bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arteriovenous fistula and high output cardiac failure in a double lung transplant patient
Authors: Bennitz Joshua , Simons Martin , Lorello Gianni R
Published: August 2019

We present a case of a high cardiac output (CO) arteriovenous fistula (AVF) with pulmonary hypertension (PH) post-double lung transplant presenting for AVF occlusion. The patient presented with a CO of 9.83 L/min, pulmonary artery pressures of 64/16, inferior vena cava dilatation and an AVF between the left common iliac artery and vein. Given her anaesthetic considerations, we elected to proceed with local anaesthesia and sedation. Trial balloon occlusion resulted in an increase in blood pressure and a headache that resolved with balloon deflation. Successful final occlusion with an endovascular stent was completed without adverse events. PH is a complex pathophysiology with the potential for catastrophic decompensation. Anaesthesiologists must consider a patient’s comorbidities and the procedure to safely administer anaesthesia without complications.
Rare case of paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration secondary to high-grade serous carcinoma of tubo-ovarian origin
Authors: Butt Eman , Tadross John A , Chadda Karan R , Latimer John
Published: August 2019

This case describes a 69-year-old woman, who presented with rapidly progressive cerebellar symptoms and unintentional weight loss. Full neurological assessment excluded space-occupying lesions, vascular accidents and infection. Surprisingly, a chest, abdomen and pelvis CT showed a left hemipelvis mass, which was subsequently biopsied. A high-grade serous carcinoma of tubo-ovarian origin was found, diagnosing paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) secondary to this. The exact mechanism is not known, but is thought to be immune-mediated. In cases of PCD, after cancer treatment, the neurological disability stabilises to a severe level and will unfortunately be lifelong. Our patient continues to make great progress with intensive rehabilitation for her ongoing balance issues. Early recognition of PCD can lead to a prompt diagnosis of the underlying malignancy and hence subsequent management. This can at least limit the extent of the neurological disability of the disease and increase the survival rate from cancer.
Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome with coeliac and allergic diseases
Authors: Martins Joana Albuquerque , Azenha António , Almeida Rui , Pinheiro João Páscoa
Published: August 2019

A 45-year-old man presented with a 10-year history of relapsing oedema of the lips. Moreover, he exhibited recurrent facial nerve palsy since the age of 10 years, coeliac disease since the age of 12 years, atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis and asthma. Physical examination revealed lip swelling and lingua plicata. Thus, he presented the classic triad of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome which includes recurrent orofacial oedema, facial nerve palsy and fissured tongue. A lip biopsy confirmed our clinical diagnosis.

This case is particularly rare, as the classic triad is seen only in a minority of the cases. Moreover, allergic and coeliac diseases were observed concomitantly. This paper illustrates a potential pathophysiological interconnection between these pathologies in which interferon gamma could play a key role. To our knowledge, this is the first case report in which Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome has been observed concurrently with coeliac disease.
Management and clinical outcome of concomitant pulmonary embolism and paradoxical saddle aortic arch embolism
Authors: Mancuso Enrico , Winterbottom Andrew Philip , Boyle Jonathan R , Hildebrand Diane R
Published: August 2019

A 65-year-old man presented in a peri-arrest situation after collapse, he was found hypoxic with ischaemic arms. CT imaging showed massive bilateral pulmonary embolisms (PEs) and an aortic arch embolus extending from brachiocephalic trunk to left subclavian artery. Following intravenous thrombolysis, repeat imaging revealed that the aortic embolus had migrated distally into both axillary arteries and had occluded the right carotid from origin to skull base. Bilateral upper limb embolectomies were carried out from the brachial arteries together with forearm fasciotomies. Left hemianopia related to a right middle cerebral artery territory infarct was managed conservatively; forearm fasciotomy wounds were primarily closed and the patient was discharged on lifelong anticoagulation. A transoesophageal echocardiogram revealed a patent foramen ovale. This case demonstrates a very unusual presentation of concomitant PE and paradoxical saddle aortic arch embolism. A multidisciplinary approach has resulted in an excellent clinical outcome for this complex patient.
Variant ascending pharyngeal artery maintaining flow in a subocclusive internal carotid artery
Authors: Kim Brian D , Oxley Thomas J , Fifi Johanna T , Shoirah Hazem
Published: August 2019

Ectopic branches of the external carotid artery are rare but have critical diagnostic and therapeutic implications. We present a case involving a 70-year-old man who presented with recurrent left hemispheric strokes in the setting of a subocclusive left internal carotid stenosis. A left ascending pharyngeal artery with variant origin from the internal carotid artery helped maintain flow distal to the area of stenosis and allowed for safe and successful internal carotid artery stenting. Identification of this variant and recognition of the anastomotic network involving this connection were crucial to determine the safety of stenting. The patient had no further recurrent events and had sustained improvement on his 90-day follow-up.
Pure sensory stroke due to brainstem lesion
Authors: McCreery Ryan , Fekete Zoltan
Published: August 2019

