bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance enhancement of a high-speed railway supply system with multi module converter: a laboratory prototype model for Indian railways
Authors: Vemulapati Venkatasupura , Vijaykumar Yerram N. , Visali Nagalamadaka
Published: January 2022

The present Indian traction supply system’s complications (neutral sections of the catenary line and issues of power quality) restrict the growth of railway transportation, particularly high-speed rail networks that are fast growing globally. The neutral sections (NS) results in loss of speed, momentum and mechanical failures that are all threatening the fast and stable operation of trains and systems. In the meantime, issues with the power quality such as the negative sequence currents (NSC), the reactive power and harmonics may create problems on the three phase grid side that cannot be overlooked. To address these two issues concurrently, a new traction power supply system is designed in this paper. The proposal will also analyses the theory of operation, build the mathematical model and develop the control system for back to back converters. Small scale prototype is also made for validation of simulation results. The results shows that it can fulfil the practical requirements. The experimental results shows that the overall system is practically more appropriate for the high speed railway.
Grid reactive voltage regulation and cost optimization for electric vehicle penetration in power network
Authors: Nagi Farrukh , Azwin Aidil , Boopalan Navaamsini , Ramasamy Agileswari K. , Marsadek Marayati , Ahmed Syed Khaleel
Published: January 2022

Expecting large electric vehicle (EV) usage in the future due to environmental issues, state subsidies, and incentives, the impact of EV charging on the power grid is required to be closely analyzed and studied for power quality, stability, and planning of infrastructure. When a large number of energy storage batteries are connected to the grid as a capacitive load the power factor of the power grid is inevitably reduced, causing power losses and voltage instability. In this work large-scale 18K EV charging model is implemented on IEEE 33 network. Optimization methods are described to search for the location of nodes that are affected most due to EV charging in terms of power losses and voltage instability of the network. Followed by optimized reactive power injection magnitude and time duration of reactive power at the identified nodes. It is shown that power losses are reduced and voltage stability is improved in the grid, which also complements the reduction in EV charging cost. The result will be useful for EV charging stations infrastructure planning, grid stabilization, and reducing EV charging costs.
Design and simulation of a software defined networking-enabled smart switch for internet of things-based smart grid
Authors: Abdulkadhim Mustafa , Abdulmuhsen Noor Qusay , Al-Kadhimi Aymen M.
Published: January 2022

Using sustainable energy is the future of our planet earth, this became not only economically efficient but also a necessity for the preservation of life on earth. Because of such necessity, smart grids became a very important issue to be researched. Many literatures discussed this topic and with the development of internet of things (IoT) and smart sensors, smart grids are developed even further. On the other hand, software defined networking is a technology that separates the cntrol plane from the data plan of the network. It centralizes the management and the orchestration of the network tasks by using a network controller. The network controller is the heart of the SDN-enabled network, and it can control other networking devices using software defined networking (SDN) protocols such as OpenFlow. A smart switching mechanism called (SDN-smgrid-sw) for the smart grid will be modeled and controlled using SDN. We modeled the environment that interact with the sensors, for the sun and the wind elements. The Algorithm is modeled and programmed for smart efficient power sharing that is managed centrally and monitored using SDN controller. Also, all if the smart grid elements (power sources) are connected to the IP network using IoT protocols.
Control of a servo-hydraulic system utilizing an extended wavelet functional link neural network based on sine cosine algorithms
Authors: Mahdi Shaymaa Mahmood , Lutfy Omar Farouq
Published: January 2022

Servo-hydraulic systems have been extensively employed in various industrial applications. However, these systems are characterized by their highly complex and nonlinear dynamics, which complicates the control design stage of such systems. In this paper, an extended wavelet functional link neural network (EWFLNN) is proposed to control the displacement response of the servo-hydraulic system. To optimize the controller's parameters, a recently developed optimization technique, which is called the modified sine cosine algorithm (M-SCA), is exploited as the training method. The proposed controller has achieved remarkable results in terms of tracking two different displacement signals and handling external disturbances. From a comparative study, the proposed EWFLNN controller has attained the best control precision compared with those of other controllers, namely, a proportional-integralderivative (PID) controller, an artificial neural network (ANN) controller, a wavelet neural network (WNN) controller, and the original wavelet functional link neural network (WFLNN) controller. Moreover, compared to the genetic algorithm (GA) and the original sine cosine algorithm (SCA), the M-SCA has shown better optimization results in finding the optimal values of the controller's parameters.
Optimal text-to-image synthesis model for generating portrait images using generative adversarial network techniques
Authors: Berrahal Mohammed , Azizi Mostafa
Published: January 2022

The advancements in artificial intelligence research, particularly in computer vision, have led to the development of previously unimaginable applications, such as generating new contents based on text description. In our work we focused on the text-to-image synthesis applications (TIS) field, to transform descriptive sentences into a real image. To tackle this issue, we use unsupervised deep learning networks that can generate high quality images from text descriptions, provided by eyewitnesses to assist law enforcement in their investigations, for the purpose of generating probable human faces. We analyzed a number of existing approaches and chose the best one. Deep fusion generative adversarial networks (DF-GAN) is the network that performs better than its peers, at multiple levels, like the generated image quality or the respect of the giving descriptive text. Our model is trained on the CelebA dataset and text descriptions (generated by our algorithm using existing attributes in the dataset). The obtained results from our implementation show that the learned generative model makes excellent quantitative and visual performances, the model is capable of generating realistic and diverse samples for human faces and create a complete portrait with respect of given text description.
A fast and non-trainable facial recognition system for schools
Authors: Oyebode Kazeem , Ukaoha Kingsley Chiwuike
Published: January 2022

