bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of center of rotation of angulation‐based leveling osteotomy on ex vivo stifle joint stability following cranial cruciate ligament transection and medial meniscal release with and without a hamstring load
Authors: Mazdarani Parisa , Pedram Mir Sepehr , Miles James E.
Published: March 2022

Objective

To evaluate the effect of center of rotation of angulation (CORA)‐based leveling osteotomy (CBLO) and hamstring load on stifle stability following cranial cruciate ligament transection (CCLx) and medial meniscal release (MMR).

Study design

Ex vivo experimental study.

Sample population

Cadaver hind limb preparations (n = 7).

Methods

After instrumentation, constant quadriceps and gastrocnemius loads with an optional hamstring load in a 3:1:0.6 ratio were applied, and stifles were extended from fully flexed using an electrical motor during fluoroscopic recording. The recording process was repeated after each of CCLx, MMR and CBLO and the extracted landmark coordinates were used for calculation of cranial tibial translation (CTT) and patellar ligament angle (PTA).

Results

Mean initial tibial plateau angle was 28.1°: post‐CBLO the mean was 9.7°. Cranial tibial translation developed from 50° and 75° with CCLx and MMR respectively (p < .04, < .02) without hamstring loading. Hamstring loading mitigated CTT due to CCLx and delayed CTT until 120° for MMR (P < .02) in this model. CBLO prevented CTT, except at 140° without hamstring loading (P = .01). Similar results were seen for PTA, but CBLO curves were parallel to and lower than intact values at all tested angles (P < .04), consistent with induced effective joint flexion.

Conclusion

CBLO to a target tibial plateau angle of 10° largely eliminated CTT induced by CCLx and MMR. Hamstring loads of 20% quadriceps load improved stifle stability in this model.

Impact

Stifle stability following CBLO appears to be multifactorial and depends on meniscal integrity, joint angle, and hamstring strength.
Application of the Experimental Design for the Optimization of Microfiltration Membrane
Authors: Ait Baih M. , Saffaj H. , Adam A. , Bakka A. , Baraka N. El , Zidouh H. , Mamouni R. , Saffaj N.
Published: March 2022

In the present study, the effect of zirconia powder content, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Contact time and sintering temperature of zirconia microfiltration membrane elaboration were evaluated using Plackett-Burman design (PBD) and investigated by thickness and pore diameter. The zirconia microfiltration membrane has been prepared by the powder suspension technique. A deflocculated suspension of zirconia was obtained by mixing (5-10% w/w) of zirconia, (30-35% w/w) of PVA (12% w/w aqueous solution) as binder and water. The zirconia layer was deposited on the inner surface of clay support by slip casting with a contact time (2-5 min). After drying at room temperature, the ZrO2 membrane was sintered (800-1000°C) for 2 hours. By using PBD, sintering temperature, PVA and zirconia were recognized and selected as important effectives parameters of pore diameter; On the other hand, PVA and contact time were the main controlling parameters of the thickness of zirconia microfiltration layer. The optimal factors to elaborate the microfiltration membrane by using experimental design include a sintering temperature of 1000°C, zirconia content of 5%, PVA content of 30% and contact time of 2 min predicting a pores diameter of 0,24 µm and thickness of 24 µm.
Critical Evaluation of Thin Film Composite Membrane on Pesticide Removal
Authors: Lee Shirley Sze Ying , Chong Woon Chan , Chai Hoon Koo , Chung Ying Tao
Published: March 2022

This study focuses on how operating pressure, pesticide characteristics, membrane materials, feed solution and draw solution affect the performance of thin film composite membranes on pesticides removal. The membrane separation discussed in this review involve nanofiltration (NF), reverse osmosis (RO) and forward osmosis processes (FO) (i.e., FO mode and pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) mode). High pressure shows positive effects on NF and RO membranes flux performances, but it could deform PRO membranes. Hydrophobic pesticides that are larger in size, negatively charged with small dipole moments will result in higher retention. Besides, ions in the feed solution increased the rejection efficiency and permeate flux of membrane whereas pesticides concentration has a negative effect on their retention. pH of feed solution determines the zeta potential of membrane. As for the draw solution, NaCl at higher concentration is recommended. This paper is crucial to give an overview on ways to improve the removal of pesticides with various thin film composite membranes.
Igualdade de Gênero nos Tribunais pelo Quinto Constitucional: Um Caminho Pela Paridade no Sistema Eleitoral da OAB e a Participação Feminina nas Cúpulas Judiciais
Authors: Feitosa Gustavo Raposo Pereira , De Almeida Davi Everton Vireira , Dias Thaís Araújo
Published: March 2022

