bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for Bridge Inspection Safety
Authors: Hubbard Bryan , Hubbard Sarah
Published: August 2020

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are an excellent tool to remove bridge inspection workers from potential harm. Previous research has documented that UAS for bridge inspection is a strategic priority of a state’s Department of Transportation (DOT), and this paper presents how they can increase safety and presents one methodology to quantify the economic benefit. Although previous studies have documented the potential benefits of using UAS for bridge inspection, these studies have primarily focused on efficiency and capabilities. This paper investigates in greater detail the potential to use UAS to increase the safety of bridge inspection, and includes the results of a survey of bridge inspectors, as well as a benefit cost methodology that utilizes worker compensation rates to quantify the safety benefits of UAS; the methodology is demonstrated using a case study for a DOT. The results of this research present evidence that UAS can increase the safety of bridge inspection, and the benefit–cost methodology and analysis suggest that using UAS to increase safety will provide benefits that are greater than agency costs.
Factors Affecting University Choice Behaviour in the UK Higher Education
Authors: Heathcote Dean , Savage Simon , Hosseinian-Far Amin
Published: August 2020

Although regulations and established practices in academia have focused on a data-rich model of performance information, both to evidence operational capability and to support recruitment, it is considered that this approach has been largely ineffective in addressing student choice behaviour. Historical studies, business, psychology, and technology theories have pointed to the oversimplification that a data-led strategy can result in for mapping human behaviour. In this case, decision processes of students are understood to be nuanced by a vast range of factors with variable relevance for everyone. The effort of the study is to address how Systems Thinking, related policy development, and associated enabling techniques can be applied to the field to provide both a deeper understanding of the dictates of student behaviour and, by extension, the appropriate foci for data provision, enabling comparative business performance assessment of Higher Education Providers. This research has followed the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology; the developed model has been successfully evaluated against the understanding of education practitioners in an interview consultation process of the methodology. The analysis of interview feedback and the development and refinement of the proposed model generate the principle findings of the study. The model outlines the factors that might affect students’ choices in the UK Higher Education.
Electromagnetic Noise Suppression of Magnetic Resonance Sounding Combined with Data Acquisition and Multi-Frame Spectral Subtraction in the Frequency Domain
Authors: Lin Tingting , Yao Xiaokang , Yu Sijia , Zhang Yang
Published: August 2020

As an advanced groundwater detection method, magnetic resonance sounding (MRS) has received more and more attention. However, the biggest challenge is that MRS measurements always suffer with a bad signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Aiming at the problem of noise interference in MRS measurement, we propose a novel noise-suppression approach based on the combination of data acquisition and multi-frame spectral subtraction (DA-MFSS). The pure ambient noise from the measurement area is first collected by the receiving coil, and then the noisy MRS signal is recorded following the pulse moments transmitting. The procedure of the pure noise and the noisy MRS signal acquisition will be repeated several times. Then, the pure noise and the noisy signal are averaged to preliminarily suppress the noise. Secondly, the averaged pure noise and the noisy signal are divided into multiple frames. The framed signal is transformed into the frequency domain and the spectral subtraction method is applied to further suppress the electromagnetic noise embedded in the noisy MRS signal. Finally, the de-noised signal is recovered by the overlap-add method and inverse Fourier transformation. The approach was examined by numerical simulation and field measurements. After applying the proposed approach, the SNR of the MRS data was improved by 16.89 dB and both the random noise and the harmonic noise were well suppressed.
Differentiation in Leaf Physiological Traits Related to Shade and Drought Tolerance Underlies Contrasting Adaptations of Two Cyclobalanopsis (Fagaceae) Species at the Seedling Stage
Authors: Wang Ai-Ying , Hao Guang-You , Guo Jing-Jing , Liu Zhi-Hui , Zhang Jiao-Lin , Cao Kun-Fang
Published: August 2020

Adaptation and acclimation of tree seedlings to different combinations of light and water conditions can determine the species-specific patterns of distribution along environmental gradients and the underlying physiological mechanisms are fundamental to the understanding of such patterns. Seedlings of two Cyclobalanopsis species naturally occurring in southwest China, with distinct distribution and regeneration characteristics, were grown under 100%, 50% and 4% sunlight conditions and traits related to shade and drought tolerance were studied. Particularly, we investigated whether leaf hydraulics, photosynthetic traits and their functional coordination play an important role in determining seedling environmental adaptation and acclimation of the two species. Seedlings of C. helferiana showed characteristics adapted to high irradiance while C. rex had traits adapted to partially shaded environments. Cyclobalanopsis helferiana had significantly higher maximum net photosynthetic rate (Amax), light compensation point and light saturation point than C. rex and the contrasts were particularly large when they were grown under full sunlight. Cyclobalanopsis helferiana showed the highest Amax when grown under 100% sunlight, while C. rex exhibited the highest Amax at 50% sunlight. Similarly, under full sunlight conditions C. helferiana showed significantly higher leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf) than C. rex, i.e., 13.37 vs. 7.09 mmol m−2 s−1 MPa−1 (p < 0.01). The correlation between Kleaf and Amax followed a unified positive correlation across different light treatments of both species. Moreover, leaves of C. helferiana showed greater resistance to drought-induced hydraulic dysfunction and to desiccation than C. rex. The contrasts in functional traits between the two Cyclobalanopsis species are consistent with the hypothesis that there is a trade-off between shade tolerance and drought tolerance. Findings of the present study contribute to a deeper understanding of mechanisms of divergence between closely related (congeneric) species with respect to key ecophysiology associated with natural regeneration.
Exploring the lncRNAs Related to Skeletal Muscle Fiber Types and Meat Quality Traits in Pigs
Authors: Li Rongyang , Li Bojiang , Jiang Aiwen , Cao Yan , Hou Liming , Zhang Zengkai , Zhang Xiying , Liu Honglin , Kim Kee-Hong , Wu Wangjun
Published: August 2020