Deep learning models have been at the forefront of facial recognition because they deliver improved classification accuracy over traditional ones. Regardless, deep learning models require an extensive dataset for training. To significantly cut down on its training time and dataset volume, pretrained models, have been used although, they are still required to undergo the usual training process for custom facial recognition tasks. This research focuses on an improved facial recognition system that lacks the training and retraining requirements. The system uses an existing deep learning feature extraction model. First, a user stands before a camera-enabled system. After that, the user supplies a unique identification number to fetch a corresponding face image from the database. This process generates two face feature vectors. One from the camera and that retrieved from the database. The cosine distance function determines the similarity value of these vectors. When the cosine distance value falls below a set threshold, the face is recognized and access granted. If the cosine distance of the two vectors gives a value above this threshold, access is denied. The proposed model performs satisfactorily on publicly available datasets.
Salt-Induced Hepatic Inflammatory Memory Contributes to Cardiovascular Damage Through Epigenetic Modulation of SIRT3
Authors: Gao Peng , You Mei , Li Li , Zhang Qin , Fang Xia , Wei Xiao , Zhou Qing , Zhang Hexuan , Wang Miao , Lu Zongshi , Wang Lijuan , Sun Fang , Liu Daoyan , Zheng Hongting , Yan Zhencheng , Yang Gangyi , Zhu Zhiming
Published: January 2022

Background:

High salt intake is the leading dietary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Although clinical evidence suggests that high salt intake is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, it remains elusive whether salt-induced hepatic damage leads to the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Methods:

Mice were fed with normal or high-salt diet for 8 weeks to determine the effect of salt loading on liver histological changes and blood pressure, and salt withdrawal and metformin treatment were also conducted on some high-salt diet–fed mice. Adeno-associated virus 8, global knockout, or tissue-specific knockout mice were used to manipulate the expression of some target genes in vivo, including SIRT3 (sirtuin 3), NRF2 (NF-E2-related factor 2), and AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase).

Results:

Mice fed with a high-salt diet displayed obvious hepatic steatosis and inflammation, accompanied with hypertension and cardiac dysfunction. All these pathological changes persisted after salt withdrawal, displaying a memory phenomenon. Gene expression analysis and phenotypes of SIRT3 knockout mice revealed that reduced expression of SIRT3 was a chief culprit responsible for the persistent inflammation in the liver, and recovering SIRT3 expression in the liver effectively inhibits the sustained hepatic inflammation and cardiovascular damage. Mechanistical studies reveal that high salt increases acetylated histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27ac) on SIRT3 promoter in hepatocytes, thus inhibiting the binding of NRF2, and results in the sustained inhibition of SIRT3 expression. Treatment with metformin activated AMPK, which inhibited salt-induced hepatic inflammatory memory and cardiovascular damage by lowering the H3K27ac level on SIRT3 promoter, and increased NRF2 binding ability to activate SIRT3 expression.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that SIRT3 inhibition caused by histone modification is the key factor for the persistent hepatic steatosis and inflammation that contributes to cardiovascular damage under high salt loading. Avoidance of excessive salt intake and active intervention of epigenetic modification may help to stave off the persistent inflammatory status that underlies high-salt–induced cardiovascular damage in clinical practice.
Heterogenising the Indian Hindu Diaspora in Thailand
Authors: Panyamanee Pittikorn
Published: January 2022

The Indian diaspora is a diverse community of migrants who live dispersed around the globe. This includes the situation of Indian emigration to Thailand, which has been ongoing for hundreds of years. Several scholars in Indian Diaspora Studies have previously contributed to an understanding of the different social groups of the heterogenous Indian diaspora in terms of ethnicities, religions, periods of migration, and social and political consciousness. However, Indian Diaspora Studies in Thailand undertaken by Thai scholars over the past decade have only focused on the Siamese Brahmin and the Thai-Indian Sikh and Muslim diaspora in Thailand, and have tended to view Hindu immigrants to Thailand as a homogeneous group. Their contribution is constrained by considering migrants only through the lens of ethnicity, and dualistically conceptualising ethnic boundaries between Indianness and Thainess as a result. This paper, in conversation with previous scholarship, applies the notion of heterogeneity to understand the complexity of the Indian Hindu diaspora in contemporary Thai societies. This article, based on case studies in the Chiang Mai province, asserts that the Thai-Indian Hindu diaspora consists of heterogeneous groups that utilise multi-ethnic-religious identities as cultural strategies to establish their self-identification. Therefore, the Indian Hindu diaspora in Thai society is associated with the (re)formation and recombination of traditional and modern diasporic types of consciousness, reflecting the complexity of the Indian Hindu diaspora in Thailand today.
Conservation of Dry Air, Water, and Energy in CAM and Its Potential Impact on Tropical Rainfall
Authors: Harrop Bryce E. , Pritchard Michael S. , Parishani Hossein , Gettelman Andrew , Hagos Samson , Lauritzen Peter H. , Leung L. Ruby , Lu Jian , Pressel Kyle G. , Sakaguchi Koichi
Published: January 2022

