bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decomposition of socioeconomic inequalities in child vaccination in Ethiopia: results from the 2011 and 2016 demographic and health surveys
Authors: Bobo Firew Tekle , Hayen Andrew
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Monitoring and addressing unnecessary and avoidable differences in child vaccination is a critical global concern. This study aimed to assess socioeconomic inequalities in basic vaccination coverage among children aged 12–23 months in Ethiopia.

Design, setting and participants

Secondary analyses of cross-sectional data from the two most recent (2011 and 2016) Ethiopia Demographic and Health Surveys were performed. This analysis included 1930 mother–child pairs in 2011 and 2004 mother–child pairs in 2016.

Outcome measures

Completion of basic vaccinations was defined based on whether a child received a single dose of Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG), three doses of diphtheria, tetanus toxoids and pertussis (DTP), three doses of oral polio vaccine and one dose of measles vaccine.

Methods

The concentration Curve and Concentration Indices (CCIs) were used to estimate wealth related to inequalities. The concentration indices were also decomposed to examine the contributing factors to socioeconomic inequalities in childhood vaccination.

Results

From 2011 to 2016, the proportion of children who received basic vaccination increased from 24.6% (95% CI 21.4% to 28.0%) to 38.6% (95% CI 34.6% to 42.9%). While coverage of BCG, DTP and polio immunisation increased during the study period, the uptake of measles vaccine decreased. The positive concentration index shows that basic vaccination coverage was pro-rich (CCI=0.212 in 2011 and CCI=0.172 in 2016). The decomposition analysis shows that use of maternal health services such as family planning and antenatal care, socioeconomic status, exposure to media, urban–rural residence and maternal education explain inequalities in basic vaccination coverage in Ethiopia.

Conclusions

Childhood vaccination coverage was low in Ethiopia. Vaccination was less likely in poorer than in richer households. Addressing wealth inequalities, enhancing education and improving maternal health service coverage will reduce socioeconomic inequalities in basic vaccination uptake in Ethiopia.
COVID-19 outbreak–related psychological distress among healthcare trainees: a cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Wang Yue , Li Yuchen , Jiang Jingwen , Feng Yuying , Lu Donghao , Zhang Wei , Song Huan
Published: October 2020

Objectives

The COVID-19 outbreak has caused enormous strain on healthcare systems, and healthcare trainees, which comprise the future healthcare workforce, may be a vulnerable group. It is essential to assess the psychological distress experienced by healthcare trainees during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Design, setting and participants

A cross-sectional study with 4184 healthcare trainees at Sichuan University in China was implemented during 7–13 February 2020. Participants were grouped by training programmes (medicine, medical technology and nursing) and training stages (undergraduate, postgraduate and residency).

Main outcomes

COVID-19–related psychological distress and acute stress reaction (ASR) were assessed using the Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale and the Impact of Event Scale–Revised, respectively. We estimated the ORs of distress by comparing trainees across programmes and training stages using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Significant psychological distress was found in 1150 (30.90%) participants and probable ASR in 403 (10.74%). Compared with the nursing trainees, the medical trainees (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.95) reported a higher burden of psychological distress during the outbreak, while the medical technology trainees (OR 1.25, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.62) reported similar symptom scores. Postgraduates (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.08) in medicine had higher levels of distress than their undergraduate counterparts did, whereas the nursing residents (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.71) reported a lower burden than did nursing undergraduates. A positive association was found between having active clinical duties during the outbreak and distress (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.39), particularly among the medical trainees (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.47 to 2.33) and undergraduates (OR 4.20, 95% CI 1.61 to 11.70). No clear risk patterns of ASR symptoms were observed.

Conclusions

Medical trainees, particularly postgraduates and those with active clinical duties, were at risk for psychological distress during the COVID-19 outbreak. Stress management may be considered for high-risk healthcare trainees.
Preconditioning of the tumor microenvironment with oncolytic reovirus converts CD3-bispecific antibody treatment into effective immunotherapy
Authors: Groeneveldt Christianne , Kinderman Priscilla , van den Wollenberg Diana J M , van den Oever Ruben L , Middelburg Jim , Mustafa Dana A M , Hoeben Rob C , van der Burg Sjoerd H , van Hall Thorbald , van Montfoort Nadine
Published: October 2020

Background

T-cell-engaging CD3-bispecific antibodies (CD3-bsAbs) are promising modalities for cancer immunotherapy. Although this therapy has reached clinical practice for hematological malignancies, the absence of sufficient infiltrating T cells is a major barrier for efficacy in solid tumors. In this study, we exploited oncolytic reovirus as a strategy to enhance the efficacy of CD3-bsAbs in immune-silent solid tumors.

Methods

The mutantp53andK-rasinduced murine pancreatic cancer model KPC3 resembles human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas with a desmoplastic tumor microenvironment, low T-cell density and resistance to immunotherapy. Immune-competent KPC3 tumor-bearing mice were intratumorally injected with reovirus type 3 Dearing strain and the reovirus-induced changes in the tumor microenvironment and spleen were analyzed over time by NanoString analysis, quantitative RT-PCR and multicolor flow cytometry. The efficacy of reovirus in combination with systemically injected CD3-bsAbs was evaluated in immune-competent mice with established KPC3 or B16.F10 tumors, and in the close-to-patient human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)+breast cancer model BT474 engrafted in immunocompromised mice with human T cells as effector cells.

