bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Hardware Architecture for Fuzzy Logic System Acceleration
Authors: Abood Aumalhuda , Jodha Mohammed , Alwan Majid
Published: March 2020

In this work, a new architecture is designed for fuzzy logic system. The proposed architecture is implemented on field programed gate array (FPGA). The hardware designed fuzzy systemimproves the excution speed with very high speed up factor using low cost availble kits such as FPGA. The implementation of the proposed architecture uses very low amount of logic elements and logic array blocks as proven when implementing the proposed architucture on FPGA.
A Case Report of Hematuria in Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia: An Unusual Presentation Leading to End Organ Damage
Authors: Qaiser Mansoor Abbas , Chattah Fateh Sher , Khan Samreen , Roop Zarmina , Jahangir Sehreen , Nadeem Muhammad
Published: March 2020

Heparin is commonly used in many clinical scenarios, including venous thromboembolism, acute coronary syndromes, atrial fibrillation, orthopedic surgeries, dialysis, during extracorporeal circulation and peripheral occlusive disease.1 A life-threatening complication following heparin therapy is heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Generally, there are two types of HIT. Type 1 HIT is a mild and non-immune disorder that presents early, usually in the first 48 hours after exposure to heparin. It is caused by an interaction between heparin and platelets leading to the formation of platelet aggregates.1,2 Type 2 HIT is an immune-mediated condition which occurs 4-14 days after exposure and sometimes has life-threatening complications.2 HIT has many different manifestations, so it is important to be cautious in a patient who is on heparin for any reason. Here, we are reporting a case of an elderly lady presented with frank hematuria (a rare presentation) later diagnosed as HIT and ultimately had extensive renal vein thrombosis which led to end-organ damage
To Be or Knot to Be: A Rare Case of Nasogastric Tube Knotting
Authors: Iftikhar Muzna , Kayani Shahbaz Bakhat , Rehman Atiq Ur
Published: March 2020

Nasogastric intubation is a frequent practice in clinical care used for administering enteral feed, gastric decompression, and lavage. The knotting of a nasogastric tube is a rare complication with only a few incidences of narrow bore nasogastric tube knotting and even fewer wide-bore tubes reported [1-4]. Unrecognized knotting of the nasogastric tube with inadvertent removal may cause catastrophic consequences like epistaxis, respiratory distress’ severe laryngeal injury, and tracheoesophageal fistula [5-7]. Tubes have been found to be kinked and less commonly knotted. Cases of knotting have previously been identified during insertion or blockage of the tubes post-insertion. Ours is a case of nasogastric tube knotting identified in a young patient with a working tube that knotted over itself during removal.
The role of human heart-type Fatty Acid Binding
Protein in the early detection of myocardial injury in Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Mahmood Zahid , Khawaja Tariq Feroze , Iqbal Anjum
Published: March 2020

Objectives: To evaluate the use of H-FABP as a novel marker in early detection of cardiac damage (MI) in patients presenting with symptoms of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 250 subjects; 125 patients of ACS presenting within four hours of the onset of chest pain and/dyspnea and 125 age and sex-matched healthy controls. An initial blood sample was taken from patients at presentation. Blood samples of healthy control subjects were also taken. The blood samples of both groups were centrifuged and stored at -200 C for H-FABP analysis. All the patients and control subjects were thoroughly examined and detailed history was taken. The diagnostic test was troponin-T.H-FABP concentrations of all samples were measured by ELISA-kit. The results were analyzed statistically. A p-value≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: In 125 patients of ACS, H-FABP showed a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 83.3% for acute MI diagnosis at a cut-off level of 16 ng/ml. Positive predictive values and negative predictive values were 96.8% and 48.4% respectively. The accuracy was 84.4%and the area under the ROC curve was 0.842.
Conclusion: Evaluation of heart-type fatty acid-binding Protein (H-FABP) within four hours of onset ACS symptoms may be a valuable tool in the diagnosis of AMI.
Keywords: Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein, Acute coronary syndrome, Myocardial infarction.
Domestic violence in Rawalpindi
Authors: Malik Romana , Hammad Muhammad , Irshad Nasim , Chugtai Babur Rashid , Masood Riffat , Shahab M.Asif
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Objectives: To study the prevalence of domestic torture in Rawalpindi.
Study design: Retrospective, cross-sectional.
Place and duration of study: DHQ Hospital Rawalpindi, from 1st January 2016 to 31st Dec 2016.
Material and methods: Record of Medico-legal cases of domestic violence was obtained from DHQ Hospital Rawalpindi. Analysis of all the domestic torture cases regarding age group involved, injury pattern, pregnant/non-pregnant victims, urban/rural distribution and culprits were done.
Results: A total of 118 cases of domestic torture reported at the DHQ Hospital Rawalpindi. All the victims were females, 110 cases of blunt trauma and 8 cases of firearm injuries reported. 12 females were pregnant, the most common age group of victims was 20-30 years, and 113 cases belonged to urban areas as compared to only 5 cases of rural area.
Conclusion: Effective legislation, strict implementation, awareness among public and speedy trial is required to control cases of violence in the society.
Keywords: Violence, torture, society and domestic.
Moratorium Sawit Jokowi dalam Perspektif Kebijakan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan ala Politik Hijau
Authors: Aji Sekar Banjaran
Published: March 2020

