bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traffic Flow Anomaly Detection Based on Robust Ridge Regression with Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Tang Mingzhu , Fu Xiangwan , Wu Huawei , Huang Qi , Zhao Qi
Published: October 2020

Traffic flow anomaly detection is helpful to improve the efficiency and reliability of detecting fault behavior and the overall effectiveness of the traffic operation. The data detected by the traffic flow sensor contains a lot of noise due to equipment failure, environmental interference, and other factors. In the case of large traffic flow data noises, a traffic flow anomaly detection method based on robust ridge regression with particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed. Feature sets containing historical characteristics with a strong linear correlation and statistical characteristics using the optimal sliding window are constructed. Then by providing the feature sets inputs to the PSO-Huber-Ridge model and the model outputs the traffic flow. The Huber loss function is recommended to reduce noise interference in the traffic flow. The L2 regular term of the ridge regression is employed to reduce the degree of overfitting of the model training. A fitness function is constructed, which can balance the relative size between the k-fold cross-validation root mean square error and the k-fold cross-validation average absolute error with the control parameter η to improve the optimization efficiency of the optimization algorithm and the generalization ability of the proposed model. The hyperparameters of the robust ridge regression forecast model are optimized by the PSO algorithm to obtain the optimal hyperparameters. The traffic flow data set is used to train and validate the proposed model. Compared with other optimization methods, the proposed model has the lowest RMSE, MAE, and MAPE. Finally, the traffic flow that forecasted by the proposed model is used to perform anomaly detection. The abnormality of the error between the forecasted value and the actual value is detected by the abnormal traffic flow threshold based on the sliding window. The experimental results verify the validity of the proposed anomaly detection model.
Mechanical Solving a Few Fractional Partial Differential Equations and Discussing the Effects of the Fractional Order
Authors: Fan Kai , Zhou Cunlong
Published: October 2020

With the help of Maple, the precise traveling wave solutions of three fractal-order model equations related to water waves, including hyperbolic solutions, trigonometric solutions, and rational solutions, are obtained by using function expansion method. An isolated wave solution is selected from the solution of each nonlinear dispersive wave model equation, and the influence of fractional order change on these isolated wave solutions is discussed. The results show that the fractional derivatives can modulate the waveform, local periodicity, and structure of the isolated solutions of the three model equations. We also point out the construction rules of the auxiliary equations of the extended (G′/G)-expansion method. In the “The Explanation and Discussion” section, a more generalized auxiliary equation is used to further emphasize the rules, which has certain reference value for the construction of the new auxiliary equations. The solutions of fractional-order nonlinear partial differential equations can be enriched by selecting other solvable equations as auxiliary equations.
The Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidants Potential of Schoenoplectus triqueter L. Palla
Authors: Hassan Amir , Akmal Zakaria , Khan Nawaz
Published: October 2020

Over the centuries, humans use different types of therapeutic plants to treat several diseases. Cyperaceae family has a significant number of monocotyledon plants, and Schoenoplectus is one of the genera that belong to this family; about forty-nine compounds are isolated. Our current study was evaluated on Schoenoplectus triqueter L. Palla to show the potential of its antioxidants and confirm the phytochemical constituents in this plant species. Fully powdered plant taken for successive extraction process in hot continuous process for Soxhlet was 20 g plant in porous bag manually prepared; the constant temperature provided was 40–50°C. In the maceration extraction method, 30 g plant was taken in a closed jar and the solvent placed for extraction was 300 mL of ethanol; the extract gets filtered and fractioned to different solvents such as water, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane fraction. Important types of phytochemicals found in this species are alkaloids, proteins, amino acids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, and carbohydrates. All the entire extracted fractions which are water, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane possess noticeable activity at various concentrations of 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 µg/mL by the dilution method. The ethyl acetate extract holds greater median inhibitory concentration (IC50 = 3.52 ± 0.01), and water showed IC50 = 3.61 ± 0.01 percent potential as compared to the standard ascorbic acid which possesses IC50 = 2.27 ± 0.01. Their potential may be enhanced or lowered with the purification of extracts which might be useful in biological activities.
Advances in the Study of the Potential Hepatotoxic Components and Mechanism of Polygonum multiflorum
Authors: Yu He-Shui , Wang Lin-Lin , He Ying , Han Li-Feng , Ding Hui , Song Xin-Bo , Gao Xiu-Mei , Yun Nai-Ru , Li Zheng
Published: October 2020

The roots of Polygonum multiflorum (PM) (He Shou Wu in Chinese) are one of the most commonly used tonic traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) in China. PM is traditionally valued for its antiaging, liver‐ and kidney‐tonifying, and hair‐blackening effects. However, an increasing number of hepatotoxicity cases induced by PM attract the attention of scholars worldwide. Thus far, the potential liver injury compounds and the mechanism are still uncertain. The aim of this review is to provide comprehensive information on the potential hepatotoxic components and mechanism of PM based on the scientific literature. Moreover, perspectives for future investigations of hepatotoxic components are discussed. This study will build a new foundation for further study on the hepatotoxic components and mechanism of PM.
Direction of Arrival Based on the Multioutput Least Squares Support Vector Regression Model
Authors: Huang Kai , You Ming-Yi , Ye Yun-Xia , Jiang Bin , Lu An-Nan
Published: October 2020

