bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Random Graph Modeling
Authors: Drobyshevskiy Mikhail , Turdakov Denis
Published: December 2019

Random graph (RG) models play a central role in complex networks analysis. They help us to understand, control, and predict phenomena occurring, for instance, in social networks, biological networks, the Internet, and so on.

Despite a large number of RG models presented in the literature, there are few concepts underlying them. Instead of trying to classify a wide variety of very dispersed models, we capture and describe concepts they exploit considering preferential attachment, copying principle, hyperbolic geometry, recursively defined structure, edge switching, Monte Carlo sampling, and so on. We analyze RG models, extract their basic principles, and build a taxonomy of concepts they are based on. We also discuss how these concepts are combined in RG models and how they work in typical applications like benchmarks, null models, and data anonymization.
Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis and Hydrocephalus in a Vegan Secondary to Acquired Hyperhomocystinaemia
Authors: Priyankara W. D. D. , Chandimal A.V. I. , Sivagnanam F. G. , Manoj E. M.
Published: December 2019

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis associated with acute hydrocephalus and periventricular leukoencephalopathy is a challenging combination, in a critically ill with deteriorating neurology. We report a case of a young man with acute onset neuropsychiatric manifestations, admitted to the intensive care unit. He was found to have widespread cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, hyperintensities in basal ganglia, and acute hydrocephalus in magnetic resonance imaging, necessitating cerebrospinal fluid diversion, by way of an external ventricular drain and therapeutic anticoagulation. He had otherwise normal routine biochemistry, except for macrocytosis, which prompted us to suspect acquired hyperhomocysteinemia secondary to cobalamin and folate deficiency, in the background of him being a vegan. Replacement of vitamin B12, folic acid, pyridoxine along with anticoagulation and control of intracranial pressure with external ventricular drain lead to dramatic improvement of his neurology. Therefore, high index of suspicion is crucial for a better outcome in otherwise irreversible neurological damage in acquired hyperhomocystinaemia.
Optimum Solutions of Fractional Order Zakharov–Kuznetsov Equations
Authors: Nawaz Rashid , Zada Laiq , Khattak Abraiz , Jibran Muhammad , Khan Adam
Published: December 2019

In this paper, the Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method is extended to derive the approximate solutions of fractional order two‐dimensional partial differential equations. The fractional order Zakharov–Kuznetsov equation is solved as a test example, while the time fractional derivatives are described in the Caputo sense. The solutions of the problem are computed in the form of rapidly convergent series with easily calculable components using Mathematica. Reliability of the proposed method is given by comparison with other methods in the literature. The obtained results showed that the method is powerful and efficient for determination of solution of higher‐dimensional fractional order partial differential equations.
Stability and Bifurcation for a Single‐Species Model with Delay Weak Kernel and Constant Rate Harvesting
Authors: Li Xiangrui , Huang Shuibo
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we consider the effect of constant rate harvesting on the dynamics of a single‐species model with a delay weak kernel. By a simple transformation, the single‐species model is transformed into a two‐dimensional system. The existence and the stability of possible equilibria under different conditions are carried out by analysing the two‐dimensional system. We show that there exists a critical harvesting value such that the population goes extinct in finite time if the constant rate harvesting u is greater than the critical value, and there exists a degenerate critical point or a saddle‐node bifurcation when the constant rate harvesting u equals the critical value. When the constant rate harvesting u is less than the critical value, sufficient conditions about the existence of the Hopf bifurcation are derived by topological normal form for the Hopf bifurcation and calculating the first Lyapunov coefficient. The key results obtained in the present paper are illustrated using numerical simulations. These results indicate that it is important to select the appropriate constant rate harvesting u.
Effect of Ajwa Dates Consumption to Inhibit the Progression of Preeclampsia Threats on Mean Arterial Pressure and Roll-Over Test
Authors: Royani Ida , As’ad Suryani , Mappaware Nasrudin A , Hatta Mochammad , Rabia
Published: December 2019

Background. Preeclampsia is the major problem and the main leading cause of fetal and maternal mortality worldwide. The early prediction of preeclampsia in pregnant women is required to prevent the occurrence of preeclampsia. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) and roll-over test (ROT) are the combination of measurement which can be used to predict preeclampsia. On the contrary, Ajwa dates were reported to have an enormous activity which contributes to its role in improving health conditions. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of daily consumption of seven Ajwa dates on prevention of preeclampsia, through MAP and ROT changes. Methods. Forty pregnant women (n = 40) were randomly assigned into the control group (n = 10) and the intervention group which received a daily intake of Ajwa dates (n = 30). The MAP and ROT were assessed before and after the 8-week intervention period. Results. The intervention group showed the significant reduction in MAP and ROT following the 8-week intervention period (p<0.05). Conclusion. Daily consumption of seven Ajwa dates has a remarkable potential to decrease the MAP and ROT in pregnant women at risk of developing preeclampsia, and thus, it can contribute to prevent the development of preeclampsia.
Fuzzy Set‐Valued Information Systems and the Algorithm of Filling Missing Values for Incomplete Information Systems
Authors: Wang Zhaohao , Zhang Xiaoping
Published: December 2019