For the Community Atmosphere Model version 6 (CAM6), an adjustment is needed to conserve dry air mass. This adjustment exposes an inconsistency in how CAM6’s energy budget incorporates water—in CAM6 water in the vapor phase has energy, but condensed phases of water do not. When water vapor condenses, only its latent energy is retained in the model, while its remaining internal, potential, and kinetic energy are lost. A global fixer is used in the default CAM6 model to maintain global energy conservation, but locally the energy tendency associated with water changing phase violates the divergence theorem. This error in energy tendency is intrinsically tied to the water vapor tendency, and reaches its highest values in regions of heavy rainfall, where the error can be as high as 40 W m−2annually averaged. Several possible changes are outlined within this manuscript that would allow CAM6 to satisfy the divergence theorem locally. These fall into one of two categories: 1) modifying the surface flux to balance the local atmospheric energy tendency and 2) modifying the local atmospheric tendency to balance the surface plus top-of-atmosphere energy fluxes. To gauge which aspects of the simulated climate are most sensitive to this error, the simplest possible change—where condensed water still does not carry energy and a local energy fixer is used in place of the global one—is implemented within CAM6. Comparing this experiment with the default configuration of CAM6 reveals precipitation, particularly its variability, to be highly sensitive to the energy budget formulation.

Significance Statement

This study examines and explains spurious regional sources and sinks of energy in a widely used climate model. These energy errors result from not tracking energy associated with water after it transitions from the vapor phase to either liquid or ice. Instead, the model used a global fixer to offset the energy tendency related to the energy sources and sinks associated with condensed water species. We replace this global fixer with a local one to examine the model sensitivity to the regional energy error and find a large sensitivity in the simulated hydrologic cycle. This work suggests that the underlying thermodynamic assumptions in the model should be revisited to build confidence in the model-simulated regional-scale water and energy cycles.
Cultural reproduction in Finland: Symmetric intergenerational transmission of cultural orientations
Authors: Kallunki Jarmo
Published: January 2022

Cultural reproduction has attracted the attention of cultural sociologists over the last few decades. While a body of research has shown that the orientation to highbrow culture is transmitted from parents to their children, research on the transmission of other cultural orientations has been scarce. In this paper, I study the intergenerational transmission of three cultural orientations—highbrow, popular, and crafts—in Finland. The data were derived from a nationally representative sample (N  =  1425) surveyed in Finland in 2018, and it was analysed with regression techniques. For the respondent, I target current cultural participation, and for the parents I rely on retrospective data targeting joint cultural participation with the respondent during their childhood. I show that there is symmetric transmission of cultural orientation, namely that the respondent's current orientation is most tightly associated with the same orientation that they practiced with their parents, suggesting symmetric cultural reproduction in Finland. Additionally, parents’ overall cultural participation is associated with their children's overall cultural participation. I reflect on the findings in the light of past and current research on cultural practices and suggest directions for future research.
Risk Factors for Level-VII Lymph Node Metastases of Thyroid Neoplasms: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ruo Wang Zhi , Xiao Sun Han , Ming Feng Zhe , Yue Zhu Chun , Wen Meng Zhi , Hua Zhang Feng
Published: January 2022

Objective

The present study conducted a meta-analysis to forecast the risk factors associated with level-VII lymph node metastases in case of thyroid neoplasms, intending to assist in determining the requirement for level-VII lymph node lymphadenectomy during the surgery.

Methods

Electronic databases, PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, and CBM electronic databases were searched for studies focused on level-VII lymph node metastases in thyroid neoplasms, published up to April 2021. Stata 13.1 software was used for analyses.

Results

The literature search identified a total of 997 studies. Among these, 8 studies, involving 1813 patients, were included in the present case. All these studies were case-control studies. Results for meta‐analysis showed that male (OR = 1.340, 95% CI: 1.018-1.764, P = .037), age < 45 years (OR = 4.178, 95% CI: 1.601–10.908, P = .003), tumor size ≥ 2.0 cm (OR = 1.960, 95% CI: 1.079-3.562, P = .027), extrathyroidal extension (OR = 2.037, 95% CI: 1.578-2.630, P < .001), distant metastasis (OR = 2.775, 95% CI: 2.005-3.840, P < .001), central lymph node metastasis (OR = 3.500, 95% CI: 1.127-10.874, P = .03), contralateral cervicolateral metastasis (OR = 2.119, 95% CI: 1.514-2.965, P < .001), and bilateral nodal metastasis (OR = 4.651, 95% CI: 2.697-8.020, P < .001) acted as risk factors for level-VII lymph node metastases. In addition to this, sensitivity analyses and bias test showed that the results of meta‐analysis were reliable and stable and involved no publication bias.

