bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistence of immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M antibodies after postnatal rubella infection determined by solid-phase radioimmunoassay
Authors: Meurman O H
Published: June 2021

The appearance and persistence of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibodies in postnatal rubella infections were studied by employing a solid-phase radioimmunoassay test. Altogether, 222 serial serum specimens from 51 patients with acute rubella infection were tested. Both IgG and IgM antibodies developed rapidly and appeared in all patients within 4 days after the onset of rash. In some patients, the IgM antibodies clearly preceded the IgG antibodies; however, the reverse situation was also noticed in a few cases. The IgG antibodies showed only minor changes after 8 to 10 days from the onset of rash. The IgM titers also reached a maximum level at approximately 8 to 10 days after the onset of rash, after which time a rapid decrease was normally seen. The mean half-life of IgM antibodies after 15 days from the onset of rash was 4.5 days, giving for IgM antibodies persistence times from 43 to approximately 80 days. Two patients with a prolonged IgM antibody response were detected. One of these patients had bilateral arthritis of the knee as a complication, whereas in the other patient no complication caused by rubella virus was detected. The IgM antibody response and its value in diagnosis are discussed.
Quantitation of antibodies to varicella-zoster virus by immune adherence hemagglutination
Authors: Wong C L , Castriciano S , Chernesky M A , Rawls W E
Published: June 2021

Immune adherence hemagglutination was compared with the complement fixation test as a means of measuring antibodies to varicella-zoster virus. Analysis of acute- and convalescent-phase sera from patients infected with varicella-zoster or with herpes simplex virus showed the immune adherence hemagglutination test to be more sensitive than the complement fixation test, and greater cross-reactivity between the two viruses appeared to be associated with the increased sensitivity. The two assay methods were used to measure antibodies to varicella-zoster virus in 265 sera obtained from patients of different ages as well as sera from 26 patients with leukemia. There were 35 cases where antibodies were detected by immune adherence hemagglutination but not by complement fixation, whereas in five cases the converse was found. Our findings support the contention that immune adherence hemagglutination is the method of choice for detecting antibodies to varicella-zoster virus.
Highly sensitive solid-phase radioimmunoassay suitable for determination of low amounts of cholera toxin and cholera toxin antibodies
Authors: Ceska M , Effenberger F , Grossmüller F
Published: June 2021

A direct solid-phase radioimmunoassay procedure was developed for the determination of cholera toxin and cholera toxin antibody. The reported method employed anti-choleragenoid antibody attached to polystyrene tubes as a solidified binder for cholera toxin. The binding of radioidinated cholera toxin on its solidified antibody was inhibitable by unlabeled cholera toxin and cholera toxin antibody. With the help of this method, the heat stability of cholera toxin was also studied. Radioiodinated cholera toxin was shown to be labeled in both of its subunits. The stability of the iodinated cholera toxin at the reported specific radioactivity is remarkable. It was found that the labeled cholera toxin can be used in the solid-phase radioimmunoassay even 4 months after iodination.
Contamination of primary embryonic bovine kidney cell cultures with parainfluenza type 2 simian virus 5 and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus
Authors: Crandell R A , Hierholzer J C , Krebs J W , Drysdale S S
Published: June 2021

Two different viruses were isolated from bovine embryonic cell cultures after two subcultures from the primary cells. One virus was identified as parainfluenza type 2 simian virus 5 (SV-5), and the other was identified as infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus. Six months later, stock cultures of pig kidney (PK-15) cells were found to be contaminated with SV-5 virus. We believe that the source of the SV-5 virus in the bovine cells was a cross-contamination from monkey kidneys during preparation of the cell cultures. The infectious bovine rhinotracheitis contamination was probably of endogenous origin. The bovine embryonic cell cultures were the probable source of contamination of the PK-15 cells with SV-5 virus.
Rapid sodium chloride tolerance test for presumptive identification of enterococci
Authors: Qadri S M , Nichols C W , Qadri S G
Published: June 2021

A rapid test is described which distinguishes enterococci from other group D streptococci in 8 to 24 h by use of a medium containing brain heart infusion agar, NaCl, dextrose, and bromocresol purple.
Identification and penicillinase testing of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from primary isolation cultures on modified New York City medium
Authors: Young H
Published: June 2021

The fluorescent-antibody test, rapid carbohydrate utilization test (RCUT), and a test for penicillinase production were performed on the bacterial growth from primary cultures on modified New York City medium. Of 134 gonococcal infections in men, 88.8% were diagnosed by the fluorescent-antibody test and 70.9% by the RCUT after incubation for 24 h; the corresponding figures for 75 infections in women were 86.7 and 54.7%, respectively. After incubation for 48 h, 100% of infections were diagnosed by the fluorescent-antibody test, wherease 88.8% of infected males and 86.7% of females were also diagnosed by the RCUT. Primary isolation cultures on modified New York City medium proved suitable for determining the ability of strains to produce penicillinase by a modified RCUT procedure. The method of isolation and identification by using primary cultures from modified New York City medium is both rapid and economical. The rapidity of diagnosis provided by the RCUT makes this a very useful diagnostic method, particularly in laboratories lacking immunofluorescence equipment. Since the penicillinase production test forms part of a routine identification procedure, no extra culture media or subcultures are required. The rapidity of this test should make it of value in tracing contacts of patients infected with penicillinase-producing strains.
Evaluation of a new microquantity blood collector
Authors: Foster T L , Winans L , Brewer J H
Published: June 2021