How to effectively deal with missing values in incomplete information systems (IISs) according to the research target is still a key issue for investigating IISs. If the missing values in IISs are not handled properly, they will destroy the internal connection of data and reduce the efficiency of data usage. In this paper, in order to establish effective methods for filling missing values, we propose a new information system, namely, a fuzzy set‐valued information system (FSvIS). By means of the similarity measures of fuzzy sets, we obtain several binary relations in FSvISs, and we investigate the relationship among them. This is a foundation for the researches on FSvISs in terms of rough set approach. Then, we provide an algorithm to fill the missing values in IISs with fuzzy set values. In fact, this algorithm can transform an IIS into an FSvIS. Furthermore, we also construct an algorithm to fill the missing values in IISs with set values (or real values). The effectiveness of these algorithms is analyzed. The results showed that the proposed algorithms achieve higher correct rate than traditional algorithms, and they have good stability. Finally, we discuss the importance of these algorithms for investigating IISs from the viewpoint of rough set theory.
Evaporation-Induced Water and Solute Coupled Transport in Saline Loess Columns in Closed and Open Systems
Authors: Xu Jian , Lan Wei , Li Yanfeng , Cheng Wen-Chieh , Yuan Jun , Tan Qinghai
Published: December 2019

Evaporation-induced water and solute coupled transport is a significant cause for soil salinization that leads to a series of engineering and environmental problems. In the artificial evaporation environment, including relative humidity, atmospheric temperature, atmospheric pressure, radiation intensity, and wind speed, evaporation of loess columns with sodium sulfate, temperature profile, and water and solute transport in closed and open systems were investigated. In the former case, a range of stability was noted in the lower part of the column where the heat, water, and solute coupled transport only exhibited a weak response to a specified evaporation environment. As the environment was more favorable for evaporation, or at a higher gradient of temperature, this range extended downwards, while above this range the heat, water, and salt profiles in the evaporation-affected domain changed dramatically, characterized by a basic law that solutes moved with water and were then retained with water desalinated. Evidences were found from the profiles that the water contents in the evaporation-affected range decreased but the salt contents increased, especially in the surface. In an open system, by contrast, there was little difference in temperature but greater in water and salt profiles. Three stages were found from the supply of external water during evaporation. In the initial stage, the higher gradient formed between the initial moisture state and the preset external water level led to a rapid supply of external water. As the evaporation proceeded, a relatively stable water profile was reached as the intensity of water supply approached to that of evaporation, accompanied by a continual migration of solutes towards the surface. Due to the accumulation of precipitated salts, water transport was slowed down, and the intensity of water supply decreased. The changes in soil suction may account for the above behavior.
Geochemical Characteristics of Released Organic Matters by Acid Decomposition of Hydrocarbon Source Rocks from Different Sedimentary Basins
Authors: Liu Peng , Wang Xiaofeng , Li Xiaofu , Zhang Ting , Liu Wenhui
Published: December 2019

It has been acknowledged that carbonate was identified as the source rocks of a series of oil-gas fields worldwide. For evaluating the carbonate source rocks, total organic carbon (TOC) contents act as an important indicator. However, the acid solution, which has been generated during conventional TOC measurements, contain organic matters. Hence, the released organic matters in acid solution during carbonate decomposition may lead to underestimate the hydorcarbon generation potential. In this study, rock-eval pyrolysis technique was applied to bulk rock and residue after acid treatment. Meanwhile, the organic matters in acid solution were measured by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) to investigate the geochemical characteristics. In addition, the hydrocarbon generation and alteration of TOC contents of released organic matters by acid treatment were studied by hydrous pyrolysis experiments. The results show that the acid solution contains organic compounds, including n-alkanes, saturated fatty acids and fatty acid methyl esters. Meanwhile, total organic carbon (TOC) contents and hydrocarbon generation potential (S1+S2) significantly decrease for bulk rocks after acid treatment in low maturity samples. Moreover, organic CO2 (S3) decreased after treating of acid, revealing that acidolysis process can affect and release organic matters containing oxygen-bearing functional groups. The S1, S2, S3, and TOC loss are positive correlation with the proportion of rock loss during acidolysis, indicating that the organic matters in acid solution are associated with carbonate minerals. The organic fractions may exist as adsorption state on the surface of carbonate minerals and (or) exist as organic acid salts. Moreover, the thermal simulation experiments reveal that the organic matter in acid solution, which is not recovered by the conventional measurement approach, could contribute to hydrocarbon generation.
Research on Corrosion Fatigue Performance and Multiple Fatigue Sources Fracture Process of Corroded Steel Wires
Authors: Wang Ying , Zheng Yuqian
Published: December 2019