The interferometer is a widely used direction-finding system with high precision. When there are comprehensive disturbances in the direction-finding system, some scholars have proposed corresponding correction algorithms, but most of them require hypothesis based on the geometric position of the array. The method of using machine learning that has attracted much attention recently is data driven, which can be independent of these assumptions. We propose a direction-finding method for the interferometer by using multioutput least squares support vector regression (MLSSVR) model. The application of this method includes the following: the construction of MLSSVR model training data, training and construction of the MLSSVR model, and the estimation of direction of arrival. Finally, the method is verified through numerical simulation. When there are comprehensive deviations in the system, the direction-finding accuracy can be effectively improved.
Ureterocalyceal Fistula: A Rare Complication of Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy
Authors: Hammad Fayez T. , Carmignani Giorgio
Published: October 2020

Background. Postoperative urinary leak is a well-documented complication following partial nephrectomy. It usually presents as persistent discharge from the retroperitoneal drain, nephrocutaneous fistula, urinary collection, systemic manifestations, or abdominal symptoms. Herein, we report for the first time on a case of urinary leak postlaparoscopic partial nephrectomy which did not heal and led to the formation of ureterocalyceal fistula. Case Presentation. A 41-year-old male presented with a coincidental renal mass at the inferiomedial aspect of the right kidney. He underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. On the third postoperative day, he developed fever. CT scan showed minimal urine leak from the tumor site and a JJ stent was inserted. Due to severe bladder symptoms, the stent was removed and a perirenal drain was inserted and removed in few days. He did well initially but in two weeks, he started to develop urinary tract infections. Repeat CT scan showed ongoing urinary leak from the site of the previous surgery. Retrograde pyelography demonstrated a complete UPJ stenosis with an ureterocalyceal fistula. Trial for reanastomosis failed due to severe adhesions and small intrarenal pelvis. An ureterocalyceal anastomosis has to be performed to another calyx. Conclusion. We report for the first time on an ureterocalyceal fistula following laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. This complication might be prevented by a careful dissection of the area close to the ureter or by an insertion of a JJ stent for an adequate time if a ureteric injury is suspected.
Fuzzy Principal Component Analysis Model on Evaluating Innovation Service Capability
Authors: Wu Hui , Gu Xiao-min
Published: October 2020

This article mainly evaluates the regional innovation service capacity through the TOPSIS method. Firstly, a regional collaborative innovation network is constructed and the Yangtze River Delta region is selected for analysis. Secondly, an evaluation index is constructed for innovation service capability, fuzzy principal component analysis is used to refine quantitative and qualitative index data of innovation service capability, and the index weight is calculated. Then the region of the Yangtze River Delta is selected and TOPSIS method is used to assist in the effective decision-making process of the evaluation of innovative service capabilities. Due to the large amount of data in this article, MATLAB programming is used. Finally, through the comparative analysis of the results, countermeasures and suggestions are put forward from the perspective of the improvement of collaborative innovation service capabilities.
Plant Regeneration through Callus Cultures from Leaf Explant of Sumatra Benzoin (Styrax benzoin)
Authors: Nurwahyuni Isnaini , Situmorang Manihar , Sinaga Riyanto
Published: October 2020

Micropropagation of Sumatra Benzoin is potential to provide good-quality seed for future preservation of the forest and improve the incense sap production. The production of Styrax plants is currently limited by the availability of seed. This research demonstrated the micropropagation of Sumatra Benzoin (Styrax benzoin Dryander), producing good-quality saplings that could be used for obtaining nontimber forest products. Elite mother plant was selected and used as a source of explants. Identification of healthy trees was carried out based on the phenotype criteria, and the selection of a mother plant was performed through information on the quality and quantity production of incense sap. Micropropagation started from callus induction in young leaves followed by subculture to obtain regeneration of shoots and roots. The combination of NAA and BAP in the culture media greatly affected the growth and development of callus, shoots, and roots. The use of 3 mg/L NAA and 3 mg/L NAA rendered the heaviest calli. Shoots were regenerated with 0.5 mg/L NAA and 3.0 mg/L BAP, and the highest growth of roots was obtained by using of 3.0 mg/ NAA without BAP. This research reports the first in vitro propagation technique for Styrax benzoin. Further research is underway to obtain very good-quality plant saplings to be used for forest conservation and to increase the production of incense sap as a nontimber forest commodity.
TGFBR3 Polymorphisms (rs1805110 and rs7526590) Are Associated with Laboratory Biomarkers and Clinical Manifestations in Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Santiago Rayra Pereira , Figueiredo Camylla Vilas Boas , Fiuza Luciana Magalhães , Yahouédéhou Sétondji Cocou Modeste Alexandre , Oliveira Rodrigo Mota , Aleluia Milena Magalhães , Carvalho Suellen Pinheiro , Fonseca Cleverson Alves , Nascimento Valma Maria Lopes , Rocha Larissa Carneiro , Guarda Caroline Conceição , Gonçalves Marilda Souza
Published: October 2020