Conclusion

In the present study, male gender, age < 45 years, tumor size ≥ 2.0 cm, extrathyroidal extension, distant metastasis, central lymph node metastasis, contralateral cervicolateral metastasis, and bilateral nodal metastasis were identified as risk factors for level-VII lymph node metastases in case of thyroid neoplasms.
How biopower puts freedom to work: Conceptualizing ‘pivoting mechanisms’ in the neoliberal university
Authors: Fleming Peter
Published: January 2022

Academics working in the neoliberal university embody a key tension. They enjoy substantial occupational freedoms and yet endure formidable levels of control. The two attributes are not necessarily opposed. Michel Foucault’s concept of biopower explains why. Unlike disciplinary power (modelled after the prison, factory, school, etc.), biopower operationalizes significant freedoms in order to render workers productive. Studies examining how employers achieve this have several limitations that this article seeks to remedy. Biopower does not frame or subjectify employee agency but pivots it instead. I develop the concept of ‘pivoting mechanisms’ and illustrate its utility with respect to academic labour in the neoliberal university. This provides a more nuanced explanation of how biopower can infiltrate professional autonomy and sheds light on its troubling effects in higher education today.
Through An Equity Lens: Illuminating The Relationships Among Social Inequities, Stigma And Discrimination, And Patient Experiences of Emergency Health Care
Authors: Varcoe Colleen , Browne Annette J. , Bungay Vicky , Perrin Nancy , Wilson Erin , Wathen C. Nadine , Byres David , Roberta Price Elder
Published: January 2022

People who experience the greatest social inequities often have poor experiences in emergency departments (EDs) so that they are deterred from seeking care, leave without care complete, receive inadequate care, and/or return repeatedly for unresolved problems. However, efforts to measure and monitor experiences of care rarely capture the experiences of people facing the greatest inequities, experiences of discrimination, or relationships among these variables. This analysis examined how patients’ experiences, including self-reported ratings of care, experiences of discrimination, and repeat visits vary with social and economic circumstances. Every consecutive person presenting to three diverse EDs was invited if/when they were able to consent; 2424 provided demographic and contact information; and 1692 (70%) completed the survey. Latent class analysis (LCA) using sociodemographic variables: age, gender, financial strain, employment, housing stability, English as first language, born in Canada, and Indigenous identity, indicated a six-class solution. Classes differed significantly on having regular access to primary care, reasons for the visit, and acuity. Classes also differed on self-reported discrimination every day and during their ED visit, ratings of ED care, and number of ED visits within the past six months. ED care can be improved through attention to how intersecting forms of structural disadvantage and inequities affect patient experiences.
An observational study to compare the diagnostic accuracy of rapid antigen test and rapid antibody tests in various periods of enteric fever
Authors: Vikas Saini , Duggal Nandini
Published: January 2022

A cross-sectional observational study was done on 180 fever patients to assess the diagnostic accuracy of rapid serological tests in early detection (<5 days of fever) of S. typhi and S. paratyphi in comparison to blood culture and Widal test Blood culture was positive in 58 (32.22%) cases. The diagnostic accuracy (<5 days of fever) of rapid antigen test, rapid antibody test, and Widal test was 45.56%, 42.22%, and 41.11% (p = 0.675) while sensitivity was 68.97%, 48.28%, and 46.55%, respectively. In conclusion, rapid antigen test holds moderately higher sensitivity in the first five days of fever as compared to rapid antibody and Widal tests. It is recommended that the antigen detection tests should be used for screening enteric fever in the first week of presentation.
Prevalence of cataract and factors associated with cataract surgery uptake among older persons in Malaysia: A cross-sectional study from the National Eye Survey II
Authors: Yap Jun Fai , Ng Qi Xiong , Wai Yong Zheng , Isahak Marzuki , Salowi Mohamad Aziz , Moy Foong Ming
Published: January 2022

Nationally-representative evidence is limited on factors affecting uptake of cataract surgery in Malaysia. We found the prevalence of cataract among older persons to be 26.8%. The two most common barriers were ‘need not felt’ (43.5%) and ‘fear of surgery or poor result’ (16.2%). Reluctance for surgical intervention was greater outside the Central zone.
A rare complication of Yellow Phosphorous poisoning
Authors: Kumar Aswin , Gangadharan Harikrishnan , Manju Remya , Prakash Akhil , Arasan Saravana S , Kumar Satish
Published: January 2022

Yellow phosphorous is one of the most common toxins reported to cause fulminant hepatic failure. Yellow phosphorous is a component of rodenticides and fireworks, and is freely available over the counter. The mortality rate as high as 27% from fulminant hepatic failure has been reported following ingestion of yellow phosphorous. 1 Multisystem toxicity affecting gastrointestinal, cardiac, renal and central nervous systems occurs. 2 There is a paucity of literature on its haematological toxicity. In this case report, we highlight the clinically significant myelosuppression observed in a patient resulting from yellow phosphorous; a small literature review has also been done on this rare complication.
Sphenomaxillary Plate: Landmine or Landmark?
Authors: Gotlib Tomasz , Kuźmińska Magdalena , Bobecka-Wesołowska Konstancja
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Sphenomaxillary plate (SMP) is an inconstant bony septum separating the maxillary and sphenoid sinuses. Neglecting the SMP during endoscopic sinus surgery may lead to mistaking the sphenoid sinus for the posterior ethmoid cell with potentially dangerous consequences. However, its proper identification may allow planned sphenoidotomy through the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus or to enlarge transnasal or transethmoidal sphenoidotomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate (1) the incidence and morphology of the SMP and (2) possibility and safety of trans-SMP sphenoidotomy.