Results

Replication-competent reovirus induced an early interferon signature, followed by a strong influx of natural killer cells and CD8+T cells, at the cost of FoxP3+Tregs. Viral replication declined after 7 days and was associated with a systemic activation of lymphocytes and the emergence of intratumoral reovirus-specific CD8+T cells. Although tumor-infiltrating T cells were mostly reovirus-specific and not tumor-specific, they served as non-exhausted effector cells for the subsequently systemically administered CD3-bsAbs. Combination treatment of reovirus and CD3-bsAbs led to the regression of large, established KPC3, B16.F10 and BT474 tumors. Reovirus as a preconditioning regimen performed significantly better than simultaneous or early administration of CD3-bsAbs. This combination treatment induced regressions of distant lesions that were not injected with reovirus, and systemic administration of both reovirus and CD3-bsAbs also led to tumor control. This suggests that this therapy might also be effective for metastatic disease.

Conclusions

Oncolytic reovirus administration represents an effective strategy to induce a local interferon response and strong T-cell influx, thereby sensitizing the tumor microenvironment for subsequent CD3-bsAb therapy. This combination therapy warrants further investigation in patients with non-inflamed solid tumors.
Galectin-9-based immune risk score model helps to predict relapse in stage I–III small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Peixin , Zhang Liping , Zhang Wei , Sun Chenglong , Wu Chunyan , He Yayi , Zhou Caicun
Published: October 2020

Background

For small cell lung cancer (SCLC) therapy, immunotherapy might have unique advantages to some extent. Galectin-9 (Gal-9) plays an important role in antitumor immunity, while little is known of its function in SCLC.

Materials and methods

By mean of immunohistochemistry (IHC), we tested the expression level of Gal-9 and other immune markers on both tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in 102 surgical-resected early stage SCLC clinical samples. On the basis of statistical analysis and machine learning results, the Gal-9-based immune risk score model was constructed and its predictive performance was evaluated. Then, we thoroughly explored the effects of Gal-9 and immune risk score on SCLC immune microenvironment and immune infiltration in different cohorts and platforms.

Results

In the SCLC cohort for IHC, the expression level of Gal-9 on TILs was statistically correlated with the levels of program death-1 (p=0.001), program death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) (p<0.001), CD3 (p<0.001), CD4 (p<0.001), CD8 (p<0.001), and FOXP3 (p=0.047). High Gal-9 protein expression on TILs indicated better recurrence-free survival (30.4 months, 95% CI: 23.7–37.1 vs 39.4 months, 95% CI: 31.6–47.3, p=0.009). The immune risk score model which consisted of Gal-9 on TILs, CD4, and PD-L1 on TILs was established and validated so as to differentiate high-risk or low-risk patients with SCLC. The prognostic predictive performance of immune risk score model was better than single immune biomarker (area under the curve 0.671 vs 0.621–0.644). High Gal-9-related enrichment pathways in SCLC were enriched in immune system diseases and rheumatic disease. Furthermore, we found that patients with SCLC with low immune risk score presented higher fractions of activated memory CD4 T cells than patients with high immune risk score (p=0.048).

Conclusions

Gal-9 is markedly related to tumor-immune microenvironment and immune infiltration in SCLC. This study emphasized the predictive value and promising clinical applications of Gal-9 in stage I–III SCLC.
Capsule endoscopy detects insufficient treatment of gastric bleeding in a dog with chronic hepatitis
Authors: Tolbert M Katherine , Spencer Ashley , Lynch Alex M , Papich Mark G , Lidbury Jonathan A
Published: October 2020

A five‐year‐old dog was presented for a chronic non‐regenerative anaemia, copper‐associated chronic hepatitis and suspected portal hypertension. The anaemia was suspected to be from gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and persisted despite chronic omeprazole treatment (1.1 mg/kg orally every 12 hours). Capsule endoscopy confirmed severe gastric bleeding. A pH capsule was orally administered to evaluate the efficacy of gastric acid suppressant treatment. The mean gastric pH of the dog over the three‐hour monitoring period was 4.7, and the percentage time that the intragastric pH were ≥3 and 4 were 100 per cent and 99 per cent, respectively. Substantial upper GI bleeding persisted despite excellent gastric acid suppression, bringing into question the value of routinely recommending such therapy in dogs with hepatic failure without additional monitoring for adequacy of treatment.
Rotation curve and dark matter halo profile in Finsler geometry
Authors: Paul Nupur , Rahaman Farook , Islam Nasarul , De S.S.
Published: October 2020

