bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxoplasma gondii Matrix Antigen 1 Is a Secreted Immunomodulatory Effector
Authors: Tomita Tadakimi , Mukhopadhyay Debanjan , Han Bing , Yakubu Rama , Tu Vincent , Mayoral Joshua , Sugi Tatsuki , Ma Yanfen , Saeij Jeroen P. J. , Weiss Louis M.
Published: May 2021

Toxoplasma gondiiis an Apicomplexan that infects a third of humans, causing encephalitis in AIDS patients and intellectual disabilities in congenitally infected patients. We determined that one of the cyst matrix proteins, MAG1, which had been thought to be an innate structural protein, can be secreted into the host cell and suppress the host immune reaction.
Cryo-EM Determination of Eravacycline-Bound Structures of the Ribosome and the Multidrug Efflux Pump AdeJ of Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Zhang Zhemin , Morgan Christopher E. , Bonomo Robert A. , Yu Edward W.
Published: May 2021

Acinetobacter baumannii
has developed into a highly antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative pathogen. The prevalent AdeJ multidrug efflux pump mediates resistance to different classes of antibiotics known to inhibit the function of the 70S ribosome.
High-Content Imaging to Phenotype Antimicrobial Effects on Individual Bacteria at Scale
Authors: Sridhar Sushmita , Forrest Sally , Warne Ben , Maes Mailis , Baker Stephen , Dougan Gordon , Bartholdson Scott Josefin
Published: May 2021

High-content imaging (HCI) is a microscopy technique that permits the screening of multiple cells simultaneously in high resolution to detect subtle morphological and phenotypic variation. The power of this methodology is that it can generate large data sets comprised of multiple parameters taken from individual cells subjected to a range of different conditions.
Unusual case of retrosternal chest pain: a twist in the tale
Authors: Ike Irene Mary , Asanaru Kunju Sanjan , Pattath Sankaran Priya , Prasad Neenu
Published: May 2021

A 62-year-old man was referred to the emergency department with retrosternal chest pain for 4 days. Coronary angiogram and ECG showed no occlusion of coronary vessels. Contrast-enhanced CT of thorax showed b/l pleural effusion, pneumomediastinum, right hydropneumothorax, with the underlying collapse of lungs and intercostal drainage tube in situ. Intercostal tube showed purulent discharge. Repeat oral contrast did not show any leakage through the upper gastrointestinal tract, and the patient is admitted to the intensive care unit following endotracheal intubation. However, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, performed at the bedside in the intensive care unit unexpectedly revealed a foreign body (piece of coconut shell) impacted at the lower oesophagus. The foreign body was removed successfully using oesophagoscopy, and the patient made a full recovery following multidisciplinary teamwork between critical care and surgeons.
From the ground up: recognising risk of frailty syndromes and functional decline through foot examination
Authors: James Kirstyn , Baglini Christian , Wershof Schwartz Andrea
Published: May 2021

Foot pathologies in older adults are associated with falls and complications such as amputations and ulcers. We report a case of an older man who presented to the geriatric medicine outpatient clinic. History taking revealed a fall, recent episode of delirium and decline in functional status with the patient reporting he was no longer able to cut his own toenails. Medical history included hypothyroidism, depression and hearing impairment. Physical examination detected very long, thickened toenails with bilateral bony deformities of the foot. Additionally, he had borderline slow gait speed and had difficulty completing a chair stand. Inability to maintain foot care suggested an early insight into a deterioration of overall function and emergence of frailty. An interprofessional team approach to the patient’s care included a medication review, referrals to podiatry, orthotics, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. His toenails were debrided and orthopaedic shoes were prescribed with no further falls.
Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma of the parapharyngeal space: an unusual location
Authors: Deewani Muhammad Hammad , Danish Muhammad Hassan , Awan Muhammad Sohail , Ud Din Nasir
Published: May 2021

Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (LGFMS) is an uncommon soft-tissue malignancy. LGFMS preferentially affects trunks and extremities of young adults; however, occasional cases have been reported in different sites of head and neck region including oral cavity, larynx and oropharynx. LGFMS usually exhibit areas of collagenised and myxoid stroma with appearance of spindle cells in whorling pattern. It is a challenge to diagnose it accurately as most of the time it is misdiagnosed as benign neoplastic entity of spindle cells. There have been only few isolated cases of LGFMS reported in head and neck region and LGFMS originating from the parapharyngeal space has never been reported before. We recently experienced a case of low grade fibomyxoid sarcoma in parapharyngeal space of neck. LGFMS have the propensity to locally recur and to metastasise. Due to its rarity in head and neck region, there are no well-established treatment and follow-up guidelines.
Clinically isolated aortitis presenting as inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction due to an unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm: a rare and forgotten cause of acute coronary syndrome in a young patient with no evidence of systemic vasculitis
Authors: Baqi Abdul , Shams Pirbhat , Ahmed Intisar , Tariq Muhammad
Published: May 2021

