bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Evidence‐Based Practice (EBP) Education on Emergency Nurses’ EBP Attitudes, Knowledge, Self‐Efficacy, Skills, and Behavior: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Koota Elina , Kääriäinen Maria , Kyngäs Helvi , Lääperi Mitja , Melender Hanna‐Leena
Published: January 2021

Background

Emergency care clinicians are expected to use the latest research evidence in practice. However, emergency nurses do not always consistently implement evidence‐based practice (EBP). An educational intervention on EBP was implemented to promote emergency nurses’ use of EBP, and the effectiveness of it was evaluated.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an EBP educational intervention on emergency nurses’ EBP attitudes, knowledge, self‐efficacy, skills, and behavior. The study also examined learners’ satisfaction with the EBP educational intervention.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial with parallel groups with evaluations before the education, immediately after it, and 6 and 12 months after the education was conducted at four emergency departments in two university hospitals. The experimental group (N = 40) received EBP education while the control group (N = 40) completed self‐directed EBP education. The primary outcomes were emergency nurses’ EBP attitudes, knowledge, self‐efficacy, skills, and behavior, while the secondary outcome was satisfaction with the EBP education.

Results

Thirty‐five participants of an experimental and 29 participants of a control group completed the study. There were no statistically significant (p < .05) improvements and differences between groups in EBP attitude, self‐efficacy, or behavior immediately after the EBP education. At the 6‐month measurement point, the experimental group showed significantly better EBP attitudes, behavior, knowledge, and self‐efficacy than the control group. At the 12‐month measurement point, the improvements began to decrease. The groups also differed significantly in terms of participant satisfaction with how the teacher encouraged learners to ask clinical questions.

Linking Evidence to Action

The EBP educational intervention implemented in this study had a positive effect on emergency nurses’ EBP attitudes, knowledge, self‐efficacy, skills, and behavior. The effects of the education appeared the best 6 months after the education. After this point, the results began to decrease and approached baseline levels. EBP educational interventions designed for emergency nurses should apply various teaching strategies to improve their EBP attitude, knowledge, self‐efficacy, skills, behavior, and satisfaction with the education.
Temporal dynamics of the cerebello‐cortical convergence in ventro‐lateral motor thalamus
Authors: Schäfer Carmen B. , Gao Zhenyu , De Zeeuw Chris I. , Hoebeek Freek E.
Published: January 2021

Key points

Ventrolateral thalamus (VL) integrates information from cerebellar nuclei and motor cortical layer VI.

Inputs from the cerebellar nuclei evoke large‐amplitude responses that depress upon repetitive stimulation while layer VI inputs from motor cortex induce small‐amplitude facilitating responses.

We report that the spiking of VL neurons can be determined by the thalamic membrane potential, the frequency of cerebellar inputs and the duration of pauses after cerebellar high frequency stimulation.

Inputs from motor cortical layer VI shift the VL membrane potential and modulate the VL spike output in response to cerebellar stimulation.

 These results help us to decipher how the cerebellar output is integrated in VL and modulated by motor cortical input.

Orchestrating complex movements requires well‐timed interaction of cerebellar, thalamic and cerebral structures, but the mechanisms underlying the integration of cerebro‐cerebellar information in motor thalamus remain largely unknown. Here we investigated how excitatory inputs from cerebellar nuclei (CN) and primary motor cortex layer VI (M1‐L6) neurons may regulate the activity of neurons in the mouse ventrolateral (VL) thalamus. Using dual‐optical stimulation of the CN and M1‐L6 axons and in vitro whole‐cell recordings of the responses in VL neurons, we studied the individual responses as well as the effects of combined CN and M1‐L6 stimulation. Whereas CN inputs evoked large‐amplitude responses that were depressed upon repetitive stimulation, M1‐L6 inputs elicited small‐amplitude responses that were facilitated upon repetitive stimulation. Moreover, pauses in CN stimuli could directly affect VL spiking probability, an effect that was modulated by VL membrane potential. When CN and M1‐L6 pathways were co‐activated, motor cortical afferents increased the thalamic spike output in response to cerebellar stimulation, indicating that CN and M1 synergistically, yet differentially, control the membrane potential and spiking pattern of VL neurons.
El personaje oculto: memoria, identidad y silencio en “Una historia de violencia”, de David Cronenberg
Authors: Montes Gustavo , Sanz de León Vicente
Published: January 2021

Este artículo aborda la impostura como resultado de la necesidad de olvido en el film Una historia de violencia (A History of Violence, 2005) de David Cronenberg. Se plantea como objetivo establecer el funcionamiento de los mecanismos de ocultación y desvelamiento en la reconstrucción de la identidad. Para ello, utiliza una metodología que, a partir de postulados teóricos de la filosofía de la memoria y de la pragmática del lenguaje, propone un modelo específico de análisis de la dimensión locutiva, ilocutiva y perlocutiva del lenguaje de los personajes en el diálogo y de los conceptos de personaje patente, latente y ausente, basado en el modelo dramatológico de José Luis García Barrientos aplicado a la poética narrativa. El resultado de este trabajo desvela que la reconstrucción del personaje se realiza a través de un proceso dialéctico que se sostiene en un triple eje: experiencia-olvido-impostura (personaje reconstruido), experiencia-memoria-defensa de la impostura (personaje cuestionado) y desvelamiento-experiencia-nueva impostura (personaje doblemente reconstruido). Finalmente, se apunta que la escritura (y el cine es escritura) fija la memoria para convertirla en experiencia para el lector, que ha contemplado al personaje percibiéndose como él, compartiendo sus silencios y su memoria, convirtiéndola también, como experiencia, en parte de la suya.
Imágenes de lo extraordinario. Memorias de un continente poblado por monstruos.
Authors: Botello Gil Slenka Leandra , Sierra Camacho Daianna
Published: January 2021

