bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanobubbles produced by hydraulic air compression technique
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Yang Qingfeng , Zhou Limin , Zhang Lijuan , Hu Jun
Published: December 2021

The anoxia of coastal water has already been a serious problem all over the word. Nanobubbles are proved to have great applications in water remediation because they could effectively increase the oxygen content and degrade organic matters in water. But the existing methods to produce nanobubbles are complicated and high cost to operate, especially in deep sea. In this paper, we presented a low-cost method, hydraulic air compression (HAC), to produce a large number of nanobubbles and proved that nanoscale gas bubbles could be produced by HAC for the first time. Nanoparticle tracking analysis was used to measure the size and concentration of produced nanobubbles. It indicated that the concentration of nanobubbles would increase as the downpipe height increases. Degassed measurements proved that produced “nanoparticles” are gas nanobubbles indeed. More dissolved oxygen in water would provide the source for larger number of nanobubble formation. Those results are expected to be very helpful for water remediation in ocean in the future.
Determination of band alignment between GaO
x
and boron doped diamond for a selective-area-doped termination structure
Authors: Wang Qi-Liang , Fu Shi-Yang , He Si-Han , Zhang Hai-Bo , Cheng Shao-Heng , Li Liu-An , Li Hong-Dong
Published: December 2021

An n-GaO
x
thin film is deposited on a single-crystal boron-doped diamond by RF magnetron sputtering to form the pn heterojunction. The n-GaO
x
thin film presents a small surface roughness and a large optical band gap of 4.85 eV. In addition, the band alignment is measured using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to evaluate the heterojunction properties. The GaO
x
/diamond heterojunction shows a type-II staggered band configuration, where the valence and conduction band offsets are 1.28 eV and 1.93 eV, respectively. These results confirm the feasibility of the use of n-GaO
x
as a termination structure for diamond power devices.
In vivo blue light illumination for optogenetic inhibition: effect on local temperature and excitability of the rat hippocampus
Authors: Acharya Anirudh R , Vandekerckhove Bram , Larsen Lars Emil , Delbeke Jean , Wadman Wytse J , Vonck Kristl , Carette Evelien , Meurs Alfred , Vanfleteren Jan , Boon Paul , Missinne Jeroen , Raedt Robrecht
Published: December 2021

Objective. The blue light-activated inhibitory opsin, stGtACR2, is gaining prominence as a neuromodulatory tool due its ability to shunt-inhibit neurons and is being frequently used in in vivo experimentation. However, experiments involving stGtACR2 use longer durations of blue light pulses, which inadvertently heat up the local brain tissue and confound experimental results. Therefore, the heating effects of illumination parameters used for in vivo optogenetic inhibition must be evaluated. Approach. To assess blue light (473 nm)-induced heating of the brain, we used a computational model as well as direct temperature measurements using a fiber Bragg grating (FBG). The effects of different light power densities (LPDs) and pulse durations on evoked potentials (EP) recorded from dentate gyrus were assessed. For opsin-negative rats, LPDs between 127 and 636 mW mm−2 and pulse durations between 20 and 5120 ms were tested while for stGtACR2 expressing rats, LPD of 127 mW mm−2 and pulse durations between 20 and 640 ms were tested. Main results. Increasing LPDs and pulse durations logarithmically increased the peak temperature and significantly decreased the population spike (PS) amplitude and latencies of EPs. For a pulse duration of 5120 ms, the tissue temperature increased by 0.6 °C–3.4 °C. All tested LPDs decreased the PS amplitude in opsin-negative rats, but 127 mW mm−2 had comparatively minimal effects and a significant effect of increasing light pulse duration was seen from 320 ms and beyond. This corresponded with an average temperature increase of 0.2 °C–1.1 °C at the recorded site. Compared to opsin-negative rats, illumination in stGtACR2-expressing rats resulted in much greater inhibition of EPs. Significance. Our study demonstrates that light-induced heating of the brain can be accurately measured in vivo using FBG sensors. Such light-induced heating alone can affect neuronal excitability. Useful neuromodulation by the activation of stGtACR2 is still possible while minimizing thermal effects.
Optical Inter-Satellite Link over Low Earth Orbit: Enhanced Performance
Authors: Shehata Mohamed I. , Asmaa Zaki M. , Fayed Heba A. , Aziz Ahmed Abd El , Aly Moustafa H.
Published: December 2021

Space communication systems are traditionally operated with microwave in satellite-to-satellite links. Now, more efficient and reliable operation is required, which lead to use optical links for Inter Satellite Links (ISLs). This paper investigates the system performance of an optical ISL proposed between satellites over Low Earth Orbit (LEO). In this study, the proposed link is simulated to obtain a maximum bit rate and minimum bit error rate (BER) over different links distances. The system performance is improved by investigating its dependency on the photo detector type, operating wavelength, transmitted optical power, RZ and NRZ schemes. Our work results that best Q- factor are approximately 40 leading to a minimum BER for the LEO orbit, at 600 km when utilizing an APD. While at our investigation of the system performance at visible light bands, it is found that Q-factor will be approximately 60 achieving minimum BER with neglecting the eye-safety precautions in addition to the ability to transmit 2 Gbps at 10−9 BER within many bands.
A Modified SLM Scheme for PAPR Reduction of UFMC Systems
Authors: Alrabeiy Sahar M. , Fathy Sameh A. , Gasser Safa M. , El-Mahallawy Mohamed S.
Published: December 2021