A 21-year-old man presented with chest pain, diaphoresis and dyspnoea. Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Troponin I was positive. Patient underwent left heart catheterisation, which revealed normal epicardial coronary arteries except for right coronary artery which could not be engaged. CT coronary angiogram was done, which revealed large right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm giving rise to a pinched out right coronary artery. Patient underwent composite graft replacement of aortic valve, aortic root and ascending aorta along with a saphenous vein graft to right coronary artery. He was discharged in stable condition on fifth postoperative day. Biopsy of the aneurysmal tissue was suggestive of vasculitic aetiology. There was no evidence of systemic vasculitis and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) screen was negative for Takayasu’s arteritis. Our patient was, hence, diagnosed with clinically isolated aortitis leading to ST elevation myocardial infarction due to an unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm.
Tinnitus as a presenting symptom of neurosarcoidosis with ocular involvement
Authors: Freedman Isaac G , Kohli Anita A
Published: May 2021

A 48-year-old woman with untreated hypothyroidism initially presented with tinnitus and hearing loss, followed by blurred vision and eye pain months later. Ophthalmic evaluation revealed no optic disc oedema. Visual field defects in both eyes suggested retrobulbar optic neuropathy. MRI of the brain and orbits demonstrated enhancement of both optic nerve sheaths and diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement. Audiologic evaluation revealed hearing loss in both ears, and frequent square wave jerks were seen on videonystagmography. Fine needle aspiration from one pulmonary lymph node showed non-necrotising granulomatous inflammation, confirming the diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis. The visual fields improved significantly on prednisone, and she is maintained on prednisone, infliximab and methotrexate. Though common, multiple cranial neuropathies in neurosarcoidosis are poorly represented in the literature. Clinicians should be aware of the symptoms that may herald a diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis, so that treatment may be implemented sooner, and further cranial neuropathies may be prevented.
Role of intrastromal vancomycin in recalcitrant corneal abscess after phacoemulsification
Authors: Chhabra Mohit , Goel Ruchi , Khanam Samreen , Singh Sonam
Published: May 2021

Side port infection and corneal abscess after cataract surgery can produce devastating outcomes. Topical antibacterial drugs are the mainstay in management of these cases. Although intrastromal antifungal agents are an established modality for fungal keratitis, such use of antibacterial agents is rarely reported due to better pharmacokinetic profile of antibacterial agents.

We report a case of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureuscorneal abscess following phacoemulsification that responded to intrastromal vancomycin injection in addition to conventional therapy.

This case of postphacoemulsification corneal abscess highlights the importance of postoperative hygiene practices, use of anterior segment optical coherence tomography for monitoring these patients and use of intrastromal vancomycin as an adjunct to topical and systemic therapy.
Hawkins type III talar neck fracture dislocation with neurovascular and tendon entrapment in a toddler
Authors: Saini Naresh Kumar , Jain Vijay Kumar , Iyengar Karthikeyan P
Published: May 2021

Paediatric displaced fracture of the neck of talus is extremely rare injury with variable outcomes. We report our experience in managing a Hawkins type III talar neck fracture dislocation with neurovascular and tendon entrapment in a 3-year-old boy. We describe the emergency presentation, radiological findings, orthopaedic management and clinical and functional outcomes in this toddler following the injury with review of the current literature.
Agger nasi mucocele cause nasolacrimal duct obstruction and chronic dacryocystitis: clinical profile, management and outcome
Authors: Saratziotis Athanasios , Zanotti Claudia , Hajiioannou Jiannis , Emanuelli Enzo
Published: May 2021

Epiphora is the first symptom of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO), which may be due to various causes, including paranasal sinuses and tumours of the nasal cavity. A 28-year-old male patient presented chronic dacryocystitis with left-sided epiphora. Endoscopically, a bulging of the lateral nasal wall at the left-sided agger nasi area was noted. Imaging studies (CT and MRI) revealed a left-sided giant agger nasi mucocele. An endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) as well as opening of the agger nasi cell with mucocele removal and anterior ethmoidectomy was performed. Based on the literature, intranasal causes have very often occurred in patients with chronic dacryocystitis, but not reported as the cause of inflammation in the mucocele of agger nasi. Identification and recognition of this endonasal rare cause of NLDO-like agger nasi mucocele entity may facilitate timely intervention and can be treated successfully with a simultaneous endoscopic DCR procedure.
Case of melioidosis misdiagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Veluthat Chitra , Venkatnarayan Kavitha , Padaki Priyadarshini , Krishnaswamy Uma Maheswari
Published: May 2021

Melioidosis is an endemic infection caused byBurkholderia pseudomalleipredominantly reported in the coastal parts of India. A 19-year-old male student with no comorbidities presented with features suggestive of pneumonia. He was initiated on antitubercular treatment empirically elsewhere. However, due to lack of response to therapy diagnosis was revisited. Microbiological investigations were unyielding initially. Despite antitubercular treatment, he presented with complications of pneumonia and was diagnosed to have melioidosis. He was initiated on appropriate antibiotics for the intensive and eradication phase. Obtaining microbiological confirmation is of utmost importance to prevent misdiagnosis and undue morbidity and mortality due to these uncommon infections.
Prospective, randomized, multicenter study of intraosseous basivertebral nerve ablation for the treatment of chronic low back pain: 12-month results
Authors: Smuck Matthew , Khalil Jad , Barrette Kevin , Hirsch Joshua Adam , Kreiner Scott , Koreckij Theodore , Garfin Steven , Mekhail Nagy
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Vertebral endplates, innervated by the basivertebral nerve (BVN), are a source of chronic low back pain correlated with Modic changes. A randomized trial comparing BVN ablation to standard care (SC) recently reported results of an interim analysis. Here, we report the results of the full randomized trial, including the 3-month and 6-month between-arm comparisons, 12-month treatment arm results, and 6-month outcomes of BVN ablation in the former SC arm.