Corrosion fatigue (CF) failure is one of the typical failure modes of high‐strength steel wires for bridge cables because the cables are subjected to long‐term fatigue loads and exposed to heavily polluted environment simultaneously. In this paper, a numerical simulation method was proposed to study CF performance of corroded high‐strength steel wires. Firstly, the cellular automata (CA) method was used to generate a numerical model of corroded steel wires with corrosion pit, which can accurately describe the electrochemical process of metal corrosion. In the established CA model, three kinds of cells were involved, namely, metal cell, passive film cell, and corrosive medium cell. By setting 10 cellular transformation rules, morphology of the random corrosion pit on the steel wire surface was simulated. And then, a damage evolution model related to coupling of corrosivemedium and fatigue loads (CCF) was developed to describe the CF damage evolution process of steel wires. Subsequently, the damage evolution process was analyzed by ABAQUS with a user‐defined material subroutine (UMAT). Finally, the life of corroded steel wires was predicted, and the CF performance of corroded steel wires with multiple corrosion pits was evaluated. The results show that the proposed method can reasonably describe the CF damage evolution process and illuminate the failure mechanism of steel wires subjected to the CCF. Damage of the steel wire with a single corrosion pit evolves gradually, and the damage evolution rate increases. For the steel wires with multiple corrosion pits, the corrosion pits affect mutually in the fracture process. When the angle and distance between corrosion pits reach a certain degree, the mutual effects can be ignored. With the same pit depth, the angle and distance among corrosion pits determine the CF life of steel wires mainly, and the number of corrosion pits affects slightly.
Analysis of a Methodology for Torsional Test under Normal Stress and Shear Performance for Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Xie Jun , Zhan Yiqun , Wang Yifan
Published: December 2019

Insufficient shear performance in an asphalt mixture is a primary reason for rutting deformation and pavement surface longitudinal cracking. Thus, it is important to choose a suitable shear test method to evaluate shear performance in an asphalt mixture. Current testing methods mainly evaluate the bonding strength between asphalt layers, and the current shear test method for an asphalt mixture is disadvantaged by high equipment cost and complicated procedures. Our study proposes a torsional test method under normal stress condition, and evaluation was done for four types of asphalt mixture under different temperature conditions. Through the mechanical analysis, the calculation formulas for shear strength and shear parameters (cohesion and internal friction angle) for the torsional test under a normal stress condition were obtained. Testing results were also obtained for shear strength, shear modulus, and cohesion and internal friction angle of the asphalt mixtures. Experimental testing indicated that the method was able to provide repeatable results for the shear resistance of asphalt mixtures at different temperatures and also reflected the difference in shear performance of the various asphalt mixtures and the influence of temperature on shear performance. The failure mode of the specimen was the appearance of an oblique crack of about 45° from the vertical axis after the specimen was destroyed, which accorded with shear failure characteristics. A shear fatigue model was obtained considering different shear stress levels. The torsional test method under normal stress formed a compression‐shear action on the specimen by applying torque and normal stress and was used to evaluate the shear performance of the asphalt mixtures.
A Stairs Evacuation Model Considering the Pedestrian Merging Flows
Authors: Zheng Xia Zhong , Tian Dan , Zhang Ming , Hu Chaoran , Tong Liyang
Published: December 2019

Pedestrian merging flows are common in a stairs evacuation process, which involves complex interactions among pedestrians that substantially restrict the efficiency of the stairs evacuation process. Analyzing the pedestrian merging flows process and improving the efficiency of stairs evacuation are urgent and essential tasks. A novel simplified stairs evacuation model for simulating and analyzing the stairs evacuation process, which considers the impact of merging flows, is proposed in this process. The dynamic pedestrian output rate of a floor platform is calculated by the number of pedestrians on the floor platform. The merging ratio determined by the design size of stairs is adopted to determine the ratio between the stairs pedestrian flow and the floor pedestrian flow in the pedestrian output rate of the floor platform. To evaluate the stairs evacuation process is divided into three stages based on the pedestrian merging flows process, and the evacuation time at each stage is computed by the dynamic pedestrian output rate of the floor platform. The stairs evacuation capacity is calculated by the evacuation time and the number of pedestrians. A case study of a six-floor building evacuation is investigated, and the reliability and feasibility of the proposed model is verified. By establishing different merging ratios, the optimal merging ratio is obtained by comparing the evacuation capacities of different merging ratios, which provides a reference of stairs design for designers.
A Real-Valued Genetic Algorithm for Optimization of Sensor Placement for Guided Wave-Based Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Soman Rohan , Malinowski Pawel
Published: December 2019

The paper presents a novel implementation of the genetic algorithm (GA) to improve the coverage of the sensor network for damage detection using guided waves. The implementation allows depiction of sensor locations with real values which is closer to the real-life situation. Also, additional features such as proximity checks and node insertions have been implemented in order to improve the convergence of the GA as well as the thoroughness of the search space. For the traditional integer-based implementation, the size of the problem is large but finite. For the real-valued implementation, the problem size can indeed be infinitely large. So added measures have been introduced such as a two-step optimization process for the reduction in size and improved convergence.
ARRB1-Promoted NOTCH1 Degradation Is Suppressed by OncomiR miR-223 in T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Shu Yi , Wang Yi , Lv Wen-Qiong , Peng Dan-Yi , Li Juan , Zhang Hang , Jiang Guang-Jie , Yang Bi-Jie , Liu Shan , Zhang Jia , Chen Yan-Hua , Tang Shi , Wan Ke-Xing , Yuan Jun-Tao , Guo Wei , Fu Guo , Qi Xin-Kun , Liu Zhi-Dai , Liu Hai-Yan , Yang Chao , Zhang Ling-Huan , Liu Fang-Jie , Yu Jie , Zhang Peng-Hui , Qu Bin , Zhao Hui , He Tong-Chuan , Zou Lin
Published: December 2019

