bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality-aware Online Task Assignment in Mobile Crowdsourcing
Authors: Miao Xin , Kang Yanrong , Ma Qiang , Liu Kebin , Chen Lei
Published: July 2020

In recent years, mobile crowdsourcing has emerged as a powerful computation paradigm to harness human power to perform spatial tasks such as collecting real-time traffic information and checking product prices in a specific supermarket. A fundamental problem of mobile crowdsourcing is: When both tasks and crowd workers appear in the platforms dynamically, how to assign an appropriate set of tasks to each worker. Most existing studies focus on efficient assignment algorithms based on bipartite graph matching. However, they overlook an important fact that crowd workers might be unreliable. Thus, their task assignment schemes cannot ensure the overall quality. In this article, we investigate the Quality-aware Online Task Assignment (QAOTA) problem in mobile crowdsourcing. We propose a probabilistic model to measure the quality of tasks and a hitchhiking model to characterize workers’ behavior patterns. We model task assignment as a quality maximization problem and derive a polynomial-time
online
assignment algorithm. Through rigorous analysis, we prove that the proposed algorithm approximates the
offline optimal
solution with a competitive ratio of 10/7. Finally, we demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of our solution through intensive experiments.
Survey on Algorithms for Self-stabilizing Overlay Networks
Authors: Feldmann Michael , Scheideler Christian , Schmid Stefan
Published: July 2020

The maintenance of efficient and robust overlay networks is one of the most fundamental and reoccurring themes in networking. This article presents a survey of state-of-the-art algorithms to design and repair overlay networks in a distributed manner. In particular, we discuss basic algorithmic primitives to preserve connectivity, review algorithms for the fundamental problem of graph linearization, and then survey self-stabilizing algorithms for metric and scalable topologies. We also identify open problems and avenues for future research.
Context-sensitive Rewriting
Authors: Lucas Salvador
Published: July 2020

The appropriate selection of the arguments of functions that
can be evaluated
in function calls is often useful to improve efficiency, speed, termination behavior, and so on. This is essential, e.g., in the conditional if - then - else operator. We can specify this by associating a set
μ(f)
of indices of
evaluable arguments
to each function symbol
f
. With
μ
(if - then - else)={1}, only the Boolean argument
b
in calls if
b
, then
e
else
e'
is evaluated. In the realm of term rewriting, this is called
context-sensitive rewriting
. It has been proven useful to improve the termination behavior of rewriting computations while it is still able to compute (or approximate) canonical forms like head-normal forms, (infinite) values, and (infinite) normal forms by requiring a few reasonable conditions. This article provides an overview of basic results to use context-sensitive rewriting in practice.
Design and Development of Heuristic Utility Management Algorithm for Chinese Library Management System
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Lin Xiaoxia
Published: July 2020

Utility Management in a library is the programmatic tool with the synthetic mental program ability, along with Artificial Intelligence capacities, headed to manage a high volume of books, articles, and assignments, which help to ease the manual significance of librarians. This computerized machine code helps librarians to deal with various databases of the library management system. This framework keeps the records of all the resource details in an optimized manner. It uses a utility management software code with an optimized search classifier that helps to deal with the resource of the library. In this work, the Heuristic Utility Management Algorithm (HUMA) has been used to keep track of resources in the library using mathematical modeling and standardized programmatic computation on tags, which relates the decode scanner to parse the input information. HUMA helps to reduce the manual routine work done by the librarians, and it has been analyzed in this research with prominent survey outcomes based on experimental validation.
LDE-aware Analog Layout Migration with OPC-inclusive Routing
Authors: Torabi Mohammad , Zhang Lihong
Published: July 2020

Performance degradation in analog circuits due to layout dependent effects (LDEs) has become increasingly challenging in advanced technologies. To address this issue, LDEs have to be seriously considered as performance constraints in the physical design process. In this article, we have proposed an innovative LDE-aware retargeting methodology for analog layout migration from old technologies to new ones with LDEs optimized for performance preservation. The LDE constraints, which are first identified with the aid of a specialized sensitivity analysis scheme, are satisfied during the layout migration process. Moreover, optical proximity correction (OPC), as one of the most popular resolution enhancement techniques for subwavelength lithography in modern nanometer technology manufacturing, is also included in this study. We have developed an OPC-inclusive ILP-based analog router to route electrical nets for improving image fidelity of the final layout while the routability and other analog constraints are respected in the meantime. The experimental results show our proposed layout migration methodology along with the routing scheme is able to retarget analog layouts with better circuit performance and finer image quality compared to the previous works.
Designing Hybrid Gifts
Authors: Koleva Boriana , Spence Jocelyn , Benford Steve , Kwon Hyosun , Schnädelbach Holger , Thorn Emily , Preston William , Hazzard Adrian , Greenhalgh Chris , Adams Matt , Farr Ju Row , Tandavanitj Nick , Angus Alice , Lane Giles
Published: July 2020