Methods

Prospective, open label, 1:1 randomized controlled trial of BVN ablation versus SC in 23 US sites with follow-up at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. SC patients were re-baselined and followed up for 6 months post BVN ablation. The primary endpoint was the between-arm comparison of mean Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) change from baseline. Secondary endpoints were Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Short Form (SF-36), EuroQual Group 5 Dimension 5-Level Quality of Life (EQ-5D-5L), responder rates, and rates of continued opioid use.

Results

140 were randomized. Results from BVN ablation (n=66) were superior to SC (n=74) at 3 months for the primary endpoint (mean ODI reduction, difference between arms of −20.3 (CI −25.9 to −14.7 points; p<0.001)), VAS pain improvement (difference of −2.5 cm between arms (CI −3.37 to −1.64, p<0.001)) and quality of life outcomes. At 12 months, basivertebral ablation demonstrated a 25.7±18.5 point reduction in mean ODI (p<0.001), and a 3.8±2.7 cm VAS reduction (p<0.001) from baseline, with 64% demonstrating ≥50% reduction and 29% pain free. Similarly, the former SC patients who elected BVN ablation (92%) demonstrated a 25.9±15.5 point mean ODI reduction (p<0.001) from baseline. The proportion of opioid use did not change in either group (p=0.56).

Discussion/Conclusion

BVN ablation demonstrates significant improvements in pain and function over SC, with treatment results sustained through 12 months in patients with chronic low back pain of vertebrogenic origin.
$$U(1)'$$ extensions of the $$\mu \nu \mathrm{SSM}$$
Authors: Aguilar-Saavedra J. A. , Lara I. , López-Fogliani D. E. , Muñoz C.
Published: May 2021

In the$$\mu \nu $$μνSSM, the presence ofR-parity violating couplings involving right-handed (RH) neutrinos solves simultaneously the$$\mu $$μ- and$$\nu $$ν-problems. We explore extensions of the$$\mu \nu $$μνSSM adding a$$U(1)'$$U(1)′gauge group, which provides the RH neutrinos with a non-vanishing charge. In these models, dubbed U$$\mu \nu $$μνSSM, the anomaly cancellation conditions impose the presence of exotic quarks in the spectrum that are vector-like under the standard model (SM) gauge group: either three pairsSU(2) quark singlets, or a pair of quark singlets together with a pair of quark doublets. Several singlets under the SM group can also be present, with the$$U(1)'$$U(1)′charges making distinctions among them, and therefore allowing different types of couplings. Some of these singlets dynamically generate Majorana masses for the RH neutrinos, and others can be candidates for dark matter. The useful characteristics of models with$$U(1)'$$U(1)′s are also present in U$$\mu \nu $$μνSSM models: baryon-number-violating operators as well as explicit Majorana masses and$$\mu $$μterms are forbidden, and the domain wall problem is avoided. The phenomenology of U$$\mu \nu $$μνSSM models is very rich. We analyze the experimental constraints on their parameter space, specially on the mass and mixing of the new$$Z'$$Z′boson. In addition to the exotic quarks, which can hadronize inside the detector or decay producing SM particles, the U$$\mu \nu $$μνSSM models can also have new signals such as decays of the$$Z'$$Z′to sparticle pairs like right sneutrinos, charginos or neutralinos. Besides,$$Z'$$Z′and Higgs mediated annihilations and interactions with the visible sector of WIMP dark matter particles, can also be present.
Handling Quantity in Variability Models for System-of-Systems
Authors: Shimbara Daisuke , Saeki Motoshi , Hayashi Shinpei , Haugen Øystein
Published: May 2021

Problem: Modern systems contain parts that are themselves systems. Such complex systems thus have sets of subsystems that have their own variability. These subsystems contribute to the functionality of a whole system-of-systems (SoS). Such systems have a very high degree of variability. Therefore, a modeling technique for the variability of an entire SoS is required to express two different levels of variability: variability of the SoS as a whole and variability of subsystems. If these levels are described together, the model becomes hard to understand. When the variability model of the SoS is described separately, each variability model is represented by a tree structure and these models are combined in a further tree structure. For each node in a variability model, a quantity is assigned to express the multiplicity of its instances per one instance of its parent node. Quantities of the whole system may refer to the number of subsystem instances in the system. From the viewpoint of the entire system, constraints and requirements written in natural language are often ambiguous regarding the quantities of subsystems. Such ambiguous constraints and requirements may lead to misunderstandings or conflicts in an SoS configuration. Approach: A separate notion is proposed for variability of an SoS; one model considers the SoS as an undivided entity, while the other considers it as a combination of subsystems. Moreover, a domain-specific notation is proposed to express relationships among the variability properties of systems, to solve the ambiguity of quantities and establish the total validity. This notation adapts an approach, named Pincer Movement, which can then be used to automatically deduce the quantities for the constraints and requirements. Validation: The descriptive capability of the proposed notation was validated with four examples of cloud providers. In addition, the proposed method and description tool were validated through a simple experiment on describing variability models with real practitioners.
Integral left-orderable surgeries on genus one fibered knots
Authors: Ichihara Kazuhiro , Nakae Yasuharu
Published: May 2021