Galactic dark matter is currently an active area of research. Several researchers proposed several descriptions of radial profiles of dark matter halos by using N-body simulations. Among them, the Navarro, Frenk, and White (NFW) dark matter profile provides the most accurate description of dark matter halos. It is believed that dark matter is smooth and distributed uniformly throughout space. Using Finslerian geometrical background and a specific equation of state, we propose a new way to estimate the rotational velocity of galaxies based on the NFW dark matter profile. On small scales, near the center of galaxies (about 30 kpc) the velocity increases whereas, in the outer regions of galaxies, the rotational velocity is found to be fairly constant, which supports observed rotational velocities.
CDC Melyn yellow seed coat oilseed flax
Authors: Booker Helen M. , Rowland Gordon G. , Kutcher H. Randy , Rashid Khalid Y.
Published: October 2020

CDC Melyn is a yellow seed coat oilseed flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), registered in 2016 by the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada. This cultivar has a yield (106%) comparable to the cultivar AC Nugget (the yield standard for yellow seed coat oilseed flax) and a maturity rating equal to Flanders. It has a medium (46.6%) oil content, iodine value (199.4), alpha-linolenic acid content (61%), and a 1000-seed weight of 5.0 g. It is immune to flax rust caused by Melampsora lini (Ehrenb.) Thüm. and moderately resistant to wilt and powdery mildew caused by Fusarium oxysporum Schltdl. f. sp. lini (Bolley) W.C. Snyder & H.N. Hansen and Oidium lini, respectively.
Infrared finiteness of a complete theory of charged scalars and fermions at finite temperature
Authors: Sen Pritam , Indumathi D. , Choudhury Debajyoti
Published: October 2020

It is known that the infrared (IR) divergences accruing from pure fermion–photon interactions at finite temperature cancel to all orders in perturbation theory. The corresponding infrared finiteness of scalar thermal QED has also been established recently. Here, we study the IR behaviour, at finite temperature, of theories where charged scalars and fermions interact with neutrals that could potentially be dark matter candidates. Such thermal field theories contain both linear and sub-leading logarithmic divergences. We prove that the theory is IR-finite to all orders in perturbation, with the divergences cancelling order by order between virtual and real photon corrections, when both absorption and emission of photons from and into the heat bath are taken into account. The calculation follows closely the technique used by Grammer and Yennie for zero temperature field theory. The result is generic and applicable to a variety of models, independent of the specific form of the neutral-fermion–scalar interaction vertex.
Decidability of Right One-Way Jumping Finite Automata
Authors: Beier Simon , Holzer Markus
Published: October 2020

We continue our investigation [S. Beier, M. Holzer: Properties of right one-way jumping finite automata. In Proc. 20th DCFS, LNCS, 2018] on (right) one-way jumping finite automata (ROWJFAs), a variant of jumping automata, which is an automaton model for discontinuous information processing. Here we focus on decision problems for ROWJFAs. It turns out that most problems such as, e.g., emptiness, finiteness, universality, the word problem and variants thereof, closure under permutation, etc., are decidable. Moreover, we show that the containment of a language within the strict hierarchy of ROWJFA permutation closed languages induced by the number of accepting states as well as whether permutation closed regular or jumping finite automata languages can be accepted by ROWJFAs is decidable, too. On the other hand, we prove that for (linear) context-free languages the corresponding ROWJFA acceptance problem becomes undecidable. Moreover, we discuss also some complexity results for the considered decision problems.
(2+1)-dimensional loop quantum cosmology of Bianchi I models
Authors: Ding You , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: October 2020

We study the anisotropic Bianchi I loop quantum cosmology in [Formula: see text] dimensions. The [Formula: see text] scheme is considered in the present paper and the following expected results are established: (i) the massless scalar field again play the role of emergent time variables and serves as an internal clock; (ii) by imposing the fundamental discreteness of length operator, the total Hamiltonian constraint is obtained and gives rise the evolution as a difference equation; and (iii) the exact solutions of Friedmann equation are constructed rigorously for both classical and effective level. The investigation extends the domain of validity of loop quantum cosmology to beyond the four dimensions.
Determination of bending angle of light deflection subject to possible weak and strong quantum gravity effects
Authors: Xu Chenmei , Yang Yisong
Published: October 2020

Explicit expressions for the bending angle of light deflection arising from phenomenologically deformed black hole metrics, subject to possible weak and strong quantum gravity effects, respectively, are obtained, by a highly effective method. The accuracy and effectiveness of these expressions are then illustrated by numerically solving the differential equation governing the deflection angle directly in the weak quantum-gravity effect situation.
Quantitative effects of network connectivity on epidemics
Authors: Liu Zhenzhen , Xu Xiaoke , Zhou Jianyun
Published: October 2020

Epidemics are affected by the connectivity of nodes in networks in addition to the cooperation of infection transmission. We investigate quantitatively the effects of node connectivity on transmission dynamics by comparing epidemic diffusion in null models with gradual connection strength. Results show that: (1) the inhomogeneity of network connectivity accelerates the spreading of epidemics, this phenomenon is more significant in the early stage of propagation; (2) the enhancement of connectivity of homogenous nodes restrains epidemic spreading, and the spreading speed correlates negatively with connection strength; (3) the spreading speed of epidemics does not change linearly with the strength of rich-club property, which means that the connectivity among hub nodes does not appreciably affect disease diffusion.
Experimental Study of Turbulence and Entrained Air Characteristics in a Plunging Breaking Solitary Wave
Authors: Tang Lian , Wu Yun-Ta , Wai Onyx. W. H. , Lin Pengzhi
Published: October 2020