Este trabajo presenta los resultados de la investigación Imágenes de lo extraordinario: monstruos americanos del siglo XVI, proceso de creación artística desarrollado por los estudiantes del Semillero de Investigación en Artes Visuales (SINAV) del programa de Artes Visuales de la Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia (UNAD) entre 2018 y 2019. Para analizar de manera crítica e histórica la construcción de identidades sobre lo latinoamericano, se tomó como marco de análisis la representación de lo monstruoso en los relatos y las imágenes construidas por los cronistas de Indias en el siglo XVI, los cuales marcaron procesos de marginalización cultural, construcción de subjetividades y dinámicas de poder, y presentaron al habitante americano como una otredad que estaba fuera de los límites de la cultura dominante occidental. Se presentan los postulados teóricos sobre lo monstruoso como marco para el análisis histórico y la creación de obra, con una metodología de trabajo colaborativo y en gran parte virtual. Posteriormente, se exponen algunos resultados de la investigación histórica que dan paso a detallar el proceso de creación de obra que culminó con la exposición de la instalación audiovisual Imágenes de lo extraordinario, así como con una amplia serie de ilustraciones contemporáneas sobre lo monstruoso y un producto digital en formato página web donde se presenta una cartografía de lo monstruoso en América Latina y se recogen las memorias de todo el proyecto
Three new species of eriophyoid mites (Acari: Eriophyoidea) associated with Melicope pteleifolia from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China

Authors: Ruan Hong Yan , Hu Lin , Cui Xue Yu , Tan Meng Chao
Published: January 2021

During a field survey in 2019, three new species of eriophyoid mites were collected from Melicope pteleifolia, in Rongan county, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Aceria melicope sp. nov. causes blister-like galls on the upper side of the leaves, forming thickened, wrinkled and distorted leaves. Phyllocoptruta pteleifoliae sp. nov. and Diptilomiopus ronganensis sp. nov. are vagrant on the leaves and no apparent symptom was observed.
Identity and microbial agents related to Dermacentor marginatus Sulzer (Acari: Ixodidae) with a new record of Rickettsia slovaca (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) in Iran
Authors: Nadim Azadeh , Khanjani Mohammad , Chegeni Asadollah Hosseini , Telmadarraiy Zakkyeh
Published: January 2021

Dermacentor marginatus is a known vector of Rickettsia slovaca and Anaplasma ovis distributed across Eurasia. A total of 300 D. marginatus adult male ticks were collected, removed from sheep in East Azerbaijan province, northwestern Iran. The DNA of Rickettsia and Anaplasma were found in 10 (two pools) ticks by PCR amplifying parts of ompA and msp4 genes, respectively. Our study describes the first PCR detection of tick-borne pathogens, R. slovaca and A. ovis, show that they are spread in D. marginatus of Iran highlight their risk for human and animal hosts. Different patterns (ornamentation) were observed. The identity of different patterns in this study was evaluated with cytb, 16S rRNA and ITS2 genes. BLAST analysis of the cytb, 16S rRNA, ITS2 nucleotide sequence was showed 99%, 98%–100% and 98% sequence identity to sequences of D. marginatus, respectively. It was found that all different patterns of this study are in fact a polymorphic species, D. marginatus. These data increase our knowledge of tick and tick-borne microbial agents in Iran.
Prospective mapping of viral mutations that escape antibodies used to treat COVID-19
Authors: Starr Tyler N. , Greaney Allison J. , Addetia Amin , Hannon William W. , Choudhary Manish C. , Dingens Adam S. , Li Jonathan Z. , Bloom Jesse D.
Published: January 2021

Mapping antibody escape in SARS-CoV-2

Several antibodies are in use or under development as therapies to treat COVID-19. As new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants emerge, it is important to predict whether they will remain susceptible to antibody treatment. Starr
et al.
used a yeast library that covers all mutations to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain that do not strongly disrupt binding to the host receptor (ACE2) and mapped how these mutations affect binding to three leading anti–SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The maps identify mutations that escape antibody binding, including a single mutation that escapes both antibodies in the Regeneron antibody cocktail. Many of the mutations that escape single antibodies are circulating in the human population.

