bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased ambient noise and elevated vocal effort contribute to airborne transmission of COVID-19
Authors: Kopechek Jonathan A.
Published: November 2020

Widespread transmission of a novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has caused major public health and economic problems around the world. Significant mitigation efforts have been implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19 but the role of ambient noise and elevated vocal effort on airborne transmission have not been widely reported. Elevated vocal effort has been shown to increase emission of potentially infectious respiratory droplets, which can remain airborne for up to several hours. Multiple confirmed clusters of COVID-19 transmission were associated with settings where elevated vocal effort is generally required for communication, often due to high ambient noise levels, including crowded bars and restaurants, meat packing facilities, and long-stay nursing homes. Clusters of COVID-19 transmission have been frequently reported in each of these settings. Therefore, analysis of COVID-19 transmission clusters in different settings should consider whether higher ambient noise levels, which are associated with increased vocal effort, may be a contributing factor in those settings. Mitigation strategies that include reduction of ambient noise, softer speech practices, and the use of technology such as microphones and speakers to decrease vocal effort will likely reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 or other airborne pathogens.
Interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features in a patient with melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody
Authors: Hong Lih En , Proudman Susanna , Limaye Vidya
Published: November 2020

Melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody, also known as anti-CADM140 antibody is recognised to be associated with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease, which can be fatal within 3 months. It is also known to be associated with amyopathic dermatomyositis. We report a case of MDA5 antibody-associated interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features, without cutaneous features of dermatomyositis, in a Sudanese patient with dual positive antibodies to Ro52. The patient notably had several features associated with poor prognosis, including age, high serum ferritin level, anti-Ro52 antibodies and progressive lung infiltrates during treatment.
Flip flop fungus sign: an FDG PET sign of benign pulmonary nodules
Authors: Kraskovsky Valeri , MacKenzie Brianne , Arshad Ayesha , Mador Martin Jeffery
Published: November 2020

A 71-year-old man was referred to pulmonary clinic for incidental findings of hypermetabolic lung nodule and mediastinal adenopathy on CT FDG PET performed for evaluation of cough. The patient underwent bronchoscopy with endobronchial ultrasound that was non-diagnostic. The patient was subsequently sent for video-assisted thoracoscopic lymph node biopsy notable for confluent caseating granulomas due to chronic infection byHistoplasma capsulatum. Review of previous PDG PET was notable for the flip flop fungus sign—a PDG PET finding that could have altered the patients’ clinical course by potentially avoiding the need for invasive surgical tissue diagnosis.
Fatigue fracture of an uncemented Zweymüller femoral stem at the neck–shoulder junction
Authors: Nijenhuis Thijs Andreas , Bolink Stijn Albertus Andreas Nicolaas , Brokelman Roy Bernardus Gerardus
Published: November 2020

A fracture through the neck of the femoral stem in total hip arthroplasty is extremely rare. We report a neck fracture of a cementless Zweymüller stem, one of the most implanted stems worldwide. According to our knowledge, this is the first thorough case description of a neck fracture of a cementless Zweymüller stem. The case concerns a 53-year-old man, with a body weight of 103 kg and a body mass index of 31. We consider potential risk factors for a femoral stem fracture, such as patient-related factors, suboptimal implant positioning, surgical technique and implant characteristics.
Desmoid tumour of the distal forearm involving the distal radioulnar joint
Authors: Sehgal Apoorv , Shahi Pratyush , Prasad Avijeet , Bhagirathi Mallikarjunaswamy Manoj
Published: November 2020

A 32-year-old woman presented with progressive pain and swelling of the left wrist for 6 months. Physical examination revealed a firm, tender, oval swelling over the left wrist. X-rays showed a pressure effect on the distal radius and ulna. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed a well-defined, asymmetrical, dumbbell-shaped soft-tissue lesion involving the interosseous region of the distal forearm and extending until the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Core needle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of desmoid tumour. Marginal excision of the tumour was done. At the 2-year follow-up, the patient was doing well and had painless and improved left wrist motion. Desmoid tumour involving the DRUJ has not been previously reported. We, through this case, report new observation and discuss the epidemiology, investigation of choice, treatment modalities, and the need for a regular follow-up for appendicular desmoid tumours.
Diet-induced oxalate nephropathy from excessive nut and seed consumption
Authors: Garland Victoria , Herlitz Leal , Regunathan-Shenk Renu
Published: November 2020

Oxalate is a metabolite consumed in nuts, beans and leaves, and excreted in urine. Oxalosis can cause nephropathy. We describe a rare case of a high-oxalate diet intended for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) treatment causing oxalate nephropathy. A 59-year-old woman with a history of controlled hypertension presented with creatinine 1.8 mg/dL, increased from baseline 1.3 mg/dL. She denied recent illness, urinary stones, medication adjustments, herbal supplements and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use. Diet included six tablespoons of chia seeds and five handfuls of almonds daily to manage IBS symptoms. Her electrolytes, urinalysis and renal ultrasound were unremarkable. Her 24-hour urine output revealed increased oxalate and low citrate. Renal biopsy showed glomerulosclerosis, fibrosis and calcium oxalate deposition. She switched to a low-oxalate diet, with improvement in laboratory markers. An earlier dietary history could have raised concern for oxalosis prior to renal biopsy. Providers should be trained to identify at-risk patients and provide appropriate dietary counselling.
Absence of Wharton’s jelly
Authors: Murphy Sarah J , Deegan Nikita , O'Leary Bobby D , McParland Peter
Published: November 2020