Em 2020, a Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil (OAB) acolheu a paridade de gênero em seu sistema eleitoral. Este artigo objetiva analisar as possíveis repercussões da adesão à paridade eleitoral de gênero pela OAB no âmbito do quinto constitucional. Como itinerário metodológico, tem-se como corte epistêmico a Justiça Estadual. Examinou-se a produção científica sobre a participação feminina no Poder Judiciário alinhada a uma pesquisa quantitativa sobre os currículos e as trajetórias profissionais dos desembargadores (217) integrantes do quinto constitucional de 19 Tribunais de Justiça dos estados. Os dados revelam a baixa inserção feminina; assim, a teoria das elites, de Pierre Bourdieu, por sua vez, os justifica. O quinto constitucional, como forma de acesso ao cargo de desembargador, vincula-se à conquista de capital simbólico obtido pela participação nos órgãos de representação de classe. As advogadas se encontram distantes da composição da cúpula da OAB e por isso têm dificuldade de acessar a magistratura pelo recrutamento proposto no art. 94 da  Constituição. Os resultados da pesquisa sugerem que a paridade de gênero adotada pela OAB se apresenta como um instrumento com potencial para redução das desigualdades de gênero em sua própria cúpula, com reflexos no acesso à magistratura na modalidade do quinto constitucional.
Direct Democracy and the Rights of Sexual Minorities
Authors: Bari Michele Di
Published: March 2022

Direct democracy is now being regarded as both an alternative of and an adjustment for representative constitutional democracy. Nevertheless, as is discussed in this article, direct democracy devices, particularly in those legal systems where no quorum is provided for validating referendums, can harm minorities. The analysis of “same-sex marriage referendums” can provide an emblematic example of how a minority groups can be easily outnumbered, when decisions are taken using direct popular voting.
El Derecho de Autodeterminación y Registro Civil de las Personas Intersexuales
Authors: Gagliardi Adriana Ruzzante , Gonçalves Rubén Miranda , Moura do Carmo Valter
Published: March 2022

Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar el tratamiento dado por el Consejo Federal de Medicina a las personas nacidas intersexuales y la normativa existente sobre el registro civil de los niños nacidos con sexo indefinido. Para ello, se analizaron la Resolución nº 1664/2003 del Consejo Federal de Medicina, la ADI nº 4.275/DF, las normas emitidas por las Corregidurías de Justicia de los Estados de São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná y Maranhão y los principios de Yogyakarta, la Opinión Consultiva nº 24/2017 de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos, la Declaración Universal de Derechos Humanos, las decisiones y políticas internacionales sobre el registro civil de la persona intersexual, siempre bajo el enfoque del principio de dignidad humana, fundamento y objetivo de la República Federativa de Brasil. Para obtener los resultados deseados, el enfoque seguido fue dialéctico, utilizando la investigación bibliográfica y legislativa. En conclusión, demostramos la necesidad imperiosa de revisar la mencionada Resolución del Consejo Médico Federal y de regular el procedimiento de registro civil de las personas de sexo desconocido en otros Estados brasileños
Correlation Between Rockwell and Brinell Hardness Measurements
Authors: Chen Bo , Leiste Ulrich H. , Chen Qiongyu , Fourney William L. , Li Teng
Published: March 2022

There exist various types of experimental measurement of hardness, yet a unified understanding of various hardness measurements lacks. Here, by testing the hardness of a wide range of materials, we show that Rockwell and Brinell hardness tests, the two most used hardness measurements, are closely related. The experimental measurements agree well with the theoretical prediction of such a correlation, which is further validated by finite element simulations. The findings of the correlation between Rockwell and Brinell hardness help address the challenges in measuring the hardness of certain materials.
An Exploration of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Assistant Coaches’ Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration
Authors: Raabe Johannes , Tolentino Kim , Readdy Tucker
Published: March 2022

According to basic psychological needs theory, the quality of individuals’ cognition, affect, and behavior is determined by their perceptions of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The purpose of this study was to investigate National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I assistant coaches’ basic psychological need satisfaction and frustration and the respective influence of the behavior of the head coach for whom they work on those perceptions. A total of N = 445 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I assistant coaches (191 women and 254 men; Mage = 34.9 ± 9.6 years) participated in the research. Participants reported relatively high levels of both satisfaction and frustration (i.e., compared with previous research) for all three basic psychological needs. A structural equation model (root mean square error of approximation = .06; comparative fit index = .95; Tucker–Lewis index = .95; standardized root mean square residual = .04) indicated that participants’ need satisfaction was significantly associated with the degree to which they perceived their head coaches to engage in need-supportive, need-thwarting, and need-indifferent behavior. Similarly, perceived need-supportive and need-thwarting behavior was also related with assistant coaches’ sense of need frustration. Findings highlight not only the importance of head coaches in shaping assistant coaches’ psychological functioning but also multiple important avenues for future research.
Bivalent H1 and H3 COBRA Recombinant Hemagglutinin Vaccines Elicit Seroprotective Antibodies against H1N1 and H3N2 Influenza Viruses from 2009 to 2019
Authors: Allen James D. , Ross Ted M.
Published: March 2022

Standard-of-care influenza virus vaccines are composed of a mixture of antigens from different influenza viral subtypes. For the first time, lead COBRA H1 and H3 HA antigens, formulated as a bivalent vaccine, have been investigated in animals with preexisting immunity to influenza viruses.
Draft Genome Sequences of Sixteen Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Extraintestinal Escherichia coli Isolates from Human Patients
Authors: Alotaibi Khulud , Khan Ashraf A. , Marasa Bernard , Khan Saeed A. , Johnson James , Johnston Brian , Sung Kidon , Nawaz Mohamed
Published: March 2022