A 40-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department with acute onset right-sided upper and lower extremity numbness/tingling over the past day. Prior to the paraesthesia onset, the patient experienced transient mild ataxia and left ocular pain with complete resolution at the time of presentation. Neurological exam revealed isolated right-sided sensory changes from his hand-to-elbow as well as foot-to-knee. No other focal neurological deficits were noted. MRI brain revealed a small left posterior infarct at the junction between the pons and midbrain. Dual-antiplatelet therapy was initiated and the patient experienced minimal paraesthesia improvement proximally over his 5-day hospital course. This case report highlights an acute brainstem stroke presenting with predominant hemisensory symptoms. Presentations of brainstem lesions can range from subtle, non-specific features to profound deficits. This case serves to emphasise the importance of performing a thorough clinical exam while maintaining a high index of suspicion for brainstem lesions.
Proteus mirabilisendocarditis
Authors: Albuquerque Inês , Silva Ana Rita , Carreira Marta Soares , Friões Fernando
Published: August 2019

A 62-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department due to fever and acute heart failure. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed severe aortic valve obstruction. He was an hepatic transplant recipient and was medicated with everolimus. He underwent mitral and aortic valve replacement with prosthetic valves 4 years ago. Due to his medical background, therapy and clinical presentation, empirical therapy for infective endocarditis was started. Transoesophageal echocardiogram showed severe aortic valve regurgitation but no other findings suggestive of endocarditis. Computed tomography (CT) revealed pulmonary infiltrates compatible with infection and no evidence of septic embolisation. Multiple sets of blood cultures were negative.Proteus mirabiliswas isolated in bronchial lavage and antibiotic therapy was adjusted. The patient underwent aortic valve replacement, with no macroscopic findings suggestive of endocarditis.P. mirabiliswas isolated in the surgically removed valve. Dual antibiotic therapy was successfully administered for 6 weeks.
Smartphones can improve adherence rates for TB treatment
Authors: Cook Rob , Lamont Tara , Martin Rosie
Published: August 2019

The study

Story A, Aldridge R, Smith C, et al. Smartphone-enabled video-observed versus directly observed treatment for tuberculosis: a multicentre, analyst-blinded, randomised, controlled superiority trial. Lancet 2019;393:1216-24.

The study was funded by the NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research programme (project number RP-PG-0407-10340).

To read the full NIHR Signal, go to https://discover.dc.nihr.ac.uk/content/signal-000777/smartphones-for-tb-treatment-observation
Complex intervention in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) care in Germany: a study protocol of an evaluation study with a controlled mixed-methods design
Authors: Zinkevich Anna , Uthoff Sarah Anna Katharina , Boenisch Jens , Sachse Stefanie Kalén , Bernasconi Tobias , Ansmann Lena
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The current practice of service delivery in Germany for people with complex communication needs (CCN) who are in need of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is characterised by diverse problems, including a lack of clarity in the responsibilities of the service providers involved. To address these issues a new service delivery model has been put in place, implemented in three AAC counselling centres for patients with a particular health insurance across Germany. The implementation of a new service delivery model aims to improve individualised service delivery. The model goes beyond standard care by adding case management, counselling, AAC training and, if needed, AAC therapy. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this complex intervention.

Methods and analysis

In consideration of the complexity of the new service delivery model, formative and summative evaluation will be conducted. The formative evaluation will provide data based on qualitative and quantitative assessments of the competences and perspectives of all involved stakeholders, including a proxy measurement of persons with CCN. The summative evaluation will include a controlled study design as the new service delivery model will be compared against the service delivery in an existing contract and against data gathered from caregivers of AAC users provided with standard care. With the exception of the individual interviews the data will be collected from proxies—that is, informal and formal caregivers.

Ethics and dissemination

Data collection, storage and evaluation meet the currently valid data protection regulations. Consultation by the responsible data protection officer of the Oldenburg Medical School and a positive vote from its Ethics Committee were obtained prior to the start of the study. Dissemination strategies include the presentation of the obtained data and results in the form of publications and at conferences.

Trial registration number

DRKS00013628.
Geographical variation in rates of surgical treatment for female stress urinary incontinence in England: a national cohort study
Authors: Mamza Jil B , Geary Rebecca S , El-Hamamsy Dina , Cromwell David A , Duckett Jonathan , Monga Ash , Toozs-Hobson Philip , Mahmood Tahir , Wilson Andrew , Tincello Douglas G , van der Meulen Jan H , Gurol Urganci Ipek
Published: August 2019

Objective

To examine geographic variation in use of surgery for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI), mainly midurethral mesh tape insertions, in the English National Health Service (NHS).

Design

National cohort study.

Setting

NHS hospitals.

Participants

27 997 women aged 20 years or older who had a first SUI surgery in an English NHS Hospital between April 2013 and March 2016 and a diagnosis of SUI at the same time as the procedure.

Methods

Multilevel Poisson regression was used to adjust for geographic differences in age, ethnicity, prevalence of long-term illness and socioeconomic deprivation.

Primary outcome measure

Rate of surgery for SUI per 100 000 women/year at two geographic levels: Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG; n=209) and Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP; n=44).

