bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do I… facilitate a rapid response to a public health emergency requiring plasma collection with a public–private partnership?
Authors: Miller Maureen J. , Skrzekut Adam , Kracalik Ian , Jones Jefferson M. , Lofy Kathryn H. , Konkle Barbara A. , Haley N. Rebecca , Duvenhage Michael , Bonnett Tyler , Holbrook Michael , Higgs Elizabeth , Basavaraju Sridhar V. , Paranjape Suman
Published: September 2021

In March 2020, there were no treatment options for COVID‐19. Passive immune therapy including anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 hyperimmune globulin (hIVIG) was a logical candidate for COVID‐19 therapeutic trials, given past success treating emerging pathogens with endogenous neutralizing antibodies. We established a plasma collection protocol for persons recovered from COVID‐19. To speed recruitment in the first U.S. hotspot, Seattle, Washington, federal and state public health agencies collaborated with Bloodworks Northwest to collect convalescent plasma (CP) for manufacturing hIVIG. During March–December 2020, we identified and recruited prospective CP donors via letters to persons recovered from COVID‐19 with laboratory‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Prospective donors were pre‐screened and administered a medical history survey. Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers were classified as qualifying (≥1:80) or non‐qualifying (<1:80) for enrollment based on a live virus neutralization assay. Generalized estimating equations were used to identify characteristics of donors associated with qualifying versus nonqualifying NAb titers. Overall, 21,359 letters resulted in 3207 inquiries, 2159 prescreenings with laboratory‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, and 573 donors (27% of all pre‐screenings with confirmed infection) who provided a screening plasma donation. Of 573 donors screened, 254 (44%) provided plasma with qualifying NAb titers, resulting in 1284 units for hIVIG manufacture. In a multivariable model, after adjusting for other factors, time (60 days) from COVID‐19 symptom onset to screening was associated with lower odds of qualifying NAb (adjusted odds ratio = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.48–0.94). The collaboration facilitated a rapid response to develop and provide hIVIG for clinical trials and CP for transfusion. Only 1 in 12 donor inquiries resulted in a qualifying plasma donation. Challenges included recruitment and the relatively low percentage of persons with high NAb titers and limited screening capacity. This resource‐intensive collaboration may not be scalable but informs preparedness and response strategies for plasma collection in future epidemics. Operational readiness plans with templates for screening, consent, and data collection forms are recommended.
Performance of the Sysmex XN‐V body fluid module for canine cerebrospinal fluid cell count
Authors: Ortiz‐Nisa Sonia , Sanz Alba , Pastor Josep , de la Fuente Cristian , Añor Sonia
Published: September 2021

Background

Microscopic cell counts and nucleated cell identification are the “gold standard” for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assessments and are labor intensive and subject to operator variability. The use of automated methods could be an alternative to the current manual technique.

Objectives

We aimed to assess the utility of the Sysmex XN‐V body fluid (BF) module analyzer to count and differentiate nucleated cells in canine CSF and evaluate the accuracy and correlation between this and the manual method.

Methods

We prospectively analyzed 150 CSF samples from dogs using the Sysmex XN‐V BF module and compared the results with those obtained using the manual counting method. We also evaluated the linearity, detection limits, and imprecision of the Sysmex XN‐V BF module.

Results

The Sysmex XN‐V BF module analyzer performance had a sensitivity of 92.59% and specificity of 94.30%. The lower limit of quantification for the total nucleated cell count (TNCC) was 0 cells/μL. A Pearson´s correlation coefficient of 0.945 was found between both methods for TNCC, with 0.997 and 0.940 for samples with TNCC >10 cells/μL and TNCC >5 cells/μL, respectively. The correlation coefficient for the mononuclear and polymorphonuclear differential cell count was −0.031 and −0.019, respectively, and it was 0.576 for the RBC count.

Conclusions

The Sysmex XN‐V BF module provides reliable TNCCs for canine CSF, even for samples with low cell numbers, but manual cytologic evaluation is still needed for differential cell counts.
Comparison of in‐hospital continuous electrocardiography versus recordable Holter monitoring in dogs with ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Teslenko Alina , Fries Ryan C. , Selmic Laura E.
Published: September 2021

Objective

Determine the agreement between nonrecordable continuous ECG and Holter monitoring at estimating arrhythmia severity in hospitalized dogs.

Design

Prospective, observational, cohort study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Ten dogs.

Interventions

Heart rates and rhythms were simultaneously monitored using nonrecordable cage‐side continuous ECG and Holter monitoring. Continuous ECG was assessed by ICU technicians for 1 min every hour, and heart rate and rhythm were recorded. A modified Lown score was used to grade arrhythmia severity (Grade 0 = sinus; Grade 1 = single ventricular premature complexes; Grade 2 = accelerated idioventricular; Grade 3 = bigeminy/trigeminy; Grade 4 = couplets/triplets; Grade 5 = ventricular tachycardia or R on T). Holter data were analyzed by a board‐certified cardiologist, and arrhythmia grade was assigned to the same 1‐min time period reported by ICU technicians. A 1‐h arrhythmia grade was also determined from Holter data and was reported as the highest grade noted during the previous hour. Cohen's weighted kappa analysis was used to compare the agreement of ICU and Holter grade during the same 1‐min time period and to compare 1‐min Holter grade with the prior hour Holter grade.