The entrained air and turbulence characteristics under a breaking solitary wave on a 1:20 sloping beach are investigated through laboratory measurement. Free surface elevation is obtained from wave gauge measurements. Wave breaking process is captured in detail by a high-speed camera. The bubble image velocimetry (BIV) is used to measure the velocity and the fiber optic reflectometer (FOR) is used to capture instantaneous void fraction in the aerated region. The mean void fraction and velocities in the aerated region are obtained by ensemble averaging over 22 repetitions. Results show that the maximum mean void fraction is 0.6 in the collapsing cavity region and is 0.35 in the splash up region. The time series of the mean void fraction has good synchronization with the instantaneous images taken by high-speed camera. The maximum horizontal velocity occurs in the splash up region and reaches 1.17C shortly after the plunging jet hits the water surface, with C being the phase speed of the primary wave. The turbulence intensities over the entire aerated region are presented and discussed. The measured data can be used for the calibration and verification of the numerical model for aerated flows simulation under breaking waves in the surf zone.
90 Years of Galbrun’s Equation: An Unusual Formulation for Aeroacoustics and Hydroacoustics in Terms of the Lagrangian Displacement
Authors: Maeder Marcus , Gabard Gwénaël , Marburg Steffen
Published: October 2020

The field of aeroacoustics has gained much attention since the well-known acoustic analogies were first published in the 1950s. In parallel, the continuous growth of computational resources has enabled researchers and engineers to investigate phenomena involving flow-induced noise or sound propagation effects related to arbitrary velocity fields. To describe the latter mentioned physical processes, Galbrun utilized a mixed Eulerian–Lagrangian framework to describe perturbations of the underlying fluid dynamics. While less known compared to the more common linearized Euler equations, Galbrun’s equation provides an original framework. Since its publication in 1931, a number of scholars have further developed the approach first proposed by Galbrun. This paper provides a review of the existing literature dedicated to the use of Galbrun’s equation by highlighting possible advantages of the underlying theory as well as difficulties when utilizing numerical methods for solving problems in time or frequency domain. Furthermore, this work intents to serve as a companion for researchers interested in the field of aeroacoustics and hydroacoustics associated with Galbrun’s equation.
Pliocene river capture and incision of the northern Altiplano: Machu Picchu, Peru
Authors: Gérard Benjamin , Audin Laurence , Robert Xavier , Gautheron Cécile , van der Beek Peter , Bernet Matthias , Benavente Carlos , Delgado Fabrizio
Published: October 2020

The Abancay Deflection, forming the northern edge of the Altiplano in the Peruvian Andes, is a remarkable geomorphological feature marking the along-strike segmentation of the Andes. Little is known about the timing and spatial distribution of exhumation in this area. To constrain the exhumation history of the Abancay Deflection and its drivers, we present apatite (U–Th)/He and fission-track thermochronology data from samples collected along an elevation transect at Machu Picchu. Geomorphological analysis demonstrates recent and continuing drainage reorganization recorded by the spatial distribution of the normalized steepness index (
k
sn
) and normalized integrated drainage area (
χ
) parameters. Thermochronologically derived cooling rates are converted into exhumation using regionally constrained geothermal gradients between 16 and 26°C km
−1
. Time–temperature inversions imply steady and slow exhumation (<0.05 km Ma
−1
) between 20 and 4 Ma, followed by rapid exhumation (>0.9 km Ma
−1
) since 4 Ma. The timing of rapid exhumation, combined with the geomorphological analysis, suggests that fluvial capture of the previously endorheic Altiplano by the Urubamba River drove recent incision and exhumation. Depending on the value of the geothermal gradient used, total exhumation since 4 Ma can be explained by river incision alone or requires additional exhumation driven by tectonics, possibly associated with movement on the Apurimac fault.

Supplementary material:
Additional information is available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5177343
Learning to Engage with Interactive Systems
Authors: Meng Lingheng , Lin Daiwei , Francey Adam , Gorbet Rob , Beesley Philip , Kulić Dana
Published: October 2020

Physical agents that can autonomously generate engaging, life-like behavior will lead to more responsive and user-friendly robots and other autonomous systems. Although many advances have been made for one-to-one interactions in well-controlled settings, physical agents should be capable of interacting with humans in natural settings, including group interaction. To generate engaging behaviors, the autonomous system must first be able to estimate its human partners’ engagement level. In this article, we propose an approach for estimating engagement during group interaction by simultaneously taking into account active and passive interaction, and use the measure as the reward signal within a reinforcement learning framework to learn engaging interactive behaviors. The proposed approach is implemented in an interactive sculptural system in a museum setting. We compare the learning system to a baseline using pre-scripted interactive behaviors. Analysis based on sensory data and survey data shows that adaptable behaviors within an expert-designed action space can achieve higher engagement and likeability.
A Primer for Conducting Experiments in Human–Robot Interaction
Authors: Hoffman Guy , Zhao Xuan
Published: October 2020

