bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prazosin for nightmares in serious illness
Authors: Santivasi Wil , Taylor Erin , Christensen April , Strand Jacob
Published: January 2021

Nightmares can be a distressing symptom in patients living with serious illness. Prazosin, a selective alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist, has been suggested to treat nightmares, with most data supporting its use in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We present the case of a 60-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer who experienced healthcare-associated nightmares following hospitalisation. She did not meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Atypical antipsychotics and benzodiazepines were ineffective in controlling her nightmares, resulting in referral to our outpatient palliative medicine clinic. Prazosin was initiated alongside interdisciplinary psychosocial support, resulting in rapid resolution of her nightmares. To our knowledge, this is the first case to report on use of prazosin to manage nightmares in the outpatient palliative medicine setting.
Development of an electrocardiogram-based risk calculator for a cardiac cause of syncope
Authors: Zimmermann Tobias , du Fay de Lavallaz Jeanne , Walter Joan Elias , Strebel Ivo , Nestelberger Thomas , Joray Lydia , Badertscher Patrick , Flores Dayana , Widmer Velina , Geigy Nicolas , Miro Oscar , Salgado Emilio , Christ Michael , Cullen Louise , Than Martin , Martín-Sánchez Francisco Javier , Di Somma Salvatore , Peacock W Frank , Keller Dagmar , Costabel Juan Pablo , Wussler Desiree Nadine , Kawecki Damian , Lohrmann Jens , Gualandro Danielle Menosi , Kuehne Michael , Reichlin Tobias , Sun Benjamin , Mueller Christian
Published: January 2021

Objective

To develop an ECG-based tool for rapid risk assessment of a cardiac cause of syncope in patients ≥40 years.

Methods

In a prospective international multicentre study, 2007 patients ≥40 years presenting with syncope were recruited in the emergency department (ED) of participating centres ranging from large university hospitals to smaller rural hospitals in eight countries from May 2010 to July 2017. 12-Lead ECG recordings were obtained at ED presentation following the syncopal event. The primary diagnostic outcome, a cardiac cause of syncope, was centrally adjudicated by two independent cardiologists using all available clinical information including 12-month follow-up. ECG predictors for a cardiac cause of syncope were identified using penalised backward selection and a continuous-scale likelihood was calculated based on regression analysis coefficients. Findings were validated in an independent US multicentre cohort including 2269 patients.

Results

In the derivation cohort, a cardiac cause of syncope was adjudicated in 267 patients (16%). Seven ECG criteria were identified as predictors for this outcome: heart rate and QTc-interval (continuous predictors), rhythm, atrioventricular block, ST-segment depression, bundle branch block and ventricular extrasystole/non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (categorical predictors). Diagnostic accuracy of these combined predictors for a cardiac cause of syncope was high (area under the curve 0.80, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.83). Overall, 138 patients (8%) were rapidly triaged towards rule-out and 181 patients (11%) towards rule-in of a cardiac cause of syncope. External validation showed similar performance.

Conclusion

In patients ≥40 years with a syncopal event, a combination of seven ECG criteria enabled rapid assessment of the likelihood that syncope was due to a cardiac cause.

Trial registration number

NCT01548352 (BASEL IX), NCT01802398 (SRS study).
A systemically deliverable Vaccinia virus with increased capacity for intertumoral and intratumoral spread effectively treats pancreatic cancer
Authors: Marelli Giulia , Chard Dunmall Louisa S , Yuan Ming , Di Gioia Carmela , Miao Jinxin , Cheng Zhenguo , Zhang Zhongxian , Liu Peng , Ahmed Jahangir , Gangeswaran Rathi , Lemoine Nicholas , Wang Yaohe
Published: January 2021

Background

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal cancers and is refractory to immunotherapeutic interventions. Oncolytic viruses are a promising new treatment option, but current platforms demonstrate limited efficacy, especially for inaccessible and metastatic cancers that require systemically deliverable therapies. We recently described an oncolytic vaccinia virus (VV), VVLΔTKΔN1L, which has potent antitumor activity, and a regime to enhance intravenous delivery of VV by pharmacological inhibition of pharmacological inhibition of PI3 Kinase δ (PI3Kδ) to prevent virus uptake by macrophages. While these platforms improve the clinical prospects of VV, antitumor efficacy must be improved.

Methods

VVLΔTKΔN1L was modified to improve viral spread within and between tumors via viral B5R protein modification, which enhanced production of the extracellular enveloped virus form of VV. Antitumor immunity evoked by viral treatment was improved by arming the virus with interleukin-21, creating VVL-21. Efficacy, functional activity and synergy with α-programmed cell death protein 1 (α-PD1) were assessed after systemic delivery to murine and Syrian hamster models of pancreatic cancer.

Results

VVL-21 could reach tumors after systemic delivery and demonstrated antitumor efficacy in subcutaneous, orthotopic and disseminated models of pancreatic cancer. The incorporation of modified B5R improved intratumoural accumulation of VV. VVL-21 treatment increased the numbers of effector CD8+ T cells within the tumor, increased circulating natural killer cells and was able to polarize macrophages to an M1 phenotype in vivo and in vitro. Importantly, treatment with VVL-21 sensitized tumors to the immune checkpoint inhibitor α-PD1.

