverse association was noted between oral cancer and overweight/obesity (OR=0.20, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.48, p<0.0001). Current tobacco use was strongly associated with oral cancer (OR=6.51, 95% CI 3.63 to 11.67, p<0.0001) and OPMD (OR=9.82, 95% CI 8.13 to 11.86, p<0.0001). No association was elicited between the metabolic NCD risk factors and cervical cancer/precancer.

Conclusions

The study reaffirms that NCD metabolic risk factors determine oral and breast cancers. Besides NCD risk factors, current tobacco use was a strong determinant of OPMD and oral cancer. Hence, primary and primordial prevention measures to control NCD metabolic risk factors and tobacco use should move along with secondary prevention of breast and oral cancers.
The changing strength of carbonate silt: parallel penetrometer and foundation tests with cyclic loading and reconsolidation periods
Authors: Zhou Z. , White D.J. , O’Loughlin C.D.
Published: January 2020

This paper describes a centrifuge study using novel penetrometer tests (T-bar and piezoball) and model foundation tests to explore through-life changes in the strength of a reconstituted natural carbonate silt. The test procedures include episodic cyclic loading, which involves intervals of pore pressure dissipation between cyclic packets. These loads and the associated remoulding and reconsolidation cause significant changes in the soil strength and foundation capacity. Soil strength changes from penetrometer tests differed by a factor of 15 from the fully remoulded strength to a limiting upper value after long-term cyclic loading and reconsolidation. For the model foundation tests, the foundation capacity of a surface foundation and a deep-embedded plate were studied. The soil strength interpreted from the measured foundation capacity varied by a factor of up to three due to episodes of loading and consolidation, with an associated order of magnitude increase in the coefficient of consolidation. The results show a remarkable rise in soil strength over the loading events and provide a potential link between changes in soil strength observed in penetrometer tests and the capacity of foundations, allowing the effects of cyclic loading and consolidation to be predicted.
Stiffness and strength anisotropy of overconsolidated Bootlegger Cove clays
Authors: Zapata-Medina David G. , Cortes-Garcia Leon D. , Finno Richard J. , Arboleda-Monsalve Luis G.
Published: January 2020

This paper presents the evaluation of the stiffness and strength anisotropy of overconsolidated (OC) Bootlegger Cove Formation (BCF) clays at the Port of Alaska, formerly known as the Port of Anchorage. The stiffness and strength anisotropic material response was evaluated based on triaxial samples equipped with internal instrumentation including a submersible load cell and three subminiature linear variable displacement transducers (LVDTs). Three sets of bender elements were used in this research to measure shear wave velocities for different propagation and polarization directions. The effects of reproducing the stress history of the soil deposit on the stiffness cross-anisotropic behavior of the material are discussed. The laboratory test results are compared with in situ measurements of shear wave velocities based on suspension logging and crosshole and downhole soundings. The results of the experimental program showed that BCF clay is a cross-anisotropic material. Mean stiffness anisotropy ratios ranged from 0.90 to 1.22 and 0.93 to 1.46 for lightly OC and OC conditions, respectively. Strength anisotropy ratios, defined as the ratio of undrained shear strength under triaxial extension to compression, varied between 0.8 and 0.5. It is found that reproducing the stress history of the OC soil deposit during the laboratory reconsolidation stage did not have a significant impact on the initial stiffness anisotropy ratios of the BCF clay.
Peeling property and asymptotic symmetries with a cosmological constant
Authors: Saw Vee-Liem , Thun Freeman Chee Siong
Published: January 2020

This paper establishes two things in an asymptotically (anti-)de Sitter spacetime, by direct computations in the physical spacetime (i.e. with no involvement of spacetime compactification): (1) The peeling property of the Weyl spinor is guaranteed. In the case where there are Maxwell fields present, the peeling properties of both Weyl and Maxwell spinors similarly hold, if the leading order term of the spin coefficient [Formula: see text] when expanded as inverse powers of [Formula: see text] (where [Formula: see text] is the usual spherical radial coordinate, and [Formula: see text] is null infinity, [Formula: see text]) has coefficient [Formula: see text]. (2) In the absence of gravitational radiation (a conformally flat [Formula: see text]), the group of asymptotic symmetries is trivial, with no room for supertranslations.
Properties of exotic nuclei and their linkage to the nucleonic interaction
Authors: Nakada H.
Published: January 2020