Measurements and Main Results

Weak agreement was found between ICU‐reported grade and Holter grade (κ = 0.40), as well as weak agreement between 1‐min Holter grade and hour Holter grade (κ = 0.39).

Conclusions

Results of this study indicate that arrhythmia grades assessed by ICU technicians and hourly 1‐min observations weakly agree with recordable Holter monitoring in hospitalized dogs with ventricular arrhythmias.
A feasibility study investigating the utility of a point‐of‐care rapid immunoassay for detecting septic peritoneal effusion in dogs
Authors: Human Kelsey P. , Bleyaert Helga F. , Iacovetta Christine
Published: September 2021

Objective

To determine the sensitivity (SN), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of a point‐of‐care urine bacterial rapid immunoassay (RIA) for a diagnosis of septic peritonitis, compared to more traditional diagnostic tools, such as cytology and bacterial culture.

Design

Prospective, cross‐sectional feasibility study conducted from October 2016 to June 2017.

Setting

Four locations within a private practice referral hospital.

Animals

Sixty‐four dogs with peritoneal effusion of any etiology were enrolled. Four dogs were excluded due to absent RIA or bacterial culture results. Two additional dogs were excluded because of an inability to definitively classify them as having septic peritonitis.

Interventions

Abdominocentesis was performed to obtain peritoneal effusion samples for aerobic and anaerobic bacterial culture, cytology, and RIA. Cytological slides were evaluated by a clinical pathologist following enrollment.

Measurements and Main Results

Fifty‐eight dogs were included in the study, 8 of which were classified as having septic peritonitis. Compared to final diagnosis of septic peritonitis, RIA had a low PPV (36.8%) but good NPV (97.4%) and was 77.5% accurate. SN of RIA (87.5%) to diagnose septic peritonitis was similar to cytology (85.7%) and bacterial culture (87.5%); however, SP was lower (76%, 100%, and 98%, respectively). Cytology had the best overall predictive values and accuracy for diagnosing septic peritonitis (PPV 100%, NPV 97.9%, and accuracy 98%) compared to RIA and bacterial culture.

Conclusions

RIA testing was similarly sensitive in identifying septic peritonitis compared to cytology and bacterial culture but was not very specific or accurate. As a stand‐alone test, RIA commonly had false‐positive test results, making it unreliable in identifying septic peritonitis. Cytology was the most accurate diagnostic test and had no false‐positive results. Further investigation with a larger sample size and prevalence of septic peritonitis may prove beneficial.
Characterization of sand fly breeding sites in district Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, and evaluation of risk factors for cutaneous leishmaniasis in the region
Authors: Khan Khurshaid , Khan Nazma Habib , Anwar Farhat , Ullah Ihtisham , Badshah Noor , Irfan Irfan , Iqbal Khalid , Shah Ibrar , Aziz Shah Tariq , Khan Muhammad Shahid Naseem , Shah Safeer Ullah
Published: September 2021

Present study was carried to determine the sand fly species composition, breeding sites ecology, seasonal abundance, and spatial distribution in district Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. In addition, risk factors associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) were also evaluated. Survey of indoor and outdoor habitats was carried out using sticky traps in 31 villages of Dargai and Batkhela tehsils of Malakand. Soil from habitats of adult and immature sand flies was analysed. Questionnaire‐based household survey was also performed in these villages to assess risk factors associated with CL. Soil samples from selected CL positive households were analysed for its contents. Additionally, clinicoepidemiological data from local health centres was examined for the year 2019. Total of 3,140 sand flies belonging to 18 species were collected. Phlebotomus sergenti was the most abundant species (38.16%). Its abundance had a strong positive correlation with mean monthly relative humidity and negative correlation with average temperature. Phlebotomus sergenti and Phlebotomus papatasi were abundant at an elevation ranging from 320 to 1,120 m above sea level and in agricultural lands near human settlements. Flight height preference apparatus collected maximum sand flies at 30 cm (1ft) above the ground and all species associated negatively with height. Soil analysis from habitats of adult and immature flies showed that highest mean number of adults and immatures were recorded from silt loam which carried highest concentrations of K2O, Mg, Ca, and Zn. Number of immature sand flies correlated moderately (r = .7, p < .05) with K2O soil concentrations. There was significant similarity between organic matter contents in soil samples from positive breeding sites and CL households (Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, p = .1976). In multivariate analysis model for CL risk factors, age (26–35 and >35 years), knowledge of leishmaniasis, living in a middle and upper class, preachers visit to villages, and assumption that Afghan refugees are more prone to CL were significant. CL patient's archived data from health centres showed that majority of patients had lesions on face and hands. Patient's influx was highest in February and March.
Parents’ Perceptions of Secondary Physical Education
Authors: Earley Lauren , Fleet Matthew
Published: September 2021