We provide guidelines for planning, executing, analyzing, and reporting hypothesis-driven experiments in Human–Robot Interaction (HRI). The intended audience are researchers in the field of HRI who are not trained in empirical research but who are interested in conducting rigorous human-participant studies to support their research. Following the chronological order of research activities and grounded in updated research practices in psychological and behavioral sciences, this primer covers recommended methods and common pitfalls for defining research questions, identifying constructs and hypotheses, choosing appropriate study designs, operationalizing constructs as variables, planning and executing studies, sampling, choosing statistical tools for data analysis, and reporting results.
Non-functional requirements in the ELASTIC architecture
Authors: Nogueira Luis , Barros António , Zubia Cristina , Faura David , Gracia Pérez Daniel , Miguel Pinho Luis
Published: October 2020

The new generation of smart systems require processing a vast amount of information from distributed data sources, while fulfilling non-functional properties related to real-time, energy-efficiency, communication quality and security. The ELASTIC software architecture is being developed to tackle this challenge, considering the complete continuum from the edge to the cloud. This paper provides a brief analysis of the smart application considered in the project, and the requirements emanating from their non-functional properties. The paper then identifies some of the technical constrains imposed to the ELASTIC software architecture to allow guaranteeing the non-functional requirements of the systems.
“Why Do We Do Physics? Because Physics Is Fun!”
Authors: Bjorken James D.
Published: October 2020

In this informal memoir, the author describes his passage through a golden age of elementary particle physics. It includes not only his career trajectory as a theoretical physicist but also his excursions into experimental physics and particle accelerator theory. While his successes are highlighted, some unsuccessful efforts are included in the narrative as well. Those “losers” were arguably as pleasurable as the less-frequent “winners.” Since retirement, the author has become interested in gravitation theory and cosmology—a new golden age. This activity is also briefly described.
Incorporating higher order thinking and deep learning in a large, lecture-based human physiology course: can we do it?
Authors: Hobbins Justine O. , Murrant Coral L. , Snook Laelie A. , Tishinsky Justine M. , Ritchie Kerry L.
Published: October 2020

Large classes taught with didactic lectures and assessed with multiple-choice tests are commonly reported to promote lower order (LO) thinking and a surface approach (SA) to learning. Using a case study design, we hypothesized that incorporating instructional scaffolding of core physiology principles and assessing students exclusively with long-answer written tests would encourage higher order (HO) thinking and promote a deep approach (DA) to learning in a two-course physiology sequence (Phys I and II), despite their large size. Test questions were categorized as LO or HO according to the Blooming Biology Tool, and students’ LO and HO performance was determined for each of six tests across the two courses. The validated Revised Two-Factor Study Process Questionnaire survey tool was administered at the beginning and end of each course to measure student approach to learning. HO performance was maintained across Phys I (72.9 ± 19.4 vs. 74.8 ± 20.7%, P = 0.37) and significantly improved across Phys II (69.9 ± 18.4 vs. 79.4 ± 14.8%, P < 0.001). Unexpectedly, students’ LO performance declined from the beginning to end of Phys I (78.5 ± 20.6 vs. 69.4 ± 17.9%, P < 0.001) and Phys II (80.5 ± 19.6 vs. 72.2 ± 24.3%, P < 0.001). Students’ approach to learning did not change throughout Phys I or II, but at each time point students preferred a DA over a SA. Taken together, these results indicate that an intentionally designed large lecture class can support a DA to learning and suggests that this teaching and assessment structure may be particularly well suited to promote HO thinking, albeit possibly at the expense of LO thinking.
On a Discrete Markov-Modulated Risk Model with Random Premium Income and Delayed Claims
Authors: Nie Changwei , Chen Mi , Liu Haiyan , Yu Wenguang
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a discrete Markov-modulated risk model with delayed claims, random premium income, and a constant dividend barrier is proposed. It is assumed that the random premium income and individual claims are affected by a Markov chain with finite state space. The model proposed is an extension of the discrete semi-Markov risk model with random premium income and delayed claims. Explicit expressions for the total expected discounted dividends until ruin are obtained by the method of generating function and the theory of difference equations. Finally, the effect of related parameters on the total expected discounted dividends are shown in several numerical examples.
Invariants of the Space Point Element Structure and Their Applications
Authors: Mui Yanping , Zhang Youzheng , Cao Guitao
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a new geometric structure of projective invariants is proposed. Compared with the traditional invariant calculation method based on 3D reconstruction, this method is comparable in the reliability of invariant calculation. According to this method, the only thing needed to find out is the geometric relationship between 3D points and 2D points, and the invariant can be obtained by using a single frame image. In the method based on 3D reconstruction, the basic matrix of two images is estimated first, and then, the 3D projective invariants are calculated according to the basic matrix. Therefore, in terms of algorithm complexity, the method proposed in this paper is superior to the traditional method. In this paper, we also study the projection transformation from a 3D point to a 2D point in space. According to this relationship, the geometric invariant relationships of other point structures can be easily derived, which have important applications in model-based object recognition. At the same time, the experimental results show that the eight-point structure invariants proposed in this paper can effectively describe the essential characteristics of the 3D structure of the target, without the influence of view, scaling, lighting, and other link factors, and have good stability and reliability.
The Effect of Feedback on Surgeon Performance: A Narrative Review
Authors: Rankin Kelsey A. , Brand Jordan , Wiznia Daniel H.
Published: October 2020