The structure of exotic nuclei sheds new light on the linkage of the nuclear structure to the nucleonic interaction. The self-consistent mean-field (SCMF) theories are useful to investigate this linkage, which are applicable to many nuclei covering almost the whole range of the nuclear chart without artificial truncation of model space. For this purpose, it is desired to develop effective interaction for the SCMF calculations well connected to the bare nucleonic interaction. Focusing on ground-state properties, I show the results of SCMF calculations primarily with the Michigan-three-range-Yukawa (M3Y)-type semi-realistic interaction, M3Y-P6 and M3Y-P6a to be precise, and discuss in detail how the nucleonic interaction affects the structure of nuclei including those far off the [Formula: see text]-stability. The central channels of the effective interaction are examined by the properties of the infinite nuclear matter up to the spin dependence and the isospin dependence. While experimental information of the infinite matter is obtained by extrapolating systematic data on finite nuclei in principle, it is not easy to constrain the spin dependence and the isospin dependence without connection to the bare nucleonic interaction. The noncentral channels play important roles in the shell structure of the finite nuclei. The tensor force is demonstrated to affect [Formula: see text]- or [Formula: see text]-dependence of the shell structure and the magic numbers, on which the spin–isospin channel in the central force often acts cooperatively. By using the M3Y-P6 interaction, the prediction of magic numbers is given in a wide range of the nuclear chart, which is consistent with almost all the available data. In relation to the erosion of magic numbers in unstable nuclei, effects of the tensor force on the nuclear deformation are also argued, being opposite between nuclei at the [Formula: see text]- and the [Formula: see text]-closed magicities. Qualitatively consistent with the [Formula: see text]-force effect on the [Formula: see text]-splitting suggested from the chiral effective field theory, the density-dependent LS channel, which is newly introduced in M3Y-P6a, reproduces the observed kinks in the differential charge radii at the [Formula: see text]-closed magic numbers and predicts anti-kinks at the [Formula: see text]-closed magic numbers. The pairing correlation has significant effects on the halos near the neutron drip line. A new mechanism called “unpaired-particle haloing” is disclosed.
China and Its Neighbors: Asymmetrical Economies and Vulnerability to Coercion
Authors: KIM SUNG CHULL
Published: January 2020

With respect to China and its neighbors, what are the political implications when a great power advances economically into small states? This paper presents an asymmetry–coercion linkage to explain the relationship between a great power and small states by reconceptualizing Albert Hirschman’s theory of trade dependency. This reconceptualization involves two tasks. First, the paper explicates vulnerability to coercion as a consequence of economic asymmetry, whereby a small state becomes susceptible to a great power’s compellence or co-optation to take a certain path preferred by the latter. Second, in demonstrating and measuring vulnerability to coercion, the paper accounts for the three factors: trade concentration, non-transparency, and reliance on bilateral aid. The combined effect of these three factors is that among the six countries under investigation, Cambodia and North Korea are extremely vulnerable to China’s coercion, while Vietnam is the least vulnerable state.
Identification, investigation and classification of surface depressions and chalk dissolution features using integrated LiDAR and geophysical methods
Authors: Jeffery Zoe Elizabeth , Penn Stephen , Giles David Peter , Hastewell Linley
Published: January 2020

The chalk bedrock of the Hampshire Basin, southern England is an important aquifer and is highly susceptible to dissolution, making the development and presence of karstic features a widespread occurrence. These features are hazardous because they provide possible pathways to the underlying aquifer and therefore present potential site-specific contamination risks. There is also evidence of extensive extraction, through both mining and surface quarrying, of chalk, flint and clay over many centuries. Geophysical techniques consisting of electromagnetic (EM31) and ground-penetrating radar surveys were used to identify and characterize target features identified from desk study data. The ground-penetrating radar and EM31 interpretations allowed the classification of non-anthropogenic target features, such as diffuse buried sinkholes with disturbed and subsiding clay-rich infill and varying symmetrical and asymmetrical morphologies. We describe here the investigations of such features identified at Holme Farm, Stansted House, Hampshire. The combination of EM31 data and ground-penetrating radar profiles facilitated the identification of a palaeovalley, cavities and irregular rockhead. This investigation identified locations of aquifer contamination risk as some sinkholes have been sites for the illegal dumping of waste or the infiltration of fertilizers, leaking sewage pipes or animal waste. This potential source of contamination utilizes the sinkhole as a pathway into the highly transmissive White Chalk Subgroup of Hampshire and has caused contamination of the aquifer. We conclude that our integrated approach of geophysical techniques linked to aerial photographs and LiDAR image interpretation was highly effective in the location and characterization of dissolution structures, infilled former quarries and mining features at this site.
Super-Resolution Imaging in Fluid Mechanics Using New Illumination Approaches
Authors: Yoda Minami
Published: January 2020

Quantifying submillimeter flows using optical diagnostic techniques is often limited by a lack of spatial resolution and optical access. This review discusses two super-resolution imaging techniques, structured illumination microscopy and total internal reflection fluorescence or microscopy, which can visualize bulk and interfacial flows, respectively, at spatial resolutions below the classic diffraction limits. First, we discuss the theory and applications of structured illumination for optical sectioning, i.e., imaging a thin slice of a flow illuminated over its entire volume. Structured illumination can be used to visualize the interior of multiphase flows such as sprays by greatly reducing secondary scattering. Second, the theory underlying evanescent waves is introduced, followed by a review of how total internal reflection microscopy has been used to visualize interfacial flows over the last 15 years. Both techniques, which are starting to be used in fluid mechanics, could significantly improve quantitative imaging of microscale and macroscale flows.
Ultra-Small Fe2N/N-CNTs as Efficient Bifunctional Catalysts for Rechargeable Zn-Air Batteries
Authors: Zhang Ningning , Xie Shilei , Wang Wenlong , Xie Dong , Zhu Deliang , Cheng Faliang
Published: January 2020