Methods

In the radioanatomical part of the study multiplanar reconstruction analysis of 117 consecutive paranasal sinus CT scans was conducted. In the clinical part of the research, trans-SMP sphenoidotomy was performed in consecutive patients operated on for chronic rhinosinusitis.

Results

The SMP was found in 25% of sides (34% of patients). It was constantly located superolateral to the posterior insertion of the middle turbinate. The SMP formed the prominence on the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus that could be identified using volume rendering in 11% of sides (19% of patients). 30 trans-SMP sphenoidotomies were performed in 18 patients. The SMP prominence was identified in 15 sides. In absence of SMP prominence, identification of the SMP was still possible using other anatomical landmarks.

Conclusions

The SMP is present in over 30% Caucasian subjects at least on one side. Sphenoidotomy through the SMP is feasible and safe.
When Not One of the Crowd: The Effects of CEO Ideological Divergence on Lobbying Strategy
Authors: Nalick Michael , Kuban Scott , Ridge Jason W. , Zardkoohi Asghar , Bierman Leonard , Schijven Mario
Published: January 2022

This paper explores the extent to which CEO ideological divergence influences firm lobbying strategy. Because a CEO’s political ideological disposition is shown to affect firm outcomes, we theorize there are nonmarket strategic implications when the governing party is divergent or convergent from their ideology. Accordingly, we integrate insights from organizational fit literature regarding value congruence and strategic complementarity in order to examine whether CEO political ideological divergence affects lobbying investment and changes the balance between internal and external lobbying activities. Further, we theorize that these outcomes are less pronounced for firms that are highly regulated. Our results support our theorizing, therefore, by identifying how CEO ideology interacts with the opposing political ideology. We unpack the ways in which CEO political ideology influences firm political behavior, thus extending research on CEO political ideology and lobbying.
Impact of postoperative acute kidney injury on short-term outcomes of patients with Bentall surgery for any reason
Authors: Merkle-Storms Julia , Djordjevic Ilija , Gaisendrees Christopher , Ivanov Borko , Weber Carolyn , Krasivskyi Ihor , Avgeridou Soi , Mihaylova Mariya , Mader Navid , Kuhn-Régnier Ferdinand , Sabashnikov Anton , Wahlers Thorsten
Published: January 2022

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery is a well-known risk factor for increased postoperative mortality and morbidity. The effect of postoperative developed AKI on postoperative outcomes in patients after Bentall procedure has been incompletely investigated. The present study was dedicated to assessing the impact of postoperative AKI on morbidity and 30-day mortality in this specific cohort.

Methods

In a retrospective observational study, we investigated 249 patients undergoing Bentall procedure from January 2014 to March 2018 at the University Hospital of Cologne, Germany. After excluding patients with preoperative renal impairment, patients were divided into an AKI group ( n = 88) and a non-AKI group ( n = 97). Postoperative outcomes and 30-day mortality were analyzed using univariate regression analysis. AKI was defined by AKIN criteria.

Results

Mortality during ICU and hospital stay, as well as 30-day mortality, was significantly higher in the AKI group (all p < 0.001). Patients with postoperative developed AKI revealed 9.3-fold higher odds for ICU mortality and 6.7-fold higher odds for 30-day mortality in comparison to non-AKI group (all p < 0.004) as well as 4.5-fold higher odds for stroke. Coronary artery bypass time, as well as cross-clamp time, were similarly distributed between groups, whereas incidences of postoperative bleeding, myocardial infarction, and need for rethoracotomy occurred significantly more often in patients with postoperatively developed AKI (all p < 0.04).

Conclusion

Patients undergoing Bentall surgery who postoperatively developed AKI showed significantly higher morbidity and mortality. AKI points out to be an early predictor for poor outcomes. Thus, as a consequence, patients with postoperatively developed AKI should be highly monitored for immediate intervention.
Spinal intradural schwannoma presenting with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage: a case report and review of published reports
Authors: Zhang Dongao , Fan Tao , Fan Wayne , Wang Yinqian
Published: January 2022

Acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) presentation is a very rare occurrence in spinal schwannomas. We report a case of lumbar schwannoma in a patient presenting first with acute SAH. A 40-year-old man was referred to our department 7 days after the sudden onset of headache, neck pain, and fever. SAH was suspected; however, head computed tomography (CT) findings were normal. A lumbar puncture indicated blood-stained cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Moreover, the CSF pressure changed from 200 mmH2O to 90 mmH2O after drainage of 10 mL of CSF indicating a blockage of CSF. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed an intradural tumor with SAH, which also caused blockage of the CSF circulation. The patient underwent immediate surgery and fully recovered. In conclusion, the early diagnosis and total removal of the tumor and blood clot significantly improved the patient’s outcome. There is a high index of suspicion for spinal tumors resulting in SAH when there is a CSF pressure change after lumbar puncture in an SAH patient.
Gynecomastia with rare granulomatous lobular mastitis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Yin Liang , Agyekum Enock Adjei , Zhang Qing , Wu Ting , Qian Xiaoqin
Published: January 2022