Hybrid gifting combines physical artefacts and experiences with digital interactivity to generate new kinds of gifts. Our review details how gifting is a complex social phenomenon and how digital gifting is less engaging than physical gifting for both givers and receivers. Employing a Research Through Design approach, we developed a portfolio of four hybrid gifting experiences: an augmented advent calendar; edible music tracks; personalized museum tours; and a narrated city walk. Our reflection addresses three concepts: hybrid wrapping where physical gifts become wrapped in digital media and vice versa; the importance of effortful interactions that are visible and pleasurable; and the need to consider social obligation, including opportunities for acknowledgement and reciprocation, dealing with embarrassment, and recognizing the distinction between giving and sharing. Our concepts provide guidance to practitioners who wish to design future gifting experiences while helping HCI researchers engage with the concept of gifting in a nuanced way.
Firmness Analysis of Real-time Tasks
Authors: Behrouzian Amir , Ara Hadi Alizadeh , Geilen Marc , Goswami Dip , Basten Twan
Published: July 2020

(
m
,
k
)-firm real-time tasks require meeting the deadline of at least
m
jobs out of any
k
consecutive jobs. When compared to hard real-time tasks, (
m
,
k
)$-firm tasks open up the possibility of tighter resource-dimensioning in implementations. Firmness analysis verifies the satisfaction of (
m
,
k
)-firmness conditions. Scheduling policies under which a set of periodic tasks runs on a resource influence the number of deadline missed jobs. Therefore, the nature of the firmness analysis problem depends on scheduling policies. In this work, we present Firmness Analysis (FAn) methods for three common scheduling policies—synchronous and asynchronous Static Priority Preemptive (SPP) policies and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA). We first introduce the Balloon and Rake problem—the problem of striking the maximum number of balloons in a balloon line with a rake. We show that the common core of firmness analysis problems can be abstracted as the Balloon and Rake problem. Next, we prove that the Finite Point method is a solution to the Balloon and Rake problem. We illustrate how existing FAn methods for the TDMA and asynchronous SPP policies can be adapted to use the same solution framework for the Balloon and Rake problem. Using the solution of the Balloon and Rake problem, we adapt the existing FAn methods to synchronous SPP scheduling policies. The scalability of the FAn methods is compared with that of a timed-automata approach, a brute-force approach, and a Mixed Integer Linear Programing method. The FAn methods scale substantially better to firmness analysis problem instances with a large
k
and a high number of tasks.
Multi-core Devices for Safety-critical Systems
Authors: Cerrolaza Jon Perez , Obermaisser Roman , Abella Jaume , Cazorla Francisco J. , Grüttner Kim , Agirre Irune , Ahmadian Hamidreza , Allende Imanol
Published: July 2020

Multi-core devices are envisioned to support the development of next-generation safety-critical systems, enabling the on-chip integration of functions of different criticality. This integration provides multiple system-level potential benefits such as cost, size, power, and weight reduction. However, safety certification becomes a challenge and several fundamental safety technical requirements must be addressed, such as temporal and spatial independence, reliability, and diagnostic coverage. This survey provides a categorization and overview at different device abstraction levels (nanoscale, component, and device) of selected key research contributions that support the compliance with these fundamental safety requirements.
Relational Contracts in Agriculture: Theory and Evidence
Authors: Michler Jeffrey D. , Wu Steven Y.
Published: July 2020

We appraise the current status of relational contract theory, along with associated empirical studies, with the goal of providing an orientation to the field to economists who may not have expertise in contract theory. We begin with a theoretical discussion focusing mainly on intuition and the usefulness of the theory for conceptualizing applied agricultural contracting problems. We also discuss current theoretical challenges and the current state of empirical research on relational contracts. We conclude by discussing potentially fruitful areas for future research.
Cellular Electron Cryo-Tomography to Study Virus-Host Interactions
Authors: Quemin Emmanuelle R.J. , Machala Emily A. , Vollmer Benjamin , Pražák Vojtěch , Vasishtan Daven , Rosch Rene , Grange Michael , Franken Linda E. , Baker Lindsay A. , Grünewald Kay
Published: July 2020

Viruses are obligatory intracellular parasites that reprogram host cells upon infection to produce viral progeny. Here, we review recent structural insights into virus-host interactions in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes unveiled by cellular electron cryo-tomography (cryoET). This advanced three-dimensional imaging technique of vitreous samples in near-native state has matured over the past two decades and proven powerful in revealing molecular mechanisms underlying viral replication. Initial studies were restricted to cell peripheries and typically focused on early infection steps, analyzing surface proteins and viral entry. Recent developments including cryo-thinning techniques, phase-plate imaging, and correlative approaches have been instrumental in also targeting rare events inside infected cells. When combined with advances in dedicated image analyses and processing methods, details of virus assembly and egress at (sub)nanometer resolution were uncovered. Altogether, we provide a historical and technical perspective and discuss future directions and impacts of cryoET for integrative structural cell biology analyses of viruses.
A Study of Vinylene Carbonate and Prop-1-ene-1,3 Sultone Electrolyte Additives Using Polycrystalline Li[Ni0.6Mn0.2Co0.2]O2 in Positive/Positive Symmetric Cells
Authors: Liu Yulong , Hamam Ines , Dahn J.R.
Published: July 2020

