bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parenting and prosocial behaviors: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wong Tracy K. Y. , Konishi Chiaki , Kong Xiaoxue
Published: August 2020

Ascertaining whether and the extent to which different aspects of parenting are associated with prosocial behaviors could inform parenting programs in cultivating healthy development. Multilevel meta‐analyses (k = 124) involving children and adolescents were conducted to examine associations between parenting and prosocial behaviors while accounting for demographic and study characteristics. Authoritative parenting (r = .174, p < .001) was associated positively whereas authoritarian parenting (r = −.107, p < .001) was associated negatively with prosocial behaviors. These associations remained robust across infancy, childhood, and adolescence in both individualistic and collectivistic cultures. These associations also were invariant across child and parent gender. Moderating effects relevant to the type of prosocial behaviors under examination were identified. Authoritative parenting was associated positively with general, public, emotional, anonymous, dire, compliant, and other specific types of prosocial behaviors (e.g., sharing), but associated negatively with altruistic prosocial behaviors. Authoritarian parenting was associated negatively with general and altruistic prosocial behaviors, but not other specific types. Moderating effects relevant to study design and informant of parenting were found. No moderating effects were identified for the informant and target of prosocial behaviors. Associations of permissive (r = −.096, p < .01) and neglecting parenting (r = −.054, p = .543) remain unclear due to insufficient number of studies and publication biases. Implications for theories, research, and practice are discussed.
Comparison of different energy response for lipolysis using a 1,060‐nm laser: An animal study of three pigs
Authors: Kwon Tae‐Rin , Kim Jong Hwan , Jang You Na , Lee Sung‐Eun , Hong Ji‐Yeon , Yoo Kwang Ho , Kim Beom Joon
Published: August 2020

Background

Non‐invasive body‐sculpting procedures are becoming increasingly popular. The application of 1,060 nm of laser energy transcutaneously to hyperthermically induce the disruption of fat cells in the abdomen is a type of non‐invasive procedure.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to compare the treatment results from two parameters of the same system, each with different energy output levels, in an in vivo porcine model to determine the most effective application.

Methods

Female pigs (n = 3) were used in this study. We examined the effects of the treatment using photography, ultrasonography, gross and microscopic pathology, and histological examination in order to determine the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety of the procedure. Blood chemistry analysis was performed before each session to check lipid levels and to monitor for any adverse changes in markers that may indicate liver damage. Biopsies were taken and routinely processed with hematoxylin and eosin and Oil Red O stains to examine for tissue damage at baseline and after each treatment. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays were performed to check for apoptotic‐related DNA damage.

Results

Ultrasonic imaging of the same area before and after the application of 1,060 nm of laser energy at outputs of 0.9 and 1.4 W/cm2 showed that the density of the fat layer changed immediately after irradiation due to the transient heat transfer in the fat layer. Preclinical evaluation was performed to obtain comparison data on the safety and efficacy of subcutaneous fat reduction after applying the different energy outputs of 0.9 and 1.4 W/cm2.

Conclusion

Based on our findings, we suggest that long‐term histologic changes through the use of these devices suggest a comparative effectiveness of the treatment energy.
Plasma exchange in TTP: to taper or not to taper
Authors: Patriquin Christopher J. , Pavenski Katerina
Published: August 2020

See brief report on page 1666–1668, in this issue; See brief report on page 1676–1680, in this issue
Donor education – times change and we with time
Authors: OʼBrien Sheila F.
Published: August 2020

See article on page 1747–1755, in this issue; See article on page 1756–1764, in this issue
Platelet transfusions in haematologic malignancies in the last six months of life
Authors: Moracchini Julie , Seigeot Audrey , Angelot‐Delettre Fanny , Vienot Angélique , Aubry Régis , Daguindau Étienne , Deconinck Eric , Frache Sandra , Tiberghien Pierre
Published: August 2020

Background and objectives

Practices in end‐of‐life platelet transfusions in haematologic malignancies are variable. Our aim was to describe the platelet transfusion burden and parameters linked to this indication in such a setting and thereby contribute to defining optimal practices.

Materials and methods

From July 2015 to December 2016, all consecutive deceased adult patients with a haematologic malignancy receiving a platelet transfusion in the last 6 months of their life from the Etablissement Français du Sang Bourgogne Franche‐Comté were included retrospectively. The outcome criteria were changes in the number of platelet transfusions, percent platelet recovery, platelet transfusion interval, reported bleeding with its grade and recipient adverse events in the last 6 months of life.

Results

Among the 1125 patients monitored, 119 were included in our study. Bleeding prophylaxis (versus treatment) was the reason for 55% of transfusions. 18% of platelet concentrates (n = 1999) were transfused during the last two weeks of life. As death approached, the transfusion and haemorrhage burden increased (P < 0·0001 in both cases), whereas platelet recovery and transfusion interval decreased (P = 0·02 in both cases). Recipient adverse events were rare (0·6%) and of minor severity.

