bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The COVID-19 Diagnostic Dilemma: a Clinician's Perspective
Authors: Rogers Ralph , O’Brien Thomas , Aridi Jad , Beckwith Curt G.
Published: July 2020

In this commentary, we provide a broad overview of how the rapidly evolving coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnostic landscape has impacted clinical care during the COVID-19 pandemic. We review aspects of both molecular and serologic testing and discuss the logistical challenges faced with each. We also highlight the progress that has been made in the development and implementation of these assays as well as the need for ongoing improvement in diagnostic testing capabilities.
The First Quarter of SARS-CoV-2 Testing: the University of Washington Medicine Experience
Authors: Greninger Alexander L. , Jerome Keith R.
Published: July 2020

In early March 2020, the University of Washington Medical Center clinical virology laboratory became one of the first clinical laboratories to offer testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). When we first began test development in mid-January, neither of us believed there would be more than 2 million confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections nationwide or that we would have performed more than 150,000 real-time PCR (RT-PCR) tests, with many more to come. This article will be a chronological summary of how we rapidly validated tests for SARS-CoV-2, increased our testing capacity, and addressed the many problems that came up along the way.
Complete Genome Sequences of 17 Clinical Campylobacter jejuni Strains from Chile
Authors: Bravo V. , Porte L. , Weitzel T. , Varela C. , Blondel C. J. , Gonzalez-Escalona N.
Published: July 2020

Campylobacter jejuni
is the leading cause of bacterial foodborne disease worldwide. Here, we report the complete annotated genomes and plasmid sequences of 17
Campylobacter jejuni
strains isolated from patients with gastroenteritis in Santiago, Chile.
Interdependent YpsA- and YfhS-Mediated Cell Division and Cell Size Phenotypes in
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Brzozowski Robert S. , Tomlinson Brooke R. , Sacco Michael D. , Chen Judy J. , Ali Anika N. , Chen Yu , Shaw Lindsey N. , Eswara Prahathees J.
Published: July 2020

Bacillus subtilis
is a rod-shaped Gram-positive model organism. The factors fundamental to the maintenance of cell shape and cell division are of major interest. We show that increased expression of
ypsA
results in cell division inhibition and impairment of colony formation on solid medium. Colonies that do arise possess compensatory suppressor mutations. We have isolated multiple intragenic (within
ypsA
) mutants and an extragenic suppressor mutant. Further analysis of the extragenic suppressor mutation led to a protein of unknown function, YfhS, which appears to play a role in regulating cell size. In addition to confirming that the cell division phenotype associated with YpsA is disrupted in a
yfhS
-null strain, we also discovered that the cell size phenotype of the
yfhS
knockout mutant is abolished in a strain that also lacks
ypsA
. This highlights a potential mechanistic link between these two proteins; however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be elucidated.
The International Diet-Health Index: a novel tool to evaluate diet quality for cardiometabolic health across countries
Authors: Wang Jifan , Masters William A , Bai Yan , Mozaffarian Dariush , Naumova Elena N , Singh Gitanjali M
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Diet is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiometabolic disease; however, interpretable measures capturing impacts of overall diet on health that can be easily used by policymakers at the global/national levels are not readily available.

Methods

We developed the International Diet-Health Index (IDHI) to measure health impacts of dietary intake across 186 countries in 2010, using age-specific and sex-specific data on country-level dietary intake, effects of dietary factors on cardiometabolic diseases and country-specific cardiometabolic disease profiles. The index encompasses the impact of 11 foods/nutrients on 12 cardiometabolic diseases, the mediation of health effects of specific dietary intakes through blood pressure and body mass index and background disease prevalence in each country–age–sex group. We decomposed the index into IDHIbeneficial for risk-reducing factors, and IDHIadverse for risk-increasing factors. The flexible functional form of the IDHI allows inclusion of additional risk factors and diseases as data become available.

Results

By sex, women experienced smaller detrimental cardiometabolic effects of diet than men: (females IDHIadverse range: −0.480 (5th percentile, 95th percentile: −0.932, –0.300) to −0.314 (−0.543, –0.213); males IDHIadverse range: (−0.617 (−1.054, –0.384) to −0.346 (−0.624, –0.222)). By age, middle-aged adults had highest IDHIbeneficial (females: 0.392 (0.235, 0.763); males: 0.415 (0.243, 0.949)) and younger adults had most extreme IDHIadverse (females: −0.480 (−0.932, –0.300); males: −0.617 (−1.054, –0.384)). Regionally, Central Latin America had the lowest IDHIoverall (−0.466 (−0.892, –0.159)), while Southeast Asia had the highest IDHIoverall (0.272 (−0.224, 0.903)). IDHIoverall was highest in low-income countries and lowest in upper middle-income countries (−0.039 (−0.317, 0.227) and −0.146 (−0.605, 0.303), respectively). Among 186 countries, Honduras had lowest IDHIoverall (−0.721 (−0.916, –0.207)), while Malaysia had highest IDHIoverall (0.904 (0.435, 1.190)).