We report here the draft genome sequences of 16 fluoroquinolone-resistant extraintestinal
Escherichia coli
isolates from human patients. These isolates had high MICs (32 to 256 μg/mL) for ciprofloxacin and contained point mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) of both
gyrA
and
parC
that confer resistance to fluoroquinolone.
A Novel Antimicrobial Peptide Derived from Bony Fish IFN1 Exerts Potent Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Mammals
Authors: Xiao Xun , Lu Hao , Zhu Wentao , Zhang Yanqi , Huo Xingchen , Yang Chunrong , Xiao Shaobo , Zhang Yongan , Su Jianguo
Published: March 2022

Type I interferons play crucial role in antiviral immunity in both vertebrates and invertebrates. The powerful antimicrobial activity is recently reported in nonmammalian vertebrates.
Erdheim-Chester disease: a rare cause of bilateral renal artery stenosis, mimicking large vessel vasculitis
Authors: Lakhani Priyanka Mayur , Borysiewicz Catherine , Mason Justin
Published: March 2022

A man in his 50s with resistant hypertension and history of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) was referred to rheumatology after suspicion of inflammatory arteritis was raised. This followed detection of bilateral renal artery stenosis during investigation for severe hypertension refractory to medical therapy. CT angiography revealed diffuse wall thickening of the abdominal aorta, in keeping with an aortitis. However, there was no serological or clinical evidence suggestive of a vasculitic process. Medical history included cranial diabetes insipidus, subclavian artery stenosis and spinal stenosis requiring surgery, over the course of 8 years. These findings led to consideration of Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD), a form of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis, where there is abnormal proliferation of histiocytes which causes tissue fibrosis and sclerosis of the long bones. Subsequent plain radiographs of the long bones revealed appearances consistent with a diagnosis of ECD. Thus, a diagnosis of an LCH/ECD overlap syndrome was made.
Acute anterior thigh compartment syndrome in Premiership rugby
Authors: Swallow Christopher , Walton Daniel
Published: March 2022

A case study of acute compartment syndrome in the anterior lateral thigh of a professional Rugby Union Flanker with no history of trauma is presented. The report covers all details from initial occurrence; medical history; investigations and surgical treatment; manual stimulus and rehabilitation; return to play; challenges and considerations—resulting in a positive outcome. Resultant observations/recommendations are that investigations should be swift and carefully considered to facilitate surgical intervention via decompressive fasciotomy as required.
Use of platelet-rich plasma in irradiated patients to treat and prevent complications of head and neck surgery
Authors: Bramati Chiara , Biafora Matteo , Galli Andrea , Giordano Leone
Published: March 2022

Nowadays, many patients facing head and neck oncological surgery have a history of tissue irradiation. This represents an important risk factor for postsurgical complications, including dehiscences and fistulas. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) obtained from the patient’s blood represents an easy, fast and inexpensive method for the prevention and treatment of such complications. We present three cases of previously irradiated patients in which PRP was successfully used to prevent and treat postsurgical complications.
Acute neurological deficit with submassive pulmonary emboli
Authors: Calthrop Adam , Shabbir Asad , Raffles Michael , Hogarth Kieran
Published: March 2022

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is frequently encountered in the emergency department. Syncope, often as a consequence of impending haemodynamic collapse, is associated with increased mortality. While loss of consciousness owing to cerebral hypoperfusion and reduced left ventricular preload is a common cause of collapse with large volume PE, other syndromes can also cause neurological deficit in thromboembolic disease. Here, we describe a case of a woman in her 60s, presenting to the emergency department with features of high-risk PE. During clinical examination, the patient collapsed and became unresponsive with a Glasgow Coma Scale of 4/15 despite normal haemodynamics. Neurological signs were noted and CT revealed evidence of a large territory cerebral infarction. Further cardiovascular investigations identified a grade 4 patent foramen ovale. We describe a challenging case of established venous thromboembolism complicated by paradoxical embolism, highlighting the importance of thorough clinical examination and investigation and discuss the current evidence base of treatments.
Secondary distal renal tubular acidosis and sclerotic metabolic bone disease in seronegative spondyloarthropathy
Authors: Agrawal Neeti , Mahata Rahin , Chakraborty Partha Pratim , Basu Kaushik
Published: March 2022

Adults with distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) commonly present with hypokalaemia (with/without paralysis), nephrolithiasis/nephrocalcinosis and vague musculoskeletal symptoms. All adults with dRTA should be thoroughly evaluated for systemic diseases, certain medications and toxins. The leading cause of acquired or secondary dRTA in adults is primary Sjögren syndrome (SS); however, other collagen vascular diseases (CVDs) including seronegative spondyloarthropathy (SSpA) may at times give rise to secondary dRTA. Metabolic bone disease is often encountered in adults with dRTA, and the list includes osteomalacia and secondary osteoporosis; sclerotic metabolic bone disease is an extremely rare manifestation of dRTA. Coexistence of dRTA and sclerotic bone disease is seen in primary dRTA due to mutation in CA2 gene and acquired dRTA secondary to systemic fluorosis. Primary SS and SSpA, rarely if ever, may also lead to both secondary dRTA and osteosclerosis. Circulating autoantibodies against carbonic anhydrase II and possibly calcium sensing receptor may explain both these features in patients with CVD.
Remote data collection speech analysis and prediction of the identification of Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers in people at risk for Alzheimer’s disease dementia: the Speech on the Phone Assessment (SPeAk) prospective observational study protocol
Authors: Gregory Sarah , Linz Nicklas , König Alexandra , Langel Kai , Pullen Hannah , Luz Saturnino , Harrison John , Ritchie Craig W
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Identifying cost-effective, non-invasive biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a clinical and research priority. Speech data are easy to collect, and studies suggest it can identify those with AD. We do not know if speech features can predict AD biomarkers in a preclinical population.