The alteration in skeletal muscle fiber is a critical factor affecting livestock meat quality traits and human metabolic diseases. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a diverse class of non-coding RNAs with a length of more than 200 nucleotides. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of lncRNAs in skeletal muscle fibers remain elusive. To understand the genetic basis of lncRNA-regulated skeletal muscle fiber development, we performed a transcriptome analysis to identify the key lncRNAs affecting skeletal muscle fiber and meat quality traits on a pig model. We generated the lncRNA expression profiles of fast-twitch Biceps femoris (Bf) and slow-twitch Soleus (Sol) muscles and identified the differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs using RNA-seq and performed bioinformatics analyses. This allowed us to identify 4581 lncRNA genes among six RNA libraries and 92 DE lncRNAs between Bf and Sol which are the key candidates for the conversion of skeletal muscle fiber types. Moreover, we detected the expression patterns of lncRNA MSTRG.42019 in different tissues and skeletal muscles of various development stages. In addition, we performed a correlation analyses between the expression of DE lncRNA MSTRG.42019 and meat quality traits. Notably, we found that DE lncRNA MSTRG.42019 was highly expressed in skeletal muscle and its expression was significantly higher in Sol than in Bf, with a positive correlation with the expression of Myosin heavy chain 7 (MYH7) (r = 0.6597, p = 0.0016) and a negative correlation with meat quality traits glycolytic potential (r = −0.5447, p = 0.0130), as well as drip loss (r = −0.5085, p = 0.0221). Moreover, we constructed the lncRNA MSTRG.42019–mRNAs regulatory network for a better understanding of a possible mechanism regulating skeletal muscle fiber formation. Our data provide the groundwork for studying the lncRNA regulatory mechanisms of skeletal muscle fiber conversion, and given the importance of skeletal muscle fiber types in muscle-related diseases, our data may provide insight into the treatment of muscular diseases in humans.
Classifying Breast Cancer Subtypes Using Deep Neural Networks Based on Multi-Omics Data
Authors: Lin Yuqi , Zhang Wen , Cao Huanshen , Li Gaoyang , Du Wei
Published: August 2020

With the high prevalence of breast cancer, it is urgent to find out the intrinsic difference between various subtypes, so as to infer the underlying mechanisms. Given the available multi-omics data, their proper integration can improve the accuracy of breast cancer subtype recognition. In this study, DeepMO, a model using deep neural networks based on multi-omics data, was employed for classifying breast cancer subtypes. Three types of omics data including mRNA data, DNA methylation data, and copy number variation (CNV) data were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). After data preprocessing and feature selection, each type of omics data was input into the deep neural network, which consists of an encoding subnetwork and a classification subnetwork. The results of DeepMO based on multi-omics on binary classification are better than other methods in terms of accuracy and area under the curve (AUC). Moreover, compared with other methods using single omics data and multi-omics data, DeepMO also had a higher prediction accuracy on multi-classification. We also validated the effect of feature selection on DeepMO. Finally, we analyzed the enrichment gene ontology (GO) terms and biological pathways of these significant genes, which were discovered during the feature selection process. We believe that the proposed model is useful for multi-omics data analysis.
The Water Wars Novel
Authors: Boast Hannah
Published: August 2020

‘Water wars’ are back. Conflicts in Syrian, Yemen and Israel/Palestine are regularly framed as motivated by water and presented as harbingers of a world to come. The return of ‘water wars’ rhetoric, long after its 1990s heyday, has been paralleled by an increasing interest among novelists in water as a cause of conflict. This literature has been under-explored in existing work in the Blue Humanities, while scholarship on cli-fi has focused on scenarios of too much water, rather than not enough. In this article I catalogue key features of what I call the ‘water wars novel’, surveying works by Paolo Bacigalupi, Sarnath Banerjee, Varda Burstyn, Assaf Gavron, Emmi Itäranta, Karen Jayes and Cameron Stracher, writing from the United States, India, Canada, Israel, Finland and South Africa. I identify the water wars novel as a distinctive and increasingly prominent mode of ‘cli-fi’ that reveals and obscures important dimensions of water crises of the past, present and future.
Spatial Effect of Industrial Energy Consumption Structure and Transportation on Haze Pollution in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region
Authors: Li Meicun , Mao Chunmei
Published: August 2020