There is a large quantity of research (Alguacil, 2018; Ciotto & Gagnon, 2018; McKenzie and Lounsbery, 2014) which states the importance Physical Education (PE) has in pupils’ lives. However, there is a state of decline for the status of the subject (Harris, 2018; Kirk et al., 2013). Parents perception is an under-researched area (Na, 2015; Yilmaz, 2018), especially in the UK, therefore, it is important parents’ beliefs are explored to understand an important stakeholder’s viewpoint. Purpose: To explore and gain an understanding of the perception’s parents have of Secondary PE, investigating what the perceptions are and why they have them. Methodology: This study uses a mixed-methods exploratory design to discover, the perceptions parents have on Secondary school PE, using a quantitative online survey and qualitative semi-structured interviews. 263 parents/guardians completed the survey, which was then followed by 8 parents taking part in the interviews. Results: From the data sets collected 5 themes were identified: Importance of PE; Teacher-Pupil relationship; PE in relation to other subjects; competitive nature of PE and impact PE has on confidence. 50% percent of parents did believe that PE is as important as subjects such Maths, English and Science, but, in comparison to other subjects 61% of parents do not favour PE overall.  With results demonstrating the growing awareness parents have of the crucial role PE plays in health and wellbeing for pupils. Conclusion: Although parents understand the importance of PE, parents perceptions differ on some aspects of the subject. This study is a starting point for other researchers and should be continued to be researched to support PE in the curriculum.
Central elements in affine modpHecke algebras via perverse -sheaves
Authors: Cass Robert
Published: September 2021

Let$G$be a split connected reductive group over a finite field of characteristic$p > 2$such that$G_\text {der}$is absolutely almost simple. We give a geometric construction of perverse$\mathbb {F}_p$-sheaves on the Iwahori affine flag variety of$G$which are central with respect to the convolution product. We deduce an explicit formula for an isomorphism from the spherical mod$p$Hecke algebra to the center of the Iwahori mod$p$Hecke algebra. We also give a formula for the central integral Bernstein elements in the Iwahori mod$p$Hecke algebra. To accomplish these goals we construct a nearby cycles functor for perverse$\mathbb {F}_p$-sheaves and we use Frobenius splitting techniques to prove some properties of this functor. We also prove that certain equal characteristic analogues of local models of Shimura varieties are strongly$F$-regular, and hence they are$F$-rational and have pseudo-rational singularities.
Mechanisms of cAMP compartmentation in cardiac myocytes: experimental and computational approaches to understanding
Authors: Harvey Robert D. , Clancy Colleen E.
Published: September 2021

The small diffusible second messenger 3′,5′‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is found in virtually every cell in our bodies, where it mediates responses to a variety of different G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). In the heart, cAMP plays a critical role in regulating many different aspects of cardiac myocyte function, including gene transcription, cell metabolism, and excitation‐contraction coupling. Yet, not all GPCRs that stimulate cAMP production elicit the same responses. Subcellular compartmentation of cAMP is essential to explain how different receptors can utilize the same diffusible second messenger to elicit unique functional responses. However, the mechanisms contributing to this behaviour and its significance in producing physiological and pathological responses are incompletely understood. Mathematical modelling has played an essential role in gaining insight into these questions. This review discusses what we currently know about cAMP compartmentation in cardiac myocytes and questions that are yet to be answered.

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Intrinsic and synaptic mechanisms controlling the expiratory activity of excitatory lateral parafacial neurones of rats
Authors: Magalhães Karolyne S. , da Silva Melina P. , Mecawi André S. , Paton Julian F. R. , Machado Benedito H. , Moraes Davi J. A.
Published: September 2021

Active expiration is essential for increasing pulmonary ventilation during high chemical drive (hypercapnia). The lateral parafacial (pFL) region, which contains expiratory neurones, drives abdominal muscles during active expiration in response to hypercapnia. However, the electrophysiological properties and synaptic mechanisms determining the activity of pFL expiratory neurones, as well as the specific conditions for their emergence, are not fully understood. Using whole cell electrophysiology and single cell quantitative RT‐PCR techniques, we describe the intrinsic electrophysiological properties, the phenotype and the respiratory‐related synaptic inputs to the pFL expiratory neurones, as well as the mechanisms for the expression of their expiratory activity under conditions of hypercapnia‐induced active expiration, using in situ preparations of juvenile rats. We also evaluated whether these neurones possess intrinsic CO2/[H+] sensitivity and burst generating properties. GABAergic and glycinergic inhibition during inspiration and expiration suppressed the activity of glutamatergic pFL expiratory neurones in normocapnia. In hypercapnia, these neurones escape glycinergic inhibition and generate burst discharges at the end of expiration. Evidence for the contribution of post‐inhibitory rebound, CaV3.2 isoform of T‐type Ca2+ channels and intracellular [Ca2+] is presented. Neither intrinsic bursting properties, mediated by persistent Na+ current, nor CO2/[H+] sensitivity or expression of CO2/[H+] sensitive ion channels/receptors (TASK or GPR4) were observed. On the other hand, hyperpolarisation‐activated cyclic nucleotide–gated and twik‐related K+ leak channels were recorded. Post‐synaptic disinhibition and the intrinsic electrophysiological properties of glutamatergic neurones play important roles in the generation of the expiratory oscillations in the pFL region during hypercapnia in rats.

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Key points

Hypercapnia induces active expiration in rats and the recruitment of a specific population of expiratory neurones in the lateral parafacial (pFL) region.

Post‐synaptic GABAergic and glycinergic inhibition both suppress the activity of glutamatergic pFL neurones during inspiratory and expiratory phases in normocapnia.