Following the classification of genus one fibered knots in lens spaces by Baker, we determine hyperbolic genus one fibered knots in lens spaces on whose all integral Dehn surgeries yield closed 3-manifolds with left-orderable fundamental groups.
IDeF-X HD: A CMOS ASIC for the Readout of Cd(Zn)Te Detectors for Space-Borne Applications
Authors: Gevin O. , Limousin O. , Lugiez F. , Michalowska A. , Meuris A. , Baudin D. , Delagnes E. , Lemaire O. , Pinsard F.
Published: May 2021

IDeF-X HD is a 32-channel analog front-end with self-triggering capability optimized for the readout of [Formula: see text] pixels CdTe or CdZnTe pixelated detectors to build a low power micro-gamma camera. IDeF-X HD has been designed in the standard AMS CMOS 0.35[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m process technology. Its power consumption is 800[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]W per channel. The energy range of the ASIC can be extended to 1.1[Formula: see text]MeV thanks to the in-channel adjustable gain stage. When no detector is connected to the chip and without input current, a 33 electrons rms ENC level is achieved after shaping with 10.7[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s peaking time. Spectroscopy measurements have been performed with CdTe Schottky detectors. We measured an energy resolution of 4.2[Formula: see text]keV FWHM at 667[Formula: see text]keV ([Formula: see text]Cs) on a single-pixel configuration. Meanwhile, we also measured 562[Formula: see text]eV and 666[Formula: see text]eV FWHM at 14[Formula: see text]keV and 60[Formula: see text]keV, respectively ([Formula: see text]Am) with a 256 small pixel array and a low detection threshold of 1.2[Formula: see text]keV. Since IDeF-X HD is intended for space-borne applications in astrophysics, we evaluated its radiation tolerance and its sensitivity to single event effects. We demonstrated that the ASIC remained fully functional without significant degradation of its performances after 200 krad and that no single event latch-up was detected putting the linear energy transfer threshold above 110[Formula: see text]MeV/(mg/cm2). Good noise performance and radiation tolerance make the chip well suited for X-rays energy discrimination and high energy resolution. The chip is space qualified and flies on board of the solar orbiter ESA mission launched in 2020.
Comparison of Calculated Skin Doses in Cineradiography and Four Dimensional Kinematic Computed Tomography of the Wrist
Authors: Goelz Leonie , Asmus Ariane , Kim Simon , Diehl Josha , Eisenschenk Andreas , Mutze Sven
Published: May 2021

Background: Previous studies have discussed the diagnostic value of four dimensional kinematic CT in cases of carpal instabilities. This analysis compares calculated skin doses of 4D CT and conventional cineradiography of the wrist in cases of suspected SLL rupture.

Methods: Retrospective calculation and interpolation of skin doses and effective doses for ten consecutive 4D CT examinations and 41 cineradiographies for suspected lesions of the scapholunate ligament. Standardised anterior-posterior and lateral cine sequences using a flat-panel digital subtraction imager and of 4D kinematic CT using a dual-source scanner were acquired and acquisition parameters recorded. We tested if the skin dose of 4D CT is different from cineradiography.

Results: Median dose area product (DAP) of cineradiography was 135.34 cGycm2 resulting in a calculated median skin dose of 32.6 mSv (confidence interval 26.86–42.90 mSv) and an estimated effective skin dose of 3.26 µSv. CT dose index (CTDI) for 4D examinations was recorded to be 26.79 mGy and the dose-length product (DLP) was 150 mGy × cm. This resulted in an estimated skin dose of 34 mSv, which is covered by the confidence interval of cineradiography, and an effective skin dose of 3.4 µSv.

Conclusions: Skin dose calculations are comparable for 2D cineradiography in two plains and 4D kinematic CT of the wrist. Calculated effective doses are < 0.01 mSv.
Petrology of Precambrian metagranites and heavy mineral chemistry of the Olounou area within the Cameroon mineral belt (Ntem complex, South Cameroon): relationships with the Fe mineralization
Authors: Germain Marie Monespérance Mboudou , Sebastien Owona , Lavenir Ndema Mbongue Jean , Mbaringong Agyingi Christopher , Moise Christian Balla Ateba , Junior Emmanuel Eseya Mengu
Published: May 2021

The petrology of Achaean biotite- and amphibole-rich metagranites, the geochemistry of Fe occurrences and heavy mineral concentrations in stream sediments from Olounou (Ntem complex) help to constrain their inter-relationships. These metagranites display granoblastic textures outlined by microcline, biotite, amphibole and oxides. Ilmenite (60 to 80%), zircon (15 to 20%) and rutile (1 to 2%) are the mineral fractions in pan concentrates. Two types of Fe mineralization as silicified veins cross-cut the above rocks: hematite  ±  magnetite quartzites with primary hematite enclosing magnetite relicts contain high average Fe
2
O
3
(69.05 wt%) and TiO
2
(0.73 wt%); banded magnetite-rich quartzites with magnetite partially replaced by hematite are characterized by Fe
2
O
3
(52.15 wt%), TiO
2
(0.27 wt%), relatively high W (286 ppm) and Ni (108 ppm). Both types have Zn, Cu, Ga contents below 10 ppm, positive Eu anomalies, HREE enrichment over LREEs and low ΣREE (9.76 to 12.07). Iron and SiO
2
were derived from weathering of Archean biotite and amphibole metagranites, deposited in existing Post-Archean intracratonic basins under greenschist facies and impacted by submarine hydrothermal solutions. These results are genetically comparable to other Precambrian BIFs and underline the iron potential of Olounou. They equally contribute to iron ore exploration in Cameroon and worldwide.