Vinylene carbonate (VC) and prop-1-ene-1,3 sultone (PES) have been reported to have beneficial effects on both negative and positive electrodes of Li-ion cells. To simplify evaluation of these two additives with LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NMC622), positive/positive symmetric cells were used to exclude the influence from any negative electrode. The compatibility of electrolytes containing 2%VC or 2%PES with NMC622 in 1M LiPF6 EC:DEC (v/v 1:2) electrolyte was evaluated by multiple voltage hold periods at 55 °C to accelerate the capacity fade. EIS spectra showed 2%PES is superior for impedance control compared to 2%VC. dV/dQ vs V fitting results showed that active mass loss is worse at high voltage than low voltage regardless of electrolyte used. Cross-sectional SEM images showed more microcracking of NMC622 particles at high voltage than at low voltage, which was more severe at the end of testing than at the beginning of testing. Symmetric cell storage at 0 V (ca. 3.8 V vs Li/Li+) and 0 °C showed a significant increase in cell impedance for cells stored after the end of testing and a moderate impedance increase for cells stored at the beginning of testing suggesting the accumulation of deleterious reaction products in the cells during testing.
Study of Graphite Cycling in Sulfide Solid Electrolytes
Authors: Höltschi Laura , Jud Franziska , Borca Camelia , Huthwelker Thomas , Villevieille Claire , Pelé Vincent , Jordy Christian , El Kazzi Mario , Novák Petr
Published: July 2020

We report the excellent cycling stability of graphite in combination with two types of sulfide solid electrolytes, 0.75Li2S-0.25P2S5 (LPS) and 0.3LiI-0.7(0.75Li2S-0.25P2S5), and discuss the stability of the graphite-solid electrolyte interface by analyzing the normalized cumulative irreversible charge and the total amount of lithium consumed at the lithiated state. The rate limitations and the influence of the morphology and the size of graphite particles on the utilization of the electrode are studied as well. At higher current densities, the utilization of the graphite is decreasing as a consequence of the poor effective ionic conductivity of the composite electrode, which is also evidenced by the increasing polarization and ohmic resistance across the electrode.
Preparation of High Performance and Ultra-Low Platinum Loading Membrane Electrode Assembly for PEMFC Commercial Application
Authors: Liu Shengchu , Li Shang , Wang Ruyi , Rao Yan , Zhong Qing , Hong Kang , Pan Mu
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we evaluated the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activities of Pt/C, PtCo/C, and PtCoMn/C catalysts using charge-transfer resistance (Rct) and ΔRct onset voltage from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as indicators in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) over a wide voltage range of 0.66 V∼0.95 V. ORR activity of the PtCoMn/C ternary alloy catalyst is higher than that of Pt/C over a large voltage range. A decal transfer method was used to prepare a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with PtCoMn/C as a cathode catalyst. The cross-sectional micrograph of MEA-PtCoMn/C was characterized using scanning electron microscopy. A continuous ultrathin cathode catalyst layer that was 3 μm thick was successfully prepared. The performance of MEA-PtCoMn/C with an ultralow Pt loading of 0.147 mg/cm2 was evaluated using the single cell test. The highest achieved power density of MEA-PtCoMn/C was 1.42 W/cm2. The corresponding amount of platinum was 0.1035 gPt/kW, which reaches the index of the Department of Energy (DOE).
Modeling the Effect of Spending on Cyber Security by Using Surplus Process
Authors: Nie Ciyu , Li Jingchao , Wang Shaun
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we assume the security level of a system is a quantifiable metric and apply the insurance company ruin theory in assessing the defense failure frequencies. The current security level of an information system can be viewed as the initial insurer surplus; defense investment can be viewed as premium income resulting in an increase in the security level; cyberattack arrivals follow a Poisson process, and the impact of attacks is modeled as losses on the security level. The occurrence of cyber breach is modeled as a ruin event. We use this framework to determine optimal investment in cyber security that minimizes the total cyber costs. We show by numerical examples that there is an optimal allocation of total cyber security budget to (1) IT security maintenance/upkeep spending versus (2) external cyber risk transfer.
Characteristics of an Altered Diabase Dike in a Coal Seam: A Case Study from the Datong Coalfield, Shanxi, China
Authors: Song Xiaoxia , Li Kaijie , Ma Hongtao , Liu Dongna , Zhao Jingui , Zhou Jiarui
Published: July 2020

Carboniferous–Permian coal seams in the Datong coalfield are intruded by Mesozoic magmatic dikes and sills. Our observations indicate that these dikes and sills have been seriously altered and have lost their original characteristics. Although this phenomenon has been mentioned in some studies, there is a lack of detailed research on the alteration mechanism. To fill this research gap, six dike samples were collected in this study to analyze their alteration characteristics and mechanisms. Petrographic analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction were used to determine the mineralogy of the altered igneous samples. The results suggest that the mineral alteration is associated with severe carbonation and clavization. The carbonation of mafic minerals is due to the release of CO2 generated from the coking of high volatile bituminous coals that may have occurred during the intrusive event. However, labradorite did not react with CO2. The water activity in the coal seam was enhanced by the dikes, and mafic minerals were converted into mixtures of chlorite and smectite group minerals. The water activity is especially high at the edges of the dike. Albite and clay minerals were formed due to the albitization of labradorite. Based on these effects, the dike can be divided into weak alteration, carbonation, and clavization bands. The alteration processes in the coal seam are described in detail in this work, and potential formation mechanisms are suggested.
Arthroscopic Excision for Intra-Articular Osteoid Osteoma of the Olecranon Fossa: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yano Koichi , Kaneshiro Yasunori , Sakanaka Hideki
Published: July 2020