Zinc-air batteries (ZABs) have been considered as promising next-generation batteries due to their natural abundance, flat discharge voltage and high theoretical specific energy density. However, the wide application of these ZABs is seriously hindered by the high cost and poor electrochemical stability of noble electrocatalysts. In this paper, we develop a facile method to prepare ultra-small iron-based nitride and nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes (Fe2N/N-CNTs) hybrid materials as bifunctional electrocatalysts for ZABs. In the presence of CNTs with large surface areas, ultra-small Fe2N nanoparticles with the diameter of around 5 nm are successfully prepared. The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity of Fe2N/N-CNTs is comparable to the Pt/C, while the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity is much better than the Pt/C. At last, the home-made ZABs with Fe2N/N-CNTs have significant rechargeable activities and cyclic stability.
The Investigation of β-Ga2O3 Schottky Diode with Floating Field Ring Termination and the Interface States
Authors: Hu Zhuangzhuang , Zhao Chunyong , Feng Qian , Feng Zhaoqing , Jia Zhitai , Lian Xiaozheng , Lai Zhanping , Zhang Chunfu , Zhou Hong , Zhang Jincheng , Hao Yue
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we fabricated the vertical β-Ga2O3 Schottky barrier diodes with floating metal ring (FMR) edge termination structure. As the distance between the major Schottky junction and the FMR increasing, the breakdown voltage increases to 143, 161, 188 and 172 V, respectively, about 20.17%, 35.29%, 57.98% and 44.54% improvement in comparison with that without FMR. Under constant current stress, the variation of applied voltage indicates that the barrier height increases by the electron capture at the interface states while the barrier height decreases by the electron release. Furthermore, based on the excellent fitting of Gp/ω measurement data, the extracted trap levels are within the range of 0.87–0.90 eV below the conduction band edge and the corresponding trap density increases from 1.24 × 1012 cm−2 · eV−1 to 1.71 × 1013 cm−2 · eV−1, which is in good agreement with previously reported theoretical and experimental results.
Flavor Mixing and the Permutation Symmetry among Generations
Authors: Kuo T. K. , Chiu S. H.
Published: January 2020

In the standard model, the permutation symmetry among the three generations of fundamental fermions is usually regarded to be broken by the Higgs couplings. It is found that the symmetry is restored if we include the mass matrix parameters as physical variables which transform appropriately under the symmetry operation. Known relations between these variables, such as the renormalization group equations, as well as formulas for neutrino oscillations (in vacuum and in matter), are shown to be covariant tensor equations under the permutation symmetry group.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles in the Presence of Polysaccharide: Optimization and Characterization
Authors: Skiba Margarita I. , Vorobyova Victoria I. , Pivovarov Alexander , Makarshenko Natalya P.
Published: January 2020

The process of obtaining aqueous solutions of silver nanoparticles with the use of a low-temperature nonequilibrium contact plasma and stabilizing agent—polysaccharide (sodium alginate)—has been examined. The synthesized Ag NPs were characterized by using UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and XRD analysis. The effect of concentration of Ag+, sodium alginate, duration of processing by plasma discharge, and pH of liquid on the production of silver nanoparticles has been studied. The results demonstrated that synthesis provides the formation of silver nanoparticles for investigated concentrations of Ag+(0.3-3.0 mmol/l) and 5.0 g/l Na-Alg (pH=7–10) within 1–5 minutes. From the SEM images, the silver nanoparticles are found to be almost spherical. Powder XRD results reveal that Ag nanoparticles have a face-centered cubic crystal structure. Zeta potential of plasma-chemically obtained colloidal solutions at various concentrations of Ag+ions and stabilizing agent varies from −32.8 to −39.3 mV, indicating the moderate stability of synthesized nanoparticles.
Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule- (sICAM-) 1, Thrombospondin-1, and Vinculin for the Identification of Septic Shock Patients Suffering from an Invasive Fungal Infection
Authors: Decker Sebastian O. , Incamps Anne , Sigl Annette , Uhle Florian , Bruckner Thomas , Heininger Alexandra , Zimmermann Stefan , Hirtz Christophe , Weigand Markus A. , Brenner Thorsten
Published: January 2020