Wharton’s jelly is a specialised tissue which surrounds the vasculature within the fetal umbilical cord. We present the case of a 42-year-old woman who gave birth to a female infant via emergency caesarean section. At the time of delivery, absence of Wharton’s jelly was noted. This finding was confirmed by histological examination. Emergency caesarean section was necessitated due to a fetal bradycardia, and of note, the patient had presented twice prior to this with reduced fetal movements.
Amyopathic dermatomyositis combined with peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Miyake Zenshi , Ishii Akiko , Okiyama Naoko , Tamaoka Akira
Published: November 2020

We provide the first report of amyopathic dermatomyositis combined with peripheral neuropathy. Our patient, a 49-year-old woman, initially experienced muscle weakness and tingling sensations in her legs, and nerve conduction study findings and the detection of antiganglioside antibodies indicated that she had autoimmune peripheral neuropathy. The unexpected presence of skin lesions, interstitial pneumonia and antibodies to melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 prompted an additional diagnosis of amyopathic dermatomyositis. No previous report has described amyopathic dermatomyositis with peripheral neuropathy, and the present case provides evidence for the once-controversial concept of neuromyositis.
Uterine cervix rhabdomyosarcoma: an uncommon entity in an adult patient
Authors: Almusalam Latifa , Alghtani Nuorh , Alkushi Abdulmohsen , Arabi Haitham
Published: November 2020

Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) is a malignant neoplasm mostly affecting the genitourinary system of children and is rarely seen in adults. ERMS in uterine cervix is rare and can be misdiagnosed in adult as adenosarcoma or carcinosarcoma. The use of immunohistochemical staining is highly recommended to make sure that the correct diagnosis is reached. To the best of our knowledge, only seven cases of cervical ERMS in women above the age of 50 have been reported in English literature. Herein, we report a rare case of cervical ERMS in a 50-year-old woman that was initially misdiagnosed as an adenosarcoma.
Impressive weight gain after deep brain stimulation of nucleus accumbens in treatment-resistant bulimic anorexia nervosa
Authors: Fernandes Arroteia Isabel , Husch Andreas , Baniasadi Mehri , Hertel Frank
Published: November 2020

Anorexia nervosa (AN) severely impacts individual’s mental and physical health as well as quality of life. In 21% of cases no durable response to conservative treatment can be obtained. The serious course of the disease in the most severely affected patients justifies invasive treatment options. One of the treatment methods increasingly used in recent years is deep brain stimulation (DBS). A 42-year-old woman suffering from chronic AN of the bulimic subtype shows a 46.9% weight gain and a subjective increase in quality of life, 12 months after bilateral nucleus accumbens (NAcc) DBS implantation. No improvement in comorbid depression could be achieved. DBS of the NAcc is a treatment option to be considered in severe AN when conventional treatment modalities recommended by evidence-based guidelines have not been able to bring lasting relief to the patient’s suffering.
Normative profiles of neuroretinal rim area in a multiethnic Asian population: the Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases study
Authors: Lim Zhi Wei , Chee Miao-Li , Lim Sing Hui , Thakur Sahil , Majithia Shivani , Soh Zhi Da , Teo Zhen Ling , Rim Tyler Hyungtaek , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Tham Yih-Chung , Cheng Ching-Yu
Published: November 2020

Aims

To evaluate the normative profiles for neuroretinal rim area (RA) in a multiethnic Asian population.

Methods

Subjects were recruited from the Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases (2009–2015) study and underwent standardised examinations. RA measurements were performed using Cirrus high-definition optical coherence tomography (Carl Zeiss Meditec). Multivariable linear regression with generalised estimating equation model was used to evaluate the associations between demographic, systemic and ocular factors with RA.

Results

A total of 9394 eyes from 5116 subjects (1724 Chinese, 1463 Malay, 1929 Indian) were included in the final analysis. The mean (±SD) of RA was 1.28 (±0.23) mm2 for Chinese, 1.33 (±0.26) mm2 for Malays, and 1.23 (±0.23) mm2 for Indians. The 5th percentile value for RA was 0.94 mm2 for Chinese, 0.96 mm2 for Malay, and 0.89 mm2 for Indian. In multivariable analysis, following adjustment for age, gender, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia, history of cataract surgery, axial length, intraocular pressure (IOP) and disc area, Indian eyes have smaller RA when compared with Malays (β=−0.074; 95% CI −0.090 to −0.058; p<0.001) and Chinese (β=−0.035; 95% CI −0.051 to −0.019; p<0.001), respectively. Additionally, older age (per decade, β=−0.022), male gender (β=−0.031), longer axial length (per mm, β=−0.025), spherical equivalent (per negative dioptre, β=−0.005), higher IOP (per mm Hg, β=−0.009) were associated with smaller RA (all p≤0.004).