Results

The rate of surgery for SUI was 40 procedures per 100 000 women/year. Risk-adjusted rates ranged from 20 to 106 procedures per 100 000 women/year across CCGs and 24 to 69 procedures per 100 000 women/year across the STP areas. These regional differences were only partially explained by demographic characteristics as adjustment reduced variance of surgery rates by 16% among the CCGs and 35% among the STPs.

Conclusions

Substantial geographic variation exists in the use of surgery for female SUI in the English NHS, suggesting that women in some areas are more likely to be treated compared with women with the same condition in other areas. The variation reflects differences in how national guidelines are being interpreted in the context of the ongoing debate about the safety of SUI surgery.
Body mass index and the risk of disability retirement: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shiri Rahman , Falah-Hassani Kobra , Lallukka Tea
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to determine the associations of body mass index (BMI) with all-cause and cause-specific disability retirement. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science from their inception to May 2019. A total of 27 (25 prospective cohort and 2 nested case-control) studies consisting of 2 199 632 individuals qualified for a meta-analysis. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. We used a random effects meta-analysis, assessed heterogeneity and publication bias, and performed sensitivity analyses. There were a large number of participants and the majority of studies were rated at low or moderate risk of bias. There was a J-shaped relationship between BMI and disability retirement. Underweight (hazard ratio (HR)/risk ratio (RR)=1.20, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.41), overweight (HR/RR=1.13, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.19) and obese individuals (HR/RR=1.52, 95% CI 1.36 to 1.71) were more commonly granted all-cause disability retirement than normal-weight individuals. Moreover, overweight increased the risk of disability retirement due to musculoskeletal disorders (HR/RR=1.26, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.39) and cardiovascular diseases (HR=1.73, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.41), and obesity increased the risk of disability retirement due to musculoskeletal disorders (HR/RR=1.66, 95% CI 1.42 to 1.94), mental disorders (HR=1.29, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.61) and cardiovascular diseases (HR=2.80, 95% CI 1.85 to 4.24). The association between excess body mass and all-cause disability retirement did not differ between men and women and was independent of selection bias, performance bias, confounding and adjustment for publication bias. Obesity markedly increases the risk of disability retirement due to musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular diseases and mental disorders. Since the prevalence of obesity is increasing globally, disease burden associated with excess body mass and disability retirement consequently are projected to increase.Reviewregistrationnumber: CRD42018103110.
Very-late-onset Friedreich’s ataxia: diagnosis in a kindred with late-onset cerebellar ataxia
Authors: Fearon Conor , Lonergan Roisin , Ferguson Damien , Byrne Susan , Bradley David , Langan Yvonne , Redmond Janice
Published: August 2019

Friedreich’s ataxia is classically considered a disease with onset in the first or second decade. However, late-onset (age of onset 25–39 years) and very-late-onset (age of onset >40 years) forms do occur rarely. Misdiagnosis is common, particularly because the later onset forms of Friedreich’s ataxia commonly do not show characteristic features of the disorder (areflexia, dysarthria, sensory neuropathy, extensor plantars, amyotrophy, cardiac involvement, diabetes mellitus, scoliosis). Also, there may be atypical features such as spasticity, brisk reflexes and laryngeal dystonia. We present the clinical, imaging and genetic findings of a kindred with very-late-onset Friedreich’s ataxia and discuss the pitfalls and risk of misdiagnosis.
Lung health and exposure to air pollution in Malawian children (CAPS): a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rylance Sarah , Nightingale Rebecca , Naunje Andrew , Mbalume Frank , Jewell Chris , Balmes John R , Grigg Jonathan , Mortimer Kevin
Published: August 2019

Background

Non-communicable lung disease and exposure to air pollution are major problems in sub-Saharan Africa. A high burden of chronic respiratory symptoms, spirometric abnormalities and air pollution exposures has been found in Malawian adults; whether the same would be true in children is unknown.

Methods

This cross-sectional study of children aged 6–8 years, in rural Malawi, included households from communities participating in the Cooking and Pneumonia Study (CAPS), a trial of cleaner-burning biomass-fuelled cookstoves. We assessed; chronic respiratory symptoms, anthropometry, spirometric abnormalities (using Global Lung Initiative equations) and personal carbon monoxide (CO) exposure. Prevalence estimates were calculated, and multivariable analyses were done.

Results

We recruited 804 children (mean age 7.1 years, 51.9% female), including 476 (260 intervention; 216 control) from CAPS households. Chronic respiratory symptoms (mainly cough (8.0%) and wheeze (7.1%)) were reported by 16.6% of children. Average height-for-age and weight-for-age z-scores were −1.04 and −1.10, respectively. Spirometric abnormalities (7.1% low forced vital capacity (FVC); 6.3% obstruction) were seen in 13.0% of children. Maximum CO exposure and carboxyhaemoglobin levels (COHb) exceeded WHO guidelines in 50.1% and 68.5% of children, respectively. Children from CAPS intervention households had lower COHb (median 3.50% vs 4.85%, p=0.006) and higher FVC z-scores (−0.22 vs −0.44, p=0.05) than controls.