Hypercapnia reduces glycinergic inhibition during expiration leading to burst generation by pFL neurones; evidence for a contribution of post‐inhibitory rebound, voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels and intracellular [Ca2+] is presented.

pFL glutamatergic expiratory neurones are neither intrinsic burster neurones, nor CO2/[H+] sensors, and do not express CO2/[H+] sensitive ion channels or receptors.

Post‐synaptic disinhibition and the intrinsic electrophysiological properties of glutamatergic neurones both play important roles in the generation of the expiratory oscillations in the pFL region during hypercapnia in rats.
Identification of a helix–turn–helix motif for high temperature dependence of vanilloid receptor TRPV2
Authors: Liu Beiying , Qin Feng
Published: September 2021

Pain and thermosensation rely on temperature‐sensitive ion channels at peripheral nerve endings for transducing thermal cues into electrical signals. Members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family are prominent candidates for temperature transducers in mammals. These thermal TRP channels possess an unprecedentedly steep temperature dependence, allowing them to discriminate small temperature variations. Thermodynamically, it is understood that the strong temperature sensitivity of the channel arises because opening of the channel undergoes reactions involving large enthalpy and entropy changes. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have remained elusive. Here we investigated the molecular basis for heat activation of TRPV2, a thermal TRP channel in the vanilloid subfamily with the strongest temperature dependence among TRP channels. We unravel a minimum molecular region in the proximal N‐terminus which dictates the slope temperature sensitivity of the channel. Structurally, the region comprises a helix–turn–helix motif and is positioned among the TRP helix from the C‐terminus, the S2–S3 linker from the transmembrane domain and the ankyrin repeats from the distal N‐terminus. Chimeric exchanges of the subregion alone sufficed to diminish the high temperature dependence in the wild‐type TRPV2. Our results support a pivotal role for the structural assembly around the TRP domain in the gating of thermal TRP channels by temperature. The findings also shed insight into how the proximal N‐terminal domain plays its role in the heat activation of vanilloid receptors.

Key points

The vanilloid receptor subtype 2 (TRPV2) is a heat‐sensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) channel with the strongest temperature dependence among thermal TRP channels.

The channel also has a high temperature activation threshold above 50°C which has rendered it difficult to study by conventional patch‐clamp methods.

Here we utilize fast laser temperature jumps to address the challenges of technical accessibility and explore the molecular basis underlying the high temperature dependence of the channel.

We unravel a short helix–turn–helix motif in the proximal N‐terminus, which controls the heat activation profile of the channel.

Chimeric exchanges of the subregion alone sufficed to diminish the high temperature dependence in the wild‐type TRPV2.

Our results provide insights on how the proximal N‐terminal domain plays its role in the heat activation of vanilloid receptors.
Serotonin activates paraventricular thalamic neurons through direct depolarization and indirect disinhibition from zona incerta
Authors: Ye Qiying , Zhang Xiaobing
Published: September 2021

Paraventricular thalamus (PVT) is a midline thalamic area that receives dense GABA projections from zona incerta (ZI) for the regulation of feeding behaviours. Activation of central serotonin (5‐HT) signalling is known to inhibit food intake. Although previous studies have reported both 5‐HT fibres and receptors in the PVT, it remains unknown how 5‐HT regulates PVT neurons and whether PVT 5‐HT signalling is involved in the control of food intake. Using slice patch‐clamp recordings in combination with optogenetics, we found that 5‐HT not only directly excited PVT neurons by activating 5‐HT7 receptors to modulate hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated (HCN) channels but also disinhibited these neurons by acting on presynaptic 5‐HT1A receptors to reduce GABA inhibition. Specifically, 5‐HT depressed photostimulation‐evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (eIPSCs) in PVT neurons innervated by channelrhodopsin‐2‐positive GABA axons from ZI. Using paired‐pulse photostimulation, we found 5‐HT increased paired‐pulse ratios of eIPSCs, suggesting 5‐HT decreases ZI–PVT GABA release. Furthermore, we found that exposure to a high‐fat–high‐sucrose diet for 2 weeks impaired both 5‐HT inhibition of ZI–PVT GABA transmission and 5‐HT excitation of PVT neurons. Using retrograde tracer in combination with immunocytochemistry and slice electrophysiology, we found that PVT‐projecting dorsal raphe neurons expressed 5‐HT and were inhibited by food deprivation. Together, our study reveals the mechanism by which 5‐HT activates PVT neurons through both direct excitation and indirect disinhibition from the ZI. The downregulation in 5‐HT excitation and disinhibition of PVT neurons may contribute to the development of overeating and obesity after chronic high‐fat diet.

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Key points

Serotonin (5‐HT) depolarizes and excites paraventricular thalamus (PVT) neurons. 5‐HT7 receptors are responsible for 5‐HT excitation of PVT neurons and the coupling of hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated (HCN) channels to 5‐HT receptors in part mediates the excitatory effect of 5‐HT.

5‐HT depresses the frequency of spontaneous inhibitory but not excitatory postsynaptic currents in PVT neurons. 5‐HT1A receptors contribute to the depressive effect of 5‐HT on inhibitory transmissions.

5‐HT inhibits GABA release from zona incerta (ZI) GABA terminals in PVT.

Chronic high‐fat diet not only impairs 5‐HT inhibition of the ZI–PVT GABA transmission but also downregulates 5‐HT excitation of PVT neurons.