Methods and analysis

The Speech on the Phone Assessment (SPeAk) study is a prospective observational study. SPeAk recruits participants aged 50 years and over who have previously completed studies with AD biomarker collection. Participants complete a baseline telephone assessment, including spontaneous speech and cognitive tests. A 3-month visit will repeat the cognitive tests with a conversational artificial intelligence bot. Participants complete acceptability questionnaires after each visit. Participants are randomised to receive their cognitive test results either after each visit or only after they have completed the study. We will combine SPeAK data with AD biomarker data collected in a previous study and analyse for correlations between extracted speech features and AD biomarkers. The outcome of this analysis will inform the development of an algorithm for prediction of AD risk based on speech features.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Edinburgh Medical School Research Ethics Committee (REC reference 20-EMREC-007). All participants will provide informed consent before completing any study-related procedures, participants must have capacity to consent to participate in this study. Participants may find the tests, or receiving their scores, causes anxiety or stress. Previous exposure to similar tests may make this more familiar and reduce this anxiety. The study information will include signposting in case of distress. Study results will be disseminated to study participants, presented at conferences and published in a peer reviewed journal. No study participants will be identifiable in the study results.
Measuring older people’s socioeconomic position: a scoping review of studies of self-rated health, health service and social care use
Authors: Spiers Gemma Frances , Liddle Jennifer E , Stow Daniel , Searle Ben , Whitehead Ishbel Orla , Kingston Andrew , Moffatt Suzanne , Matthews Fiona E , Hanratty Barbara
Published: March 2022

Background

The challenges of measuring socioeconomic position in older populations were first set out two decades ago. However, the question of how best to measure older people’s socioeconomic position remains pertinent as populations age and health inequalities widen.

Methods

A scoping review aimed to identify and appraise measures of socioeconomic position used in studies of health inequalities in older populations in high-income countries. Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, HMIC and references lists of systematic reviews were searched for observational studies of socioeconomic health inequalities in adults aged 60 years and over, published between 2000 and 2020. A narrative synthesis was conducted.

Findings

One-hundred and thirty-eight studies were included; 20 approaches to measuring socioeconomic position were identified. Few studies considered which pathways the chosen measures of socioeconomic position intended to capture. The validity of subjective socioeconomic position measures, and measures that assume shared income and educational capital, should be verified in older populations. Incomplete financial data risk under-representation of some older groups when missing data are socially patterned. Older study samples were largely homogeneous on measures of housing tenure, and to a lesser extent, measures of educational attainment. Measures that use only two response categories risk missing subtle differences in older people’s socioeconomic circumstances.

Conclusion

Poor choice of measures of socioeconomic position risk underestimating the size of health inequalities in older populations. Choice of measures should be shaped by considerations of theory, context and response categories that detect subtle, yet important, inequalities. Further evidence is required to ascertain the validity of some measures identified in this review.
Endovascular treatment for isolated posterior cerebral artery occlusion stroke in the MR CLEAN registry
Authors: Brouwer Josje , Ergezen Saliha , Mulder Maxim Johan Heymen Laurence , Lycklama a Nijeholt Geert J , van Es Adriaan C G M , van der Lugt Aad , Dippel Diederik W J , Majoie Charles B L M , Roos Yvo B W E M , Coutinho J M , Emmer Bart J
Published: March 2022

Background

Endovascular treatment (EVT) is standard of care in anterior circulation large vessel occlusions. In posterior circulation occlusions, data on EVT in isolated posterior cerebral artery (PCA) occlusions are limited, although PCA occlusions can cause severe neurological deficit.

Objective

To describe in a prospective study the clinical manifestations, outcomes, and safety of EVT in isolated PCA occlusions.

Methods

We used data (2014–2017) from the MR CLEAN Registry, a nationwide, prospective cohort of EVT-treated patients in the Netherlands. We included patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to an isolated PCA occlusion on CT angiography. Patients with concurrent occlusion of the basilar artery were excluded. Outcomes included change in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (ΔNIHSS) score, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0–3 after 90 days, mortality, expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (eTICI), and periprocedural complications.

Results

Twenty (12%) of 162 patients with posterior circulation occlusions had an isolated PCA occlusion. Median age was 72 years; 13 (65%) were women. Median baseline NIHSS score was 13 (IQR 5–21). Six (30%) patients were comatose. Twelve patients (60%) received IVT. Median ΔNIHSS was −4 (IQR −11–+1). At follow-up, nine patients (45%) had mRS score 0–3. Seven (35%) died. eTICI 2b-3 was achieved in 13 patients (65%). Nine patients (45%) had periprocedural complications. No symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages (sICH) occurred.