Conclusion

The substantial burden of chronic respiratory symptoms, abnormal spirometry and air pollution exposures in children in rural Malawi is concerning; effective prevention and control strategies are needed. Our finding of potential benefit in CAPS intervention households calls for further research into clean-air interventions to maximise healthy lung development in children.
Endocrine responses during CPAP withdrawal in obstructive sleep apnoea: data from two randomised controlled trials
Authors: Thiel Sira , Haile Sarah R , Peitzsch Mirko , Schwarz Esther I , Sievi Noriane A , Kurth Salome , Beuschlein Felix , Kohler Malcolm , Gaisl Thomas
Published: August 2019

The aim of this investigation was to elucidate the effect of CPAP withdrawal on neurometabolic and cardiometabolic markers in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. We evaluated 70 patients (mean age 61±10 years, 82% men) treated with CPAP in two 2-week, parallel, randomised controlled trials. CPAP withdrawal resulted in elevated 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol, norepinephrine and cortisol after 2 weeks of CPAP withdrawal; however, no statistically significant changes of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) determinants were documented. In summary, CPAP withdrawal may be more prominently linked to short-term increases in sympathetic activation than hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis or RAAS activation. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT02493673andNCT02050425.
Evidence of Leptospira species and their significance during reintroduction of Eurasian beavers (Castorfiber) to Great Britain
Authors: Girling Simon J , Goodman Gidona , Burr Paul , Pizzi Romain , Naylor Adam , Cole Georgina , Brown Donna , Fraser Mary , Rosell Frank Narve , Schwab Gerhard , Elliott Mark , Campbell‐Palmer Roisin
Published: August 2019

The Scottish Beaver Trial (SBT) reintroduced the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) in 2009 using wild‐caught Norwegian beavers. This included a six‐month prerelease quarantine in Devon, England. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and government guidelines for health screening were followed, including testing for Leptospira species. Unlicensed beavers, from Germany, were also identified in Scotland (Tayside) and Devon (later forming the River Otter Beaver Trial (ROBT)) and were health‐screened under licence. Due to positive Leptospira species results and lack of prerelease screening in ROBT and Tayside, beavers from Germany and Norway (range sources) were screened. One hundred and fifty‐six samples from 151 beavers were analysed by Leptospira species quantitative PCR (qPCR) (n=73 kidney (postmortem)/urine samples (antemortem)) or microscopic agglutination test (MAT, Leptospira pools 1–6) (n=83 serum samples). No beavers from Norway (95 per cent confidence interval (CI) 0–5.6 per cent, n=52), Tayside or SBT postrelease (95 per cent CI 0–4.6 per cent, n=63) tested positive. Seven beavers from Germany and Devon were positive. This gives an overall 9.3 per cent (95 per cent CI 5.2‐15.1 per cent) exposure level, of which 4.6 per cent (95 per cent CI 1.9‐9.3 per cent) suggested infection on a positive qPCR (n=1) or MAT titre of at least 1/400 (n=6), although none had abnormal physical, biochemical or haematological changes. This study suggests that Leptospira species infection in wild Eurasian beavers occurs at a low level, has no sex bias and does not appear to cause significant morbidity or mortality.
Cardioprotective effects of (E)-4-hydroxy-N′-(1-(3-oxo-3H-benzo[f]chromen-2-yl)ethylidene)benzohydrazide: a newly synthesized coumarin hydrazone against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in a rat model
Authors: Ghazouani Lakhdar , Khdhiri Emna , Elmufti Afoua , Feriani Anouar , Tir Meriam , Baaziz Intissar , Hajji Raouf , Ben Mansour Hedi , Ammar Houcine , Abid Souhir , Mnafgui Kais
Published: August 2019

The current study was carried out to evaluate the effect of pretreatment and co-treatment with a newly synthesized coumarin hydrazone, (E)-4-hydroxy-N′-(1-(3-oxo-3H-benzo[f]chromen-2-yl)ethylidene)benzohydrazide (hereinafter EK6), against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats. Changes in biochemistry, cardiac biomarkers, electrocardiography, and histopathology after treatment with EK6 or acenocoumarol (Sintrom) were studied. Animals were randomly divided into 4 groups: vehicle control (C), isoproterenol + Sintrom (ISO + Sin), isoproterenol + EK6 (ISO + EK6), and isoproterenol (ISO). Myocardial infarction was induced by subcutaneous ISO administration at a dose of 85 mg·kg–1·day–1 with a drug-free interval of 24 h on days 6 and 7. Treatment with ISO led to significant elevation (p < 0.05) in serum levels of cardiac injury biomarkers, namely cardiac troponin-T, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase compared with levels in the vehicle control. A change in the lipid profile was also observed as a significant increase in total cholesterol and triglycerides. Furthermore, ISO caused significant alterations in the electrocardiogram pattern, including significant ST-segment elevation, significant decreased R wave amplitude, and significant increase in heart rate (16%) as well as marked changes in the histopathology of the heart tissue. Pretreatment and co-treatment with newly synthesized coumarin hydrazone restored all ISO-induced biochemical, lipid, cardiac, and histopathological changes in rats with myocardial infarction.
Short-term legacy effects of feedlot manure amendments on earthworm abundance in a clay loam soil
Authors: Miller J.J. , Owen M.L. , Drury C.F. , Chanasyk D.S.
Published: August 2019

