bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innervation and electrical pulse stimulation — in vitro effects on human skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Marš Tomaz , Miš Katarina , Meznarič Marija , Prpar Mihevc Sonja , Jan Vid , Haugen Fred , Rogelj Boris , Rustan Arild C. , Thoresen G. Hege , Pirkmajer Sergej , Nikolić Nataša
Published: August 2020

Contraction-induced adaptations in skeletal muscles are well characterized in vivo, but the underlying cellular mechanisms are still not completely understood. Cultured human myotubes represent an essential model system for human skeletal muscle that can be modulated ex vivo, but they are quiescent and do not contract unless being stimulated. Stimulation can be achieved by innervation of human myotubes in vitro by co-culturing with embryonic rat spinal cord, or by replacing motor neuron activation by electrical pulse stimulation (EPS). Effects of these two in vitro approaches, innervation and EPS, were characterized with respects to the expression of myosin heavy chains (MyHCs) and metabolism of glucose and oleic acid in cultured human myotubes. Adherent human myotubes were either innervated with rat spinal cord segments or exposed to EPS. The expression pattern of MyHCs was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence, while the metabolism of glucose and oleic acid were studied using radiolabelled substrates. Innervation and EPS promoted differentiation towards different fiber types in human myotubes. Expression of the slow MyHC-1 isoform was reduced in innervated myotubes, whereas it remained unaltered in EPS-treated cells. Expression of both fast isoforms (MyHC-2A and MyHC-2X) tended to decrease in EPS-treated cells. Both approaches induced a more oxidative phenotype, reflected in increased CO2production from both glucose and oleic acid.

Novelty: Innervation and EPS favour differentiation into different fiber types in human myotubes. Both innervation and EPS promote a metabolically more oxidative phenotype in human myotubes.
Mechanisms of rearrangements in platinacyclobutane chemistry
Authors: Puddephatt Richard J.
Published: August 2020

The mechanisms of formation, decomposition, and isomerisation of platinacyclobutane complexes [PtCl2(C3H6)L2] (L is typically pyridine) are discussed on the basis of density functional theory (DFT). The isomerisation and decomposition reactions occur through 5-coordinate intermediates [PtCl2(C3H6)L] that cannot be directly detected. These 5-coordinate complexes are predicted to have distorted square pyramidal structures, but a pinched trigonal bipyramidal (PTBP) stereochemistry is easily accessible. Both α- and β-elimination from these complexes to give hydride complexes [PtHCl2(C3H5)L] are predicted to have high activation energies. The isomerisation of [PtCl2(C3H6)L2] to the ylide complex [PtCl2{CH(L)CH2CH3)L] is instead predicted to occur after cleavage of a Pt–C bond to give an intermediate that can be considered as a corner platinated cyclopropane, leading to 1,3-hydrogen transfer without a hydridoplatinum intermediate. The reaction of [PtCl2{CH(L)CH2CH3}L] to give the alkene complex [PtCl2(CH2 = CHCH3)L] involves dissociation of the C–L bond followed by a 2,1-hydrogen transfer. The selectivity of related reactions from phenylcyclopropane follows naturally from these mechanisms.
Stratigraphy and sedimentology of the Pennsylvanian Grande Anse Formation, Cumberland Basin, eastern Canada: its relationship to salt tectonics and coeval strata of the Joggins World Heritage Site
Authors: Bahr Fadel , Keighley Dave
Published: August 2020

The Cumberland Basin is one of several sedimentary basins composing the late Paleozoic Maritimes Basin complex of eastern Canada. Pennsylvanian salt tectonics in the Cumberland Basin caused two salt mini-basins to evolve on either side of the Minudie Anticline, a salt wall. South of the wall (Athol Syncline), along the Joggins World Heritage shoreline, an ∼3000 m succession of strata (Little River, Joggins, Springhill Mines, and Ragged Reef formations) accumulated conformably on the Boss Point Formation. North of the wall (Black Point sub-basin), the biostratigraphically equivalent, but mostly unstudied, ∼600 m thick succession of Grande Anse Formation lies in angular unconformity on folded and faulted Boss Point and basal Little River formations. Grande Anse Formation sedimentology indicates four lithofacies associations: floodplain (LA1), braided channel (LA2), sheet flood (LA3), and debris flow deposits (LA4). One possible model has the Black Point sub-basin with its own hydrological system, completely separated from the Athol Syncline. A low subsidence rate combined with the low sedimentation rate produced the ∼600 m thick sand- and mud-prone succession that was contemporaneous with the ∼3 km succession to the south. The second model proposes that north of the salt wall was exposed to erosion during accumulation of Joggins and Springhill Mines formation strata to the south. Subsequently, the sediment of the lithologically similar Ragged Reef and Grande Anse formations either (i) onlapped to the north, unconformably on the folded Boss Point; or (ii) unconformably–disconformably on the underlying strata after a period of time indistinguishable in the biostratigraphic record.
Differential Dyson–Schwinger equations for quantum chromodynamics
Authors: Frasca Marco
Published: August 2020

Using a technique devised by Bender, Milton and Savage, we derive the Dyson–Schwinger equations for quantum chromodynamics in differential form. We stop our analysis to the two-point functions. The ’t Hooft limit of color number going to infinity is derived showing how these equations can be cast into a treatable even if approximate form. It is seen how this limit gives a sound description of the low-energy behavior of quantum chromodynamics by discussing the dynamical breaking of chiral symmetry and confinement, providing a condition for the latter. This approach exploits a background field technique in quantum field theory.
Mine Pressure Prediction Study Based on Fuzzy Cognitive Maps
Authors: Li Ye , Shi Xiaohu
Published: August 2020