Conclusions

Intravenously administered VVL-21 successfully remodeled the suppressive tumor-microenvironment to promote antitumor immune responses and improve long-term survival in animal models of pancreatic cancer. Importantly, treatment with VVL-21 sensitized tumors to the immune checkpoint inhibitor α-PD1. Combination of PI3Kδ inhibition, VVL-21 and α-PD1 creates an effective platform for treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Maritime Radiology on Operation GRITROCK
Authors: Gibson S , Gay D
Published: January 2021

RFA ARGUS deployed on Operation (Op) GRITROCK between Oct 2014 and Apr 2015 to provide support to the United Kingdom (UK) response to the Ebola crisis. This article describes the radiology capability on board ARGUS within the Primary Casualty Receiving Facility (PCRF).
DMS research and MODREC – a guide for potential researchers
Authors: Roberts SAG
Published: January 2021

Following and during recent conflict, the UK Defence Medical Services (DMS) research programme has resulted in significant advancements in care. There are opportunities to work in medical research with the backing of either MOD funding and/or 3rd sector support. Research may require Ministry of Defence Research Ethics Committee (MODREC) approval, a process that can be daunting and confusing for those new to research. Often researchers have a finite period in which to complete their research; any delay in the process can be frustrating and may decrease the effectiveness of the research period. Here, we use recent experience to describe the development of a research idea and its submission through the MODREC process. We identify considerations and potential pitfalls in order to streamline and inform the process for those considering DMS research in the future.
Non-Battle Injuries presenting to the Force Medical Rehabilitation Team on Operation GRITROCK
Authors: Scott P J I
Published: January 2021

Non-Battle Injuries (NBI) represent a significant attritional threat to personnel deployed on operations. Operation (Op) GRITROCK involved personnel deployed across both land and maritime environments and was the first deployment of the Primary Casualty Receiving Facility (PCRF) on contingency operations of this type. This article outlines the incidence, demographics and functional outcome of individuals assessed for NBI by the embarked rehabilitation team. A total of 138 injured individuals were assessed over the period Oct 2014 - Mar 2015. ARGUS personnel made up 83.3% (n=115) of the injured population. Most common presentations were low back pain (LBP) (21%) and soft tissue lower limb injuries (14.5%), primarily occurring through individual sport (42.8%) or normal duty (34.8%). The Force Medical Rehabilitation Team (FMRT) effectively retained troops in theatre; although 22.5% (n=31) were considered urgent cases, only one individual required medical evacuation. 53.6% of presentations were exacerbations of a previous injury. Future work will examine the long-term outcome of these injuries.
An unusual rash for Royal: a case series
Authors: Booth B , Furzeland J
Published: January 2021

Eight patients, whilst on exercise in Albania, presented with a blistering, erythematous and itchy rash, consistent with caustic burns, after living in dense vegetation for a few days. All patients were found to have been living and operating under fig trees and had come into contact with the sap ofFicus carica, which on exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, can cause a process of phytophotodermatitis leading to a blistering rash.
High altitude adaptation and illness: military implications
Authors: Bakker-Dyos J , Vanstone S , Mellor AJ
Published: January 2021

British military personnel are frequently exposed to high altitude (HA) (>1500m). Operations in Afghanistan have occurred at altitudes of up to 3000m and there remains the possibility of rapid deployment of non-acclimatised troops to HA areas. British military personnel also deploy to HA frequently on Adventurous Training (AT) and there are numerous expeditions every year to the Greater Ranges. As such, there remains a reasonable likelihood of the development of high altitude illness (HAI) with potentially life-threatening consequences. This article aims to provide an overview of the adaptive (acclimatisation) and pathological (acute HAI) responses to HA exposure, with particular reference to military deployments.
The Medical Reception Station: a new primary care capability for 3 Commando Brigade
Authors: McMenamin D , Baker J , Middleton M
Published: January 2021

3 Commando Brigade’s delivery of pre-hospital (Role 1) care has until now largely been based around junior doctors delivering trauma-based resuscitation and limited primary care from small self-contained Regimental Aid Posts (RAPs). With the drawdown of large scale operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the diversity of potential future military operations, the deficiency of General Practitioner(GP)-led care in the deployed setting has become more evident, and this has driven the requirement for a deployable primary care facility in the form of a Medical Reception Station (MRS). This paper describes the evolution of this project, the realities of deploying a new medical capability for the first time, some of the issues faced, and the potential utility of such a medical facility in future.
The management of testicular masses and acute scrotal pain
Authors: Sharp WMJ , Mackie S
Published: January 2021

Within military primary care patients may present with testicular masses or acute scrotal pain. The aim of this article is to examine, by means of case studies, the differential diagnosis, treatment and clinical considerations in managing patients in the military environment.
The athletic ECG
Authors: Proffitt A , Rees P
Published: January 2021