Pada fase terakhir pemerintahannya, Presiden Joko Widodo (Jokowi) menandatangani Instruksi Presiden (Inpres) tentang penghentian sementara (moratorium) perluasan lahan dan evaluasi perkebunan sawit. Regulasi ini tercantum dalam Inpres Nomor 8 tahun 2018 tentang Penundaan dan Evaluasi Perizinan Serta Peningkatan Produktivitas Perkebunan Sawit, ditandatangani Jokowi pada 19 September 2018. Kajian ini melihat apakah kebijakan Moratorium Sawit Jokowi dapat dikategorikan sebagai kebijakan hijau yang sesuai dengan Teori Politik Hijau sehingga berpihak untuk kepentingan lingkungan. Lebih jauh lagi, melihat seberapa solutif kebijakan moratorium sawit ini menyelesaikan masalah tata kelola lahan dan konflik yang mencederai sektor pemasok APBN terbanyak tahun 2017.
Reorientasi Penegakan Hukum Pidana Lingkungan Hidup Melalui Perjanjian Penangguhan Penuntutan
Authors: Daniel Deni , Hawari Azam , Handayani Marsya Mutmainah
Published: March 2020

Penegakan hukum pidana lingkungan sejatinya ditujukan untuk mewujudkan tujuan dalam UU 32/2009. Namun, proses persidangan seringkali rumit, mahal, dan lama sementara lingkungan yang tercemar dan/atau rusak membutuhkan pemulihan yang cepat dan tepat. Hal ini membuat rekonstruksi paradigma penegakan hukum pidana, khususnya lingkungan hidup dibutuhkan. Oleh karena itu, tulisan ini mencoba menggagas Perjanjian Penangguhan Penuntutan sebagai salah satu solusi alternatif dalam sistem peradilan pidana lingkungan hidup. Perjanjian Penangguhan Penuntutan dapat menjadi salah satu solusi alternatif terhadap permasalahan proses ajudikasi, khususnya pada pelaku korporasi yang selama ini belum optimal karena dapat menciptakan efektivitas dan efisiensi penegakan hukum pidana lingkungan.
Measurements of Effective Optical Depth in the Lyα Forest from the BOSS DR12 Quasar Sample
Authors: Kamble Vikrant , Dawson Kyle , Bourboux Hélion du Mas des , Bautista Julian , Scheinder Donald P.
Published: March 2020

We measure the effective optical depth in the Lyα forest using 40,035 quasar spectra from the Twelfth Data Release (DR12) of the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey of Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV. A rigorous selection based on spectral index and the equivalent width of the C iv emission line is applied to choose seven uniform samples with minimal intrinsic variations across redshifts. Modeling the redshift evolution of the effective optical depth with a power law,

produces

and

. The 2.2% precision estimate on γ is dominated by systematic errors, likely arising from the bias and uncertainties in spectral index estimates. Even after incorporating the systematic errors, this work provides the most precise estimates of optical depth parameters to date. Finally, using the reconstructed Lyα forest continuum to directly measure the transmitted flux ratio as a function of redshift, we find deviations of less than 2.5% from the predictions from the global model and no convincing evidence for signal associated with He ii reionization.
The MBHBM⋆ Project. I. Measurement of the Central Black Hole Mass in Spiral Galaxy NGC 3504 Using Molecular Gas Kinematics
Authors: Nguyen Dieu D. , den Brok Mark , Seth Anil C. , Davis Timothy A. , Greene Jenny E. , Cappellari Michelle , Jensen Joseph B. , Thater Sabine , Iguchi Satoru , Imanishi Masatoshi , Izumi Takuma , Nyland Kristina , Neumayer Nadine , Nakanishi Kouichiro , Nguyen Phuong M. , Tsukui Takafumi , Bureau Martin , Onishi Kyoko , Nguyen Quang L. , Le Ngan M.
Published: March 2020

We present a dynamical mass measurement of the supermassive black hole (SMBH) in the nearby double-barred spiral galaxy NGC 3504 as part of the Measuring Black Holes in below Milky Way (M
⋆) Mass Galaxies Project. Our analysis is based on Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array cycle 5 observations of the

emission line. These observations probe NGC 3504's circumnuclear gas disk (CND). Our dynamical model of the CND simultaneously constrains a black hole (BH) mass of

M
⊙, which is consistent with the empirical BH–galaxy scaling relations and a mass-to-light ratio in the H band of 0.44 ± 0.12 (M
⊙/

). This measurement also relies on our new estimation of the distance to the galaxy of 32.4 ± 2.1 Mpc using the surface brightness fluctuation method, which is much further than the existing distance estimates. Additionally, our observations detect a central deficit in the

integrated intensity map with a diameter of 6.3 pc at the putative position of the SMBH. However, we find that a dense gas tracer CS(5 − 4) peaks at the galaxy center, filling in the 12CO(2 − 1)-attenuated hole. Holes like this one are observed in other galaxies, and our observations suggest these may be caused by changing excitation conditions rather than a true absence of molecular gas around the nucleus.
Orbital Properties and Gravitational-wave Signatures of Strangelet Crystal Planets
Authors: Zapata Joás , Negreiros Rodrigo
Published: March 2020