The study on the prediction of mine pressure, while exploiting in coal mine, is a critical and technical guarantee for coal mine safety and production. In this paper, primarily due to the actual demand for the prediction of mine pressure, a practical prediction model Mine Pressure Prediction (MPP) was proposed based on fuzzy cognitive maps (FCMs). The Real Coded Genetic Algorithm (RCGA) was proposed to solve the problem by introducing the weight regularization and dropout regularization. A numerical example involving in-situ monitoring data is studied. Mean Square Error (MSE) and fitness function were used to evaluate the applicability of MPP model which is trained by RCGA, Regularization Genetic Algorithm (RGA) and Weight and Dropout RGA optimization algorithms. The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed Weight and Dropout RGA is better than the other two algorithms, and realizing the requirement for prediction of mine pressure in the coal mine production.
Understanding Database Reconstruction Attacks on Public Data
Authors: Garfinkel Simson , Abowd John M. , Martindale Christian
Published: August 2020

With the dramatic improvement in both computer speeds and the efficiency of SAT and other NP-hard solvers in the last decade, DRAs on statistical databases are no longer just a theoretical danger. The vast quantity of data products published by statistical agencies each year may give a determined attacker more than enough information to reconstruct some or all of a target database and breach the privacy of millions of people. Traditional disclosure-avoidance techniques are not designed to protect against this kind of attack.
The proteomic response is linked to regional lung volumes in ventilator-induced lung injury
Authors: Yen Seiha , Song Yong , Preissner Melissa , Bennett Ellen , Wilson Richard , Pavez Macarena , Dubsky Stephen , Dargaville Peter A. , Fouras Andreas , Zosky Graeme R.
Published: August 2020

This study provides novel insights into the regional response to mechanical ventilation in the setting of acid-induced lung injury and highlights the complex interaction between tidal stretch and low end-expiratory lung volumes; both of which caused altered regulation of different injury pathways.
Effect of priming exercise and body position on pulmonary oxygen uptake and muscle deoxygenation kinetics during cycle exercise
Authors: Goulding Richie P. , Marwood Simon , Okushima Dai , Poole David C. , Barstow Thomas J. , Lei Tze-Huan , Kondo Narihiko , Koga Shunsaku
Published: August 2020

Here we show that oxygen uptake (V̇o2) kinetics are slower in the supine compared with upright body position, an effect that is associated with an increased amplitude of skeletal muscle deoxygenation in the supine position. After priming in the supine position, the amplitude of muscle deoxygenation remained markedly elevated above that observed during upright exercise. Hence, the priming effect cannot be solely attributed to enhanced O2 delivery, and enhancements to intracellular O2 utilization must also be contributory.
Research on Rheological Properties of High‐Percentage Artificial RAP Binder with WMA Additives
Authors: Wang Weiying , Huang Songchang , Qin Yongchun , Sun Yiren , Dong Rui , Chen Jingyun
Published: August 2020

With the development of pavement recycling technology, the requirement of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is substantially increasing. Warm‐mix recycled asphalt (WMRA) technology has made great progress, which can effectively decrease the working temperature and improve the RAP content. In this study, the rheological properties of recycled binders with incorporation of high‐percentage artificial RAP binder (30–70%) were evaluated using two types of warm‐mix asphalt (WMA) additives, i.e., polyethylene wax (R) and surfactant (M). The dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and beam bending rheometer (BBR) tests were conducted on the recycled binders. The results showed that the temperature and frequency played an important role in determining the complex shear modulus of the high‐percentage WMRA binders. The dependency of phase angle on frequency increased after the long‐term aging. The WMA additive R had a relatively huge impact on the rheological properties of asphalt, which mainly occurred before the PAV aging of recycled asphalt binder; the WMA additive M had no significant impact on the rheological properties of recycled asphalt binder. The WMA additive R enhanced the low‐temperature rheology of recycled asphalt binder, while the WMA additive M enhanced the high‐temperature rheology of recycled asphalt binder. Both of these types of WMA additives improved the antifatigue performance of recycled asphalt binder. The increased content of RAP binder improved the high‐temperature performance and reduced the low‐temperature performance of the recycled asphalt binder. However, it had no obvious impact on the fatigue performance. In addition, there was a good linear relation between the RAP binder content and the two indexes of the multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) test.
Uncertainty Evaluation of Water Inrush in Karst Tunnels Based on Epistemic Uncertainty with Possibility Theory
Authors: Hao Yiqing , Lu Hao , Shi Yehui , Geng Hao , J Xi , Feng Shufang
Published: August 2020

In the risk assessment of water inrush in karst tunnel, it is most important to provide an available theoretical model for qualifying the epistemic uncertainties due to a lack of knowledge and information. Firstly, a mechanical model dependent on geology is introduced associating with four parameters, i.e., the elastic modulus E, the Poisson ratio μ, the water differential pressure q, and the tunnel radius a. Then, a mathematical model representing epistemic uncertainty is represented with probability theory and possibility theory. The methodology was computerized to calculate the distribution of the margin and uncertainty and then to determine the ratio of “margin/uncertainty.” Analyses involving possibility theory and possibility theory are illustrated with the same engineering example used in the presentation indicated above to illustrate the use of probability to represent aleatory and epistemic uncertainty in QMU analyses. The comparison between the uses of possibility theory and probability theory for the representation of aleatory and epistemic uncertainty indicates that the possibility is not only has a better mathematical structure than probability theory but also has some challenges.
Scientific Production in Dentistry: The National Panorama through a Bibliometric Study of Italian Academies
Authors: Lorusso Felice , Inchingolo Francesco , Scarano Antonio
Published: August 2020