Background. Nowadays, invasive fungal infections (IFI) are of increasing importance and associated with an increased mortality. However, reliable diagnostic tools for the identification of patients suffering from an IFI are rare and associated with relevant weaknesses.Methods. Within this secondary analysis of an observational clinical study, an innovative biomarker panel (consisting of 62 biomarkers in total) was screened for the identification of septic shock patients suffering from an IFI. Fungal growth in blood cultures, intraoperative swabs, andAspergillusspp. in deep respiratory tract specimens with accompanying pulmonary infiltrates were classified as infection, whereasCandidaspp. in the respiratory tract or in fluids from drainages were classified as colonization. Plasma samples of 50 septic shock patients at six predefined timepoints within a period of 28 days following the onset of septic shock were available.Results. In total, 11 out of the 50 patients (22%) were shown to suffer from an IFI, whereas 22 patients (44%) presented with a fungal colonization. Within the presented biomarker panel, plasma levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule- (sICAM-) 1, thrombospondin-1, and vinculin were shown to be the most promising. sICAM-1 was shown to be increased in patients with an IFI, whereas thrombospondin-1 and vinculin revealed decreased plasma levels as compared to colonized patients as well as patients without any fungal findings at any time.Conclusion. Plasmatic measurements of sICAM-1, thrombospondin-1, and vinculin may help to facilitate the diagnosis of an IFI in human septic shock and to identify patients with an increased risk for an IFI. This trial is registered withDRKS00005463.
Erigeron annuus Protects PC12 Neuronal Cells from Oxidative Stress Induced by ROS‐Mediated Apoptosis
Authors: Lee Ji Yeon , Park Jeong-Yong , Kim Dong Hwi , Kim Hyung Don , Ji Yun-Jeong , Seo Kyung Hye
Published: January 2020

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), associated with oxidative stress, are involved in many biological processes such as apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. Oxidative stress might induce neuronal damage via ROS generation, causing neurodegenerative diseases. Erigeron annuus (EA) has antioxidant properties and could protect neurons from oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of the aerial parts (EAA) and flowers (EAF) from EA on ROS‐mediated apoptosis in pheochromocytoma 12 cells. We quantified 18 types of phenolic compounds using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Pretreatment of the cells with EAA and EAF attenuated ROS generation and induced the expression of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase 2, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, EAF reduced the expression of apoptotic proteins such as Bax/Bcl‐xL, caspase‐3, and caspase‐8 to a greater extent than that with EAA. These results suggested that the protective effect of EAF against oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis might be due to the prevention of ROS generation mediated by oxidative enzymes.
Hydrochemical Characteristics and Evolution Mode of Cold Seeps in the Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea
Authors: Wan Zhifeng , Chen Chongmin , Liang Jinqiang , Zhang Wei , Huang Wei , Su Pibo
Published: January 2020

Submarine cold seeps have recently attracted significant attention and are among the most effective indicators of gas hydrate in the oceans. In this study, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) observations, seismic profiles, core sediments, bottom seawater, and fluid vented from cold seeps in the deep-water Qiongdongnan Basin were used to investigate the origin and evolution of cold seeps and their relationships with gas hydrate. At stations A, B, and C, inactive cold seeps with dead clams, cold seep leakage with live clams, and active cold seeps with a rich mussel presence, respectively, were observed. The salinity and Na+ and Cl- concentrations of the cold seeps were different from those of typical seawater owing to gas hydrate formation and decomposition and fluid originating from various depths. The main ion concentrations of the bottom seawater at stations B and C were higher than those at station A, indicating the substantial effects of low-salinity cold seep fluids from gas hydrate decomposition. The Na+-Cl-, K+-Cl-, Mg2+-Cl-, and Ca2+-Cl- diagrams and rare earth element distribution curves of the water samples were strongly affected by seawater. The concentrations of trace elements and their ratios to Cl- in the bottom seawater were high at the stations with cold seeps, suggesting the mixing of other fluids rich in those elements. Biochemical reactions may also have caused the chemical anomalies. Samples of HM-ROV-1 indicated a greater effect of upward cold seep fluids with higher B/Cl-, Sr/Cl-, and Ba/Cl- values. Moreover, the Re/Cl- value varied between fluid vents, possibly due to differences in Re precipitation strength. Differences in cold seep intensity are also believed to occur between areas. The cold seep fluxes changed from large to small before finally disappearing, showing a close connection with gas hydrate formation and decomposition, and influenced the local topography and ecosystems.
Eel’s Head Powder Reduces Mild‐Moderate Depression in Geriatric Individual: Result from Randomized Controlled Trial Study
Authors: Anastasya Karina Shasri , Iskandar Shelly , Atik Nur
Published: January 2020