In this paper we consider the possibility that strange quark matter (SQM) may manifest in the form of strangelet crystal planets. These planet-like objects are made up of nuggets of SQM, organized in a crystalline structure. We consider the so-called strange matter hypothesis proposed by Bodmer, Witten, and Terazawa, in that SQM may be the absolutely stable state of matter. In this context, we analyze planets made up entirely of strangelets arranged in a crystal lattice. Furthermore, we propose that a solar system with a host compact star may be orbited by strange crystal planets. Under this assumption we calculate the relevant quantities that could potentially be observable, such as the planetary tidal disruption radius, and the gravitational-wave signals that may arise from potential star–planet merger events. Our results show that strangelet crystal planets could potentially be used as an indicator for the existence of SQM.
The ALMA Spectroscopic Survey in the HUDF: The Cosmic Dust and Gas Mass Densities in Galaxies up to z ∼ 3
Authors: Magnelli Benjamin , Boogaard Leindert , Decarli Roberto , Gónzalez-López Jorge , Novak Mladen , Popping Gergö , Smail Ian , Walter Fabian , Aravena Manuel , Assef Roberto J. , Bauer Franz Erik , Bertoldi Frank , Carilli Chris , Cortes Paulo C. , Cunha Elisabete da , Daddi Emanuele , Díaz-Santos Tanio , Inami Hanae , Ivison Robert J. , Fèvre Olivier Le , Oesch Pascal , Riechers Dominik , Rix Hans-Walter , Sargent Mark T. , Werf Paul van der , Wagg Jeff , Weiss Axel
Published: March 2020

Using the deepest 1.2 mm continuum map to date in the Hubble Ultra Deep Field, which was obtained as part of the ALMA Spectroscopic Survey (ASPECS) large program, we measure the cosmic density of dust and implied gas (H2+H i) mass in galaxies as a function of look-back time. We do so by stacking the contribution from all H-band selected galaxies above a given stellar mass in distinct redshift bins,

and

. At all redshifts,

and

grow rapidly as M decreases down to 1010
M
⊙, but this growth slows down toward lower stellar masses. This flattening implies that at our stellar mass-completeness limits (108
M
⊙ and 108.9
M
⊙ at z ∼ 0.4 and z ∼ 3), both quantities converge toward the total cosmic dust and gas mass densities in galaxies. The cosmic dust and gas mass densities increase at early cosmic time, peak around z ∼ 2, and decrease by a factor ∼4 and 7, when compared to the density of dust and molecular gas in the local universe, respectively. The contribution of quiescent galaxies (i.e., with little on-going star formation) to the cosmic dust and gas mass densities is minor (≲10%). The redshift evolution of the cosmic gas mass density resembles that of the SFR density, as previously found by CO-based measurements. This confirms that galaxies have relatively constant star formation efficiencies (within a factor ∼2) across cosmic time. Our results also imply that by z ∼ 0, a large fraction (∼90%) of dust formed in galaxies across cosmic time has either been destroyed or ejected to the intergalactic medium.
Planet–Disk Interaction in Disks with Cooling: Basic Theory
Authors: Miranda Ryan , Rafikov Roman R.
Published: March 2020

Gravitational coupling between young planets and their parent disks is often explored using numerical simulations, which typically treat the disk thermodynamics in a highly simplified manner. In particular, many studies adopt the locally isothermal approximation, in which the disk temperature is a fixed function of the stellocentric distance. We explore the dynamics of planet-driven density waves in disks with more general thermodynamics, in which the temperature is relaxed toward an equilibrium profile on a finite cooling timescale t
c. We use both linear perturbation theory and direct numerical simulations to examine the global structure of density waves launched by planets in such disks. A key diagnostic used in this study is the behavior of the wave angular momentum flux (AMF), which directly determines the evolution of the underlying disk. The AMF of free waves is constant for slowly cooling (adiabatic) disks but scales with the disk temperature for rapidly cooling (and locally isothermal) disks. However, cooling must be extremely fast, with β = Ωt
c ≲ 10−3 for the locally isothermal approximation to provide a good description of density wave dynamics in the linear regime (relaxing to β ≲ 10−2 when nonlinear effects are important). For intermediate cooling timescales, density waves are subject to a strong linear damping. This modifies the appearance of planet-driven spiral arms and the characteristics of axisymmetric structures produced by massive planets: in disks with β ≈ 0.1–1, a near-thermal mass planet opens only a single wide gap around its orbit, in contrast to the several narrow gaps produced when cooling is either faster or slower.
An Accurate Analytic Mass Model for Lensing Galaxies
Authors: Du Wei , Zhao Gong-Bo , Fan Zuhui , Shu Yiping , Li Ran , Mao Shude
Published: March 2020

We develop an analytic mass model for lensing galaxies, based on a broken power-law density profile, which is a power-law profile with a mass deficit or surplus in the central region. Under the assumption of an elliptically symmetric surface mass distribution, the deflection angle and magnification can be evaluated analytically for this new model. We compute the theoretical prediction for various quantities, including the volume and surface mass density profiles of the galaxies, and the aperture and luminosity-weighted line-of-sight velocity dispersions, and compare them to those measured from the Illustris simulation. We find an excellent agreement between our model prediction and the simulation, which validates our modeling. The high efficiency and accuracy of our model manifests itself as a promising tool for studying properties of galaxies with strong lensing.
Williams Flexion Exercise for Low Back Pain: A Possible Implementation in Rural Areas
Authors: Sukmajaya William , Alkaff Firas Farisi , Oen Alina , Sukmajaya Alverina Cynthia
Published: March 2020