PVT‐projecting dorsal raphe neurons express 5‐HT and are inhibited by food deprivation.
Automatic source localization and spectra generation from sparse beamforming maps
Authors: Goudarzi A. , Spehr C. , Herbold S.
Published: September 2021

Beamforming is an imaging tool for the investigation of aeroacoustic phenomena and results in high-dimensional data that are broken down to spectra by integrating spatial regions of interest. This paper presents two methods that enable the automated identification of aeroacoustic sources in sparse beamforming maps and the extraction of their corresponding spectra to overcome the manual definition of regions of interest. The methods are evaluated on two scaled airframe half-model wind tunnel measurements and on a generic monopole source. The first relies on the spatial normal distribution of aeroacoustic broadband sources in sparse beamforming maps. The second uses hierarchical clustering methods. Both methods are robust to statistical noise and predict the existence, location, and spatial probability estimation for sources based on which regions of interest are automatically determined.
Experimental study on effects of plate angle on acoustic waves from supersonic impinging jets
Authors: Akamine Masahito , Okamoto Koji , Teramoto Susumu , Tsutsumi Seiji
Published: September 2021

This study experimentally investigates the generation mechanism of a higher-angle lobe which is an acoustic field feature of a supersonic jet impinging on an inclined flat plate. The overall sound pressure level distribution and spectra, the conditional averages of near field schlieren movies, and the time-averaged wall pressure distribution were obtained for three cases of Mach 1.8 ideally expanded impinging jets with plate angles of 45°, 22.5°, and 10° to the jet downstream axis. In the 45° and 22.5° cases, a higher-angle lobe appears. The dominant acoustic waves in the higher-angle lobe are radiated from the source region that contains shock waves and are suggested to be correlated with large-scale turbulent structures. These results suggest that the higher-angle lobe is dominated by acoustic waves generated by the interaction between the shock waves and large-scale turbulent structures. This inference is supported by the fact that the near-field acoustic wave patterns are qualitatively reproduced by the interference of monopoles located near the shock waves in the 45° and 22.5° cases and that neither the shock wave nor the higher-angle lobe is observed in the 10° case.
A High-Voltage High-Frequency Subnanosecond Pulse Generator Based on Gallium Arsenide Drift Step-Recovery Diodes
Authors: Rozhkov A. V.
Published: September 2021

The prospect of using high-voltage GaAs drift step-recovery diodes for the formation of subnanosecond pulses is shown. The electrical circuit of a generator is described, which provides (with a total efficiency of at least 25%) the formation of pulses at a load of 50 Ω with an amplitude of up to 550 V, a voltage rise time of 0.43 ns, a full width at half maximum of 0.73 ns, and a repetition frequency of up to 200 kHz.
A High-Power Diode–Dynistor Generator for Gas-Discharge Technologies
Authors: Korotkov S. V. , Zhmodikov A. L.
Published: September 2021

A high-voltage pulse generator is considered that contains an output circuit based on series-connected assemblies of reverse switched-on dynistors and drift step-recovery diodes. It forms voltage pulses with a rise time of 4 ns and an amplitude of 24 kV across a load of 50 Ω. The results of using the generator for creating discharges in atmospheric air are presented. The generator forms discharge-current pulses with an amplitude of 1.7 kА and a rise time of 900 ns at a frequency of 100 Hz and switches an energy of ~3 J to the charge channel. The possibility of a significant increase in the switched energy has been shown.
Investigation on Low Cost Optical Fiber Sensor Interrogator
Authors: Gong Yandong , Li Ke , Zhang Zhuo
Published: September 2021

Abstract—

Optical fiber sensor is attracting more attention in the structural health monitoring of civil applications. A general interrogator which can be used for both SOFO and fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors has been proposed, it has a lower cost with a much simpler design. Its accuracy can reach up to ~2.5 με, it has a niche market where it can compete with the conventional sensors.
One-Step Synthesis of Bimetallic Cobalt–Palladium Nanoparticles and a Carbon Support Based on Pyrolyzed Chitosan
Authors: Efimov M. N. , Muratov D. G. , Vasiliev A. A. , Karpacheva G. P.
Published: September 2021

A procedure is proposed for synthesizing monometallic (Co, Pd) and bimetallic Co–Pd nanoparticles immobilized in a carbon support based on pyrolyzed chitosan. A feature of the procedure is the simultaneous formation of metal nanoparticles and a carbon support during the heat treatment of a precursor based on a joint solution of a polymer and metal compounds under the effect of IR radiation. The phase composition, morphology of samples, and structural features of the carbon support are shown, depending on the nature of the metals that are used.
Huge cutaneous abscess and severe symptomatic hypercalcaemia secondary toMycobacterium kansasiiinfection in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Vivatvakin Sarocha , Amnuay Kamalas , Suankratay Chusana
Published: September 2021

Mycobacterium kansasiiis among the most common non-tuberculous mycobacteria causing human infections. Apart from pulmonary infection, the most common infection caused byM. kansasiiis skin and soft tissue infection, and it is very rare in immunocompetent people. In this report, we present a case of a huge cutaneous abscess caused byM. kansasii. A 63-year-old man living in Bangkok presented with progressive pain at the left lateral chest wall for 3 weeks and altered mentation for a few days. Examination revealed a non-tender fluctuated cutaneous mass 20×10 cm in size. An aspiration of the mass yielded 50 mL pus with many positive acid-fast bacilli. Mycobacterial PCR was positive forM. kansasiiwith culture confirmation. There was severe hypercalcaemia. The treatment included surgical drainage, and medical treatment consisted of isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and levofloxacin, along with adequate hydration and calcitonin for hypercalcaemia. The patient gradually improved and was discharged 12 days after hospitalisation.
Corneal perforation due to vitamin A deficiency in a patient with short bowel syndrome
Authors: Fieldhouse Hannah , Nestel Achim , Theron Byron , Knox Cartwright Nathaniel
Published: September 2021