Depression is one of the major problems, and the prevalence is higher among the elderly. The underlying mechanism of depression among this set of the population is multifactorial, and one of the most important factors in the pathophysiology of depression is the level of brain serotonin. Protein deficiency is linked to tryptophan deficiency that is known to be the essential material for the synthesis of serotonin. This randomized controlled trial looked for the effectiveness of eel’s head powder administration on plasma tryptophan level and geriatric depression scale (GDS) scores among the elderly population who suffered from depression. The subjects were divided into three intervention groups, including groups that were given 2‐week course of 5 mg/kg BW eel’s head powder, 10 mg/kg BW eel’s head powder, and placebo, respectively. There was a significant difference in plasma tryptophan level and geriatric depression scale between the 10 mg/kg BW group and 5 mg/kg BW group. There was also a significant difference between those given 10 mg/kg BW eel’s head powder and those receiving placebo; however, no such difference was found between those in the 5 mg/kg BW eel’s head powder group and placebo group. Eel’s head powder administration could increase plasma tryptophan level and reduce geriatric depression scale score among older individuals who suffered from depression. Administration of 10 mg/kg BW eel’s head powder was significant in increasing plasma tryptophan level and reducing GDS score.
Vital Signs Directed Therapy for the Critically Ill: Improved Adherence to the Treatment Protocol Two Years after Implementation in an Intensive Care Unit in Tanzania
Authors: Hvarfner Anna , Blixt Jonas , Schell Carl Otto , Castegren Markus , Lugazia Edwin R. , Mulungu Moses , Litorp Helena , Baker Tim
Published: January 2020

Treating deranged vital signs is a mainstay of critical care throughout the world. In an ICU in a university hospital in Tanzania, the implementation of the Vital Signs Directed Therapy Protocol in 2014 led to an increase in acute treatments for deranged vital signs. The mortality rate for hypotensive patients decreased from 92% to 69%. In this study, the aim was to investigate the sustainability of the implementation two years later. An observational, patient-record-based study was conducted in the ICU in August 2016. Data on deranged vital signs and acute treatments were extracted from the patients’ charts. Adherence to the protocol, defined as an acute treatment in the same or subsequent hour following a deranged vital sign, was calculated and compared with before and immediately after implementation. Two-hundred and eighty-nine deranged vital signs were included. Adherence was 29.8% two years after implementation, compared with 16.6% (p<0.001) immediately after implementation and 2.9% (p<0.001) before implementation. Consequently, the implementation of the Vital Signs Directed Therapy Protocol appears to have led to a sustainable increase in the treatment of deranged vital signs. The protocol may have potential to improve patient safety in other settings where critically ill patients are managed.
Chest Radiography and Xpert MTB/RIF® Testing in Persons with Presumptive Pulmonary TB: Gaps and Challenges from a District in Karnataka, India
Authors: Kanakaraju Manjula , Nagaraja Sharath Burugina , Satyanarayana Srinath , Babu Yella Ramesh , Madhukeshwar Akshaya Kibballi , Narasimhaiah Somashekar
Published: January 2020

Background. In India, as per the latest diagnostic algorithm, all persons with presumptive pulmonary TB (PPTB) are required to undergo sputum smear examination and chest radiography (CXR) upfront. Those with sputum smear positive, sputum smear negative, but CXR lesions suggestive of TB or those with strong clinical suspicion of TB are expected to undergo Xpert MTB/RIF® assay test (also known as CB-NAAT (cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test)). Objective. To assess what proportion of PPTB who are undergoing sputum smear examination at microscopy centers of public health facilities have undergone CXR and CB-NAAT. To explore the barriers for uptake of CXR and CB-NAAT from the public health care provider’s perspective. Methods. We conducted a sequential explanatory mixed-methods study in Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka State, South India. The quantitative component involved a review of records of PPTB who had undergone sputum smear examination in a representative sample of seven microscopy centers. The qualitative component involved key informant interviews with four medical officers and group interviews with 9 paramedical staff. Results. In February and March 2019, about 732 PPTB had undergone smear examination. Of these, 301 (41%) had undergone CXR and 49 (7%) had undergone CB-NAAT. The proportion of PPTB who had undergone CXR varied across the seven microscopy centers (0% to 89%). CB-NAAT was higher in PPTB from urban areas when compared to rural areas (8% vs. 3%) and in those who were smear positive when compared to smear negative (65% vs. 2%). The major barriers for CXR and CB-NAAT were nonavailability of these tests at all microscopy centers and patients’ reluctance to travel to the facilities where CXR and CB-NAAT services are available. Conclusions. CXR and CB-NAAT of PPTB are suboptimal. RNTCP should undertake measures to address these gaps in implementing its latest diagnostic algorithm.
Fatigue Evaluation through Machine Learning and a Global Fatigue Descriptor
Authors: Ramos G. , Vaz J. R. , Mendonça G. V. , Pezarat-Correia P. , Rodrigues J. , Alfaras M. , Gamboa H.
Published: January 2020