AIM: Low back pain (LBP) is a widespread complaint of all age groups. The economic burden of LBP is high, and physiotherapy has proven to reduce this. Unfortunately, physiotherapy or exercise regimen is rarely prescribed to LBP patients by doctors. Until now, there was no study regarding the application of physiotherapy exercise in Indonesia. This study aims to evaluate the effect of Williams flexion exercise (WFE) toward people with LBP.
METHODS: This was a pretest-posttest experimental study design of PROLANIS participants with LBP complaints in one of the primary health-care centers in Jombang, East Java, Indonesia, on June 2018–July 2018. The total sampling method was used in this study. Participants’ basic clinical data and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were obtained through a self-administered questionnaire. WFE was taught to the participants through a presentation, video, and live demonstration. After 1 month, ODI of the participants was reassessed.
RESULTS: There were 42 participants included in this study. There was a significant ODI difference between pre- and post-WFE implementation (31.05 ± 17.40 vs. 14.10 ± 11.78, p = 0.019). Higher exercise frequency (>1 times/day) was associated with further reduction in ODI compared to lower exercise frequency group (1 time/day) (22.09 ± 19.09 vs. 7.38 ± 12.58, p = 0.017). There was no significant difference in ODI reduction between geriatric and non-geriatric participants (p = 0.24).
CONCLUSION: WFE improves functional symptoms of LBP regardless of age. This exercise could be implemented in a primary health-care setting in future to reduce the cost for LBP treatment.
Optimization of multi-angle Magneto-Acousto-Electrical Tomography (MAET) based on a numerical method
Authors: Sun Tong ,   School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China, Zeng Xin , Hao Penghui , Chin Chien Ting , Chen Mian , Yan Jiejie , Dai Ming , Lin Haoming , Chen Siping , Chen Xin ,   Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, Shenzhen 518060, China,   National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Shenzhen 518060, China
Published: March 2020

Magneto-Acousto-Electrical Tomography (MAET) is a novel multi-physics imaging method, which promises to offer a unique biophysical property of tissue electrical impedance with the additional benefit of excellent spatial resolution of the ultrasonic imaging. It opens the potential for early diagnosis of cancer by revealing changes of dielectric characteristics. However, direct MAET is unable to image the irregularly-shaped lesions fully due to the dependence on the angle between conductivity boundary and ultrasound beam direction. In this paper, a numerical simulation of multi-angle MAET is presented for an improved image reconstruction for MAET in order to discern irregularly-shaped tumors in different positions. The results show that the conductivity boundary interfaces are invisible in single angle B-mode reconstructed image, wherever the ultrasound beam and conductivity boundary are nearly parallel. When the multi-angle scanning was adopted, the image reconstructed with image rotation method reproduced the original object pattern. Furthermore, the relationship between reconstruction error and the number of angles was also discussed. It is found that 12 angles would be necessary to achieve nearly the optimal reconstruction. Finally, reconstructed images in L2 norm of the error with the measurement noise are presented.
A novel distance of intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy numbers and its-based prospect theory algorithm in multi-attribute decision making model
Authors: Ren Haiping ,   Teaching Department of Basic Subjects, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Nanchang, 330013, China, Luo Laijun ,   School of Software and Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Nanchang, 330013, China
Published: March 2020

The aim of this paper is to develop a new decision making method considering decision makers' psychological behavior for multi-attribute decision making problem under intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy environment. We first put forward a new distance measure of intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy numbers. Then combining with cumulative prospect theory, we develop a novel decision making method, which can consider risk attitude of decision makers. Finally, an example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method.
Determination of the Conditions of an Effective Functioning of Elongated Cumulative Charges in Processing the Marble Stone
Authors: Paramonov Gennady P. , Kovalevskyi Vladimir N. , Mysin A.V.
Published: March 2020

The study of the effect of Elongated Cumulative Charges (ECC) on rock formations has an important scientific and practical significance for solving a number of process problems in mining practice. The use of charges with a longitudinal concavity for a directional destruction (presplit blasting, “smoothwall” chipping) involves reducing the explosives consumption, preserving the aquifer rock mass from additional explosion-caused cracks, obtaining a smooth contour and reducing the volume of drilling works. It is noted that one of the options that provides the explosion energy redistribution in a destructible medium is the use of elongated cumulative charges with a damping core. Experimental evidences on the dynamic loading of model blocks by an explosion of an elongated cumulative charge with an inert pad of various acoustic stiffness are reported.
Investigation of Low Rotational Speeds Effect during Centrifugal Casting on the Mechanical Properties of Polymer Composites Material
Authors: Talapov V.V. , Melnikov Vitaly
Published: March 2020