One of the most promising 5G waveform candidates is the universal-filtered multicarrier system (UFMC). The UFMC system reduces the out-of-band (OoB) emission, bringing about higher spectral efficiency. This is assumed to reach robustness against frequency offset and low latency. Although, as aforementioned, the UFMC system offers many advantages, it lacks high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) as a multicarrier transmission technique. This research paper tackles two approaches; firstly, RCS, by developing a simulated conventional SLM system, with modifications to generate the same number of waveforms, while using fewer UFMC modulators. Secondly, by developing a simulated conventional SLM system, with modifications using the same number of modulators to generate more waveforms that would be generated in the conventional scheme. The two sets of results from the proposed M-SLM scheme are compared to each other, and to other PAPR reduction schemes using OFDM and UFMC. To reduce PAPR in UFMC systems, (M-SLM) scheme with low complexity is proposed. The essence of the proposed M-SLM scheme is represented in making use of the cyclically shifting process and FMC modulator’s linearity property. The proposed M-SLM scheme uses Um
UFMC modulators to produce Uw
alternative UFMC waveforms, where Uw
= Um
(2Um
− 1). As a result, drawing a comparison with existing SLM based PAPR reduction schemes for UFMC systems; the proposed M-SLM scheme's computational complexity is reduced. Finally, there is a comparison between the proposed M-SLM scheme and the schemes there in the literature according to PAPR reduction ability.
Novel and Compact Circular Ring Microstrip Antenna with Parasitic Chip for 5G Applications
Authors: Dyasti Sherif El , Mostafa Maged Medhat , Ghoz Prof. Hussien , Sree Mohamed Fathy Abo
Published: December 2021

In this work, a circular patch antenna is designed and a parametric study in terms of different geometrical parameters is conducted. As a second step, a parasitic chip is introduced on top of the proposed circular patch antenna in the aim to enhance the gain and antenna efficiency. The proposed antenna operates at 25.61 GHz (With a frequency range between24.383 GHz and 27.7 GHz), suitable for 5G applications. The antenna modelling with and without parasitic chip, along with the performance analysis is conducted with CST Studio Electromagnetic (EM) simulator software. A compact size of 10×10×1.547 mm3, easy to fabricate, broadband characteristics up to 3.31 GHz with a high gain up to 6.87 dB, total efficiency of 95 % and a minimum return loss low than -68.02 dB covering the operating frequency range. Lastly, to investigate and validate the antenna overall performance, both frequency and time domain-based simulation is performed, and a good agreement is obtained.
Dual Band Patch Antenna Based on Letter Slotted DGS for 5G Sub-6GHz Application
Authors: Sree Mohamed Fathy Abo , Elazeem Mohamed Hassan Abd , Swelam Wael
Published: December 2021

To design a multiband microstrip patch antenna, the Defected Ground Structure (DGS) technique is applied to add a disturbance effect in the surface current distribution and create a multi-resonance frequency. Furthermore, and in the aim to achieve a high gain, a high superstrate is added above the basic antenna design. The developed antenna is dedicated to the 5G sub 6GHz band application. The proposed antenna is based on RO5880 dielectric substrate of ɛ=2.2 and has an overall dimension of 77×70.11×1.6 mm3. The antenna operates at a sub 6GHz frequency range (at 4.53 to 4.97 GHz) and fits in 5G band application standard. Using CST Studio Suite Electromagnetics (EM) Solver, antenna’s performances are investigated; an average gain of 5 dB with acceptable radiation efficiency is obtained at the operating frequencies, suitable for sub-6GHz 5G application. The proposed antenna is fabricated, and experimental analysis is conducted using ROHDE & SCHWARZ ZVB20 network analyser, which shows a good agreement with the simulation analysis.
Target Assignment for Cooperative Quadrotors Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Mahfouz Mohamed , Hafez Ahmed T. , Ashry Mahmoud M. , Elnashar Gamal
Published: December 2021

The target assignment for cooperative Unmanned aerial vehicles is a critical topic. Most target assignment approaches yield computational complexity when dealing with multiple UAVs. This work offers target assignment approaches and resolves multiple UAVs problems by introducing a proposal of target assignment approaches. The main contribution of this work is solving the target assignment problem using optimal time approach and gain maximization approach in double stages. At the first stage, the urgently desired target to be fetched from the detected target group is selected by using the proposed objective function based on three attribute values of targets (threating weight - importance weight - separating distance). At the second stage, the proposed objective function is used and assign related UAVs for selected desired targets by considering the coverage factors, adaptive-limitation and constrains.
Reconstruction of Depolarization Pattern in Myocardial Infarction Cases Using Two Cascaded Stages of Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Mabrouk Nihal A. , Khalifa Abdelreheem M. , Nasser Abdelmenem A. , Aly Moustafa H.
Published: December 2021