Haze pollution has a serious impact on China’s economic development and people’s livelihood. We used data on PM2.5 concentration, industrial energy consumption structure, economic development and transportation in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and surrounding cities from 2000 to 2017, and analyzed the spatial effect of industrial energy consumption structure and traffic factors on haze pollution by using spatial autoregressive model (SAR) and spatial error model (SEM). The results indicated that: (1) The global spatial correlation analysis showed that haze pollution had a significant positive spatial correlation, and the local spatial correlation analysis showed that the high-high clusters of PM2.5 were located in the south and middle of the region; (2) The change of industrial energy consumption structure was highly correlated with haze pollution, namely, the increase of industrial energy consumption led to the deterioration of environmental quality; (3) The change of economic development was highly correlated with haze pollution. There was no clear EKC relationship between haze pollution and economic development in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and surrounding cities. However, the relationship was similar to inverted U-shaped curve; (4) The change of traffic jam was highly correlated with haze pollution, namely, the increase of fuel consumption per unit road area led to the deterioration of environmental quality. Based on the above results, from the perspective of space, the long-term measures for haze control in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and surrounding cities can be explored from the aspects of energy conservation and emission reduction, industrial transfer, vehicle emission control, traffic restrictions and purchase restrictions.
Tool for Observing Play Outdoors (TOPO): A New Typology for Capturing Children’s Play Behaviors in Outdoor Environments
Authors: Loebach Janet , Cox Adina
Published: August 2020

Engagement in play has been definitively linked to the healthy development of children across physical, social, cognitive, and emotional domains. The enriched nature of high-quality outdoor play environments can afford a greater diversity of opportunities for play than indoor settings. To more effectively design outdoor play settings, we must better understand how the physical environment supports, or hinders, the different types of play which suit children’s needs and interests. However, play typologies or observation tools available to date do not adequately capture the unique characteristics of outdoor play. This paper outlines the development and testing of the Tool for Observing Play Outdoors (TOPO), a new typology of outdoor play, as well as a systematic field observational protocol which can be used to effectively depict children’s behaviors in outdoor spaces, as well as evaluate the play environment itself. The tool can be deployed in either a collapsed or expanded form to serve the needs of a wide range of studies and environments. This new tool represents a significant advance in the ability to fully and effectively study and plan outdoor play environments to provide more diverse, high-quality play settings that will support the healthy development of children across the spectrum.
Predicting Land Cover Change in the Mamminasata Area, Indonesia, to Evaluate the Spatial Plan
Authors: Hakim Andi Muhammad Yasser , Matsuoka Masayuki , Baja Sumbangan , Rampisela Dorothea Agnes , Arif Samsu
Published: August 2020

The spatial plan program for Makassar City and the surrounding area called Mamminasata (Makassar, Maros, Sungguminasa, and Takalar) was created by the Indonesian Government. The program regulates the proportion of land cover, but predictions about land cover changes were not considered. Therefore, in this study, we predict what the land cover may be in 2031 using the multi-layer perceptron neural network and the Markov chain methods. For this purpose, image composite, support vector machine classifier, and change detection were applied to a time series of satellite data. Visual validation showed the hot-spots of land cover changes related to population density, and statistical validation scored 0.99 and 0.78 in no information kappa and grid-cell level location kappa, respectively. The model was performed to predict land cover in 2031, and the predicted result was then compared with the spatial plan using an overlapping method. The results showed that built-up area, dryland agriculture, and wetland agriculture occupied two, twenty, and eight percent of the protected zone, respectively. Meanwhile, fifteen percent of the development zone was covered by forest, mainly in the eastern part of Mamminasata. The result can be used to help the Government decide future plans for the Mamminasata area.
Synergetic Effects of Intronic Mature miR-944 and ΔNp63 Isoforms on Tumorigenesis in a Cervical Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Kim Jungho , Park Sunyoung , Chang Yunhee , Park Kwang Hwa , Lee Hyeyoung
Published: August 2020

miR-944 is located in an intron of the tumor protein p63 gene (TP63). miR-944 expression levels in cervical cancer tissues are significantly higher than in normal tissues and are associated with tumor size, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, lymph node metastasis, and survival. However, associations of miR-944 with its host gene, TP63, which encodes TAp63 and ΔNp63, in cervical cancer have not been fully investigated. A positive correlation between miR-944 and ΔNp63 mRNA expression was identified in cervical cancer tissues. Furthermore, when the expression of miR-944 and ΔNp63 was simultaneously inhibited, cell proliferation-, differentiation- epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-, transcription-, and virus-associated gene clusters were shown to be significantly more active according to functional annotation analysis. Cell viability and migration were more reduced upon simultaneous inhibition with anti-miR-944 or ΔNp63 siRNA than with inhibition with anti-miR-944 or ΔNp63 siRNA alone, or scramble. In addition, Western blot analysis showed that the simultaneous inhibition of miR-944 and ΔNp63 reduced EMT by increasing the expression of epithelial markers such as claudin and by decreasing mesenchymal markers such as N-cadherin and vimentin. Slug, an EMT transcription factor, was also decreased by the simultaneous inhibition of miR-944 and ΔNp63. Thus, associations between miR-944 and ΔNp63 in cervical cancer could help to elucidate the function of this intronic microRNA and its role in carcinogenesis.
Predicting Acute Kidney Injury: A Machine Learning Approach Using Electronic Health Records
Authors: Abdullah Sheikh S. , Rostamzadeh Neda , Sedig Kamran , Garg Amit X. , McArthur Eric
Published: August 2020