Conclusion

In end‐of‐life transfused patients with haematologic malignancies, approaching death is associated with an increased number of platelet transfusions and bleeding events, while platelet recovery and transfusion intervals are reduced. Such findings, together with further evaluations, may contribute to informing best practices for these patients.
The Acute Effects of Foam Rolling and Dynamic Stretching on Athletic Performance: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Anderson Bethany L. , Harter Rod A. , Farnsworth James L.
Published: August 2020

Clinical Scenario: Dynamic stretching and foam rolling are commonly used by athletes to reduce injury and enhance recovery, thereby improving athletic performance. In contrast to dynamic stretching, little research has been conducted on the acute effects of foam rolling as part of the preexercise warm-up routine. Previously, when researchers implemented foam rolling with static stretching as a warm-up, some found that foam rolling slightly improved flexibility and performance outcomes. More recent research has shown that dynamic stretching is favorable to static stretching when used as a warm-up strategy. Therefore, adding foam rolling to dynamic stretching is hypothesized to create more significant improvements in flexibility and performance compared with adding foam rolling to static stretching. Focused Clinical Question: In active individuals, does foam rolling in addition to dynamic stretching lead to enhanced performance compared with dynamic stretching alone? Summary of Key Findings: Four randomized controlled trials were included. Two studies concluded that the addition of foam rolling to dynamic stretching increased vertical jump height more than dynamic stretching alone, while 2 studies found no difference between these treatment groups. Two studies concluded that the addition of foam rolling increased agility performance compared with dynamic stretching alone, while one study found no difference between treatment groups and one study did not measure agility. All 4 studies reviewed concluded that foam rolling did not improve flexibility more than dynamic stretching alone. Clinical Bottom Line: Foam rolling in conjunction with dynamic stretching may further improve an athlete’s agility and power output; however, little improvement has been observed with foam rolling in regard to athlete flexibility when compared with completing dynamic stretching programs alone. Strength of Recommendation: Inconsistent findings from 4 randomized controlled trials suggest there is Grade C evidence to support the inclusion of foam rolling in a dynamic warm-up.
Universal coherence protection in a solid-state spin qubit
Authors: Miao Kevin C. , Blanton Joseph P. , Anderson Christopher P. , Bourassa Alexandre , Crook Alexander L. , Wolfowicz Gary , Abe Hiroshi , Ohshima Takeshi , Awschalom David D.
Published: August 2020

Dressed for coherence

Solid-state qubits based on the electron spin of defects in silicon carbide or diamond provide a robust and versatile architecture for developing quantum technologies. The longer the lifetime of a spin, the more manipulations and quantum calculations can be performed, making for a more powerful quantum computational platform. Miao
et al.
show that by dressing the spins associated with the divacancy in silicon carbide with microwave photons, the lifetime can be extended by several orders of magnitude into milliseconds (see the Perspective by Hemmer). The technique effectively creates a quiet space for the qubit, thereby protecting it from magnetic, electric, and temperature fluctuations. This approach could be applicable to other architectures and provide a universal route to protecting qubits.

Science
, this issue p.
1493
; see also p.
1432
A dangerous rush for vaccines
Authors: Thorp H. Holden
Published: August 2020

The chasm between science and politics continues to grow, with Russian President Putin announcing this week that a fast-tracked vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is ready for use, and President Trump indicating days earlier that a vaccine could be ready in the United States before the 3 November presidential election. There's been a dangerous rush to get to the vaccine finish line first. In a race of “Sputnik” proportions (as Putin puts it), quick approval by regulatory agencies is needed to “win.” This is dangerous thinking, driven by political goals and instant gratification: Shortcuts in testing for vaccine safety and efficacy endanger millions of lives in the short term and will damage public confidence in vaccines and in science for a long time to come.
Rifabutin Is Bactericidal against Intracellular and Extracellular Forms of Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Johansen Matt D. , Daher Wassim , Roquet-Banères Françoise , Raynaud Clément , Alcaraz Matthéo , Maurer Florian P. , Kremer Laurent
Published: August 2020

Mycobacterium abscessus
is increasingly recognized as an emerging opportunistic pathogen causing severe lung diseases. As it is intrinsically resistant to most conventional antibiotics, there is an unmet medical need for effective treatments. Repurposing of clinically validated pharmaceuticals represents an attractive option for the development of chemotherapeutic alternatives against
M. abscessus
infections. In this context, rifabutin (RFB) has been shown to be active against
M. abscessus
and has raised renewed interest in using rifamycins for the treatment of
M. abscessus
pulmonary diseases.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Caspofungin among Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients during the Postoperative Period of Lung Transplantation
Authors: Wang Qianlin , Zhang Zhu , Liu Donglin , Chen Wenqian , Cui Gang , Li Pengmei , Zhang Xianglin , Li Min , Zhan Qingyuan , Wang Chen
Published: August 2020