Individuals with sickle cell anemia (SCA) present chronic anemia, hemolysis, an exacerbated inflammatory response, and heterogeneous clinical complications, which may be modulated by the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathway. Thus, we aimed to investigate polymorphisms (rs1805110 and rs7526590) of the transforming growth factor beta receptor III gene (TGFBR3) with regard to laboratory biomarkers and clinical manifestations in individuals with SCA. Hematological, biochemical, immunological, and genetic analyses were carried out, as well as serum endothelin-1 measurements. The minor allele (A) of the TGFBR3 rs1805110 polymorphism was associated with increased hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocyte counts, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, uric acid, and endothelin levels, as well as decreased platelet distribution width (PDW) and the occurrence of bone alterations. The minor allele (T) of TGFBR3 rs7526590 was associated with increased red cell distribution width, PDW, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, total and indirect bilirubin, and lactate dehydrogenase levels, as well as lower ferritin levels and the occurrence of leg ulcers. Our data suggest that the minor allele (A) of TGFBR3 rs1805110 is associated with inflammation and bone alterations, while the minor allele (T) of TGFBR3 rs7526590 is related to hemolysis and the occurrence of leg ulcers.
The Principle of Invariant Stress of the Surrounding Rock of the Hole under the Condition of Equal Pressure in the Deep Rock Mass
Authors: Wu Xiangye , Wang Jingya , Li Jingang , Li Jianwei , Xu Tao , Wang Eryu
Published: October 2020

Based on the hydrostatic pressure theory of initial stress state of rock mass, combined with Saint-Venant’s principle central idea, the principle of invariant stress of surrounding rock mass of the hole under the condition of equal pressure in deep rock mass is put forward. Numerical simulation is used to study the properties of surrounding rock and section shape of different holes, the depth of the plastic zone, the range of stress influence, and the relationship between them. The study results showed the following. (1) In the current mining depth range, it is difficult to reach the limit of 5 times the hole radius under the condition of invariant pressure of deep rock mass, and it has a significant impact on the near field and relatively small impact on the far field, reflecting the localization effect of the stress influence range. (2) The increase of stress influence range mainly moves outward with the increase of plastic zone range, and its growth slope is low and tends to be horizontal, and the increase amount is negligible. (3) When the failure range of the plastic zone of the hole is small, the influence range of the stress does not change itself, which reflects the stress invariability of the small-scale failure of the surrounding rock of the hole. The research results verify the principle of stress invariability of the surrounding rock of the hole under the condition of equal pressure of the deep rock mass, which is consistent with Saint-Venant’s central idea.
Life-Threatening Intrapulmonary Hemorrhage due to Vancomycin-Induced Thrombocytopenia: A Case Report
Authors: Abdalhadi Haneen , Fahmawi Yazan , Das Abhijin , Fouty Brian
Published: October 2020

Thrombocytopenia is a rare and sometimes life-threatening complication of Vancomycin. A 52-year-old male patient with acute kidney injury was treated with Vancomycin for ventilator-associated pneumonia. Three days later, his platelets decreased from172×109/Lto3×109/Lover a 36-hour period. The patient developed significant intrapulmonary bleeding leading to profound hypoxemia. Workup was negative for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, and autoimmune diseases. All recently started medications were discontinued, and the patient was started empirically on methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin. The patient’s platelets increased, and his airway bleeding stopped within 48 hours; his platelet count returned to normal by 18 days. Vancomycin-dependent anti-platelet antibodies were identified in the patient’s serum by flow cytometry. Thrombocytopenia is an underrecognized complication of Vancomycin that can lead to life-threating bleeding. Stopping Vancomycin may be sufficient to reverse the thrombocytopenia in patients with normal renal function, but more aggressive measures such as steroids, IVIG, and dialysis may be required to stop bleeding and reverse thrombocytopenia in patients with underlying kidney injury who cannot effectively excrete Vancomycin.
Effect on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Conventional Glass Ionomer Luting Cements by Incorporation of All-Ceramic Additives: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Saran Runki , Upadhya Nagraj P. , Ginjupalli Kishore , Amalan Arul , Rao Bharath , Kumar Saurabh
Published: October 2020