Surgeons play a critical role in the healthcare community and provide a service that can tremendously impact patients’ livelihood. However, there are relatively few means for monitoring surgeons’ performance quality and seeking improvement. Surgeon-level data provide an important metric for quality improvement and future training. A narrative review was conducted to analyze the utility of providing surgeons direct feedback on their individual performance. The articles selected identified means of collecting surgeon-specific data, suggested ways to report this information, identified pertinent gaps in the field, and concluded the results of giving feedback to surgeons. There is a relative sparsity of data pertaining to the effect of providing surgeons with information regarding their individual performance. However, the literature available does suggest that providing surgeons with individualized feedback can help make meaningful improvements in the quality of practice and can be done in a way that is safe for the surgeons’ reputation.
Some State-Specific Exit Probabilities in a Markov-Modulated Risk Model
Authors: Li Jingchao , Li Shuanming
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we study some state-specific one-sided exit probabilities in a Markov-modulated risk process including the probability that ruin occurs without or with the surplus visiting certain states; the probability that ruin occurs without or with a claim occurring in certain states; the probability that the surplus attains a target level without or with visiting certain states; and the probability that the surplus attains a target level without or with a claim occurring in certain states. We also investigate the corresponding two-sided first exit probabilities without (or with) the surplus visiting certain states or without (or with) claims occurring in certain states. All these probabilities can be expressed elegantly in terms of some modified matrix scale functions which are easily computable.
Role of Polyphenols and Carotenoids in Endothelial Dysfunction: An Overview from Classic to Innovative Biomarkers
Authors: Di Pietro Natalia , Baldassarre Maria Pompea Antonia , Cichelli Angelo , Pandolfi Assunta , Formoso Gloria , Pipino Caterina
Published: October 2020

Nowadays, the dramatically increased prevalence of metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes mellitus and their related complications, including endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease, represents one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Dietary nutrients together with healthy lifestyles have a crucial role in the endothelium health-promoting effects. From a growing body of evidence, active natural compounds from food, including polyphenols and carotenoids, have attracted particular attention as a complementary therapy on atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, as well as preventive approaches through the attenuation of inflammation and oxidative stress. They mainly act as radical scavengers by promoting a variety of biological mechanisms, such as improvements in endothelial function, blood pressure, platelet activity, and insulin sensitivity, and by modulating various known biomarkers. The present review highlights the role of polyphenols and carotenoids in early endothelial dysfunction with attention to their beneficial effect in modulating both classical and recent technologically generated emerging biomarkers. These, alone or in combination, can play an important role in the prediction, diagnosis, and evolution of cardiovascular disease. However, a main challenge is to speed up early and prompt new interventions in order to prevent or slow down disease progression, even with an adequate intake of bioactive compounds. Hence, there is an urgent need of new more validated, appropriate, and reliable diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers useful to diagnose endothelial dysfunction at an earlier stage.
Paratesticular Serous Borderline Tumor in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Meza Itzel Araceli Ortiz , Camacho Marco Antonio Ponce , Márquez Rodolfo Franco , Morquecho Mauricio Delgado , Guajardo Raquel Garza , Quintana Oralia Barboza
Published: October 2020

Tumors of the paratesticular region are generally tumors of slow growth, with little symptomatology and, in most cases, benign in nature; in this area, a borderline serous tumor may arise hypothetically from Müllerian metaplasia of the tunica vaginalis, which is histologically identical to its ovarian counterpart. We present a 10-year-old male, with right gynecomastia and ipsilateral hydrocele, showing an enlarged right testicle with a volume of 12 ml and a left testicle with a volume of 10 ml. A right orchiectomy was performed, which presented a poorly defined tan tumor of 1.8 cm that occupied the vaginal and epididymal tunica, and infiltrates the testicular parenchyma. Histological sections revealed a cystic neoplasm, with hierarchical papillary projections, covered by one or several epithelial columnar and hobnail cells with moderate atypia and scant mitosis. Immunohistochemical reactions were performed, resulting positive for PAX-8, epithelial membrane antigen, and CK7, confirming the diagnosis of borderline serous tumor. Since the first reported case in 1986, few have been reported, the majority of these in adults with only three cases in children. In the few cases reported, the prognosis is usually favorable after surgical resection, with disease-free follow-up for up to 18 years.
Dynamic Response of a Rotating Assembly under the Coupled Effects of Misalignment and Imbalance
Authors: Desouki Mohamed , Sassi Sadok , Renno Jamil , Gowid Samer Abdelazim
Published: October 2020