Little is known about the influence of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of caspofungin. The aim of this study was to describe population PK of caspofungin in patients with and without ECMO during the postoperative period of lung transplantation (LTx) and to investigate covariates influencing caspofungin PK. We compared ECMO patients with non-ECMO patients, and patients before and after ECMO weaning as self-controls, to analyzed changes in caspofungin PK. Eight serial blood samples were collected from each patient for PK analysis.
Vancomycin Heteroresistance and Clinical Outcomes in Bloodstream Infections Caused by Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci
Authors: Dao Tina H. , Alsallaq Ramzi , Parsons Joshua B. , Ferrolino Jose , Hayden Randall T. , Rubnitz Jeffrey E. , Rafiqullah Iftekhar M. , Robinson D. Ashley , Margolis Elisa B. , Rosch Jason W. , Wolf Joshua
Published: August 2020

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are a common etiology of serious and recurrent infections in immunocompromised patients. Although most isolates appear susceptible to vancomycin, a single strain might have a subpopulation of resistant bacteria. This phenomenon is termed heteroresistance and may adversely affect the response to treatment. A retrospective cohort study was performed of pediatric patients with leukemia treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital who developed CoNS central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI).
Long-Term Fluctuation of Oral Biofilm Microbiota following Different Dietary Phases
Authors: Anderson Annette Carola , Rothballer Michael , Altenburger Markus Jörg , Woelber Johan Peter , Karygianni Lamprini , Vach Kirstin , Hellwig Elmar , Al-Ahmad Ali
Published: August 2020

Caries affects a large proportion of the population worldwide, resulting in high treatment costs. Its etiology can be ascribed to shifts of the microbiota in dental biofilms primarily driven by dietary factors. It is unclear how diet affects the microbial community of plaque biofilm
in situ
and whether it can be modulated to help prevent caries development. To address these issues, we analyzed changes of the
in situ
plaque microbiota following 3-month-long dietary changes involving elevated sucrose, dairy, and dietary fiber consumption over a period of 15 months. Applying high-throughput sequencing, we found non-mutans streptococci, a taxonomic group involved in the beginning stages toward microbial dysbiosis, in decreased abundance with elevated dairy and dietary fiber intake. Through analysis of the enamel surface roughness, these effects were confirmed. Therefore, correspondent dietary measures can be recommended for children as well as adults for caries prevention.
Low-Cost Polyester-Tipped Three-Dimensionally Printed Nasopharyngeal Swab for the Detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Related Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Authors: Alghounaim Mohammad , Almazeedi Sulaiman , Al Youha Sarah , Papenburg Jesse , Alowaish Osama , AbdulHussain Ghadeer , Al-Shemali Rawan , Albuloushi Ahmad , Alzabin Saud , Al-Wogayan Khaled , Al-Mutawa Yousef , Al-Sabah Salman
Published: August 2020

Case identification, isolation, and contact tracing are fundamental strategies used to control the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This has led to widespread testing that interrupted the supply chain for testing materials around the world. A prospective study was conducted to compare inexpensive and easily sourced 3-dimensionally (3D)-printed polylactic acid and polyester nasopharyngeal swabs to commercially manufactured swabs for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
In vitro evaluation of delays in the adjustment of the fraction of inspired oxygen during CPAP: effect of flow and volume
Authors: Schwarz Christoph E. , Lightbody Gordon , Müller-Hansen Ingo , Arand Jörg , Poets Christian F. , Franz Axel R.
Published: August 2020

Background

Adjusting the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) delivered to preterm infants to keep their oxygen saturation within target range remains challenging. Closed-loop automated FiO2 control increases the time infants spend within the assigned target range. The delay with which FiO2 adjustments at the ventilator result in a change in the inspired gas limits the performance of both manual and automated controls.

Objective

To evaluate the equilibration time (Teq) between FiO2 adjustments and changes in FiO2 reaching the patient.

Methods

In vitro determination of the delay in FiO2 adjustments at the ventilator at 5 and 8 L/min of gas flow and two different humidifier/ventilator circuit volumes (840 and 432 mL).

Results

Teq values were 31, 23, 20 and 17 s for the volume–flow combinations 840 mL+5 L/min, 840 mL+8 L/min, 432 mL+5 L/min and 432 mL+8 L/min, respectively.

Conclusion

The identified delay seems clinically relevant and should be taken into account during manual and automatic control of FiO2.
Treatment outcomes of patients with MDR-TB in Nepal on a current programmatic standardised regimen: retrospective single-centre study
Authors: Ghimire Samiksha , Karki Samriddhi , Maharjan Bhagwan , Kosterink Jos G W , Touw Daan J , van der Werf Tjip S , Shrestha Bhabana , Alffenaar Jan-Willem
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to evaluate treatment in patients on current programmatic multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) regimen and verify eligibility for the 9-month regimen and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM).

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with MDR-TB receiving standardised regimen at the German Nepal TB Project Clinic, Nepal, between 2014 and 2016. Eligibility for the 9-month regimen and indications for TDM were evaluated.

Results

Out of 107 available patients’ medical records, 98 were included. In this centre, the MDR-TB treatment success rates were 69.0% in 2015, 86.6% in 2016 and 86.5% in 2017. The median time to sputum smear conversion was 60 days (60–90IQR) and culture conversion was 60 days (60–90IQR). Observed side effects did not impact treatment outcomes. No difference in treatment success rates was observed between patients with predisposing risk factors and those without. Only 49% (36/74) of patients were eligible for the 9-month regimen and 23 patients for TDM according to American Thoracic Society guideline criteria.