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a type of aggressive leukemia with inferior prognosis. Although activating mutations of NOTCH1 are observed in most T-ALL cases, these mutations alone are not sufficient to drive the full development of T-ALL. β-Arrestins (ARRB) are versatile and multifunctional adapter proteins that regulate diverse cellular functions, including promoting the development of cancer. However, the role of ARRBs in T-ALL has largely remained elusive. In this study, we showed that ARRB1 is expressed at low levels in assayed T-ALL clinical samples and cell lines. Exogenous ARRB1 expression inhibited T-ALL proliferation and improved the survival of T-ALL xenograft animals. ARRB1 facilitated NOTCH1 ubiquitination and degradation through interactions with NOTCH1 and DTX1. Mechanistically, the oncogenic miRNA (oncomiR) miR-223 targets the 3′-UTR of ARRB1 (BUTR) and inhibits its expression in T-ALL. Furthermore, overexpression of the ARRB1-derived miR-223 sponge suppressed T-ALL cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Collectively, these results demonstrate that ARRB1 acts as a tumor suppressor in T-ALL by promoting NOTCH1 degradation, which is inhibited by elevated miR-223, suggesting that ARRB1 may serve as a valid drug target in the development of novel T-ALL therapeutics.

Significance: These findings highlight a novel tumor suppressive function of the adaptor protein β-arrestin1 in T-ALL.
DC-HIL/Gpnmb Is a Negative Regulator of Tumor Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Chung Jin-Sung , Ramani Vijay , Kobayashi Masato , Fattah Farjana , Popat Vinita , Zhang Song , Cruz Ponciano D. , Gerber David E. , Ariizumi Kiyoshi
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) benefit only a minority of treated patients with cancer. Identification of biomarkers distinguishing responders and nonresponders will improve management of patients with cancer. Because the DC-HIL checkpoint differs from the PD1 pathway in expression and inhibitory mechanisms, we examined whether DC-HIL expression regulates ICI responsiveness.

Experimental Design:

Plasma samples were collected from patients with advanced non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) (n = 76) at baseline and/or follow-up after ICI monotherapy. Blood-soluble DC-HIL (sDC-HIL) was determined and analyzed for correlation with the early tumor response. To study the mechanisms, we measured effect of anti-DC-HIL versus anti-PDL1 mAb on growth of mouse tumor cells in experimentally metastatic lung. Influence of DC-HIL to anti-PDL1 treatment was assessed by changes in tumor response after deletion of host-DC-HIL gene, injection of DC-HIL–expressing myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), or induction of sDC-HIL expression.

Results:

Nonresponders expressed significantly higher levels of baseline sDC-HIL levels than responders. Among patients (n = 28) for fluctuation with time, nonresponders (14/15 cases) showed increasing or persistently elevated levels. Responders (12/13) had decreasing or persistently low levels. Among various tumors, B16 melanoma exhibited resistance to anti-PDL1 but responded to anti-DC-HIL mAb. Using B16 melanoma and LL2 lung cancer, we showed that deletion of host-derived DC-HIL expression converted the resistant tumor to one responsive to anti-PDL1 mAb. The responsive state was reversed by infusion of DC-HIL+MDSC or induction of sDC-HIL expression.

Conclusions:

sDC-HIL in the blood and probably DC-HIL receptor expressed by MDSC play an important role in regulating response to ICI in advanced NSCLC.
miR-1231 Is Downregulated in Prostate Cancer with Prognostic and Functional Implications
Authors: Wang Yitao , Zhang Qingling , Guo Baowei , Feng Jiao , Zhao Dan
Published: December 2019

Background: Our study investigated the expression levels of miR-1231 in prostate cancer tissues and cell lines and explored its potential prognostic significance as well as its functional effects on prostate cancer cells. Methods: miR-1231 expression levels were detected in prostate cancer tissues and prostate cancer cell lines using qRT-PCR. The prognostic significance of miR-1231 in prostate cancer was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression analyses. Evaluation of the impact of ectopic expression or inhibition of miR-1231 on aggressive tumor behavior (cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion) of prostate cancer cell lines involved the CCK-8 and Transwell assays. Results: miR-1231 expression was downregulated in both prostate cancer tissues and cell lines. Downregulation of miR-1231 was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis, higher TNM stage, higher clinical stage, and shorter overall survival. The expression of miR-1231 was predicted as a prognostic factor for prostate cancer patients. Additionally, we found overexpression of miR-1231 suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of prostate cancer cell linesin vitro. EGFR was a direct target of miR-1231. Conclusion: Taken together, our results indicate that miR-1231 expression plays a tumor-suppressive role in prostate cancer. It is downregulated in prostate cancer and may suppress prostate cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting EGFR, and it may be a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer treatment in the future.
Darier’s Disease: Report of a Case with Facial Involvement
Authors: Kositkuljorn Chaninan , Suchonwanit Poonkiat
Published: December 2019