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is the most frequently performed basic cardiology investigation. Correct interpretation of the ECG is vital, both to confirm acute diagnoses such as myocardial infarction, and in the elective setting to diagnose previous or underlying cardiac abnormalities. Normal electrocardiographic parameters for the multiple components of the ECG have been identified and are applied to the general population, but it is acknowledged that cardiac conditioning occurs with frequent and sustained aerobic exercise, in turn leading to physiological changes in the ECG. Service personnel may perform exercise at a level that leads to cardiac conditioning with associated ECG changes. This clinical review will briefly address the normal ECG and consider changes associated with aerobic cardiac conditioning. By identifying what constitutes physiological non-pathological changes in the athletic ECG, this clinical review aims to assist those who interpret ECGs in Service personnel.
Winter Deployment 14 and 15: an audit of injury and illness rates in an Arctic environment
Authors: Patel PJ , Bakker-Dyos J , McMenamin D
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Arduous military training in a cold weather environment is likely to lead to a variety of injuries to the population at risk (PAR). This paper examines injury rates and medical presentations over the two years of Winter Deployments in 2014 and 2015 (WD14 and WD15) and proposes recommendations for future WDs.

Method

Data on injury rates, number of aeromedical evacuations, and number of days of restricted duties allocated were collected prospectively for all patients presenting to Asegarden Medical Centre, Norway, during WD14 and WD15. The data were calculated as a percentage of the total PAR on each deployment to allow meaningful comparison.

Results

During WD14, 22.8% of the PAR presented to the Medical Centre compared to 26.9% during WD15. WD15 saw a reduction in the presentation of musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries, cold weather (CW) injuries and burns. Skin problems and diarrhoea and vomiting (D&V) remained similar in both years. An increase in dental and other presentations was seen in WD15. A reduction in the overall aeromedical evacuations and number of patients requiring a light duties (LD) chit was seen during WD15.

Conclusion

WD15 has seen a decrease in injury rates, the number of aeromedical evacuations and LD chits issued. It is difficult to know whether these changes are a result of improved medical support, training or equipment. The liaison between the command, medical and training elements has led to improvements and should now concentrate on ways to further reduce injury rates whilst maximising arduous training benefits in an Arctic environment.
A guide to managing anaphylaxis for General Duties Medical Officers
Authors: Butterworth SJ , Hindmarsh DG , Mellor A
Published: January 2021

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening, generalised hypersensitivity reaction. It affects 1 in 1,333 (~0.08%) of the English population during their lives, with 1% of cases being fatal. Management, underpinned by guidance from the Resuscitation Council (UK), focuses on a thorough clinical assessment and prompt administration of intramuscular adrenaline. Symptoms may recur, so patients must be observed for a period of no less than six hours. In a deployed environment evacuation must be swift and into a safe environment capable of providing critical care support. There are clear occupational implications following a case of anaphylaxis, and a confirmed case may affect service personnel’s fitness to deploy. This article will summarise the management of anaphylaxis in Royal Naval personnel.
At the limits of patient autonomy: an ethical re-evaluation of coroner’s postmortems
Authors: Szeligowski Tomasz
Published: January 2021

Patient autonomy is one of the four pillars of modern medical ethics. In some cases, however, its value is not absolute and autonomy may be overridden by sufficiently important matters of public interest. Coroner’s autopsies represent an example of when the wishes of the deceased and their family may come in conflict with the benefits of knowledge gained from understanding the cause of death. Current legislation governing coroner’s autopsies relies on the assumption of their obvious public benefit, hence consent for them need not be sought. This interpretation has attracted controversy, as exemplified by the case of Rotsztein vs HM Senior Coroner and a recent study questioning the prevalent use of invasive autopsy. However, this issue has received little recent attention in ethical literature. In this essay, the ethical nature of coroner’s autopsies in cases of natural deaths with unexplained causes is examined as a balance between patient autonomy and the value of knowledge gained from them. This is done by analysing a case which under current legislation warrants coroner’s autopsy, however, its ethical justification remains contentious. This discussion is expanded by discussion of non-invasive alternatives and comparison to another situation which balances individual autonomy with public benefits—organ donation. The conclusion of this analysis is a moral middle ground in which objection to invasive autopsy could be respected once issues of overriding public interest are excluded, or at least non-invasive alternatives should be considered, with coroners left responsible for demonstrating specific public needs that could override objection.
Embedded atom method for elastic constants of iridium binary alloys (at room temperature)
Authors: Akande T. H. , Matthew-Ojelabi F. , Agunbiade G. S. , Awe O. O.
Published: January 2021

The elastic constants are paramount to determine the strength of alloys. The elastic constants of [Formula: see text]–Ir, [Formula: see text]–Ir, and [Formula: see text]–Ir3 where [Formula: see text] represents [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were computed at room temperature using the embedded atom method (EAM) and the alloy mixing potentials. The potential parameters of the selected pure metals were fitted to the experimental values to compute some properties of Ni–Al, Ni3–Al, Ni–Al3, Cu–Au, Cu3–Au and Cu–Au3, and by comparing the experimental data with our predictions, the employed potential predicted some results in reasonable agreement to available experimental data with discrepancies in some cases, and these discrepancies linked to the dependence of the computed elastic constants on the fitting parameters. The potential with the metallic parameters was used as alloy parameters in computing the elastic constants, bulk modulus, and the shear modulus of the iridium binary alloy. It was generally observed that, the selected metals improve the ductility of Iridium with the highest value, recorded for Pd–Ir, and consequently the minimum value for Al–Ir, and Rh–Ir which characterized them to be ductile. The balance orders for the binary alloys were provided through the formation enthalpy.
An Optimal Online Algorithm for Scheduling with Learning Consideration
Authors: Ma Ran , Han Wenwen , Miao Cuixia , Zou Juan
Published: January 2021