Conclusions

Nepalese patients with MDR-TB on ambulatory care had good treatment outcome after programmatic treatment. Implementation of the new WHO oral MDR-TB treatment regimen may further improve treatment results. The 9-month regimen and TDM should be considered as part of programmatic care.
Pain, physical symptoms and functional assessment in progressive neurological disease in palliative care
Authors: Bužgová Radka , Kozáková Radka , Bar Michal
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The aim of the research was to identify the most frequent symptoms of patients with progressive neurological disease (PND) in relation to their functional state. Another objective was to determine the effects of consultations with a multidisciplinary palliative team on mitigating the symptoms burden, subjective evaluation of health, disease progression and improvement of the functional state.

Methods

The interventional control study included 151 patients with PND (98 patients in the intervention group, 53 patients in the control group). The intervention group was provided with consultations of a multidisciplinary palliative team. The symptoms scale of the progressive neurological diseases quality of life was used to collect data. The patients completed the questionnaire before the provided intervention and 3 months after that.

Results

Pain and fatigue were identified as the symptoms that trouble the patients the most. After the intervention, there was a determined statistically significant improvement in the evaluation of 9 out of 11 symptoms (except excretion and urination) among the patients from the intervention group compared with the control group. When assessed again, the patients from the intervention group showed an improvement with respect to six symptoms (pain, fatigue, tremor, stiffness, cramps, excretion), while the patients from the control group had six symptoms that deteriorated (drowsiness, dyspnoea, stiffness, swallowing, salivation, excretion). There was not any confirmed positive impact of the intervention on the cognitive functions of the patients.

Conclusion

The provision of consultations with the multidisciplinary palliative team to patients with PND in an advanced stage of disease resulted in decreasing their symptoms burden and improving their functional state.
Current review of the management of fistulising perianal Crohn’s disease
Authors: Adegbola Samuel O , Sahnan Kapil , Twum-Barima Charlene , Iqbal Nusrat , Reza Lillian , Lung Phillip , Warusavitarne Janindra , Tozer Phil , Hart Ailsa
Published: August 2020

Perianal manifestations of Crohn’s disease constitute a distinct disease phenotype commonly affecting patients and conferring an increased risk of disability and disease burden. Much research has gone into management of fistulising manifestations, with biological therapy changing the landscape of treatment. In this article, we discuss the up-to-date surgical and medical management of perianal fistulas, highlighting current consensus management guidelines and the evidence behind them, as well as future directions in management.
Complex relationship between household wealth, location of residence, road crash injury incidence and injury severity in Uganda
Authors: Kraemer John D
Published: August 2020

Background

Limited evidence exists about associations between road crash injury and economic status in sub-Saharan Africa from large, population-based data sets. Existing studies generally do not incorporate fatal crashes. This study aims to understand the relationship between relative wealth and road crash injury and severity using population-representative cross-sectional data from Uganda’s 2016 Demographic and Health Survey .

Methods

One-year road crash risk was flexibly modelled as a function of wealth using fractional polynomial models, stratified by sex and rural/urban residence. Wealth was operationalised as 1/20th quantiles of the first principal component from a polychoric principal component analysis. Injury severity was coded as a three-level ordinal variable; associations with wealth were modelled with ordinal logistic regression on quintiles of relative wealth, stratified by residence.

Results

Overall, injury risk peaked in the upper middle of the wealth distribution. Rural resident injury risk increased monotonically with wealth. Urban resident risk had an upside-down U shape. Risk peaked in the distribution’s middle at about double the lowest levels. Only urban men had higher risk among the least wealthy than most wealthy (3.2% vs 1.7%; difference=1.5 percentage points, 95% CI 0.2 to 2.7). Among those with road crash injuries, greater relative wealth was associated with decreased likelihood of more severe injury (33.2 percentage points lower in the highest category than lowest, 95% CI 18.4 to 48.1) or death (5.9 percentage points, 95% CI −0.1 to 11.8) for urban residents but not rural residents.

Conclusion

Relationships between relative wealth and injury risk and severity are complex and different for urban and rural Ugandans.
Fruit and vegetable consumption and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among Korean adults: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kim Seong-Ah , Shin Sangah
Published: August 2020

Background

Diet is an important risk factor contributing to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and associated metabolic co-morbidities (obesity or metabolic syndrome). This study aimed to investigate the association between fruit and vegetable consumption and NAFLD risk according to sex among Korean adults.

Methods

We included 52 280 participants from the Health Examinees study cohort. The cumulative average intake of fruits and vegetables was estimated using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to estimate relative risk (RR) and 95% CI of NAFLD according to the quintiles of fruit and vegetable consumption.

Results

During 4.2 years of follow-up, 2130 cases of NAFLD were documented. In women, higher consumption of fruits (RR 0.77; 95% CI 0.62 to 0.96) and vegetables (RR 0.71; 95% CI 0.56 to 0.88) was associated with lower NAFLD risk (p for trend=0.0106 and 0.0071, respectively). Men showed a decreasing tendency of NAFLD risk according to vegetable consumption (p for trend =0.0374). Higher total intakes of fruits and vegetables were significantly associated with lower NAFLD risk in men (RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.62 to 0.92, p for trend =0.0047) and women (RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.59 to 0.93, p for trend =0.0021).