Background. The academic scientific research in the field of dentistry has rapidly increased in the last 20 years under the pressure of the multidisciplinary technological advancements and the growing demand for new predictable and cost‐effective techniques and materials. The aim of the present investigation was to analyze the academic scientific production conducted by Italian Academies and Dental Schools. Methods. The list of MED/28 academic researchers, associate and full professors, and academic affiliations was collected from the national database of CINECA to evaluate the scientific output of the Italian Universities. The complete list of scientific contributions and the bibliometric parameters were recorded in the Scopus database. Results. The scientific production of 37 Italian Universities, 416 researchers, and 23689 papers was evaluated. The measurement of total academic papers, citations, h‐index, and relative citation ratio (RCR) was calculated. The study data showed an increase of the academic scientific production over the last 5 years. Conclusions. The results presented show how scientific research is increasingly pursued by dental clinicians.
Consumer Preference and Quality of Sachet Water Sold and Consumed in the Sunyani Municipality of Ghana
Authors: Addo Henry Ofosu , Amegah Kingsley Ebenezer , Xonam Thelma Arko , Kabenlah Eunice , Ameyaw Charity , Graham Linda Obema , Tobigah Theresa , Hammond Barbara , Maxwell Dorcas , Bimi Langbong
Published: August 2020

Good quality water is odourless, colourless, and free from faecal pollution, and a satisfactory safe supply must be made available to consumers. The study assessed consumer preference and quality of sachet water sold and consumed in the Sunyani Municipality of Ghana. A cross‐sectional study design was used, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire from a sample size of 500 respondents. A total of twenty (20) samples of sachet water commonly sold and consumed in the Sunyani Municipality were also collected and analyzed for bacteriological and physicochemical parameters. Out of these 20 samples, 10 samples of sachet water were collected from the production site and the other 10 samples from the market site. Results showed that respondents’ choice of sachet water was based on several indicators. While 70% (350/500) of consumers indicated that sachet water had taste, 58% (290/500) of them were not enthused when the water had colour. Using smell as an indicator, 71% of consumers have had an experience with sachet water smell being questionable. Water taste (p < 0.001), colour of water (p < 0.001), smell (p < 0.001), and increase in cost (p < 0.001) were found as determinants of consumer preference. Consumers who said the colour of water informed their decision when buying sachet water were seven times more likely to have a preference for a particular brand (OR 7.057, CI: 4.474–11.133). Those who checked for expiry dates when buying water (OR 4.871, CI: 3.110–7.628) and those who looked out for Food and Drugs Authority stamp (OR 4.433, CI: 2.806–7.003) were both four times more likely to have a preference for a particular brand. Water quality tests also indicated that 30% of all water samples collected from the production site were contaminated with total coliforms and 50% of sachet water samples collected from the markets were also contaminated with coliforms. The same brands of sachet water that contained total coliforms from the production site were the same brands that contained total coliforms selected from the market. From this study, only total coliforms other than Escherichia coli were detected in the water samples analyzed. It was observed that the evaluated physicochemical parameters of the water analyzed were within the accepted WHO limits. It is recommended that consumers be educated about the indicators to look out for when buying sachet water and, also, that regulatory bodies be empowered to ban the sale of unwholesome brands of sachet water on the market.
Pingkui Enema Alleviates TNBS‐Induced Ulcerative Colitis by Regulation of Inflammatory Factors, Gut Bifidobacterium, and Intestinal Mucosal Barrier in Rats
Authors: Yun Hai-Feng , Liu Rui , Han Dan , Zhao Xin , Guo Jin-Wei , Yan Feng-Jiao , Zhang Chuan , Sun Hong-Wen , Liang Guo-Qiang , Zhang Guo-Xing
Published: August 2020

Background. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic recurrent inflammation of the colon, and clinical outcome of UC is still unsatisfied. Pingkui enema, a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, has been safely applied for the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery in clinic for many years. However, its mechanism is still elusive. The present study is designed to investigate the effect of Pingkui enema on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid‐ (TNBS‐) induced ulcerative colitis (UC) and possible mechanism in rats. Methods. UC was induced by intracolonic instillation of TNBS in male Sprague‐Dawley rats, which were treated with different dosages of Pingkui enema (low, medium, and high) or sulfasalazine for ten days. Survival rate was calculated. A clinical disease activity score was evaluated. Histological colitis severity was analyzed by hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining. Content of Bifidobacterium in intestinal tissue was analyzed by RT‐PCR. Concentration of IL‐8, IL‐13, TNF‐α, D‐lactic acid (D‐LA), and diamine oxidase (DAO) in serum and contents of adhesin and receptor of Bifidobacterium adhesion in rat intestinal mucus were measured by ELISA. Results. The results showed that Pingkui enema treatment with high dosage markedly improved the survival rate compared with untreated and sulfasalazine treated groups. All dosages of Pingkui enema reduced pathological score. High dosage of Pingkui enema and sulfasalazine treatments significantly reduced the serum concentration of IL‐8, TNF‐α, D‐LA, and DAO and markedly increased the serum concentration of IL‐13. In addition, high‐dose Pingkui enema and sulfasalazine treatments increased gut content of Bifidobacterium, gut mucus expressions of adhesin, and adhesin receptor of Bifidobacterium. Conclusions. Pingkui enema has therapeutic effect on TNBS‐induced UC, and possible mechanism may be via regulation of gut probiotics (Bifidobacterium) and inflammatory factors and protection of intestinal mucosal barrier.
A Rare Case of a Cervical Thymic Cyst Presenting in Adulthood
Authors: Smith Blaine D. , Schild Michael H. , Jiang Xiaoyin “Sara” , Kahmke Russel R.
Published: August 2020