Our paper introduces a new technique for diagnosis of various heart diseases without the need of highly experts to investigate the electrocardiogram (ECG). Using the same electrodes of the ECG machine, it will be able to transmit directly the electrical activity inside the heart to a moving picture. Our technique is based on artificial intelligence algorithm using artificial neural networks (ANN). Finding the trans-membrane potential (TMP) inside the heart from the body surface potential (BSP) is known as the inverse problem of ECG. To have a unique solution for the inverse problem the data used should be obtained from a forward model. A three dimensional (3-D) model of cellular activation whole heart embedded in torso is simulated and solved using COMSOL Multiphysics software. In our previous paper, one ANN succeeded in displaying the wave propagation on the surface of a normal heart. In this paper, we used a configuration of ANNs to display different cases of heart with myocardial infarction (MI). To check the system accuracy, eight MI cases with different sizes and locations in the heart are simulated in the forward model. This configuration proved to be highly accurate in displaying each MI case -size and location- presenting the infarction as an area with no electrical activity.
A Comparative Study of Homomorphic Encryption Schemes Using Microsoft SEAL
Authors: Fawaz Shereen Mohamed , Belal Nahla , ElRefaey Adel , Fakhr Mohamed Waleed
Published: December 2021

Fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) technology is a method of encrypting data that allows arbitrary calculations to be computed. Machine learning (ML) and many other applications are relevant to FHE such as Cloud Computing, Secure Multi-Party, and Data Aggregation. Only the authenticated user has the authority to decrypt the ciphertext and understand its meaning, as encrypted data can be computed and processed to produce an encrypted output. Homomorphic encryption uses arithmetic circuits that focus on addition and multiplication, allowing the user to add and multiply integers while encrypted. This paper discusses the performance of the Brakerski-Fan-Vercauteren scheme (BFV) and Cheon, Kim, Kim, and Song (CKKS) scheme using one of the most important libraries of FHE “Microsoft SEAL”, by applying certain arithmetic operations and observing the time consumed for every function applied in each scheme and the noise budget after every operation. The results obtained show the difference between the two schemes when applying the same operation and the number of sequential operations each can handle.
Sensitivity analysis of centrifugal compressors aerodynamic losses using 1D-mean streamline prediction technique
Authors: Mahmoud Mostafa , Shaaban S.
Published: December 2021

One-dimensional modeling and prediction of the centrifugal compressor performance are challenging as they require conservation equations and empirical and semi-empirical correlations. Therefore, there is a need to perform a consolidated study of the compressor aerodynamic loss models to conclude the importance of each loss to the compressor performance modeling. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of each aerodynamic loss on the compressor performance and explore more about which loss could have a negligible effect on the compressor performance. A MATLAB code was developed to predict the performance of five different small turbocharger centrifugal compressors at different geometric and operating conditions. The developed code was validated using the available experimental data of the investigated compressors. A sensitivity analysis methodology was performed using the validated code to check the effect of ten aerodynamic losses for the impeller and volute sections on the compressor performance. This paper concludes that impeller disk friction, blade loading, and clearance losses have a negligible effect on the small turbocharger vanless diffuser compressor performance.
Adaptive Fuzzy PID Controller applied to micro turbojet engine
Authors: shehata Ahmed M , khalil Mohamed K , Ashry Mahmoud M
Published: December 2021

Digital controllers are utilized for controlling modern gas turbine engines. Firstly, an identified discrete model is built for a micro turbojet engine (MTE) jet cat P200sx. Two controllers are designed, gain scheduling PID and adaptive fuzzy tuned PID controllers are presented in this paper. Analysis of traditional PID and Adaptive fuzzy tuned PID controller applied for micro turbojet engine is presented. According to the fuzzy rules, a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) is developed to modify the gains of the PID controller automatically. MATLAB/Simulink is utilized to simulate the complete device consisting of an adaptive fuzzy PID controller, and the micro turbojet engine model. The two controllers’ responses are compared. A comparison of the robustness of each controller against the effect of noise and rejection of disturbance is illustrated. The results showed that, through small rise time, small set time, minimal overshoot, and minimal SteadyState speed error, the PID controller adaptive fuzzy tuned provides better dynamic MTE action and thus superior performance.
CFD Comparative Study on Bended and 2D Airfoils on HAWT Performance
Authors: Yassin Ahmed H S , Shabaan Sameh M , Khaled Amany
Published: December 2021

The design of a conventional horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) is based on the aerodynamic characteristics of a two-dimensional (2D) airfoil. The rotational motion and the consequent aerodynamic effects, of HAWT’s rotor, do not guarantee an optimal design point that matches the 2D airfoil characteristics. The present work studies the diversion of the flow due to the spanwise velocity component in a rotating reference frame. It suggests that a slight deviation in the flow away from the chordwise direction could alternate the characteristics of the airfoil profile. A bended profile with a circular arc was extracted from a baseline rotating blade, flattened, and modelled against the 2D S826 airfoil. The results show a substantial discrepancy in the airfoil characteristics which could influence the turbine efficiency. Therefore, it suggests using a pre-bended airfoil (3D) while modeling the blade, so the circular section will match the correct airfoil coordinates. The proposed bended-profile version was modeled against the baseline blade. This novel blade shows an augmentation in the power coefficient up to 5.4% starting from the design point to high tip speed ratios (TSR) and low wind speeds.
Novel boriding technique of low-carbon steel weldments
Authors: Eldarwesh Ahmed M. A. , Khaled Amany , Moussa Tarek M. , Atia Mostafa R. A.
Published: December 2021