In this article, we present our developed and manufactured centrifugal casting machine. We present the results of mechanical testing of samples from polymer composites made on it. At the beginning we give an overview of the main trends in the market of polymer composites. We consider the main factors affecting the mechanical characteristics of polymer composites, and determine the main limitations of using centrifugal casting technology for polymer composites. In conclusion, we give directions for further research. Many industries use polymer composite materials (PMC) to meet production needs. The main advantage of PMC is the possibility of obtaining high strength with relatively low weight, as well as the possibility of obtaining additional necessary properties, such as dielectric, magnetic, etc. The PMC market continues to grow, and now PMC is widely used in aircraft manufacturing, automotive, medicine, etc. [1]. Despite the positive aspects of using PMC, this method has some drawbacks. Firstly, low automation of the process of casting parts from PMC. Many technologies are quite difficult to automate due to their process complexity and constant monitoring. Development in this direction is already underway, and there are practical solutions, such as automatic tape placement (ATL) / automatic fiber placement (AFP) [2]. On the other hand, the cost of these solutions is quite high. Secondly, the high cost of the equipment and tooling manufacturing. Such technologies as pressing, pressing and autoclave molding using prepregs are attached to certain technological equipment and need to organize pressure, maintain temperature, etc. This increases the range of equipment used and overall process complexity. In some technologies using high pressure and heat-cooling such as pressure casting (RTM) [3], it is necessary to use high-strength steels for molds, the processing of which takes a long time and wears the tool. Thirdly, increased knowledge-intensive work and high requirements for staff qualifications [4]. Manufacturing products from PMC requires careful monitoring by the technologist, since the influence of such parameters as: temperature, pressure will affect on the product structure and, accordingly, its characteristics. Fourthly, loss of strength after cutting operations (such as drilling, milling, taping and so on) and further stratification of PMC [5]. This leads us to the fact that used technology should maximally ensure the product geometry with minimization of subsequent post-processing.
Improvement of Magnetic-Abrasive Finishing of Nonuniform Products Made of High-Speed Steel in Digital Conditions
Authors: Maksarov Vyacheslav V. , Keksin Aleksandr I. , Filipenko Irina A.
Published: March 2020

The paper considers the implementation of magnetic-abrasive finishing in the conditions of digital technologies, in particular within CNC systems. The process was implemented through the development of a special device for MAF based on vertical processing center with CNC – Emco Concept Mill 250 and the definition of the combination of working motions of a billet in the interpole space of a magnetic system and their speeds. The result of the study are optimal combinations of working motions and their speeds taking into account formed surface roughness and processing efficiency.
Fractured-Laminar Structure of Formations and Methods of Coal Loosening
Authors: Gabov Viktor V. , Zadkov Denis A. , Kuzkin Andrey Yu. , Elikhin Aleksandr S.
Published: March 2020

The paper analyzes the structure of coal beds. It is noted that coal beds belong to laminar massifs with characteristic oriented structure and pronounced anisotropy of strength properties, and include rock layers and consolidated hard inclusions. The quality criteria of the coal loosening process are highlighted. A selective method of separating coal from a massif by cutting along weakened surfaces is proposed as an alternative to the existing combine technology with continuous cutting of a massif from the surface.
Cytomegalovirus Coinfection Is Associated with Increased Vascular-Homing CD57+ CD4 T Cells in HIV Infection
Authors: Chen Bonnie , Morris Stephen R. , Panigrahi Soumya , Michaelson Gillian M. , Wyrick Jonathan M. , Komissarov Alexey A. , Potashnikova Daria , Lebedeva Anna , Younes Souheil-Antoine , Harth Karem , Kashyap Vikram S. , Vasilieva Elena , Margolis Leonid , Zidar David A. , Sieg Scott F. , Shive Carey L. , Funderburg Nicholas T. , Gianella Sara , Lederman Michael M. , Freeman Michael L.
Published: March 2020

Cytotoxic CD4 T cells are linked to cardiovascular morbidities and accumulate in both HIV and CMV infections, both of which are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this study, we identify CMV coinfection as a major driver of the cytotoxic phenotype, characterized by elevated CD57 expression and reduced CD28 expression, in circulating CD4 T cells from people living with HIV infection, and investigate potential mechanisms linking this cell population to CVD. We find that human CD57+ CD4 T cells express high levels of the costimulatory receptor CD2 and that CD2/LFA-3 costimulation results in a more robust and polyfunctional effector response to TCR signals, compared with CD28-mediated costimulation. CD57+ CD4 T cells also express the vascular endothelium-homing receptor CX3CR1 and migrate toward CX3CL1-expressing endothelial cells in vitro. IL-15 promotes the cytotoxic phenotype, elevates CX3CR1 expression, and enhances the trafficking of CD57+ CD4 T cells to endothelium and may therefore be important in linking these cells to cardiovascular complications. Finally, we demonstrate the presence of activated CD57+ CD4 T cells and expression of CX3CL1 and LFA-3 in atherosclerotic plaque tissues from HIV-uninfected donors. Our findings are consistent with a model in which cytotoxic CD4 T cells contribute to CVD in HIV/CMV coinfection and in atherosclerosis via CX3CR1-mediated trafficking and CD2/LFA-3-mediated costimulation. This study identifies several targets for therapeutic interventions and may help bridge the gap in understanding how CMV infection and immunity are linked to increased cardiovascular risk in people living with HIV infection.
Characterization of Proinsulin T Cell Epitopes Restricted by Type 1 Diabetes–Associated HLA Class II Molecules
Authors: Ihantola Emmi-Leena , Ilmonen Henna , Kailaanmäki Anssi , Rytkönen-Nissinen Marja , Azam Aurélien , Maillère Bernard , Lindestam Arlehamn Cecilia S. , Sette Alessandro , Motwani Keshav , Seay Howard R. , Brusko Todd M. , Knip Mikael , Veijola Riitta , Toppari Jorma , Ilonen Jorma , Kinnunen Tuure
Published: March 2020