Conclusion

Fruit intake, vegetable intake, and total fruit and vegetable intake were associated with reduced NAFLD risk. Fruit and vegetable consumption can protect against NAFLD and associated metabolic co-morbidities.
Why unethical papers should be retracted
Authors: Bülow William , Godskesen Tove E , Helgesson Gert , Eriksson Stefan
Published: August 2020

The purpose of retracting published papers is to maintain the integrity of academic research. Recent work in research ethics has devoted important attention to how to improve the system of paper retraction. In this context, the focus has primarily been on how to handle fraudulent or flawed research papers and how to encourage the retraction of papers based on honest mistakes. Less attention has been paid to whether papers that report unethical research—for example, research performed without appropriate concern for the moral rights and interests of the research participants—should be retracted. The aim of this paper is to examine to what extent retraction policies of academic journals and publishers address retractions of unethical research and to discuss critically various policy options and the reasons for accepting them. The paper starts by reviewing retraction policies of academic publishers. The results show that many journals do not have explicit policies for how to handle unethical research. Against this background, we then discuss four normative arguments for why unethical research should be retracted. In conclusion, we suggest a retraction policy in light of our empirical and normative investigations.
Photon mass limits driven by axions, Lorentz violation, chiral and gravitational anomalies in non-Riemannian spaces, and helical dynamo seeds
Authors: Garcia de Andrade L.C.
Published: August 2020

In this paper two types of applications of Cartan torsion to cosmology and quantum field theory are given. The first is given by massive photon axial torsion mixing through non-minimal coupling. It is shown that chiral anomalies induce upper limits on the photon mass and galactic dynamo seeds. In this example we obtain magnetic field seeds of the order of 10−16 G from a strong chiral battery magnetic field of the order of 1030 G. This cosmic magnetic field is in accordance with previous magnetic dynamo seed limits as 10−22 G ≤ Bseed ≤ 10−12 G given by Barrow et al. (Phys. Rev. D, 86, 023533 (2012). doi: 10.1103/PhysRevD.86.023533 ). In this example, as in the Prokopec et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett. 89, 101301 (2002). doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.89.101301 ) torsionless case, which associates Dolgov anomalies to photon mass limits, we show that at early universe scales, 10−32 eV is a very stringent limit. Here we can show that the parameter [Formula: see text], which is well within the lower bound of r needed for the magnetic field to seed galactic dynamos. Helical magnetic fields are obtained. One can also derive massive photon limits from axial chiral anomalies with torsion degrees of freedom (Duncan et al. Nucl. Phys. B, 387, 215 (1992). doi: 10.1016/0550-3213(92)90052-D ) leading to photon mass of the order of 10−11 eV. Dynamo equations are obtained from anomalous Maxwell equations as well as magnetic wave equations with photon mass, which are analytically solved. In the second example one shows that Chern–Simons (CS) current is affected by the presence of minimal coupled torsion. In this case as well one obtains a photon mass limit of the order 10−18 eV. Gravitational anomalies in Riemann–Cartan spacetime with axial torsion are also obtained. Recently, Terrano et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett. 122, 231301 (2019). doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.122.231301 ) computed dark matter mass constraints of the order of 10−23 eV from spin-polarised torsion balances, which has given some support for torsion theories of Einstein–Cartan type. Here, however, we deal with torsion with dynamical degrees of freedom. Lorentz violation in non-Riemannian CS currents are investigated.
Inclusive probability of particle creation on classical backgrounds
Authors: Kazinski Peter
Published: August 2020

The quantum theories of boson and fermion fields with quadratic nonstationary Hamiltoanians are rigorously constructed. The representation of the algebra of observables is given by the Hamiltonian diagonalization procedure. The sufficient conditions for the existence of unitary dynamics at finite times are formulated and the explicit formula for the matrix elements of the evolution operator is derived. In particular, this gives the well-defined expression for the one-loop effective action. The ultraviolet and infrared divergencies are regularized by the energy cutoff in the Hamiltonian of the theory. The possible infinite particle production is regulated by the corresponding counterdiabatic terms. The explicit formulas for the average number of particles$$N_D$$NDrecorded by the detector and for the probabilityw(D) to record a particle by the detector are derived. It is proved that these quantities allow for no-regularization limit and, in this limit,$$N_D$$NDis finite and$$w(D)\in [0,1)$$w(D)∈[0,1). As an example, the theory of a neutral boson field with stationary quadratic part of the Hamiltonian and nonstationary source is considered. The average number of particles produced by this source from the vacuum during a finite time evolution and the inclusive probability to record a created particle are obtained. The infrared and ultraviolet asymptotics of the average density of created particles are derived. As a particular case, quantum electrodynamics with a classical current is considered. The ultraviolet and infrared asymptotics of the average number of photons are derived. The asymptotics of the average number of photons produced by the adiabatically driven current is found.
Numerical calculation of the quasinormal frequencies for the Dirac field in a Lifshitz black brane
Authors: Ares de Parga-Regalado A. M. , López-Ortega A.
Published: August 2020