Darier’s disease is a relatively rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis with a defect in the desmosomal attachment due to a mutation in the ATP2A2 gene. The condition is characterized by multiple hyperkeratotic papules predominantly in seborrheic areas on the head, neck, and trunk, with less frequent involvement of the oral mucosa. Histopathologically, the lesions reveal suprabasal clefts in the epithelium with acantholytic and dyskeratotic cells. Facial involvement in Darier’s disease is one of the common presenting features. However, it has been once reported in a severe, chronic form as leonine facies in a long-standing case. To raise awareness of facial involvement in Darier’s disease, we herein report a 65-year-old female patient with prominent facial lesions.
Effectiveness of the Mobile Emergency Medical Services (SAMU): use of interrupted time series
Authors: Oliveira Cátia C. Martins , Novaes Hillegonda Maria Dutih , Alencar Airlane Pereira , Santos Itamar S. , Damasceno Maria Cecilia T. , Souza Heraldo Possolo de
Published: December 2019

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of the Mobile Emergency Medical Services (SAMU) in the ABC Region, using myocardial infarction as tracer condition. METHODS: The analysis of interrupted time series was the approach chosen to test immediate and gradual effects of the intervention on the study population. The research comprised adjusted monthly time series of the hospital mortality rate by myocardial infarction in the period between 2000 and 2011. Data were extracted from the Mortality Information System (SIM), using segmented regression analysis to evaluate the level and trend of the intervention before and after its implementation. To strengthen the internal validity of the study, a control region was included. RESULTS: The analysis of interrupted time series showed a reduction of 0.04 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in the mortality rate compared to the underlying trend since the implementation of the Emergency Medical Services (p = 0.0040; 95%CI: −0.0816 – −0.0162) and a reduction in the level of 2.89 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants (p = 0.0001; 95%CI: −4.3293 – −1.4623), both with statistical significance. Regarding the control region, Baixada Santista, the difference in the result trend between intervention outcome and post-intervention control of −0.0639 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants was statistically significant (p = 0.0031; 95%CI: −0.1060 – −0.0219). We cannot exclude confounders, but we limited their presence in the study by including control region series. CONCLUSIONS: Although the analysis of interrupted time series has limitations, this modeling can be useful for analyzing the performance of policies and programs. Even though the intervention studied is not a condition that in itself implies effectiveness, the latter would not be present without the former, which, integrated with other conditions, generates a positive result. SAMU is a strategy that must be expanded when formulating and consolidating policies focusing on emergency care.
Effect of Recanalization on Cerebral Edema in Ischemic Stroke Treated With Thrombolysis and/or Endovascular Therapy
Authors: Thorén Magnus , Dixit Anand , Escudero-Martínez Irene , Gdovinová Zuzana , Klecka Lukas , Rand Viiu-Marika , Toni Danilo , Vilionskis Aleksandras , Wahlgren Nils , Ahmed Niaz
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose—

A large infarct and expanding cerebral edema (CED) due to a middle cerebral artery occlusion confers a 70% mortality unless treated surgically. Reperfusion may cause blood-brain barrier disruption and a risk for cerebral edema and secondary parenchymal hemorrhage (PH). We aimed to investigate the effect of recanalization on development of early CED and PH after recanalization therapy.

Methods—

From the SITS-International Stroke Treatment Registry, we selected patients with signs of artery occlusion at baseline (either Hyperdense Artery Sign or computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging angiographic occlusion). We defined recanalization as the disappearance of radiological signs of occlusion at 22 to 36 hours. Primary outcome was moderate to severe CED and secondary outcome was PH on 22- to 36-hour imaging scans. We used logistic regression with adjustment for baseline variables and PH.

Results—

Twenty two thousand one hundred eighty-four patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria (n=18 318 received intravenous thrombolysis, n=3071 received intravenous thrombolysis+thrombectomy, n=795 received thrombectomy). Recanalization occurred in 64.1%. Median age was 71 versus 71 years and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 15 versus 16 in the recanalized versus nonrecanalized patients respectively. Recanalized patients had a lower risk for CED (13.0% versus 23.6%), adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 0.52 (95% CI, 0.46–0.59), and a higher risk for PH (8.9% versus 6.5%), adjusted odds ratio, 1.37 (95% CI, 1.22–1.55), than nonrecanalized patients.

Conclusions—

In patients with acute ischemic stroke, recanalization was associated with a lower risk for early CED even after adjustment for higher rate for PH in recanalized patients.
Screening for congenital heart disease in a Singapore neonatal unit
Authors: Ngeow AJH , Tan MG , Choo JTL , Tan TH , Tan WC , Chan DKL
Published: December 2019