Conclusion

IDHI encompasses dietary intakes, health effects and country disease profiles into a single index, allowing policymakers a useful means of assessing/comparing health impacts of diet quality between populations.
Outcomes important to patients with non-infectious posterior segment-involving uveitis: a qualitative study
Authors: Tallouzi Mohammad O , Moore David J , Bucknall Nicholas , Murray Philip I , Calvert Melanie J , Denniston Alastair K , Mathers Jonathan M
Published: July 2020

Objective

Uveitis, a group of disorders characterised by intraocular inflammation, causes 10%–15% of total blindness in the developed world. The most sight-threatening forms of non-infectious uveitis are those affecting the posterior segment of the eye, collectively known as posterior segment-involving uveitis (PSIU). Numerous different clinical outcomes have been used in trials evaluating treatments for PSIU, but these may not represent patients’ and carers’ concerns. Therefore, the aims of this study were to understand the impact of PSIU on adult patients’ and carers’ lives and to explore what outcomes of treatment are important to them.

Methods and Analysis

Four focus group discussions were undertaken to understand the perspectives of adult patients (=18) and carers (10) with PSIU. Participants were grouped according to whether or not their uveitis was complicated by the sight-threatening condition uveitic macular oedema. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using the framework analytical approach. Outcomes were identified and grouped into outcome domains.

Results

Eleven core domains were identified as important to patients and carers undergoing treatment for PSIU, comprising (1) visual function, (2) symptoms, (3) functional ability, (4) impact on relationships, (5) financial impact, (6) psychological morbidity and emotional well-being, (7) psychosocial adjustment to uveitis, (8) doctor/patient/interprofessional relationships and access to healthcare, (9) treatment burden, (10) treatment side effects, and (11) disease control.

Conclusion

The domains identified represent patients’ and carers’ experience and perspectives and can be used to reflect on outcomes assessed in PSIU. They will directly inform the development of a core outcome set for PSIU clinical trials.
Omental torsion associated with splenic torsion in a dog
Authors: Angelou Vasileia , Chatzimisios Kyriakos , Patsikas Michael , Psalla Dimitra , Papazoglou Lysimachos G
Published: July 2020

A 5‐year‐old female spayed Cane Corso was referred for further investigation and treatment of a splenic torsion and an abdominal mass. The dog presented with a history of anorexia, depression and vomiting of 4 days’ duration. Physical examination revealed pain on abdominal palpation. On a plain radiograph of the abdomen, a cranial abdominal mass and splenomegaly were present. On CT images of the abdomen, a twisted splenic pedicle, splenic torsion and a well‐defined mass in the left cranial abdomen were observed adjacent and caudal to the greater curvature of the stomach. The dog underwent a midline coeliotomy, a total splenectomy and a partial gastrectomy to resect the mass attached to the great curvature of the stomach. Omental torsion was diagnosed on gross and histological examinations of the mass. The dog was reported by the owners to be free of clinical signs 2 years after surgery.
Biochar effects on germination and radicle extension in temperate tree seedlings under field conditions
Authors: Thomas Sean C.
Published: July 2020

Pyrolyzed organic matter, or biochar, generally increases the growth of established plants; in some cases, biochar also promotes seed germination in agricultural species, but comparable effects on tree species have received little attention. Potential biochar effects on seed germination and early seedling development were examined in a field experiment involving 14 species of temperate forest trees. Replicated sets of seeds with and without biochar (at 5 t·ha–1) were placed in mesh bags beneath leaf litter near the time of autumnal leaf fall and retrieved the following spring. Pooled analyses show a positive but small average effect of biochar on germination. Effects on seedling radicle extension growth were more pronounced, with more than a doubling in growth observed overall and large increases observed in some species, including both conifers (e.g., Picea mariana (Mill.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb. and Pinus resinosa Sol. ex Aiton) and angiosperms (Betula papyrifera Marsh., Prunus virginiana L., and Ulmus americana L.). Species varied in responses, but differences were not related to fire or shade tolerance. The results indicate that biochar can substantially enhance early seedling development in temperate trees; likely mechanisms involve “priming” effects resulting from increased pH and potassium availability or sorption of germination-inhibiting phenolics in the litter layer.
Search for long-lived heavy neutrinos at the LHC with a VBF trigger
Authors: Jones-Pérez J. , Masias J. , Ruiz-Álvarez J. D.
Published: July 2020

The charged current production of long-lived heavy neutrinos at the LHC can use a prompt charged lepton for triggering the measurement of the process. However, in order to fully characterize the heavy neutrino interactions, it is necessary to also probe Higgs or Z mediated neutral current production. In this case the charged lepton is not available, so other means of triggering are required. In this work, we explore the possibility of using a vector boson fusion trigger in the context of a GeV-scale Type I Seesaw model. We consider a minimal model, where both Higgs and Z-mediated contributions produce one heavy neutrino, as well as an extended model where the Higgs can decay into two heavy ones. Both scenarios are tested through displaced dilepton and displaced multitrack jet searches.
Cosmological bouncing solutions in f(T, B) gravity
Authors: Caruana Maria , Farrugia Gabriel , Levi Said Jackson
Published: July 2020