This paper investigates a classic online scheduling problem with learning effect on a single machine. Specifically, a number of independent jobs that arrive online over time will be processed on a single machine and learning effect implies that the real processing time of job [Formula: see text] is a non-increasing function of its position [Formula: see text], i.e., [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the basic processing time of job [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is the learning index. Our goal is to minimize the total completion time of all jobs. For the problem, we develop a deterministic polynomial time online algorithm called Delayed Shortest Basic Processing Time (DSBPT) and state that it is an online algorithm with a competitive ratio of 2, which matches the lower bound of the online scheduling problem we focus on.
From the black hole conundrum to the structure of quantum gravity
Authors: Nomura Yasunori
Published: January 2021

We portray the structure of quantum gravity emerging from recent progress in understanding the quantum mechanics of an evaporating black hole. Quantum gravity admits two different descriptions, based on Euclidean gravitational path integral and a unitarily evolving holographic quantum system, which appear to present vastly different pictures under the existence of a black hole. Nevertheless, these two descriptions are physically equivalent. Various issues of black hole physics — including the existence of the interior, unitarity of the evolution, the puzzle of too large interior volume, and the ensemble nature seen in certain calculations — are addressed very differently in the two descriptions, still leading to the same physical conclusions. The perspective of quantum gravity developed here is expected to have broader implications beyond black hole physics, especially for the cosmology of the eternally inflating multiverse.
Partial alpha-decay half-life of 178Hfm2 isomer
Authors: Tavares O. A. P. , Medeiros E. L. , Terranova M. L.
Published: January 2021

A simple, semi-empirical, one-parameter calculation model based on the quantum mechanical tunneling mechanism through a potential barrier has been used to estimate the partial [Formula: see text]-decay half-life, [Formula: see text], of [Formula: see text] isomer. Alpha-transitions to levels of the ground-state band [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] have been considered, and the contributions to [Formula: see text] due to overlapping, Coulomb, and centrifugal barriers have been detailed in each case. Results have indicated a [Formula: see text]-value of [Formula: see text] and a predominance [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]-particles populating the level [Formula: see text], compatible with results by other authors. Besides, a single, universal-like formula to estimate half-life of alpha transitions, whatever [Formula: see text]-value and the characteristics of the parent nucleus (e-e, e-o, o-e and o-o nuclei, whether in the ground or isomeric states), has been envisaged.
Thermofield double states in group field theory
Authors: Guo Xiao-Kan
Published: January 2021

Group field theories are higher-rank generalizations of matrix/tensor models, and encode the simplicial geometries of quantum gravity. In this paper, we study the thermofield double states in group field theories. The starting point is the equilibrium Gibbs states in group field theory recently found by Kotecha and Oriti, based on which we construct the thermofield double state as a “thermal” vacuum respecting the Kubo–Martin–Schwinger condition. We work with the Weyl [Formula: see text]-algebra of group fields, and a particular type of thermofield double states with single type of symmetry is obtained from the squeezed states on this Weyl algebra. The thermofield double states, when viewed as states on the group field theory Fock vacuum, are condensate states at finite flow parameter [Formula: see text]. We suggest that the equilibrium flow parameters [Formula: see text] of this type of thermofield double states in the group field theory condensate pictures of black hole horizon and quantum cosmology are related to the inverse temperatures in gravitational thermodynamics.
On two-bridge knots and a conjecture of Hirasawa–Murasugi
Authors: Chen Wenzhao
Published: January 2021

Fox conjectured the Alexander polynomial of an alternating knot is trapezoidal, i.e. the absolute values of the coefficients first increase, then stabilize and finally decrease in a symmetric way. Recently, Hirasawa and Murasugi further conjectured a relation between the number of the stable coefficients in the Alexander polynomial and the signature invariant. In this paper we prove the Hirasawa–Murasugi conjecture for two-bridge knots.
ADSORPTION AND PHOTODEGRADATION PROPERTIES OF TiO2-DOPED METHYLENE BLUE MOLECULAR IMPRINTED POLYMERS
Authors: MENG HONGFU , ZHAO TIAOBIN , WANG NONG
Published: January 2021