In the zero momentum limit we numerically calculate the quasinormal frequencies of the massive Dirac field propagating in a Lifshitz black brane. We focus on the non-exactly solvable cases for the fermionic perturbations, so that our results are an extension of the examples already reported for the massive Klein–Gordon and Dirac fields in the zero momentum limit. Based on our numerical results, we propose an analytical approximation of the obtained quasinormal frequencies of the Dirac field and compare their behavior with those of the Klein–Gordon field. We extend the results on the Klein–Gordon quasinormal frequencies already published. Furthermore, by imposing the Dirichlet boundary condition at the asymptotic region, we are able to find more general results for the fermionic exactly solvable case previously studied.
Synchronization control for discrete-time complex dynamical networks with dynamic links subsystem
Authors: Liu Lizhi , Wang Yinhe , Chen Haoguang , Gao Zilin
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the synchronization of discrete-time complex dynamical network with dynamic links is investigated. From the angle of large-scale system, if the links and nodes are time-varying, the complex dynamical network may be regarded to be composed of nodes subsystem (NS) and links subsystem (LS). The weighted value of links between nodes can be regarded as the state variables of LS, the above two subsystems are mutually coupled. The two subsystems are modeled mathematically by the state difference equations, especially, the dynamics of LS is modeled as Riccati matrix difference equation without control input. Different from the previous researches, this work concerns simultaneously the dynamics of LS and NS, by which the synchronization of NS is investigated. Associated with the given dynamic reference target for LS, the nodes controller is synthesized to ensure the state synchronization of NS to be achieved with the assistance of the LS. Finally, the numerical simulation is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results in this paper.
The adsorption of divalent heavy metal ions on (8,0) carbon nanotubes: The first-principles study
Authors: Zhu Z. , An L. , Chen T. , Jia X.
Published: August 2020

In order to explore new ways to detect and remove heavy metal ions from industrial wastewater, the first-principles method based on density functional theory has been used to investigate the performance of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in adsorbing divalent heavy metal ions which include Zn[Formula: see text], Cu[Formula: see text], Pb[Formula: see text] and Sn[Formula: see text]. Results show that the adsorption of Zn[Formula: see text] on CNTs is weak and only physical adsorption forms between them. However, for Cu[Formula: see text], Pb[Formula: see text] and Sn[Formula: see text], the final adsorption distance with CNTs is greatly decreased, and the adsorption energy and charge transfer amount with CNTs are significantly increased. In addition, the charge density of Cu[Formula: see text], Pb[Formula: see text] and Sn[Formula: see text] overlaps effectively with that of CNTs. These indicate the formation of strong chemisorption between these ions and CNTs. Therefore, CNTs could be used as a sensing material to detect and remove Cu[Formula: see text], Pb[Formula: see text] and Sn[Formula: see text] from wastewater. The research provides theoretical guidance for the application of CNTs in heavy metal ions treatment.
Lump, mixed lump-soliton, and periodic lump solutions of a (2+1)-dimensional extended higher-order Broer–Kaup System
Authors: Guo Fan , Lin Ji
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a (2+1)-dimensional extended higher-order Broer–Kaup system is introduced and its bilinear form is presented from the truncated Painlevé expansion. By taking the auxiliary function as the ansatzs including quadratic, exponential, and trigonometric functions, lump, mixed lump-soliton, and periodic lump solutions are derived. The mixed lump-soliton solutions are classified into two cases: the first one describes the non-elastic collision between one lump and one line soliton, which exhibits fission and fusion phenomena. The second one depicts the interaction consisting of one lump and two line soliton, which generates a rogue wave excited from two resonant line solitons.
Investigation of Gas Transport Properties of PEMFC Catalyst Layers Using a Microfluidic Device
Authors: Suzuki Takahiro , Nakata Yasuhiro , Tsutsui Fumiaki , Tsushima Shohji
Published: August 2020

The effective gas diffusivity, porous structure, and tortuosity factor of catalyst layers used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells were evaluated using a microfluidic device. Sufficient gas transport properties of the catalyst layers are a key factor for achieving high-performance catalyst layers and fuel cells. In the present study, catalyst layers with different thicknesses and different carbon supports were evaluated. Stand-alone carbon black and multi-walled carbon nanotubes were blended into the catalyst layers as the support. The all-carbon-black-based catalyst layer contained some volume of isolated pores and some amount of microcracks, which depended on its thickness. The tortuosity factor was evaluated considering the effects of the isolated pores and microcracks. However, the tortuosity factor of the all-carbon-black-based catalyst layer was larger than the well-known Bruggeman-correlated tortuosity factor. When carbon nanotubes were blended into the catalyst layer, the tortuosity factor was drastically decreased to less than one-half that of the carbon-black-based catalyst layers. A change in the number of straight pores formed by the fibrous support and variation of the ionomer distribution can affect the tortuosity factor.
Monitoring of Retinoic Acid Uptake into H9c2 Cells Using Electric-Double-Layer (EDL) Gated Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Tsai Shu-Yi , Wang Jen-Hsuan , Chen Po-Hsuan , Paulose Akhil K. , Wang Yu-Lin , Chen Jung-Chih
Published: August 2020