Intra-articular osteoid osteoma (OO) of the elbow is rare. We report a 26-year-old man who presented with pain, swelling, and limited elbow range of motion. Plain computed tomography (CT) showed a radiolucent round lesion at the distal humerus and reactive bone in the olecranon fossa. Conservative treatment with salicylate failed under the suspicion of OO. During elbow arthroscopy, a red solitary lesion was noted after resection of the white reactive bone in the olecranon fossa and was excised en bloc using a bony chisel. Histological examination showed OO. The patient’s symptoms resolved the day after surgery. The patient remained asymptomatic 2 years postoperatively. This case report shows the successful clinical results of an arthroscopic procedure for intra-articular OO based on two primary goals: precise location of the lesion indicated by reactive bone on preoperative CT and histological verification using bony chisel.
A Silent Infection Pandemic of COVID-19: Epidemiological Investigation and Hypothetical Models
Authors: Geng Jianping , Yu Jun , Lu Tao , Wang Yinhe , Cao Yang
Published: July 2020

To explore the epidemic mode of COVID-19, we made an epidemiological investigation, set up hypothetical models, and compared them with hepatitis A virus (HAV) age-specific epidemic characteristic. In the epidemiological investigation, we reported the first familial COVID-19 silent infection in the world. A 19-year-old healthy female COVID-19 virus carrier without any symptoms caused two mild and one severe pneumonia. In hypothetical models, the silent infection rate ranges from 60% to 80% based on 3 sources: China mainland, evacuation of 4 nationals, and the ship “Diamond Princess,” respectively. In comparison with HAV, COVID-19 shows the same infection mode in children (aged 0–9 years), but significant difference in young adults (aged 10–44 years) and the elderly (aged 45 years or older). Therefore, we prejudged that COVID-19 is a silent infection pandemic mainly in young adults but threatens the elderly.
RS and GIS Supported Urban LULC and UHI Change Simulation and Assessment
Authors: Liu Pei , Jia Shoujun , Han Ruimei , Liu Yuanping , Lu Xiaofeng , Zhang Hanwei
Published: July 2020

Rapid urbanization has become a major urban sustainability concern due to environmental impacts, such as the development of urban heat island (UHI) and the reduction of urban security states. To date, most research on urban sustainability development has focused on dynamic change monitoring or UHI state characterization, while there is little literature on UHI change analysis. In addition, there has been little research on the impact of land use and land cover changes (LULCCs) on UHI, especially simulates future trends of LULCCs, UHI change, and dynamic relationship of LULCCs and UHI. The purpose of this research is to design a remote sensing-based framework that investigates and analyzes how the LULCCs in the process of urbanization affected thermal environment. In order to assess and predict the impact of LULCCs on urban heat environment, multitemporal remotely sensed data from 1986 to 2016 were selected as source data, and Geographic Information System (GIS) methods such as the CA-Markov model were employed to construct the proposed framework. The results showed that (1) there has been a substantial strength of urban expansion during the 40-year study period, (2) the farthest distance urban center of gravity moves from north-northeast (NEE) to west-southwest (WSW) direction, (3) the dominate temperature was middle level, sub-high level, and high level in the research area, (4) there was a higher changing frequency and range from east to west, and (5) there was a significant negative correlation between land surface temperature and vegetation and significant positive correlation between temperature and human settlement.
Eigenvalues of s-Type Operators on Prequasi Normed Ct,p
Authors: Bakery Awad A. , Mohamed OM Kalthum S. K.
Published: July 2020

We investigate some new topological properties of the multiplication operator on Ct,p defined by Bilgin (The Punjab University Journal of Mathematics, vol. 30, pp. 67–77, 1997) equipped with the prequasi norm and the prequasi operator ideal formed by this sequence space and s-numbers.
An Encoder-Decoder Network Based FCN Architecture for Semantic Segmentation
Authors: Xing Yongfeng , Zhong Luo , Zhong Xian
Published: July 2020

In recent years, the convolutional neural network (CNN) has made remarkable achievements in semantic segmentation. The method of semantic segmentation has a desirable application prospect. Nowadays, the methods mostly use an encoder-decoder architecture as a way of generating pixel by pixel segmentation prediction. The encoder is for extracting feature maps and decoder for recovering feature map resolution. An improved semantic segmentation method on the basis of the encoder-decoder architecture is proposed. We can get better segmentation accuracy on several hard classes and reduce the computational complexity significantly. This is possible by modifying the backbone and some refining techniques. Finally, after some processing, the framework has achieved good performance in many datasets. In comparison with the traditional architecture, our architecture does not need additional decoding layer and further reuses the encoder weight, thus reducing the complete quantity of parameters needed for processing. In this paper, a modified focal loss function is also put forward, as a replacement for the cross-entropy function to achieve a better treatment of the imbalance problem of the training data. In addition, more context information is added to the decode module as a way of improving the segmentation results. Experiments prove that the presented method can get better segmentation results. As an integral part of a smart city, multimedia information plays an important role. Semantic segmentation is an important basic technology for building a smart city.
Risk Factors for Delayed Surgical Recovery and Massive Bleeding in Skull Base Surgery
Authors: Kobayashi Kenya , Matsumoto Fumihiko , Miyakita Yasuji , Arikawa Masaki , Omura Go , Matsumura Satoko , Ikeda Atsuo , Sakai Azusa , Eguchi Kohtaro , Narita Yoshitaka , Akazawa Satoshi , Miyamoto Shimpei , Yoshimoto Seiichi
Published: July 2020