A 55-year-old Caucasian woman presented with a 1-week history of left eye redness and blurred vision. Her medical history included previous small bowel resection and ileostomy for ischaemic bowel. Ophthalmic examination revealed a left corneal ulcer requiring hospital admission for intensive topical antibiotics. Overnight she became systemically unwell and was diagnosed with urinary tract infection requiring intravenous antibiotics. Her corneal condition deteriorated resulting in corneal perforation, which required a surgical gluing procedure. Despite surgery, the cornea perforated on two further occasions. At this stage, vitamin A deficiency (VAD) was suspected, due to the corneal melting response that was occurring. VAD was subsequently confirmed by serology and had occurred in this case due to malabsorption as a result of short bowel syndrome caused by previous small bowel surgery. The patient was treated with intramuscular vitamin A and eventually made a good visual and systemic recovery.
Unusual case of immune haemolytic disease causing severe neonatal cholestasis in a newborn
Authors: Garegrat Reema , Pareek Prince , Pandey Snehavardhan , Suryawanshi Pradeep
Published: September 2021

Neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia is a very common entity witnessed in most of the newborns. Rarely are there events where the bilirubin levels reach extreme values mandating invasive therapy. Unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia when solely present is easy to manage and diagnose the common aetiological factors associated with it. The issue arises when we come across a mixed picture of conjugated with unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia and puts us in a dilemma as to what are we treating. Our case highlights a similar picture where we witnessed the highest documented levels of total bilirubin but to our surprise the major component of which was direct bilirubin. This report takes us through the differentials which were ruled out and our management strategies for solving this rare mystery.
Stage 4 pancreatic adenocarcinoma harbouring anFGFR2-TACC2fusion mutation with complete response to erdafitinib a pan-fibroblastic growth factor receptor inhibitor
Authors: Poon Donald , Tan Min Han , Khor Damian
Published: September 2021

We report a case of a frail 68-year-old woman with stage 4 pancreatic carcinoma harbouring a fibroblastic growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusion who achieved a durable complete response after treatment with erdafitinib a pan-FGFR inhibitor. TheFGFR2-TACC2fusion was detected on comprehensive tumour somatic mutation profiling. There is ongoing complete response at 10 months after initiation of erdafitinib. Transient central serous retinopathy, grade 2 hyperphosphataemia and diarrhoea were the adverse events encountered.
Adrenal pheochromocytoma with involvement of aorta and left renal artery: salvaged with adrenalectomy and nephrectomy
Authors: Sathaye Shekhar , Parmar Kalpesh Mahesh , Kumar Santosh , Rastogi Pulkit
Published: September 2021

Large adrenal pheochromocytomas encasing the renal artery are a rare entity. The management of such challenging cases is surgical resection. The involvement of renal tissue and renal artery may necessitate meticulous dissection and concomitant nephrectomy. Here, we present a case of 41-year-old man diagnosed with left adrenal pheochromocytoma with complete encasement of left renal artery and partial encasement of aorta. Open left adrenalectomy and nephrectomy was performed after adequate preoperative optimisation. The patient is doing well at 6-month follow-up. Large adrenal pheochromocytoma with renal involvement is a rare presentation and requires optimal preoperative imaging, adequate preoperative alpha and beta blockade and meticulous surgical technique.
Unilateral renal artery stenosis causing hypertensive flash pulmonary oedema
Authors: Derakhshesh Matthew Isaac , Joye Evan , Yager Neil
Published: September 2021

Flash pulmonary oedema can occur as a result of multiple triggers that may act independently or in concert. One such precipitating factor is bilateral renal artery stenosis which can be treated either with revascularisation or with medical therapy. Unilateral renal artery stenosis, however, is a rare cause of flash pulmonary oedema, especially when the contralateral kidney is still functional. We describe a case of an elderly woman with a history of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and multiple hospitalisations for hypertensive crisis and flash pulmonary oedema who was found to have right, ostial renal artery stenosis that was treated with stent placement.
Role of affective reactivity induced by cigarette packaging including graphic warning labels: the CASA Study
Authors: Stone Matthew , Strong David , Dimofte Claudiu , Brighton Elizabeth , Oratowski Jesica , Yang Tingyi , Alkuzweny Manar , Asslani Atean , Velasco Katherine , Skipworth Michael , Crespo Noe C , Hurst Samantha , Leas Eric C , Pulvers Kim , Pierce John P
Published: September 2021

Objective

To identify whether three types of cigarette pack designs, including three versions of graphic warning label (GWL) plain packs, one GWL absent and branding absent pack (blank) and the smoker’s own GWL absent and branding present pack (US), elicit different valence, type and levels of affect.