Science
, this issue p.
850
A Novel Transferable Resistance-Nodulation-Division Pump Gene Cluster,
tmexCD2-toprJ2
, Confers Tigecycline Resistance in Raoultella ornithinolytica
Authors: Wang Cheng-Zhen , Gao Xun , Yang Qi-Wen , Lv Lu-Chao , Wan Miao , Yang Jun , Cai Zhong-Peng , Liu Jian-Hua
Published: January 2021

We recently identified a novel plasmid-mediated resistance-nodulation-division (RND)-type efflux pump gene cluster,
tmexCD1-toprJ1
, in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
that conferred resistance to multiple antimicrobials, including tigecycline. While homologs of
tmexCD1-toprJ1
were found encoded in many other bacterial species in GenBank, their functions and transfer mechanisms remain unknown.
Polyclonal Dissemination of NDM-1- and NDM-9-Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in French Polynesia
Authors: Oueslati Saoussen , Emeraud Cécile , Grosperrin Victor , Levy Marc , Cotellon Garance , Creton Elodie , Gauthier Lauraine , Bonnin Rémy A. , Naas Thierry , Dortet Laurent
Published: January 2021

The whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed a polyclonal dissemination of NDM-1 and NDM-9 variants in
Escherichia coli
(
n
 = 20) and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(
n
 = 2) in Tahiti since 2015 via interspecies transfer of three different
bla
NDM
-carrying plasmids (IncR, IncHI2, and IncF) and patient-to-patient cross-transmission. It highlights the potential risk of importation of NDM producers in France, where French Polynesia is not considered
stricto sensu
a foreign country from which repatriated patients have to be screened.
Streptokinase in a COVID-19-positive patient with STEMI in a PPCI centre: a local experience
Authors: Rahman Nasir , Ullah Ihsan , Adnan Ghufran
Published: January 2021

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention is the recommended modality of treatment for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, different countries now have different consensus about treatment of patients with STEMI during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this report, we describe a case of SARS-CoV-2-positive patient admitted with pneumonia. During hospital stay in COVID-19 designated special care, the patient developed inferoposterior wall myocardial infarction (MI) without haemodynamic instability and was treated successfully with thrombolytics (streptokinase) without any severe complications. To decrease the risk of in-hospital exposure to COVID-19 infection among the staff, in circumstances where there is no negative-pressure catheterisation laboratory and there is shortage in medical staff, thrombolytics can be used as a modality of treatment in low-risk, haemodynamically stable MI during this pandemic, as recommended by different cardiac societies. However, this needs further studies in order to reach local and international consensus.
Myeloradiculoneuropathy due to vitamin B12deficiency: an unusual clinical and radiological presentation
Authors: Das Shambaditya , Dubey Souvik , Pandit Alak , Ray Biman Kanti
Published: January 2021

A 42-year-old man from rural India presented with asymmetric progressive paraparesis mimicking compressive dorsal myelopathy, followed by distal upper limb, truncal and neck-flexor weakness, further complicated by acute urinary retention. His sensory deficits were marked by loss of joint position sense (JPS) and graded loss of vibration sense, along with a definite sensory level. Deep tendon jerks were hypo-to-areflexic, plantar was bilaterally extensor. He had become less attentive and occasionally failed to keep track with conversations. A syndromic diagnosis of myeloradiculoneuropathy with cognitive impairments was made. Further tailored investigations revealed vitamin B12deficiency with positive anti-parietal cell antibody. Diagnosis of subacute combined cord degeneration (SACD) was confirmed. Neuro-imaging revealed intramedullary intensity changes only along lateral aspect of spinal cord instead of characteristic posterior involvement. Following parenteral vitamin B12supplementation, patient started showing improvement in motor power and subjective sensory symptoms. His bladder symptoms persisted initially, however recovered finally after 6 months.
Leucocytoclastic vasculitis due to acute bacterial endocarditis resolves with antibiotics
Authors: Spindel Jeffrey , Parikh Ishan , Terry Merryl , Cavallazzi Rodrigo
Published: January 2021

Infective endocarditis is associated with a variety of clinical signs, but its association with multisystem vasculitis is rarely reported. A high index of suspicion is necessary to differentiate a primary autoimmune vasculitis from an infectious cause as the wrong treatment can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. We present a 71-year-old female patient with negative blood cultures, on antibiotics for recent bacteraemia, who presented with cutaneous and renal leucocytoclastic vasculitis. Workup revealed a vegetation adjacent to her right atrial pacemaker lead consistent with infective endocarditis and her vasculitis completely resolved with appropriate antibiotics.
In the interest of public safety: rapid response to the COVID-19 epidemic in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thuong Vu , Tran Quang Dai , Phan Lan Trong , Vu Long Ngoc , Truong Dung Thi Thuy , Truong Hieu Cong , Le Tu Ngoc , Vien Linh Dang Khanh , Nguyen Thinh Viet , Luong Quang Chan , Pham Quang Duy
Published: January 2021