This study was performed to describe a rare case of granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) that was successfully treated with bromocriptine in a male patient with gynecomastia and hyperprolactinemia. A 20-year-old man presented with a 1-year history of breast enlargement and galactorrhea. Physical examination revealed bilateral breast enlargement, porous discharge, and a 3-cm left breast lump in the 10-o’clock quadrant. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a 1.2-mm pituitary tumor. Laboratory analysis revealed hyperprolactinemia with low serum testosterone and elevated prolactin and estradiol levels. The lump in the left breast was examined by ultrasonography and mammography, and a core needle biopsy revealed chronic inflammation. The patient’s galactorrhea and breast lump disappeared after 3 months of treatment with bromocriptine at 2.5 mg once a day. His serum prolactin level also normalized. Following a review of this case, the patient was diagnosed with gynecomastia with hyperprolactinemia complicated by rare GLM. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of concurrent gynecomastia and GLM.
Reward Weakened Inhibition of Return (IOR) in the Near Depth Plane
Authors: Wang Aijun , Lu Feifei , Gao Wenjing , Zhang Tianyang , Zhang Ming
Published: January 2022

In attentional orienting, researchers have proposed that reward history is a component of attentional control, as the reward value might enhance the spatial attention process to achieve more efficient goal-directed behavior and to improve target-detection performance. Although the effect of reward–induced motivation on attentional orienting has been studied in two–dimensional (2-D) space, the specific mechanisms underlying the influence of reward on inhibition of return (IOR) of attentional orienting in three-dimensional space (3-D) remain unclear. In the present study, by incorporating the Posner spatial-cueing paradigm into a virtual 3-D environment, we aimed to investigate the influence of reward on IOR in 3-D space. The results showed the following: (1) IOR size in the rewarded conditions was smaller than IOR size in the unrewarded condition in the near depth plane, resulting in an IOR difference with or without reward. (2) Reward weakened IOR in the near depth plane because the response to the uncued location was delayed, not because the response to the cued location was accelerated. The present study indicated that the different depth planes of the target location in 3-D space could influence the interaction between reward and IOR, and reward weakened IOR in the near depth plane.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes Promote Functional Osteochondral Repair in a Clinically Relevant Porcine Model
Authors: Zhang Shipin , Wong Keng Lin , Ren Xiafei , Teo Kristeen Ye Wen , Afizah Hassan , Choo Andre Boon Hwa , Lai Ruenn Chai , Lim Sai Kiang , Hui James Hoi Po , Toh Wei Seong
Published: January 2022

Background:

Previous studies have reported the efficacy of human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) exosomes for the repair of osteochondral defects in rats and rabbits. However, the safety and efficacy of MSC exosomes remain to be validated in a clinically relevant large animal model.

Purpose:

To validate the safety and efficacy of human MSC exosomes for osteochondral repair in a clinically relevant micropig model.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Bilateral osteochondral defects (6-mm diameter and 1-mm depth) were surgically created in the medial femoral condyles in knees of 12 micropigs. The pigs then received 2-mL intra-articular injections of MSC exosomes and hyaluronic acid (HA) (Exosome+HA) or HA alone after surgery and thereafter at 8 and 15 days. Osteochondral repair was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 15 days and at 2 and 4 months after surgery as well as by macroscopic, histological, biomechanical, and micro—computed tomography (micro-CT) analyses at 4 months after surgery.

Results:

Exosome+HA–treated defects demonstrated significantly better MRI scores than HA-treated defects at 15 days and at 2 and 4 months. Additionally, Exosome+HA–treated defects demonstrated functional cartilage and subchondral bone repair, with significantly better macroscopic and histological scores and biomechanical properties (Young modulus and stiffness) than HA-treated defects at 4 months. Micro-CT further showed significantly higher bone volume and trabecular thickness in the subchondral bone of Exosome+HA–treated defects than that of HA-treated defects. Importantly, no adverse response or major systemic alteration was observed in any of the animals.

Conclusion:

This study shows that the combination of MSC exosomes and HA administered at a clinically acceptable frequency of 3 weekly intra-articular injections can promote functional cartilage and subchondral bone repair, with significantly improved morphological, histological, and biomechanical outcomes in a clinically relevant porcine model.

Clinical Relevance:

Our findings provide a robust scientific rationale to support a phase 1/2 clinical trial to test MSC exosomes in patients with osteochondral lesions.
Acromioclavicular Disk as a Potential Source of Pain in AC Joint Injuries
Authors: Ostermann Roman C. , Moen Todd C. , Siegert Paul , Bukowsky Claus , Lang Susanna , Heuberer Philipp R. , Pauzenberger Leo
Published: January 2022

Background:

Injuries of the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) are common shoulder injuries that often lead to pain and dysfunction of the affected shoulder. Regardless of operative or nonoperative treatment, a relatively large number of patients remain symptomatic and experience pain. However, the specific source of persistent pain in the ACJ remains ambiguous.