Conclusion

In this multiethnic population-based study, we observed significantly smaller RA in Indian eyes, compared with Chinese and Malays. This indicates the need of a more refined ethnic-specific RA normative databases among Asians.
Long-term variability of glycemic markers and risk of all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetes: the Look AHEAD study
Authors: Kaze Arnaud D , Santhanam Prasanna , Erqou Sebhat , Ahima Rexford S , Echouffo-Tcheugui Justin Basile
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Glycemic variability may predict poor outcomes in type 2 diabetes. We evaluated the associations of long-term variability in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death among individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Research design and methods

We conducted a secondary, prospective cohort analysis of the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) data, including 3560 participants who attended four visits (baseline, 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months) at the outset. Variability of HbA1Cand FPG was assessed using four indices across measurements from four study visits. Participants without CVD during the first 36 months were followed for incident outcomes including a CVD composite (myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for angina, and CVD-related deaths), heart failure (HF), and deaths.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 6.8 years, there were 164 deaths from any cause, 33 CVD-related deaths, 91 HF events, and 340 participants experienced the CVD composite. Adjusted HRs comparing the highest to lowest quartile of SD of HbA1Cwere 2.10 (95% CI 1.26 to 3.51), 3.43 (95% CI 0.95 to 12.38), 1.01 (95% CI 0.69 to 1.46), and 1.71 (95% CI 0.69 to 4.24) for all-cause mortality, CVD mortality, CVD composite and HF, respectively. The equivalent HRs for highest versus lowest quartile of SD of FPG were 1.66 (95% CI 0.96 to 2.85), 2.20 (95% CI 0.67 to 7.25), 0.94 (95% CI 0.65 to 1.35), and 2.05 (95% CI 0.80 to 5.31), respectively.

Conclusions

A greater variability in HbA1Cwas associated with elevated risk of mortality. Our findings underscore the need to achieve normal and consistent glycemic control to improve clinical outcomes among individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Planning prompts to promote uptake of HIV services among men: a randomised trial in rural Uganda
Authors: Kavanagh Nolan M , Schaffer Elisabeth M , Ndyabakira Alex , Marson Kara , Havlir Diane V , Kamya Moses R , Kwarisiima Dalsone , Chamie Gabriel , Thirumurthy Harsha
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Interventions informed by behavioural economics, such as planning prompts, have the potential to increase HIV testing at minimal or no cost. Planning prompts have not been previously evaluated for HIV testing uptake. We conducted a randomised clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of low-cost planning prompts to promote HIV testing among men.

Methods

We randomised adult men in rural Ugandan parishes to receive a calendar planning prompt that gave them the opportunity to make a plan to get tested for HIV at health campaigns held in their communities. Participants received either a calendar showing the dates when the community health campaign would be held (control group) or a calendar showing the dates and prompting them to select a date and time when they planned to attend (planning prompt group). Participants were not required to select a date and time or to share their selection with study staff. The primary outcome was HIV testing uptake at the community health campaign.

Results

Among 2362 participants, 1796 (76%) participants tested for HIV. Men who received a planning prompt were 2.2 percentage points more likely to test than the control group, although the difference was not statistically significant (77.1% vs 74.9%; 95% CI –1.2 to 5.7 percentage points, p=0.20). The planning prompt was more effective among men enrolled ≤40 days before the campaigns (3.6 percentage-point increase in testing; 95% CI –2.9 to 10.1, p=0.27) than among men enrolled >40 days before the campaigns (1.8 percentage-point increase; 95% CI –2.3 to 5.8, p=0.39), although the effects within the subgroups were not significant.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that planning prompts may be an effective behavioural intervention to promote HIV testing at minimal or no cost. Large-scale studies should further assess the impact and cost-effectiveness of such interventions.
Characterisation and outcomes of ARDS secondary to pneumonia in patients with and without SARS-CoV-2: a single-centre experience
Authors: Mahida Rahul Y , Chotalia Minesh , Alderman Joseph , Patel Chhaya , Hayden Amber , Desai Ruchi , Beesley Emily , Crowley Louise E , Soltan Marina , Bangash Mansoor , Parekh Dhruv , Patel Jaimin , Thickett David R
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the major cause of mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. It appears that development of ‘cytokine storm’ in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia precipitates progression to ARDS. However, severity scores on admission do not predict severity or mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Our objective was to determine whether patients with SARS-CoV-2 ARDS are clinically distinct, therefore requiring alternative management strategies, compared with other patients with ARDS. We report a single-centre retrospective study comparing the characteristics and outcomes of patients with ARDS with and without SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

Two intensive care unit (ICU) cohorts of patients at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham were analysed: SARS-CoV-2 patients admitted between 11 March and 21 April 2020 and all patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) from bacterial or viral infection who developed ARDS between 1 January 2017 and 1 November 2019. All data were routinely collected on the hospital’s electronic patient records.