Supplementary material
: Table S1 is available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5426547
The Eocene−Oligocene transition in Nanggulan, Java: lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy and foraminiferal stable isotopes
Authors: Coxall Helen K. , Jones Tom Dunkley , Jones Amy P. , Lunt Peter , MacMillan Ian , Marliyani Gayatri I. , Nicholas Christopher J. , O'Halloran Aoife , Piga Emanuela , Sanyoto Prihardjo , Rahardjo Wartono , Pearson Paul N.
Published: May 2021

The Nanggulan section in south central Java comprises open marine sediments and volcanic deposits of Eocene–Oligocene age that accumulated in a marginal basin within the young Sunda Arc complex. A new borehole captures the stratigraphy and showcases the exceptional preservation of calcareous microfossils across an apparently complete Eocene–Oligocene Transition (EOT), a time interval significant for the initiation of continental-scale glaciation on Antarctica. Low-resolution benthic and planktonic foraminifera oxygen and carbon stable isotopes (

δ

18
O and

δ

13
C) record increasing

δ

18
O and

δ

13
C in the basal Oligocene, allowing correlation to global records. Isotopic values imply warm temperatures and relatively high nutrients along the SE Java margin. The Nanggulan EOT is a valuable archive for reconstructing ocean–climate behaviour and plankton evolution and extinction in the Indo-Pacific Warm Pool. The borehole also adds to understanding of the early stages of Sunda Arc volcanism.

Supplementary material:
Supplementary figures, tables and appendices are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5429453
Dynamics of gender bias in computing
Authors: Misa Thomas J.
Published: May 2021

A new dataset significantly revises both scholarly assessment and popular understanding about gender bias in computing.
Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Gewers Felipe L. , Ferreira Gustavo R. , Arruda Henrique F. De , Silva Filipi N. , Comin Cesar H. , Amancio Diego R. , Costa Luciano Da F.
Published: May 2021

Principal component analysis (PCA) is often applied for analyzing data in the most diverse areas. This work reports, in an accessible and integrated manner, several theoretical and practical aspects of PCA. The basic principles underlying PCA, data standardization, possible visualizations of the PCA results, and outlier detection are subsequently addressed. Next, the potential of using PCA for dimensionality reduction is illustrated on several real-world datasets. Finally, we summarize PCA-related approaches and other dimensionality reduction techniques. All in all, the objective of this work is to assist researchers from the most diverse areas in using and interpreting PCA.
Shaping the foundations of programming languages
Authors: Hoffmann Leah
Published: May 2021

ACM A.M. Turing Award recipients Alfred Aho and Jeffrey Ullman discuss their early work, the 'Dragon Book,' and the future of 'live' computer science education.
Getting down to basics
Authors: Savage Neil
Published: May 2021

2020 ACM A.M. Turing Award recipients Alfred Aho and Jeffrey Ullman helped develop formal language theory, invented efficient algorithms to drive the tasks of a compiler, and put them all together in 'The Dragon Book.'
The risks of election believability (or lack thereof)
Authors: Mercuri Rebecca T. , Neumann Peter G.
Published: May 2021

With 90% of the 2020 U.S. general election ballot contents verifiable by paper, why do only 65% of voters trust the results?
A Highly Sensitive Non-Enzymatic Urea Sensor Based on Ni(OH)2/Mn3O4/rGO/PANi Nanocomposites Using Screen-Printed Electrodes
Authors: Maleki Nia Saeid , Kheiri Farshad , Jannatdoust Elham , Sirousazar Mohammad , Abbasi Chianeh Vahid , Kheiri Golshad
Published: May 2021

Herein, we have developed a highly sensitive non-enzymatic biosensor for the detection of the urea using nickel-manganese oxo/hydroxo metal nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide, and these nanocomposites were made using the hydrothermal reduction method. Then, the characteristics of these nanocomposites were examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR spectroscopy), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), inductive coupled plasma (ICP), XRD surface mapping, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Next, a working electrode modification process was conducted via the electro-polymerization of nanocomposites with aniline on the surface of a screen-printed electrode. We realized that reduction and blocking of all graphene oxide functional groups is important in increasing of sensitivity and prevent protonation of aniline by graphene. Finally, the sensitivity of the modified electrode to urea was evaluated by the cyclic voltammetry method. The results indicate that the sensor works within an acceptable linear range 30 μM to 3.3 mM, (R2 = 0.995, n = 3). Highly sensitivity and the limit of detection are roughly 5139.2 μA mM−1 cm−2 and 16.3 μM, respectively. The sensor demonstrated impressive stability and significant anti-interference properties. Based on these features, it can be concluded that the fabricated sensor is reliable for the non-enzymatic detection of urea.
The Efficacy of Little Lovely Dentist, Dental Song, and Tell‐Show‐Do Techniques in Alleviating Dental Anxiety in Paediatric Patients: A Clinical Trial
Authors: Abbasi Hira , Saqib Muhammad , Jouhar Rizwan , Lal Abhishek , Ahmed Naseer , Ahmed Muhammad Adeel , Alam Mohammad Khursheed
Published: May 2021