Conclusions

EVT should be considered in selected patients with AIS with an isolated PCA occlusion, presenting with moderate–severe neurological deficits, as EVT was technically feasible in most of our patients and about half had good clinical outcome. In case of lower NIHSS score, a more conservative approach seems warranted, since periprocedural complications are not uncommon. Nonetheless, EVT seems reasonably safe considering the absence of sICH in our study.
Effects of endovascular therapy for mild stroke due to proximal or M2 occlusions: meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Chun-Hsien , Saver Jeffrey L , Ovbiagele Bruce , Tang Sung-Chun , Lee Meng , Liebeskind David S
Published: March 2022

Objective

To conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of endovascular therapy (EVT) in mild acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to proximal versus distal occlusions.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov from January 2000 to September 2021 to identify studies comparing EVT versus best medical management (BMM) in AIS with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores ≤5 due to proximal internal carotid artery (ICA) or M1 versus distal M2 occlusions. We included studies that reported the number of patients with proximal or distal occlusions separately and reported the number of patients with freedom of disability (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0–1) or functional independence (mRS score 0–2) at 90 days in proximal or M2 occlusions, respectively. OR with 95% CI was used.

Results

We identified six studies with 653 proximal ICA and M1 occlusion patients and 666 distal M2 occlusion patients. Pooled results showed EVT versus BMM was associated with a higher rate of being disability-free in patients with proximal occlusions (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.30), but was associated with a lower rate of being disability-free in patients with M2 occlusions (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.99). Effect of EVT in proximal versus distal occlusions was substantially different (P for interaction=0.002). A similar pattern was seen for functional independence (P for interaction=0.05).

Conclusions

For patients with mild AIS, observational data suggest that EVT may be beneficial for proximal ICA or M1 but not for distal M2 occlusions. Randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021281034.
Mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke in COVID-19 patients: multicenter experience in 111 cases
Authors: Styczen Hanna , Maus Volker , Goertz Lukas , Köhrmann Martin , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Fischer Sebastian , Möhlenbruch Markus , Mühlen Iris , Kallmünzer Bernd , Dorn Franziska , Lakghomi Asadeh , Gawlitza Matthias , Kaiser Daniel , Klisch Joachim , Lobsien Donald , Rohde Stefan , Ellrichmann Gisa , Behme Daniel , Thormann Maximilian , Flottmann Fabian , Winkelmeier Laurens , Gizewski Elke R , Mayer-Suess Lukas , Boeckh-Behrens Tobias , Riederer Isabelle , Klingebiel Randolf , Berger Björn , Schlunz-Hendann Martin , Grieb Dominik , Khanafer Ali , du Mesnil de Rochemont Richard , Arendt Christophe , Altenbernd Jens , Schlump Jan-Ulrich , Ringelstein Adrian , Sanio Vivian Jean Marcel , Loehr Christian , Dahlke Agnes Maria , Brockmann Carolin , Reder Sebastian , Sure Ulrich , Li Yan , Mühl-Benninghaus Ruben , Rodt Thomas , Kallenberg Kai , Durutya Alexandru , Elsharkawy Mohamed , Stracke Paul , Schumann Mathias Gerhard , Bock Alexander , Nikoubashman Omid , Wiesmann Martin , Henkes Hans , Mosimann Pascal J , Chapot René , Forsting Michael , Deuschl Cornelius
Published: March 2022

Background

Data on the frequency and outcome of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) in patients with COVID-19 is limited. Addressing this subject, we report our multicenter experience.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed of consecutive acute stroke patients with COVID-19 infection treated with MT at 26 tertiary care centers between January 2020 and November 2021. Baseline demographics, angiographic outcome and clinical outcome evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge and 90 days were noted.

Results

We identified 111 out of 11 365 (1%) patients with acute or subsided COVID-19 infection who underwent MT due to LVO. Cardioembolic events were the most common etiology for LVO (38.7%). Median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score were 16 (IQR 11.5–20) and 9 (IQR 7–10), respectively. Successful reperfusion (mTICI ≥2b) was achieved in 97/111 (87.4%) patients and 46/111 (41.4%) patients were reperfused completely. The procedure-related complication rate was 12.6% (14/111). Functional independence was achieved in 20/108 (18.5%) patients at discharge and 14/66 (21.2%) at 90 days follow-up. The in-hospital mortality rate was 30.6% (33/108). In the subgroup analysis, patients with severe acute COVID-19 infection requiring intubation had a mortality rate twice as high as patients with mild or moderate acute COVID-19 infection. Acute respiratory failure requiring ventilation and time interval from symptom onset to groin puncture were independent predictors for an unfavorable outcome in a logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion

Our study showed a poor clinical outcome and high mortality, especially in patients with severe acute COVID-19 infection undergoing MT due to LVO.
Development, validation and comparison of multivariable risk scores for prediction of total stroke and stroke types in Chinese adults: a prospective study of 0.5 million adults
Authors: Chun Matthew , Clarke Robert , Zhu Tingting , Clifton David , Bennett Derrick A , Chen Yiping , Guo Yu , Pei Pei , Lv Jun , Yu Canqing , Yang Ling , Li Liming , Chen Zhengming , Cairns Benjamin J
Published: March 2022

Background and purpose

Low-income and middle-income countries have the greatest stroke burden, yet remain understudied. This study compared the utility of Framingham versus novel risk scores for prediction of total stroke and stroke types in Chinese adults.