The cervical thymic cyst (CTC) is a rare, benign neck mass that most commonly presents in the pediatric population. These entities can occur anywhere along the normal path of descent of the thymus from the mandible to the sternal notch, and extension into the mediastinum has been observed. The presentation of these masses is often characterized by a painless, enlarging neck mass in a child during the first decade of life. Although most patients are asymptomatic, abutment of the cyst against local structures has led to a variety of presentations including respiratory distress. These rare lesions are noted to have a male predominance and most commonly present on the left side of the neck. We present the rare case of a 19-year-old male who presented with a left-sided painless, cystic neck mass. He underwent a computed tomography scan of the neck which showed a large cystic mass in the left neck deep to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Preoperatively, the diagnosis of an infected third branchial cyst was favored. The lesion was completely excised in the operating room. Final pathology was consistent with a CTC. The CTC is an uncommon benign process that often presents as an asymptomatic cystic neck mass. Knowledge of the clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and treatment of these rare lesions is essential for the Otolaryngologist.
Comparative and Correlational Evaluation of the Phytochemical Constituents and Antioxidant Activity of Musa sinensis L. and Musa paradisiaca L. Fruit Compartments (Musaceae)
Authors: Oyeyinka Barnabas Oluwatomide , Afolayan Anthony Jide
Published: August 2020

Secondary metabolites and their biological activity have pharmacological relevance in the prevention and therapeutic management of disease, including the facilitation of normal physiological processes through biochemical mechanisms. In this study, phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activity were evaluated quantitatively on the acetone, ethanol, and aqueous extracts of the flesh, and peel, as well as the boiled peel extract compartments of Musa sinensis L. and Musa paradisiaca L. fruits. Total phenol, proanthocyanidin, and flavonoid contents were estimated and measured spectrophotometrically. The free radical scavenging antioxidant capacity of the extracts was tested on DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl ethanol), ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assay models. Correlation between phytoconstituents and antioxidant activity was analysed using Pearson’s coefficient. The results showed varying amounts of phytochemicals in the solvent extracts of the flesh and peel, including the boiled peel extract of M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca. All acetone extracts of M. sinensis flesh, M. paradisiaca flesh, and M. paradisiaca peel had the highest phytochemical contents, with the exception of the ethanol extract of M. sinensis peel which had the highest phenol content; just as on the overall scale, the peel compartments had generally higher phytochemical profiles than the soft flesh in both fruits. The boiled peel extracts of M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca had the highest ABTS (0.03 mg/mL) and DPPH (0.03 mg/mL) activity. Ferric reducing power (FRAP) was the highest in the ethanol extracts of M. sinensis flesh and peel, and M. paradisiaca flesh, while it was the highest in the acetone extract of M. paradisiaca at the peak concentration used (0.1 mg/mL). There was a significant negative correlation between the total phenol and flavonoid contents of M. sinensis flesh with its DPPH radical scavenging activity and proanthocyanidin content of M. paradisiaca flesh with its DPPH radical scavenging activity. The correlation outcomes indicate that none of the phytochemical constituents solely affected antioxidant activity; instead, a combination of the polyphenolic constituents contributed to antioxidant activity. This study shows the therapeutic potentials of the flesh and, importantly, the peel of M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca fruits on the basis of the polyphenolic constitution against free radicals and oxidative stress.
Wear Properties of TiC‐Reinforced Co50 Composite Coatings from Room Temperature to High Temperature
Authors: Pham Nga Thi-Hong , Nguyen Van-Thuc
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the laser cladding is created by using Co50 powder and TiC mixture, covering a H13 hot‐working steel substrate. The samples are analyzed by the hardness test, XRD, SEM, and friction test to identify the forming phases, microhardness distribution, and wear‐resistant characteristics. The results indicated that hardness reduces from the coating zone to the substrate, achieving the highest value at the coating zone. Increasing the content of TiC results in improving the coating hardness. The coatings with 10%–20% TiC show high‐quality surface morphology and macrograph. With 30% TiC, the hardness obtains a higher hardness, but the surface appears to crack. The microstructures of the coatings present a well‐mixed and well‐distribution of the TiC particle on the Co matrix. The friction coefficient of H13 steel and Co50 coating reaches the maximum value when the load is 50 N and mostly decreases with the increase in the load. The wear rates of H13 steel and Co50 coatings mainly increase with the increase in the load. The temperature has a greater influence on the friction coefficient of the Co50 coating. However, the temperature has a small effect on the friction coefficient of the 20% TiC coating. The wear resistance of 20% TiC coating is higher than that of H13 steel, Co50 coating, and 10% TiC composite coating. At room temperature, the wear mechanism of the coating is mainly brittle spalling, adhesive wear, and ploughing. At 700°C, the wear mechanism is mostly oxidation wear and fatigue wear. After laser cladding, the service life of the coated surface could be greatly improved. The Co + 20% TiC coating has high hardness and wear resistance.
Half-Elemental Diet Shifts the Human Intestinal Bacterial Compositions and Metabolites: A Pilot Study with Healthy Individuals
Authors: Miyoshi Jun , Saito Daisuke , Nakamura Mio , Miura Miki , Mitsui Tatsuya , Kudo Toru , Murakami Shinnosuke , Matsuura Minoru , Hisamatsu Tadakazu
Published: August 2020