A new device for collecting small amounts of blood from laboratory animals offer distinct advantages over standard syringes during the collection of serum or plasma.
Hemagglutination with simian papovavirus SA12
Authors: Shah K V , Valis J D , Daniel R W
Published: June 2021

Simian papovavirus SA12 agglutinated human, guinea pig, and chicken erythrocytes. SA12 hemagglutinin was most effectively released from debris of infected tissue culture cells at an alkaline pH.
Microwave Oven for Melting Laboratory Media
Authors: Hanson Charles W. , Martin William J.
Published: June 2021

A microwave oven was used to melt microbiological media, resulting in a substantial reduction of heat generation and considerable savings in time.
Identification of some basic extractable compounds produced by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis in a defined medium
Authors: Brooks J B , Kellogg D S , Choudhary G , Alley C C , Liddle J A
Published: June 2021

Electron capture gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry have been used to identify some of the basic extractable heptafluorobutyric anhydride reactive compounds found in a defined medium after 20 h of growth by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis. Acetoin, 2,3-butanediol, pyrroline, and 1,3-diaminopropane were identified by both gas chromatography and mass spectrometry; 2-hydroxy-pyrrolidine and 3-aminomethyl-pyrrolidine were tentatively identified by mass spectrometry. A possible origin of the amines is through enzymatic oxidation of polyamines.
Diagnosis of California La Crosse virus infection by counterimmunoelectrophoresis
Authors: Lindsey H S , Thompson W H , Obijeski J F
Published: June 2021

La Crosse virus cell culture-derived soluble antigen was used in a counterimmunoelectrophoresis procedure to assess the presence or absence of La Crosse antibodies in 79 paired acute- and convalescent-phase human sera. The counterimmunoelectrophoresis test appeared to measure the same antibody as the complement fixation test but was more sensitive and rapid.
Promoting Student Involvement with Environmental Laboratory Experiments in a General Microbiology Course
Authors: TARAS LORETTA BRANCACCIO
Published: June 2021

This is a descriptive study of a series of laboratory exercises on environmental microbiology carried out by students in a general microbiology course during eight of the twelve weeks of the semester. The revised laboratory component is predicated upon seawater and sediment samples collected by student pairs using marine sampling equipment on a field trip aboard a research vessel. Two longitudinal studies were performed: assay for antibiotic production from isolated actinomycetes and construction and observation of Winogradsky columns. Two additional experiments: culturing microalgae and water testing for coliforms also used the samples collected by the students. The advantages of long-term, challenging laboratory experiences actively involving the students in group process, self-direction, and scientific practices are discussed. Also considered are development of laboratory skills, scientific competencies, and students’ self-confidence in carrying out such environmental investigations. Plans for future assessment of student learning are presented.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Bacillus
sp. Strain IGA-FME-1, Isolated from the Bulk Soil of Maize (
Zea mays
L.)
Authors: Yu Zhenhua , de los Santos-Villalobos Sergio , Liu Junjie , Liu Xiaobing , Parra Cota Fannie Isela , Valenzuela Ruiz Valeria , Wang Guanghua
Published: June 2021

Here, we present the complete genome of
Bacillus
sp. strain IGA-FME-1 (isolated from the bulk soil of maize [
Zea mays
L.]). This genome consists of 5,147,837 bp, 5,219 protein-coding genes, 112 tRNAs, thirteen 16S rRNAs, thirteen 23S rRNAs, and thirteen 5S rRNAs, with a G+C content of 38.2%.
UK multisite evaluation of the impact of clinical educators in EDs from a learner’s perspective
Authors: Hemavathi Muniswamy , Huynh Chi , Phillips Eloise , Aiello Matthew , Kennedy Brian , Clancy Mike , Hamer Wayne , Rutherford Graham , Khan Aanika , Terry David
Published: June 2021

Background

In England, demand for emergency care is increasing while there is also a staffing shortage. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) suggested that appointment of senior doctors as clinical educators (CEs) would enable support and development of learners in EDs and improve retention and well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of CEs in ED on learners.

Methods

CEs were placed in 54 NHS Acute Trust EDs for a pilot beginning July 2018 and ending October 2020. Learners from multiple disciplines working at 54 NHS Acute Trust EDs where CEs were deployed were invited to complete an online survey designed to identify the impact of CEs in July of 2019, as part of an interim service evaluation.

Results

Respondents numbered 493 from 49 of 54 study sites, including 286 (58%) medical (non-consultant) and 72 (14.6%) all other nursing, allied health professionals. 9 out of 10 learners reported having experienced a change to their learning as a result of the deployment of CEs in their department. 49.9% (246/493) reported that CEs had a positive impact on their well-being. 95% (340/358) reported an improved accessibility to undertaking clinical based assessments. 78% (281/358) perceived that access to CEs increased likelihood of passing assessments. Of those responding, 80.9% (399/493) reported they would remain/return to the same ED with a CE, and 92.5% (456/493) responded that they would prefer to go to a Trust with a CE.