Boriding is considered one of the essential surface treatments for carbon steels during the last decades. The conventional methods of boriding are subjected to many limitations due to the sophisticated setup and the time-consuming treatment. Therefore, less complex methods and less time consumption are the main research objectives past couple of years. This research suggests an enhanced boriding surface treatment technique for low carbon steel. The advantages of the proposed method include the reduction of boriding process time through the development of new boron rich compounds which consequently eliminates the need of specially designed furnaces. The illustrated outputs reveal promising results without sacrificing the physical properties. The proposed technique was carried out experimentally. Depth of penetration and microhardness were measured and compared with results from previous literature. Some trials have shown 35 µm depth of penetration of boron layer at 30 min treatment time associated with micro-hardness up to 2388 HV.
Beam test results of silicon sensor module prototypes for the Phase-2 Upgrade of the CMS Outer Tracker
Authors: Koppenhöfer R. , Barvich T. , Braach J. , Dierlamm A. , Husemann U. , Maier S. , Müller Th. , Neufeld M. , Nürnberg A. , Simonis H. , Steck P. , Wittig F.
Published: December 2021

The start of the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) in 2027 requires upgrades to the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment. In the scope of the upgrade program the complete silicon tracking detector will be replaced. The new CMS Tracker will be equipped with silicon pixel detectors in the inner layers closest to the interaction point and silicon strip detectors in the outer layers. The new CMS Outer Tracker will consist of two different kinds of detector modules called PS and 2S modules. Each module will be made of two parallel silicon sensors (a macro-pixel sensor and a strip sensor for the PS modules and two strip sensors for the 2S modules). Combining the hit information of both sensor layers, it is possible to estimate the transverse momentum of particles in the magnetic field of 3.8 T at the full bunch-crossing rate of 40 MHz directly on the module. This information will be used as an input for the first trigger stage of CMS. It is necessary to validate the Outer Tracker module functionality before installing the modules in the CMS experiment. Besides laboratory-based tests several 2S module prototypes have been studied at test beam facilities at CERN, DESY and FNAL. This article concentrates on the beam tests at DESY during which the functionality of the module concept was investigated using the full final readout chain for the first time. Additionally the performance of a 2S module assembled with irradiated sensors was studied. By choosing an irradiation fluence expected for 2S modules at the end of HL-LHC operation, it was possible to investigate the particle detection efficiency and study the trigger capabilities of the module at the beginning and end of the runtime of the CMS experiment.
State-level response to gabapentin misuse in the United States: Implications and future direction
Authors: Karavolis Zoe A , Su Andrew B , Peckham Alyssa M
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Gabapentin misuse is on the rise and has forced many US states to mobilize policies to address this public health concern. The purpose of this manuscript is to update state-level gabapentin misuse–related policies in the US through September 1, 2021, discuss the benefits and risks of current measures, and highlight gaps in national response.

Methods

Identification of state and federal district policy changes and deliberations related to gabapentin were searched via internet for all 50 states and 1 federal district (n = 51). Only results from state regulatory bodies, such as the board of pharmacy, or state legislative bodies, such as the senate, were considered for inclusion.

Results

Results showed that 22 states and federal districts (43.1%) tightened regulation, while another 2 (3.9%) are considering doing so. Of the 22 states and federal districts with policy changes, 15 (68.2%) enrolled gabapentin into their prescription drug monitoring program, while 7 (31.8%) reclassified gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance (C-V).

Conclusion

Absent of federal guidance surrounding gabapentin misuse, the onus has fallen on individual states; thus, approaches have ranged from no intervention to reclassification as a C-V. These measures aim to reduce medication supply but fall short of addressing patient outcomes and reducing harm. Therefore, harm reduction–informed public health policies must be implemented to positively impact patient outcomes and enhance safety.
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Children in Child Welfare Services in England
Authors: Allen Dan , Hamnett Victoria
Published: December 2021

Over the last five decades, there has been a growing concern that Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children are overrepresented in child welfare services (CWS) in Europe. However, statistical data used to substantiate this concern often conflates ethnicity and nationality limiting our full understanding of the reported situation. This article provides a more comprehensive illustration of overrepresentation, advancing the quantitative study of this topic in England. Using a per capita division by population method, data obtained from the Department of Education were tested for disparity ratios across four key indicators. The analyses found that the recorded number of ‘Gypsy/Roma’ and ‘Travellers of Irish Heritage’ in CWS in England has been growing at a disproportionate rate since 2011–2012 to now demonstrate overrepresentation. The findings go beyond the concerns that have been raised to highlight a more specific need for remedial and restorative action. Implications are discussed for strategic responses to drive up data quality and further explore the details of the disparities that are found.
Quantum Attacks on 1K-AES and PRINCE
Authors: Cai Bin-Bin , Wu Yusen , Dong Jing , Qin Su-Juan , Gao Fei , Wen Qiao-Yan
Published: December 2021