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in hospitalized patients and can result in increased hospital stay, health-related costs, mortality and morbidity. A number of recent studies have shown that AKI is predictable and avoidable if early risk factors can be identified by analyzing Electronic Health Records (EHRs). In this study, we employ machine learning techniques to identify older patients who have a risk of readmission with AKI to the hospital or emergency department within 90 days after discharge. One million patients’ records are included in this study who visited the hospital or emergency department in Ontario between 2014 and 2016. The predictor variables include patient demographics, comorbid conditions, medications and diagnosis codes. We developed 31 prediction models based on different combinations of two sampling techniques, three ensemble methods, and eight classifiers. These models were evaluated through 10-fold cross-validation and compared based on the AUROC metric. The performances of these models were consistent, and the AUROC ranged between 0.61 and 0.88 for predicting AKI among 31 prediction models. In general, the performances of ensemble-based methods were higher than the cost-sensitive logistic regression. We also validated features that are most relevant in predicting AKI with a healthcare expert to improve the performance and reliability of the models. This study predicts the risk of AKI for a patient after being discharged, which provides healthcare providers enough time to intervene before the onset of AKI.
How Does the Intricate Mouthpart Apparatus Coordinate for Feeding in the Hemimetabolous Insect Pest Erthesina fullo?
Authors: Wang Yan , Dai Wu
Published: August 2020

The yellow marmorated stink bug, Erthesina fullo (Thunberg, 1783), is a major pest of certain tree fruits in Northeast Asia. To better understand the feeding mechanism of E. fullo, the fine structure of the mouthparts, including the distribution and abundance of sensilla, are examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and their functions are observed directly under laboratory conditions. The feeding performance is described in detail and illustrated for the first time. The adult feeding process involves several steps, including exploring and puncturing of the host plant epidermis, a probing phase, an engorgement phase, and removal of the mouthparts from the host tissue. Proceeding from labium towards the mandibular stylets, the movement pattern becomes increasingly stereotypical, including the sensilla on the tip of the labium probing, the labium making an elbow-like bend between the first and second segment, the base of the stylet fascicle housing in the groove of the labrum, the mandibular stylets penetrating the site and maxillary stylets feeding. In terms of morphology, the mouthparts are similar to those of other Heteroptera, consisting of a triangular pyramidal labrum, a tube-like and segmented labium with a deep groove on the anterior side, and a stylet fascicle consisting of two mandibular and two maxillary stylets. The four-segmented labium has five types of sensilla basiconica, three types of sensilla trichodea, two types of sensilla campaniformia and 1 type of sensilla coeloconica. Among them, sensilla trichodea one and sensilla basiconica one are most abundant. The tripartite apex of the labium is covered with abundant sensilla trichodea three and a few sensilla basiconica 5. The mandibular stylet tips have two nodules preapically on the dorsal margin of the convex external surface, which may help in penetrating plant tissue and anchoring the mouthparts. The externally smooth maxillary stylets interlock to form a larger food canal and a smaller salivary canal. The structure and function of the mouthparts are adapted for the phytophagous feeding habit in this species. Similarities and differences between the mouthparts of E. fullo and those of other Heteroptera are discussed.
Immunosuppressive Activities of Novel PLA2 Inhibitors from Xenorhabdus hominickii, an Entomopathogenic Bacterium
Authors: Mollah Md. Mahi Imam , Dekebo Aman , Kim Yonggyun
Published: August 2020