Purpose:

To investigate the presence of sensory nerve fibers or pain-generating neurotransmitters within the intra-articular disk of the ACJ to determine its potential role as an independent pain generator in ACJ disorders.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Twelve paired ACJs from 6 fresh human cadavers (mean age, 56 years; range, 41-82 years) were harvested and freed from surrounding soft tissues, leaving only the ACJ capsule intact. The specimens were placed in 4.5% formaldehyde fixative for a minimum of 48 hours. Coronal plane sections were obtained and demineralized in EDTA for a week, embedded in paraffin for 12 hours, and dehydrated overnight. With a rotation microtome, 2-μm sections were cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin to investigate tissue architecture and confirm the presence of a fibrocartilaginous intra-articular disk. The sections were immunohistochemically stained with antisera against S100, neuropeptide Y (NPY), and substance P (SP) to detect for neural tissue. Additionally, a nerve fiber count per 10 high-power fields representing an area of 0.2 mm2 was conducted for S100 stains. All sections were examined for the presence of positive immunoreactivity to S100, NPY, and SP.

Results:

The presence of a fibrocartilaginous intra-articular disk could be observed in all 12 examined ACJs. In all specimens, an immunoreactivity to S100, NPY, and SP could be observed within the superior peripheral region of the intra-articular disk. High-power field nerve counts of the S100 stains revealed a mean ± SD of 7.9 ± 2.28 nerves per 10 high-power fields (range, 4-12).

Conclusion:

The documented immunoreactivity to S100, NPY, and SP indicates the presence of somatic and autonomic nerve fibers within the intra-articular disk of the ACJ.

Clinical Relevance:

Confirming the presence of nerve fibers within the intra-articular disk of the ACJ suggests that the disk itself could be an independent source of pain after injury and thus a possible explanation for recalcitrant pain after treatment.
Systemic inflammatory response during cardiopulmonary bypass: Axial flow versus radial flow oxygenators
Authors: Yildirim Funda , Amanvermez Senarslan Dilsad , Yersel Seyhmus , Bayram Barıs , Taneli Fatma , Tetik Omer
Published: January 2022

Background:

The objective of this study was to investigate the inflammatory effects of different oxygenator flow pattern types in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

Methods:

We designed this randomized, single-blind, prospective study of patients with coronary artery disease. We compared the systemic inflammatory effects of oxygenators with two types of flow: axial flow and radial flow. Therefore, we divided the patients into two groups: 24 patients in the axial group and 28 patients in the radial group. IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α were examined for cytokine activation leading to a systemic inflammatory reaction. The samples were collected at three different time intervals: T1, T2, and T3 (T1 was taken before cardiopulmonary bypass, T2 just 1 h after CPB onset, and T3 was taken 24 h after the surgery).

Results:

There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics between the two groups. We observed that there were notably lower levels of humoral inflammatory response parameters (IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α) in the radial flow oxygenator group than in the axial flow group at the specific sampling times. For IL-10, there was no significant difference for any time period.

Conclusion:

It might be advantageous to use a radial-flow-patterned oxygenator to limit the inflammatory response triggered by the oxygenators in cardiopulmonary bypass.
The Effects of MALL on L2 Pronunciation Learning: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tseng Wen-Ta , Chen Sufen , Wang Shih-Ping , Cheng Hsing-Fu , Yang Pei-Shan , Gao Xuesong A.
Published: January 2022

Mobile-assisted language learning has emerged as a valuable tool for L2 pronunciation learning as it offers ample opportunities for learners to perform authentic learning activities anytime and anywhere. However, the extent to which mobile devices may facilitate or enhance L2 pronunciation has yet to be systematically investigated. To address the research gap, the study drew on a meta-analytic framework to examine the overall average effect of mobile devices on L2 pronunciation learning. The meta-analysis consisted of 13 primary studies featured in an experimental vs. control group design published between 2009 and 2020. These studies involved 655 participants and reported 19 effect sizes in the results. The analysis revealed a robust effect size ( d = .66) as captured by a random-effects model, indicating a significant effect concerning the use of mobile devices on L2 pronunciation learning. In the meta-analysis, significant moderators were also identified, and their moderating effects were critically examined. In light of the research findings, it is argued that innovative activities and tasks using mobile devices can be adopted for both language instructors and learners due to their portability, connectivity, and individuality.
Effets modérateurs de la curiosité trait et de l’auto-efficacité dans l’effet de la cabine virtuelle en ligne sur la curiosité spécifique et l’intention comportementale
Authors: Beck Marie
Published: January 2022