In this paper, titanium dioxide methylene blue molecularly imprinted polymer (TiO2-MB-MIP) was prepared by using MB-MIP as supported carrier. Through the study of its adsorption performance and photodegradability, it was found that the prepared TiO2-MB-MIP has both the adsorption capacity and the photodegradation capacity on MB. The static adsorption experiment shows that its adsorption and photodegradation capacity can reach 1202.1[Formula: see text]mg[Formula: see text]⋅[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] when the original concentration of MB is 5.0[Formula: see text]mg[Formula: see text]⋅[Formula: see text]mL[Formula: see text]. In addition, the degradation ability of the material in MB aqueous solutions was studied under varying light conditions. By analyzing the nitrogen and carbon content in the adsorbed solutions, the degradation process was found that the carbon and heteroatoms nitrogen in MB can be degraded to CO2, and NH[Formula: see text] or NO[Formula: see text], respectively. The adsorption isotherm thermodynamics and kinetics model study found that the adsorption process conforms to the Langmuir isotherm equation and the quasi-secondary kinetic model, indicating that the adsorption is basically monolayer adsorption and the adsorption process is the chemical rate control step. The TiO2-MB-MIP can be used to protect our environment by treating pigment wastewater efficiently.
Some properties of LPVDs and T-LPVDs
Authors: Xie Jin
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we study the pullbacks of [Formula: see text]s (respectively, [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]s). We also study the homological properties of [Formula: see text]s (respectively, [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]s). More specifically, it is proved that the only possible weak global dimensions (respectively, [Formula: see text]-weak global dimensions) of an [Formula: see text] (respectively, a [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]) are [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Contextual extensions of quantum gravity models
Authors: Guo Xiao-Kan
Published: January 2021

We present a simple way of incorporating the structure of contextual extensions into quantum gravity models. The contextual extensions of [Formula: see text]-algebras, originally proposed for contextual hidden variables, are generalized to the cones indexed by the contexts and their limit in a category. By abstracting the quantum gravity models as functors, we study the contextual extensions as the categorical limits of these functors in several quantum gravity models. Such contextual extensions of quantum gravity models are useful for building topos-theoretic models of quantum gravity.
Cobalt Nanoparticles Supported on Reduced Amine-Functionalized Graphene Oxide for Catalytic Reduction of Nitroanilines and Organic Dyes
Authors: El-Monaem Eman M. Abd , El-Latif Mona M. Abd , Eltaweil Abdelazeem S. , El-Subruiti Gehan M.
Published: January 2021

In our study, a simple strategy to fabricate an efficient cobalt-based nanocatalyst is reported. The as-fabricated cobalt nanoparticles (Co NPs) that supported on reduced amine-functionalized graphene oxide (Co@RGO-NH[Formula: see text] have been fabricated through reduction of Co[Formula: see text] and GO-NH2 by sodium borohydride under mild conditions. The morphology, elemental analysis, chemical composition, surface area and magnetic property of the as-fabricated Co@RGO-NH2 nanocatalyst have been investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), respectively. Characterization showed that Co@RGO-NH2 nanocatalyst possesses a high surface area (232.05 m2/g) and good magnetic property. Obviously, the as-fabricated Co@RGO-NH2 nanocatalyst exhibited a fascinating catalytic activity towards the catalytic reduction of different substituted nitro anilines pollutants ([Formula: see text]-nitroaniline, [Formula: see text]-nitroaniline and [Formula: see text]-nitroaniline), as well as, the degradation of cationic methylene blue and anionic Congo red dyes. Furthermore, the reused Co@RGO-NH2 nanocatalyst has shown high catalytic activity for all the catalytic reactions even after the fifth cycle, asserting the high stability of the as-fabricated heterogeneous catalyst.
Energy Storage and Mechanical Performance of PVDF-HFP/SWCNT Composites with Low Permeability
Authors: Yue Dong , Liu Xiaoxu , Yin Jinghua , Feng Yu , Li Jialong , Zhao He , Li Yanpeng , Li Li
Published: January 2021

Polymer dielectric capacitors, with their high energy storage density and fast release of energy, have recently received increasing attention for their ability to meet the critical requirements of pulsed power devices in low-consumption systems. In this context, this paper reports that surface-modified single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) were successfully synthesized and used as fillers to improve the energy storage and mechanical performance of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP)-based composites. The PVDF-HFP/SWCNT composites realize high dielectric constants and low percolation thresholds of 62 and 0.25, respectively. In particular, when composites possess an SWCNT content of only 0.4 vol.%, an acceptable energy storage density of 0.24 J/cm3 at a low electric field of 700 kV/cm along with a high energy storage efficiency (74%) is also observed. Meanwhile, the tensile strength and breaking elongation are 44 MPa and 8.1%, respectively. According to detailed characterization results, SWCNT with low filling are uniformly dispersed and show a certain orientation in PVDF-HFP after surface modification, which is the key to improve the composite performance. These results provide an effective method for fabricating flexible-polymer composites with a high density of energy storage.
The numerical method for solving Volterra–Fredholm integro-differential equations of the second kind based on the meshless method
Authors: Asgari Morteza , Mesforush Ali , Nazemi Alireza
Published: January 2021

This paper explains a numerical scheme based on the moving least squares (MLS) method to solve Volterra-Fredholm integro-differential equations in one-dimensional space. The method is a meshless method, since it does not need any background interpolation or approximation cells, so it does not depend on the geometry of domain. The demand of meshless techniques increases because of its meshless nature and simplicity of usage in higher dimensions. We show the convergence analysis for this technique to stress its reliability, and eventually some examples are presented to indicate the applicability of the method. The approximate results of this technique are compared with the correct solutions, which reveals that this technique meets with the approval of the correct solutions to the problems.
An Ultra-High Time Resolution Cosmic-Ray Detection Mode for the Murchison Widefield Array
Authors: Williamson A. , James C. W. , Tingay S. J. , McSweeney S. J. , Ord S. M.
Published: January 2021