Design

US daily smokers (n=324) were asked to handle each of the five pack types and ‘think aloud’ their reactions. To avoid a muted familiarity response, exposure to their own US pack followed exposure to at least one GWL plain pack. Reactions were scored on a reactivity scale (−3 to +3) and the text was coded for speech polarity (−1 to +1) and emotive word frequency.

Results

Reactivity scores had excellent inter-rater reliability (agreement ≥86%; intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.89) and were correlated with speech polarity (r=0.21–0.37, p<0.001). When considering their US pack, approximately two-thirds of smokers had a low (31.5%) to medium (34.6%) positive response (reactivity=1.29; polarity=0.14) with expressed feelings of joy and trust. Blank packaging prompted a largely (65.4%) neutral response (reactivity=0.03; polarity=0.00). The gangrenous foot GWL provoked mostly medium (46.9%) to high (48.1%) negative responses (reactivity=−2.44; polarity=−0.20), followed by neonatal baby (reactivity=−1.85; polarity=−0.10) and throat cancer (reactivity=−1.76; polarity=−0.08) warnings. GWLs varied in their elicitation of disgust, anger, fear and sadness.

Conclusion

Initial reactions to GWL packs, a blank pack, and smokers’ current US pack reflected negative, neutral, and positive affect, respectively. Different versions of the GWL pack elicited different levels and types of immediate negative affect.
Study of $$B_{(s)} \rightarrow (\pi \pi )(K\pi )$$ decays in the perturbative QCD approach
Authors: Li Ya , Yan Da-Cheng , Rui Zhou , Xiao Zhen-Jun
Published: September 2021

In this work, we provide estimates of the branching ratios, direct CP asymmetries and triple product asymmetries in $$B_{(s)} \rightarrow (\pi \pi )(K\pi )$$

B

(
s
)

→

(
π
π
)

(
K
π
)

decays in the perturbative QCD approach, where the $$\pi \pi $$

π
π

and $$K\pi $$

K
π

invariant mass spectra are dominated by the vector resonances $$\rho (770)$$

ρ
(
770
)

and $$K^*(892)$$

K
∗

(
892
)

, respectively. Some scalar backgrounds, such as $$f_0(500,980) \rightarrow \pi \pi $$

f
0

(
500
,
980
)

→
π
π

and $$K^*_0(1430) \rightarrow K\pi $$

K
0
∗

(
1430
)

→
K
π

are also accounted for. The $$\rho (700)$$

ρ
(
700
)

is parametrized by the Gounaris-Sakurai function. The relativistic Breit-Wigner formula for the $$f_0(500)$$

f
0

(
500
)

and Flatté model for the $$f_0(980)$$

f
0

(
980
)

are adopted to parameterize the time-like scalar form factors $$F_S(\omega ^2)$$

F
S

(

ω
2

)

. We also use the D.V. Bugg model to parameterize the $$f_0(500)$$

f
0

(
500
)

and compare the relevant theoretical predictions from different models. While in the region of $$K\pi $$

K
π

invariant mass, the $$K^*_0(1430)$$

K
0
∗

(
1430
)

is described with the LASS lineshape and the $$K^*(892)$$

K
∗

(
892
)

is modeled by the Breit-Wigner function. We find that the decay rates for the considered decay modes agree with currently available data within errors. As a by-product, we extract the branching ratios of two-body decays $$B_{(s)} \rightarrow \rho (770)K^*(892)$$

B

(
s
)

→
ρ

(
770
)

K
∗

(
892
)

from the corresponding four-body decay modes and calculate the relevant polarization fractions. Our prediction of longitudinal polarization fraction for $$B^0\rightarrow \rho (770)^0 K^*(892)^0$$

B
0

→
ρ

(
770
)

0

K
∗

(
892
)

0

decay deviates a lot from the recent LHCb measurement, which should be resolved. It is shown that the direct CP asymmetries are large due to the sizable interference between the tree and penguin contributions, but they are small for the tree-dominant or penguin-dominant processes. The PQCD predictions for the “true” triple product asymmetries are small which are expected in the standard model, and consistent with the current data reported by the LHCb Collaboration. Our results can be tested by the future precise data from the LHCb and Belle II experiments.
A Diagnostic Strategy via Multiresolution Synchrosqueezing Transform on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Ozel Pinar , Olamat Ali , Akan Aydin
Published: September 2021

This research presents a new method for detecting obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) based on time–frequency analysis of multi-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) signals using the multi-variate synchrosqueezing transform (MSST). With the evolution of multi-channel sensor implementations, the employment of multi-channel techniques for the extraction of features arising from multi-channel dependency and mono-channel characteristics has become common. MSST has recently been proposed as a method for modeling the combined oscillatory mechanisms of multi-channel signals. It makes use of the concepts of instantaneous frequency (IF) and bandwidth. Electrophysiological data, like other nonstationary signals, necessitates both joint time–frequency analysis and independent time and frequency domain studies. The usefulness and effectiveness of a multi-variate, wavelet-based synchrosqueezing algorithm paired with a band extraction method are tested using electroencephalography data obtained from OCD patients and control groups in this research. The proposed methodology yields substantial results when analyzing differences between patient and control groups.
Optimization of lane-changing advisory of connected and autonomous vehicles at a multi-lane work zone
Authors: Wu Wenjing , Zhan Yongbin , Yang Lili , Sun Renchao , Ni Anning
Published: September 2021