Results

A greater proportion of SARS-CoV-2 patients were from an Asian ethnic group (p=0.002). SARS-CoV-2 patients had lower circulating leucocytes, neutrophils and monocytes (p<0.0001), but higher CRP (p=0.016) on ICU admission. SARS-CoV-2 patients required a longer duration of mechanical ventilation (p=0.01), but had lower vasopressor requirements (p=0.016).

Discussion

The clinical syndromes and respiratory mechanics of SARS-CoV-2 and CAP-ARDS are broadly similar. However, SARS-CoV-2 patients initially have a lower requirement for vasopressor support, fewer circulating leukocytes and require prolonged ventilation support. Further studies are required to determine whether the dysregulated inflammation observed in SARS-CoV-2 ARDS may contribute to the increased duration of respiratory failure.
‘The incident triage area’: a response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Bristol Royal Infirmary
Authors: Sainsbury Rebecca , Brennan Rose , Lockyer Andy
Published: November 2020

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals nationwide have been presented with a number of potential challenges, including possible increased volume of patient attendances, acuity of illness and potential for patients to present with an infection that requires isolation. At the Bristol Royal Infirmary, an innercity teaching hospital that manages patients aged 16 and over, we present our response to these projected changes in ED attendances, with the initiation of the incident triage area (ITA). The ITA is a triage station situated outside the ED and staffed by a senior clinician, healthcare assistant and patient flow coordinator. It receives patients presenting as walk-in or via ambulance, and on their arrival aims to establish their risk of COVID-19 and their acuity of illness. This allows for triage of the patient to one of the four zones of the hospital, as well as providing clinical guidance on any initial interventions that patients may require. The benefits of the ITA are that it enables an early senior review of patients to establish their acuity of illness and initiate time-critical medical intervention as required. In addition, patients are immediately cohorted to zones within the hospital based on their infection risk, thereby reducing patient footfall throughout the hospital. Its aim is to reduce the spread of infection, by efficiently triaging and streaming patients who present to the hospital prior to them entering clinical areas, while maintaining patient safety and flow through the ED and initiating rapid management of acutely unwell patients.
Hepatic Krüppel-like factor 16 (KLF16) targets PPARα to improve steatohepatitis and insulin resistance
Authors: Sun Nannan , Shen Chuangpeng , Zhang Lei , Wu Xiaojie , Yu Yuanyuan , Yang Xiaoying , Yang Chen , Zhong Chong , Gao Zhao , Miao Wei , Yang Zehong , Gao Weihang , Hu Ling , Williams Kevin , Liu Changhui , Chang Yongsheng , Gao Yong
Published: November 2020

Objective

Impaired hepatic fatty acids oxidation results in lipid accumulation and redox imbalance, promoting the development of fatty liver diseases and insulin resistance. However, the underlying pathogenic mechanism is poorly understood. Krüppel-like factor 16 (KLF16) is a transcription factor that abounds in liver. We explored whether and by what mechanisms KLF16 affects hepatic lipid catabolism to improve hepatosteatosis and insulin resistance.

Design

KLF16 expression was determined in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and mice models. The role of KLF16 in the regulation of lipid metabolism was investigated using hepatocyte-specific KLF16-deficient mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or using an adenovirus/adeno-associated virus to alter KLF16 expression in mouse primary hepatocytes (MPHs) and in vivo livers. RNA-seq, luciferase reporter gene assay and ChIP analysis served to explore the molecular mechanisms involved.

Results

KLF16 expression was decreased in patients with NAFLD, mice models and oleic acid and palmitic acid (OA and PA) cochallenged hepatocytes. Hepatic KLF16 knockout impaired fatty acid oxidation, aggravated mitochondrial stress, ROS burden, advancing hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance. Conversely, KLF16 overexpression reduced lipid deposition and improved insulin resistance via directly binding the promoter of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) to accelerate fatty acids oxidation and attenuate mitochondrial stress, oxidative stress indb/dband HFD mice. PPARα deficiency diminished the KLF16-evoked protective effects against lipid deposition in MPHs. Hepatic-specific PPARα overexpression effectively rescued KLF16 deficiency-induced hepatic steatosis, altered redox balance and insulin resistance.

Conclusions

These findings prove that a direct KLF16–PPARα pathway closely links hepatic lipid homeostasis and redox balance, whose dysfunction promotes insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis.
Obstructive jaundice: a clinical review for the UK armed forces
Authors: Roy S K , Lambert A
Published: November 2020

Obstructive jaundice is a clinical condition that indicates the possibility of a significant underlying disease process. This clinical review considers the pathophysiology, investigation and management of patients with obstructive jaundice and considers the particular challenges that medical personnel may face when deployed away from the United Kingdom (UK). It aims to give guidance with regard to the short- and long-term investigation and management of such patients.
Beneficial and harmful effects of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with heart failure: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Nielsen Emil Eik , Feinberg Joshua Buron , Bu Fan-Long , Hecht Olsen Michael , Raymond Ilan , Steensgaard-Hansen Frank , Jakobsen Janus Christian
Published: November 2020