Fibronectin-immobilized extended gated electric-double-layer field-effect transistors are demonstrated for non-invasively monitoring retinoic acid uptake by H2c9 cell lines. The diffusion of retinoic acid into the cells is electrically measured as the drain current gain based on the change of the voltage drop in culture medium produced by the capacitance change of the cells. Impedance measurement and analysis reveal that the imaginary part dominates the major voltage drop in medium and the sensing characteristics as well. The sensor chip is confirmed to be a capacitive equivalent model and combining with the signal amplification by FETs. This non-invasive cell-based sensor platform enables to monitor the interaction between molecules and cells, which is promising for prospective applications in all kinds of intracellular study and drug screening.
Reproducible improvement in endothelial function following two separate periods of high-intensity interval training in young men
Authors: Williams J. S. , Del Giudice M. , Gurd B. J. , Pyke K. E.
Published: August 2020

This is the first study examining endothelial function [flow-mediated dilation (FMD)] following repeated periods of high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Two periods of HIIT separated by detraining resulted in reproducible group-level improvements in FMD. Despite considerable between-subject variability in FMD adaptation, individual FMD changes with the first HIIT period predicted FMD changes in the second period. This indicates the existence of reproducible between-subject differences in susceptibility to FMD improvement with HIIT.
Articles with impact: insights into 10 years of research with machine learning
Authors: van der Zwaard Stephan , de Leeuw Arie-Willem , Meerhoff L. (Rens) A. , Bodine Sue C. , Knobbe Arno
Published: August 2020

Common measures of article impact are the Altmetric Attention Scores, number of downloads, and number of citations. To our knowledge, this is the first study that applies machine learning on a comprehensive collection of article characteristics to predict article attention scores, downloads, and citations. Using 10 years of research articles, we obtained accurate predictions of high-impact articles and discovered important article characteristics related to article impact.
Brain mechanisms of insomnia: new perspectives on causes and consequences
Authors: Van Someren Eus J. W.
Published: August 2020

While insomnia is the second most common mental disorder, progress in our understanding of underlying neurobiological mechanisms has been limited. The present review addresses the definition and prevalence of insomnia and explores its subjective and objective characteristics across the 24-hour day. Subsequently, the review extensively addresses how the vulnerability to develop insomnia is affected by genetic variants, early life stress, major life events, and brain structure and function. Further supported by the clear mental health risks conveyed by insomnia, the integrated findings suggest that the vulnerability to develop insomnia could rather be found in brain circuits regulating emotion and arousal than in circuits involved in circadian and homeostatic sleep regulation. Finally, a testable model is presented. The model proposes that in people with a vulnerability to develop insomnia, the locus coeruleus is more sensitive to—or receives more input from—the salience network and related circuits, even during rapid eye movement sleep, when it should normally be sound asleep. This vulnerability may ignite a downward spiral of insufficient overnight adaptation to distress, resulting in accumulating hyperarousal, which, in turn, impedes restful sleep and moreover increases the risk of other mental health adversity. Sensitized brain circuits are likely to be subjectively experienced as “sleeping with one eye open”. The proposed model opens up the possibility for novel intervention studies and animal studies, thus accelerating the ignition of a neuroscience of insomnia, which is direly needed for better treatment.
Molecular physiology of bile acid signaling in health, disease, and aging
Authors: Perino Alessia , Demagny Hadrien , Velazquez-Villegas Laura , Schoonjans Kristina
Published: August 2020

Several diseases and conditions have been associated with an uncontrolled rise in bile acid (BA) concentrations. This is often the case when the tight feedback regulation of BA synthesis is compromised to the point that BAs become detrimental. BAs and their cognate receptors, farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and Takeda G-protein receptor 5 (TGR5), however, exert many beneficial roles as they enable tissues to adapt to environmental, nutritional, and physiological cues. Over the last two decades, BA mimetics targeting FXR, TGR5, or both, have been proven to be efficacious in alleviating chronic metabolic and inflammatory disorders, such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes (T2D), atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). While several aspects of BA signaling are still poorly understood, the first therapeutics targeting FXR are making their way into the clinic to treat liver diseases, such as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and NASH. Drugs targeting BA signaling may, hence, have a bright future and the continuing efforts on studying the impact of changing BA signaling pathways in humans will be beneficial to translate our emerging knowledge on BA physiology in model organisms into clinical benefits.
A GC-MS-Based Metabolomics Investigation of the Protective Effect of Liu-Wei-Di-Huang-Wan in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mice
Authors: Huang Jian-hua , He Dan , Chen Lin , Du Qing , Yu Rong , Cai Ping , Zhang Shui-han
Published: August 2020