Teleparallel Gravity offers the possibility of reformulating gravity in terms of torsion by exchanging the Levi-Civita connection with the Weitzenböck connection which describes torsion rather than curvature. Surprisingly, Teleparallel Gravity can be formulated to be equivalent to general relativity for a appropriate setup. Our interest lies in exploring an extension of this theory in which the Lagrangian takes the form of f(T, B) where T and B are two scalars that characterize the equivalency with general relativity. In this work, we explore the possible of reproducing well-known cosmological bouncing scenarios in the flat Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker geometry using this approach to gravity. We study the types of gravitational Lagrangians which are capable of reconstructing analytical solutions for symmetric, oscillatory, superbounce, matter bounce, and singular bounce settings. These new cosmologically inspired models may have an effect on gravitational phenomena at other cosmological scales.
Refractive displacement of the radio-emission footprint of inclined air showers simulated with CoREAS
Authors: Schlüter Felix , Gottowik Marvin , Huege Tim , Rautenberg Julian
Published: July 2020

The footprint of radio emission from extensive air showers is known to exhibit asymmetries due to the superposition of geomagnetic and charge-excess radiation. For inclined air showers a geometric early-late effect disturbs the signal distribution further. Correcting CoREAS simulations for these asymmetries reveals an additional disturbance in the signal distribution of highly inclined showers in atmospheres with a realistic refractive index profile. This additional apparent asymmetry in fact arises from a systematic displacement of the radio-emission footprint with respect to the Monte-Carlo shower impact point on the ground. We find a displacement of $$\sim 1500$$∼1500 m in the ground plane for showers with a zenith angle of $$85^{\circ }$$85∘, illustrating that the effect is relevant in practical applications. A model describing this displacement by refraction in the atmosphere based on Snell’s law yields good agreement with our observations from CoREAS simulations. We thus conclude that the displacement is caused by refraction in the atmosphere.
Improving of steering and nonlocality via local filtering operation in Heisenberg XY model
Authors: Zhao Fa , Liu Zhu , Ye Liu
Published: July 2020

In this work, we mainly study quantum steering and nonlocality of two-qubit Heisenberg [Formula: see text] spin-1/2 chain via local filtering operation. Our analytical results show that quantum steering and nonlocality can be affected by coupling constant [Formula: see text], temperature [Formula: see text], external magnetic field [Formula: see text] and anisotropy constant [Formula: see text]. Quantum steering and nonlocality would degrade with the increase of temperature [Formula: see text] and anisotropy constant [Formula: see text]. When [Formula: see text] is small, we can observe quantum steering and nonlocality increase with [Formula: see text]. When [Formula: see text] getting bigger, what we will see is that steering goes down first, then grows up. We can improve quantum steering and nonlocality via local filtering operation. We chose an appropriate parameter [Formula: see text], the steering and nonlocality can be improved when we fix three in those four parameters. There is a queer phenomenon in some situations that the range of one side for steering and nonlocality can extend greatly by losing them in another side. Therefore, our investigations might shed light on steering and nonlocality under the Heisenberg [Formula: see text] spin chain model and make a little step in the progress of quantum information.
Application of direct extended modified algebraic method of Bogoyavlenskii equation on lower and upper bounds in managing and optimizing queues
Authors: Akuamoah Saviour Worlanyo , Seadawy Aly R.
Published: July 2020

The common queueing problem has always focused on domestic and industrialized activities. Various improved models of queueing theory are widely used to solve problems. The aim of this paper is to deduce the exact solution of Bogoyavlenskii equation via direct extended modified algebraic method. In addition, we apply it to determine the upper and lower bounds through the semidefinite optimization packages software (SeDuMi). The suggested model indicated strong bounds in reasonable times, we obtain a definite value of [Formula: see text] of the function [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] in a time duration less than 60 s and a maximum value of [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] in a time frame of approximately 7 min. This study enriches the theoretical optimization queueing network and provides an analysis and decision making method for perfecting the theory.
Identifying the Prestress Force in Prestressed Concrete Bridges Using Ultrasonic Technology
Authors: Hussin Manal , Chan Tommy H. T. , Fawzia Sabrina , Ghasemi Negareh
Published: July 2020

In this research, ultrasonic tests were performed on a prestressed concrete box-girder model to identify the prestressed force according to the acoustoelastic theory. During the tests, the ultrasonic wave was generated using piezoelectric transducers and emitted to the prestressed concrete bridge model. The concrete bridge model was subjected to three different levels of prestress force (PF), which were limited to about 30%, 50% and 80% of the ultimate tensile strength. The experimental results showed the increase in prestress force level leads to an increase in the relative change in the wave velocity and the amplitude energy of the ultrasonic wave which proved the acoustoelastic effect theory. This study contributes to the knowledge of the acoustoelastic behavior of the prestressed concrete and presents the capability of the ultrasonic system in evaluating the stress state in the prestressed concrete bridge.
A Steel-Concrete Composite Beam Element for Structural Damage Identification
Authors: Sadeghi Faraz , Li Jianchun , Zhu Xinqun
Published: July 2020