Current guidelines recommend angiotensin receptor blocker neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI) (sacubitril/valsartan) as a replacement for angiotensin-converting-enzymeinhibitor (ACE-I) in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy. The effects of ARNIs have not previously been assessed in a systematic review. We searched for relevant trials until October 2019 in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, BIOSIS, CNKI, VIP, WanFang and CBM. Our primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and serious adverse events. We systematically assessed the risks of random errors and systematic errors. PROSPERO registration: CRD42019129336. 48 trials randomising 19 086 participants were included. The ARNI assessed in all trials was sacubitril/valsartan. ACE-I or ARB were used as control interventions. Trials randomising HFrEF participants (27 trials) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) participants (four trials) were analysed separately. In HFrEF participants, meta-analyses and Trial Sequential Analyses showed evidence of a beneficial effect of sacubitril/valsartan when assessing all-cause mortality (risk ratio (RR), 0.86; 95% CI, 0.79 to 0.94) and serious adverse events (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.86 to 0.93); and the results did not differ between the guideline recommended target population and HFrEF participants in general. We found no evidence of an effect of sacubitril/valsartan in HFpEF participants. Sacubitril/valsartan compared with either ACE-I or ARB seems to have a beneficial effect in patients with HFrEF. Our results indicate that sacubitril/valsartan might be beneficial in a wider population of patients with heart failure than the guideline recommended target population. Sacubitril/valsartan does not seem to show evidence of a difference compared with valsartan in patients with HFpEF.
ENERGY INSECURITY, RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Authors: TAGHIZADEH-HESARY FARHAD , CHANG YOUNGHO , YOSHINO NAOYUKI , MORGAN PETER J.
Published: November 2020

Energy security, a multidimensional concept that encompasses the notion of resource availability, accessibility, environmental acceptability and cost affordability, has been widely discussed. However, the same cannot be said about energy insecurity, a concept that may not necessarily mirror energy security, but also comprises the various consequences of energy unavailability. Energy insecurity mostly affects the poorest and can lead to deepened inequalities and poor health at the household level. One solution for tackling energy insecurity could be adoption of renewable energy. Power generated from renewable sources could help in mitigating energy price fluctuations and reduce health issues, as well as encourage stable economic growth. This special issue discusses the interaction between the three concepts through careful case studies and panel analysis and proposes various policy implications for energy policymakers. This introductory paper introduces the articles selected for this special issue.
Minimal abelian varieties of algebras, I
Authors: Kearnes Keith A. , Kiss Emil W. , Szendrei Ágnes
Published: November 2020

We show that any abelian variety that is not affine has a nontrivial strongly abelian subvariety. In later papers in this sequence, we apply this result to the study of minimal abelian varieties.
Absolute Depth Measurement of Objects Based on Monocular Vision
Authors: Wang Zhongsheng , Lai Yufeng , Yang Sen , Gao Jiaqiong
Published: November 2020

With the continuous development of computer vision technology and the continuous upgrading of digital imaging equipment, image depth measurement method is widely used in the fields of intelligent robotics, traffic assistance, three-dimensional modeling and three dimensional video production. The following are the drawbacks of the traditional depth information measurement method: the operation is complex, the cost is high, and the measuring equipment occupies a large space and the load. In this paper, based on the Harris-SIFT corner detection algorithm, a technique is proposed to measure the absolute depth information of the object in the image using monocular vision. First of all, after the monocular camera is used to obtain the image of the target object, the image segmentation algorithm based on the LBF model is used to preprocess the image. Then, Harris algorithm in multi-scale space and SFIT algorithm to reconstruct feature descriptors are used to extract feature information in the image. Finally, by comparing the feature information between image groups, the depth information of target object is calculated by using the formula of convex hull principle and camera imaging principle. The test platform is applied to carry out measurement tests for different depth measurement methods, and the actual depth data and measurement data of the target object are compared, so as to evaluate the accuracy of the measurement method. The comparison results show that the error rate between the actual distance and the measured distance is less than 3.5%, which can accurately measure the absolute depth of the object in static and short distance, and is superior to other measurement methods.
Quantum magnetic collapse of a partially bosonized npe-gas: Implications for astrophysical jets
Authors: Felipe R. González , Martínez A. Pérez , Rojas H. Pérez , Angulo G. Quintero
Published: November 2020

We study the quantum magnetic collapse of a partially bosonized [Formula: see text]-gas and obtain that this type of collapse might be one of the mechanisms behind matter expulsion out of compact objects. We check also that this gas might form a stable stream of matter whose collimation is due to its strong self-generated magnetic field. Possible astrophysical applications of these results, in particular related to jet formation and its maintenance, are discussed.
A Review on Intrusion Detection Systems and Techniques
Authors: Bhati Nitesh Singh , Khari Manju , García-Díaz Vicente , Verdú Elena
Published: November 2020