Background and Aim. Half-elemental diet (ED) (900 kcal/day of ED) has clinical efficacy to treat Crohn’s disease (CD). However, the underlying mechanisms of how the ED exerts its efficacy remain unclear. Alterations of the gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, have been reported to play a role in CD pathogenesis. Many variables including diet affect the gut microbiota. We hypothesized that half-ED has the potential to change the gut microbiota composition and functions leading to anti-inflammatory actions. Given that inflammation can be a confounding factor affecting the intestinal microbiota, we aimed to test our hypothesis among healthy individuals in this pilot study. Methods. This prospective study included four healthy volunteers. The subjects continued their dietary habits for 2 weeks after the registration of the study and then started half-ED replacing 900 kcal of the regular diet with ED (time point 1, T1). The subjects continued half-ED for 2 weeks (T2). After the withdrawal of ED, subjects resumed their original dietary habits for 2 weeks (T3). Fecal samples were collected from all subjects at all time points, T1-3. Fecal DNA and metabolites were extracted from the samples. We performed 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and metabolomic analysis to examine the bacterial compositions and intestinal metabolites. Results. There were differences in the gut bacterial compositions and metabolites at each time point as well as overtime changing patterns between subjects. Several bacteria and metabolites including short-chain fatty acids and bile acids altered significantly across the subjects. The bacterial membership and intestinal metabolites at T3 were different from T1 in all subjects. Conclusions. Half-ED shifts the gut bacterial compositions and metabolites. The changes varied with each individual, while some microbes and metabolites change commonly across individuals. The impact of half-ED may persist even after the withdrawal. This trial is registered with UMIN ID: 000031920.
Construction of a Security Vulnerability Identification System Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Shi Kebin , Dai Yonghui , Xu Jing
Published: August 2020

In recent years, the frequent outbreak of information security incidents caused by information security vulnerabilities has brought huge losses to countries and enterprises. Therefore, the research related to information security vulnerability has attracted many scholars, especially the research on the identification of information security vulnerabilities. Although some organizations have established information description databases for information security vulnerabilities, the differences in their descriptions and understandings of vulnerabilities have increased the difficulty of information security precautions. This paper studies the construction of a security vulnerability identification system, summarizes the system requirements, and establishes a vulnerability text classifier based on machine learning. It introduces the word segmentation, feature extraction, classification, and verification processing of vulnerability description text. The contribution of this paper is mainly in two aspects: One is to standardize the unified description of vulnerability information, which lays a solid foundation for vulnerability analysis. The other is to explore the research methods of a vulnerability identification system for information security and establish a vulnerability text classifier based on machine learning, which can provide reference for the research of similar systems in the future.
Allopathic and Naturopathic Medicine and Their Objective Consideration of Congruent Pursuit
Authors: Uher Ivan , Cholewa Jaroslaw , Kunicki Marcin , Švedová Milena , Cimboláková Iveta , Kůchelová Zuzana , Kimáková Tatiana , Jusková Mária
Published: August 2020

In recent years, allopathy (ALP) and naturopathy (NAP) have become a favorite topic, source of argument, and the subject discussed when it comes to choosing treatment modality. Various attempts have been made to elucidate this issue, yet limited advancement has been achieved. To this day, the dispute remains active, and the debate over what to do about it continues to damnify us. The presented qualitative analysis aims to identify existing views or else expand on or uncover already known differences. Ourexamination or position is not about the conflict, finding a superior method (ALP vs. NAP), but aims at inductive reasoning, making broader generalizations from scientific observations. Subjects and Methods. We explore the philosophical and psychological foundation of the prevailing ideologies and perspectives in the contemporary society using the Straussian grounded theory approach. The study had no subjects. Results. We outline the path for the future direction. Conclusion. Our examination concludes that it is essential to acknowledge not only the difference between ALP and NAP but also how they both act on our health. We emphasize that, by identifying our perspective, our inner reflection, and our view on this topic, we can undertake a new paradigm, new road to improve our health, and perhaps the well‐being throughout our culture and society.
Analysis of Digital Image Watermarking Techniques through Hybrid Methods
Authors: Begum Mahbuba , Uddin Mohammad Shorif
Published: August 2020