Background: To determine factors that delay surgical recovery and increase intraoperative hemorrhage in skull base surgery. Methods: Factors related to delayed postoperative recovery were retrospectively reviewed in 33 patients who underwent open skull base surgery. Early and late recovery phases were assessed as “days required to walk around the ward (DWW)” and “length of hospital stay (LHS),” respectively. Intraoperative blood loss was cal­culated every hour and analyzed in 4 steps, i.e., craniotomy and intracranial manipulation, cranial fossa osteotomy, extracranial osteotomy, and reconstruction. Results: More than 4,000 mL of blood loss (B = 2.7392, Exp[B] = 15.4744; 95% CI 1.1828–202.4417) and comorbidi­ty (B = 2.3978, Exp[B]) = 10.9987; 95% CI 1.3534–98.3810) significantly prolonged the DWW; the occurrence of postoperative complications significantly delayed the LHS (p = 0.0316). Tumor invasion to the hard palate, the maxillary sinus, the pterygopalatine fossa, the base of the pterygoid process, the sphenoid sinus, the middle cranial fossa, and the cavernous sinus and a long operation time (>13 h) were associated with increased total hemorrhage. The optimal cut-off hemorrhage volume associated with total massive blood loss in craniotomy and intracranial manipulation (AUC = 0.8364), cranial fossa osteotomy (AUC = 0.8000), and extracranial osteotomy (AUC = 0.8545) was 1,111, 750, and 913 mL, respectively. Persistent infection (6%) and neuropsychiatric disorder (6%) are direct causes of delayed LHS. Conclusion: Blood loss, comorbidity, and postoperative complications were risk factors for delayed surgical recovery. Meticulous preoperative planning, intraoperative surefire hemostasis, and perioperative holistic management are prerequisites for safe skull base surgery.
Depression and Cognitive Impairment in Institutionalized Older Adults
Authors: Camacho-Conde José Antonio , Galán-López José Manuel
Published: July 2020

Background: In the last three decades, the relationship between depression and cognition in geriatric patients has been a popular topic among researchers and clinicians. Clinical and epidemiological research has focused on the identification of risk factors that could be modified in pre-dementia syndromes, at a preclinical and early clinical stage of dementia disorders, with specific attention to the role of depression. The objective of this work was to determine the relationship between depressive disorder and cognitive deterioration in institutionalized older adults. Methods: In this descriptive, correlational study, data were gathered from two nursing homes in the province of Jaen (Spain), from a random sample of 140 older adults (70 nondependent and 70 dependent). The variables were measured using comprehensive geriatric assessment, the Cambridge Cognitive Test (CAMCOG), and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results: Depression was correlated with cognitive level in the nondependent older adult sample (r = –0.471, p = 0.004). Age was inversely associated with the score obtained in the CAMCOG of the nondependent older adult sample (r = –0.352, p = 0.038). The functional capacity in several activities of daily living was correlated with the score obtained in the CAMCOG in each of the two groups. Depression was more prevalent in the dependent than in the nondependent older adults (82.85 vs. 57.14%). No association was observed between institutionalization time and the score obtained on the cognitive and affective scales (GDS and CAMCOG) in both groups (GDS-nondependent, r = –0.209, p = 0.234; CAMCOG-nondependent, r = 0.007, p = 0.967; GDS-dependent, r = 0.251, p = 0.152; CAMCOG-dependent, r = –0.021, p = 0.907). Conclusion: Depressive symptomatology is associated with cognitive deterioration. Depression is prevalent in institutions that care for older, more dependent adults.
Outcome of Selective Renal Artery Embolization in Managing Severe Bleeding after Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Hong Yang , Xiong Liulin , Ye Haiyun , An Lizhe , Huang Xiaobo , Xu Qingquan
Published: July 2020