An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is a network security system that detects, identifies, and tracks an intruder or an invader in a network. As the usage of the internet is growing every day in our society, the IDS is becoming an essential part of the network security system. Therefore, the proper research and implementation of IDSs are required. Today, with the help of improved technologies at our disposal, many solutions have been found to create many intrusion detection systems. However, it is difficult to identify the perfect solution from the vast options we have available. Hence, motivated by the need of a better security system, this paper presents a survey of different published solutions that have been developed and/or researched on the topic of intrusion detection techniques during the period from 2000 to 2019, including the accuracy of the output. With the help of this survey, an all-inclusive view of the different papers would be at one’s disposal.
Vibration-Based Monitoring for Transverse Cooperative Working Performance of Assembled Concrete Multi-Girder Bridge: System Design, Implementation and Preliminary Application
Authors: Xu Zhaoyuan , Dan Danhui , Deng Lu
Published: November 2020

The hinge joints of the assembled concrete multi-girder bridge (ACMGB) are the main components of transverse transmission of loads and the decline of their transmission capacity would lead to the degradation of the transverse cooperative working performance (TCWP) of the multi-beam system. As the key working performance of this kind of bridges, its severe degradation would result in the single-girder-bearing phenomenon inducing bridge collapse. In order to detect TCWP degradation timely, this paper proposes a vibration-based monitoring scheme of the ACMGB, where structural vibration information are collected by accelerometers and dynamic strain guages at the bottom of girders in mid-span. These monitoring data are then used for identifying transverse mode shape of the multi-beam system and its derivated index in order to evaluate TCWP. This scheme has been implemented on three adjacent ACMGBs in Tongji Road Viaduct and the preliminary analysis of monitoring data proves the effectiveness and rationality of the monitoring scheme proposed in this paper, which has the potential of the TCWP evaluation.
Duality relations for a class of generalized weak R-duals
Authors: Dong Jian , Li Yun-Zhang
Published: November 2020

Since the introduction of R-duals by Casazza, Kutyniok and Lammers with the motivation to obtain a general version of duality principle in Gabor analysis, various R-duals and some relaxations of the R-dual setup have been introduced and studied by some mathematicians. They provide a powerful tool in the analysis of duality relations in general frame theory, and are far beyond the duality principle in Gabor analysis. In this paper, we introduce the concept of generalized weak R-dual based on a pair of frames which is a relaxation of the R-dual setup. Using generalized weak R-duals, we characterize the frame properties of a sequence and the equivalence between two frames, prove that the generalized weak R-duals of frames (Riesz bases) are frame sequences (frames), and present a coefficient expression corresponding to the canonical duals of generalized weak R-duals. Some examples are provided to illustrate the generality of the theory.
Adaptive optimization-based Deep Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory for Bank NIFTY index prediction
Authors: Kelotra Amit , Pandey Prateek
Published: November 2020

Bank NIFTY index prediction is a challenging problem, which dictates that the market is highly stochastic, and there are temporally dependent predictions from chaotic data. Thus, the development of an effective prediction model is required as the basic necessity and in this paper, the Bank NIFTY index prediction system is developed using the Deep Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory (Deep-ConvLSTM) model that effectively predicts the Bank NIFTY index. The overall procedure of the proposed approach involves three steps. The initial step is feature extraction, the second step is clustering, and the tertiary step is the prediction. The input data is fed to the feature extraction step. Here, the feature extraction is performed based on the technical indicators, and then the clustering is done based on modified Sparse Fuzzy [Formula: see text]-Means (FCM) in order to find the effective features. Finally, the prediction is carried out based on Deep-ConvLSTM model, which is trained optimally using the proposed Adaptive-Rider-Monarch Butterfly Optimization (Adaptive-Rider-MBO) for performing accurate prediction. The performance of the Bank NIFTY index prediction based on Adaptive-Rider-MBO is evaluated based on Mean Square Error (MSE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The proposed method achieves the minimal MSE of 2.010 and minimal RMSE of 1.418 based on the NIFTY Midcap 100 index.
Simulation and Optimization of Nonlinear Structures on Low Frequency Vibration and Noise of Lightweight Car Body
Authors: Xie X. P. , Chai T. , Sun Q.
Published: November 2020

Accurate models, optimization methods and improvement measures are three key issues in the design and optimization of complex structures in the field of vibration and noise. Due to the increase of passenger vehicle structure complexity and lightweight demand, nonlinear materials and structures increase obviously in the whole system. Not only different structural adhesives are used to strong body structures under the lightweight requirement, but also the influence of the windshield should be considered in the structural design process. The first point of this paper is to use the model matching method to build an accurate finite element model that takes into account nonlinear materials and structures for the next optimization. Although the optimization method can also achieve structural improvement, it cannot find the regular conclusion that has a significant impact on the performance of the structure inherently. The second innovation is to propose a combination method of sensitivity analysis and modal strain energy (MSE) indication. The method not only finds a specific weak structure, but also summarizes viewpoints that the whole stiffness mismatch characters and the weak local structure destroyed balance of the whole structure. These conclusions provide the basis for further improvement. It is a difficult problem to solve low-frequency vibration and noise problem because of their long wavelength and strong penetration ability. As the third innovation point, three-dimensional phononic crystal simulation is done to optimize the low-frequency noise of structure in this paper. The synthesis method including the above three key points has a very good effect in suppressing low-frequency vibration and noise in the vehicle. This method is also suitable for simulation and optimization of other complex structures.
Computational Investigation of the Stability of Stenotic Carotid Artery under Pulsatile Blood Flow Using a Fluid-Structure Interaction Approach
Authors: Manzoori Amirhosein , Fallah Famida , Sharzehee Mohammadali , Ebrahimi Sina
Published: November 2020