Conclusions

According to survey respondents, deployment of CEs across NHS Trusts has resulted in improvement and increased accessibility of learning and assessment opportunities for learners within ED. The impact of CEs on well-being is uncertain with half reporting improvement and the remaining half unsure. Further evaluation within the project will continue to explore the service benefit and workforce impact of the CEED intervention.
COVID-19 conscience tracing: mapping the moral distances of coronavirus
Authors: Shaw David
Published: June 2021

One of the many problems posed by the collective effort to tackle COVID-19 is non-compliance with restrictions. Some people would like to obey restrictions but cannot due to their job or other life circumstances; others are not good at following rules that restrict their liberty, even if the potential consequences of doing so are repeatedly made very clear to them. Among this group are a minority who simply do not care about the consequences of their actions. But many others fail to accurately perceive the harms that they might be causing. One of the main reasons for this is that the harms done by transmitting COVID-19 to someone else are morally distant from the agent, particularly in cases where infection is asymptomatic. In this paper, I describe seven different aspects of moral distance in the context of COVID-19, explore how they affect (lack of) motivation to obey restrictions, and suggest several ways in which such moral distance can be reduced — primarily through enhanced-contact tracing that makes it clear to individuals and the public precisely who they could be harming and how.
Why we should stop using animal-derived products on patients without their consent
Authors: Rodger Daniel
Published: June 2021

Medicines and medical devices containing animal-derived ingredients are frequently used on patients without their informed consent, despite a significant proportion of patients wanting to know if an animal-derived product is going to be used in their care. Here, I outline three arguments for why this practice is wrong. First, I argue that using animal-derived medical products on patients without their informed consent undermines respect for their autonomy. Second, it risks causing nontrivial psychological harm. Third, it is morally inconsistent to respect patients’ dietary preferences and then use animal-derived medicines or medical devices on them without their informed consent. I then address several anticipated objections and conclude that the continued failure to address this issue is an ethical blind spot that warrants applying the principles of respect for autonomy and informed consent consistently.
Underutilisation of no-tobacco-sale orders against retailers that repeatedly sell to minors, 2015–2019, USA
Authors: Hemmerich Natalie , Jenson Desmond , Bowrey Brice L , Lee Joseph G L
Published: June 2021

Importance

Research demonstrates that policies aimed at retailers who sell to minors must be strongly enforced to have an impact on youth usage rates.

Objectives

In the USA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducts compliance checks, issues fines, and can order retailers to stop selling tobacco products (ie, no-tobacco-sale orders (NTSOs)) to enforce the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. We sought to assess FDA’s utilisation of NTSOs.

Methods

We conducted a quantitative content analysis of FDA’s enforcement actions for inspections decided between 1 October 2015 and 29 March 2019. From the 536 134 inspection records we identified 148 NTSOs and 249 720 unique retailer locations, of which 2095 had three or more violations. We randomly sampled NTSOs (n=76) and retail locations (n=152) with frequent violations. We calculated the proportion of NTSOs that could have been issued earlier by FDA. We then calculated the proportion of retailers that could have been issued an NTSO, and the proportion actually issued an NTSO using FDA’s approach and a more stringent approach.

Results

Among NTSOs, 94.7% (95% CI: 89.8% to 97.4%) of NTSOs could have been issued earlier under a more stringent approach. On average, when an NTSO could have been issued earlier, it could have been issued 453 days earlier (95% CI: 418 to 489; range: 89–1159). Among frequently violating retail locations, 73.6% (95% CI: 66.0% to 80.0%) were eligible for an NTSO. Of those, 1.9% (95% CI: 0.5% to 7.0%) had received an NTSO.

Conclusions

The FDA’s failure to fully leverage its powers to address retailers’ underage sales of tobacco products has weakened efforts to curb the youth e-cigarette epidemic.
Multiple solutions of a nonlocal system with singular nonlinearities
Authors: Kratou Mouna , Saoudi Kamel , AlShehri Aisha
Published: June 2021

In this work, we study the fractional Laplacian equation with singular nonlinearity: [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a bounded domain in [Formula: see text] with smooth boundary [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] is the fractional Sobolev exponent, [Formula: see text] are two parameters, [Formula: see text] are nonnegative weight functions, and [Formula: see text] is the fractional Laplace operator. We use the Nehari manifold approach and some variational techniques in order to show the existence and multiplicity of positive solutions of the above problem with respect to the parameter [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Lattice Boltzmann simulation of natural convection in a cavity with periodic boundary condition on both side walls
Authors: Rezazadeh Marzieh , Doostali Ali
Published: June 2021