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of the renal arterial segment bleeding and assess the outcome of selective renal artery embolization (SRAE). Methods: Data on 35 patients in whom SRAE was performed after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) from January 2005 to December 2015 in our institute were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had severe bleeding but failed to respond to conservative therapy. Results: Forty-four SRAEs were performed in 35 patients (36 kidney units) after PCNL. The findings of 44 renal arteriographies before embolization revealed bleeding in 44 renal artery branch segments. Upper artery segment bleeding in 0, upper and anterior segment bleeding in 3, lower and anterior artery segment bleeding in 6, lower artery segment bleeding in 9, posterior artery segment bleeding in 24, and negative finding in 2 patients. Renal arteriography revealed pseudoaneurysms in 20 (45.5%) patients, arteriovenous fistulas in 6 (13.6%) patients, renal artery branch laceration in 16 (36.4%) patients, and negative angiography finding in 2 (4.5%) patients. Acute bleeding in 7 patients (20.0%) and delayed bleeding in 28 patients (80.0%) were observed. The target vascular lesions were successfully treated by embolization in the first time in 28 cases. Six patients underwent 2 sessions and 1 had 3 sessions. New vascular lesions were the most common cause of failure of initial SEAE in our hospital. Abnormal renal function was observed in 5 patients, and they recovered to preoperative or normal level within 3 weeks. Conclusions: The posterior artery segment of the kidney is the most common bleeding site due to the choice of puncture site. Delayed bleeding (>24 h) was the most common type of bleeding. SRAE is an effective and safe method to treat the severe bleeding after PCNL.
Machine Learning to Classify Intracardiac Electrical Patterns During Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Alhusseini Mahmood I. , Abuzaid Firas , Rogers Albert J. , Zaman Junaid A.B. , Baykaner Tina , Clopton Paul , Bailis Peter , Zaharia Matei , Wang Paul J. , Rappel Wouter-Jan , Narayan Sanjiv M.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Advances in ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) continue to be hindered by ambiguities in mapping, even between experts. We hypothesized that convolutional neural networks (CNN) may enable objective analysis of intracardiac activation in AF, which could be applied clinically if CNN classifications could also be explained.

Methods:

We performed panoramic recording of bi-atrial electrical signals in AF. We used the Hilbert-transform to produce 175 000 image grids in 35 patients, labeled for rotational activation by experts who showed consistency but with variability (kappa [κ]=0.79). In each patient, ablation terminated AF. A CNN was developed and trained on 100 000 AF image grids, validated on 25 000 grids, then tested on a separate 50 000 grids.

Results:

In the separate test cohort (50 000 grids), CNN reproducibly classified AF image grids into those with/without rotational sites with 95.0% accuracy (CI, 94.8%–95.2%). This accuracy exceeded that of support vector machines, traditional linear discriminant, and k-nearest neighbor statistical analyses. To probe the CNN, we applied gradient-weighted class activation mapping which revealed that the decision logic closely mimicked rules used by experts (C statistic 0.96).

Conclusions:

CNNs improved the classification of intracardiac AF maps compared with other analyses and agreed with expert evaluation. Novel explainability analyses revealed that the CNN operated using a decision logic similar to rules used by experts, even though these rules were not provided in training. We thus describe a scaleable platform for robust comparisons of complex AF data from multiple systems, which may provide immediate clinical utility to guide ablation.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02997254.

Graphic Abstract:

A
graphic abstract
is available for this article.
Endocardial-Epicardial Phase Mapping of Prolonged Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Recordings
Authors: Parameswaran Ramanathan , Kalman Jonathan M. , Royse Alistair , Goldblatt John , Larobina Marco , Watts Troy , Walters Tomos E. , Nalliah Chrishan J. , Wong Geoffrey , Al-Kaisey Ahmed , Douglas Anderson Robert , Voskoboinik Aleksandr , Sugumar Hariharan , Chieng David , Sanders Prashanthan , Kistler Peter M. , Gerstenfeld Edward P. , Lee Geoffrey
Published: July 2020

Background:

Endocardial-epicardial dissociation and focal breakthroughs in humans with atrial fibrillation (AF) have been recently demonstrated using activation mapping of short 10-second AF segments. In the current study, we used simultaneous endo-epi phase mapping to characterize endo-epi activation patterns on long segments of human persistent AF.

Methods:

Simultaneous intraoperative mapping of endo- and epicardial lateral right atrium wall was performed in patients with persistent AF using 2 high-density grid catheters (16 electrodes, 3 mm spacing). Filtered unipolar and bipolar electrograms of continuous 2-minute AF recordings and electrodes locations were exported for phase analyses. We defined endocardial-epicardial dissociation as phase difference of ≥20 ms between paired endo-epi electrodes. Wavefronts were classified as rotations, single wavefronts, focal waves, or disorganized activity as per standard criteria. Endo-Epi wavefront patterns were simultaneously compared on dynamic phase maps. Complex fractionated electrograms were defined as bipolar electrograms with ≥5 directional changes occupying at least 70% of sample duration.

Results:

Fourteen patients with persistent AF undergoing cardiac surgery were included. Endocardial-epicardial dissociation was seen in 50.3% of phase maps with significant temporal heterogeneity. Disorganized activity (Endo: 41.3% versus Epi: 46.8%,
P
=0.0194) and single wavefronts (Endo: 31.3% versus Epi: 28.1%,
P
=0.129) were the dominant patterns. Transient rotations (Endo: 22% versus Epi: 19.2%,
P
=0.169; mean duration: 590±140 ms) and nonsustained focal waves (Endo: 1.2% versus Epi: 1.6%,
P
=0.669) were also observed. Apparent transmural migration of rotational activations (n=6) from the epi- to the endocardium was seen in 2 patients. Electrogram fractionation was significantly higher in the epicardium than endocardium (61.2% versus 51.6%,
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions:

Simultaneous endo-epi phase mapping of prolonged human persistent AF recordings shows significant Endocardial-epicardial dissociation marked temporal heterogeneity, discordant and transitioning wavefronts patterns and complex fractionations. No sustained focal activity was observed. Such complex 3-dimensional interactions provide insight into why endocardial mapping alone may not fully characterize the AF mechanism and why endocardial ablation may not be sufficient.