Introduction. Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are commonly used for cementation of indirect restorations. However, one of their main drawbacks is their inferior mechanical properties. Aim. Compositional modification of conventional glass ionomer luting cements by incorporating two types of all-ceramic powders in varying concentrations and evaluation of their film thickness, setting time, and strength. Material & Methods. Experimental GICs were prepared by adding different concentrations of two all-ceramic powders (5%, 10, and 15% by weight) to the powder of the glass ionomer luting cements, and their setting time, film thickness, and compressive strength were determined. The Differential Scanning Calorimetry analysis was done to evaluate the kinetics of the setting reaction of the samples. The average particle size of the all-ceramic and glass ionomer powders was determined with the help of a particle size analyzer. Results. A significant increase in strength was observed in experimental GICs containing 10% all-ceramic powders. The experimental GICs with 5% all-ceramic powders showed no improvement in strength, whereas those containing 15% all-ceramic powders exhibited a marked decrease in strength. Setting time of all experimental GICs progressively increased with increasing concentration of all-ceramic powders. Film thickness of all experimental GICs was much higher than the recommended value for clinical application. Conclusion. 10% concentration of the two all-ceramic powders can be regarded as the optimal concentration for enhancing the glass ionomer luting cements’ strength. There was a significant increase in the setting time at this concentration, but it was within the limit specified by ISO 9917–1:2007 specifications for powder/liquid acid-base dental cements. Reducing the particle size of the all-ceramic powders may help in decreasing the film thickness, which is an essential parameter for the clinical performance of any luting cement.
Simulation of the Conductive Process of Nano ZnO Varistors Based on Animation Plane Form
Authors: Liu Xin
Published: October 2020

Among many nano materials and chemical materials, zinc oxide nanomaterials have attracted researchers’ interest because of their high efficiency, low cost, easy preparation, and variable morphology. The purpose of this study is to explore the fabrication and conductive process of nano ZnO varistors under the simulation of an animation plane form. In this study, the chemical vapor deposition method was used to prepare nano ZnO. Then, ZnO nanomaterials were mixed with deionized water to form a suspension. Under the action of a micromechanical stirrer, impurities were removed by heat treatment, and then different amount of water was added to obtain a nano ZnO electrode. The conductive process and electrochemical properties of the nano ZnO electrode were investigated and analyzed. The results show that the pressure ratio of the varistor increases obviously after adding nano ZnO. In the range of 0–30%, the pressure ratio of the ZnO varistor increases with the increase in nano ZnO content. When w (nano ZnO) is 30%, the voltage ratio reaches 1.149 and the oxidation peak current ratio of LD decreases by 6%. Therefore, it is concluded that the electrode of nano ZnO varistor valve sheets maintains good stability for a LD conductivity detection process. It also plays an important role in electrochemical research.
Acute Ischemic Stroke in Sickle Cell Disease Challenges for Thrombolysis
Authors: Al Hashmi Amal , Aaron Sanjith
Published: October 2020

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hemoglobinopathy disorder that was recognized in 1949. Stroke is one of the most devastating complications of this disorder. The risk of stroke in SCD patients varies with the genotype; the highest rate has been reported with hemoglobin S. Tissue type plasminogen activator (t PA) is class I recommended therapy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) since 1996. Although it is unclear if SCD patients were included in the t PA trail, SCD has never been identified as contraindication. The debate of offering t PA for adult SCD patient presenting with AIS continued for at least 2 decades. It is not up and until 2 years ago when the American Heart Association and American stroke association (AHA/ASA) announced that intravenous (IV) t PA can be offered to adult SCD patients presenting with AIS. Here, we report a case where successful IV thrombolytic therapy was offered to an adult SCD patient presenting with AIS with excellent outcome.
Long-Term Outcomes of Left Atrial Appendage Electrical Isolation in Patients With Nonparoxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Romero Jorge , Di Biase Luigi , Mohanty Sanghamitra , Trivedi Chintan , Patel Kavisha , Parides Michael , Alviz Isabella , Diaz Juan C. , Natale Veronica , Sanchez Javier , Della Rocca Domenico G. , Yang Ruike , Mohanty Prasant , Gianni Carola , Horton Rodney , Burkhardt David , Al-Ahmad Amin , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya , Natale Andrea
Published: October 2020

Background:

Left atrial appendage electrical isolation (LAAEI) has been proposed for the treatment of nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). The long-term clinical outcomes of this approach remain unclear. The objective of our study was to investigate the incremental benefit and safety of LAAEI in patients undergoing catheter ablation for nonparoxysmal AF.

Methods:

Propensity score-matched analysis was performed using a prospective registry database from 2010 to 2014. All patients in the LAAEI group were matched based on baseline characteristics, echocardiographic parameters, and procedural ablation techniques.

Results:

We identified 1842 patients who underwent catheter ablation for nonparoxysmal AF. Propensity score matching yielded 1092 patients, 546 patients with LAAEI, and 546 patients without LAAEI. At 5-year follow-up, overall freedom from all-atrial arrhythmia recurrence, off-antiarrhythmic drugs, in patients who underwent LAAEI was 68.9% versus 50.2% in those who underwent standard ablation alone (
P
<0.001). Acute complication rates were similar between groups (LAAEI 1.3% versus non-LAAEI 0.73%,
P
=0.36). At 5-year follow-up, 382 (70%) patients in the LAAEI group remained on oral anticoagulation versus 217 (39.7%) in the non-LAAEI group. At 5-year follow-up, thromboembolic events occurred in 15/546 (2.75%) in the LAAEI group and 4/546 (0.73%) in the non-LAAEI group (
P
=0.01). No thromboembolic events occurred in either group on-oral anticoagulation. In patients who were off-oral anticoagulation, at 5-year follow-up, thromboembolic events occurred in 15/164 (9.1%) in the LAAEI group and 4/329 (1.2%) in the non-LAAEI group (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