The study of the effect of periodic boundary condition is of primary interest to understand the maximum temperature of the wall and avoid overheating phenomena. Available computational fluid dynamic studies provide information on the effect of the local heat flux or local temperature. This study aims to understand the temperature and fluid flow distribution inside the cavity under such periodic thermal boundary conditions to avoid overheating phenomena. This study reports the numerical results of the natural convection inside an air-filled cavity with its horizontal walls insulated and its vertical walls at different thermal boundary conditions. The heat flux of the left wall and the temperature of the right wall are varied sinusoidally. The Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) is used to solve the governing equations with the related boundary conditions. The maximum temperature of the wall under the heat flux and the maximum stream function inside the cavity are investigated. Also, the effect of oscillation period on the maximum temperature of the left wall is studied. The results show that the maximum temperature of the left wall corresponds to the heat flux wavelength of 0.8. Moreover, the stream function value increases intensively by increasing the Rayleigh number.
Superintegrability of (2n + 1)-body choreographies, n = 1,2,3,…,∞ on the algebraic lemniscate by Bernoulli (inverse problem of classical mechanics)
Authors: Turbiner Alexander V. , Vieyra Juan Carlos Lopez
Published: June 2021

For one 3-body and two 5-body planar choreographies on the same algebraic lemniscate by Bernoulli we found explicitly a maximal possible set of (particular) Liouville integrals, 7 and 15, respectively, (including the total angular momentum), which Poisson commute with the corresponding Hamiltonian along the trajectory. Thus, these choreographies are particularly maximally superintegrable. It is conjectured that the total number of (particular) Liouville integrals is maximal possible for any odd number of bodies [Formula: see text] moving choreographically (without collisions) along given algebraic lemniscate, thus, the corresponding trajectory is particularly, maximally superintegrable. Some of these Liouville integrals are presented explicitly. The limit [Formula: see text] is studied: it is predicted that one-dimensional liquid with nearest-neighbor interactions occurs, it moves along algebraic lemniscate and it is characterized by infinitely many constants of motion.
More 1-cocycles for classical knots
Authors: Fiedler Thomas
Published: June 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be the topological moduli space of long knots up to regular isotopy, and for any natural number [Formula: see text] let [Formula: see text] be the moduli space of all [Formula: see text]-cables of framed long knots which are twisted by a string link to a knot in the solid torus [Formula: see text]. We upgrade the Vassiliev invariant [Formula: see text] of a knot to an integer valued combinatorial 1-cocycle for [Formula: see text] by a very simple formula. This 1-cocycle depends on a natural number [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] as a parameter and we obtain a polynomial-valued 1-cocycle by taking the Lagrange interpolation polynomial with respect to the parameter. We show that it induces a non-trivial pairing on [Formula: see text] already for [Formula: see text].
ESTABLISHING THE NORMAL GAIT OF CHINESE YOUTH BASED ON THE PLANTAR PRESSURE TEST: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Authors: SHEN LONG-BIN , OUYANG HUI , HUANG YI-XUAN , PAN RUI , LU JIAN-LIANG , XIE ZU-WEN , CHEN ZHUO-MING
Published: June 2021

Objective: This study will measure the geometric and pressure centerlines of the foot’s plantar region in healthy Chinese youth to construct a gait norm. Methods: In the present experiment, 203 healthy college students and postgraduates (90 males and 113 females) were recruited as subjects. Their average age was [Formula: see text] years old, average height was [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm, and average weight was [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]kg. A double-blind method was used in this experiment. The plantar pressure and gait parameters of time and space among subjects were tested using a gait and balance function-training evaluation system. Data were collected using five pressure-sensor plates, based on the distribution in the geometric and pressure centers of the foot’s plantar area, according to the calculation formula of biomechanics. Results: From 20 selected subjects, the experiment gathered a total of 197 data points from the plantar pressure during walking. The results defined the foot’s centerline of maximum pressure while walking and showed that the pressure and geometric centerlines tended to converge and overlap in normal youth, irrespective of gender. In addition, differences were found between the foot’s centerline of pressure and the geometric and pressure centerlines of the plantar. Conclusion: This study showed that the plantar’s pressure and geometric centerlines can be used as a reference to assess normal gait in Chinese youth.
A Grey Wolf Optimization-Based Method for Segmentation and Evaluation of Scaling in Reinforced Concrete Bridges
Authors: Abdelkader Eslam Mohammed , Moselhi Osama , Marzouk Mohamed , Zayed Tarek
Published: June 2021

Bridges are prone to severe deterioration agents which promote their degradation over the course of their lifetime. Furthermore, maintenance budgets are being trimmed. This state of circumstances entails the development of a computer vision-based method for the condition assessment of bridge elements in an attempt to circumvent the drawbacks of visual inspection-based models. Scaling is progressive local flaking or loss in the surface portion of concrete that affects the functional and structural integrity of reinforced concrete bridges. As such, this research study proposes a self-adaptive three-tier method for the automated detection and assessment of scaling severity levels in reinforced concrete bridges. The first tier relies on the integration of cross entropy function and grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm for the segmentation of scaling pixels. The second tier is designated for the autonomous interpretation of scaling area. In this model, a hybrid feature extraction algorithm is proposed based on the fusion of singular value decomposition and discrete wavelet transform for the efficient and robust extraction of the most dominant features in scaling images. Then an integration of Elman neural network and GWO algorithm is proposed for the sake of improving the prediction accuracies of scaling area though optimization of both structure and parameters of Elman neural network. The third tier aims at establishing a unified scaling severity index to assess the extent of severities of scaling according to its area and depth. The developed method is validated through multi-layered comparative analysis that involved performance evaluation comparisons, statistical comparisons and box plots. Results demonstrated that the developed scaling detection model significantly outperformed a set of widely-utilized classical segmentation models achieving mean squared error, mean absolute error, peak signal to noise ratio and cross entropy of 0.175, 0.407, 55.754 and 26011.019, respectively. With regards to the developed scaling evaluation model, it accomplished remarkable better and more robust performance that other meta-heuristic-based Elman neural network models and conventional prediction models. In this context, it obtained mean absolute percentage error, root-mean squared error and mean absolute error 1.513%, 29.836 and 12.066, respectively, as per split validation. It is anticipated that the developed integrated computer vision-based method could serve as the basis of automated, reliable and cost-effective inspection platform of reinforced concrete bridges which can assist departments of transportation in taking effective preventive maintenance and rehabilitation actions.
The effect analysis of the diapause duration on the hatching parameters of the artificial semi-annual population of Lymantria dispar caterpillars
Authors: Sedelnikov A. V.
Published: June 2021