By introducing the BHT algorithm into the slide attack on 1K-AES and the related-key attack on PRINCE, we present the corresponding quantum attacks in this paper. In the proposed quantum attacks, we generalize the BHT algorithm to the situation where the number of marked items is unknown ahead of time. Moreover, we give an implementation scheme of classifier oracle based on Quantum Phase Estimation algorithm in presented quantum attacks. The complexity analysis shows that the query complexity, time complexity and memory complexity of the presented quantum attacks are all $\mathcal{O}(2^{n/3})$ when the success probability is about $63\%$, where $n$ is the block size. Compared with the corresponding classical attacks, the proposed quantum attacks can achieve subquadratic speed-up under the same success probability no matter on query complexity, time complexity or memory complexity. Furthermore, the query complexity of the proposed quantum slide attack on 1K-AES is less than Grover search on 1K-AES by a factor of $2^{n/6}.$ When compared with the Grover search on PRINCE, the query complexity of the presented quantum attack on PRINCE is reduced from $\mathcal{O}(2^{n})$ to $\mathcal{O}(2^{n/2}).$ When compared with the combination of Grover and Simon’s algorithms on PRINCE, the query complexity of our quantum attack on PRINCE is reduced from $\mathcal{O}(n\cdot 2^{n/2})$ to $\mathcal{O}(2^{n/2}).$ Besides, the proposed quantum slide attack on 1K-AES indicates that the quantum slide attack could also be applied on Substitution-Permutation Network construction, apart from the iterated Even-Mansour cipher and Feistel constructions.
The cost implications of a polypill for primary prevention in the TIPS-3 trial
Authors: Lamy Andre , Tong Wesley , Joseph Philip , Gao Peggy , Pais Prem , Lopez-Jaramillo Patricio , Walli-Attaei Marjan , Dans Antonio L , Xavier Denis , Talukder Shamim , Santoso Anwar , Gamra Habib , Yusuf Salim
Published: December 2021

Aims

The International Polycap Study 3 (TIPS-3) trial demonstrated that a polypill containing cholesterol- and multiple blood-pressure-lowering drugs reduces cardiovascular events by 20% compared with placebo in people without cardiovascular disease. The polypill plus aspirin led to a 31% relative risk reduction in cardiovascular disease events compared with double placebo. We report regional variations in costs and affordability of a polypill based on the TIPS-3 trial.

Methods and results

Countries were categorized using World Bank economic groups: lower-middle-income, upper-middle-income, and high-income countries. Country-specific costs were obtained for hospitalization events, procedures, and non-study medications (2019 US dollars). Polypill price was based on the cheapest equivalent substitute (CES) for each component. For the polypill vs. placebo, the difference in cost over the 4.6 years of the trial was $291 [95% confidence interval (CI): $243–339] per participant in lower-middle-income countries, $1068 (95% CI: $992–1144) in upper-middle-income countries, and $48 (95% CI: −$271 to $367) in high-income countries. Results were similar for the polypill plus aspirin vs. a double placebo. In both cases, the polypill was affordable in all groups using monthly household capacity to pay or a threshold of 4% of the gross national income per capita.

Conclusion

The use of a polypill (CES) in TIPS-3 increases costs in lower-middle-income countries and upper-middle-income countries but is affordable in countries at various economic levels and is cost neutral (dominant) in high-income countries.
A Priceless Grace? The Congress of Vienna of 1815, the Ottoman Empire and Historicising the Eastern Question
Authors: Ozavci Ozan
Published: December 2021

The budding scholarship on the Congress of Vienna has devoted limited attention to the ‘Eastern Question’ in the 1810s. Even though the issue of the (non-) involvement of the Ottoman Empire in the new European state system has previously received mention, the rational and emotional factors that informed decisions taken by the Ottoman cabinet at the time have never been analysed in detail. Using previously unexplored Ottoman, Russian, British and French archival sources, this article historicises the ‘Eastern Question’ of the 1810s, when a new transimperial order was formed. It documents the attempts to ensure the security of Ottoman territories by European public law, and demonstrates that, although involving the Russo-Ottoman disputes in the Vienna negotiations was initially an Ottoman proposal, it was again the Sublime Porte that ultimately rejected it. The article discusses why this became the case, tracing the answer to diverse relational dynamics such as the conflicts in the Ottoman cabinet, the rivalries among the Great Powers, and the European endeavours to secure commercial interests in return for warranting regional stability.
Acute oesophageal safety of high-power short duration with 50 W for atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Müller Julian , Berkovitz Artur , Halbfass Philipp , Nentwich Karin , Ene Elena , Sonne Kai , Simu Gelu , Chakarov Ivalyo , Barth Sebastian , Waechter Christian , Behnes Michael , Akin Ibrahim , Deneke Thomas
Published: December 2021

Aims

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using radiofrequency (RF) ablation is an effective treatment option for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aims to investigate the safety of high-power short duration (HPSD) with emphasis on oesophageal lesions after PVI.