At 5-year follow-up, LAAEI was associated with significantly higher freedom from all-atrial arrhythmia recurrence in patients with persistent and long-standing persistent AF without increasing acute procedural complication rate. In patients off-oral anticoagulation, there appears to be a higher risk of thromboembolic events in the LAAEI group.
Description of Aporcella minor sp. n. (Dorylaimida: Aporcelaimidae) from Iran, with an updated taxonomy of the genus
Authors: Vazifeh Nasir , Niknam Gholamreza , Naghavi Arezoo , Jabbari Habibeh , Peña-Santiago Reyes
Published: October 2020

A new species belonging to the genus Aporcella, collected in cultivated soils of East Azarbaijan province, Iran, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterised by its 1.08 (1.05-1.15) mm long body, two-layered cuticle, lip region offset by constriction and 12 (11-13) μm broad, odontostyle 13.0 (12.5-14.0) μm long or nearly equal to lip region diam., neck 310 (293-325) μm long, pharyngeal expansion 137 (128-144) μm long, occupying 43-45% of the total neck length, female genital system didelphic-amphidelphic, uterus simple, 34-48 μm long, vulva transverse (V = 59 (58-61)), tail conical with finely rounded terminus (30 (29-33) μm long, c = 34 (33-36), c′ = 1.5 (1.4-1.6)), and male absent. Molecular analyses, using Bayesian inference based on partial LSU sequences, confirm the monophyly of Aporcella as well as its clustering with other dorylaimid taxa characterised by the absence of pars refringens vaginae. The taxonomy of the genus is updated, with an emended diagnosis, list of species, key to their identification, and a compendium of the main morphometrics of species/populations described since the last available revision.
New species of Culex (Culiciomyia) (Diptera: Culicidae) from Talangaye Forest in Cameroon and descriptions and identification keys for males of the Afrotropical species of the subgenus
Authors: CORNEL ANTHONY JOHN , MAYI MARIE PAUL AUDREY , KOWO CYRIL , FONCHA DAVID , ANDONGMA ESACK , ANONG DAMIAN NOTA , ELAD MIRABEL , DJOMO CHARLENE , TCHUINKAM TIMOLEON , BRISCO KATHERINE K. , SEHGAL RAVINDER
Published: October 2020

Species of Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) belonging to the subgenus Culiciomyia were collected in partially logged areas and in surrounding pristine forest (Talangaye Forest) in the Nguti Subdivision in the South-West Region of Cameroon. Mosquitoes were collected mainly by sweep netting through forest floor vegetation. Morphological species identification of African Culiciomyia relies almost exclusively on the structure of the male genitalia and the shapes of comb scales on the maxillary palpi of males. Other features of males and the habitus of females are largely indistinguishable between the species of this subgenus. In total, seven currently described species and three new species were collected in the forest. The males of the three new species are described and named as Culex apicopilosus Cornel & Mayi, sp. n., Culex lanzaroi Cornel & Mayi, sp. n. and Culex pseudosubaequalis Cornel & Mayi, sp. n. More detailed descriptions of males of the other currently known species that were collected in the Talangaye Forest and pictorial keys to the males of all Afrotropical species of Culiciomyia, including the new species, are provided.
The Determination Method of Hydrolysis Degree of Natural Protein and Other Hydrolysates
Authors: Ji Tao , Ye Jingbo , Wang Liangbo , Lv Zhenfeng
Published: October 2020

For the determination of the hydrolysis degree of natural protein and other hydrolysates, the traditional determination method is not the best, and the determination effect is not good, so a new determination method of hydrolysis degree of natural protein and other hydrolysates is proposed.
According to the activity of the protein, the release rate of the inhibitory peptide in hydrolysates was determined; the protein separation program was set up and the natural protein was purified; factors affecting protein activity were analyzed and the properties of protein molecules were
extracted; the antioxidant activity of hydrolysates was calculated to obtain the optimal conditions of hydrolyzed protein and achieve the accurate prediction of hydrolysis. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional determination method, the proposed determination method
has the best hydrolysis conditions, and the determined hydrolysis is consistent with the actual situation. It can be seen that this method is more suitable for the determination of hydrolysis degree of natural protein and other hydrolysates.
125I Seed-Loaded Stents and 125I Seed Strips for the Treatment of Unresectable Malignant Obstructive Jaundice
Authors: Wang Wenhui , Li Shuangxi , Li Baohua
Published: October 2020