We describe the status of the COVID-19 epidemic in Vietnam, major response successes, factors that prompted implementation of certain public health actions, and the impact of these actions. In addition, information for three case studies is reported, with crucial learnings to inform future response. Findings from this study suggest that as early as 20 January 2020, Vietnam held a national risk assessment, established a national COVID-19 Response Plan and Technical Treatment and Care Guidelines, and prepared public health laboratories to accurately diagnose cases and hospitals to effectively treat patients. The first COVID-19 case was detected on 23 January. As of 30 September, there had been three waves of the COVID-19 epidemic totalling 1095 cases, and resulting in 35 deaths all among people with underlying health conditions. Evidence of potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from a commercial passenger flight inbound to Vietnam was reported. This study also highlights the importance of early technical preparedness, strong political commitment, multisectoral and multilevel efforts, increased resourcing and coordination towards an effective COVID-19 response. Controlling outbreaks in settings, such as crowded public places (bars and hospitals), within certain villages and over cities, required early detection, aggressive trace-test-quarantine efforts, a geographically extensive lockdown area and an adoption of several non-pharmaceutical interventions. Many low-income and middle-income countries have experienced their second or third wave of the COVID-19 epidemic, and they can learn from Vietnam’s response across the three epidemic waves. Swift governmental action, strict border control measures, effective communication of health promotion measures, widespread community engagement, expanded testing capacity and effective social measures to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2, are highly important in these locations.
Postservice lower limb amputation in Scottish military veterans
Authors: Bergman Beverly P , Mackay DF , Pell JP
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Recent attention has focused on veterans who have lost limbs in conflict, but the number of UK veterans who lose limbs to disease is unknown. We used data from the Trends in Scottish Veterans’ Health study to explore postservice lower limb amputation.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective cohort study of 78 000 veterans and 253 000 non-veterans born between 1945 and 1995, matched for age, sex and area of residence. We used survival analysis to examine the risk of amputation in veterans compared with non-veterans, and explored associations with antecedent disease.

Results

We found no difference between veterans and non-veterans in the risk of lower limb amputation, which was recorded in 145 (0.19%) veterans and 464 (0.18%) non-veterans (Cox proportional hazard ratio (HR) 1.00, 95% CIs 0.82 to 1.20, p=0.961). Peripheral arterial disease was recorded in two-thirds of both veteran and non-veteran amputees, and type 2 diabetes in 41% of veterans and 33% of non-veterans, with a dual diagnosis in 32% of veterans and 26% of non-veterans. Trauma was an infrequent cause of amputation.

Conclusions

Although in later life veterans are no more likely to lose a limb to disease than non-veterans, the number so affected greatly outweighs those who have lost limbs in conflict. The high public profile of conflict-related limb loss risks eclipsing the needs of veterans with disease-related loss. Support for ageing veterans who have lost limbs due to disease will require planning with the same care as that afforded to the victims of conflict if inequalities are to be avoided.
Eating Disorder Neuroimaging Initiative (EDNI): a multicentre prospective cohort study protocol for elucidating the neural effects of cognitive–behavioural therapy for eating disorders
Authors: Hamatani Sayo , Hirano Yoshiyuki , Sugawara Ayako , Isobe Masanori , Kodama Naoki , Yoshihara Kazufumi , Moriguchi Yoshiya , Ando Tetsuya , Endo Yuka , Takahashi Jumpei , Nohara Nobuhiro , Takamura Tsunehiko , Hori Hiroaki , Noda Tomomi , Tose Keima , Watanabe Keita , Adachi Hiroaki , Gondo Motoharu , Takakura Shu , Fukudo Shin , Shimizu Eiji , Yoshiuchi Kazuhiro , Sato Yasuhiro , Sekiguchi Atsushi
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Anorexia nervosa is a refractory psychiatric disorder with a mortality rate of 5.9% and standardised mortality ratio of 5.35, which is much higher than other psychiatric disorders. The standardised mortality ratio of bulimia nervosa is 1.49; however, it is characterised by suicidality resulting in a shorter time to death. While there is no current validated drug treatment for eating disorders in Japan, cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is a well-established and commonly used treatment. CBT is also recommended in the Japanese Guidelines for the Treatment of Eating Disorders (2012) and has been covered by insurance since 2018. However, the neural mechanisms responsible for the effect of CBT have not been elucidated, and the use of biomarkers such as neuroimaging data would be beneficial.

Methods and analysis

The Eating Disorder Neuroimaging Initiative is a multisite prospective cohort study. We will longitudinally collect data from 72 patients with eating disorders (anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa) and 70 controls. Data will be collected at baseline, after 21–41 sessions of CBT and 12 months later. We will assess longitudinal changes in neural circuit function, clinical data, gene expression and psychological measures by therapeutic intervention and analyse the relationship among them using machine learning methods.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by The Ethical Committee of the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (A2019-072). We will obtain written informed consent from all patients who participate in the study after they had been fully informed about the study protocol. All imaging, demographic and clinical data are shared between the participating sites and will be made publicly available in 2024.

Trial registration number

UMIN000039841
Doctors of chiropractic working with or within integrated healthcare delivery systems: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Roseen Eric J. , Kasali Bolanle Aishat , Corcoran Kelsey , Masselli Kelsey , Laird Lance , Saper Robert B. , Alford Daniel P. , Cohen Ezra , Lisi Anthony , Atlas Steven J. , Bean Jonathan F. , Evans Roni , Bussières André
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Back and neck pain are the leading causes of disability worldwide. Doctors of chiropractic (DCs) are trained to manage these common conditions and can provide non-pharmacological treatment aligned with international clinical practice guidelines. Although DCs practice in over 90 countries, chiropractic care is rarely available within integrated healthcare delivery systems. A lack of DCs in private practice, particularly in low-income communities, may also limit access to chiropractic care. Improving collaboration between medical providers and community-based DCs, or embedding DCs in medical settings such as hospitals or community health centres, will improve access to evidence-based care for musculoskeletal conditions.