Long-term application of feedlot beef cattle manure amendments to cropland may enhance earthworm abundance by increasing soil organic carbon. The objective of this study was to determine the legacy effects of feedlot manure type [stockpiled (SM) vs. composted (CM)], bedding material [straw (ST) vs. woodchips (WD)], manure rate (13, 39, or 77 Mg ha−1), unamended control, and inorganic fertilizer treatments on earthworm abundance in a clay loam soil after 3–4 yr of discontinued applications following 17 annual applications. Earthworms were sampled (20 cm depth) in 2 yr (2017–2018), and ancillary soil properties also determined. The Aporrectodea genus was the dominant earthworm identified. Earthworm abundance was similar (P > 0.05) for amended and unamended or inorganic fertilizer treatments. Abundance at the 39 Mg ha−1rate in 2018 was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater by four times for SM than CM with ST, but it was two times greater for CM than SM with WD. Abundance at the 13 Mg ha−1rate in 2017 was significantly greater by 91% for ST than WD, but at the 39 Mg ha−1rate, it was 10 times greater for WD than ST. In 2018, abundance was five times greater for WD than ST with CM, but it was similar with SM. Overall, short-term legacy effects occurred on earthworm abundance, but these effects varied with manure rate. Earthworm abundance was not increased by manure application, which suggested a carrying capacity not directly related to food resource.
Link prediction based on the tie connection strength of common neighbor
Authors: Yang Yujie , Zhang Jianhua , Zhu Xuzhen , Ma Jinming , Su Xin
Published: August 2019

Traditional link prediction indices focus on the degree of the common neighbor and consider that the common neighbor with large degree contributes less to the similarity of two unconnected endpoints. Therefore, some of the local information-based methods only restrain the common neighbor with large degree for avoiding the influence dissipation. We find, however, if the large degree common neighbor connects with two unconnected endpoints through multiple paths simultaneously, these paths actually serve as transmission influences instead of dissipation. We regard these paths as the tie connection strength (TCS) of the common neighbor, and larger TCS can promote two unconnected endpoints to link with each other. Meanwhile, we notice that the similarity of node-pairs also relates to the network topology structure. Thus, in order to study the influences of TCS and the network structure on similarity, we introduce a free parameter and propose a novel link prediction method based on the TCS of the common neighbor. The experiment results on 12 real networks suggest that the proposed TCS index can improve the accuracy of link prediction.
Fractional Meissner–Ochsenfeld effect in superconductors
Authors: Gómez-Aguilar J. F.
Published: August 2019

Fractional calculus (FC) is a valuable tool in the modeling of many phenomena, and it has become a topic of great interest in science and engineering. This mathematical tool has proved its efficiency in modeling the intermediate anomalous behaviors observed in different physical phenomena. The Meissner–Ochsenfeld effect describes the levitation of superconductors in a nonuniform magnetic field if they are cooled below critical temperature. This paper presents analytical solutions of the fractional London equation that describes the Meissner–Ochsenfeld effect considering the Liouville–Caputo, Caputo–Fabrizio–Caputo, Atangana–Baleanu–Caputo, fractional conformable derivative in Liouville–Caputo sense and Atangana–Koca–Caputo fractional-order derivatives. Numerical simulations were obtained for different values of the fractional-order.
Electronic and luminescence characteristics of Bi/Al co-doped silica optical fiber
Authors: Liu Gang , Guo Yanliang , Zhu Pengfei , Jia Baonan , Li Shanjun , Wang You , Peng Gang-Ding , Lu Pengfei
Published: August 2019

Electronic and luminescence characteristics of Bi/Al co-doped silica optical fiber model were investigated by using first-principle methods. Our results show that the preference Al substitution site is the adjacent Si site rather than O site. The doping of Al can contribute to the dispersion of Bi[Formula: see text] luminescence center and generate new luminescence center at [Formula: see text]1100 nm by affecting [Formula: see text] orbital of the O atom near Bi atom. Our results give a possible explanation of the near-infrared (NIR) luminescence in Bi/Al co-doped silica optical fibers.
A chaotic image encryption scheme based on cat map and MMT permutation
Authors: Wang Xingyuan , Lin Shujuan , Li Yong
Published: August 2019

This paper proposes an image encryption scheme based on cat mapping and matrix magic transformation (MMT) replacement method. First, the secure hash algorithm SHA-512 is used to generate 12 sets of keys, which are used for the initial values of the system and the required values of the algorithm for cat mapping and 2D-Logistic-adjusted-Sine map (LASM). Secondly, the plaintext image is scrambled by the cat mapping. Then, the matrix after the cat map replacement is again scrambled by the MMT replacement method to generate the permutation matrix. Finally, the permutation matrix is used for the bitxor operation with the chaotic sequence matrix generated by the 2D LASM system to realize the diffusion process of the scrambled image. Experimental results and security analysis show that the encryption algorithm has good performance and can resist various typical attacks.
Interaction solutions to the (1+1)-dimensional generalized Drinfel’d–Sokolov–Wilson equation
Authors: Shen Shoufeng , Ding Xiaonan , Zhang Rui , Hu Xiaorui
Published: August 2019