Methods

China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) is a prospective study of 512 726 adults, aged 30–79 years, recruited from 10 areas in China in 2004–2008. By 1 January 2018, 43 234 incident first stroke cases (36 310 ischaemic stroke (IS); 8865 haemorrhagic stroke (HS)) were recorded in 503 842 participants with no history of stroke at baseline. We compared the predictive utility of the Framingham Stroke Risk Profile (FSRP) with novel CKB stroke risk scores and included recalibration, refitting, stratifying by study area and addition of other risk factors. Discrimination was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration was assessed using Greenwood-Nam-D’Agostino χ2statistics.

Results

Incidence of total stroke varied fivefold by area in China. The FSRP had good discrimination for total stroke (AUC (95% CI); men: 0.78 (0.77 to 0.79), women: 0.77 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.78)), but poor calibration (χ2; men: 1,825, women: 3,053), substantially underestimating absolute risks. Recalibration reduced χ2by >80%, but did not improve discrimination. Refitting the FSRP did not materially improve discrimination, but further improved calibration. Stratification by area improved discrimination (AUC; men: 0.82 (0.82 to 0.83); women: 0.82 (0.82 to 0.83)), but not calibration. Adding other risk factors yielded modest, but statistically significant, improvements in the AUCs. The findings for IS and HS were similar to those for total stroke.

Conclusions

The FSRP reliably differentiated Chinese adults with incident stroke, but substantially underestimated the absolute risks of stroke. Novel local risk prediction equations that took account of differences in stroke incidence within China enhanced risk prediction of total stroke and major stroke pathological types.
An ecosystem-scale litter and microplastics monitoring plan under the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP)
Authors: Provencher Jennifer , Kögel Tanja , Lusher Amy , Vorkamp Katrin , Gomiero Alessio , Peeken Ilka , Granberg Maria , Hammer Sjúrður , Baak Julia , Larsen Jan Rene , Farmen Eivind
Published: March 2022

Lack of knowledge on levels and trends of litter and microplastics in the Arctic, is limiting our understanding of the sources, transport, fate, and effects is hampering global activities aimed at reducing litter and microplastics in the environment. To obtain a holistic view to managing litter and microplastics in the Arctic, we considered the current state of knowledge and methods for litter and microplastics monitoring in eleven environmental compartments representing the marine, freshwater, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments. Based on available harmonized methods, and existing data in the Arctic, we recommend prioritization of implementing litter and microplastics monitoring in the Arctic in four Priority 1 compartments—water, aquatic sediments, shorelines, and seabirds. One or several of these compartments should be monitored to provide benchmark data for litter and microplastics in the Arctic and, in the future, data on spatial and temporal trends. For the other environmental compartments, methods should be refined for future sources and surveillance monitoring, as well as monitoring of effects. Implementation of the monitoring activities should include community-based local components where possible. While organized as national and regional programs, monitoring of litter and microplastics in the Arctic should be coordinated, with a view to future pan-Arctic assessments.
Drones reveal spatial patterning of sympatric Alaskan pinniped species and drivers of their local distributions
Authors: Larsen Gregory D. , Seymour Alexander C. , Richmond Erin L. , Divine Lauren M. , Moreland Erin E. , Newton Everette , London Josh M. , Johnston David W.
Published: March 2022

The Arctic and its adjacent ecosystems are undergoing rapid ecological reorganization in response to the effects of global climate change, and sentinel species provide critical updates as these changes unfold. This study leverages emerging remote sensing techniques to reveal fine-scale drivers of distribution and terrestrial habitat use of two sympatric sentinel species of the central Bering Sea, the Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardii (Gray, 1864)) and the northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus (Linnaeus, 1758)), at non-breeding haul-outs in the Pribilof Islands. We surveyed these species using unoccupied aircraft systems with thermal and visible-light photography, and we applied distributional modeling techniques to quantify the relative influence of habitat characteristics and social dynamics on the local distributions of these species. Drone imagery yielded locations and population counts of each species, and spatial data products allowed quantitative characterization of occupied sites, revealing that conspecific attraction is a driver of local site selection for both species, and Pacific harbor seals and northern fur seals are differentially limited by terrain characteristics. These findings represent new applications of species distribution modeling at local scales, made possible by ultra-high resolution drone surveillance and photogrammetric techniques, which add new spatial context to past observations and future scenarios in this changing ecosystem.
Two-loop prediction of the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon in the Two-Higgs Doublet Model with GM2Calc 2
Authors: Athron Peter , Balazs Csaba , Cherchiglia Adriano , Jacob Douglas , Stöckinger Dominik , Stöckinger-Kim Hyejung , Voigt Alexander
Published: March 2022