Stenosis can disrupt the normal pattern of blood flow and make the artery more susceptible to buckling which may cause arterial tortuosity. Although the stability simulations of the atherosclerotic arteries were conducted based on solid modeling and static internal pressure, the mechanical stability of stenotic artery under pulsatile blood flow remains unclear while pulsatile nature of blood flow makes the artery more critical for stresses and stability. In this study, the effect of stenosis on arterial stability under pulsatile blood flow was investigated. Fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulations of artery stenosis under pulsatile flow were conducted. 3D idealized geometries of carotid artery stenosis with symmetric and asymmetric plaques along with different percentages of stenosis were created. It was observed that the stenosis percentage, symmetry/asymmetry of the plaque, and the stretch ratio can dramatically affect the buckling pressure. Buckling makes the plaques (especially in asymmetric ones) more likely to rupture due to increasing the stresses on it. The dominant stresses on plaques are the circumferential, axial and radial ones, respectively. Also, the highest shear stresses on the plaques were detected in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] planes for the symmetric and asymmetric stenotic arteries, respectively. In addition, the maximum circumferential stress on the plaques was observed in the outer point of the buckled configuration for symmetric and asymmetric stenosis as well as at the ends of the asymmetric plaque. Furthermore, the artery buckling causes a large vortex flow at the downstream of the plaque. As a result, the conditions for the penetration of lipid particles and the formation of new plaques are provided.
Research on the Propagation Characteristics of Fatigue Cracks on Rail Surfaces
Authors: Gao Ruipeng , Fan Shanshan
Published: November 2020

To solve the problem of rail crack propagation, inadequate studies mainly use a two-dimensional (2D) model for macroscopic crack analysis owing to the failure of accurately reflecting the contact status between the wheel and rail. In this work, we use ANSYS software to establish a three-dimensional (3D) wheel–rail contact model to clarify the microcracks on the rail tread. The influence of the number of horizontal and vertical cyclic loads during the rail’s fatigue crack growth is analyzed. The results suggest that as the number of vertical and tangential cyclic loads increases, the length of the rail crack increases. Using experiments to verify the law between the number of cyclic loads and rail crack growth length, the experimental findings proved that the law of crack growth is basically consistent with the aforementioned simulation results and the outcome of the Paris expansion curve, verifying the validity of the simulation results.
Delayed Graft Reposition on Flap (GRF) in Six Week Old Allen Type 4 Amputation: Case Report
Authors: Malshikare Vijay A.
Published: November 2020

An exceptional case like our patient who was a 24-year-old man presented 6 weeks after type 4 Allen amputation to his right index finger where primary surgical stump closure was done, presented to us with the amputated distal part warm preserved. The reposition of distal amputated part using the authors described GRF (Graft Reposition on Flap) technique was done and followed. Good consolidation and bone graft union, good nail with near normal pulp and normal sensation with good functional outcome was achieved at the one-year final follow up.
Global Acoustic Impedance for the Analysis of Acoustic Scattering From Elastic Structures
Authors: Jin Zhongkun , Gao Yan , Wu Xianjun , Yang Jun
Published: November 2020

The interaction between the sound field outside an elastic structure and its boundary is of paramount importance in the field of acoustics. This paper describes the global acoustic impedance in the form of impedance integral operator and impedance matrix for the analysis of elastic structures. In general, the excitation applied locally to the structure can induce vibration on the entire structure surface and hence the global acoustic impedance is introduced to characterize the relationship between the resultant sound pressure and acoustic particle velocity. The main advantage of the global acoustic impedance over the local acoustic impedance is that it facilitates improved physical insights into the sound field due to the presence of excitation sources. Furthermore, the acoustic impedance of an elastic spherical shell in matrix form is solved and analyzed by solving the finite element equation of structural dynamics with programming techniques. The impedance matrix is subsequently taken as the boundary condition to investigate the acoustic scattering from the elastic shell structure using the acoustic boundary element method. Explanations for the difference between the acoustic scatterings calculated based on the global acoustic impedance and the local acoustic impedance are offered.
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Ho Cheuk Man , Mok Chi Chiu
Published: November 2020

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with involvement of multiple systems. Despite the therapeutic advances in the past few decades, refractory SLE causing organ damage and life-threatening complications still poses a therapeutic challenge. Therapeutic plasma exchange is considered as one of the rescue therapies used in refractory SLE. However, the level of evidence supporting its use is low. This article reviews the current evidence of the application of plasmapheresis in the treatment of SLE.
The Gittins Policy is Nearly Optimal in the M/G/k under Extremely General Conditions
Authors: Scully Ziv , Grosof Isaac , Harchol-Balter Mor
Published: November 2020