Research in physiology and sports science has shown that fatigue, a complex psychophysiological phenomenon, has a relevant impact in performance and in the correct functioning of our motricity system, potentially being a cause of damage to the human organism. Fatigue can be seen as a subjective or objective phenomenon. Subjective fatigue corresponds to a mental and cognitive event, while fatigue referred as objective is a physical phenomenon. Despite the fact that subjective fatigue is often undervalued, only a physically and mentally healthy athlete is able to achieve top performance in a discipline. Therefore, we argue that physical training programs should address the preventive assessment of both subjective and objective fatigue mechanisms in order to minimize the risk of injuries. In this context, our paper presents a machine-learning system capable of extracting individual fatigue descriptors (IFDs) from electromyographic (EMG) and heart rate variability (HRV) measurements. Our novel approach, using two types of biosignals so that a global (mental and physical) fatigue assessment is taken into account, reflects the onset of fatigue by implementing a combination of a dimensionless (0-1) global fatigue descriptor (GFD) and a support vector machine (SVM) classifier. The system, based on 9 main combined features, achieves fatigue regime classification performances of0.82±0.24, ensuring a successful preventive assessment when dangerous fatigue levels are reached. Training data were acquired in a constant work rate test (executed by 14 subjects using a cycloergometry device), where the variable under study (fatigue) gradually increased until the volunteer reached an objective exhaustion state.
The Prognostic Role of Glasgow Prognostic Score and C-reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio for Sarcoma: A System Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fang Erhu , Wang Xiaolin , Feng Jiexiong , Zhao Xiang
Published: January 2020

Backgrounds. Both pretreatment serum CRP (C-reactive protein) level and ALB (albumin) level have been found to be predictive of survival for multiple malignancies including sarcoma. Since both of the GPS (Glasgow prognostic score) and CAR (C-reactive protein to albumin ratio) are based on the combination of CRP and ALB, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic role of these two parameters for sarcoma patients. Methods. A detailed literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library for relevant research publications written in English. Patients’ clinical characteristics, outcomes of overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were extracted. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined to evaluate the prognostic role of GPS or CAR. Results. Twelve articles containing 2695 patients were identified as eligible studies. The results showed that an elevated GPS was significantly correlated with poor OS (HR=2.42; 95% CI: 1.98-2.94; p<0.001; fixed-effects model), DSS (HR=2.28; 95% CI: 1.75-2.97; p<0.001; fixed-effects model), and DFS (HR=2.05; 95% CI: 1.62-2.60; p<0.001; fixed-effects model). A higher CAR also was shown to be significantly correlated with poor OS (HR=2.23; 95% CI: 1.70-2.92; p<0.001; fixed-effects model) and DFS (HR=1.81; 95% CI: 1.7-2.58; p=0.001; fixed-effects model). Conclusion. An elevated GPS is predictive of poor survival in patients with sarcomas and is promising to be used as a factor for risk stratification. A higher CAR value is also predictive of poor survival; however, the optimal CAR cut-off value is still to be determined.
Prevention of Enamel Softening by Rinsing with a Calcium Solution before Dental Erosion
Authors: Körner Philipp , Wiedemeier Daniel B. , Attin Thomas , Wegehaupt Florian Just
Published: January 2020

Objectives: This in situ study aimed to evaluate whether rinsing with a calcium-containing solution prior to an erosive attack reduces the softening of enamel. Materials and Methods: A total of 240 bovine enamel samples with determined baseline surface microhardness (KHN) were allocated to 5 runs in which each of the 12 volunteers performed the following experiment: 4 enamel samples were inserted in a custom-made intraoral appliance and carried in the mouth (upper jaw) for 30 min before each volunteer either rinsed his mouth for 60 s with a fluoride- and stannous ion-containing dental erosion protection mouth rinse as positive control (run 1), milk (run 2), a solution prepared from a 500-mg calcium effervescent tablet dissolved in 100 mL (run 3) or 200 mL (run 4) water, or did not perform any rinsing with a test solution before the erosive attack (run 5, negative control). To simulate the erosive attack, volunteers rinsed their mouth with a commercial soft drink (Sprite Zero) for 60 s and afterwards with water to stop the erosive process. Finally, surface microhardness was measured again and hardness loss (ΔKHN) calculated. A mixed effect model was fitted to the data set to investigate whether the different runs showed differences with respect to ΔKHN. Results: No significant difference in softening of enamel (mean of ΔKHN; lower confidence level/upper confidence level) was observed between the negative control run 5 (50.7; 60.8/40.6), run 2 (50.7; 60.8/40.6), run 3 (38.7; 48.8/28.6) and run 4 (40.7; 50.8/30.6) (p > 0.05, respectively). Enamel softening in the positive control run 1 (25.4; 35.6/15.3) was significantly lower compared to the softening in run 5 (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed between run 1 and run 3 (p = 0.09). Conclusion: Other than the fluoride- and stannous ion-containing dental erosion protection mouth rinse, none of the investigated calcium-containing solutions is able to significantly reduce erosion-induced softening of enamel.
Impact of Platelet Counts, Surgical Methods, and Preoperative Platelet Transfusion on the Outcome of Splenectomy for Immune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Ong Yuen-Chin , Chang Hung , Yeh Ta-Sen , Kuo Ming-Chung , Li Pei-Ling , Wang Po-Nan , Lin Tung-Liang , Wu Jin-Hou , Hung Yu-Shin
Published: January 2020