Digital image watermarking is an attractive research area since it protects the multimedia data from unauthorized access. For designing an efficient and robust digital image watermarking system, the trade-off among imperceptibility, robustness, capacity, and security must be maintained. Various studies regarding this concern have been performed to ensure these requirements by hybridizing different domains, such as spatial and transform domains. In this paper, we have presented an analytical study of the existing hybrid digital image watermarking methods. At first, we have given a standard framework for designing a hybrid method that ensures the basic design requirements of watermarking for various applications. After a brief literature review, we compared and analyzed the complexity of several existing hybrid methods in a tabular form. The limitations and applications of these methods are also highlighted. Finally, we summarized the challenges of the existing methods and concluded the study by giving future research directions.
Research on In Situ Stress Measurements in Reinforced Concrete Beams Based on the Core‐Drilling Method
Authors: Deng Nian-Chun , Tang Peng-Fei
Published: August 2020

To increase the accuracy of the core‐drilling method in measuring the in situ stresses within concrete beams, this paper developed a special core‐drilling machine system, studied the surface stress release rule of concrete beams through finite element simulations, and then carried out verification tests. The effects of the borehole diameter, drilling depth, strain sensor size, and borehole position on the measurement accuracy were studied. The results showed that borehole diameters of 100 mm, 75 mm, and 50 mm can achieve stress release and that the smaller the borehole diameter was, the easier it was to release the stress. When using the smallest borehole, the stress concentration range around the borehole was narrow, and there was little damage to the original structure. The strain gauge size influenced the actual measurement results. An excessively large strain gauge will be disturbed by drilling because of the limited size of the borehole. An excessively small strain gauge will be easily influenced by the inhomogeneity and randomness of the concrete materials, resulting in large measurement error. The difference between the measured concrete stress and the theoretical value was less than 10%, and the average error was only 6.03%, indicating the feasibility of the proposed method.
A Comparison of Biannual Two-Phase Low-Dose Liver CT and US for HCC Surveillance in a Group at High Risk of HCC Development
Authors: Yoon Jeong Hee , Lee Jeong Min , Lee Dong Ho , Joo Ijin , Jeon Ju Hyun , Ahn Su Joa , Kim Seung-taek , Cho Eun Ju , Lee Jeong-Hoon , Yu Su Jong , Kim Yoon Jun , Yoon Jung-Hwan
Published: August 2020

Background and Aims: Biannual ultrasonography (US) is a current recommendation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance in a high-risk group. The sensitivity of US, however, has been low in patients with a high risk of developing HCC. We aimed to compare sensitivity for HCC of biannual US and two-phase low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in patients with a high risk of HCC. Methods: In this prospective single-arm study, participants with an annual risk of HCC greater than 5% (based on a risk index of ≥2.33) and who did not have a history of HCC were enrolled from November 2014 to July 2016. Participants underwent paired biannual US and two-phase LDCT 1–3 times. Two-phase LDCT included arterial and 3-min delayed phases. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of HCC detection using US and two-phase LDCT were compared using a composite algorithm as a standard of reference. Results: Of the 139 enrolled participants, 137 underwent both the biannual US and two-phase LDCT at least once and had follow-up images. Among them, 27 cases of HCC (mean size: 14 ± 4 mm) developed in 24 participants over 1.5 years. Two-phase LDCT showed a significantly higher sensitivity (83.3% [20/24] vs. 29.2% [7/24], p < 0.001) and specificity (95.6% [108/113] vs. 87.7% [99/113], p =0.03) than US. A false-positive result was reported in 14 participants at US and 5 participants at two-phase LDCT, resulting in a significantly higher positive predictive value of two-phase LDCT (33.3% [7/21] vs. 80% [20/25], p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with a risk index ≥2.33 showed a high annual incidence of HCC development in our study, and two-phase LDCT showed significantly higher sensitivity and specificity for HCC detection than US.
Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Complicated by Proximate Placental Cord Insertion Sites: Endoscopic Clip-Assisted Laser Occlusion
Authors: Chon Andrew H. , Pham Huyen Q. , Chmait Ramen H.
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Severe twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) with a large vascular communication between proximate placental cord insertion sites is a therapeutic dilemma because laser ablation may cause thermal injury to the cord roots and subsequent fetal demise. Case Presentation: Stage IV TTTS with placental cord insertion sites 1.3 cm apart and with an intervening large arterio-arterial (AA) anastomosis presented for treatment. The application of endoclips onto the large AA anastomosis between the cord roots allowed for successful laser occlusion using minimal energy. Both the donor and recipient twins were alive and well at 6 months of age. Conclusion: Endoscopic clip-assisted laser occlusion of a placental vessel is technically feasible and may be a useful therapeutic option in select cases.
Third-Generation Balloon and Self-Expandable Valves for Aortic Stenosis in Large and Extra-Large Aortic Annuli From the TAVR-LARGE Registry
Authors: Armijo Germán , Tang Gilbert H.L. , Kooistra Nynke , Ferreira-Neto Alfredo Nunes , Toggweiler Stefan , Amat-Santos Ignacio J. , Keller Lukas S. , Urena Marina , Ahmad Hasan , Tafur Soto Jose , Muñoz-Garcia Erika , Regueiro Ander , Leenders Geert E. , Tirado-Conte Gabriela , Sengupta Aditya , McInerney Angela , Couture Thomas , Cuevas Herreros Oscar , Rodriguez-Gabella Tania , Kini Annapoorna , Ahmed Mohammed , Zaid Syed , Gonzalo Nieves , Nuñez-Gil Ivan J. , Muñoz-Garcia Antonio J. , Jimenez-Quevedo Pilar , Fernández-Ortiz Antonio , Himbert Dominique , Nietlispach Fabian , Stella Pieter , Dangas George D. , Escaned Javier , Macaya Carlos , Rodés-Cabau Josep , Nombela-Franco Luis
Published: August 2020

Background:

Currently, 2 third-generation transcatheter valves, 29-mm Sapien-3 and 34-mm Evolut-R (ER), are indicated for large sized aortic annuli. We analyzed short and 1-year performance of these valves in patients with large (area ≥575 mm
2
or perimeter ≥85 mm) and extra-large (≥683 mm
2
or ≥94.2 mm) aortic annuli undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Methods:

A total of 833 patients across 12 centers with symptomatic aortic stenosis and large aortic annuli underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement with 29-mm Sapien-3 (n=640) or 34-mm ER (n=193). Clinical, anatomic, and procedural characteristics were collected, and Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 outcomes were reported.