Methods and results

Consecutive patients undergoing AF ablation with HPSD (50 W; ablation index (AI)-guided; target AI 350 for posterior wall ablation, AI 450 for anterior wall ablation) using the ThermoCool SmartTouch SF catheter were included. Patients underwent post-ablation oesophageal endoscopy to detect and categorize thermal oesophageal injury (EDEL). Occurrence and risk factors of oesophageal lesions and perforating complications were analysed. A total of 1033 patients underwent AF ablation with HPSD. Of them, 953 patients (67.6 ± 9.6 years; 58% male; 43% paroxysmal AF; 68% first PVI) underwent post-procedural oesophageal endoscopy and were included in further analyses. Median procedure time was 82.8 ± 24.4 min with ablation times of 16.1 ± 9.2 min. Thermal oesophageal injury was detected in 58 patients (6%) (n = 29 Category 1 erosion, n = 29 Category 2 ulcerous). One patient developed oesophageal perforation (redo, 4th AF ablation). No patient died. Using multivariable regression models, increased total ablation time [odds ratio (OR) 1.029, P = 0.010] and history of stroke (OR 2.619, P = 0.033) were associated with increased incidence of EDEL after AF ablation, whereas increased body mass index was protective (OR 0.980, P = 0.022).

Conclusion

Thermal oesophageal lesions occur in 6% of HPSD AF ablations. The risk for development of perforating complications seems to be low. Incidence of atrio-oesophageal fistula (0.1%) is comparable to other reported series about RF ablation approaches.
Feasibility of the cardiac output response to stress test in suspected heart failure patients
Authors: Charman Sarah J , Okwose Nduka C , Taylor Clare J , Bailey Kristian , Fuat Ahmet , Ristic Arsen , Mant Jonathan , Deaton Christi , Seferovic Petar M , Coats Andrew J S , Hobbs F D Richard , MacGowan Guy A , Jakovljevic Djordje G
Published: December 2021

Background

Diagnostic tools available to support general practitioners diagnose heart failure (HF) are limited.

Objectives

(i) Determine the feasibility of the novel cardiac output response to stress (CORS) test in suspected HF patients, and (ii) Identify differences in the CORS results between (a) confirmed HF patients from non-HF patients, and (b) HF reduced (HFrEF) vs HF preserved (HFpEF) ejection fraction.

Methods

Single centre, prospective, observational, feasibility study. Consecutive patients with suspected HF (N = 105; mean age: 72 ± 10 years) were recruited from specialized HF diagnostic clinics in secondary care. The consultant cardiologist confirmed or refuted a HF diagnosis. The patient completed the CORS but the researcher administering the test was blinded from the diagnosis. The CORS assessed cardiac function (stroke volume index, SVI) noninvasively using the bioreactance technology at rest-supine, challenge-standing, and stress-step exercise phases.

Results

A total of 38 patients were newly diagnosed with HF (HFrEF, n = 21) with 79% being able to complete all phases of the CORS (91% of non-HF patients). A 17% lower SVI was found in HF compared with non-HF patients at rest-supine (43 ± 15 vs 51 ± 16 mL/beat/m2, P = 0.02) and stress-step exercise phase (49 ± 16 vs 58 ± 17 mL/beat/m2, P = 0.02). HFrEF patients demonstrated a lower SVI at rest (39 ± 15 vs 48 ± 13 mL/beat/m2, P = 0.02) and challenge-standing phase (34 ± 9 vs 42 ± 12 mL/beat/m2, P = 0.03) than HFpEF patients.

Conclusion

The CORS is feasible and patients with HF responded differently to non-HF, and HFrEF from HFpEF. These findings provide further evidence for the potential use of the CORS to improve HF diagnostic and referral accuracy in primary care.
De Novo Genome Assembly and Annotation of an Andean Caddisfly, Atopsyche davidsoni Sykora, 1991, a Model for Genome Research of High-Elevation Adaptations
Authors: Ríos-Touma Blanca , Holzenthal Ralph W , Rázuri-Gonzales Ernesto , Heckenhauer Jacqueline , Pauls Steffen U , Storer Caroline G , Frandsen Paul B
Published: December 2021

We sequence, assemble, and annotate the genome of Atopsyche davidsoni Sykora, 1991, the first whole-genome assembly for the caddisfly family Hydrobiosidae. This free-living and predatory caddisfly inhabits streams in the high-elevation Andes and is separated by more than 200 Myr of evolutionary history from the most closely related caddisfly species with genome assemblies available. We demonstrate the promise of PacBio HiFi reads by assembling the most contiguous caddisfly genome assembly to date with a contig N50 of 14 Mb, which is more than 6× more contiguous than the current most contiguous assembly for a caddisfly (Hydropsyche tenuis). We recover 98.8% of insect BUSCO genes indicating a high level of gene completeness. We also provide a genome annotation of 12,232 annotated proteins. This new genome assembly provides an important new resource for studying genomic adaptation of aquatic insects to harsh, high-altitude environments.
Three-dimensional modelling of controlled source electro-magnetic surveys using non-conforming finite element methods
Authors: Elías Matías W , Zyserman Fabio I , Rosas-Carbajal Marina , Manassero María Constanza
Published: December 2021