The composite action between the layers of steel and concrete is governed by the shear connection. Because of the complicated interconnection behavior of these composite layers, it is difficult to detect damage in the composite structures, especially, the interfacial integrity of the two layers. In this paper, anovel method has been developed for structural damage identification of composite structures based on a steel-concrete composite beam element with bonding interface. In displacement-based finite element (FE) formulation, three damage indicators have been embedded into stiffness matrix of the composite beam that are defined as a stiffness reduction in the concrete, steel and interface layers. An algorithm-based on recursive quadratic programming has been proposed to identify structural damage in the composite beam from static measurements. The analytical FE model is validated by adapting its static responses in undamaged state with those obtained from an equal experimental model as well as a FE model developed in commercial software ABAQUS. A convergence study is conducted to determine the number of the composite beam FEs. To verify the proposed method, the static responses of the FE model with different damage cases at a given loading are calculated, and the measurements are simulated by adding different levels of white noise. Then, the proposed algorithm is applied to identify damage of the composite beam. The effects of measurement noise, loading location and amplitude, measurement numbers and the sizes of FE mesh on the identified results have been investigated. The numerical results show that this method is efficient and accurate to separately identify small damage in the concrete slab, and the steel girder and bonding interface of the composite beam.
A generalization of UJ-rings
Authors: Karabacak Fatih , Koşan M. Tamer , Quynh Truong Cong , Tai Dinh Duc
Published: July 2020

The aim of the paper is to characterize the equation [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] that is the largest Jacobson radical subring of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is the set of invertible elements of a ring [Formula: see text]. We show that this equation is closely related to [Formula: see text]-rings and rings whose elements can be written as the sum of an idempotent and an element from [Formula: see text]. After presenting several characterizations and properties of this equation, we consider the rings satisfying the equation [Formula: see text] within many well-studied classes of rings. Finally, we close the paper with group rings.
A New Semantic Relations-Based Hybrid Approach for Implicit Aspect Identification in Sentiment Analysis
Authors: El Hannach Hajar , Benkhalifa Mohammed
Published: July 2020

Within the next few years, sentiment analysis or opinion mining is set to become an important component of real-world applications for product manufacturers, e-commerce companies, and potential customers. Sentiment analysis deals with the computational assessment of people’s opinions apparent or hidden within the text according to three levels: document, sentence and aspect levels. The aspect-level is increasingly becoming an active phase of sentiment analysis. At this level, the aim is to determine the hidden target of opinion represented in datasets, known as aspect term identification. This paper proposes an original hybrid model combining semantic relations and frequency-based approach with supervised classifiers for implicit aspect identification (IAI). The proposed approach is directed towards improving the F1-performances for traditional supervised classifiers commonly used in this field based on eager and lazy learning, and deep learning technique using long short-term memory whit attention mechanism applied for IAI. Particularly, this work addresses aspect term extraction and aggregation, the two sub-tasks of IAI, involving adjectives and verbs. The effects of this approach are empirically examined on multiple datasets of electronic products and restaurant reviews with multiple aspect granularity levels. Comparing this method with similar approaches clearly shows the benefits of this method: (i) the use of an appropriately selected WordNet semantic relations of adjectives and verbs that significantly helps classifiers for IAI. (ii) Using the hybrid model helps classifiers better handle these selected WordNet semantic relations and therefore deal better with IAI.
Towards a one millimeter thin foil camera
Authors: Bimber Oliver , Kurmi Indrajit
Published: July 2020

This paper summarizes our results and findings made throughout the past years on the way towards a one millimeter thin, flexible, and scalable foil camera. The sensor part of the camera consists of multiple thin-film luminescent concentrator (LC) layers, each of which is sensitive to a different band of the light spectrum. A special optical micro-structure cut into the edges of the LC layers multiplexes the transported light signal into a variant of the Radon transform of the image focused on the LC surface. For increasing the camera’s depth of field beyond the sensor surface, various thin-film imaging layers, such as optical Söller collimators realized by means of X-ray lithography on a PMMA wafer, have been investigated. The flexibility and scalability of our thin-film camera has the potential to lead to new human–computer interfaces that are unconstrained in shape and sensing-distance. Applications such as contact-less sensing, smart skin sensors for autonomous robots and industrial machines, and environment sensing for vehicles are imaginable.
Nonhazardous Electrospun Biopolymer Nanofibrous Membrane for Antibacterial Filter
Authors: You Yaying , Chen Feng , Qian Junchao , Yan Qianyu , Chen Zhigang
Published: July 2020

Respiratory disease caused by the presence of bacteria in the atmosphere seriously threatens human health. Air pollution as harmful suspended particles, like haze, is conducive to bacterial spread and growth; it must be prevented to avoid harming the respiratory tract. Herein, filtration membranes possessing superior antibacterial activity are considered as an effective means to protect humans from atmospheres contaminated with bacteria. The aim of this study is to prepare an environmentally friendly and biodegradable multifunctional biopolymer composite nanofibrous membrane, which can be used as a candidate material for air filtration applications. Since traditional air filtration materials do not degrade in the natural environment, we synthesized a nanofibrous membrane composed of gelatin (GT) and silk fibroin (SF), in which antibacterial agent can anchor via electrostatic spinning. Also, both GT and SF can break down in the natural environment, which avoids secondary pollution of the atmosphere. Preliminary experiments show that GS nanofibrous membranes are excellent carriers of antibacterial agent for antibacterial applications. Several characterizations and testing measurements indicate that resultant nanofibrous membranes are effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, a water vapor transmission rate test shows the excellent filtration performance of the materials.
INTERNATIONAL MACROECONOMIC ACTIVITY AND ITS INTERACTION: EVIDENCE FROM US, JAPAN, GERMANY, CHINA, INDIA AND RUSSIA
Authors: ROUT SANJAY KUMAR , MALLICK HRUSHIKESH
Published: July 2020