The paper investigates the existence of a relationship between the diapause duration and the temperature threshold of hatching, the variances in temperature and hatching time of the artificial six-month population of Lymantria dispar caterpillars. A half-year population gives two generations a year under artificial conditions. A comparative analysis of these parameters with similar parameters of the hybrid population of L. dispar, as well as studies by other authors, has been carried out. The Eigen quasispecies model was used for the mathematical formalization of the evolution process. The results of this work can be used to study the evolution of L. dispar.
Feedback deer hunting optimization algorithm for intrusion detection in cloud based deep residual network
Authors: Sobin Soniya S , Maria Celestin Vigila S
Published: June 2021

Cloud computing is the distributed computing paradigm continually exposed to different attacks and threats of various origins. The data stored in the cloud framework is easier for external and internal intruders, as access to the cloud framework is done through internet services. Various intrusion detection (ID) methods are developed to detect network intruders in the cloud, but these methods are not primarily effective in generating accurate detection results. Hence, an effective intrusion detection system (IDS) is designed to solve the security issues that unfavorably influence the sustainable development of the cloud and enhance the protection of the cloud from malicious attacks. The IDS is modeled using the proposed Feedback Deer Hunting Optimization (FDHO)-based Deep Residual network to detect network intrusions. However, the proposed FDHO algorithm is designed by integrating Feedback Artificial Tree (FAT) with Deer Hunting Optimization (DHOA), respectively. Moreover, the detection of malicious attacks is carried out using a Deep Residual network that significantly increases the training speed, reduces the computational complexity, and generates effective detection results. The performance of the proposed method is comparatively analyzed with the existing techniques, such as Stacked Contractive Auto-Encoder and Support Vector Machine (SCAE+SVM), Artificial Neural Network with ant bee colony optimization algorithm+fuzzy clustering (ANN+ABC+fuzzy clustering), Improved dynamic immune algorithm (IDIA), and Normalized K-means (NK) clustering algorithm with RNN named, (NK-RNN), FAT-based Deep Residual network, and DHOA-based Deep Residual network using the BoT-IoT dataset and KDD cup-99 dataset. The proposed method achieved outstanding performance by considering the metrics, like specificity, accuracy, and sensitivity, with the values of 0.9526, 0.9498, and 0.9214 using the BoT-IoT dataset.
Structural, electronic and magnetic properties of S sites vacancy defects graphene/MoS2 van der Waals heterostructures: First-principles study
Authors: Neupane Hari Krishna , Adhikari Narayan Prasad
Published: June 2021

In this work, we investigated the geometrical structures, electronic and magnetic properties of S sites vacancy defects in heterostructure graphene/molybdenum disulphide ((HS)G/MoS[Formula: see text] material by performing first-principles calculations based on spin polarized Density Functional Theory (DFT) method within van der Waals (vdW) corrections (DFT-D2) approach. All the structures are optimized and relaxed by BFGS method using computational tool Quantum ESPRESSO (QE) package. We found that both (HS)G/MoS2 and S sites vacancy defects in (HS)G/MoS2 (D1S–(HS)G/MoS2, U1S–(HS)G/MoS2, 2S–(HS)G/MoS2 and 3S–(HS)G/MoS[Formula: see text] are stable materials, and atoms in defects structures are more compact than in pristine (HS)G/MoS2 structure. From band structure calculations, we found that (HS)G/MoS2, (D1S–(HS)G/MoS2, U1S–(HS)G/MoS2, 2S–(HS)G/MoS2 and 3S–(HS)G/MoS[Formula: see text] materials have [Formula: see text]-type Schottky contact. The Dirac cone is formed in conduction band of the materials mentioned above. The barrier height of Dirac cones from Fermi energy level of (HS)G/MoS2, (D1S–(HS)G/MoS2, U1S–(HS)G/MoS2, 2S–(HS)G/MoS2 and 3S–(HS)G/MoS[Formula: see text] materials have values 0.56[Formula: see text]eV, 0.62[Formula: see text]eV, 0.62[Formula: see text]eV, 0.64[Formula: see text]eV and 0.65[Formula: see text]eV, respectively, which means they have metallic properties. To study the magnetic properties of materials, we have carried out DoS and PDoS calculations. We found that (HS)G/MoS2, D1S–(HS)G/MoS2 and U1S–(HS)G/MoS2 materials have non-magnetic properties, and 2S–(HS)G/MoS2 and 3S–(HS)G/MoS2 materials have magnetic properties. Therefore, the non-magnetic (HS)G/MoS2 changes to magnetic 2S–(HS)G/MoS2 and 3S–(HS)G/MoS2 materials due to 2S and 3S atoms vacancy defects, respectively, in (HS)G/MoS2 material. Magnetic moment obtained in 2S–(HS)G/MoS2 and 3S–(HS)G/MoS2 materials due to the unequal distribution of up and down spin states of electrons in 2s and 2p orbitals of C atoms; 4p, 4d and 5s orbitals of Mo atoms; and 3s and 3p orbitals of S atoms in structures. Magnetic moment of 2S–(HS)G/MoS2 and 3S–(HS)G/MoS2 materials is −0.11[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]/cell and [Formula: see text]/cell, respectively, and spins of 2p orbital of C atoms, 3p orbital of S atoms and 4d orbital of Mo atoms have dominant role to create magnetism in 2S–(HS)G/MoS2 and 3S–(HS)G/MoS2 materials.
Fintech Index Prediction Based on RF‐GA‐DNN Algorithm
Authors: Liu Chao , Fan Yixin , Zhu Xiangyu
Published: June 2021