The radio-wavelength detection of extensive air showers (EASs) initiated by cosmic-ray interactions in the Earth’s atmosphere is a promising technique for investigating the origin of these particles and the physics of their interactions. The Low-frequency Array (LOFAR) and the Owens Valley Long Wavelength Array (OVRO-LWA) have both demonstrated that the dense cores of low-frequency radio telescope arrays yield detailed information on the radiation ground pattern, which can be used to reconstruct key EAS properties and infer the primary cosmic-ray composition. Here, we demonstrate a new observation mode of the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA), tailored to the observation of the sub-microsecond coherent bursts of radiation produced by EAS. We first show how an aggregate 30.72[Formula: see text]MHz bandwidth ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]kHz frequency channels) recorded at 0.1[Formula: see text]ms resolution with the MWA’s voltage capture system (VCS) can be synthesized back to the full bandwidth Nyquist resolution of 16.3[Formula: see text]ns. This process, which involves “inverting” two sets of polyphase filterbanks, retains 90.5% of the signal-to-noise of a cosmic-ray signal. We then demonstrate the timing and positional accuracy of this mode by resolving the location of a calibrator pulse to within 5[Formula: see text]m. Finally, preliminary observations show that the rate of nanosecond radio-frequency interference (RFI) events is 0.1[Formula: see text]Hz, much lower than that found at the sites of other radio telescopes that study cosmic rays. We conclude that the identification of cosmic rays at the MWA, and hence with the low-frequency component of the Square Kilometre Array, is feasible with minimal loss of efficiency due to RFI.
The story of post-Variscan lamprophyres of the Bohemian Massif: from ultramafic (Upper Cretaceous–Paleocene) to alkaline (Eocene–Oligocene) types
Authors: Ulrych Jaromír , Krmíček Lukáš , Adamovič Jiří , Krmíčková Simona
Published: January 2021

Post-Variscan lamprophyres of the Bohemian Massif hold the potential for the understanding of deep-mantle processes beneath the Bohemian Massif in association with mantle metasomatism as a consequence of Variscan subduction and Late Paleozoic extension in Central Europe, and tectonic processes between Variscan blocks. Two principal types of post-Variscan lamprophyres occur in the Bohemian Massif, contrasting in their age and composition: ultramafic lamprophyres of Late Cretaceous to Paleocene age and alkaline lamprophyres of Mid Eocene to Late Oligocene age. Combination of published and new whole-rock, isotope (Sr–Nd–Pb) and radiometric (K/Ar) data on lamprophyres of both types (including new data from samples from the deep boreholes) significantly contributes to the understanding of the changing tectonomagmatic position of post-Variscan volcanism in the Bohemian Massif. The striking shift in lamprophyre geochemistry is paralleled by a change in their structural position from the initial pre-rift period of volcanism to the developed syn-rift period and the related change in their mantle sources beneath the Bohemian Massif. The Late Cretaceous and Cenozoic volcanism is explained as related to lithospheric flexuring during the Alpine orogeny, resulting in an asthenospheric upwelling, or associated with the lithosphere deformation and perturbation of the thermal boundary layer.
Effect of the ketogenic diet in excitable tissues
Authors: Murano Carmen , Binda Anna , Palestini Paola , Baruscotti Mirko , DiFrancesco Jacopo C. , Rivolta Ilaria
Published: January 2021

In the past decade, ketogenic diet (KD) has gained some popularity as a potential treatment for a wide range of diseases, including neurological and metabolic disorders, thanks to a beneficial role mainly related to its anti-inflammatory properties. The high-fat and carbohydrate-restricted regimen causes changes in the metabolism, leading, through the β-oxidation of fatty acids, to the hepatic production of ketone bodies (KBs), which are used by many extrahepatic tissues as energy fuels. Once synthetized, KBs are delivered through the systemic circulation to all the tissues of the organism, where they play pleiotropic roles acting directly and indirectly on various targets, and among them ion channels and neurotransmitters. Moreover, they can operate as signaling metabolites and epigenetic modulators. Therefore, it is inappropriate to consider that the KD regimen can improve the patients’ clinical condition simply by means of specific and localized effects; rather, it is more correct to think that KBs affect the organism as a whole. In this review, we tried to summarize the recent knowledge of the effects of KBs on various tissues, with a particular attention on the excitable ones, namely the nervous system, heart, and muscles.
Insulin acutely increases agonist-induced airway smooth muscle contraction in humans and rats
Authors: Proskocil Becky J. , Calco Gina N. , Nie Zhenying
Published: January 2021