Using the Diebold and Yilmaz (2012) spillover method, this study attempts to evaluate the strength and direction of cross-country interactions of macroeconomic activity across US, Japan, Germany, China, India and Russia. Apart from a base model, it frames two alternative models; one is based on principal component analysis (PCA) incorporating important macroeconomic variables from each country and another model is based on industrial production index; both evaluate the robustness of our empirical findings. It finds that 62% of variations in growth rates of all six countries are due to their mutual interdependence among them and it also reflects that the emerging economies like China and Russia take the lead in influencing foreign economic activities. It suggests that the concrete policy action is required to diversify the international market interdependency of a domestic economy as it may jeopardise the macroeconomic stability when uncertainty is generated in foreign economies. The empirical analysis is found to be robust.
A perfect confluence of physiology and morphology: discovery of the transverse tubular system and inward spread of activation in skeletal muscle
Authors: Rall Jack A.
Published: July 2020

By early 1954, there existed a plausible model of muscle contraction called the sliding filament model. In addition, the nature of muscle excitation was understood. Surprisingly, the link between the membrane excitation and contraction was entirely unknown. This dilemma has been called the time-distance paradox. The path to discovery of the missing link between excitation and contraction was a rocky one involving the simultaneous but independent development of physiological and morphological studies. From the viewpoint of physiology, significant events included the most thrilling moment of a scientific life, confirmation of a hypothesis that was wrong, a major surprise and shock, a result not expected from evolutionary relationships, and disappointment and confusion before clarity. From the viewpoint of morphology, there was the exciting beginning and rapid development of biological electron microscopy, heroic experiments, the importance of sample preparative procedures, and discovery of clues from the old light microscopic literature. However, it was the confluence of physiology and morphology that brought clarity and a major advance in understanding, leading to the discovery of the transverse tubular system and inward spread of activation in skeletal muscle.
Interlimb neural interactions in corticospinal and spinal reflex circuits during preparation and execution of isometric elbow flexion
Authors: Sasaki Atsushi , Kaneko Naotsugu , Masugi Yohei , Milosevic Matija , Nakazawa Kimitaka
Published: July 2020

We found that upper limb muscle contractions facilitated corticospinal circuits controlling lower limb muscles even during motor preparation, whereas motor execution of the task was required to facilitate spinal circuits. We also found that facilitation did not depend on whether contralateral or ipsilateral hands were contracted or if they were contracted bilaterally. Overall, these findings suggest that training of unaffected upper limbs may be useful to enhance facilitation of affected lower limbs in paraplegic individuals.
An Approach for Resilient-Green Supplier Selection Based on WASPAS, BWM, and TOPSIS under Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Xiong Lei , Zhong Shuqi , Liu Sen , Zhang Xiao , Li Yanfeng
Published: July 2020

The green supply chain management (GSCM) is an enterprise’s effort to protect the environment and a key way to achieve sustainable environmental development. On the contrary, globalization brings more risks to the supply chain. Resilience has become a critical definition in supply chain management to help enterprises review the disruption and return to normal state. Therefore, choosing a resilient-green supplier to build a supply chain environment with flexibility and greenness under interruption becomes necessary for research works. However, the existing studies tended to focus on only one of the factors with resilience and greenness, and no comprehensive criteria system and performance value is expressed by a crisp number. Therefore, this paper proposes a hybrid method which integrates the Best-Worst method (BWM), Weighted Aggregated Sum-Product Assessment (WASPAS), and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to solve the critical problems. Firstly, BWM is used to weigh the criteria; secondly, intuitionistic fuzzy numbers are introduced into the ranking stage. Then, the integrated WASPAS and TOPSIS are used to rank the alternatives to select the optimal resilient-green supplier. Finally, an illustrative example proves the feasibility of this method.
Haloperidol Induced Sudden Cardiac Arrest—Report of a Very Rare Case and Review of Literature
Authors: Dar Parvez Mohi-Ud-Din , Kaur Supreet , Boddeda Jogendra , Wani Sajid Mohammad
Published: July 2020

Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic drug. This drug is still widely used in emergency medicine, psychiatry, and general medicine departments. It is mostly used for acute confusional state, psychotic disorders, agitation, delirium, and aggressive behaviour. Overdose of haloperidol can cause sudden deaths. Cardiopulmonary arrest related to use of haloperidol had been reported in literature as case reports but are very few. No such cases have been reported in India till now. We report a case of cardiac arrest due to the use of haloperidol.
Approximating Fixed Points of Reich–Suzuki Type Nonexpansive Mappings in Hyperbolic Spaces
Authors: Ullah Kifayat , Ahmad Junaid , De La Sen Manuel , Khan Muhammad Naveed
Published: July 2020