The Fintech index has been more active in the stock market with the Fintech industry expanding. The prediction of the Fintech index is significant as it is capable of instructing investors to avoid risks and provide guidance for financial regulators. Traditional prediction methods adopt the deep neural network (DNN) or the combination of genetic algorithm (GA) and DNN mostly. However, heavy computational load is required by these algorithms. In this paper, we propose an integrated artificial intelligence‐based algorithm, consisting of the random frog algorithm (RF), GA, and DNN, to predict the Fintech index. The proposed RF‐GA‐DNN prediction algorithm filters the key input variables and optimizes the hyperparameters of DNN. We compare the proposed RF‐GA‐DNN with the traditional GA‐DNN in terms of convergence time and prediction accuracy. Results show that the convergence time of GA‐DNN is up to 20 hours and its prediction accuracy is 97.4%. In comparison, the convergence time of our RF‐GA‐DNN is only about 1.5 hours and the prediction accuracy reaches 97.0%. These results demonstrate that the proposed RF‐GA‐DNN prediction algorithm significantly reduces the convergence time with the promise of competitive prediction accuracy. Thus, the proposed algorithm deserves to be widely recommended for predicting the Fintech index.
Ferroptosis in Different Pathological Contexts Seen through the Eyes of Mitochondria
Authors: Otasevic V. , Vucetic M. , Grigorov I. , Martinovic V. , Stancic A.
Published: June 2021

Ferroptosis is a recently described form of regulated cell death characterized by intracellular iron accumulation and severe lipid peroxidation due to an impaired cysteine‐glutathione‐glutathione peroxidase 4 antioxidant defence axis. One of the hallmarks of ferroptosis is a specific morphological phenotype characterized by extensive ultrastructural changes of mitochondria. Increasing evidence suggests that mitochondria play a significant role in the induction and execution of ferroptosis. The present review summarizes existing knowledge about the mitochondrial impact on ferroptosis in different pathological states, primarily cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, we highlight pathologies in which the ferroptosis/mitochondria relation remains to be investigated, where the process of ferroptosis has been confirmed (such as liver‐ and kidney‐related pathologies) and those in which ferroptosis has not been studied yet, such as diabetes. We will bring attention to avenues that could be followed in future research, based on the use of mitochondria‐targeted approaches as anti‐ and proferroptotic strategies and directed to the improvement of existing and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Atraumatic Splenic Rupture in a SARS-CoV-2 Patient: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Agus Marcello , Ferrara Maria Elena , Bianco Paola , Manieli Cristina , Mura Paolo , Sechi Raffaele , Runfola Matteo , Polo Fabrizio , Cillara Nicola
Published: June 2021

Splenic rupture in the absence of trauma or previously diagnosed disease is rare. Due to the delay of diagnosis and treatment, this is a potentially life-threatening condition. We report a case of atraumatic splenic rupture in a SARS-CoV-2 patient. This report is of particular interest as it first identifies SARS-CoV-2 infection as a possible cause of spontaneous rupture of the spleen. A 46-year-old Caucasian woman presented at the emergency department pale and sweaty, complaining of syncopal episodes, tachycardia, hypotension, diarrhea, intense abdominal pain, diffuse arthromyalgia, and fever from the day before. RT-PCR was positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. CT scan demonstrated extensive hemoperitoneum due to rupture of the splenic capsule. The patient required an emergency open splenectomy because of an unresponsive hemorrhagic shock. At the end of the surgery, the patient was relocated to a COVID-19 dedicated facility. COVID-19 is a new disease of which all manifestations are not yet known. Inpatients affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection with abdominal pain and spontaneous splenic rupture should be considered to avoid a delayed diagnosis.
Targeting Microbiome: An Alternative Strategy for Fighting SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Spagnolello Ornella , Pinacchio Claudia , Santinelli Letizia , Vassalini Paolo , Innocenti Giuseppe Pietro , De Girolamo Gabriella , Fabris Silvia , Giovanetti Marta , Angeletti Silvia , Russo Alessandro , Mastroianni Claudio M. , Ciccozzi Massimo , Ceccarelli Giancarlo , d’Ettorre Gabriella
Published: June 2021

Respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms are the predominant clinical manifestations of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Infecting intestinal epithelial cells, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 may impact on host’s microbiota and gut inflammation. It is well established that an imbalanced intestinal microbiome can affect pulmonary function, modulating the host immune response (“gut-lung axis”). While effective vaccines and targeted drugs are being tested, alternative pathophysiology-based options to prevent and treat COVID-19 infection must be considered on top of the limited evidence-based therapy currently available. Addressing intestinal dysbiosis with a probiotic supplement may, therefore, be a sensible option to be evaluated, in addition to current best available medical treatments. Herein, we summed up pathophysiologic assumptions and current evidence regarding bacteriotherapy administration in preventing and treating COVID-19 pneumonia.
The Three Conditions: Solving Complex Problems through Self-Governing Agreements
Authors: Franke Volker C. , Wolterstorff Eric , Wehlan Cody W.
Published: June 2021

Grounded in peacebuilding and negotiation literature, we propose a Three Conditions Model that promotes collaborative engagement and can help advance sustainable solutions to complex problems – domestic and international – through self-governing agreements based on the following three conditions: (1) inclusion of, (2) common understanding among, and (3) trust between all prime actors. Collectively, these conditions make the management of complex problems, and of the conflicts arising from them, more effective and sustainable. Using the coronavirus pandemic as an example, we briefly illustrate the nature of complex problems and self-governing agreements, address the inclusion-trust dilemma that mars many negotiations and assess the utility of each condition to address the coronavirus response in the United States more effectively.
The Failure of the International Community to Apply R2P and Atrocity Prevention in Myanmar
Authors: Mennecke Martin , Stensrud Ellen E.
Published: June 2021

The case of Myanmar has become one of the most glaring examples for the failure of the international community to realise the promise made with the adoption of the responsibility to protect (R2P) norm in 2005: ‘Never again’ has turned into again and again. A mix of unwillingness and inability to prevent atrocity crimes has in Myanmar over the past ten years led to several instances of atrocity crimes and genocidal violence against the Rohingya. Most recently, the military coup of February 2021 has showcased that the notion of an international community exercising a responsibility to protect the population of Myanmar against crimes against humanity and other atrocity crimes dissembles into a few states openly shielding the perpetrators, a few condemning and countering the newest cycle of violence, and many silent bystanders to the ongoing atrocities. This article discusses the role of the R2P norm in the case of Myanmar and introduces the different contributions that comprise the special issue on Myanmar and the failure of R2P.
The osce’s Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine
Authors: Härtel André , Pisarenko Anton , Umland Andreas
Published: June 2021

The paper provides an analysis of the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine within the multilateral attempt to manage or resolve the conflict in the Donets’ Basin (Donbas). It aims to tentatively assess the SMM’s influence on the de-escalation of the conflict during the Presidency of Petro Poroshenko, as a relatively closed political period. We explore the Mission’s mandate, various evaluations of its operations and effectiveness, as well as the conflict participants’ interaction with the Mission. The nature and dimension of the conflict have posed an, in its dimension, novel, yet, in its nature, not untypical challenge to the consensus-based OSCE. Despite the challenges of the Mission’s specific scope and the limits placed on it by both Russian sabotage and a lack of resources, the SMM nevertheless managed, in 2014-2019, to contribute to de-escalation in the Donbas. Determinants of the net positive contribution of the SMM include its continued and large presence on the spot, the improvement of its reports on the situation in the conflict zone, as well as the development of more sophisticated monitoring methodologies and technologies over time.
The European Court of Human Rights and (Framework Convention on) Tobacco Control
Authors: Tsampi Aikaterini
Published: June 2021

Unlike the current covid-19 pandemic, the tobacco pandemic has not been adequately assessed through a human rights law perspective, despite the fact that it raises compelling global health concerns. The ECtHR, in particular, holds a lot of potential for the promotion of the human rights-based fight against tobacco, which can be further tapped. It is for this that this article argues, on the basis of the systematisation and critical appraisal of the case law of the ECtHR on tobacco through the lens of the standards set by the who Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Knowing and doing
Authors: Nierenberg Ellen , Låg Torstein , Dahl Tove Irene
Published: June 2021

This study touches upon three major themes in the field of information literacy (IL): the assessment of IL, the association between IL knowledge and skills, and the dimensionality of the IL construct. Three quantitative measures were developed and tested with several samples of university students to assess knowledge and skills for core facets of IL. These measures are freely available, applicable across disciplines, and easy to administer. Results indicate they are likely to be reliable and support valid interpretations. By measuring both knowledge and practice, the tools indicated low to moderate correlations between what students know about IL, and what they actually do when evaluating and using sources in authentic, graded assignments. The study is unique in using actual coursework to compare knowing and doing regarding students’ evaluation and use of sources. It provides one of the most thorough documentations of the development and testing of IL assessment measures to date. Results also urge us to ask whether the source-focused components of IL – information seeking, source evaluation and source use – can be considered unidimensional constructs or sets of disparate and more loosely related components, and findings support their heterogeneity.
Three new species and six new records of Scathophagidae (Diptera) from Japan, with a key to the Japanese genera
Authors: IWASA MITSUHIRO
Published: June 2021