In this paper, abundant interaction solutions for the (1[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional generalized Drinfel’d–Sokolov–Wilson (gDSW) equation are presented. First, two groups of lump-soliton-type interaction solutions are constructed by using a combination of quadratic function and two exponential functions. Especially, lump-twin soliton-type solution therein can generate rogue wave, which rarely appears in (1[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional nonlinear systems in comparison with (2[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional nonlinear systems. When certain parameters are taken to zero, these exact solutions are reduced to corresponding lump, soliton and lumpoff solutions. Second, the lump-periodic wave-type and soliton-periodic wave-type interaction solutions are also found on the basis of the bilinear form of gDSW equation. In the concrete analysis, we use mathematical software Maple to deal with some complicated symbolic computations. Figures are presented to show the dynamical features of these solutions.
Lateral Vibration of Offshore Piles Considering Pile-Water Interaction
Authors: Fu Peng , Xie Kanghe
Published: August 2019

The dynamic response of an offshore pile in saturated soil subjected to lateral harmonic loading is theoretically investigated by considering the dynamic pile-water interaction. The governing equation of water is solved based on the separation of variable method, and the analytical expression of the hydrodynamic force applied on the pile is then obtained. Based on the continuous conditions at the pile-soil interface and pile-water interface, the analytical solution of the dynamic impedance of the offshore pile is derived by using transfer matrix method. To verify this solution, the dynamic impedance obtained for a cylinder in water is compared with that of a partially embedded pile. Based on this solution, the effect of hydrodynamic pressure and other parameters on the dynamic response of offshore piles is investigated. The results show that the analytical model ignoring the hydrodynamic force applied on the pile misestimates the impedance of the pile in the high frequency range.
CLASSIFICATION OF SOFTWARE CONTROL ARCHITECTURES FOR A POWERED PROSTHESIS THROUGH CONVENTIONAL GAIT ANALYSIS USING MACHINE LEARNING APPLICATIONS
Authors: LEMOYNE ROBERT , MASTROIANNI TIMOTHY
Published: August 2019

The powered prosthesis for people with transtibial amputation offers the opportunity to more appropriately restore gait functionality with benefits, such as powered plantar flexion. In particular, various software control architectures provide unique capabilities for regulating the powered prosthesis during gait. One highly novel approach applies the winding filament hypothesis, which enables an advanced modeling of muscle characteristics, such as through introducing the attributes of titin into the muscle model. The objective of the research is to contrast the conventional control architecture of the BiOM-powered prosthesis compared with the winding filament hypothesis control architecture through machine learning classification. Four machine learning algorithms are applied through the Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis (WEKA): J48 decision tree, [Formula: see text]-nearest neighbors, logistic regression, and the support vector machine. The feature set is derived from the force signal acquired from a force plate, which is a conventional gait analysis system. The feature set applied five attributes representing temporal and kinetic aspects of the stance phase of gait. The [Formula: see text]-nearest neighbors algorithm achieves the best machine learning classification accuracy of 95%. The preliminary research establishes the foundation for more sophisticated endeavors respective of the powered prosthesis, such as determining the appropriateness of modifying the software control architecture to best accommodate the progressive lifestyle evolutions and adaptations of the person with amputation.
Beyond Meta-Analysis: Secondary Uses of Meta-Analytic Data
Authors: Oh In-Sue
Published: August 2019

Secondary uses of meta-analytic data (SUMAD) represent advanced analyses and applications of first-order meta-analytic results for theoretical (e.g., theory testing) and practical (e.g., evidence-based practice) purposes to produce novel knowledge that cannot be directly obtained from the input meta-analytic results. First-order meta-analytic results in the form of bivariate effect sizes have been used as input to such secondary analyses and applications. Given the increasing popularity of SUMAD in human resource management (HRM) and organizational behavior (OB), there is a need for a systematic review on this topic. This article has two primary goals. First, it reviews essential works regarding SUMAD in the fields of HRM/OB and provides taxonomies of SUMAD in theoretical and practical domains. Second, it introduces recent SUMAD and discusses future directions that encourage more innovative and rigorous research endeavors along this line.
Predictors of oronasal breathing among obstructive sleep apnea patients and controls
Authors: Nascimento Juliana A. , Genta Pedro R. , Fernandes Paulo H.S. , Barroso Lucia P. , Carvalho Tômas S. , Moriya Henrique T. , Madeiro Fernanda , Lorenzi-Filho Geraldo , Nakagawa Naomi Kondo
Published: August 2019