In this work, we prove some strong and Δ convergence results for Reich-Suzuki type nonexpansive mappings through M iterative process. A uniformly convex hyperbolic metric space is used as underlying setting for our approach. We also provide an illustrate numerical example. Our results improve and extend some recently announced results of the metric fixed-point theory.
C2-Continuous Orientation Planning for Robot End-Effector with B-Spline Curve Based on Logarithmic Quaternion
Authors: Pu Yasong , Shi Yaoyao , Lin Xiaojun , Hu Yuan , Li Zhishan
Published: July 2020

Smooth orientation planning is beneficial for the working performance and service life of industrial robots, keeping robots from violent impacts and shocks caused by discontinuous orientation planning. Nevertheless, the popular used quaternion interpolations can hardly guarantee C2 continuity for multiorientation interpolation. Aiming at the problem, an efficient quaternion interpolation methodology based on logarithmic quaternion was proposed. Quaternions of more than two key orientations were expressed in the exponential forms of quaternion. These four-dimensional quaternions in space S3, when logarithms were taken for them, could be converted to three-dimensional points in space R3 so that B-spline interpolation could be applied freely to interpolate. The core formulas that B-spline interpolated points were mapped to quaternion were founded since B-spline interpolated point vectors were decomposed to the product of unitized forms and exponents were taken for them. The proposed methodology made B-spline curve applicable to quaternion interpolation through dimension reduction and the high-order continuity of the B-spline curve remained when B-spline interpolated points were mapped to quaternions. The function for reversely finding control points of B-spline curve with zero curvature at endpoints was derived, which helped interpolation curve become smoother and sleeker. The validity and rationality of the principle were verified by the study case. For comparison, the study case was also analyzed by the popular quaternion interpolations, Spherical Linear Interpolation (SLERP) and Spherical and Quadrangle (SQUAD). The comparison results demonstrated the proposed methodology had higher smoothness than SLERP and SQUAD and thus would provide better protection for robot end-effector from violent impacts led by unreasonable multiorientation interpolation. It should be noted that the proposed methodology can be extended to multiorientation quaternion interpolation with higher continuity than the second order.
Electrochemical Characterization of Cu-Catalysed Si Nanowires as an Anode for Lithium-Ion Cells
Authors: Prosini P. P. , Rondino F. , Moreno M. , Cento C. , Ottaviani M. , Rufoloni A. , Pilloni L. , Orsetti V. , Santoni A.
Published: July 2020

Silicon (Si) nanowires (NWs) grown on stainless-steel substrates by Cu-catalysed Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) have been prepared to be used as anodes in lithium-ion batteries. The use of NWs can overcome the problems related to the Si volume changes occurring during lithium alloying by reducing stress relaxation and preventing material fragmentation. Moreover, since the SiNWs are grown directly on the substrate, which also acts as a current collector, an excellent electrical contact is generated between the two materials without the necessity to use additional binders or conducting additives. The electrochemical performance of the SiNWs was tested in cells using lithium metal as the anode. A large irreversible capacity was observed during the first cycle and, to a lesser extent, during the second cycle. All the subsequent cycles showed good reversibility even if the coulombic efficiency did not exceed 95%, suggesting the formation of an unstable SEI film and a continuous decomposition of the electrolyte on the silicon surface. The absence of a stable SEI film was assumed responsible for a linear capacity fade observed upon cycling. On the other hand, the electrochemical characterization performed at different values of the charging current showed that SiNWs possess an exceptionally high rate capability.
Rotational-XOR Rectangle Cryptanalysis on Round-Reduced Simon
Authors: Koo Bonwook , Jung Younghoon , Kim Woo-Hwan
Published: July 2020

Recently, Ashur and Liu introduced the Rotational-XOR-difference approach which is a modification of rotational cryptanalysis, for an ARX cipher Speck (Ashur and Liu, 2016). In this paper, we apply the Rotational-XOR-difference (RXD) approach to a non-ARX cipher Simon and evaluate its security. First, we studied how to calculate the probability of an RXD for bitwise AND operation that the round function of Simon is based on unlike Speck is on modular addition. Next, we prove that two RXD trails can be connected such that it becomes possible to construct a boomerang/rectangle distinguisher similar to the case using differential characteristics. Finally, we construct related-key rectangle distinguishers for round-reduced versions of Simon with block lengths of 32, 48, and 64, and we suggest a five- or six-round key recovery attack. To our knowledge, it is the first attempt to apply the notion of rotational cryptanalysis for a non-ARX cipher. Although our attack does not show the best results for Simon thus far, the attempt here to define and apply a new cryptanalytic characteristic is meaningful, and we expect further improvements and applications to other ciphers to be made in subsequent studies.
X-Linked Lymphoproliferative Disease in Latvia: A Report of Two Clinically Distinct Cases
Authors: Nokalna Ieva , Kreile Madara , Butane Dagnija , Kovalova Zhanna , Daneberga Zanda , Miklasevics Edvins , Gardovska Dace , Gailite Linda
Published: July 2020