INTRODUCTION Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of infant mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a neonatal screening programme for CHD before the introduction of pulse oximetry. METHODS This was a retrospective review of live births in the period 2003–2012. Cases of CHD were detected through prenatal ultrasonography and/or postnatal examination, and confirmed using two-dimensional echocardiography. Data was rigorously checked against multiple sources. The antenatal detection rate, sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and likelihood ratios of the screening programme were analysed for all cases of CHD and critical CHD. RESULTS The incidence of CHD was 9.7 per 1,000 live births. The commonest CHD was ventricular septal defect (54.8%). The antenatal detection rate was three times higher in the critical CHD group (64.0%) compared to the group as a whole (21.1%). The sensitivity and specificity of screening was 64.5% and 99.7% for all CHD, and 92.9% and 99.1% for the critical CHD group, respectively. The positive likelihood ratio was 215 and 103, while the negative likelihood ratio was 0.36 and 0.07 for all CHD and critical CHD, respectively. CONCLUSION The CHD screening programme had excellent specificity but limited sensitivity. The high positive likelihood ratios indicate that where sufficient risk factors for CHD are present, a positive result effectively confirms the presence of CHD. The low negative likelihood ratio for critical CHD indicates that, where prior suspicion for critical CHD is low, a negative result is reassuring.
A retrospective review of trampoline-related injuries presenting to a paediatric emergency department in Singapore
Authors: Lim F , James V , Lee KP , Ganapathy S
Published: December 2019

INTRODUCTION Trampolining is a popular activity. However, to our knowledge, no studies on paediatric trampoline-related injuries (TRIs) have been conducted in Asia. We aimed to provide an Asian perspective on paediatric TRIs and evaluate current safety measures. METHODS Patients aged under 16 years who presented to the emergency department at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore, from March 2012 to June 2016 with a TRI were identified from the National Trauma Registry. Data was collated retrospectively focusing on age, location of the trampoline, mechanism and location of injury, treatment, disposition, and follow-up treatment. RESULTS 137 children were seen for a TRI during this period. There was even representation across age groups (< 6 years, 6–11 years and 11–16 years). 60.6% of these injuries occurred in a public trampoline park, and a smaller proportion involved home and school trampolines. 61.3% of injuries occurred on the trampoline and 25.5% involved a fall off it, while the remaining were incurred by hitting the trampoline frame. The most common injury was soft tissue injury, followed by fractures and dislocations, of which 16.7% required surgical intervention. Most patients were discharged to an outpatient clinic. 14.6% of all patients required admission and 9.5% eventually required surgical intervention. There were three stable head injuries and no cervical spine injuries or deaths. CONCLUSION The existence of trampoline parks has contributed to a rise in TRIs. We recommend measures such as general education, changes in the setup around the trampoline, increasing the age limit for trampolining, adult supervision and discouraging double bouncing.
Genetic diversity and structure of Euphausia superba in the South Shetland Islands using the mitochondrial ND6 gene
Authors: Dong Yao , Qi Guangrui , Feng Chunlei , Wang Wei , Zhang Fengying , Zhao Ming , Wang Lumin , Ma Lingbo , Ma Chunyan
Published: December 2019

Euphausia superba is an abundant element in the marine plankton on the planet. Despite substantial research on this species, there is no comprehensive understanding of the population genetics of E. superba yet. In this study, the ND6 gene was used to assess the genetic variation in E. superba. In the South Shetland Islands, the population of E. superba shows abundant genetic variation, but we found a lack of genetic structure. An analysis of the demographic history suggested that a sudden expansion has been responsible for its high biomass. Our study could not only broaden our comprehension of E. superba, but also provide more scientific information on fisheries resources exploitation, biodiversity conservation and the maintenance of a proper ecological balance.
Transcriptomic analysis of genes involved in reproduction at different ages in Daphnia pulex (Branchiopoda, Cladocera)
Authors: Guo Chun-Yang , Cao Xiao , Lin Chong-Yuan , Liu Meng-Di , Xu Shan-Liang , Wang Dan-Li , Zhao Yun-Long
Published: December 2019

Daphnia pulex is a freshwater microcrustacean that is known for its cyclical parthenogenesis. In D. pulex, parthenogenetic reproduction switches to sexual reproduction when the living conditions worsen. However, this transformation also occurs over age under favourable living conditions. Thus, there might be a relationship between aging and reproductive conversion. We performed Illumina RNA sequencing, generating 51 712 680 and 59 854 588 raw reads from 1 day-old D. pulex and 25 day-old D. pulex, respectively. From these reads, 60 776 transcripts were assembled and 36 569 (60.15%) unigenes were annotated. A number of significantly differentially expressed genes associated with growth, aging, and reproduction were identified and Quantitative real-time PCR for six genes confirmed the transcriptome data. RNA interference (RNAi) of the caspase-3 gene (casp3) that is a key gene for growth, development, aging, and reproduction, was conducted, which achieved an 80% reduction in casp3 mRNA expression. Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of upstream genes jnk and akt, and sir2 (encoding a substrate of casp3) were also detected. The change of jnk mRNA expression before and after RNAi was not significant () and the mRNA levels of sir2 decreased, while akt increased after casp3 RNAi (). The results indicated the interrelationships of some genes in the senescence pathway and helped to identify the molecular mechanism of the aging progress in D. pulex. Overall, the difference in mRNA expression profile during aging of D. pulex forms a basis for further studies aimed at understanding the role of the transcriptional level in regulating aging and reproductive transformation.
The Monstrosity of God Made Flesh
Authors: Jobe Sarah C.
Published: December 2019