The work zone with lane closure will be an active bottleneck due to vehicles’ mandatory lane-changing conflicts. The emerging Connected Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) technology provides opportunities for vehicle motion planning to improve traffic performance. However, the literature using CAV technology mainly focuses on single-lane lane-changing control in the merging area. The algorithm dealing with multi-lane lane-changing control is absent. In this paper, a simulation system with a lane-changing optimal strategy embedded for the multi-lane work zone is presented under the heterogeneous traffic flow. First, the road upstream of the work zone is divided into several segments, and an optimal multi-lane lane-changing algorithm is designed. It is recommended that CAVs, on the closure lane and the merged lane, change lanes on each segment to balance traffic distribution and minimize traffic delay. Second, to validate the algorithm proposed, a typical three-lane freeway with one-lane closed for the work zone is researched, and the simulation platform based on cellular automata is developed. Third, the advantages of multi-lane control strategies are studied and discussed in traffic efficiency improvement and collision risk reduction by comparing previous lane-changing control algorithms.
A Traffic Flow Forecasting Method Regarding Traffic Network as a Digraph
Authors: Chen Zefei , Xu Jianmin , Lin Yongjie , Feng Bin , Huang Zihao
Published: September 2021

Traffic congestion has become a major problem restricting the development of major cities. ITS (Intelligent Transportation System) can record the state of traffic and predict the future traffic state, then reasonably optimize the travel scheme, so as to achieve the purpose of alleviating traffic congestion. Meanwhile, traffic flow prediction can provide data support for ITS, so many researchers have done a lot of research on traffic flow prediction. Many researchers take the traffic network as an undirected graph, and use the GCN (Graph Convolution Network) model to study the traffic flow prediction, and have achieved good prediction results. However, the traffic network is directed, and the traffic network is regarded as an undirected graph, which loses the direction information of the road network. Therefore, this inspires us to propose a graph convolution operator DGCN (Directed GCN), which can make full use of the in degree and out degree information of each station in the traffic network. The experimental results show that the graph convolution neural network based on this operator has better prediction accuracy than the state-of-the-art models.
Facial Beauty Prediction From Facial Parts Using Multi-Task and Multi-Stream Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Vahdati Elham , Suen Ching Y.
Published: September 2021

Automatic analysis of facial beauty has become an emerging computer vision problem in recent years. Facial beauty prediction (FBP) aims at developing a human-like model that automatically makes facial attractiveness predictions. In this study, we present and evaluate a face attractiveness prediction approach using facial parts as well as a multi-task learning scheme. First, a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) pre-trained on massive face datasets is utilized for face attractiveness prediction, which is capable of automatic learning of high-level face representations. Next, we extend our deep model to other facial attribute recognition tasks. Hence, a multi-task learning scheme is leveraged by our deep model to learn optimal shared features for three correlated tasks (i.e. facial beauty assessment, gender recognition as well as ethnicity identification). To further enhance the attractiveness computation accuracy, specific regions of face images (i.e. left eye, nose and mouth) as well as the whole face are fed into multi-stream CNNs (i.e. three two-stream networks). Each two-stream network adopts a facial part as well as the full face as input. Extensive experiments are conducted on the SCUT-FBP5500 benchmark dataset, where our approach indicates significant improvement in accuracy over the other state-of-the-art methods.
Correlation Filters Based on Strong Spatio-Temporal for Robust RGB-T Tracking
Authors: Luo Futing , Zhou Mingliang , Fang Bing
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we propose a strong spatio-temporal mechanism with correlation filters to solve multi-modality tracking tasks. First, we use the features of the previous four frames as spatio-temporal features, then aggregate the spatio-temporal features into the filters learning and positioning of the adjacent frame. Second, we enhance the temporal and spatial characteristics of the current frame filter by learning the previous four frame filters and spatial penalty. From the experimental results on the GTOT, VOT-TIR2019 and RGBT234 datasets, our strong spatio-temporal correlation filters has achieved excellent performance.
A Compact Printed UWB MIMO Antenna with Electronically Reconfigurable WLAN Band-Notched Characteristics
Authors: Medkour Hicham , Lakrit Soufian , Das Sudipta , Madhav B. T. P. , VasuBabu K.
Published: September 2021

In this research paper, a simple design of an ultra-wideband (UWB) multi-input multi-output (MIMO) antenna with low envelope correlation coefficient (ECC), high isolation, enhanced gain, radiation efficiency and reconfigurable band notching functionality is proposed. Two symmetrical slots are carefully integrated into the partial ground plane of the conventional monopole to provide a notched band at 5.8[Formula: see text]GHz for the WLAN system. This notching method is simple and does not endure negative effect performance or any design complexity. The notched band is then controlled using PIN diodes. A complete biasing circuit is integrated on the same partial ground plane to bias the PIN diodes in forward and reverse directions. To reduce the complexity of the design that may be increased due to the reconfiguration circuit, isolation enhancement is accomplished by orthogonal placement of the elements rather than using any additional decoupling structures. A prototype of the MIMO UWB structure is fabricated and its performance parameters are experimentally tested. The captivating agreement between simulation and measurement demonstrates that the proposed antenna system is a good candidate for UWB applications with an operating band extending from 3 to 11[Formula: see text]GHz, notch-band reconfiguration freedom, and isolation of more than 20[Formula: see text]dB.