Twelve species in eight genera of Japanese Scathophagidae are reviewed. Of them, three species, namely Acerocnema incisa sp. nov., Gimnomera torikurai sp. nov., and Megaphthalmoides vittatus sp. nov., are described as new to science. The first two species were swept from communities of Corydalis flowers blooming in early spring. Six species in six genera are recorded from Japan for the first time: Chaetosa punctipes (Meigen), Cleigastra tibiella (Zetterstedt), Megaphthalma pallida (Fallén), Megaphthalmoides unilineatus (Zetterstedt), Microprosopa haemorrhoidalis (Meigen), and Spaziphora tomkovichi Ozerov. The genera Gimnomera, Chaetosa and Spaziphora are new records, and now a total of 13 genera are known to occur in Japan. A key to the Japanese genera is also provided, as well as keys to species of of Acerocnema and Megaphthalmoides.
A Novel Ceramic Sensing Material for Acetone Detection from Asphalt
Authors: Duan Peng , Zhang Chunli , Chen Wusi , Fu Yan
Published: June 2021

A novel ceramic sensing material, orthorhombic molybdenum trioxide (a-MoO3) nanobelts, was successfully prepared through a simple hydrothermal strategy. And its crystalline phase and microstructures were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron
microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results indicate that the size of the a-MoO3 nanobeltsis 180-250 nm in width and several microns in length. Gas sensing performances of the as-synthesized a-MoO3 nanobelts towards acetone vapor which was
a representative VOCs in asphalt were investigated. The a-MoO3 nanobelts based gas sensor exhibits superior response at the optimum operating temperature of 300 °C for 200 ppm acetone vapor and excellent stability. The gas sensing mechanism for the a-MoO3 nanobelts
to acetone vapor was also discussed.
The Efficiency of Upward Wave Propagation near the Tropopause: Importance of the Form of the Refractive Index
Authors: Weinberger Israel , Garfinkel Chaim I. , White Ian P. , Birner Thomas
Published: June 2021

The connection between the polar stratospheric vortex and the vertical component of the Eliassen–Palm flux in the lower stratosphere and upper troposphere is examined in model level data from ERA5. The particular focus of this work is on the conditions that lead to upward wave propagation between the tropopause and the bottom of the vortex near 100 hPa. The ability of four different versions of the index of refraction to capture this wave propagation is evaluated. The original Charney and Drazin index of refraction includes terms ignored by Matsuno that are shown to be critical for understanding upward wave propagation just above the tropopause both in the climatology and during extreme heat flux events. By adding these terms to the Matsuno index of refraction, it is possible to construct a useful tool that describes wave flux immediately above the tropopause and at the same time also describes the role of meridional variations within the stratosphere. It is shown that a stronger tropopause inversion layer tends to restrict upward wave propagation. It is also shown that while only 38% of extreme wave-1 Eliassen–Palm flux vertical component (Fz) at 100 hPa events are preceded by extreme Fz at 300 hPa, there are almost no extreme events at 100 hPa in which the anomaly at 300 hPa is of opposite sign or very weak. Overall, wave propagation near the tropopause is sensitive to vertical gradients in buoyancy frequency, and these vertical gradients may not be accurately captured in models or reanalysis products with lower vertical resolutions.
Macular perfusion density evaluation in constant and intermittent exotropia by means of optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Zhai Jing , Fang Wei , Yu Xueting , Ye Xinjie , Hou Lijie
Published: June 2021

Background

To quantify and compare retinal microvascular features using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in constant (XT) and intermittent exotropia (IXT).

Methods

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to November 2020 at the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. OCTA examination was performed to evaluate the macular perfusion density of the deep capillary plexus (DCP), superficial capillary plexus (SCP), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters in XT and IXT patients, and in age-matched controls. The study parameters were analyzed.

Results

A total of 76 participants, including 16 (21%) XT patients, 24 (32%) IXT patients, and 36 (47%) controls, were recruited. The exodeviation angle was 39.06 ± 10.38 prism degrees (PD) at near and 43.00 ± 9.74 PD at distance in the XT group, and 27.13 ± 18.28 PD at near and 31.04 ± 18.82 PD at distance in the IXT group. The macular perfusion density of the DCP in 6 × 6-mm scans and the SCP in 3 × 3-mm scans were lower in the deviating eyes than in the fixating eyes of XT patients (p < 0.001, p = 0.032, respectively). The macular perfusion density of the DCP in the deviating eyes of XT and IXT patients was significantly lower than that of the controls. There was no significant difference in the FAZ parameters among the groups.

Conclusions

In XT patients, OCTA revealed lower macular perfusion density in deviating eyes than in fixating eyes and control eyes. IXT patients showed no difference between the two eyes, but the macular perfusion density of the DCP was lower than that of the controls.