bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building a continental arc section: Constraints from Paleozoic granulite-facies metamorphism, anatexis, and magmatism in the northern margin of the Qilian Block, northern Tibet Plateau
Authors: Peng Yinbiao , Yu Shengyao , Zhang Jianxin , Li Yunshuai , Li Sanzhong , Lv Pei
Published: September 2021

Continental arcs in active continental margins (especially deep-seated arc magmatism, anatexis, and metamorphism) can be extremely significant in evaluating continent building processes. In this contribution, a Paleozoic continental arc section is constructed based on coeval granulite-facies metamorphism, anatexis, and magmatism on the northern margin of the Qilian Block, which record two significant episodes of continental crust growth. The deeper layer of the lower crust mainly consists of medium-high pressure mafic and felsic granulites, with apparent peak pressure-temperature conditions of 11–13 kbar and 800–950 °C, corresponding to crustal depths of ~35–45 km. The high-pressure mafic granulite and local garnet-cumulate represent mafic residues via dehydration melting involving breakdown of amphibole with anatectic garnet growth. Zircon U-Pb geochronology indicates that these high-grade metamorphic rocks experienced peak granulite-facies metamorphism at ca. 450 Ma. In the upper layer of the lower crust, the most abundant rocks are preexisting garnet-bearing metasedimentary rocks, orthogneiss, and local garnet amphibolite, which experienced medium-pressure amphibolite-facies to granulite-facies metamorphism at depths of 20–30 km at ca. 450 Ma. These metasedimentary rocks and orthogneiss have also experienced partial melting involving mica and rare amphibole at 457–453 Ma. The shallow to mid-crust is primarily composed of diorite-granodiorite batholiths and volcanic cover with multiple origin, which were intruded during 500–450 Ma, recording long-term crustal growth and differentiation episode. As a whole, two episodes of continental crust growth were depicted in the continental arc section on the northern margin of the Qilian Block, including: (a) the first episode is documented in a lithological assemblage composing of coeval mafic-intermediate intrusive and volcanic rocks derived from partial melting of modified lithospheric mantle and subducted oceanic crust during southward subduction of the North Qilian Ocean at 500–480 Ma; (b) the second episode is recorded in mafic rocks derived from partial melting of modified lithospheric mantle during transition from oceanic subduction to initial collision at 460–450 Ma.
Placental polyp with arteriovenous malformation treated with a gonadotoropin-releasing hormone antagonist
Authors: Goda Mayuko , Suzuki Takashi , Adachi Hiroshi
Published: September 2021

A 35-year-old woman (gravida 1, para 0) underwent termination of pregnancy (ToP) at 12 weeks of gestation. One month after ToP, she experienced significant vaginal bleeding and the mass with blood flow was identified on imaging. The presence of a placental polyp with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) was suspected on transvaginal sonography and MRI. Since the bleeding had ceased when she visited our hospital, we decided to treat the placental polyp with AVM with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist therapy instead of surgery. Two months after GnRH antagonist treatment, the mass and blood flow in the uterus disappeared. Menstruation resumed 1 month after the completion of treatment. In our case, we were able to successfully treat placental polyps with AVM using GnRH antagonist therapy.
Inequalities in glycemic management in people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus and severe mental illnesses: cohort study from the UK over 10 years
Authors: Das-Munshi Jayati , Schofield Peter , Ashworth Mark , Gaughran Fiona , Hull Sally , Ismail Khalida , Robson John , Stewart Robert , Mathur Rohini
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Using data from a a primary care pay-for-performance scheme targeting quality indicators, the objective of this study was to assess if people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and severe mental illnesses (SMI) experienced poorer glycemic management compared with people living with T2DM alone, and if observed differences varied by race/ethnicity, deprivation, gender, or exclusion from the scheme.

Research design and methods

Primary care data from a cohort of 56 770 people with T2DM, including 2272 people with T2DM and SMI, from London (UK), diagnosed between January 17, 2008 and January 16, 2018, were used. Adjusted mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and HbA1c differences were assessed using multilevel regression models.