Methods and analyses

This scoping review will map studies of DCs working with or within integrated healthcare delivery systems. We will use the recommended six-step approach for scoping reviews. We will search three electronic data bases including Medline, Embase and Web of Science. Two investigators will independently review all titles and abstracts to identify relevant records, screen the full-text articles of potentially admissible records, and systematically extract data from selected articles. We will include studies published in English from 1998 to 2020 describing medical settings that have established formal relationships with community-based DCs (eg, shared medical record) or where DCs practice in medical settings. Data extraction and reporting will be guided by the Proctor Conceptual Model for Implementation Research, which has three domains: clinical intervention, implementation strategies and outcome measurement. Stakeholders from diverse clinical fields will offer feedback on the implications of our findings via a web-based survey.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval will not be obtained for this review of published and publicly accessible data, but will be obtained for the web-based survey. Our results will be disseminated through conference presentations and a peer-reviewed publication. Our findings will inform implementation strategies that support the adoption of chiropractic care within integrated healthcare delivery systems.
Multiparametric approach to the assessment of muon tomographic results for the inspection of a full-scale container
Authors: Riggi F. , Bandieramonte M. , Becciani U. , Bonanno D. L. , Bonanno G. , Fallica P. G. , Gallo G. , Grillo A. , La Rocca P. , Lo Presti D. , Petta C. , Pinto C. , Riggi S. , Romeo G. , Russo G. V. , Santagati G. , Valvo G.
Published: January 2021

Experimental results from a dataset collected with a full-scale muon tomograph for the inspection of cargo containers were studied in a single scattering scenario with a multiparametric analysis based on the method of the Point Of Closest Approach (Poca). To search for high-Z materials, a 4 $$\hbox {dm}^3$$

dm
3

Pb block was positioned inside the volume to be inspected, in order to quantitatively investigate the appearance of the Poca signal. Signal-to-noise ratio and significance of the Poca signal were investigated by means of mono-dimensional spectra of the Poca components, for different values of the scattering angle between the incoming and outgoing muon tracks and with different angle-dependent weights. A systematic scan of two-dimensional maps was also carried out, as a strategy to search for possible enhancements to the Poca signal. A comparison was also done between the results obtained from the two half-volumes, one containing the Pb block and one left empty, to take into account the response of the detector and some aspects of the Poca strategy.
Longevity and power density of intermediate-to-deep geothermal wells in district heating applications
Authors: Hirvijoki Eero , Pfefferlé David , Lingam Manasvi
Published: January 2021

This paper assesses the potential of intermediate-to-deep geothermal wells for district heating purposes in non-hot spot regions as a means for replacing carbon-intensive heat sources. In analysing the problem of heat transfer from the bedrock to a flowing coolant in the well, we perform parameter scans to assess the longevity and power density of different-size wells and derive analytical estimates to explain salient characteristics of the well behaviour. The results are then utilized to illustrate how intermediate-to-deep geothermal wells would compare with the requirements of typical large-scale district heating systems, by using the city of Helsinki in Finland as an example.
Accurate study from adaptive perturbation method
Authors: Ma Chen-Te
Published: January 2021

The adaptive perturbation method decomposes a Hamiltonian by the diagonal elements and nondiagonal elements of the Fock state. The diagonal elements of the Fock state are solvable but can contain the information about coupling constants. We study the harmonic oscillator with the interacting potential, [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are coupling constants, and [Formula: see text] is the position operator. In this study, each perturbed term has an exact solution. We demonstrate the accurate study of the spectrum and [Formula: see text] up to the next leading-order correction. In particular, we study a similar problem of Higgs field from the inverted mass term to demonstrate the possible nontrivial application of particle physics.
Cybersecurity
Authors: Maurer Chris , Kim Kevin , Kim Dan , Kappelman Leon A.
Published: January 2021

Evaluating actual implementations and practices versus stated goals.
Kabin fever
Authors: Neville-Neil George V.
Published: January 2021

KV's guidelines for KFH (koding from home).
The 9th ACM SIGSPATIAL International Workshop on Analytics for Big Spatial Data (BigSpatial 2020)
Authors: Shashidharan Ashwin , Chandola Varun , Vatsavai Ranga Raju
Published: January 2021

Since the "Big Data Research and Development Initiative" launched by the White House in 2012, big data has received great attention from industry and federal agencies alike emerging as an important area of research for scientists worldwide. Within the realm of big data, spatial and spatiotemporal data continues to be among the fastest-growing types of data. With advances in remote sensors, sensor networks, and the proliferation of location sensing devices in daily life activities and common business practices, the generation of disparate, dynamic, and geographically distributed spatiotemporal data has exploded in recent years. In addition, significant progress in the ground, air- and space-borne sensor technologies have led to unprecedented access to earth science data for scientists from different disciplines, interested in studying the complementary nature of different parameters. Today, analyzing this data poses a massive challenge to researchers.
Effective Particle Analysis on Wafer in the EKF-CMP System
Authors: Mai Phuoc-Trai , Lu Li-Shin , Chen Chao-Chang A. , Lin and Yu-Ming
Published: January 2021