Brachytherapy can provide longer obstruction-free time and prolonged survival in patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). A randomized, single-blind, single-center trial was performed to compare the safety and efficacy of 125I seed-loaded stents to
125I seed strips for the treatment of unresectable MBO. Subjects diagnosed with MBO were divided randomly into two groups. Patients in group A were treated with 125I seed-loaded stents, patients in group B were treated with 125I seed strips. Study outcomes
included post-operative complications, quality of life (QOL), time without biliary obstruction and survival. There were no significant differences in complications and morbidity that developed perioperatively. However, the incidence of post-operative complications was significantly higher
in group B (n = 20) compared to group A (n = 19) (P < 0.05). Apart from those assessing pain (P = 0.91) and nausea and vomiting (P = 0.07), EORTC-QLQC30 scores in patients in group A were significantly higher than those reported for group B. The median
time to relief of biliary obstruction was 144 ± 107 days (95% CI, [92.5–195] days) for group A and 231 ± 150 days (95% CI, [160.92–301.58] days) for group B (P = 0.045). Median survival time was 272.58 ± 258.73 days (95% CI, [147–397] days) for
group A and 268 ± 143 days (95% CI, [201–335] days) for group B (P = 0.992). We observed no significant differences with respect to survival were. Although administration of 125I seed strips resulted in a prolonged period without biliary obstruction, use of the
125I seed-loaded stent implant was associated with a lower rate of complications and significantly improved QOL.
Interactive Radiation Accelerates the Intensification of the Midlevel Vortex for Tropical Cyclogenesis
Authors: Yang Bolei , Tan Zhe-Min
Published: October 2020

Interactive radiation helps accelerate tropical cyclogenesis, but the mechanism is still unclear. Using idealized numerical modeling in the radiative–convective equilibrium framework, it is revealed that interactive radiation can bring forward tropical cyclogenesis by accelerating the development of the midlevel vortex. A strong horizontal longwave radiative warming anomaly in the layer between 6 and 11 km altitudes in the vortex region, caused by large concentration of ice-phased particles at high levels, is critical to the development of the midlevel vortex. This longwave radiative warming anomaly induces more upward water vapor flux (mainly in the nonconvective region) and then results in more latent heating at upper levels and more sublimation and melting cooling at lower levels. This leads to an increase of the vertical diabatic heating gradient, and then the intensification of the midlevel vortex. A stronger upward water vapor flux also produces more condensates at upper levels and further enhances the horizontal longwave radiative warming anomaly in the upper troposphere, constituting a positive feedback, and then accelerates tropical cyclogenesis.
The Spatiotemporal Variability of Nonorographic Gravity Wave Energy and Relation to Its Source Functions
Authors: Amiramjadi Mozhgan , Mohebalhojeh Ali R. , Mirzaei Mohammad , Zülicke Christoph , Plougonven Riwal
Published: October 2020

The way the large-scale flow determines the energy of the nonorographic mesoscale inertia–gravity waves (IGWs) is theoretically significant and practically useful for source parameterization of IGWs. The relations previously developed on the f plane for tropospheric sources of IGWs including jets, fronts, and convection in terms of associated secondary circulations strength are generalized for application over the globe. A low-pass spatial filter with a cutoff zonal wavenumber of 22 is applied to separate the large-scale flow from the IGWs using the ERA5 data of ECMWF for the period 2016–19. A comparison with GRACILE data based on satellite observations of the middle stratosphere shows reasonable representation of IGWs in the ERA5 data despite underestimates by a factor of smaller than 3. The sum of the energies, which are mass-weighted integrals in the troposphere from the surface to 100 hPa, as given by the generalized relations is termed initial parameterized energy. The corresponding energy integral for the IGWs is termed the diagnosed energy. The connection between the parameterized and diagnosed IGW energies is explored with regression analysis for each season and six oceanic domains distributed over the globe covering the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and the tropics. While capturing the seasonal cycle, the domain area-average seasonal mean initial parameterized energy is weaker than the diagnosed energy by a factor of 3. The best performance in regression analysis is obtained by using a combination of power and exponential functions, which suggests evidence of exponential weakness.
Fintech’s Transparency–Publicity Nexus: Value Cocreation Through Transparency Discourses in Business-to-Business Digital Marketing
Authors: Bourne Clea
Published: October 2020

This article engages with the critical study of contemporary publicity by examining transparency as a strategic project to platformize financial services. The article contributes to understandings of transparency as value cocreation in business-to-business markets. Through field-level discourse analysis, the article shows that transparency is contingent primarily on the nature of the market, in this case, a platformized industry, which valorizes transparency as part of a regime of data sharing and open access. Transparency is further contingent on the market actor: actors with lesser status and market legitimacy are more likely to seek to cocreate transparency with market actors of greater or similar status and legitimacy. The article concludes that in commercial spaces, publicity’s relationship to transparency is not only determined by market logic, but that all market logics are being drawn further toward a technological definition of transparency as “shareveillance,” as more segments of economic life become platformized.
Neurological, neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental complications of COVID-19
Authors: Pantelis Christos , Jayaram Mahesh , Hannan Anthony J , Wesselingh Robb , Nithianantharajah Jess , Wannan Cassandra MJ , Syeda Warda Taqdees , Choy KH Christopher , Zantomio Daniela , Christopoulos Arthur , Velakoulis Dennis , O’Brien Terence J
Published: October 2020