Results

Compared with people with T2DM only, people with T2DM/SMI were more likely to be of an ethnic minority background, excluded from the pay-for-performance scheme and residing in more deprived areas. Across the sample, mean HbA1c was lower in those with T2DM and SMI (mean HbA1c: 58 mmol/mol; 95% CI 57 to 59), compared with people with T2DM only (mean HbA1c: 59 mmol/mol; 95% CI 59 to 60). However, HbA1c levels were greater in Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani, and Chinese people compared with the White British reference in the T2DM/SMI group. People with T2DM/SMI who had been excluded from the pay-for-performance scheme, had HbA1c levels which were +7 mmol/mol (95% CI 2 to 11) greater than those with T2DM/SMI not excluded. Irrespective of SMI status, increasing deprivation and male gender were associated with increased HbA1c levels.

Conclusions

Despite a pay-for-performance scheme to improve quality standards, inequalities in glycemic management in people with T2DM and SMI persist in those excluded from the scheme and by gender, ethnicity, and area-level deprivation.
Development of influenza-associated disease burden pyramid in Shanghai, China, 2010–2017: a Bayesian modelling study
Authors: Li Jing , Wang Chunfang , Ruan Luanqi , Jin Shan , Ye Chuchu , Yu Huiting , Zhu Weiping , Wang Xiling
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Negative estimates can be produced when statistical modelling techniques are applied to estimate morbidity and mortality attributable to influenza. Based on the prior knowledge that influenza viruses are hazardous pathogens and have adverse health outcomes of respiratory and circulatory disease (R&C), we developed an improved model incorporating Bayes’ theorem to estimate the disease burden of influenza in Shanghai, China, from 2010 to 2017.

Design

A modelling study using aggregated data from administrative systems on weekly R&C mortality and hospitalisation, influenza surveillance and meteorological data. We constrained the regression coefficients for influenza activity to be positive by truncating the prior distributions at zero.

Setting

Shanghai, China.

Participants

People registered with R&C deaths (450 298) and hospitalisations (2621 787, from 1 July 2013), and with influenza-like illness (ILI) outpatient visits (342 149) between 4 January 2010 and 31 December 2017.

Primary outcome measures

Influenza-associated disease burden (mortality, hospitalisation and outpatient visit rates) and clinical severity (outpatient–mortality, outpatient–hospitalisation and hospitalisation–mortality risks).

Results

Influenza was associated with an annual average of 15.49 (95% credibility interval (CrI) 9.06–22.06) excess R&C deaths, 100.65 (95% CrI 48.79–156.78) excess R&C hospitalisations and 914.95 (95% CrI 798.51–1023.66) excess ILI outpatient visits per 100 000 population in Shanghai. 97.23% and 80.24% excess R&C deaths and hospitalisations occurred in people aged ≥65 years. More than half of excess morbidity and mortality were associated with influenza A(H3N2) virus, and its severities were 1.65-fold to 3.54-fold and 1.47-fold to 2.16-fold higher than that for influenza A(H1N1) and B viruses, respectively.

Conclusions

The proposed Bayesian approach with reasonable prior information improved estimates of influenza-associated disease burden. Influenza A(H3N2) virus was generally associated with higher morbidity and mortality, and was relatively more severe compared with influenza A(H1N1) and B viruses. Targeted influenza prevention and control strategies for the elderly in Shanghai may substantially reduce the disease burden.
Effectiveness and safety of the adjunctive use of an internet-based self-management intervention for borderline personality disorder in addition to care as usual: results from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Klein Jan Philipp , Hauer-von Mauschwitz Andrea , Berger Thomas , Fassbinder Eva , Mayer Johannes , Borgwardt Stefan , Wellhöfer Bernhard , Schweiger Ulrich , Jacob Gitta
Published: September 2021

Importance

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental disorder that is often inadequately treated.

Objective

To determine if adding a self-management intervention to care as usual (CAU) is effective and safe.

Design

Randomised, controlled, rater-blind trial. Duration of treatment and assessments: 12 months.

Setting

Secondary care, recruited mainly via the internet.

Participants

Patients with BPD and BPD Severity Index (BPDSI) of at least 15.

Interventions

CAU by treating psychiatrist and/or psychotherapist alone or adjunctive use of an internet-based self-management intervention that is based on schema therapy (priovi).