Graphic Abstract:

A
graphic abstract
is available for this article.
Poststroke Cognitive Outcomes: Sex Differences and Contributing Factors
Authors: Dong Liming , Briceno Emily , Morgenstern Lewis B. , Lisabeth Lynda D.
Published: July 2020

Background

The study investigated sex differences in cognitive outcomes at 90 days after first‐ever stroke using data from a population‐based sample.

Methods and Results

The study sample consisted of 1227 participants from the 2009–2016 Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi project (south Texas, United States) who had first‐ever ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage and survived 90 days after stroke. Poststroke cognitive function was assessed by the Modified Mini‐Mental State Examination (3MSE) (range: 0–100; dementia: <78). The associations of sex with dichotomized and continuous outcomes were examined using logistic regression and tobit regression, respectively. Inverse probability weighting and multiple imputation were used to deal with missing data. The study sample was evenly distributed by sex, and primarily composed of Mexican Americans (59.1%) and non‐Hispanic whites (34.1%). Women scored 2.96 points worse on the 3MSE than men at 90 days poststroke (95% CI, −3.99 to −1.93). The prevalence of dementia was 27.6% for men (95% CI, 23.5%–31.6%) and 35.6% for women (95% CI, 31.5%–39.7%), and the unadjusted odds ratio (OR) of dementia comparing women with men was 1.45 (95% CI, 1.24–1.69). The association was attenuated after adjustment for sociodemographic, stroke, and prestroke characteristics (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.61–1.09).

Conclusions

Women had worse cognitive outcomes than men at 90 days poststroke. The differences were attributable to sociodemographic and prestroke characteristics, especially widowhood status. Potential mechanisms linking widowhood to dementia in the acute poststroke stage warrant further investigation to inform interventions addressing the unique care needs of women stroke survivors with dementia and cognitive dysfunction.
Thalictrum semiscandens (Ranunculaceae), almost totally overlooked since its publication, is merged with T. trichopus

Authors: ZENG YOU-PAI , YUAN QIONG , YANG QIN-ER
Published: July 2020

Thalictrum semiscandens (Ranunculaceae) was described from Lushui County in northwestern Yunnan, China and has been almost totally overlooked since its publication. Based on a critical examination on herbarium specimens (including type material), we demonstrate that it is conspecific with T. trichopus, a species widely distributed in southwestern China (Sichuan and Yunnan). We therefore reduce T. semiscandens to the synonymy of T. trichopus herein. Lectotypification is proposed for T. trichopus.
Typification of the name Edraianthus siculus (Campanulaceae), endemic species from S-Italy

Authors: DI PIETRO ROMEO , FORTINI PAOLA , LAKUŠIĆ DIMTAR , IAMONICO DUILIO
Published: July 2020

Edraianthus (Candolle 1830: 130) Candolle (1839: 149) (Campanulaceae Juss.) is a genus of 10–14 species with a centre of distribution in the Balkans, while disjunctions occur in the central and southern Apennines (peninsular Italy), Sicily, and the southern Carpathians (Stefanović et al. 2008).
Freshwater lampreys and fishes of Turkey; a revised and updated annotated checklist 2020
Authors: ÇIÇEK ERDOGAN , SUNGUR SEVIL , FRICKE RONALD
Published: July 2020

The current status of the inland waters ichthyofauna of Turkey is revised, and an updated checklist of the freshwater fishes is presented. The latest checklist included all species listed in the available previous study that was published in 2015, which is now updated after a period of five years. We revised the validity of previously accepted species and added newly described and reported species in Turkey. Some previously erroneously reported species and not established alien fishes were excluded from this checklist. A total of 384 fish species belonging to 20 orders and 34 families have been reported in the inland waters of Turkey. Among these, 15 species (3.9%) are non-native and 208 species (54.2%) are considered as endemic to Turkey. A total of 119 species previously reported from Turkey have been excluded from Turkish ichthyofauna list, either in the present study or in previous studies.
Additional notes on the publication of the Narrative, Zoology and Notes from a Journal of Research into the Natural History of the Voyage of H.M.S. Samarang and its consequences for the nomenclature of decapod crustaceans and other taxa
Authors: LOW MARTYN E. Y. , NG PETER K. L. , CLARK PAUL F.
Published: July 2020

Captain Edward Belcher was instructed by the Lords of the Admiralty to conduct a Surveying Expedition of the various coasts and islands in the Eastern Seas using H.M.S. Samarang. During this voyage from 1843–1846, Assistant-Surgeon Arthur Adams, made a significant contribution to the collection of natural history specimens, and together with fellow officers J. Richards and W. Browne, he prepared numerous drawings used by Belcher to illustrate the Narrative of the voyage. Later, Adams collaborated with Adam White (an Assistant in the Zoological Branch of the British Museum) to describe the Samarang Crustacea, published jointly with Lovell Reeve on the Samarang Mollusca, edited the Zoology of the voyage of H.M.S. Samarang and was the author of Notes from a Journal of the Natural History which was published in the Narrative of the voyage by Belcher. In his Natural History, Adams provided detailed accounts on some of the crustaceans collected with formal descriptions of species new to science thereby making these names available. The history, nomenclature and validity of the crustacean species cited in this work is discussed and a list of the available names is tabulated.
Computed Histological Quantification of Atherosclerotic Plaque Microcalcifications
Authors: Danial John S. H. , Murad Fabronia , Saez Ana-J Garcia , Moawad Magdy R. , Urrico Giovanni S. , Vancheri Federico , Henein Michael Y.
Published: July 2020