Although COVID-19 is predominantly a respiratory disease, it is known to affect multiple organ systems. In this article, we highlight the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (the coronavirus causing COVID-19) on the central nervous system as there is an urgent need to understand the longitudinal impacts of COVID-19 on brain function, behaviour and cognition. Furthermore, we address the possibility of intergenerational impacts of COVID-19 on the brain, potentially via both maternal and paternal routes. Evidence from preclinical models of earlier coronaviruses has shown direct viral infiltration across the blood–brain barrier and indirect secondary effects due to other organ pathology and inflammation. In the most severely ill patients with pneumonia requiring intensive care, there appears to be additional severe inflammatory response and associated thrombophilia with widespread organ damage, including the brain. Maternal viral (and other) infections during pregnancy can affect the offspring, with greater incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia and epilepsy. Available reports suggest possible vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2, although longitudinal cohort studies of such offspring are needed. The impact of paternal infection on the offspring and intergenerational effects should also be considered. Research targeted at mechanistic insights into all aspects of pathogenesis, including neurological, neuropsychiatric and haematological systems alongside pulmonary pathology, will be critical in informing future therapeutic approaches. With these future challenges in mind, we highlight the importance of national and international collaborative efforts to gather the required clinical and preclinical data to effectively address the possible long-term sequelae of this global pandemic, particularly with respect to the brain and mental health.
Thinking Europe Otherwise: Lessons from the Caribbean
Authors: Boatcă Manuela
Published: October 2020

The article makes a case for Europe as a creolized space, or Europe Otherwise. It argues that, in order to account for both the transregional entanglements and the internal hierarchies that European colonialism and imperialism have produced since at least the sixteenth century, we need to unlearn received notions of Europe as an unmarked category; and that theoretical and empirical lessons from the Caribbean are central to relearning Europe differently. To conceive of Europe as a creolized space thus means to draw attention to the decisive shifts that its colonial possessions operate in both its historical legacies and its present borders when consistently taken into account. Such reconceptualization entails a simultaneous creolization of theory so as to reinscribe into sociological thought the experiences of peoples and regions racialized as non-European, non-Western, and non-White alongside the multiple entanglements between Europe and its colonies. Drawing on Caribbean perspectives on creolization, I first discuss how creolizing Europe contributes to countering the definition power of ahistorical and unmarked categories. Subsequently, I propose to rethink Europe as a political, cultural, economic, and discursive formation from its current colonial borders in South America and the Caribbean Sea. Finally, I argue that focusing on Europe’s colonial possessions in the Caribbean today and their corresponding geographical referent, Caribbean Europe, is one way to effectively creolize established understandings of Europe’s colonial history as a thing of the past, of a white Western European identity as the norm, and of the European Union as confined to continental Europe. Recent crises in the Caribbean – from the 2017 hurricanes to Brexit – are used as a magnifying glass in order to make Europe’s ongoing colonial entanglements theoretically and politically visible.
Depression screening in Surabaya Indonesia: Urgent need for better mental health care for high-risk communities and suicide prevention for men
Authors: Maramis Margarita M , Pantouw Jakobus Gerick , Lesmana Cokorda Bagus Jaya
Published: October 2020

Objectives:

Despite its high prevalence and considerable burden, depression is not handled with the required urgency in Indonesia. Existing data from the government does not specifically note its prevalence and symptoms manifestation. This study screened depression in Surabaya, where the prevalence of mood disorder was reported to be higher than the national prevalence, in order to identify where action is most needed.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study with non-random sampling. Participants consisted of samples from general population categorised as non-high-risk group, and prisoners, sex workers and drug users categorised as high-risk group. Depression screening was done using MINI-ICD10 self-rated depression questionnaire. Correlation between screening results and demographic data was analysed using chi-square test.

Results:

Positive depression screening was significantly associated with grouping and educational background. High-risk group and participants with lower education background had significantly higher number of positive screening. Significantly higher proportion of participants in the high-risk group experience eight of the ten depression symptoms regardless of screening results. Higher proportion of depression positive male participants experienced suicidal/self-harm symptom.

Limitations:

This study used non-random sampling method, therefore the results may not fully represent the general population. The screening instrument used did not account for depression and symptoms severity.

Conclusion:

High-risk group with low educational background is in most urgent need of mental health help, and suicide prevention strategy is most needed for men.
Effect of Biomechanical Environment on Degeneration of Meckel’s Cartilage
Authors: Farahat M. , Kazi G.A.S. , Hara E.S. , Matsumoto T.
Published: October 2020