We present an extension of the software to calculate the muon anomalous magnetic moment ($${a_\mu ^{{\text {BSM}}}}$$

a
μ
BSM

) in the Two-Higgs Doublet Model. The Two-Higgs Doublet Model is one of the simplest and most popular extensions of the Standard Model. It is one of the few single field extensions that can give large contributions to $${a_\mu ^{{\text {BSM}}}}$$

a
μ
BSM

. It is essential to include two-loop corrections to explain the long standing discrepancy between the Standard Model prediction and the experimental measurement in the Two-Higgs Doublet Model. The new version 2 implements the state of the art two-loop calculation for the general, flavour violating Two-Higgs Doublet Model as well as for the flavour aligned Two-Higgs Doublet Model and the type I, II, X and Y flavour conserving variants. Input parameters can be provided in either the gauge basis or the mass basis, and we provide an easy to use SLHA-like command-line interface to specify these. Using this interface users may also select between Two-Higgs Doublet Model types and choose which contributions to apply. In addition, 2 also provides interfaces in C++, C, and , to make it easy to interface with other codes.
Hyperfine splitting effects in string hadronization
Authors: Bierlich Christian , Chakraborty Smita , Gustafson Gösta , Lönnblad Leif
Published: March 2022

We revisit the recipe for hadron formation in the Lund string hadronization model. Given an incoming quark or quark-diquark pair, weights for hadron formation are updated to take hyperfine splitting effects arising from the mass difference between $$\mathrm {u,d}$$

u
,
d

-type and $$\mathrm {s}$$
s
-type quarks. We find that the procedure improves the description of hadron yields in $$\mathrm {e}^+\mathrm {e}^-$$

e

+

e

-

collisions and the $$\phi $$
ϕ
cross section in neutral current DIS. We also show results for proton collisions, and discuss the future use of this study in the context of small system collectivity.
Effect of plasticity and coalescing for neighboring asperities in contact with a rigid flat
Authors: Zhang Siyuan , Liu Yanwei , Li Xin
Published: March 2022

The contact behaviors of rough surfaces, which consist of asperities with random geometric properties at small length scale, have been extensively investigated on contact behaviors in engineering and scientific research. Due to the complexity of loading condition and surface topography, the limitation of traditional statistical model leads to the inaccuracy of prediction for rough surface contact behaviors. Starting from the multi-asperity contact theory, we release the restrictions of classical GW model and propose an elastic-plastic interacting model to investigate the coalescence effect of neighboring asperities in this paper. Through numerous simulations and analyses, the results show that the plasticity can be measured by material and morphology parameters. With the increasing of plasticity and the decreasing of asperity peak distance, the contact interface transits from interaction dominated to coalescence dominated contact relationships. With the increasing of loading, the shape of contact zone changes from two independent circles with expanding radius to a joint point, and finally the contact zone becomes a single ellipse. The coalescence status of neighboring asperities is influenced by the plasticity and the initial distance between asperity peaks. Our study provides some basis for establishing a statistical or discrete rough surface model considering merging, predicting the contact behaviors between solids, and revealing the evolution of contact spot information.
A Novel Enhanced Nonnegative Matrix Factorization Method for Face Recognition
Authors: Chen Wen-Sheng , Chen Haitao , Pan Binbin
Published: March 2022

Nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF), distinguished from the approaches for holistic feature representation, is able to acquire meaningful basis images for parts-based representation. However, NMF does not utilize the data-label information and usually achieves undesirable performance in classification. To address the above-mentioned problem of NMF, this paper proposes a new enhanced NMF (ENMF) method for facial image representation and recognition. We seek to learn powerfully discriminative feature by a label-based regularizer which describes the relationship between the data. It is desired that minimizing the regularizer makes the data from the same class have high similarity and the data from different classes have low similarity. This good property will contribute to improving the performance of NMF. Therefore, we propose an objective function of ENMF by incorporating the label-based regularizer into the loss function. Subsequently, we find the stationary point of the constructed auxiliary function by means of Cardano’s formula and derive the update rules of our ENMF algorithm. The convergence of the proposed ENMF is both theoretically sound and empirically validated. Finally, the proposed ENMF method is successfully applied to face recognition. Four publicly available face datasets, namely AR, Caltech 101, Yale, and CMU PIE, are chosen for evaluations. Compared with the state-of-the-art NMF-based algorithms, the experimental results illustrate that the proposed ENMF algorithm achieves superior performance.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF HATCH COVER STOCKING GANTRY CRANE HOOKS MANUFACTURED FROM ST37 AND WELDOX700 STEELS UNDER STATIC LOADING CONDITIONS
Authors: ŞENGÜL ÖMER , KAM MENDERES
Published: March 2022