Introduction. Dental anxiety is a common occurrence in patients undergoing dental treatments, especially in children. The success in paedriatric dental treatments and patient comfort depends on controlling the level of patient’s anxiety in clinical settings. This study is aimed at evaluating the efficacy of different techniques applied for the reduction of dental anxiety in paediatric patients. Material and Methods. One hundred and sixty participants were divided into 4 groups; each group having 40 patients as follows: group I: mobile application “little lovely dentist,” group II: YouTube® “dental video songs,” group III “tell‐show‐do,” and group IV “control.” Dental prophylaxis treatments were provided to all the participants. Initial anxiety levels were noted during the patient’s education phase by measuring heart rate with pulse oximeter and distress level with facial image scale, at the same time in each group, respectively. The postoperative anxiety was noted later with the same methods, after the application of anxiety reduction techniques. The data obtained were entered in the statistical package for the social sciences software, version 25. One‐way ANOVA and paired t‐test for matched groups were used to compare mean values of the 4 groups, in this study to determine their effectiveness. A p value of ≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results. The mean age of patients in group 1 was 6.8 ± 2.1 years, group 2: 8.15 ± 2.27 years, group 3: 7.5 ± 2.3 years, and group 4: 7.27 ± 1.68 years. The intragroup comparisons of heart rate and facial image scores have shown a significant difference in before and after dental treatment procedures. Marked reduction in heart rate and facial image scale scores were found in patients belonging to group 1 (mobile applications) and group 2 (dental video songs). An increase in heart rate and facial image scale scores was seen in group 3 (tell‐show‐do) and the control group. Conclusion. The paediatric dental anxiety is a common finding in dental clinics. Behavior modification techniques like smartphone applications, “little lovely dentist,” and “dental songs” can alleviate dental anxiety experienced by paediatric patients. The “tell‐show‐do” technique although most commonly used did not prove to be beneficial in the reduction of the anxiety levels.
Evaluation of the Water Yield of Coal Roof Aquifers Based on the FDAHP-Entropy Method: A Case Study in the Donghuantuo Coal Mine, China
Authors: Zhang Yaowen , Zhang Lili , Li Haijun , Chi Baoming
Published: May 2021

The water yield of coal seam roof aquifers is the key factor for evaluating and controlling water disasters in coal seam roofs. To evaluate the water yield of the sandstone aquifer in the roof of the Carboniferous-Permian Damiaozhuang Formation no. 8 coal seam in the Donghuantuo Mine, North China, seven main controlling factors affecting the water yield of sandstone aquifers are determined, including the permeability coefficient, consumption of drilling fluid, core recovery, aquifer thickness, brittle-plastic rock thickness ratio, fault scale index, and fault point density. Further, the fuzzy Delphi analytic hierarchy process (FDAHP) and entropy weight method (EWM) are used to calculate the subjective and objective weights of each main factor, respectively, and a combination weight model (CWM) is proposed based on the least square method to compose the comprehensive weights. Then, an improved water yield property index (IWYPI) model is established, and the water yield zoning map of sandstone aquifers is acquired. Engineering practice shows that the evaluation accuracy of the water yield property index (IWYPI) model based on the CWM is as high as 93.75%, which is 18.75% and 12.5% higher than that of the water yield property index (WYPI) model based on the FDAHP and EWM, respectively. The research results propose a novel method for evaluating the water yield of coal seam roof aquifers and can provide scientific guidance for the prevention and control of water disasters in the no. 8 coal seam roof of the Donghuantuo Coal Mine.
Pembrolizumab in a Patient with Treatment-Naïve Unresectable BRAF-Mutation Negative Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Nabhan Fadi , Kander Elizabeth , Shen Rulong , Agrawal Amit , Sukrithan Vineeth , Zhou Ye , Goyal Ashima , Roll Katie , Shah Manisha , Konda Bhavana
Published: May 2021

Immune check point inhibitor (ICI) therapy can be a potentially effective salvage treatment for anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) with progression despite standard of care therapies. We report a case of unresectable treatment-naïve ATC showing a dramatic and durable response to first-line pembrolizumab therapy. A 69-year-old male presented with a large, right-sided neck mass associated with compressive symptoms. A neck ultrasound showed a large, right-sided, and highly suspicious thyroid nodule. A fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy revealed tumor cells consistent with ATC that were positive for PD-L1, with an expression score of >95% and negative for the BRAF V600E mutation. Imaging studies were negative for distant metastases. The disease was declared surgically inoperable, and the patient declined chemotherapy/radiation therapy (XRT), but agreed to ICI therapy with intravenous pembrolizumab 200 mg every three weeks. The patient has received 25 doses of pembrolizumab to date, with rapid resolution of symptoms and a significant reduction in tumor size. He remains alive without disease progression 18 months since initial diagnosis.
Chaotic Lightweight Cryptosystem for Image Encryption
Authors: Ferdush Jannatul , Begum Mahbuba , Uddin Mohammad Shorif
Published: May 2021