Oronasal breathing may adversely impact obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients either by increasing upper airway collapsibility or by influencing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment outcomes. Predicting a preferential breathing route would be helpful to guide CPAP interface prescription. We hypothesized that anthropometric measurements but not self-reported oronasal breathing are predictors of objectively measured oronasal breathing. Seventeen OSA patients and nine healthy subjects underwent overnight polysomnography with an oronasal mask with two sealed compartments attached to independent pneumotacographs. Subjects answered questionnaires about nasal symptoms and perceived breathing route. Oronasal breathing was more common ( P = <0.001) among OSA patients than controls while awake (62 ± 44 vs. 5 ± 6%) and during sleep (59 ± 39 vs. 25 ± 21%, respectively). Oronasal breathing was associated with OSA severity ( P = 0.009), age ( P = 0.005), body mass index ( P = 0.044), and neck circumference ( P = 0.004). There was no agreement between objective measurement and self-reported breathing route among OSA patients while awake (κ = −0.12) and asleep (κ = −0.02). The breathing route remained unchanged after 92% of obstructive apneas. These results suggest that oronasal breathing is more common among OSA patients than controls during both wakefulness and sleep and is associated with OSA severity and anthropometric measures. Self-reporting is not a reliable predictor of oronasal breathing and should not be considered an indication for oronasal CPAP.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) interface choice for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients is often guided by nasal symptoms and self-reported breathing route. We showed that oronasal breathing can be predicted by anthropometric measurements and OSA severity but not by self-reported oronasal breathing. Self-reported breathing and nasal symptoms should not be considered for CPAP interface choice.
Locally Recurrent Leiomyoma of the Bladder Refractory to Visually Complete Transurethral Resection: An Indication for Cystoprostatectomy
Authors: Mitchell Katharina , Barnard John , Luchey Adam
Published: August 2019

Leiomyomas are benign smooth muscle tumors that have low malignant potential (0.1%) and can arise in nearly any area of the body. Genitourinary involvement is very rare and represents only 0.05% of all bladder tumors (Mendes et al., 2017; GÖK, 2017). The most common presenting symptoms of bladder leiomyomas are obstructive voiding (49%), irritative voiding (38%), and hematuria (11%) (Goluboff et al., 1994). Treatment involves complete excision, in this case transurethral resection (TUR), and generally results in complete cure with no recurrences noted in the 250 cases reported in the literature for open resection and 18% recurrence rates after TUR which were successfully treated with a repeat TUR in all cases. Herein, we report a case of leiomyoma of the bladder which was refractory to four visually complete transurethral resections and ultimately required radical cystoprostatectomy with ileal conduit urinary diversion.
Assessment of Severe Accident Management for Small IPWR under an ESBO Scenario
Authors: Yu Hao , Peng Minjun
Published: August 2019

Interest in evaluation of severe accidents induced by extended station blackout (ESBO) has significantly increased after Fukushima. In this paper, the severe accident process under the high and low pressure induced by an ESBO for a small integrated pressurized water reactor (IPWR)-IP200 is simulated with the SCDAP/RELAP5 code. For both types of selected scenarios, the IP200 thermal hydraulic behavior and core meltdown are analyzed without operator actions. Core degradation studies firstly focus on the changes in the core water level and temperature. Then, the inhibition of natural circulation in the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) on core temperature rise is studied. In addition, the phenomena of core oxidation and hydrogen generation and the reaction mechanism of zirconium with the water and steam during core degradation are analyzed. The temperature distribution and time point of the core melting process are obtained. And the IP200 severe accident management guideline (SAMG) entry condition is determined. Finally, it is compared with other core degradation studies of large distributed reactors to discuss the influence of the inherent design characteristics of IP200. Furthermore, through the comparison of four sets of scenarios, the effects of the passive safety system (PSS) on the mitigation of severe accidents are evaluated. Detailed results show that, for the quantitative conclusions, the low coolant storage of IP200 makes the core degradation very fast. The duration from core oxidation to corium relocation in the lower-pressure scenario is 53% faster than that of in the high-pressure scenario. The maximum temperature of liquid corium in the lower-pressure scenario is 134 K higher than that of the high-pressure scenario. Besides, the core forms a molten pool 2.8 h earlier in the lower-pressure scenario. The hydrogen generated in the high-pressure scenario is higher when compared to the low-pressure scenario due to the slower degradation of the core. After the reactor reaches the SAMG entry conditions, the PSS input can effectively alleviate the accident and prevent the core from being damaged and melted. There is more time to alleviate the accident. This study is aimed at providing a reference to improve the existing IPWR SAMGs.
Structure and Electrochemical Properties of Li4Ti5O12 Prepared via Low-Temperature Precipitation
Authors: Huynh Le Thanh Nguyen , Ha Cam Thanh Duy , Nguyen Viet Dung , Nguyen Dinh Quan , Le My Loan Phung , Man Tran Van
Published: August 2019

This work aimed to prepare the spinel phase Li4Ti5O12 by a combination of the low-temperature precipitation technique and assisted calcination step. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that the intermediated phase was Li2TiO3, and the spinel phase could be evidently formed at 700°C for 12 to 20 hours. The morphology of spinel powder, determined by SEM and TEM, exhibited a good distribution at the submicrometric scale that promoted a fast kinetic of Li migration and an excellent performance at the high-rate cycling test. The stable performances were achieved in the charge-discharge test at different current densities: 80 mA/g (165 mAh/g), 320 mA (160 mAh/g), and 1600 mA (145 mAh/g) upon 100 cycles. Moreover, we observe a capacity retention of 48% (corresponding 80 mA/g) at a high rate of 5000 mAh/g. The cyclic voltammetry measurement displayed a reversible system and revealed the lithium diffusion coefficient of 1.15 × 10−11 cm2/s.
Fuzzy Predictive Fault‐Tolerant Control for Time‐Delay Nonlinear Systems with Partial Actuator Failures
Authors: Shi Huiyuan , Li Ping , Su Chengli , Yu Jingxian
Published: August 2019