Three times over the course of thirty-eight years, Karl Barth images God as the monster Leviathan (once each in the Epistle to the Romans, Church Dogmatics II.1 and& IV.3.1). Barth’s imagination for God in monstrous form emerges from his interpretation of Romans 11:35, in which the apostle Paul quotes a line from Job 41:11, a poem about Leviathan, to describe the greatness of God. Using monster theory and a close reading of Barth, this article will discuss how God as Leviathan answers one of Barth’s primary questions—namely, how it is that Jesus saves human beings from their headlong rush into the abyss. Moving from Barth’s exegetical insights, through Barth’s soteriology, the article ends with the ethics of a God made monstrous flesh—an ethics that Barth explicitly links to the status of prisoners and all those depicted as monstrous and cast into the abyss.
The ‘Compatibilism’ of Human Freedom and Divine Omnipotence
Authors: Harris Wyatt
Published: December 2019

Katherine Sonderegger’s doctrine of God, constructed on the basis of a meditation on the incommunicable divine attributes, is here elucidated. I detail Sonderegger’s commitment to divine simplicity and explain her preferred theological method: metaphysical compatibilism. I show how Sonderegger’s unique understanding of compatibilism allows her the freedom to bypass or displace most normative metaphysical arguments proffered by the tradition that attempt to elucidate divine and human freedom. Granting divine simplicity, thus that omnipotence is a moral doctrine, in other words, that omnipotence is good, I present Sonderegger’s notion of compatibilism in her account of Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush in Exodus 3 and examine pertinent issues. A novel account of the nature of God is given that presents human freedom in a new light. By way of conclusion, Martin Luther is brought in to shed critical light on Sonderegger’s doctrine of God.
Counter-cyclic merge as a last resort for adjuncts
Authors: Haddad Youssef A.
Published: December 2019

It has been argued that adjunction as pair merge, unlike substitution or set merge, may or even must occur counter-cyclically. I present evidence from optional datives in Levantine Arabic, a category of pronouns that merge as applicative adjuncts, to show that adjunction may behave on a par with set merge and give priority to cyclicity. More specifically, I show that Levantine Arabic Attitude Datives as applicative adjuncts must merge cyclically by default and that they only opt for counter-cyclic merge as a last resort.
Uncertain Certainty?: Making Sense of the European Court of Human Rights’ Standard of Proof
Authors: Bicknell Christine
Published: December 2019

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) declares a single standard of proof (‘SoP’): proof beyond reasonable doubt (‘brd’). Yet the accuracy of this claim and the threshold’s appropriateness have both been challenged. This article uniquely considers and clarifies the Court’s interpretation and application of its SoP. Demonstrating SoP is capable of both broad and narrow interpretations, it shows the Court interprets SoP only narrowly. This understanding confirms brd as the applicable standard, whose use is then considered through detailed examination of the case law. The analysis shows that although the Court’s conception and approach to brd necessarily accommodate some doubt, violations are found with a consistently high level of certainty. There is however, a striking inconsistency in references made to the Rules of Court. Moreover, the Rules do not fully capture the Court’s approach. Addressing this, as the article proposes, would strengthen both the consistency and legitimacy of relevant decisions.
Racial Profiling in Immigration Control
Authors: Graffin Neil , Garcia Blesa Juan J.
Published: December 2019

This article assesses how the discriminatory practice of racial profiling exists and can undermine a human rights-based system of immigration control in Northern Ireland. Post-Brexit there is a possibility that this practice may increase in Northern Ireland, given that it shares a border with another European Union (EU) State. This article will centrally argue that immigration checks which take place on an ad-hoc basis in a State should be prohibited because the risks of discriminatory practices are too high. However, if they are to take place, it will be contended that attempts to stop and question individuals for immigration checking should be subject to greater control and accountability. For example, by restricting the remit under which checks can take place, and by increasing the powers of the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland (poni) to receive complaints concerning immigration agents. This article will explore whether enhanced surveillance of Border Force could take place by requiring agents to wear body-worn cameras in order to prevent racial profiling.
The EU and Extraterritorial Obligations Concerning Human Rights
Authors: Salvador Ana Manero
Published: December 2019

The Treaty on European Union prescribes that the Union will promote its principles and values in international relations. Though the scope of the obligations foreseen by the treaty remains unclear, some aspects are becoming clearer, especially with regard to due diligence and the need for human rights impact assessment. Presently, it is generally recognised that actions with extraterritorial effects will undoubtedly be linked to these principles and values, and more specifically to human rights. This paper provides an analysis from current praxis of the scope of these obligations, including a description of the implications of the Treaty of Lisbon and developments that have taken place since it came into force.
Three Eighteenth-Century Waqf Documents from the Ottoman Courts of Aleppo
Authors: Salati Marco
Published: December 2019