This study aims to develop a three-dimensional electro-osmosis flow (3D-EOF) cell model for effective particle analysis on the wafer at steady-state under electro-kinetic force (EKF) assistance during chemical mechanical polishing/planarization (CMP). A simulation software is used to simulate the abrasive particle motion with three functional modules including the electric current, the laminar flow, and the particle trajectories. Parameter designs of various simulation conditions such as electrode gap spacing, direct current voltages, and polishing pad thickness have been investigated to analyze the motion of silica abrasive nanoparticles due to EOF. Simulation results of the EOF velocity of slurry flow circulation in different conditions have compared with theoretical calculation results. Results have shown that the total number of effective particles intensifies significantly with increasing electrode voltage, but decreases in both cases as raising electrode gap and larger pad thickness. Experimental results of EKF-CMP process can improve 25.03%, 2.52 nm, 1.39% for material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness, non-uniformity, respectively. It can explain that the wafer surface polishing qualification is significantly by motion of effectual abrasive particles. Results of this study can be extended to contribute to improvement and optimization of EKF-CMP process for Copper CMP process used in IC fabrication.
Retinal and Choroidal Thickness in relation to C-Reactive Protein on Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Fang Dawei , Li Qingjian , Yan Ke , Xu Sennan , Jiang Jing , Che Xin , Zhang Yu , Qian Yiwen , Wang Zhiliang
Published: January 2021

Purpose. To evaluate the relationships between C-reactive protein (CRP) and retinal and choroidal thickness by swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Methods. The participants included in the prospective cross-sectional study underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination. Based on the CRP values, the subjects were divided into the CRP (+) group (

CRP
≥
8.2

 mg/L) and the CRP (−) group (

CRP
<
8.2

 mg/L). The retinal and choroidal thickness was compared between the two groups. Results. This study enrolled 43 right eyes of 43 subjects from the CRP (+) group and 86 right eyes of 86 gender- and age-match subjects from the CRP (−) group. The choroidal thickness in the CRP (+) group was thinner than that in the CRP (−) group except for the outer nasal sector of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grid. However, the retinal thickness only in the inner temporal sector showed a significant difference. According to Pearson’s correlation analysis, the CRP was significantly negatively correlated with the choroidal thickness in all sectors and the retinal thickness only in the inner temporal and outer nasal sectors of the ETDRS grid. Conclusion. CRP levels are associated with retinal and choroidal thickness. The data related to the retinal and choroidal thickness changes may help understand the pathogenesis of specific ocular abnormalities in patients with systemic inflammation.
Characterizing Advanced Parkinson’s Disease: Romanian Subanalysis from the OBSERVE-PD Study
Authors: Szasz Jozsef Attila , Jianu Dragos Catalin , Simu Mihaela Adriana , Constantin Viorelia Adelina , Dulamea Adriana Octaviana , Onuk Koray , Popescu Diana , Vasile Mihai-Titus , Popescu Bogdan Ovidiu , Fasano Alfonso , Bajenaru Ovidiu Alexandru
Published: January 2021

OBSERVE-PD was a cross-sectional, multicountry, observational study conducted in 128 Movement Disorders Centers (MDCs) in 18 countries. Overall, the study enrolled 2615 patients. The aim was to determine the proportion of patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (APD) versus non-APD from MDCs and to uncover the clinical burden of APD, as well as a correlation between overall assessment of APD and several indicators of APD. The advanced stage of the disease and severity were assessed by investigators using their clinical judgement. Data were collected during a single visit between February 2015 and January 2016. Agreement on physician judgement of APD diagnosis and fulfillment of at least one previously established APD indicator was calculated. Motor and nonmotor symptoms (NMSs), activities of daily living, treatment complications, quality of life (QoL), conventional treatments, and device-aided therapy (DAT) eligibility were assessed. Here, country-specific results of 161 Romanian patients with PD are presented. In total, 59.0% of patients were diagnosed with APD and 78.8% met at least one APD indicator. There was only moderate agreement between clinical judgement of APD and overall fulfillment of APD indicators. All scores related to motor symptoms, NMSs, and treatment complications, as well as to QoL, showed a higher disease burden for patients with APD versus non-APD. Physicians considered 73.7% of patients with APD eligible for DAT. The majority of patients eligible for DAT (54.3%) did not receive such treatment. Our results highlight the importance of earlier recognition of APD, by combining clinical judgement with more standardized clinical tools, such as generally recognized APD criteria. However, timely diagnosis of APD alone is not enough to improve patient outcomes. Other critical factors include patient acceptance and access to appropriate treatment.
The Gantry as a Drive for a Horizontal Bike: Initial Investigation of Rotary Work
Authors: Bereś Łukasz , Pyrzanowski Paweł
Published: January 2021

The gantry drive (also, “the gantry”) is a mechanism that receives human-generated mechanical energy. The gantry used in a horizontal bike is a type of drive, and it is an alternative to a typical crankset. The purpose of this paper was to compare rotary work generated by the gantry and the crankset. The comparative criterion for the gantry and the crankset was work in rotational motion. The comparison was based on static tests; forces put into both drive systems were measured, and the rotary work was mathematically calculated. The forces put into the drive systems were measured for a man 177 cm tall and of 76 kg mass. To facilitate analysis and tests, the first gear wheel to receive force from the toothed rack (the gantry drive) was assumed to have the same radius as the crank (the crankset drive). Mathematical analysis performed for one full rotation (360°) of the first gear wheel and crankset showed that rotary work for the gantry was 2117.31 J and for the crankset 804.81 J. Ultimately, it was shown that the gantry can better receive mechanical energy from the human than the crankset. This means that a human will be less tired when riding a horizontal bike equipped with the gantry compared to a horizontal bike equipped with the crankset; assuming that in both cases, the bike speed is the same. Additionally, thanks to the use of the gantry drive in a horizontal bike, it is possible to achieve higher speeds compared to a horizontal bike equipped with the crankset.
Optimal Control in Two Strain Pneumonia Transmission Dynamics
Authors: Swai Mary C. , Shaban Nyimvua , Marijani Theresia
Published: January 2021