Introduction: Splenectomy is an important and potentially curative treatment for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has replaced open splenectomy (OS) as the standard approach. The prognostic role of platelet count and the clinical indication of preoperative platelet transfusion are not entirely clear. Methods: We designed a study to explore the prognostic impact of surgical methods, platelet count, and platelet transfusion in a large, single-institute, long-term cohort of ITP patients. Result: In 118 ITP patients, there was no difference between OS and LS in response and surgical complications. The overall response rate was 77% and the complete response (CR) rate was 70%. Patients with a CR had a trend towards a higher baseline platelet count. A stable platelet count 14–28 days after splenectomy was associated with a sustained long-term response. Patients requiring preoperative platelet transfusion had a lower preoperative platelet count and were more likely to need postoperative transfusion of red blood cells and platelets. They also had a lower postoperative platelet count than the nontransfusion group. Relapse-free survival did not differ. Conclusions: Baseline and postoperative platelet counts are apparently associated with the treatment response to splenectomy but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Preoperative platelet transfusion did not overcome the disadvantage of thrombocytopenia and was not recommended when other preparative measures are available.
Renal Anti-Fibrotic Effect of Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibition in Angiotensin II-Dependent Hypertension
Authors: Castoldi Giovanna , Carletti Raffaella , Ippolito Silvia , Colzani Massimiliano , Barzaghi Francesca , Stella Andrea , Zerbini Gianpaolo , Perseghin Gianluca , di Gioia Cira R.T.
Published: January 2020

Background: Clinical trials have shown that empagliflozin (Empa), a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, promotes nephroprotective effects in diabetic patients. The mechanisms underlying nephroprotection are not completely known and it is not known whether the renal beneficial action is present even in non-diabetic kidney disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Empa administration on the development of renal fibrosis in an experimental model of angiotensin II (Ang II)-dependent hypertension. Methods: Sprague Dawley rats (n = 31) were divided into 4 experimental groups. Ang II (200 ng/kg/min, osmotic minipumps, s.c., n = 9) or Ang II + Empa (10 mg/kg/day, per os, n = 10) were administered for 2 weeks. Control rats were treated with placebo (physiological saline, n = 6), and another group was treated with placebo plus Empa (n = 6) for the same period. Blood pressure (plethysmographic method) was measured at the beginning and at the end of the experimental protocol. After 2 weeks, the rats were euthanized and the kidneys were excised for histomorphometric evaluation of glomerular and tubulo-interstitial fibrosis and for the immunohistochemical evaluation of inflammatory infiltrates (monocytes/macrophages) and types I and IV collagen expression. Results: The administration of Ang II resulted in an increase in blood pressure (p < 0.01), glomerular (p < 0.05) and tubulo-interstitial (p < 0.01) fibrosis, renal inflammatory infiltrates (p < 0.01) and type I (p < 0.01) and type IV collagen expression (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Treatment with Empa did not significantly modify the increase in blood pressure due to Ang II, but prevented the development of renal glomerular and tubulo-interstitial fibrosis, and the increase in inflammatory infiltrates and types I and IV collagen expression in Ang II-treated rats (p < 0.01). Conclusions: These data demonstrate that the treatment with Empa prevents the development of renal fibrosis in Ang II-dependent hypertension. In Ang II-dependent hypertension, the anti-fibrotic effect due to SGLT2 inhibition is caused by the reduction of inflammatory infiltrates and it is independent on the modulation of blood pressure increase.
Spontaneous Closure of the Macular Hole in a Patient with Acquired Vitelliform Lesion
Authors: Fukumoto Masanori , Oosuka Shou , Sato Takaki , Kida Teruyo , Ikeda Tsunehiko
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we report an extremely rare case of spontaneous closure of a macular hole (MH) that developed in a patient in whom acquired vitelliform lesion (AVL) occurred after vitrectomy for atopic retinal detachment (ARD). A 32-year-old male developed ARD in both eyes, and retinal reattachment was achieved after vitrectomy. Five years after surgery, optical coherence tomography showed localized serous retinal detachment (SRD) and a granular lesion with a higher brightness in the subretinal fluid, thus leading to the diagnosis of AVL. One month later, an MH developed, and a follow-up examination performed 6 weeks later revealed that the MH had spontaneously closed and the SRD decreased. In the fovea, fluorescein angiography revealed a window defect due to atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). These findings in this present case suggest the possibility that RPE dysfunction was involved in the development of AVL and MH.
Lipopolysaccharide Evaluation in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients with Peritonitis
Authors: Milan Manani Sabrina , Virzì Grazia Maria , Giuliani Anna , Baretta Michele , Corradi Valentina , De Cal Massimo , Biasi Caterina , Crepaldi Carlo , Ronco Claudio
Published: January 2020