Obesity increases incidence and severity of asthma but the molecular mechanisms are not completely understood. Hyperinsulinemia potentiates vagally induced bronchoconstriction in obese rats. Since bronchoconstriction results from airway smooth muscle contraction, we tested whether insulin changed agonist-induced airway smooth muscle contraction. Obesity-prone and resistant rats were fed a low-fat diet for 5 wk and treated with insulin (Lantus, 3 units/rat sc) 16 h before vagally induced bronchoconstriction was measured. Ex vivo, contractile responses to methacholine were measured in isolated rat tracheal rings and human airway smooth muscle strips before and after incubation (0.5–2 h) with 100 nM insulin or 13.1 nM insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). M2and M3muscarinic receptor mRNA expression was quantified by qRT-PCR and changes in intracellular calcium were measured in response to methacholine or serotonin in isolated rat tracheal smooth muscle cells treated with 1 µM insulin. Insulin, administered to animals 16 h prior, potentiated vagally induced bronchoconstriction in both obese-prone and resistant rats. Insulin, not IGF-1, significantly increased methacholine-induced contraction of rat and human isolated airway smooth muscle. In cultured rat tracheal smooth muscle cells, insulin significantly increased M2, not M3,mRNA expression and enhanced methacholine- and serotonin-induced increase in intracellular calcium. Insulin alone did not cause an immediate increase in intracellular calcium. Thus, insulin acutely potentiated agonist-induced increase in intracellular calcium and airway smooth muscle contraction. These findings may explain why obese individuals with hyperinsulinemia are prone to airway hyperreactivity and give insights into future targets for asthma treatment.
Effects of hypoxic acclimation, muscle strain, and contraction frequency on nitric oxide-mediated myocardial performance in steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Carnevale Christian , Syme Douglas A. , Gamperl A. Kurt
Published: January 2021

Whether hypoxic acclimation influences nitric oxide (NO)-mediated control of fish cardiac function is not known. Thus, we measured the function/performance of myocardial strips from normoxic- and hypoxic-acclimated (40% air saturation; ∼8 kPa O2) trout at several frequencies (20–80 contractions·min−1) and two muscle strain amplitudes (8% and 14%) when exposed to increasing concentrations of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (10−9 to 10−4 M). Further, we examined the influence of 1) nitric oxide synthase (NOS) produced NO [by blocking NOS with 10−4 M NG-monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA)] and 2) soluble guanylyl cyclase mediated, NOS-independent, NO effects (i.e., after blockade with 10−4 M ODQ), on myocardial contractility. Hypoxic acclimation increased twitch duration by 8%–10% and decreased mass-specific net power by ∼35%. However, hypoxic acclimation only had minor impacts on the effects of SNP and the two blockers on myocardial function. The most surprising finding of the current study was the degree to which contraction frequency and strain amplitude influenced NO-mediated effects on myocardial power. For example, at 8% strain, 10−4 SNP resulted in a decrease in net power of ∼30% at 20 min−1 but an increase of ∼20% at 80 min−1, and this effect was magnified at 14% strain. This research suggests that hypoxic acclimation has only minor effects on NO-mediated myocardial contractility in salmonids, is the first to report the high frequency- and strain-dependent nature of NO effects on myocardial contractility in fishes, and supports previous work showing that NO effects on the heart (myocardium) are finely tuned spatiotemporally.
The glycocalyx: a central regulator of vascular function
Authors: Moore Kyle H. , Murphy Hayley A. , George Eric M.
Published: January 2021

The endothelial glycocalyx is a specialized extracellular matrix that covers the apical side of vascular endothelial cells, projecting into the lumen of blood vessels. The composition of the glycocalyx has been studied in great detail, and it is known to be composed of a mixture of proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, and glycoproteins. Although this structure was once believed to be a passive physical barrier, it is now recognized as a multifunctional and dynamic structure that participates in many vascular processes, including but not limited to vascular permeability, inflammation, thrombosis, mechanotransduction, and cytokine signaling. Because of its participation in many physiological and pathophysiological states, comprehensive knowledge of the glycocalyx will aid future vascular biologists in their research. With that in mind, this review discusses the biochemical structure of the glycocalyx and its function in many vascular physiological processes. We also briefly review a more recent discovery in glycocalyx biology, the placental glycocalyx.
Interjoint coupling of position sense reflects sensory contributions of biarticular muscles
Authors: Herter Troy M. , Kurtzer Isaac , Granat Lauren , Crevecoeur Frédéric , Dukelow Sean P. , Scott Stephen H.
Published: January 2021

It is unclear how sensory information from muscle spindles located within muscles spanning multiple joints influences perception of body position and motion. We address this issue by comparing errors in estimating limb position made by human subjects with predicted errors made by two musculoskeletal models, one with only monoarticulars and one with both monoarticulars and biarticulars. We provide evidence that biarticulars produce coupling of errors between joints, which help to reduce errors.
Vestibular contributions to online reach execution are processed via mechanisms with knowledge about limb biomechanics
Authors: Martin Christophe Z. , Lapierre Philippe , Haché Simon , Lucien Diderot , Green Andrea M.
Published: January 2021

Studies examining proprioceptive and visual contributions to rapid corrections for externally applied mechanical and spatial perturbations during reaching have provided evidence for flexible processing of sensory feedback that accounts for musculoskeletal system dynamics. Notably, however, such perturbations commonly arise from our body’s own motion. In line with this, we provide compelling evidence that, similar to proprioceptive and visual signals, vestibular signals are processed for online reach control via sophisticated mechanisms that incorporate knowledge of limb biomechanics.
Similarities and Differences between Clavicular Bacterial Osteomyelitis and Nonbacterial Osteitis: Comparisons of 327 Reported Cases
Authors: Jiang Nan , Zhang Ping , Hu Wei-ran , Yao Zi-long , Yu Bin
Published: January 2021