A mathematical model for the transmission dynamics of pneumonia disease in the presence of drug resistance is formulated. Intervention strategies, namely, vaccination, public health education, and treatment are implemented. We compute the effective reproduction numbers and establish the local stability of the equilibria of the model. Global stability of the disease-free equilibrium is obtained through the comparison method. On the other hand, we apply the Lyapunov method to show that the drug-resistant equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable under some feasible biological conditions. Furthermore, we apply optimal control theory to the model aiming at minimizing the number of infections from drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains. The necessary conditions for the optimal solutions of the model were derived by using Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle. The optimal controls are characterized in terms of the optimality system, which is solved numerically for several scenarios to investigate the best strategy. The incremental cost-effectiveness analysis technique is used to find the most cost-effective strategy, and it is observed that the vaccination program is the most cost-effective strategy in case of limited resources. However, results show that implementing the three strategies simultaneously provides the best results in controlling the disease.
Inhibition of Hedgehog Signaling Alters Fibroblast Composition in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Steele Nina G. , Biffi Giulia , Kemp Samantha B. , Zhang Yaqing , Drouillard Donovan , Syu LiJyun , Hao Yuan , Oni Tobiloba E. , Brosnan Erin , Elyada Ela , Doshi Abhishek , Hansma Christa , Espinoza Carlos , Abbas Ahmed , The Stephanie , Irizarry-Negron Valerie , Halbrook Christopher J. , Franks Nicole E. , Hoffman Megan T. , Brown Kristee , Carpenter Eileen S. , Nwosu Zeribe C. , Johnson Craig , Lima Fatima , Anderson Michelle A. , Park Youngkyu , Crawford Howard C. , Lyssiotis Costas A. , Frankel Timothy L. , Rao Arvind , Bednar Filip , Dlugosz Andrzej A. , Preall Jonathan B. , Tuveson David A. , Allen Benjamin L. , Pasca di Magliano Marina
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly disease characterized by an extensive fibroinflammatory stroma, which includes abundant cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) populations. PDAC CAFs are heterogeneous, but the nature of this heterogeneity is incompletely understood. The Hedgehog pathway functions in PDAC in a paracrine manner, with ligands secreted by cancer cells signaling to stromal cells in the microenvironment. Previous reports investigating the role of Hedgehog signaling in PDAC have been contradictory, with Hedgehog signaling alternately proposed to promote or restrict tumor growth. In light of the newly discovered CAF heterogeneity, we investigated how Hedgehog pathway inhibition reprograms the PDAC microenvironment.

Experimental Design:

We used a combination of pharmacologic inhibition, gain- and loss-of-function genetic experiments, cytometry by time-of-flight, and single-cell RNA sequencing to study the roles of Hedgehog signaling in PDAC.

Results:

We found that Hedgehog signaling is uniquely activated in fibroblasts and differentially elevated in myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAF) compared with inflammatory CAFs (iCAF). Sonic Hedgehog overexpression promotes tumor growth, while Hedgehog pathway inhibition with the smoothened antagonist, LDE225, impairs tumor growth. Furthermore, Hedgehog pathway inhibition reduces myCAF numbers and increases iCAF numbers, which correlates with a decrease in cytotoxic T cells and an expansion in regulatory T cells, consistent with increased immunosuppression.

Conclusions:

Hedgehog pathway inhibition alters fibroblast composition and immune infiltration in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment.
Palbociclib Renders Human Papilloma Virus–Negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Vulnerable to the Senolytic Agent Navitoclax
Authors: Gadsden Nicholas J. , Fulcher Cory D. , Li Daniel , Shrivastava Nitisha , Thomas Carlos , Segall Jeffrey E. , Prystowsky Michael B. , Schlecht Nicolas F. , Gavathiotis Evripidis , Ow Thomas J.
Published: January 2021

We demonstrate that inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases 4/6 (CDK4/6) leads to senescence in human papillomavirus (HPV)–negative (−) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but not in HPV-positive (+) HNSCC. The BCL-2 family inhibitor, navitoclax, has been shown to eliminate senescent cells effectively. We evaluated the efficacy of combining palbociclib and navitoclax in HPV− HNSCC. Three HPV− HNSCC cell lines (CAL27, HN31, and PCI15B) and three HPV+ HNSCC cell lines (UPCI-SCC-090, UPCI-SCC-154, and UM-SCC-47) were treated with palbociclib. Treatment drove reduced expression of phosphorylated Rb (p-Rb) and phenotypic evidence of senescence in all HPV− cell lines, whereas HPV+ cell lines did not display a consistent response by Rb or p-Rb and did not exhibit morphologic changes of senescence in response to palbociclib. In addition, treatment of HPV− cells with palbociclib increased both β-galactosidase protein expression and BCL-xL protein expression compared with untreated controls in HPV− cells. Co-expression of β-galactosidase and BCL-xL occurred consistently, indicating elevated BCL-xL expression in senescent cells. Combining palbociclib with navitoclax led to decreased HPV− HNSCC cell survival and led to increased apoptosis levels in HPV− cell lines compared with each agent given alone.