Results:

Median aortic annulus area and perimeter were 617 mm
2
(591–657) and 89.1 mm (87.0–92.1), respectively (704 mm
2
[689–743] and 96.0 mm [94.5–97.9] in the subgroup of 124 patients with extra-large annuli). Overall device success was 94.3% (Sapien-3, 95.8% and ER, 89.3%;
P
=0.001), with a higher rate of significant paravalvular leak (
P
=0.004), second valve implantation (
P
=0.013), and valve embolization (
P
=0.009) in the ER group. Thirty-day and 1-year mortality was 2.4% and 9.2%, respectively, without differences between groups. Valve hemodynamics were excellent (mean gradient, 8.8±3.6 mm Hg; 3.3% rate of moderate-severe paravalvular leak) in the extra-large annulus, without differences compared with the large annulus group.

Conclusions:

In patients with large and extra-large aortic annuli, transcatheter aortic valve replacement using 29-mm Sapien-3 and 34-mm ER is safe and feasible. Observed differences in clinical outcomes and hemodynamic performance may guide valve choice in this cohort of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
Prevalence and Outcomes of Medium Vessel Occlusions With Discrepant Infarct Patterns
Authors: Ospel Johanna M. , Cimflova Petra , Marko Martha , Mayank Arnuv , Hafeez Moiz , Almekhlafi Mohammed A. , Hill Michael D. , Demchuk Andrew M. , Menon Bijoy K. , Goyal Mayank
Published: August 2020

Background and Purpose:

The prognosis of medium vessel occlusions (MeVOs), that is, M2/3 middle cerebral artery, A2/3 anterior cerebral artery, and P2/3 posterior cerebral artery occlusions, is generally better compared with large vessel occlusions, since brain ischemia is less extensive. However, in some MeVO patients, infarcts are seen outside the territory of the occluded vessel (MeVO with discrepant infarcts). This study aims to determine the prevalence and clinical impact of discrepant infarct patterns in acute ischemic stroke due to MeVO.

Methods:

We pooled data of MeVO patients from INTERRSeCT (Identifying New Approaches to Optimize Thrombus Characterization for Predicting Early Recanalization and Reperfusion With IV Alteplase and Other Treatments Using Serial CT Angiography) and PRove-IT (Precise and Rapid Assessment of Collaterals Using Multi-Phase CTA in the Triage of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke for IA Therapy)—2 prospective cohort studies of patients with acute ischemic stroke. The combination of occlusion location on baseline computed tomography angiography and infarct location on follow-up computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging was used to identify MeVOs with discrepant infarct patterns. Two definitions for discrepant infarcts were applied; one was more restrictive and purely based on infarct patterns of the basal ganglia, whereas the second one took cortical infarct patterns into account. Clinical outcomes of patients with versus without discrepant infarcts were summarized using descriptive statistics. Logistic regression was performed to obtain adjusted effect size estimates for the association of discrepant infarcts and good outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2, and excellent outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–1).

Results:

Two hundred sixty-two patients with MeVO were included in the analysis. The prevalence of discrepant infarcts was 39.7% (definition 1) and 21.0% (definition 2). Patients with discrepant infarcts were less likely to achieve good outcome (definition 1: adjusted odds ratio, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.25–0.91]; definition 2: adjusted odds ratio, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.22–0.99]). When definition 1 was applied, patients with discrepant infarcts were also less likely to achieve excellent outcome (definition 1: adjusted odds ratio, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.31–0.99]; definition 2: adjusted odds ratio, 0.62 [95% CI, 0.31–1.25]).

Conclusions:

MeVO patients with discrepant infarcts are common, and they are associated with more severe deficits and poor outcomes.
Fantastic Borderlands and Masonic Meta-religion in Rudyard Kipling’s “The Man Who Would Be King”
Authors: Kwong Lucas
Published: August 2020

This article examines Kipling’s “The Man Who Would Be King” through the lens of Freemasonry’s interreligious ideology. In British India, members of “The Craft” offered what scholar James Laine calls a meta-religion, a fraternity whose emphasis on interreligious tolerance masks power relations between colonizers and colonized. When he became a Freemason, Kipling’s lifelong fascination with India’s religious diversity translated into enthusiasm for the sect’s unifying aspirations. In this context, “The Man Who Would Be King” stands out for how sharply it contests that enthusiasm. The story’s Masonic protagonists determine to find glory and riches in Kafiristan, a borderland region known for its idiosyncratic polytheism. Initially offering an ideal staging ground for Masonic triumphalism, the region ultimately upends Freemasonry’s goal of unifying imperial subjects under a metareligious banner; Kipling’s deployment of the fantastic frames Kafiristan as a borderland, not only between Empire and wilderness, but also between incommensurable visions of reality.
A Parasociology
Authors: Lucas Kevin
Published: August 2020