The Gittins scheduling policy minimizes the mean response in the single-server M/G/1 queue in a wide variety of settings. Most famously, Gittins is optimal when preemption is allowed and service requirements are unknown but drawn from a known distribution. Gittins is also optimal much more generally, adapting to any amount of available information and any preemption restrictions. However, scheduling to minimize mean response time in a multiserver setting, specifically the central-queue M/G/k, is a much more difficult problem. In this work we give the first general analysis of Gittins in the M/G/k. Specifically, we show that under extremely general conditions, Gittins's mean response time in the M/G/k is at most its mean response time in the M/G/1 plus an $O(łog(1/(1 - ρ)))$ additive term, where ρ is the system load. A consequence of this result is that Gittins is heavy-traffic optimal in the M/G/k if the service requirement distribution S satisfies $\mathbfE [S^2(łog S)^+] < \infty$. This is the most general result on minimizing mean response time in the M/G/k to date. To prove our results, we combine properties of the Gittins policy and Palm calculus in a novel way. Notably, our technique overcomes the limitations of tagged job methods that were used in prior scheduling analyses.
Optimal Load Balancing with Locality Constraints
Authors: Weng Wentao , Zhou Xingyu , Srikant R.
Published: November 2020

Applications in cloud platforms motivate the study of efficient load balancing under job-server constraints and server heterogeneity. In this paper, we study load balancing on a bipartite graph where left nodes correspond to job types and right nodes correspond to servers, with each edge indicating that a job type can be served by a server. Thus edges represent locality constraints, i.e., an arbitrary job can only be served at servers which contain certain data and/or machine learning (ML) models. Servers in this system can have heterogeneous service rates. In this setting, we investigate the performance of two policies named Join-the-Fastest-of-the-Shortest-Queue (JFSQ) and Join-the-Fastest-of-the-Idle-Queue (JFIQ), which are simple variants of Join-the-Shortest-Queue and Join-the-Idle-Queue, where ties are broken in favor of the fastest servers. Under a "well-connected'' graph condition, we show that JFSQ and JFIQ are asymptotically optimal in the mean response time when the number of servers goes to infinity. In addition to asymptotic optimality, we also obtain upper bounds on the mean response time for finite-size systems. We further show that the well-connectedness condition can be satisfied by a random bipartite graph construction with relatively sparse connectivity.
Theory of B(X)-Module: Algebraic Module Structure of Generally Unbounded Infinitesimal Generators
Authors: Iwata Yoritaka
Published: November 2020

The concept of logarithmic representation of infinitesimal generators is introduced, and it is applied to clarify the algebraic structure of bounded and unbounded infinitesimal generators. In particular, by means of the logarithmic representation, the bounded components can be extracted from generally unbounded infinitesimal generators. In conclusion, the concept of module over a Banach algebra is proposed as the generalization of the Banach algebra. As an application to mathematical physics, the rigorous formulation of a rotation group, which consists of unbounded operators being written by differential operators, is provided using the module over a Banach algebra.
Disturbance-Observer-Based Fuzzy Control for a Robot Manipulator Using an EMG-Driven Neuromusculoskeletal Model
Authors: Zhang Longbin , Qi Wen , Hu Yingbai , Chen Yue
Published: November 2020

Robot manipulators have been extensively used in complex environments to complete diverse tasks. The teleoperation control based on human-like adaptivity in the robot manipulator is a growing and challenging field. This paper developed a disturbance-observer-based fuzzy control framework for a robot manipulator using an electromyography- (EMG-) driven neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) model. The motion intention (desired torque) was estimated by the EMG-driven NMS model with EMG signals and joint angles from the user. The desired torque was transmitted into the desired velocity for the robot manipulator system through an admittance filter. In the robot manipulator system, a fuzzy logic system, utilizing an integral Lyapunov function, was applied for robot manipulator systems subject to model uncertainties and external disturbances. To compensate for the external disturbances, fuzzy approximation errors, and nonlinear dynamics, a disturbance observer was integrated into the controller. The developed control algorithm was validated with a 2-DOFs robot manipulator in simulation. The results indicate the proposed control framework is effective and crucial for the applications in robot manipulator control.
A Review of Precast Concrete Beam‐to‐Column Connections Subjected to Severe Fire Conditions
Authors: Mohd Radzi Noor Azim , Hamid Roszilah , A. Mutalib Azrul , Kaish A. B. M. Amrul
Published: November 2020

Fire exposure can have a significant impact on the structural integrity and robustness of precast concrete beam‐to‐column connections. Given the importance of fire safety in the design of a structure, it is critical to understand the damage that may occur in the event of a fire to be able to prevent the building from collapsing. No comprehensive study has been carried out to determine the effects of fire on semirigid and pinned concrete beam‐to‐column connections. Most studies focused on the impact of exposure of rigid concrete beam‐to‐column connections to high temperatures. This paper is a comprehensive review of the literature on the performance of precast concrete beam‐to‐column connections under fire conditions. The key areas in this review are the moment‐rotation‐temperature characteristics and fire effect on precast concrete beam‐to‐column connections. This paper focuses primarily on the case studies of real fires, large‐scale fire tests, computer simulations and analytical models, fire resistance tests on the connection elements, and assessment and rehabilitation of fire‐damaged precast concrete. The paper also discusses the current issues and possible challenges.