X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP) is a rare primary immunodeficiency. Affected individuals usually present with the Epstein–Barr virus infection and have no apparent disease prior to presentation. The most common clinical manifestations are fulminant infectious mononucleosis, dysgammaglobulinaemia, and lymphoma (usually of B-cell origin). XLP is caused by mutations in the SH2D1A gene which encodes the intracellular adaptor molecule SAP (signalling lymphocyte activation molecule- (SLAM-) associated protein). SAP is predominantly expressed in T cells and NK cells and functions to regulate signal transduction pathways downstream of the SLAM family of surface receptors to control CD4+ T cell (and by extension B-cell), CD8+ T cell and NK cell function, and development of NKT cells. Thus, SAP mutations cause dysregulation of the immune system, with defects in both cellular and humoral immunity. Here we report two clinical cases of three patients who presented with different manifestations of XLP, namely, fulminant infectious mononucleosis, Burkitt lymphoma and hypogammaglobulinaemia.
The Impact of Changes in Corneal Back Surface Astigmatism on the Residual Astigmatic Refractive Error following Routine Uncomplicated Phacoemulsification
Authors: Tutchenko Larysa , Patel Sudi , Voytsekhivskyy Oleksiy , Skovron Mykhailo , Horak Olha
Published: July 2020

Purpose. To determine the significance of any association between intersessional changes in ocular residual astigmatism (RA) and astigmatism at corneal front (FSA) and back (BSA) surfaces following uneventful routine phacoemulsification.Methods. Astigmatism was evaluated by autorefractometry and subjective refraction and at both the corneal surfaces with Orbscan II™ (Bausch & Lomb) over central 3 mm and 5 mm optical zones at 1, 2, and 3 months after routine phacoemulsification in 103 patients implanted with monofocal nontoric intraocular lenses (IOLs, one eye/patient). Data were subjected to vector analysis to determine the actual change (Δ) in astigmatism (power and axis) for the refractive and Orbscan II findings.Results. The number of cases that attended where ΔRA was ≥0.50 DC between 1 and 2 months was 52 by autorefractometry and 36 by subjective refraction and between 2 and 3 months was 24 by autorefractometry and 19 by subjective refraction. Vector analysis revealed significant correlations between ΔFSA and ΔRA for data obtained by autorefractometry but not by subjective refraction. At all times, ΔBSA was greater than ΔFSA (p<0.01). Key findings for ΔBSA values over the central 3 mm zone were between (A) the sine of the axis of ΔRA (y) and sine of the axis of ΔBSA (x) for the data obtained by autorefractometry (between 1 and 2 months,y = 0.749 − 0.303x,r = 0.299,n = 52,p=0.031) and subjective refraction (between 2 and 3 months,y = 0.6614 − 0.4755x,r = 0.474,n = 19,p=0.040) and (B) ΔRA (y) and ΔBSA (x) powers between 2 and 3 months postoperatively for the data obtained by autorefractometry (ΔRA = 0.118 ΔBSA + 0.681r = 0.467,n = 24,p=0.021) and subjective refraction (ΔRA = 0.072 ΔBSA + 0.545r = 0.510,n = 19,p=0.026).Conclusion. Changes in the ocular residual refractive astigmatic error after implanting a monofocal nontoric IOL are associated with changes in astigmatism at the back surface of the cornea within the central optical zone.
Analysis of the Damage Characteristics and Energy Dissipation of Rocks with a Vertical Hole under Cyclic Impact Loads
Authors: Dai Bing , Luo Xinyao , Chen Li , Tian Yakun , Zhang Zhijun , Chen Ying , Shan Qiwei
Published: July 2020

This study systematically investigates the failure patterns, energy dissipation, and fracture behavior of rock specimens containing a vertical hole under impact loads. First, an improved damage calculation equation suitable for the analysis of rock specimens with a vertical hole is obtained based on the one‐dimensional stress wave theory and the interface continuity condition. After that, the Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) device was used to conduct cyclic impact tests with different impact pressures and impact modes (impact pressures with equal amplitude and unequal amplitude). The experimental results suggest that, under the equal‐amplitude high pressure and unequal‐amplitude pressure, the degree of damage of the rock significantly increased, the bearing capacity greatly reduced, and the rock gradually transitions from having good ductility to experiencing brittle failure. The cumulative specific energy absorption value gradually increases with the increase in the cyclic impact. Compared to that of the equal impact condition, the degree of damage to the rock is more severe for the case of equal‐amplitude high pressure and unequal impact, and the failure mode undergoes a transformation from transverse tensile failure to transverse tensile failure‐axial splitting failure combination and axial splitting failure. Through the analysis of rock energy changes and rock failure patterns during cyclic impact, it will be helpful to predict and control the fracture caused by local stress concentration during excavation, thus can reduce the cost of support and reinforcement in excavation and improve the stability of surrounding rocks.
Accessory Renal Artery Stenosis and Secondary Hypertension
Authors: Chung Ariel A. , Millner Patricia R.
Published: July 2020