The controlled source electro-magnetic (CSEM) method is increasingly used for in-land and off-shore subsurface characterization. Given its complex dependence between data and the parameters of interest, there is a crucial need for performant numerical algorithms that can simulate the CSEM response of 3-D geological structures. Here, we present two finite element (FE) algorithms for simulating the CSEM response in 3-D media with isotropic conductivity. A primary/secondary field approach is used to avoid the singularity introduced by the source. The primary field is computed semi-analytically for a horizontally layered model and different sources. The secondary field is obtained by discretizing the diffusive frequency-domain Maxwell’s equations with non-conforming FE. The two numerical algorithms are specifically designed to work on distributed-memory computers: (1) an iterative procedure with domain decomposition and (2) a direct and global algorithm. We evaluate their performance by computing their speed up on parallel processors, and solving problems with realistic conductivity structures. We also compare the accuracy of the solutions with published results on canonical models. The results shown here demonstrate the functionality of the two methodologies presented for specific cases when computing 3-D CSEM solutions.
The Treatment of Academic Lexical Bundles in Online English Monolingual Learners’ Dictionaries
Authors: Chen Peng , Zhao Cuilian
Published: December 2021

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in identifying dictionary-relevant lexical bundles and analysing their lexicographic treatment. However, past research has only examined bundle treatment in general bilingual dictionaries, leaving it open whether and to what extent lexical bundles are treated in other types of dictionaries. This study aims to fill this gap by focusing on the treatment of academic lexical bundles in online English monolingual learners’ dictionaries. To this end, we first derived a list of 85 target bundles from a large corpus of expert academic writing using a set of quantitative and qualitative criteria, and then examined these bundles regarding their coverage, accessibility, and macro- and microstructural presentation in selected dictionaries. The results showed a high degree of inaccessibility of lexical bundles as search strings, corroborated previous research findings regarding the subsidiary status of lexical bundles in the macrostructure, and identified variations and inadequacies in bundle presentation in the microstructure. The implications of this study for improving the identification, access and presentation of academic lexical bundles for e-lexicography are discussed.
Is There ‘No Place in the Work Context’ for Religious Proselytism?
Authors: Hambler Andrew
Published: December 2021

The proposition that employers are right to prevent absolutely employees from proselytising their religious beliefs at work has been mooted by AG Sharpston, now retired Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the European Union, in her Opinion in Bougnaoui and Association de défense des droits de l’homme (ADDH) v Micropole SA. She argued this on three bases: that proselytism is not core to a person’s religious beliefs (and therefore not a manifestation of religion); that working time is used for the purposes of business rather than proselytism; and because proselytism creates disharmony among the workforce. It is contended in this article that such a proposition is controversial as each of these statements is deserving of challenge. Proselytism has been recognised as a bona fide manifestation of religion by the European Court of Human Rights and not only facilitates a proselytiser’s religious rights but also those of the potential proselyte (to have the opportunity to change religion). Working time is not exclusively spent in the relentless pursuit of business; there is a social dimension and an exchange of ideas would be commonplace. Disharmony, and even harassment, may result from proselytism, but this may be mitigated by moderation (on behalf of the proselytiser) and the judicious use of restriction (by the employer).
Selective suppression of IL-10 transcription by calcineurin in dendritic cells through inactivation of CREB
Authors: Lu Xiuyuan , Oh-hora Masatsugu , Takeda Kiyoshi , Yamasaki Sho
Published: December 2021

Myeloid cells play a pivotal role in immune responses against bacterial and fungal infection. Among innate immune receptors, C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) can induce a wide spectrum of cytokines through immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs)-mediated signaling pathways. Dendritic cells (DCs) produce IL-10 through CLR stimulation; however, the regulatory mechanism of IL-10 expression has not been elucidated. In the current study, we report that calcium (Ca2+) signaling-deficient DCs produced more IL-10 than wild-type DCs. Mechanistically, Ca2+-dependent phosphatase calcineurin directly inactivates cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), a transcription factor of Il10 in DCs, through dephosphorylating CREB at serine 133. In calcineurin-deficient DCs, CREB was highly phosphorylated and increased its binding to the Il10 promoter. Elimination of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling that phosphorylates CREB, deficiency of CREB, as well as deletion of a CREB-binding site in the Il10 promoter could diminish IL-10 production in DCs. Our findings identified a novel substrate of calcineurin as well as a mechanism through which Ca2+ signaling regulates IL-10 expression downstream of CLRs. As IL-10 is a crucial immunosuppressive cytokine, this mechanism may counteract the over-activated IL-10–producing signals induced by CARD9 and MAPK pathways, preventing the ineffectiveness of the immune system during bacterial and fungal infection.
Incident Reporting Reduction during the Covid-19 Pandemic in a Tertiary Italian Hospital. A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Pauletti G , Girotto C , De Luca G , Saieva A M
Published: December 2021

Background

Incident reporting (IR) is one of the most used systems to gain knowledge of AEs and to identify sources of risk. During COVID-19 pandemic, several organizational changes have been implemented to respond adequately and effectively to the emergency; this required the suspension of most deferrable activities. The aim of this study is to investigate whether incident reporting attitude of health workers has been reduced during the pandemic event.