Eicosanoids mediate both cellular and humoral immune responses in insects. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) catalyzes the first committed step in eicosanoid biosynthesis. It is a common pathogenic target of two entomopathogenic bacteria, Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus. The objective of this study was to identify novel PLA2 inhibitors from X. hominickii and determine their immunosuppressive activities. To identify novel PLA2 inhibitors, stepwise fractionation of X. hominickii culture broth and subsequent enzyme assays were performed. Eight purified fractions of bacterial metabolites were obtained. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis predicted that the main components in these eight fractions were 2-cyanobenzoic acid, dibutylamine, 2-ethyl 1-hexanol, phthalimide (PM), dioctyl terephthalate, docosane, bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and 3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenol (EMP). Their synthetic compounds inhibited the activity of PLA2 in hemocytes of a lepidopteran insect, Spodoptera exigua, in a dose-dependent manner. They also showed significant inhibitory activities against immune responses such as prophenoloxidase activation and hemocytic nodulation of S. exigua larvae, with PM and EMP exhibiting the most potent inhibitory activities. These immunosuppressive activities were specific through PLA2 inhibition because an addition of arachidonic acid, a catalytic product of PLA2, significantly rescued such suppressed immune responses. The two most potent compounds (PM and EMP) showed significant insecticidal activities after oral administration. When the compounds were mixed with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), they markedly increased Bt pathogenicity. This study identified eight PLA2 inhibitors from bacterial metabolites of X. hominickii and demonstrated their potential as novel insecticides.
Evidence of Prolonged Monitoring of Trauma Patients Admitted via Trauma Resuscitation Unit without Primary Proof of Severe Injuries
Authors: Heinrich Martin , Lany Matthias , Anastasopoulou Lydia , Biehl Christoph , Szalay Gabor , Brenck Florian , Heiss Christian
Published: August 2020

Introductio: Although management of severely injured patients in the Trauma Resuscitation Unit (TRU) follows evidence-based guidelines, algorithms for treatment of the slightly injured are limited. Methods: All trauma patients in a period of eight months in a Level I trauma center were followed. Retrospective analysis was performed only in patients ≥18 years with primary TRU admission, Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) ≤ 1, Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale (MAIS) ≤ 1 and Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≤3 after treatment completion and ≥24 h monitoring in the units. Cochran’s Q-test was used for the statistical evaluation of AIS and ISS changes in units. Results: One hundred and twelve patients were enrolled in the study. Twenty-one patients (18.75%) reported new complaints after treatment completion in the TRU. AIS rose from the Intermediate Care Unit (IMC) to Normal Care Unit (NCU) 6.2% and ISS 6.9%. MAIS did not increase >2, and no intervention was necessary for any patient. No correlation was found between computed tomography (CT) diagnostics in TRU and AIS change. Conclusions: The data suggest that AIS, MAIS and ISS did not increase significantly in patients without a severe injury during inpatient treatment, regardless of the type of CT diagnostics performed in the TRU, suggesting that monitoring of these patients may be unnecessary.
Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Contained in Gut Microbiota as a Primary Source of Sepsis in Low- and Very Low Birth Weight Neonates
Authors: Golińska Edyta , Strus Magdalena , Tomusiak-Plebanek Anna , Więcek Grażyna , Kozień Łucja , Lauterbach Ryszard , Pawlik Dorota , Rzepecka-Węglarz Beata , Kędzierska Jolanta , Dorycka Małgorzata , Heczko Piotr B.
Published: August 2020

Background: There are only a few reports in the literature about translocation of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) as a primary cause of sepsis in neonates, although CoNS are among a short list of “translocating” bacteria when present in abundance. Methods: 468 blood samples, 119 stool samples, and 8 catheter tips, from 311 neonates, were tested for presence of microorganisms. CoNS strains isolated from the blood and stool or from blood and catheter tip of the same newborn at approximately the same time were paired and typed with PFGE (Pulse-Field Gel Electrophoresis) method. The strains were then tested for the presence of adherence genes and biofilm formation. Results: The strains with identical PFGE profiles in comparison to those with non-identical profiles differed in terms of the pattern of the virulence genes and showed a lack of the genes related to adherence, but more often presence of IS256, which is related to virulence. They also were phenotypically unable to adhere to intestinal Caco2 cells. Conclusions: A considerable proportion of CoNS strains isolated from bloodstream of VLBW/LWB neonates was identical to the strains isolated from faeces of the same neonates at the same time. These observations may offer indirect evidence indicating that at least some CoNS can translocate from the gastrointestinal tract of the premature neonates into the bloodstream and thus cause generalized infection.
The Infinity-Lock System for Chronic Grade III AC Joint Dislocation: A Novel Technique, Rehabilitation Protocol and Short Term Results
Authors: Romano Alfonso Maria , Casillo Pasquale , De Simone Monica , Nastrucci Guglielmo , Risorto Donatella , Susanna Massimiliano , Di Giunta Angelo , Ascione Francesco
Published: August 2020

Background: the choice of treatment of chronic grade III acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is controversial. Several surgical techniques have been described in the literature, responding differently to nonoperative treatment. The aim of this study is to describe a modified technique of stabilizing an AC joint dislocation with the new Infinity-Lock Button System, in order to demonstrate that it is effective in optimizing outcomes and decreasing complications. Methods: this is a retrospective study of 15 patients who underwent surgical stabilization of the AC joint dislocation between 2018 and 2019, through modified surgical technique using the Infinity-Lock Button System. Active range of motion (ROM), Specific Acromio Clavicular Score (SACS) and Constant Score (CS) were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at last 18 months follow up. Patients rated their outcomes as very good, good, satisfactory, or unsatisfactory. Results: a total of twelve patients rated their outcome as very good and three as good; no patients were dissatisfied with surgery. The mean Constant Score increased from 38 points preoperatively to 95 postoperatively, the average SACS score decreased from 52 points preoperatively to 10 postoperatively, both significantly. No complications were detected. Conclusion: the described technique is effective for treatment of chronic grade III AC joint dislocation, resulting in elevated satisfaction ratings and predictable outcomes. Nevertheless, further longer term follow-up studies are required.
Treatment of Bone and Joint Tuberculosis in France: A Multicentre Retrospective Study
Authors: Guillouzouic Aurélie , Andrejak Claire , Peuchant Olivia , Hery-Arnaud Geneviève , Hamdad Farida , Lanotte Philippe , Gaborit Benjamin , Bernard Louis , Bémer Pascale
Published: August 2020