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a T cell–mediated autoimmune disease in which the insulin-producing β cells within the pancreas are destroyed. Identification of target Ags and epitopes of the β cell–reactive T cells is important both for understanding T1D pathogenesis and for the rational development of Ag-specific immunotherapies for the disease. Several studies suggest that proinsulin is an early and integral target autoantigen in T1D. However, proinsulin epitopes recognized by human CD4+ T cells have not been comprehensively characterized. Using a dye dilution–based T cell cloning method, we generated and characterized 24 unique proinsulin-specific CD4+ T cell clones from the peripheral blood of 17 individuals who carry the high-risk DR3-DQ2 and/or DR4-DQ8 HLA class II haplotypes. Some of the clones recognized previously reported DR4-restricted epitopes within the C-peptide (C25-35) or A-chain (A1-15) of proinsulin. However, we also characterized DR3-restricted epitopes within both the B-chain (B16-27 and B22-C3) and C-peptide (C25-35). Moreover, we identified DQ2-restricted epitopes within the B-chain and several DQ2- or DQ8-restricted epitopes within the C-terminal region of C-peptide that partially overlap with previously reported DQ-restricted epitopes. Two of the DQ2-restricted epitopes, B18-26 and C22-33, were shown to be naturally processed from whole human proinsulin. Finally, we observed a higher frequency of CDR3 sequences matching the TCR sequences of the proinsulin-specific T cell clones in pancreatic lymph node samples compared with spleen samples. In conclusion, we confirmed several previously reported epitopes but also identified novel (to our knowledge) epitopes within proinsulin, which are presented by HLA class II molecules associated with T1D risk.
Comparison of Spasticity in Spinal Cord Injury and Stroke Patients using Reflex Period in Pendulum Test
Authors: Kristinsdottir Kristjana , Magnusdottir Gigja , Chenery Belinda , Gudmundsdottir Vilborg , Gudfinnsdottir Halla Kristin , Karason Halldor , Ludvigsdottir Gudbjorg , Helgason Thordur
Published: March 2020

Spasticity is a motor impairment present in patients with both stroke and spinal cord injury. In this research, the results from the Wartenberg pendulum test, performed on stroke and spinal cord injury patients using goniometers and electromyogram recordings of the quadriceps, were reviewed and a new parameter to quantify spasticity was extracted. The Reflex Period (RP) of the pendulum test was defined as the time span from 50% of the maximum velocity of the leg swing to the activation of muscle contraction in the quadriceps, determined from the EMG. The results suggest that the reflex period in stroke patients is generally shorter than in those suffering from spinal cord injury.
Polymyalgia rheumatica following intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin instillation: coincidence or true association? A case report and literature review
Authors: Manzo Ciro
Published: March 2020

We report the case of a 73-year-old male patient suffering from non muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) who had violent pains in his neck and shoulders associated with general discomfort and fever, following the second intravesical instillation of bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), with further worsening after the third instillation. During his hospitalization, laboratory tests showed a significant raise of inflammatory markers. An ultrasound (US) examination of his shoulders showed bilateral longhead-biceps exudative tenosynovitis and subdeltoid bursitis. An 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18-FDG PET) associated with total body computed tomography (CT) showed pathological inflammatory findings in neck and shoulders, with exclusion of pathological findings in other sites. Cystoscopy was negative for NMIBC recurrence. Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) was diagnosed and BCG instillations was stopped. The patient had fast improvement of clinical manifestations and laboratory tests, but when he resumed them a few weeks later, the same manifestations recurred.
Emerging prophylaxis strategies against COVID-19
Authors: Agrawal Sumita , Goel Akhil Dhanesh , Gupta Nitesh
Published: March 2020

The Novel corona virus 2019 which started as an outbreak in China in December 2019 has rapidly spread all over the world, such that on 11th March 2020 WHO declared this disease as pandemic. The emergency that the world faces today demands that we develop urgent and effective measures to protect people at high risk of transmission. WHO has accelerated research in diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics for this novel coronavirus.
Classifying spaces for étale algebras with generators
Authors: Kumar Shukla Abhishek , Williams Ben
Published: March 2020

We construct a scheme$B(r; {\mathbb {A}}^n)$such that a map$X \to B(r; {\mathbb {A}}^n)$corresponds to a degree-nétale algebra onXequipped withrgenerating global sections. We then show that when$n=2$,i.e., in the quadratic étale case, the singular cohomology of$B(r; {\mathbb {A}}^n)({\mathbb {R}})$can be used to reconstruct a famous example of S. Chase and to extend its application to showing that there is a smooth affine$r-1$-dimensional${\mathbb {R}}$-variety on which there are étale algebras${\mathcal {A}}_n$of arbitrary degreesnthat cannot be generated by fewer thanrelements. This shows that in the étale algebra case, a bound established by U. First and Z. Reichstein in [6] is sharp.
Stock price related financial fragility and growth patterns
Authors: Aßmuth Pascal
Published: March 2020