A fuzzy predictive fault‐tolerant control (FPFTC) scheme is proposed for a wide class of discrete‐time nonlinear systems with uncertainties, interval time‐varying delays, and partial actuator failures as well as unknown disturbances, in which the main opinions focus on the relevant theory of FPFTC based on Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy model description of these systems. The T‐S fuzzy model represents the discrete‐time nonlinear system in the form of the discrete uncertain time‐varying delay state space, which is firstly constructed by a set of local linear models and the nonlinear membership functions. The novel improved state space model can be further obtained by extending the output tracking error to the constructed model. Then the fuzzy predictive fault‐tolerant control law based on this extended model is designed, which can increase more control degrees of freedom. Utilizing Lyapunov‐Krasovskill theory, less conservative delay‐range‐dependent stable conditions in terms of linear matrix inequality (LMI) constraints are given to ensure the asymptotically robust stability of closed‐loop system. Meanwhile, the optimized cost function and H‐infinity performance index are introduced to the stable conditions to guarantee the robust performance and antidisturbance capability. The simulation results on the temperature control of a strong nonlinear continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) show that the proposed control scheme is feasible and effective.
Formation of Polyploid Giant Cancer Cells Involves in the Prognostic Value of Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Authors: Fei Fei , Zhang Mingqing , Li Bo , Zhao Lizhong , Wang Hui , Liu Lina , Li Yuwei , Ding Po , Gu Yanjun , Zhang Xipeng , Jiang Tao , Zhu Siwei , Zhang Shiwu
Published: August 2019

We previously reported that polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) exhibit cancer stem cell properties and can generate daughter cells with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition phenotype. This study investigated the role of PGCC formation in the prognostic value of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (nCRT) in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). The morphological characteristics were observed in patients with LARC after nCRT. Colorectal cancer cell lines were treated with irradiation or chemotherapeutic drugs, and the metastasis-related proteins were detected. 304 nCRT cases and 301 paired non-nCRT cases were collected for analysis. More PGCCs and morphologic characteristics related to invasion and metastasis appeared in tumor tissue after nCRT. Irradiation or chemicals could induce the formation of PGCCs with daughter cells exhibiting strong migratory, invasive, and proliferation abilities. In patients after nCRT, pathologic complete remission, partial remission, stable disease, and progressive disease were observed in 29 (9.54%), 125 (41.12%), 138 (45.39%), and 12 (3.95%) patients, respectively. Mucinous adenocarcinomas (MCs) occurred more frequently in nCRT than in non-nCRT patients (χ2 = 29.352,P=0.001), and the prognosis in MC patients was worse than that in non-MC patients (χ2 = 24.617,P=0.001). The difference in survival time had statistical significance for 60 days (χ2 = 5.357,P=0.021) and 70 days (χ2 = 18.830,P=0.001) rest interval time. On multivariable analysis, 60 days rest interval, Duke’s stage, and recurrence and/or distant metastasis remained significant predictors of survival. In conclusion, irradiation or chemicals induce the formation of PGCCs and PGCCs produce daughter cells with strong migration and invasion abilities after a long incubation period. Appropriate rest interval (incubation period) is very important for patients with LARC who will receive nCRT.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Discriminating Precancerous Pathologies from Cervical Cancer
Authors: Tas Mustafa , Yavuz Adem , Ak Mehmet , Ozcelik Bulent
Published: August 2019

Purpose. We aimed to determine the predictive value of several hematological markers of inflammation on the presence/absence of cervical cancer and also to determine their ability in discriminating precancerous cervical pathologies from cervical cancer. Materials and Methods. In this study, patients who presented to Acıbadem Kayseri Hospital between May 2010 and June 2018 were evaluated. Forty patients with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), 40 patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), and 30 patients with cervical cancer (CC) were retrospectively included in this study. A control group of 70 healthy volunteers with normal cervical cytology was also included in the study. Results. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was significantly higher in patients with CC than in controls. The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was significantly higher in patients with CC compared to those with LSIL and HSIL diagnoses and also controls (p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age (OR: 1.075, 95% CI: 1.020–1.132, p=0.007), NLR (OR: 1.643, 95% CI: 1.009–3.142, p=0.047), and PLR (OR: 1.032, 95% CI: 1.003–1.062, p=0.029) were predictors for the presence of CC. ROC curve analysis revealed that both NLR and PLR were predictive of CC with a cutoff value of 2.02 for NLR (71% sensitivity and 60% specificity, AUC: 0.682, p=0.004) and 126.7 for PLR (83% sensitivity and 69% specificity, AUC: 0.752, p<0.001). Conclusion. In addition to patients’ age, determination of NLR and PLR values, which are simple, inexpensive, and readily available markers of systemic inflammation, may help in decision making precancerous pathologies of the cervix.