Background: Nine percent of all cases of tuberculosis are bone and joint tuberculosis (BJTB). BJTB occurs in two main forms: spinal (STB) and extraspinal (ESTB). The aim of this study was to compare STB with ESTB in terms of diagnosis, treatment and outcomes. Methods: We collected demographic, clinical, microbiological, treatment duration and outcome data for patients with BJTB in a retrospective multicentre study over a 17-year period. Results: Of the 116 patients included in the study, 69 (59.5%) had STB and 47 (40.5%) had ESTB. The median age was higher in the ESTB group. There were significantly more foreign-born patients in the STB group. The median time for diagnosis was longer for ESTB (6 months) than STB (4 months) (p = 0.017). Magnetic resonance imaging was highly reliable for the diagnosis. Direct examination and histology allowed the diagnosis to be made in more than 80% of cases. The median treatment duration of 12 months, regardless of the type of BJTB, was longer than recommended. A favourable outcome was achieved in 91.9% of cases. Conclusion: The management of BJTB remains challenging. An earlier diagnosis should be more effective, reducing the total duration of treatment and leading to better tolerance.
Distinctive Tissue and Serum MicroRNA Profile of IgG4-Related Ophthalmic Disease and MALT Lymphoma
Authors: Nezu Naoya , Usui Yoshihiko , Asakage Masaki , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Tsubota Kinya , Narimatsu Akitomo , Umazume Kazuhiko , Yamakawa Naoyuki , Ohno Shin-ichiro , Takanashi Masakatsu , Kuroda Masahiko , Goto Hiroshi
Published: August 2020

The molecular pathogenesis of orbital lymphoproliferative disorders, such as immunoglobulin G4-related ophthalmic disease (IgG4-ROD) and orbital mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, remains essentially unknown. Differentiation between the two disorders, which is important since the work-up and treatment can vary greatly, is often challenging due to the lack of specific biomarkers. Although miRNAs play an important role in the regulation of carcinogenesis and inflammation, the relationship between miRNA and orbital lymphoproliferative diseases remains unknown. We performed a comprehensive analysis of 2565 miRNAs from biopsy and serum specimens of 17 cases with IgG4-ROD, where 21 cases with orbital MALT lymphoma were performed. We identified specific miRNA signatures and their miRNA target pathways, as well as the network analysis for IgG4-ROD and orbital MALT lymphoma. Machine-learning analysis identified miR-202-3p and miR-7112-3p as the best discriminators of IgG4-ROD and orbital MALT lymphoma, respectively. Enrichment analyses of biological pathways showed that the longevity-regulating pathway in IgG4-ROD and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in orbital MALT lymphoma was most enriched by target genes of downregulated miRNAs. This is the first evidence of miRNA profiles of biopsy and serum specimens of patients with IgG4-ROD and orbital MALT lymphoma. These data will be useful for developing diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, as well as elucidating the pathogenesis of these disorders.
Investigation of the Structural Strength of Existing Blast Walls in Well-Test Areas on Drillships
Authors: Jung Byeongkwon , Kim Jeong Hwan , Seo Jung Kwan
Published: August 2020

Blast walls are installed on the topside of offshore structures to reduce the damage from fire and explosion accidents. The blast walls on production platforms such as floating production storage, offloading, and floating production units undergo fire and explosion risk analysis, but information about blast walls on the well-test area of drillship topsides is insufficient even though well tests are performed 30 to 45 times per year. Moreover, current industrial practices of design method are used as simplified elastically design approaches. Therefore, this study investigates the strength characteristic of blast wall on drillship based on the blast load profile from fire and explosion risk analysis results, as well as the ability of the current design scantling of the blast wall to endure the blast pressure during the well test. The maximum plastic strain of the FE results occurs at the bottom connection between the vertical girder and the blast wall plate. Based on the results, several alternative design applications are suggested to reduce the fabrication cost of a blast wall such as differences of stiffened plated structure and corrugated panels, possibility of changing material (mild steel), and reduced plate thickness for application in current industrial practices.
Entomopathogenic Fungi as Endophytes for Biological Control of Subterranean Termite Pests Attacking Cocoa Seedlings
Authors: Ambele Chaba F. , Ekesi Sunday , Bisseleua Hervé D. B. , Babalola Olubukola O. , Khamis Fathiya M. , Djuideu Christian T. L. , Akutse Komivi S.
Published: August 2020