Main outcome measure

Outcomes were assessed by trained raters. The primary outcome was change in BPDSI. The safety outcome was the number of serious adverse events (SAEs). The primary outcome time point was 12 months after randomisation.

Results

Of 383 participants assessed for eligibility, 204 were included (91.7% female, mean age: 32.4 years; 74% were in psychotherapy and 26% were in psychiatric treatment). The slope of BPDSI change did not differ significantly between groups from baseline to 12 months (F3,248= 1.857, p=0.14). At 12 months, the within-group effect sizes were d=1.38 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.68) for the intervention group and d=1.02 (95% CI 0.73 to 1.31) for the control group. The between-group effect size was d=0.27 (95% CI 0.00 to 0.55) in the intention-to-treat sample and d=0.39 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.68) for those who used the intervention for at least 3 hours (per-protocol sample). We found no significant differences in SAEs.

Conclusions

We have not found a significant effect in favour of the intervention. This might be due to the unexpectedly large effect in the group receiving CAU by a psychiatrist and/or psychotherapist alone.

Trial registration

NCT03418142.
Cross-sectional study evaluating burden and depressive symptoms in family carers of persons with age-related macular degeneration in Australia
Authors: Jin Ivan , Tang Diana , Gengaroli Jessica , Nicholson Perry Kathryn , Burlutsky George , Craig Ashley , Liew Gerald , Mitchell Paul , Gopinath Bamini
Published: September 2021

Objectives

We aimed to analyse the degree of carer burden and depressive symptoms in family carers of persons with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and explore the factors independently associated with carer burden and depressive symptoms.

Methods

Cross-sectional study using self-administered and interviewer-administered surveys, involving 96 family carer–care recipient pairs. Participants were identified from tertiary ophthalmology clinics in Sydney, Australia, as well as the Macular Disease Foundation of Australia database. Logistic regression, Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses were used to investigate associations of explanatory factors (family caregiving experience, carer fatigue, carer quality of life and care-recipient level of dependency) with study outcomes—carer burden and depressive symptoms.

Results

Over one in two family carers reported experiencing mild or moderate-severe burden. More than one in five and more than one in three family carers experienced depressive symptoms and substantial fatigue, respectively. High level of care-recipient dependency was associated with greater odds of moderate-severe and mild carer burden, multivariable-adjusted OR 8.42 (95% CI 1.88 to 37.60) and OR 4.26 (95% CI 1.35 to 13.43), respectively. High levels of fatigue were associated with threefold greater odds of the carer experiencing depressive symptoms, multivariable-adjusted OR 3.47 (95% CI 1.00 to 12.05).

Conclusions

A substantial degree of morbidity is observed in family carers during the caregiving experience for patients with AMD. Level of dependency on the family carer and fatigue were independently associated with family carer burden and depressive symptoms.

Trial registration number

The trial registration number is ACTRN12616001461482. The results presented in this paper are Pre-results stage.
Multimorbidity of chronic non-communicable diseases: burden, care provision and outcomes over time among patients attending chronic outpatient medical care in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia—a mixed methods study protocol
Authors: Eyowas Fantu Abebe , Schneider Marguerite , Alemu Shitaye , Getahun Fentie Ambaw
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Multimorbidity refers to the presence of two or more chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in a given individual. It is associated with premature mortality, lower quality of life (QoL) and greater use of healthcare resources. The burden of multimorbidity could be huge in the low and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Ethiopia. However, there is limited evidence on the magnitude of multimorbidity, associated risk factors and its effect on QoL and functionality. In addition, the evidence base on the way health systems are organised to manage patients with multimorbidity is sparse. The knowledge gleaned from this study could have a timely and significant impact on the prevention, management and survival of patients with NCD multimorbidity in Ethiopia and in LMICs at large.