This article is a study of three 18th-century documents from the archives of the Ottoman qāḍī-courts of Aleppo. Although the nature of the cases they relate differ, they all deal with various aspects of the waqf institution: istibdal – i.e. the exchange of ruined or unprofitable waqf property for a more productive one – the creation of a new waqf, and, finally, a dispute over the right to benefit from waqf property. Juridical considerations aside, the interest of these cases lies primarily in the fact that the individuals mentioned and involved in the three documents belong to a restricted circle of notable family groups which are at various degrees linked to one another through marriage relations. Even in their limited scope, these documents provide valuable information on some of the notable families of the city and their social networks.
Shamanic Reminiscences and Archaic Myths in the Story of the Goldsmith Ḥasan al-Baṣrī (Alf layla wa-layla)
Authors: Budelli Rosanna
Published: December 2019

The story of the goldsmith Ḥasan al-Baṣrī in the Arabian Nights preserves numerous traces of more ancient stories and testimonies of cultures apparently distant geographically and historically. In particular, it is possible to identify various elements that refer to the symbols and customs of shamanism, although transformed and rewritten according to the Arab-Islamic culture. The same phenomenon is found with the fragments of Greek mythology scattered throughout the story and especially with the adventures of the Argonauts whose affinities with the story of Ḥasan are rather amazing. The study has been conducted by comparing three BNF manuscripts that present significant differences in some points, reflecting the evolution of the Arabic text and the different mentality of the copyists who have reworked some passages. The changes concern above all the role of female protagonists particularly numerous throughout the tale.
3. The Giant Sword and the Candle
Authors: Pettit Edward
Published: December 2019

Chapter 3 highlights the implicit likening of the melting giant sword of Beowulf to a burning wax candle and argues that it potentially has hitherto been overlooked. Pettit consults medieval Irish and Norse texts for mentions of ‘candle-swords’ but finds none that melt like Beowulf’s, though he does find a text, the ‘Saga of Hjálmþér and Ölvir’ that contains notable similarities to Beowulf, including the presence of potential equivalents to candle-swords. Pettit also suggests a Christian aspect to the giant sword, as symbol of the sun, a candle or even the Paschal Candle. Pettit however stresses that such a link is very subtle and that the technique looks more ‘allusively symbolic’ than ‘mechanically allegorical’.
6. Ing, Ingvi-Freyr and Hroðgar
Authors: Pettit Edward
Published: December 2019

Chapter 6 investigates the potential significance of two of Hroðgar’s grand titles. They indicate that his people were devotees of a pagan divinity named Ing, equatable to the Freyr of Norse mythology. Pettit tentatively suggests that Hroðgar was Ing’s human representative, or possibly even his incarnation. Pettit examines the Old English evidence for illumination on the god Ing, before considering evidence suggesting that Hroðgar may have given an ancestral sword of Ing to Beowulf, who subsequently wielded it as king of the Geats.
7. Freyr, Skírnir and Gerðr
Authors: Pettit Edward
Published: December 2019

Chapter 7 focuses on ‘Skírnir’s Journey’, an Old Norse Eddic poem about the quest undertaken by Skírnir, Freyr’s emissary, to win for his master a radiant giantess called Gerðr. Pettit argues that this poem contains a series of overlooked parallels to Beowulf’s final confrontation with Grendel and his mother. Pettit compares the texts, along with other Old Norse accounts, to suggest that these poems may preserve variants of the same underlying myth. Pettit highlights similarities between the two poems in the locations of these confrontations and the weapons of the respective heroes, as well as providing a possible equivalent to the giant sword, similarly jealously guarded by a monstrous female, analogous to Grendel’s mother. Finally, Pettit highlights a passage from a twelfth- or thirteenth- century English chronicle that details a Christian ritual with apparent pagan roots, linking it to the symbolism of the giant sword.
9. Freyr's Solar Power and the Purifying Sword
Authors: Pettit Edward
Published: December 2019

Chapter 9 describes the solar attributes of Freyr and the likely purifying function of Skírnir and his weaponry. Pettit advances parallels between Beowulf’s cleansing of Heorot with the giant sword and, following that sword’s melting, his purification of the mere and the implicit arrival of the thawing sun in springtime.
10. Freyr, Heorot and the Hunt for the Solar Stag
Authors: Pettit Edward
Published: December 2019

Chapter 10 continues to examine the mythology of Freyr by focussing on his connection with the stag. Freyr, having lost his sword, used an antler to slay a giant. Since he was shining when he did so, his antler may well have been solar. Comparably, Hroðgar is associated with the stag through his lordship of, and implicit identification with, his hall Heorot ‘Hart’, which shone in a manner suggestive of the sun. An identification of Hroðgar with a stag hunted by hounds and with an antler-hilted(?) sword—the giant sword—hidden in Grendel’s mere is implied by a punning passage describing a stag-hunt shortly before Beowulf enters the mere. Supporting these suggestions, Pettit adduces evidence for the concept of a solar stag more widely in early Europe, along with Old Norse myths about the hunting and devouring of the sun by wolfish lunar eclipse-monsters. Pettit argues that these may include an old female giantess and her son, a pitchfork-wielding wolf-troll, in the Eddic poem Vǫluspá ‘The Prophecy of the Seeress’, and the earliest surviving detailed depiction of Ragnarǫk, the Norse apocalypse, carved on the Viking Age Gosforth Cross in Cumbria, England. Pettit ends with traditions about the folkloric Man in the Moon, who, Pettit suggests, stole beams of sunlight.