This study was conducted in the scope of developing a sustainable effective approach against subterranean termite pests using entomopathogenic and endophytic fungus-based biopesticides. Termites, Odontotermes spp. workers, were tested for their susceptibility to 15 entomopathogenic fungal isolates through the direct spraying of conidia suspensions at 1 × 108 conidia/mL. In general, all the isolates screened were pathogenic, with 100% mortality 4–7 days post-inoculation. However, the most virulent isolates were Metarhizium brunneum Cb15-III; the M. anisopliae isolates ICIPE 30 and ICIPE 60; Hypocrea lixii F3ST1; and the Beauveria bassiana isolates ICIPE 279, ICIPE 706 and ICIPE 662. These isolates were further tested for their endophytic colonization of cocoa seedlings using seed soaking, soil drench and foliar spray at 1 × 108 conidia/mL. The colonization of the plant tissues by the fungi was determined using a culture-based technique. Only the B. bassiana isolates ICIPE 706 and ICIPE 279, and H. lixii F3ST1 colonized the cocoa seedlings, with varied colonization rates among isolates and inoculation methods. Three naturally occurring endophytes—Trichoderma asperellum, Fusarium solani and F. redolens—were also isolated from the cocoa seedling tissues. These findings suggest that cocoa seedlings are conducive to endophytic fungal growth either occurring naturally or from artificial inoculation Our findings could possibly lead to an innovative approach to the management of herbivory and subterranean termite pests in cocoa agroforests.
Pharmacogenomics, Pharmacokinetics and Circulating Proteins As Biomarkers for Bevacizumab Treatment Optimization in Patients with Cancer: A Review
Authors: Papachristos Apostolos , Sivolapenko Gregory B.
Published: August 2020

Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets VEGF-A and inhibits tumor angiogenesis. Bevacizumab is approved for the treatment of various cancer, including metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), ovarian cancer, lung cancer, and others. Thus, it is widely used in oncology, but contrary to other therapeutic classes, there is still a lack of validating predictive factors for treatment outcomes with these agents. In recent years, the research for factors predictive of anti-VEGF treatments and especially bevacizumab response has been one of the most competitive translational research fields. Herein, we review and present the available literature of the clinical use of biomarkers, pharmacogenomics (PG), and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) approaches that can be used for the optimization of bevacizumab use in the era of precision medicine.
Prevalence of Older Adult Disability and Primary Health Care Responsiveness in Low-Income Communities
Authors: Montoro Pazzini Watfe Giovana , Fajersztajn Lais , Ribeiro Euler , Rossi Menezes Paulo , Scazufca Marcia
Published: August 2020

In Brazil and in most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), information about how prepared the health care system is for the rapid aging of the population is scarce. We investigated the prevalence of disability and areas of life affected by disability among elders of the public primary health care in São Paulo and Manaus, Brazil. We investigated whether people with disability visited a primary care professional more frequently, the individual characteristics associated with disability, and differences by city. We randomly selected participants aged ≥60 years (n = 1375). The main outcome was disability, evaluated with the 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0). Exposure variables were consultation with a family physician, sociodemographic characteristics, health status, social support, and lifestyle. The prevalence of global disability was higher in Manaus (66.2% vs. 56.4% in São Paulo). In both cities, participation and mobility were the areas of life most affected by disability. The number of consultations with a family physician was not associated with disability. The high prevalence of disability and associated risk factors indicates that public primary health care is not meeting the needs of elders in both cities. It is warning because most elders in LMICs live in more underserved communities compared to Brazil.
Selected Properties of the Surface Layer of C45 Steel Parts Subjected to Laser Cutting and Ball Burnishing
Authors: Skoczylas Agnieszka , Zaleski Kazimierz
Published: August 2020

In this article, we report the results of experimental studies on the impact of ball burnishing parameters on the roughness, microstructure and microhardness of the surface layer of laser-cut C45 steel parts. We also analysed the distribution of residual stresses generated in the surface layer of these parts. Laser-cut parts often require finishing to improve the quality of their surface. The tests performed in this study were aimed at assessing whether ball burnishing could be used as a finishing operation for parts of this type. Ball burnishing tests were performed on an FV-580a vertical machining centre using a mechanically controlled burnishing tool. The following parameters were varied during the ball burnishing tests: burnishing force Fn, path interval fw and the diameter of the burnishing ball dn. Ball burnishing of laser-cut C45 steel parts reduced the surface roughness parameters Sa and Sz by up to 60% in relation to the values obtained after laser cutting. Finish machining also led to the reorganization of the geometric structure of the surface, resulting in an increase in the absolute value of skewness Ssk. This was accompanied by an increment in microhardness (maximum microhardness increment was ΔHV = 95 HV0.05, and the thickness of the hardened layer was gh = 40 µm) and formation of compressive residual stresses in the surface layer.
On the Factors Governing Austenite Stability: Intrinsic versus Extrinsic
Authors: He Binbin
Published: August 2020