The total output of an economy usually follows cyclical movements which are accompanied by similar movements in stock prices. The common explanation relies on the demand side. It points out that stock market wealth drives consumption which triggers production afterwards. This paper focuses on influences via the supply side of the economy. The aim of the paper is to explore channels where stock price patterns influence the amount of credit taken by firms. The author examines trend and volatility cycles on the stock market. There are three channels addressed: the stock market valuation as piece of information for the assessment of a firm’s creditworthiness, the influence on restructuring prospects in times of financial distress and the stock market related remuneration of the top management affecting capital demand. The author ask to which extent a channel may contribute to the stock price - output relation when there is mutual feedback. A model à la Delli Gatti et al. (A new approach to business fluctuations: heterogeneous interacting agents, scaling laws and financial fragility, 2005) drives the results. Firms take credit to finance their production which determines their financial fragility. If their stochastic revenue is too low, they are bankrupt and leave the economy. The capital loss hurts the bank’s equity base and future credit supply is diminished. This causes business cycles. Results show that if the bank assesses creditworthiness according to the stock price then idiosyncratic stock price fluctuations have only a slight effect as they disturb selection and hinder growth. If stock market optimism matters for bankruptcy ruling the level of stock owners’ influence does not matter. If optimism is wide spread among stock investors however, investment behaviour is also correlated through the stock prices and this results in huge real economy cycles without any long-term growth. If volatility is considered in the decision of managers they act more prudently and this fosters growth.
Formation of Nighttime Sulfuric Acid from the Ozonolysis of Alkenes in Beijing
Authors: Guo Yishuo , Yan Chao , Li Chang , Feng Zemin , Zhou Ying , Lin Zhuohui , Dada Lubna , Stolzenburg Dominik , Yin Rujing , Kontkanen Jenni , Daellenbach Kaspar R. , Kangasluoma Juha , Yao Lei , Chu Biwu , Wang Yonghong , Cai Runlong , Bianchi Federico , Liu Yongchun , Kulmala Markku
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Gaseous sulfuric acid (SA) has received a lot of attention for its crucial role in atmospheric new particle formation (NPF), and for this reason, studies until now have mainly focused on daytime SA when most NPF events occur. While daytime SA production is driven by SO2 oxidation of OH radicals from photochemical origin, the formation of SA during night and its potential influence on particle formation remains poorly understood. Here we present evidence for significant nighttime SA production in urban Beijing during winter, yielding concentrations between 1.0 and 3.0 × 106 cm−3. We found a high frequency (~ 30 %) of nighttime SA events, which are defined by the appearance of a distinct SA peak observed between 20:00 and 04:00 local time, and with the maximum concentration exceeding 1.0 × 106 cm−3. These events mostly occurred during unpolluted nights with low vapor condensation sink. Furthermore, we found that under very clean conditions (visibility > 16.0 km) with abundant ozone (concentration > 2.0 × 1011 cm−3, ~ 7 ppb), the overall sink of SA was strongly correlated with the products of O3, alkenes and SO2 concentrations, suggesting that the ozonolysis of alkenes played a major role in nighttime SA formation under such conditions. This is in light with previous studies showing that the ozonolysis of alkenes can form OH radical and stabilized Criegee intermediate (sCI), both of which are able to oxidize SO2 leading to SA formation. However, we also need to point out that there exist additional sources of SA under more polluted condition, which are not investigated in this study. Moreover, there was a strong correlation between SA concentration and the number concentration of sub-3 nm particles in both clean and polluted nights. Different from forest environments, where oxidized biogenic vapors are the main driver of nighttime clustering, our study demonstrates that the formation of nighttime cluster mode particles in urban environments is mainly driven by nighttime SA production.
A convolution of observational and model data to estimate age of air spectra in the northern hemispheric lower stratosphere
Authors: Hauck Marius , Bönisch Harald , Hoor Peter , Keber Timo , Ploeger Felix , Schuck Tanja J. , Engel Andreas
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Derivation of mean age of air (AoA) and age spectra from atmospheric measurements remains a challenge and often requires data from atmospheric models. This study tries to minimize the direct influence of model data and presents an extension and application of a previously established inversion method to derive age spectra from mixing ratios of long- and short-lived trace gases. For a precise description of cross-tropopause transport processes, the inverse method is extended to incorporate air entrainment into the stratosphere across the tropical and extratropical tropopause. We first use simulations with the Chemical Lagrangian Model of the Stratosphere (CLaMS) to provide a general proof of concept of the extended principle in a controllable and consistent environment, where the method is applied to an idealized set of ten trace gases with predefined constant lifetimes and compared to reference model age spectra. In the second part of the study we apply the extended inverse method to atmospheric measurements of multiple long- and short-lived trace gases measured aboard the High Altitude and Long Range (HALO) research aircraft during the two research campaigns POLSTRACC/GW-LCYCLE/SALSA (PGS) and Wave-driven Isentropic Exchange (WISE). As some of the observed species undergo significant loss processes in the stratosphere, a Monte Carlo simulation is introduced to retrieve age spectra and chemical lifetimes in stepwise fashion and to account for the large uncertainties. Results show that in the idealized model scenario the inverse method retrieves age spectra robustly on annual and seasonal scale. The extension to multiple entry regions proves reasonable as our CLaMS simulations reveal that in the model between 50 % and 70 % of air in the lowermost stratosphere has entered through the extratropical tropopause (30°–90° N/S) on annual average. When applied to observational data of PGS and WISE the method derives age spectra and mean AoA with meaningful spatial distributions and quantitative range, yet large uncertainties. Results indicate that entrainment of fresh tropospheric air across both extratropical and tropical tropopause has peaked prior to both campaigns, but with lower mean AoA for WISE than PGS data. For a full assessment the ratio of moments for all retrieved age spectra is evaluated and found to range between 0.52 years and 2.81 years for PGS and WISE. It is concluded that the method derives reasonable and consistent age spectra using observations of chemically active trace gases. Our findings might contribute to an improved assessment of transport with age spectra in future studies.
Validation of tropospheric NO2 column measurements of GOME-2A and OMI using MAX-DOAS and direct sun network observations
Authors: Pinardi Gaia , Van Roozendael Michel , Hendrick François , Theys Nicolas , Abuhassan Nader , Bais Alkiviadis , Boersma Folkert , Cede Alexander , Chong Jihyo , Donner Sebastian , Drosoglou Theano , Frieß Udo , Granville José , Herman Jay R. , Eskes Henk , Holla Robert , Hovila Jari , Irie Hitoshi , Kanaya Yugo , Karagkiozidis Dimitris , Kouremeti Natalia , Lambert Jean-Christopher , Ma Jianzhong , Peters Enno , Piters Ankie , Postylyakov Oleg , Richter Andreas , Remmers Julia , Takashima Hisahiro , Tiefengraber Martin , Valks Pieter , Vlemmix Tim , Wagner Thomas , Wittrock Folkard
Published: March 2020