Crane hooks are used to ensure the safe transportation of loads to be lifted in load lifting and handling systems. In this study, special hooks for cranes designed to open and close the doors of warehouse zones used for ship cargo and cargo transport, and their responses under 60,000 N static loading conditions are numerically and experimentally analyzed. In the experimental study, ST37 structural steel and Weldox700 high-strength steel were used to manufacture the hook. Experimental data collected under static loading conditions of the component was measured via strain gauges sensors. It was concluded that the results of structural numerical analysis with the Finite Element Method (FEM) using ANSYS 2019 R3 analysis program with experimental data are in harmony with the results of experimental measurements. In addition, the maximum values of stress of the hook manufactured with Weldox700 and ST37 steels under the stress static loading conditions are obtained as 60 MPa and 57.3 MPa, respectively. In the numerical analysis results, stress value was obtained as 61.21 MPa. Compared to the analysis results based on experiments and FEM, numerical analysis results showed that fudge factors in ST37 and Weldox700 steels are 1.8% and 6%, respectively. This result confirms that experimental and mathematical data were in harmony with each other and reliable.
Idea Management Systems in Developing Innovation Capacity
Authors: Mikelsone Elina , Spilbergs Aivars , Volkova Tatjana , Liela Elita
Published: March 2022

This paper aims to identify the different idea management system (IMS) types impact on innovation capacity and to support companies in the selection of the most appropriate IMS approach. The main findings of the research indicate the following: First, the application of active IMS stimulates innovation culture more than the application of passive IMS. Second, the application of active IMS improves innovation potential more than the application of passive IMS. Third, the application of the internal IMS type provides higher innovation potential than the application of the external IMS type. Lastly, there is evidence that the application of active IMS accelerates innovation at a higher pace than the application of passive IMS.
RSDF-AM-LSTM: Regional Scale Division Rainfall Forecasting Using Attention and LSTM
Authors: Li Wenrui , Zhang Pengcheng , Dong Hai , Jia Yangyang , Cao Wennan
Published: March 2022

Short-term rainfall forecasting plays a critical role in meteorology, hydrology, and other related areas. Currently, data-driven approaches have made considerable progress in rainfall forecasting. However, these approaches suffer from the following major drawbacks. First, they do not accommodate a reasonable and effective model to mathematically represent the complete changes of a rainfall block. Second, scale division rainfall forecasting is overlooked in existing literature. Third, generalization is not well validated in these approaches. To address these issues, we propose a novel Regional Scale Division Forecasting model using attention mechanism and long short term memory network (RSDF-AM-LSTM) for short-term and scale-division rainfall forecasting. The forecasting model can take full account of the regional characteristics of the rainfall blocks. It is established by employing a method similar to image evolution. The approach also provides a reasonable and effective model to formulate the complete changes of rainfall blocks, including newborn, splitting, strengthening, weakening, and merging. A deep learning algorithm based on AM-LSTM is proposed to forecast the change of rainfall block. AM-LSTM describes temporal and spatial association among four parallel LSTMs through AM. The rainfall data used in our experiments are obtained from 3,200 meteorological stations in and around China. The experimental results show that RSDF-AM-LSTM outperforms two popular atmospheric models and other traditional machine learning approaches.
PhyMask: Robust Sensing of Brain Activity and Physiological Signals During Sleep with an All-textile Eye Mask
Authors: Rostaminia Soha , Homayounfar Seyedeh Zohreh , Kiaghadi Ali , Andrew Trisha , Ganesan Deepak
Published: March 2022

Clinical-grade wearable sleep monitoring is a challenging problem since it requires concurrently monitoring brain activity, eye movement, muscle activity, cardio-respiratory features, and gross body movements. This requires multiple sensors to be worn at different locations as well as uncomfortable adhesives and discrete electronic components to be placed on the head. As a result, existing wearables either compromise comfort or compromise accuracy in tracking sleep variables. We propose PhyMask, an all-textile sleep monitoring solution that is practical and comfortable for continuous use and that acquires all signals of interest to sleep solely using comfortable textile sensors placed on the head. We show that PhyMask can be used to accurately measure all the signals required for precise sleep stage tracking and to extract advanced sleep markers such as spindles and K-complexes robustly in the real-world setting. We validate PhyMask against polysomnography (PSG) and show that it significantly outperforms two commercially-available sleep tracking wearables—Fitbit and Oura Ring.
ARIS: A Noise Insensitive Data Pre-Processing Scheme for Data Reduction Using Influence Space
Authors: Cai Jianghui , Yang Yuqing , Yang Haifeng , Zhao Xujun , Hao Jing
Published: March 2022

The extensive growth of data quantity has posed many challenges to data analysis and retrieval. Noise and redundancy are typical representatives of the above-mentioned challenges, which may reduce the reliability of analysis and retrieval results and increase storage and computing overhead. To solve the above problems, a two-stage data pre-processing framework for noise identification and data reduction, called ARIS, is proposed in this article. The first stage identifies and removes noises by the following steps: First, the influence space (IS) is introduced to elaborate data distribution. Second, a ranking factor (RF) is defined to describe the possibility that the points are regarded as noises, then, the definition of noise is given based on RF. Third, a clean dataset (CD) is obtained by removing noise from the original dataset. The second stage learns representative data and realizes data reduction. In this process, CD is divided into multiple small regions by IS. Then the reduced dataset is formed by collecting the representations of each region. The performance of ARIS is verified by experiments on artificial and real datasets. Experimental results show that ARIS effectively weakens the impact of noise and reduces the amount of data and significantly improves the accuracy of data analysis within a reasonable time cost range.