Method

A retrospective analysis was conducted at the Azienda Ospedale – Università di Padova (Italy), considering IR of years 2019 and 2020. To standardize the effects of the decrease in admissions, we considered the number of incidents per 1,000 admissions.

Results

Data shows that during the first (March-May 2020) and second waves (October-December 2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic there was a statistically significant reduction in the rate of incident reporting for every 1,000 admissions (p=0.001 – Wilcoxon test), especially for adverse events and in COVID-19 units.

Conclusion

This study shows a reduction in incident reporting especially during the first and second pandemic waves of COVID-19 in year 2020. Education and training interventions could be fundamental to raise awareness of the importance of incident reporting in health workers, as this could provide opportunities to understand what is impacting on safety in a particular healthcare context and enable continuous improvement.
The potential for leveraging machine learning to filter medication alerts
Authors: Liu Siru , Kawamoto Kensaku , Del Fiol Guilherme , Weir Charlene , Malone Daniel C , Reese Thomas J , Morgan Keaton , ElHalta David , Abdelrahman Samir
Published: December 2021

Objective

To evaluate the potential for machine learning to predict medication alerts that might be ignored by a user, and intelligently filter out those alerts from the user’s view.

Materials and Methods

We identified features (eg, patient and provider characteristics) proposed to modulate user responses to medication alerts through the literature; these features were then refined through expert review. Models were developed using rule-based and machine learning techniques (logistic regression, random forest, support vector machine, neural network, and LightGBM). We collected log data on alerts shown to users throughout 2019 at University of Utah Health. We sought to maximize precision while maintaining a false-negative rate <0.01, a threshold predefined through discussion with physicians and pharmacists. We developed models while maintaining a sensitivity of 0.99. Two null hypotheses were developed: H1—there is no difference in precision among prediction models; and H2—the removal of any feature category does not change precision.

Results

A total of 3,481,634 medication alerts with 751 features were evaluated. With sensitivity fixed at 0.99, LightGBM achieved the highest precision of 0.192 and less than 0.01 for the pre-defined maximal false-negative rate by subject-matter experts (H1) (P < 0.001). This model could reduce alert volume by 54.1%. We removed different combinations of features (H2) and found that not all features significantly contributed to precision. Removing medication order features (eg, dosage) most significantly decreased precision (−0.147, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Machine learning potentially enables the intelligent filtering of medication alerts.
Supplementing a blend of magnesium oxide to feedlot cattle: effects on ruminal, physiological, and productive responses
Authors: Colombo Eduardo A , Cooke Reinaldo F , Araújo Ana Clara R , Harvey Kelsey M , Pohler Ky G , Brandão Alice P
Published: December 2021

This experiment evaluated ruminal, physiological, and productive responses of feedlot cattle consuming a corn-based finishing diet that included different levels of a magnesium oxide (MG) blend. Yearling cattle (58 heifers and 62 steers) were ranked by sex and initial body weight (BW; 407 ± 3.1 kg), and allocated to 4 groups of 30 animals each. Groups were housed in one of four drylot pens (30 × 12 m) equipped with GrowSafe automated feeding systems (Model 6000E, 4 bunks/pen) during the experiment (days −14 to 117). On day 0, groups were randomly assigned to receive a total-mixed ration without (CON; n = 30) or with the inclusion (as-fed basis) of MG at 0.25% (MG25; n = 30), 0.50% (MG50; n = 30), or 0.75% (MG75; n = 30) until slaughter on day 118. Individual feed intake was recorded daily, and BW was recorded every 14 d and prior to slaughter (day 117). Blood samples were collected on days 0, 28, 56, 84, and 112, and hair samples were collected on days 0, 56, and 112 from the tail-switch. On day 42, eight rumen-cannulated steers (BW = 492 ± 8.0 kg) were housed with yearling cattle (1 pair/pen). Pairs rotated among groups every 14 d, resulting in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design (n = 8/treatment; days 42 to 98). Rumen pH was measured on days 7 and 14 of each period (0800, 1200, 1600, and 2000 h). Orthogonal contrasts were used to determine if inclusion of MG (0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, or 0.75% of the diet) yielded linear or quadratic effects, and to explore overall effect of MG supplementation (CON vs. MG25 + MG50 + MG75). No treatment differences were noted (P ≥ 0.31) for BW gain, feed intake, or feed efficiency. Cattle supplemented with MG tended to have less carcass marbling (P = 0.07) compared with CON. Inclusion of MG linearly increased (P < 0.01) mean plasma concentrations of magnesium and tended to linearly decrease (P = 0.09) mean plasma concentrations of haptoglobin. Cattle supplemented with MG had greater (P < 0.01) mean plasma concentrations of cortisol compared with CON. Hair cortisol concentration did not differ between treatments on day 56 (P ≥ 0.25) and linearly decreased (P < 0.01) with MG inclusion on day 112 (treatment × day; P = 0.02). Inclusion of MG linearly increased (P = 0.03) mean rumen pH, but these outcomes were mostly noted during the last two sampling of the day (treatment × hour; P = 0.02). Collectively, supplemental MG was effective in controlling rumen pH in cattle receiving a corn-based finishing diet, but without improvements in feedlot performance and carcass merit.