Aim of the Study. The present study aimed to establish a metabolic profile and to investigate the changes of endogenous metabolites in diabetic mice treated with LWDHW. We further investigated the metabolic mechanism of action for the hypoglycemic activity of LWDHW and its possible role in reducing the risk of renal failure in type 2 diabetic mice. Materials and Methods. MKR mice were used for the development of diabetes with high-fat diet feeding. These mice were further injected with streptozocin (STZ) to aggravate kidney failure. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR values) were determined to validate the successful establishment of diabetic models with desired kidney dysfunction. Metabolomics approach coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and random forest (RF) algorithm was proposed to discover the metabolic differences among model group and control group as well as to examine the therapeutic efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine, Liu-Wei-Di-Huang-Wan (LWDHW), in diabetes and associated kidney failure. Results. Some metabolites such as 3-hydroxybutyric acid, citric acid, hexadecanoic acid, and octadecanoic acid showed significant differences between the control group and model group. Treatment with LWDHW resulted in a significant decrease in FBG and ACR values. These results suggested that LWDHW could have beneficial effects in diabetes-associated renal failure.
Experiment on the Segment Model of a Plain Concrete Arch Bridge Reinforced with UHPC Composite Arch Circle
Authors: Wang Zongshan , Zhou Jianting , Yang Jun , Chen Lei , Wang Weicheng
Published: August 2020

This research aims to investigate the efficiency of strengthening of plain concrete (PLC) arches using UHPC. Thirteen segment arch models reinforced using normal concrete (NC, group N) or ultra‐high performance concrete (UHPC, group U) were tested in this study. The failure mode, strain distribution, and calculation of bearing capacity of PLC arch bridges reinforced with UHPC arch circle were analyzed. The experimental results showed that the technology of chiseling and planting bars could provide sufficient bond strength on the interface between the UHPC reinforcement layer and NC substrate. Both groups showed one or two failure modes of the concrete crushing of the original structure and the interface failure. However, no cracks appeared in the UHPC reinforcement layer, indicating that there was still large bearing potential. The strain distribution of the whole section in group N was consistent with the plane section assumption. But, this phenomenon was not observed in group U since the strain of the reinforcement layer was ahead (R‐side loading) or behind (L‐side loading) that of original structures. A simplified calculation formula was used for calculating the bearing capacity of group U. It was accurate for specimens loaded on the L‐side, and an enhancement coefficient of 0.15 should be considered for R‐side loading specimens.
Prevalence of the Helicobacter pylori babA2 Gene in Children Mainly Depends on the PCR Primer Set Used
Authors: Šterbenc Anja , Lunar Maja M. , Homan Matjaž , Luzar Boštjan , Zidar Nina , Poljak Mario
Published: August 2020

Various polymerase chain reaction- (PCR-) based methods with varying positivity rates were designed to detect the Helicobacter pylori babA2 gene. To compare different primer sets, babA2 prevalence was determined in 279 H. pylori-positive pediatric samples using the 832 bp, 139 bp, and 271 bp PCR primer sets, resulting in 34.0%, 51.3%, and 79.6% prevalence of the babA2 gene, respectively. The babA2 status determined using the 832 bp and 139 bp PCR primer sets significantly correlated with bacterial density and activity of inflammation, whereas no such correlations were found using the 271 bp PCR primer set. The 139 and 832 bp PCR primer sets concordantly detected the babA2 gene in 93 cases; however, in comparison to the 832 bp PCR primer set, the 139 bp PCR primer set detected additional 50 babA2 cases, whereas only two 832 bp positive cases were missed. The 271 bp PCR primer set missed 32 babA2 cases that were 832 bp and/or 139 bp PCR positive, but tested solely positive in 109 cases. Interestingly, cloning of a subset of 271 bp PCR positive samples revealed amplification of the babA/B gene chimera. Hence, in our opinion, the 271 bp PCR protocol is not a reliable diagnostic tool for detecting the babA2 gene in children. Our results reaffirm previous observations that the use of certain babA2 PCR primer sets can significantly impact estimation of the prevalence and clinical relevance of the H. pylori babA2 gene in children, suggesting babA2 detection methods should be carefully selected.
The Efficacy of Conbercept in Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wang Yimin , Shen Mengxi , Cheng Jinwei , Sun Xiaodong , Kaiser Peter K.
Published: August 2020

Topic. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of conbercept in PCV, which will optimize the management for PCV patients. Clinical Relevance. The use of antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), a subtype of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), has been well established in randomized clinical trials. This meta-analysis has evaluated the efficacy of a novel anti-VEGF agent, conbercept, in the management of PCV using ranibizumab and aflibercept as the reference agents. Methods. Thirty studies with 1308 eyes were identified and included in this study. The primary outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and secondary outcomes were optical coherence tomography characteristics and polyp regression rates. The pooled results were calculated by the random-effect or fixed-effect model according to the heterogeneity of the data. Results. Despite a large standard deviation in means (SMD) improvement for BCVA and central retinal thickness (CRT) in the conbercept group, there was no statistically significant difference in the other outcomes compared to ranibizumab and aflibercept. However, there was a greater polyp regression rate in the conbercept group at 12 months. Conclusions. This systematic review indicates that conbercept may achieve similar BCVA and CRT improvements as ranibizumab and aflibercept, with a superior rate of polyp regression at 12 months.