Inflammation has a central role in atherosclerotic plaque formation and rupture. Intense macrophage inflammatory activity results in microcalcifications which are strongly associated with plaque vulnerability. Microcalcifications with specific critical size between 5 and 65 μ, located in the fibrous cap producing local mechanical stress on the plaque surface and may directly contribute to plaque rupture. Hence, accurate assessment of microcalcifications size and dimension has significant clinical importance. Current invasive and noninvasive plaque imaging has limited spatial resolution which limits accurate definition of microcalcifications in the atherosclerotic plaques. We describe a new imaging technique with high spatial resolution, based on confocal microscopic analysis, using a dedicated software which allows automatic characterization of microcalcifications and quantitative assessment of their extent and localization.
Relationship between Insurance Type and Delays in Tympanostomy Tube Placement
Authors: Schwartz Marissa , Shah Rhea , Wetzel Martha , Raol Nikhila
Published: July 2020

Objective:

To investigate the role of insurance carriers and changes in insurance on rates of cancelation and rescheduling of tympanostomy tube surgery.

Methods:

Retrospective cohort study between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2018 at a single tertiary care academic pediatric otolaryngology practice of pediatric patients (≤18 years) who underwent tympanostomy tube placement for any indication. Patients had to have insurance providers recorded both at clinic visit and at the time of surgery. Rates of cancelation and postponement of tympanostomy tube placement were assessed. Logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with cancelation or postponement of surgery.

Results:

Of the 5080 patients, 2961 patients had Medicaid and 2012 patients had private insurance at the time of surgery. A total of 197 (3.96%) patients switched insurance between clinic appointment and date of surgery. Time to surgery was nearly 2 weeks more for those who had a change in insurance vs. those who did not (33 vs. 20 days, P < .001). Those who switched insurance were nearly twice as likely to have to reschedule surgery than those who did not (OR 1.95, CI 1.42-2.67). Patients who had Medicaid as the primary payer also had increased odds of needing to reschedule and postpone surgery (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.17-1.63).

Conclusion:

Difference in insurance carrier and loss/change of insurance appear to be associated with delays in tympanostomy tube placement. Standardization of re-enrollment schedules across insurance providers or a single payer model may be useful in addressing these delays in care.
Borders of Compassion: Immigration Preferences and Parochial Altruism
Authors: Kustov Alexander
Published: July 2020

Anti-immigration preferences among educated and racially egalitarian voters is hard to explain using existing frameworks of self-interest or prejudice. I address this puzzle by developing a theory of parochial altruism, which stipulates that voters are motivated to help others at a cost, but they prioritize helping compatriots. I hypothesize that parochial altruists or voters high in both “nationalism” and “altruism” are more supportive of immigration restrictions perceived to be in the national interest. However, parochial altruists are also expected to be more supportive of increasing immigration when it benefits their compatriots. I test my theory by conducting a population-based UK survey. Using a novel measure of elicited preferences, I first find most altruists who donate to domestic rather than global charities are as anti-immigration as egoists who do not donate at all. Using a conjoint experiment, I then show voters support increasing immigration when these alternative policies benefit their compatriots.
Comparative analysis of imaging and novel markerless approach for measurement of postural parameters in dental seating tasks
Authors: Bhatia Vibha , Randhawa Jagjit Singh , Jain Ashish , Grover Vishakha
Published: July 2020

Postural inaccuracies in persistent dental tasks indicated an upsurge in the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in dentists. This makes it imperative to restrain awkward postural movements while working. Biased results in self-reporting surveys; discomfort, expense, and time consumption involved in using wearable sensors; and expert’s opinion are required in observational methods. Hence, it is important to use significantly reliable, cheap technology as a substitute to overcome the shortcomings of the mentioned techniques. In this study, the markerless Kinect V2–based system was developed and compared with the conventional imaging technique for real-time postural assessment of dental seating tasks. The study assessed the angle parameters related to the dentist’s bodily movement of upper arm, lower arm, wrist, neck, and trunk. Ten dentists from the local dental institution volunteered for the study. Dentists were monitored with both techniques while performing real-time dental procedures. The agreement between the techniques was assessed using Bland–Altman plot at 95% bias, Pearson’s (r1) and concordance (r2) correlation coefficients, mean difference, and percentage error. For conclusive agreement analysis, contingency coefficient, proportion agreement index, Cohen’s kappa, and Mann–Whitney U at 95% confidence interval (CI) were evaluated. Data acquired from both techniques possessed strong correlations (r1 and r2 >0.90). Good agreement in Rapid Upper Limb Assessment data using Cohen’s kappa (0.67) at standard Landis and Koch’s scale was also observed. Postural analysis of slow-motion tasks like dentistry using the Kinect V2 system proved to be unobtrusive and efficient. This may be used by dentists to have periodic postural check. In future, Kinect V2–based feedback system may be used to develop an assistive technology using predictive algorithms, which may help in reducing the probability of occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in dentists.