Data transmission over the Internet and the personal network has been risen day by day due to the advancement of multimedia technology. Hence, it is today’s prime concern to protect the data from unauthorized access and encrypt the multimedia element as they are stored on the web servers and transmitted over the networks. Therefore, multimedia data encryption is essential. But, the multimedia encryption algorithm is complex to implement as it requires more time and memory space. For this reason, the lightweight image encryption algorithm gains popularity that requires less memory and less time along with low power or energy and provides supreme security for limited devices. In this study, we have studied the chaotic-based lightweight image encryption method. At first, we have presented a standard framework and algorithm based on two chaotic maps such as Arnold and logistic for lightweight image encryption and performed some experiments. We have analyzed different groups of images such as miscellaneous, medical, underwater, and texture. Experimentations have provided the largest entropy 7.9920 for medical image (chest X-ray), large key space 2m×m×8, and average encryption and decryption times are 3.9771 s and 3.1447 s, respectively. Besides, we have found an equal distribution of pixels and less correlation coefficients among adjacent pixels of the encrypted image. These criteria indicate an efficient image encryption method. Also, our method is efficient and less complex than the existing state-of-the-art methods.
Management and Follow-Up of Complicated Crown Fractures with Intrusive Luxation of Maxillary Incisors in an 8-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Abazarian Niusha , Milani Shabnam , Hamrah Moahammad Hassan , Shahrabi Marzieh Salehi
Published: May 2021

Intrusive luxation is a severe form of dental injury which causes damage to the pulp and supporting structures of a tooth because of its dislocation into the alveolar process. This paper shows the case of the reeruption of maxillary incisors accompanied by complicated crown fractures after 3 months. An 8-year-old boy patient was referred to the Department of Pedodontic Dentistry of Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran, 18 hours after a fall at school. Clinical and radiographic examinations revealed intrusive luxation of both incisors with complicated crown fractures. Cervical pulpotomy is the treatment of choice for traumatized immature intruded teeth with pulp exposure. Two months later, the right central incisor teeth reerupted to a normal position and the final aesthetic restorations were done. The left central incisor was spontaneously repositioned with external root resorption, and the team decided to use interim medication (calcium hydroxide) in the root canal for stopping the process of resorption, and by the 9-month follow-up, the process of resorption had been stopped. An MTA plug was placed into the canal, and the final esthetic restorations were done.
Ghrelin Regulates Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression and Promotes Gastric Cancer Cell Progression
Authors: Li Huanqing , Zhang Xiaohong , Feng Li
Published: May 2021

Aim. To research the molecular mechanism of ghrelin in apoptosis, migratory, and invasion of gastric cancer (GC) cells. Methods. After GC AGS cells were handled with ghrelin (10–8 M), cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor NS398 (100 μM), and Akt inhibitor perifosine (10uM), the rates of apoptosis were detected by TUNEL assay and flow cytometry assay. We assessed the expressions of PI3K, p-Akt, and COX-2 proteins by making use of Western blot analysis. The cell migratory and invasion were detected by using wound-healing and transwell analysis. Results. The migratory and invasion were increased in ghrelin-treated cells, while the rates of apoptosis were decreased. GC AGS cells treated with ghrelin showed an increase in protein expression of p-Akt, PI3K, and COX-2. After cells were treated with Akt inhibitor perifosine, the protein expression of p-Akt, PI3K, and COX-2 and the cell migratory, invasion, and apoptosis were partly recovered. After cells were treated with cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor NS398, the protein expression of COX-2 and the cell migratory and invasion were decreased, while the rates of apoptosis were increased. Conclusion. Ghrelin regulates cell migration, invasion, and apoptosis in GC cells through targeting PI3K/Akt/COX-2. Ghrelin increases the expression of COX-2 in GC cells by targeting PI3K/Akt. Ghrelin is suggested to be one of the molecular targets in GC.
Experimental Study on Mechanical Performance of U‐Shaped Steel‐Encased Concrete Composite Beam‐Girder Joints
Authors: Hu Zhangqi , He Ran , Wang Yukui , Lv Weirong , Li Jingchao
Published: May 2021

This paper proposes a novel U‐shaped steel‐encased concrete composite beam‐girder joint (referred to herein as the novel composite beam‐girder joint), in which the U‐shaped beams at two sides (L and R) are inserted into a shaped sleeve, and the U‐shaped girder and two U‐shaped beams are connected by the shaped sleeve through welding. Compared with the traditional beam‐girder joints, the novel composite beam‐girder joints take advantage of easy construction, light weight, and short construction period. The failure patterns, load‐strain and load‐deflection curves, and strain distributions of the novel composite beam‐girder joints were investigated through the static loading tests on two full‐scale specimens, denoted as GBJ1 and GBJ2. The two specimens were varied in beam section reinforcements. Specimen GBJ2 was equipped with 3Ф16 additional bars in the U‐shaped beams based on Specimen GBJ1. Test results show that the two specimens failed as the through arc cracks developed at the concrete slab interfaces. The additional bars can increase the bearing capacity slightly but will also increase the stress concentration on the bottom flange of the shaped sleeve, leading to the decrease of ductility for Specimen GBJ2. The slab effect is considered in the test and can thus reflect the actual stress state of the beam‐girder joints well. This study can provide a reference for the design and application of beam‐girder joints.
Impacts of Ground Slope on Main Performance Figures of Solar Chimney Power Plants: A Comprehensive CFD Research with Experimental Validation
Authors: Cuce Erdem , Cuce Pinar Mert , Sen Harun , Sudhakar K. , Berardi Umberto , Serencam Ugur
Published: May 2021