In rotating machinery, the second most common fault after imbalance is misalignment. Misalignment can have a severe impact on equipment and may reduce the machine’s lifetime considerably. In this paper, the simultaneous effect of imbalance and misalignment (parallel or angular) on the vibration spectra of rotating machinery will be discussed. A numerical model is developed and used to obtain the time and frequency responses of the rotor-coupling-bearing system to the simultaneous effect of these faults. The numerical model shows that the imbalance was mainly related to the peak located around 1X, whereas misalignment was linked to the peak around 2X. In addition, the parallel misalignment fault magnifies the 2X amplitude of the displacement response, whereas the response of angular misalignment is captured at the 2X and 4X amplitudes. This study also examines the effects of changing the model’s rotational speed, misalignment level, and coupling type for angular and parallel misalignments.
The Effectiveness of Ketamine in Pediatric Acute Deafferentation Pain after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Shiwlochan Devina G. , Shah Misty , Baldev Khushboo , Thomas Donna-Ann , Debrosse Maxime
Published: October 2020

Deafferentation pain and allodynia commonly occur after spinal cord trauma, but its treatment is often challenging. The literature on effective therapies for pediatric deafferentation pain, especially in the setting of spinal cord injury, is scarce. We report the case of a 12-year-old patient with acute allodynia after a gunshot injury to the spine. The pain was refractory to multiple analgesics, but resolved with ketamine, which also improved the patient’s physical function and quality of life, a trend that continued many months after the injury. We suggest that early initiation of ketamine may be effective for acute pediatric deafferentation pain secondary to spinal cord injury, as well as preventing chronic pain states in that population.
Prediction of High-Cycle Fatigue Performance of 1Cr11Ni2W2MoV Stainless Steel Plate after Foreign Object Damage
Authors: Zhao Zhenhua , Wang Lingfeng , Liu Chao , Liu Lulu , Chen Wei
Published: October 2020

High-cycle fatigue (HCF) properties of 1Cr11Ni2W2MoV stainless steel impacted by a high-speed steel ball were studied by the foreign object damage (FOD) test and HCF test. The results show that the damage depth

Z

has the most obvious effect on the HCF limit of notched flat plate specimens, and the fatigue limit decreases with the increase of depth

Z

. The microcharacteristics of the FOD notch and HCF fracture of 1Cr11Ni2W2MoV stainless steel were observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that the microdamage features such as plastic deformation, loss of material, and microcracks promote the initiation and propagation of fatigue cracks, and the fatigue source area lies near the root of the notch. The Peterson formula and Worst Case Notch (WCN) mode were used to predict the HCF limit of flat plate specimens after FOD. The crack growth threshold was obtained by the crack growth test. The results show that the prediction results of both methods are conservative. For the notch with damage depth

Z
<
1

 mm, the prediction accuracy of the WCN model is higher (

error
 
range
<
30
%

). For the notch with damage depth

Z
>
1

 mm, the prediction results of both methods have large errors (>30%) with the WCN model being slightly more accurate.
Prevalence of E. coli ST131 among Uropathogenic E. coli Isolates from Iraqi Patients in Wasit Province, Iraq
Authors: Al-Guranie Dhifar Raa’d , Al-Mayahie Sareaa Maseer
Published: October 2020

The emergence of Escherichia coli sequence type 131 (E. coli ST131) clone represents a major challenge to public health globally, since this clone is reported as highly virulent and multidrug-resistant, thus making it successfully disseminated worldwide. In Iraq, there is no previous study dealing with this important clone, so this project was suggested to investigate its presence within uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) from Iraqi patients in Wasit Province. A total of 112 UPEC isolates from cases of acute urinary tract infection (UTI) were analysed for phylogenetic groups by quadruplex PCR; then, these isolates were investigated for E. coli ST131 clone by both conventional and real-time PCR procedures. The antibiotic susceptibility test was performed by the disk diffusion method. The results revealed that, out of 112 UPEC isolates, 38 (33.9%) belonged to phylogroup B2. For conventional PCR, 92.1% (35/38) of B2 E. coli isolates were positive for E. coli ST131, of which 34 were O25b-ST131 strain and 1 was O16-ST131 strain. However, serogroups O25b and O16 represented 17.1% and 2.8%, respectively. By RT-PCR assay, 15.1% (17/112) and 44.7% (17/38) of total and B2 E. coli isolates were confirmed as being E. coli ST131, respectively. The highest resistance rates of E. coli ST131 isolates were against the β-lactams, while low resistance rates were against amikacin, nitrofurantoin, and gentamicin. Fortunately, all isolates were susceptible to carbapenems. Moreover, 52.9% (9 out of 17) of E. coli ST131 isolates were MDR. In conclusion, the presence of E. coli ST131 among UPEC isolates from Iraqi patients is confirmed with high resistance to most antimicrobials included in this study.
Main Factors Influencing Winter Visibility at the Xinjin Flight College of the Civil Aviation Flight University of China
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhao Pengguo , Wang Xiuting , Zhang Jie , Liu Jia , Li Bolan , Zhou Yunjun , Wang Hao
Published: October 2020