Abstract. MAX-DOAS and direct sun NO2 vertical column network data are used to investigate the accuracy of tropospheric NO2 column measurements of the GOME-2 instrument on the MetOP-A satellite platform and the OMI instrument on Aura. The study is based on 23 MAX-DOAS and 16 direct sun instruments at stations distributed worldwide. A method to quantify and correct for horizontal dilution effects in heterogeneous NO2 field conditions is proposed. After systematic application of this correction to urban sites, satellite measurements are found to present smaller biases compared to ground-based reference data in almost all cases. We investigate the seasonal dependence of the validation results, as well as the impact of using different approaches to select satellite ground pixels in coincidence with ground-based data. In optimal comparison conditions (satellite pixels containing the station) the median bias between satellite tropospheric NO2 column measurements and the ensemble of MAX-DOAS and direct sun measurements is found to be significant and equal to −36 % for GOME-2A and −20 % for OMI. These biases are further reduced to −24 % and −8 % respectively, after application of the dilution correction. Comparisons with the QA4ECV satellite product for both GOME-2A and OMI is also performed, showing less scatter but also a slightly larger median tropospheric NO2 column bias with respect to the ensemble of MAX-DOAS and direct sun measurements.
An analysis of forest biomass sampling strategies across scales
Authors: Hetzer Jessica , Huth Andreas , Wiegand Thorsten , Dobner Hans Jürgen , Fischer Rico
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Tropical forests play an important role in the global carbon cycle as
they store a large amount of carbon in their biomass. To estimate the
mean biomass of a forested landscape, sample plots are often used,
assuming that the biomass of these plots represents the biomass of the
surrounding forest. In this study, we investigated the conditions under which a limited
number of sample plots conform to this assumption. Therefore, the minimum
number of sample sizes for predicting the mean biomass of tropical
forest landscapes was determined by combining statistical methods
with simulations of sampling strategies. We examined forest biomass
maps of Barro Colorado Island (50 ha), Panama
(50 000 km2), and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia
(3 × 106–11 × 106 km2). The results showed that around 100 plots (1–25 ha each) are
necessary for continent-wide biomass estimations if the sampled
plots are randomly distributed. However, locations of current
inventory plots often do not meet this requirement, for example, as their sampling design is based on spatial transects among climatic
gradients. We show that these nonrandom locations lead to a much
higher sampling intensity being required (up to 54 000 plots for accurate
biomass estimates for South America). The number of sample plots
needed can be reduced using large distances (5 km) between the
plots within transects. We also applied novel point pattern reconstruction methods to account
for aggregation of inventory plots in known forest plot
networks. The results implied that current plot networks can have
clustered structures that reduce the accuracy of large-scale estimates
of forest biomass if no further statistical approach is applied. To
establish more reliable biomass predictions across South American
tropical forests, we recommend more spatially randomly distributed
inventory plots (minimum: 100 plots) and ensuring that the analyses of
inventory plot data consider their spatial characteristics. The
precision of forest attribute estimates depends on the sampling
intensity and strategy.
Linking tundra vegetation, snow, soil temperature, and permafrost
Authors: Grünberg Inge , Wilcox Evan J. , Zwieback Simon , Marsh Philip , Boike Julia
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Soil temperatures in permafrost regions are highly heterogeneous on small scales, in part due to variable snow and vegetation cover. Moreover, the temperature distribution that results from the interplay of complex biophysical processes remains poorly constrained. Sixty-eight temperature loggers were installed to record the distribution of topsoil temperatures at the Trail Valley Creek study site in the Northwestern Canadian Arctic. The measurements were distributed across six different vegetation types characteristic for this landscape. Two years of topsoil temperature data were analysed statistically to identify temporal and spatial characteristics and their relationship to vegetation, snow cover and active layer thickness. The mean annual topsoil temperature varied between −3.7 °C and 0.1 °C within a 1.2 km distance, with an approximate average across the landscape of −2.3 °C in 2017 and −1.7 °C in 2018. The observed variation can, to a large degree, be explained by variation in snow cover. Differences in height between vegetation types cause spatially variable snow depth during winter, leading to spatially variable snow melt timing in spring, causing pronounced differences in topsoil mean temperature and temperature variability during those time periods. Summer topsoil temperatures were quite similar below most vegetation types, and not consistently related to active layer thickness at the end of August. The small-scale pattern of vegetation and its influence on snow cover height and snow melt governs the annual topsoil temperature in this permafrost-underlain landscape.