Implications:

This work exploits a key genomic hallmark of HPV− HNSCC (CDKN2A disruption) using palbociclib to induce BCL-xL–dependent senescence, which subsequently causes the cancer cells to be vulnerable to the senolytic agent, navitoclax.
Visual Acuity Outcomes after Phacoemulsification in Eyes with Good Visual Acuity before Cataract Surgery
Authors: Dervenis Nikolaos , Praidou Anna , Dervenis Panagiotis , Chiras Dimitrios , Little Brian
Published: January 2021

Objective: to analyse cataract surgery outcomes and related factors in eyes presenting with good visual acuity. Subject and Methods: A retrospective longitudinal study of patients undergoing phacoemulsification between 2014 and 2018 in Moorfields Eye Hospital was conducted. Pre- and post-operative visual acuities were analysed. Inclusion criteria were age ≥40 years and pinhole visual acuity ≥6/9 pre-operatively. Exclusion criteria were no post-operative visual acuity data. The visual acuity change variable was also defined according to post-operative visual acuity being above or below the Snellen 6/9 threshold. Results: 2,720 eyes were included. The unaided logMAR visual acuity improved from 0.54 to 0.20 (p < 0.001), the logMAR visual acuity with glasses improved from 0.35 to 0.05 (p < 0.001), and the logMAR pinhole visual acuity improved from 0.17 to 0.13 (p < 0.001); 8.1% of patients had Snellen visual acuity <6/9 post-operatively. Mean follow-up period was 23.6 ± 9.9 days. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with visual acuity <6/9 post-operatively were age (OR = 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.95, 0.98], p < 0.001), vitreous loss (OR = 0.21, 95% CI [0.08, 0.56], p = 0.002), and iris trauma (OR = 0.28, 95% CI [0.10, 0.82] p = 0.02). Conclusions: Visual acuity improved significantly, although at least 8.1% of them did not reach their pinhole preoperative visual acuity. Worse visual acuity outcomes were associated with increasing age, vitreous loss, and iris trauma. The 6/9 vision threshold may not be able to accurately differentiate those who may benefit from cataract surgery and those who may not.
Poststroke Cognitive Impairment Negatively Impacts Activity and Participation Outcomes
Authors: Stolwyk Renerus J. , Mihaljcic Tijana , Wong Dana K. , Chapman Jodie E. , Rogers Jeffrey M.
Published: January 2021

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate whether cognition is associated with activity and participation outcomes in adult stroke survivors. Five databases were systematically searched for studies investigating the relationship between general- and domain-specific cognition and longer-term (>3 months) basic activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental ADLs, and participation outcomes. Eligibility for inclusion, data extraction, and study quality was evaluated by 2 reviewers using a standardized protocol. Effect sizes (
r
) were estimated using a random-effects model. Sixty-two publications were retained for review, comprising 7817 stroke survivors (median age 63.57 years, range:18–96 years). Median length of follow-up was 12 months (range: 3 months–11 years). Cognition (all domains combined) demonstrated a significant medium association with all 3 functional outcomes combined,
r
=0.37 (95% CI, 0.33–0.41),
P
<0.001. Moderator analyses revealed these effects persisted regardless of study quality, order in which outcomes were collected (sequential versus concurrent), age, sample size, or follow-up period. Small to medium associations were also identified between each individual cognitive domain and the separate ADL, instrumental ADL, and participation outcomes. In conclusion, poststroke cognitive impairment is associated with early and enduring activity limitations and participation restrictions, and the association is robust to study design factors, such as sample size, participant age, follow-up period, or study quality. Cognitive assessment early poststroke is recommended to facilitate early detection of disability, prediction of functional outcomes, and to inform tailored rehabilitation therapies.
Elite Competition, Social Movements, and Election Violence in Nigeria
Authors: Turnbull Megan
Published: January 2021

Election violence varies significantly within countries, yet how and why are undertheorized. Although existing scholarship has shown how national-level economic, institutional, and contextual factors increase a country's risk for violence during elections, these studies cannot explain why elites organize election violence in some localities but not others. An analysis of gubernatorial elections in Nigeria reveals the conditions under which elites recruit popular social-movement actors for pre-election violence. Gubernatorial elections are intensely competitive when agreements between governors and local ruling party elites over the distribution of state patronage break down. To oust their rivals and consolidate power, elites recruit popular reformist groups for pre-election violence and voter mobilization. Conversely, when local ruling-party elites are aligned over how state patronage is to be distributed, the election outcome is agreed to well in advance. In this scenario, there is little incentive to enlist social movement actors for violence. Case studies of the Ijaw Youth Council and Boko Haram provide empirical support for the argument. The theory and evidence help explain subnational variation in election violence as well as the relationship between intraparty politics and violence during elections, and speak to broader questions about political order and violence.