Cette recherche participe à la compréhension des effets d’une cabine virtuelle en ligne sur la curiosité spécifique (situationnelle) et l’intention comportementale du consommateur en mettant en évidence les effets modérateurs de la curiosité trait – tendance à être naturellement curieux – et de l’auto-efficacité. L’expérimentation montre que les individus fortement curieux de nature ont davantage l’intention d’acheter en magasin dans le cas d’une expérience via un site classique vs la cabine virtuelle. Aucune différence n’est notée pour les individus peu curieux. Parallèlement, les individus fortement curieux se sentant peu efficaces dans la tâche auront une intention plus faible d’acheter sur le site alors que ceux qui se perçoivent comme fortement efficaces auront une intention d’achat sur le site plus forte. Les résultats révèlent l’importance de la curiosité trait et la nécessité de la définir plus précisément en marketing, ainsi que de l’auto-efficacité.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use in Children with Epilepsy
Authors: Zhu Zahra , Mittal Rea , Walser Sarah A. , Lehman Erik , Kumar Ashutosh , Paudel Sita , Mainali Gayatra
Published: January 2022

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by the pediatric population with epilepsy in rural Pennsylvania was studied to characterize the prevalence, perceived effectiveness, and reasons for CAM use. This study additionally assessed the adequacy of parent-physician communication regarding CAM usage. A telephone survey was administered to 200 parents/caregivers of children with epilepsy followed at Hershey Medical Center. Thirteen percent of respondents indicated CAM use by their child. Common types of CAM used were cannabis-related products such as CBD oil and medical marijuana. Forty-eight percent of CAM users chose to initiate CAM owing to dissatisfaction with the outcomes of antiseizure drugs. Fifty-nine percent noticed a decrease in seizure frequency with CAM use, and more than 11% of CAM users reported side effects from CAM. Eighty percent of CAM users had discussions regarding CAM with their child's neurologist. CAM use was found to be associated with increased seizure severity ( P = .004) and the prior use of cannabidiol (Epidiolex) ( P < .001) or the ketogenic diet ( P = .001). Increased seizure severity and the prior use of Epidiolex or the ketogenic diet may be used as predictors for the identification of patients with a higher likelihood of using CAM. Interest in future CAM use, especially cannabis-related products, was expressed in a large percentage of non-CAM users. Given the high parental or caregiver interest in CAM, providers are encouraged to be proactive in initiating discussions about CAM and collaborate with parents/caregivers to ensure the safe usage of CAM among pediatric patients.
Simulation model for analysis and evaluation of selected measures of the helicopter’s readiness
Authors: Ziółkowski Jarosław , Małachowski Jerzy , Oszczypała Mateusz , Szkutnik-Rogoż Joanna , Konwerski Jakub
Published: January 2022

A methodology of analysis and evaluation of the selected indices of the helicopter readiness used in the Polish Navy is presented in this paper. These objects are the multi-purpose helicopters of the Polish and Russian production, performing mainly the rescue tasks. A mathematical model was based on the source databases covering a period of 2 years, which were developed in the form of the multi-format MS Excel spreadsheets. While considering the operating environment and a specificity of the performed tasks, an event-based model of the operation process was proposed in this paper, which enables to evaluate selected indices of readiness. Due to the specificity of the individual types of renovations and repairs, the calculated measures of the readiness were enabled in a multi-faceted manner, that is, they were referred to three separate operating periods covering the current operating period, the entire (i.e. two-year) studying period including extended renovations and the entire studying period including extended renovations and repairs. A broader approach enabled to calculate the functional and technical indices of the readiness of the helicopter.
Procurement and Evaluation of Hepatocytes for Transplantation From Neonatal Donors After Circulatory Death
Authors: Bluhme Emil , Henckel Ewa , Gramignoli Roberto , Kjellin Therese , Hammarstedt Christina , Nowak Greg , Karadagi Ahmad , Johansson Helene , Jynge Öystein , Söderström Maria , Fischler Björn , Strom Stephen , Ellis Ewa , Hallberg Boubou , Jorns Carl
Published: January 2022

Hepatocyte transplantation is a promising treatment for liver failure and inborn metabolic liver diseases, but progress has been hampered by a scarcity of available organs. Here, hepatocytes isolated from livers procured for a neonatal hepatocyte donation program within a research setting were assessed for metabolic function and suitability for transplantation. Organ donation was considered for infants who died in neonatal intensive care in the Stockholm region during 2015–2021. Inclusion was assessed when a decision to discontinue life-sustaining treatment had been made and hepatectomy performed after declaration of death. Hepatocyte isolation was performed by three-step collagenase perfusion. Hepatocyte viability, yield, and function were assessed using fresh and cryopreserved cells. Engraftment and maturation of cryopreserved neonatal hepatocytes were assessed by transplantation into an immunodeficient mouse model and analysis of the gene expression of phase I, phase II, and liver-specific enzymes and proteins. Twelve livers were procured. Median warm ischemia time (WIT) was 190 [interquartile range (IQR): 80–210] minutes. Median viability was 86% (IQR: 71%–91%). Median yield was 6.9 (IQR: 3.4–12.8) x106 viable hepatocytes/g. Transplantation into immunodeficient mice resulted in good engraftment and maturation of hepatocyte-specific proteins and enzymes. A neonatal organ donation program including preterm born infants was found to be feasible. Hepatocytes isolated from neonatal donors had good viability, function, and engraftment despite prolonged WIT. Therefore, neonatal livers should be considered as a donor source for clinical hepatocyte transplantation, even in cases with extended WIT.