Geometric parameters in solar chimney power plants are numerically optimised for the purpose of better power output figures. Several parameters have been investigated in the pilot plant such as chimney height and diameter, collector diameter and slope, and slenderness. However, ground slope has not been studied to date despite its perspicuous impact on turbulent flow. In this study, the impacts of the different slope angles of the ground, where the solar radiation is absorbed through the collector, on the main performance parameters of the system are numerically analysed through a reliable CFD software ANSYS FLUENT. By considering the actual geometric figures of the pilot plant, a 3D model is constructed through DO (discrete ordinates) solar ray tracing algorithm and RNG k-ε turbulence model. For the solar intensity of 1000 W/m2, the maximum velocity inside the system is found to be 14.2 m/s, which is in good accordance with the experimental data of 15.0 m/s. Starting from 5 m inside the collector, the chimney inlet heights are reconfigured 0.209, 0.419, 0.625, 0.838, and 1.04 m, respectively, and when the ground slope is 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5°, the changes in the performance output of the system are investigated. For the reference case which refers to the horizontal ground, the maximum air velocity is determined to be 14.2 m/s and the power output is 54.3 kW. However, when the ground slope is made 0.5°, it is observed that the maximum velocity increases by 37% to 19.51 m/s, and the power output is enhanced to 63.95 kW with a rise of 17.7%. Sloping ground is found a key solution to improve the turbulent effects inside the plant, thus to enhance the electrical power output.
Lipocalin 10 as a New Prognostic Biomarker in Sepsis-Induced Myocardial Dysfunction and Mortality: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wang Lu , Xie Wenjie , Li Guang , Hu Bo , Wu Wei , Zhan Liying , Zou Handong
Published: May 2021

Introduction. Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD) is the most common complications of sepsis and septic shock with extremely high incidence and mortality. Lipocalin 10 (Lcn10) has recently been identified as a potential biomarker for heart failure, yet its relation to sepsis has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to explore whether circulating Lcn10 could be used as a prognostic tool in patients with SIMD. Methods. In this single-center observational pilot study, seventy-five sepsis patients were enrolled after sepsis diagnosis or ICU admission (45.3% female, median age 60 years), and 35 patients (46.7%) developed myocardial dysfunction. Serum Lcn10 levels of septic patients were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at the time of admission. Other biomarkers of cardiac function and Lcn10 concentration were compared between SIMD and non-SIMD groups. Results. We observed that the median Lcn10 levels were 2.780 ng/mL in patients with SIMD and 2.075 ng/mL in patients without SIMD (

P
<
0.05

). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the diagnosis of SIMD was 0.797 (

P
<
0.05

). In addition, elevated serum Lcn10 levels at the time of admission were positively associated with 28-day mortality in septic patients. Conclusions. Our study indicates that circulating Lcn10 levels may serve as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of myocardial dysfunction induced by sepsis. An additional large multicenter study may be warranted to confirm the findings of this study.
Feature Extraction of Sequence of Keystrokes in Fixed Text Using the Multivariate Hawkes Process
Authors: Zhang Chang , Zhang Yuchen , Li Fulin
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we propose a new method of extracting the features of keystrokes. The Hawkes process based on exponential excitation kernel was used to model the sequence of keystrokes in fixed text, and the intensity function vector and adjacency matrix of the model obtained through training were regarded as the characteristics of the keystrokes. A visual analysis was carried out on the CMU keystroke raw data and the feature data extracted using the proposed method. We used one-class classifier to compare the classification effect of CMU keystroke raw data and the feature data extracted by the Hawkes process model and POHMM model. The experimental results show that the feature data extracted using the proposed method contains rich information to distinguish users. In addition, the feature data extracted using the proposed method has a slightly better classification performance than the original CMU keystroke data for some users who are not easy to distinguish.
Nutritional Status of Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bramania Puneet , Ruggajo Paschal , Bramania Rimal , Mahmoud Muhiddin , Furia Francis
Published: May 2021

Background. Patients on hemodialysis therapy are at high risk of malnutrition which is attributed to multiple factors. Protein-energy malnutrition in these patients confers poor clinical outcomes. This study investigated the nutritional status of patients on maintenance hemodialysis at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive study was done among 160 adult patients on maintenance hemodialysis therapy. Data concerning patients’ personal, medical, dietary, and hemodialysis-related information were collected. Patients’ anthropometric and laboratory tests (complete blood count, albumin, total cholesterol, creatinine, and urea) were measured. The quantitative Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) dialysis malnutrition score (DMS) was used to assess their nutritional status. Data analysis was done using the SPSS software version 20. Results. Among the 160 hemodialysis patients, 49 (30.6%) were female. Patients’ mean age was 52.2 ± 13.3 years. The median duration on hemodialysis was 18 (8.25–29.75) months. Malnutrition was present in 98 (61.2%) of the patients. Severe malnutrition was found in only 3 (1.9%) patients and 16.9% were underweight. The longer duration on hemodialysis, having diabetes mellitus, and being single were associated with increased risk for malnutrition in multivariate logistic regression. Malnourished patients had significantly lower dry weight, body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference, waist circumference, albumin, total cholesterol, and creatinine levels. Conclusion. Malnutrition is very common among hemodialysis patients at Muhimbili National Hospital, especially those on longer duration of hemodialysis, and diabetic patients. We recommend that hemodialysis patients should be regularly assessed for malnutrition and appropriately treated which if left unattended heralds worse outcomes.