In 1956, American researchers Horton and Wohl coined the term “para-social interaction,” defined as the bond of intimacy that a consumer of media feels towards the “image” of the performer. Later developed into the notion of “celebrity worship” by researchers, “parasociality” has a relationship to the worshipful dynamics of totemism—in which the image of the animal exceeds the actual being in sacredness—as described by French sociologist Émile Durkheim. Discussing French author Jean Genet’s exploration of the unlikely forms of totemic worship common in the age of mass media, this article posits that Genet’s “parasociology of religion” demonstrates the way in which Durkheimian sociology of religion can offer insight into ostensibly secular contemporary practices, including those of fan communities.
Redescription of Stilobezzia (Stilobezzia) albicoxa Lane & Forattini, 1956 with new synonymy (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: DA SILVA IRENE MARQUES , FERREIRA-KEPPLER RUTH L. , HAMADA NEUSA , CAZORLA CARLA G.
Published: August 2020

Stilobezzia Kieffer, 1911 is a diverse genus of predaceous Ceratopogonidae (Ceratopogoninae: Ceratopogonini) with 349 species recognized worldwide (Borkent & Dominiak 2020). The genus has four subgenera, three occurs in Brazil, where Stilobezzia s. str. is the most speciose, with 23 species registered (Santarém & Felippe-Bauer 2019).
Termitaphididae, a family of true bugs (Heteroptera) new to Brazil, with the redescription of Termitaradus trinidadensis
Authors: CARVALHO-FILHO FERNANDO DA SILVA , FERNANDES JOSÉ ANTÔNIO MARIN
Published: August 2020

The family Termitaphididae and the species Termitaradus trinidadensis (Morrison) are recorded for the first time from Brazil. This species had been found only in Trinidad and Tobago and is redescribed based on specimens collected in Heterotermes tenuis (Hagen) termite nests from forested and open areas in the Brazilian Amazon. Scanning electron micrographs of integumental ornamentation, illustrations of male and female terminalia, and pictures of live specimens are provided for the first time.
The advertisement call of Physalaemus caete Pombal & Madureira, 1997 (Anura: Leptodactylidae: Leiuperinae), an endangered species endemic to Brazil’s northern Atlantic Forest
Authors: DE CARVALHO THIAGO RIBEIRO , ROBERTO IGOR JOVENTINO , DIAS EMERSON GONÇALVES , SANTOS RAYSSA LIMA DOS , SANTOS EDNILZA MARANHÃO DOS
Published: August 2020

Foam-nesting frogs of the genus Physalaemus Fitzinger, 1826 have been long known for their diverse acoustic patterns (e.g., Barrio 1965; Bokermann 1966). Of the 49 species, the vocalizations of only three remain unknown to date (see Table 1 of Hepp & Pombal 2020): P. caete Pombal & Madureira, 1997, P. deimaticus Sazima & Caramaschi, 1988, and P. insperatus Cruz, Cassini & Caramaschi, 2008. Physalaemus caete is rare and narrowly distributed in Brazil’s northern Atlantic Forest (Santos et al. 2016; Bernardo et al. 2017; Haddad et al. 2018), and an explosive breeder (EMS pers. obs.). For those reasons the species is classified in the endangered category of Brazil’s red list of threatened species (ICMBio, 2018). Physalaemus caete was described in the late 1990s from the coastal region of the Brazilian state of Alagoas (Passo do Camaragibe) and reported for a second locality in Alagoas (Murici; Pombal & Madureira 1997). Recently, the distribution was extended to a third locality (Paulista, state of Pernambuco; Santos et al. 2016). The distribution range of P. caete coincides with the “Pernambuco endemism center”, a biogeographic subregion of coastal Atlantic Forest north of the São Francisco River (sensu Silva & Casteli 2003). Here we describe the advertisement call of the Pernambuco population of P. caete and make comparisons with calls of congeners.
Random Movement of Mesoscale Eddies in the Global Ocean
Authors: Ni Qinbiao , Zhai Xiaoming , Wang Guihua , Marshall David P.
Published: August 2020

In this study we track and analyze eddy movement in the global ocean using 20 years of altimeter data and show that, in addition to the well-known westward propagation and slight polarity-based meridional deflections, mesoscale eddies also move randomly in all directions at all latitudes as a result of eddy–eddy interaction. The speed of this random eddy movement decreases with latitude and equals the baroclinic Rossby wave speed at about 25° of latitude. The tracked eddies are on average isotropic at mid- and high latitudes, but become noticeably more elongated in the zonal direction at low latitudes. Our analyses suggest a critical latitude of approximately 25° that separates the global ocean into a low-latitude anisotropic wavelike regime and a high-latitude isotropic turbulence regime. One important consequence of random eddy movement is that it results in lateral diffusion of eddy energy. The associated eddy energy diffusivity, estimated using two different methods, is found to be a function of latitude. The zonal-mean eddy energy diffusivity varies from over 1500 m2 s−1 at low latitudes to around 500 m2 s−1 at high latitudes, but significantly larger values are found in the eddy energy hotspots at all latitudes, in excess of 5000 m2 s−1. Results from this study have important implications for recently developed energetically consistent mesoscale eddy parameterization schemes which require solving the eddy energy budget.