Background. Secondary hypertension is an uncommon cause of hypertension with extensive workup not recommended in most patients; however, further evaluation is generally recommended in young patients presenting with hypertension. Case Presentation. A 31-year-old female presented with history of elevated blood pressures. Secondary hypertension workup revealed no laboratory abnormalities; however, renal artery ultrasound demonstrated a left superior accessory artery and suspected bilateral renal vein congestion that was further evaluated with renal CT with contrast. Renal CT showed ostial stenosis of the left accessory renal artery. In addition, compression of the left renal vein between aorta and superior mesenteric artery was also noted, consistent with nutcracker syndrome. Hypertension was suspected to be secondary to stenosis of the accessory renal artery. Upon consultation with interventional radiology, pharmacologic treatment was recommended, and blood pressure control was ultimately achieved with a single agent. Discussion. Renovascular etiologies are responsible for 1% of cases of mild hypertension and up to 45% of severe hypertension. Accessory renal arteries are a normal anatomical variant in approximately 30% of the population. Secondary hypertension due to stenosis of an accessory renal artery is rare with very few cases described in case reports. Conclusion. Though hypertension secondary to accessory renal artery stenosis is rare and not well published in medical literature, few case reports, including this one, demonstrate that accessory renal artery stenosis can be an underlying etiology of hypertension.
Multifield Coupled Dynamic Simulation of Coal Oxidation and Self-Heating in Longwall Coal Mine Gob
Authors: Song Shuanglin , Wang Shugang , Jiang Shuang , Liang Yuntao , Hu Peiyu
Published: July 2020

The spontaneous combustion of residual coal in coal mine gob has long been a problem and poses a threat to the safe production of coal. Therefore, it is of great significance to conduct an in-depth study of the oxidation and self-heating progress of residual coal in the gob. Considering that the geometric dimensions and physical characteristics of the gob will change during the advance of the working face, the purpose of the present paper is to determine how the coal self-heating develops during and after coal mining. A fully coupled transient model including gas flow, gas species transport, and heat transfer in the gob and the butt entries, as well as heat transfer in the surrounding strata, is developed to quantify the evolution of coal self-heating in gob during and after mining. The model was solved by COMSOL Multiphysics package and then verified by comparing the field data with the simulated data. On this basis, parametric studies including the influences of the surrounding strata temperature, airflow temperature, coal-rock particle size, and advance rate of the working face on coal oxidation and self-heating in the gob were conducted. The results show that a tailing phenomenon of the high-temperature area is formed on the air inlet side of the gob during mining, and the temperature in the high-temperature zone decreases gradually due to the accumulation and compaction of the gob and heat dissipation to the surrounding strata. Also, although the temperature in gob increases gradually after the stopping of mining, the high-temperature area migrates towards the working face. Moreover, when the temperature of the surrounding strata is consistent, different ventilation temperatures have no obvious effect on the maximum temperature of the gob at the initial mining stage, whereas the higher ventilation temperature results in the higher self-heating temperature after several days of mining. Finally, the smaller average particle size or faster advance rate results in a lower maximum temperature of gob.
Dilema de los traspasos masivos de fondos
Authors: Romero Rafael
Published: July 2020

A mediados de junio se reactivó en el Congreso un proyecto de ley que estaba desde 2015 en espera. Se trata del proyecto de ley que modifica las leyes N°s 18.045 y 18.046, para establecer nuevas exigencias de transparencia y reforzamiento de responsabilidades de los agentes en los mercados, el cual regula a los intermediarios que pueden participar en el mercado como asesores previsionales y restringe el derecho de libre cambio entre los distintos fondos disponible por un afiliado. Continuar leyendo...
CHD4 Promotes Breast Cancer Progression as a Coactivator of Hypoxia-Inducible Factors
Authors: Wang Yijie , Chen Yan , Bao Lei , Zhang Bo , Wang Jennifer E. , Kumar Ashwani , Xing Chao , Wang Yingfei , Luo Weibo
Published: July 2020

Recruitment of RNA polymerase II to hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) target genes under normoxia is a prerequisite for HIF-mediated transactivation. However, the underlying mechanism of this recruitment remains unknown. Here we report that chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 4 (CHD4) physically interacts with α and β subunits of HIF1 and HIF2 and enhances HIF-driven transcriptional programs to promote breast cancer progression. Loss of HIF1/2α abolished CHD4-mediated breast tumor growth in mice. In breast cancer cells under normoxia, CHD4 enrichment at HIF target gene promoters increased RNA polymerase II loading through p300. Hypoxia further promoted CHD4 binding to the chromatin via HIF1/2α, where CHD4 in turn enhanced recruitment of HIF1α, leading to HIF target gene transcription. CHD4 was upregulated and correlated with HIF target gene expression in human breast tumors; upregulation of CHD4 and other known HIF coactivators in human breast tumors was mutually exclusive. Furthermore, CHD4 was associated with poor overall survival of patients with breast cancer. Collectively, these findings reveal a new fundamental mechanism of HIF regulation in breast cancer, which has clinical relevance.

Significance:

This study identifies CHD4 as a HIF coactivator and elucidates the fundamental mechanism underlying CHD4-mediated HIF transactivation in breast tumors.