Background. Currently, both clavicular bacterial osteomyelitis (BO) and nonbacterial osteitis (NBO) remain not well understood owing to their much lower incidences. This study is aimed at summarizing similarities and differences between clavicular BO and NBO based on comparisons of literature-reported cases. Methods. We searched the PubMed and Embase databases to identify English published literature between January 1st, 1980, and December 31st, 2018. Inclusion criteria were studies evaluating clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of clavicular BO and NBO, with eligible data for synthesis analysis. Results. Altogether, 129 studies with 327 patients were included. Compared with BO, clavicular NBO favored females (P<0.001) and age below 20 years (P<0.001) and mostly presented in a chronic phase (disease term exceeding 2 months) (P<0.001). Although local pain and swelling were the top two symptoms for both disorders, fever, erythema, and a sinus tract were more frequently found in BO patients (P<0.01). Although they both favored the medial side, lesions in the clavicular lateral side mostly occurred in BO patients (P=0.002). However, no significant differences were identified regarding the serological levels of white blood cell count (P=0.06), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P=0.27), or C-reactive protein (P=0.33) between BO and NBO patients before therapy. Overall, the BO patients achieved a statistically higher cure rate than that of the NBO patients (P=0.018). Conclusions. Females, age below 20 years, and a long duration of clavicular pain and swelling may imply NBO. While the occurrence of a sinus tract and lesions in the lateral side may be clues of BO, inflammatory biomarkers revealed limited values for differential diagnosis. BO patients could achieve a better efficacy than the NBO patients based on current evidence.
Quality Classification of Lithium Battery in Microgrid Networks Based on Smooth Localized Complex Exponential Model
Authors: Huang Zhelin , Yang Fangfang
Published: January 2021

Accurate prediction of battery quality using early‐cycle data is critical for battery, especially lithium battery in microgrid networks. To effectively predict the lifetime of lithium‐ion batteries, a time series classification method is proposed that classifies batteries into high‐lifetime and low‐lifetime groups using features extracted from early‐cycle charge‐discharge data. The proposed method is based on a smooth localized complex exponential model that can extract battery features from time‐frequency maps and self‐adaptively select the time‐frequency resolution to maximize the discrepancy of data from the two groups. A smooth localized complex exponential periodogram is then calculated to obtain the time‐frequency decomposition of the whole time series data for further classification. The experimental results show that, by using battery features extracted from the first 128 charge‐discharge processes, the proposed method can accurately classify batteries into high‐lifetime and low‐lifetime groups, with classification accuracy and specificity as high as 95.12% and 92.5%, respectively.
Low-Level Laser Therapy in Prevention of the Development of Endothelial Dysfunction and Clinical Experience of Treatment and Rehabilitation of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Moskvin Sergey , Askhadulin Evgeniy , Kochetkov Andrey
Published: January 2021

Objectives. The aim of the article is to justify the application of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to prevent the development of endothelial dysfunction in COVID-19 patients. The results of treating and rehabilitating patients with COVID-19 and prevention of the disease using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) are evaluated. Methods. A literature review is conducted on mechanisms of vascular homeostasis regulation, biomodulating effect of laser light, and LLLT methods for preventing endothelial dysfunction. A total of 106 patients were treated in two COVID-19 healthcare centers in Russia. 22 patients with SARS (+) pneumonia at the stage of resolving the pathological lesion were admitted to rehabilitation using pulsed IR laser. 14 patients with acute forms of COVID-19 were treated using LASMIK device: wavelength 904 nm, pulsed mode, externally and ILBI-525 (intravenous laser blood illumination) + LUVBI (ultraviolet laser blood illumination). 70 persons underwent preventive courses of noninvasive LLLT. Results. It was shown that LLLT is effective in preventing the development of endothelial dysfunction. Clinical experience demonstrated good tolerability of the treatment, improvement in sputum discharge, and an improvement in overall health. The severity of general hypoxia decreased by the 5th procedure. The procedures for prevention of the disease were well tolerated; there were no cases of COVID-19. Conclusion. Low-level laser therapy is a justified treatment method that promotes lung tissue regeneration and mitigates the consequences of the disease. The obtained results confirm that LLLT can be used for the effective prevention and treatment of COVID-19 patients.
Research on Sports Video Image Analysis Based on the Fuzzy Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Li Yuehong
Published: January 2021

Aimed at the shortcomings of the current sports video image segmentation methods, such as rough image segmentation results and high spatial distortion rate, a sports video image segmentation method based on a fuzzy clustering algorithm is proposed. The second‐order fuzzy attribute with normal distribution and gravity value is established by using the time‐domain difference image, and the membership function of the fuzzy attribute is given; then, the time‐domain difference image is fuzzy clustered, and the motion video image segmentation result is obtained by edge detection. Experimental results show that this method has high spatial accuracy, good noise iteration performance, and low spatial distortion rate and can accurately segment complex moving video images and obtain high‐definition images. The application of this video image analysis method will help master the rules of sports technology and the characteristics of healthy people’s sports skills through video image analysis and help improve physical education, national fitness level, and competitive sports level.