During orofacial tissue development, the anterior and posterior regions of the Meckel’s cartilage undergo mineralization, while the middle region undergoes degeneration. Despite the interesting and particular phenomena, the mechanisms that regulate the different fates of Meckel’s cartilage, including the effects of biomechanical cues, are still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to systematically investigate the course of Meckel’s cartilage during embryonic development from a biomechanical perspective. Histomorphological and biomechanical (stiffness) changes in the Meckel’s cartilage were analyzed from embryonic day 12 to postnatal day 0. The results revealed remarkable changes in the morphology and size of chondrocytes, as well as the occurrence of chondrocyte burst in the vicinity of the mineralization site, an often-seen phenomenon preceding endochondral ossification. To understand the effect of biomechanical cues on Meckel’s cartilage fate, a mechanically tuned 3-dimensional hydrogel culture system was used. At the anterior region, a moderately soft environment (10-kPa hydrogel) promoted chondrocyte burst and ossification. On the contrary, at the middle region, a more rigid environment (40-kPa hydrogel) enhanced cartilage degradation by inducing a higher expression of MMP-1 and MMP-13. These results indicate that differences in the biomechanical properties of the surrounding environment are essential factors that distinctly guide the mineralization and degradation of Meckel’s cartilage and would be valuable tools for modulating in vitro cartilage and bone tissue engineering.
Commander–community ties after civil war
Authors: Martin Philip A
Published: October 2020

Ex-rebel military commanders play a central role in peacebuilding after civil war. Yet the influence and mobilization power of these actors is not uniform: in some areas commanders retain strong ties to civilian populations after war’s end, while in other areas such ties wither away. This article analyses a novel dataset of former rebel-occupied localities in Côte d’Ivoire to investigate why commander–community linkages endure or decline after post-conflict transitions. The findings support a theory of political accountability: commanders retained political capital and access to networks of supporters in areas where insurgents provided essential goods to civilians during war. By contrast, where insurgents’ wartime rule involved abuse and coercion, commanders were less likely to sustain strong ties. These findings challenge the conventional wisdom that violent warlordism explains the persistence of rebel commanders’ power in peacetime. Rather, effective wartime governance may create regionally embedded strongmen who can in turn disrupt postwar state-building.
Ambition and ambivalence: Reconsidering positive peace as a trans-scalar peace system
Authors: Millar Gearoid
Published: October 2020

For 50 years positive peace has served as an aspirational goal for many scholars and practitioners of peace. However, much recent scholarly literature evidences a substantial ambivalence toward this ambition, suggesting that prominent theories, policies and practices in the field have failed to support positive peace. This article argues that a key reason for this shortcoming is the field’s failure to respond adequately to the evolving character of conflict (latent and overt) related to technological, legal and economic changes associated with the consolidation of globalization over this period. This consolidation has served to shrink the distances between previously remote actors, to expand exponentially the influence of many institutions, norms, practices and projects as they penetrate new societies, to concentrate power into the hands of ever fewer actors, and to reify instead of deconstruct endemic inequality and marginalization within states, between states, and across the globe. The failure of the field to respond robustly to these changes also prompts concerns about its ability to face sweeping challenges soon to come related to technological innovation, climate change, demographic shifts, labour automation and the search for new governance models. This article, therefore, reaffirms the aspirational goals of peace and conflict studies by building on Lederach’s earlier Peacebuilding Triangle to propose a Trans-Scalar Peace System which would recognize the need for coherent and supplementary policies and actions across scales (global, regional, international, nation and local) and utilize a backward-mapping approach to promote a parity of esteem for actors, institutions and decisions at each scale which would, at the same time, privilege the voice of those with the most pertinent knowledge, experience and capacity for action in support of any given policy or practice. Such an approach would honour the lessons of the ‘local turn’ while developing a global trans-scalar peace system.
Abstractions made of exemplars or ‘You’re all right, and I’ve changed my mind’: Response to commentators
Authors: Ambridge Ben
Published: October 2020

In this response to commentators, I agree with those who suggested that the distinction between exemplar- and abstraction-based accounts is something of a false dichotomy and therefore move to an abstractions-made-of-exemplars account under which (a) we store all the exemplars that we hear (subject to attention, decay, interference, etc.) but (b) in the service of language use, re-represent these exemplars at multiple levels of abstraction, as simulated by computational neural-network models such as BERT, ELMo and GPT-3. Whilst I maintain that traditional linguistic abstractions (e.g. a DETERMINER category; SUBJECT VERB OBJECT word order) are no more than human-readable approximations of the type of abstractions formed by both human and artificial multiple-layer networks, I express hope that the abstractions-made-of-exemplars position can point the way towards a truce in the language acquisition wars: We were all right all along, just focusing on different levels of abstraction.
Organization of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation services for COVID-19
Authors: Leow Lowell , Papadimas Evangelos , Subbian Senthil K , MacLaren Graeme , Ramanathan Kollengode
Published: October 2020

Background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been used for COVID-19 patients with refractory hypoxemia.

Methods

We share our institution’s experience in organizing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation services in Singapore during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also share our first COVID-19 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation case report.

Results

We encountered initial difficulties in providing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation services in Singapore in view of the considerations of managing COVID-19 patients. By adopting rigorous planning, patient selection, staff training, adhering to infection control measures and preparing transport essentials, we were able to reorganize the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation services to serve the nation’s needs. This culminated in our first successful COVID-19 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation retrieval case.

Conclusions

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an option for COVID-19 patients but preparation must be taken to prepare the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation teams to deal with this pandemic and future challenges.