Background: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), also known as endotoxin, is cell wall component of Gram-negative (GN) bacteria, which may contribute to the progression of a local infection to sepsis. Previous studies demonstrate that LBP is detectable in peritoneal effluents of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and it is significantly elevated in PD patients with peritonitis caused by both GN and Gram-positive (GP) bacteria. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate LPS levels in PD patients; in particular, we investigated different LPS levels in the context of GP and GN peritonitis. Material and Methods: We enrolled 49PD (61% Continuous Ambulatory PD and 39% Automated PD) patients: 37 with peritonitis and 12 without. Quantitative determination of LPS was performed by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay Kitin peritoneal and plasma samples. Results: Quantitative analysis of peritoneal and plasma LPS showed significantly higher levels in PD patients with peritonitis compared to patients without (p = 0.001). Furthermore, we divided patients with peritonitis in 2 groups on the basis of Gram staining (GP 27; GN 12). Peritoneal and plasma LPS levels showed significantly lower levels in PD patients with GP peritonitis than in patients with GN (p = 0.001). The median level of LPS showed no significant differences between patients without peritonitis and with GP peritonitis (p = 0.195). On the contrary, LPS levels showed significantly higher levels in PD patients with GN peritonitis compared to patients without peritonitis (p = 0.001). A significant positive correlation was observed between peritoneal white blood cells count (pWBC) and peritoneal LPS (Spearman’s rho = 0,412, p = 0.013). However, no statistically significant correlation was observed between plasma LPS and WBC count. Conclusion: We observed LPS presence in all PD patients. In particular, our results demonstrated that LPS is significantly elevated in PD patients with GN peritonitis. Furthermore, pWBC and LPS levels increased proportionally in PD patients with peritonitis. Peritoneal and plasma LPS levels could be a useful marker for diagnosis and management of GN peritonitis in PD patients.
Performance and FMECA of a wind turbine based on SCADA and lidar data
Authors: Bennouk A. , Nejmi A. , Ramzi M.
Published: January 2020

This paper presents an approach to identify risks for different failures that could affect wind turbine performance, and reduce the measured annual electrical production (MAEP). The proposed approach is based on FMECA (failure mode, effects and criticality analysis) and wind turbine performance study. We present firstly the methodology of performance calculation based on IEC 61400 standard, then we identify the energy gap between the MAEP and WAEP for the case study, we present an extended and reviewed FMECA, by introducing definition of factors related to environment, health and security. As a result we present an actions plan for similar failures deduced from wind performance study and risk-based FMECA, in order to reduce failure risks and optimize production by consequence. The case study is a 2.3 MW onshore wind turbine, different data that are used in this paper were collected from SCADA and lidar.
Indirect vector control for induction motor drive using two level and five level inverter
Authors: Agrawal Ankit , Lodhi Rakesh Singh , Nema Pragya
Published: January 2020

This paper represent modelling & simulation of indirect vector control for induction motor drive using two level and five level inverter. To overcome of lower order harmonics, THD & speed torque characteristics of three phase squirrel cage induction motor. This paper provides solution through indirect vector control & SPWM technique for multilevel inverter. A comparison and performance of two level and five level inverter are used in motor to control speed, current and torque. Matlab simulation environment are taken to simulate indirect vector control for induction motor drive using two level and five level inverter, so torque ripple minimization, lower order harmonics are reduced, constant speed, constant torque and variable speed variable torque are determined through simulation results. The applications under operating conditions are performed better THD, better reliability in AC drives.
Statistical analysis of night radiance RH using VIIRS day/night band satellite time series data
Authors: Devkota Jyoti U.
Published: January 2020

Amount of night lights in an area is a proxy indicator of electricity consumption. This is interlinked to indicators of economic growth such as socio-economic activities, urban population size, physical capital, incidence of poverty. These night lights are generated by renewable and non renewable energy source. In this paper the behavior of night radiance RH data was minutely analyzed over a period of 28 hour; Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite Day/Night Band (VIIRS DNB) satellite earth observation data were used. These 28 hours and 8936 observations time series data is from 2 September 2018 to 4 September 2018. The behavior of night radiance RH data over 122 time intervals was analyzed using box plots. It was seen that the arithmetic mean of RH data is more sensitive than the arithmetic mean of first order difference of RH data. The first order difference of night radiance RH was regressed on night radiance over 110 intervals of time. The box plot of slope and intercept of this linear regression showed the behavior of these regression parameters over 110 intervals of time. It is seen that the data are more scattered with respect to slope than with respect to intercept. This implies that the rate of change in RH with respect to change in time has more variability that the intrinsic value of RH data at the sampled point of time.