In this review, we separate the different governing factors on austenite stability into intrinsic and extrinsic factors, depending on the domain defined by austenite grain boundaries. The different measuring techniques on the effectiveness of the governing factors in affecting the austenite stability are discussed. On the basis of the austenite stability, a new alloy design strategy that involves the competition between the intrinsic and extrinsic factors to control the transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect to realize the stronger the more ductile steel is proposed. The present review may provide new insights into the development of novel thermal-mechanical processing to advance the mechanical properties of steels for industrial applications.
A Priority Queue with Many Customer Types, Correlated Arrivals and Changing Priorities
Authors: Lee Seokjun , Dudin Sergei , Dudina Olga , Kim Chesoong , Klimenok Valentina
Published: August 2020

A single-server queueing system with a finite buffer, several types of impatient customers, and non-preemptive priorities is analyzed. The initial priority of a customer can increase during its waiting time in the queue. The behavior of the system is described by a multi-dimensional Markov chain. The generator of this chain, having essential dependencies between the components, is derived and formulas for computation of the most important performance indicators of the system are presented. The dependence of some of these indicators on the capacity of the buffer space is illustrated. The profound effect of the phenomenon of correlation of successive inter-arrival times and variance of the service time is numerically demonstrated. Results can be used for the optimization of dispatching various types of customers in information transmission systems, emergency departments and first aid stations, perishable foods supply chains, etc.
New Analytical Solutions for Longitudinal Vibration of a Floating Pile in Layered Soils with Radial Heterogeneity
Authors: Liang Zhimeng , Cui Chunyi , Meng Kun , Xin Yu , Pei Huafu , Li Haijiang
Published: August 2020

Based on the theory of wave propagation in three-dimensional (3D) continuum, a new analytical approach for the longitudinal vibration characteristics of a floating pile in layered soils with radial heterogeneity is developed by employing a viscous-type damping model. Firstly, an analytical solution for the longitudinal complex impedance at the pile head is deduced by employing the Laplace transform and complex stiffness technique with the compatibility conditions of the pile and radially inhomogeneous surrounding soil. Secondly, a semi-analytical solution in the time domain is further acquired by using the inverse Fourier transform method. Furthermore, the corresponding analytical solutions are validated through contrasts with previous solutions. Finally, parametric analyses are underway to investigate the effect of radial heterogeneity of surrounding soils on longitudinal vibration characteristics of floating piles. It is indicated that the proposed approach and corresponding solutions can provide a more wide-ranging application than the simple harmonic vibration for longitudinal vibration analysis of a floating pile in soils.
Effects of the Angled Blades of Extremely Small Wind Turbines on Energy Harvesting Performance
Authors: Park Junseon , Lee Seungjin , Park Joong Yull
Published: August 2020

Low-intensity winds can be useful power sources in the context of energy harvesting. This study aims to enhance the power generation capacity of a super micro wind turbine (SMWT) in low-intensity winds by modifying the blade geometry, which cannot be realized in conventional wind turbines owing to the stress concentration. By controlling the curved angle (θ) in the middle of the blade, the rotor performance can be improved, and the rotor diameter can be reduced to increase installation density. Experimental results indicated that the optimal θ value was 105°, at which the AC voltage was improved by 7.4% compared to that in the case of the basic model with θ = 0°. The maximum electric power output was 9.333 μW and the load resistance was 47.62 kΩ. Moreover, a computational fluid dynamics analysis was performed to clarify the pressure field and streamlines on and around the blade to demonstrate the aerodynamic performance of the SMWT. The proposed blade geometry is one of many possible designs that can enhance extremely small wind turbines for energy harvesting.
Simulation Study on Direct Contact Membrane Distillation Modules for High-Concentration NaCl Solution
Authors: Ni Weiming , Li Yongli , Zhao Juezhen , Zhang Gaoyuan , Du Xiaoze , Dong Yingchao
Published: August 2020

Membrane distillation technology, as a new membrane-based water treatment technology that combines the membrane technology and evaporation process, has the advantages of using low-grade heat, working at atmospheric pressure with simple configuration, etc. In this study, heat and mass transfer were coupled at the membrane surfaces through the user-defined function program. The effects of feed temperature, feed velocity and permeate velocity on temperature polarization were mainly investigated for a high-concentration NaCl solution. The temperature polarization was increased with the increase of feed temperature and the decrease of feed and permeate velocity. The effects of temperature, inlet velocity and solution concentration on the evaporation efficiency of the membrane module for co- and counter-current operations were investigated in detail. The counter-current operation performed better than co-current operation in most cases, except for the condition where the NaCl concentration was relatively low or the module length was long enough. In addition, the optimal membrane thickness for both PVDF and PTFE was studied. The optimal membrane thickness was found in the range of 10 to 20 μm, which corresponded to the highest permeate flux for the selected materials, pore size distribution, and operation conditions. Membrane material with lower thermal conductivity and larger porosity was prone to get higher permeate flux and had larger optimal membrane thickness. Increasing feed velocity or feed temperature could decrease the optimal membrane thickness.