Utilizing routine hourly meteorological data of Xinjin Airport and daily average PM2.5 concentration data for Chengdu, winter visibility characteristics at Xinjin Airport between 2013 and 2017 and their relationship with meteorological conditions and particulate matter were analyzed. Between 2013 and 2017, the average winter visibility in Xinjin Airport was lowest in January, followed by that in December. The occurrence frequency of haze days in winter was much higher than that of nonhaze (clean) days, being 90.2% and 9.8%, respectively. These were mainly mild haze days, with an occurrence frequency of 44.4%, while severe haze days occurred the least, with a frequency of 7.7%. The linear and nonlinear relationships between winter visibility, meteorological factors, and PM2.5 were measured using daily data in winter from 2013 to 2016. The linear correlation between PM2.5 concentration and visibility was the most evident, followed by that of relative humidity. Visibility had a higher nonlinear correlation with PM2.5 concentration, relative humidity, and dew point depression. When relative humidity was between 70% and 80%, the negative correlation between visibility and PM2.5 concentration was the most significant and could be described by a power function. The multivariate linear regression equation of PM2.5 concentration and relative humidity could account for 65.9% of the variation in winter visibility, and the multivariate nonlinear regression equation of PM2.5 concentration, relative humidity, and wind speed could account for 68.1% of the variation in winter visibility. These two equations reasonably represented the variation in winter visibility in 2017.
The Isolation of Hypoglycaemic Compounds from Desmodium canum and Their Synergistic Effect on Blood Glucose Levels in Euglycaemic Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Lattibeaudiere Kemmoy , Porter Roy , Alexander-Lindo Ruby Lisa
Published: October 2020

Desmodium canum (Strong back) commonly consumed as a tea or tonic is believed to possess hypoglycaemic activity. This paper sets out to isolate potential hypoglycaemic compounds present within the plant and investigate their synergistic effects on blood glucose levels in euglycaemic Sprague Dawley rats. The milled plant was sequentially extracted using hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. The ethyl acetate extract was subjected to column chromatography yielding seven major fractions and were subsequently bioassayed using the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Further chromatographic separation and analysis using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy enabled the identification of two hypoglycaemic compounds, oleic acid (OA) and succinic acid (SA). These were bioassayed individually and as a cocktail to determine the synergistic effects using OGTT. Intravenous administration of these compounds individually indicated both are very potent in retarding blood glucose levels. However, the most significant activity was observed on synergistic administration. The cocktail (1 : 1) displayed significant hypoglycaemic activity throughout the entire study. It also significantly differed from OA at the 120 min interval (3.43 ± 0.22 mmol/L vs. 4.98 ± 0.19 mmol/L, resp., p = 4.29 × 10−7) and significantly differed from SA at 30 min (3.95 ± 0.43 mmol/L vs. 5.17 ± 0.32 mmol/L, resp., p = 0.003), 90 min (4.35 ± 0.36 mmol/L vs. 5.49 ± 0.69 mmol/L, resp., p = 0.04), and 120 min intervals (3.43 ± 0.22 mmol/L vs. 4.94 ± 0.31, resp., p = 1.54 × 10−5). Oral administration of the cocktail showed comparable potency to that of metformin (p > 0.05) throughout the OGTT curve. The synergistic effects of the naturally isolated compounds yielded higher potency levels than individual administration and when administered orally, the hypoglycaemic effect was similar to that of metformin. This may assist in paving a way to attempt a novel method in approaching antidiabetic therapy.
Death of a Child and Mortality after Cancer: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Sweden
Authors: Wang Yujie , Wei Dang , Chen Hua , Chen Baoan , Li Jiong , László Krisztina D.
Published: October 2020

Background:

The death of a child is a traumatic life event that may influence mortality in patients with cancer. Only a few studies investigated this association and their findings have been mixed. We analyzed whether the death of a child is associated with mortality in patients with cancer.

Methods:

We conducted a cohort study of 371,673 parents who were diagnosed with cancer in Sweden during 1973 to 2014 by linking several population-based registers. We analyzed the association between the death of a child after the diagnosis of cancer and mortality using Cox proportional hazards models with time-varying exposure.

Results:

The death of a child was associated with an increased risk of mortality [HR, 1.27; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.17–1.39]. The association was present not only in case of children's death due to cancer or other natural deaths, but also in case of unnatural deaths. Mortality was increased only in the long-term follow-up period (HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.29–1.56), but not in the short-term (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.78–1.15). The association was most pronounced following loss of an adult child and for patients with reproductive cancers.

Conclusions:

Death of a child is associated with increased risks of overall and long-term mortality in patients with cancer. The findings that the association was present not only in case of natural but also in case of unnatural deaths suggests that stress-related mechanisms may also operate.

Impact:

Our findings highlight the importance of psychosocial support for patients with cancer experiencing severe stress.