Methods and analysis

This study has three phases: (1) a cross-sectional quantitative study to determine the magnitude of NCD multimorbidity and its effect on QoL and functionality, (2) a qualitative study to explore organisation of care for patients with multimorbidity, and (3) a longitudinal quantitative study to investigate disease progression and patient outcomes over time. A total of 1440 patients (≥40 years) on chronic care follow-up will be enrolled from different facilities for the quantitative studies. The quantitative data will be collected from multiple sources using the KoBo Toolbox software and analysed by STATA V.16. Multiple case study designs will be employed to collect the qualitative data. The qualitative data will be coded and analysed by Open Code software thematically.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical clearance has been obtained from the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University (protocol number 003/2021). Subjects who provide written consent will be recruited in the study. Confidentiality of data will be strictly maintained. Findings will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.
SafePsych: improving patient safety by delivering high-impact simulation training on rare and complex scenarios in psychiatry
Authors: Tong Kezanne , McMahon Eimear , Reid-McDermott Bronwyn , Byrne Dara , Doherty Anne M
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Despite an evidence base demonstrating simulation to be an effective medical education tool, it is not commonly used in postgraduate psychiatry training as it is in other medical specialties.

Objective

This paper outlines the development and effectiveness of a hybrid-virtual simulation-based workshop designed to improve patient care by improving clinical skills of non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) in detecting and managing rare and complex psychiatric emergencies.

Methods

Three clinical vignettes based on near-miss psychiatric cases were developed by a multidisciplinary team of physicians and nurses in psychiatry and experts in simulation-based medical education. The workshop, ‘SafePsych’ was delivered in a simulation laboratory while and broadcast via Zoom video-conferencing platform to observers. Debriefing followed each clinical scenario. Participants completed preworkshop and postworkshop questionnaires to evaluate clinical knowledge.

Results

The workshop was attended by consultants (n=12) and NCHDs in psychiatry and emergency medicine (n=19), and psychiatric nurses (n=5). In the psychiatry NCHD group, test scores significantly improved following the workshop (p<0.001). There were significant improvements in the test scores with a mean difference of 2.56 (SD 1.58, p<0.001). Feedback from participants and observers was positive, with constructive appraisals to improve the virtual element of the workshop.

Conclusion

Simulation-based training is effective in teaching high risk, rare complex psychiatric cases to psychiatry NCHDs. Further exploration of the learning needs of nursing staff is required. Future workshop delivery is feasible in the COVID-19 environment and beyond, using a virtual element to meet social distancing requirements while enhancing the reach of the training.
Assessing the feasibility and acceptability of online measurements of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in children with preschool wheeze: a pilot study
Authors: Holden Karl , Makinde Misty , Wilde Michael , Richardson Matthew , Coats Tim , Monks Paul , Gaillard Erol A
Published: September 2021

Background

Investigating airway inflammation and pathology in wheezy preschool children is both technically and ethically challenging. Identifying and validating non-invasive tests would be a huge clinical advance. Real-time analysis of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in adults is established, however, the feasibility of this non-invasive method in young children remains undetermined.

Aim

To determine the feasibility and acceptability of obtaining breath samples from preschool children by means of real-time mass spectrometry analysis of exhaled VOCs.

Methods

Breath samples from preschool children were collected and analysed in real time by proton transfer reaction–time of flight–mass spectrometry (PTR–TOF–MS) capturing unique breath profiles. Acetone (mass channel m/z 59) was used as a reference profile to investigate the breath cycle in more detail. Dynamic time warping (DTW) was used to compare VOC profiles from adult breath to those we obtained in preschool children.

Results

16 children were recruited in the study, of which eight had acute doctor-diagnosed wheeze (mean (range) age 3.2 (1.9–4.5) years) and eight had no history of wheezing (age 3.3 (2.2–4.1) years). Fully analysable samples were obtained in 11 (68%). DTW was used to ascertain the distance between the time series of mass channel m/z 59 (acetone) and the other 193 channels. Commonality of 12 channels (15, 31, 33, 41, 43, 51, 53, 55, 57, 60, 63 and 77) was established between adult and preschool child samples despite differences in the breathing patterns.

Conclusion

Real-time measurement of exhaled VOCs by means of PTR–MS is feasible and acceptable in preschool children. Commonality in VOC profiles was found between adult and preschool children.
Ten-year trend of care practices, morbidities and survival of very preterm neonates in the Malaysian National Neonatal Registry: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Boo Nem Yun , Chee Seok Chiong , Neoh Siew Hong , Ang Eric Boon-Kuang , Ang Ee Lee , Choo Pauline , Ahmad Kamar Azanna , Syed-Abdullah Farah Inaz , Wong Ann Cheng
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To determine a 10-year trend of survival, morbidities and care practices, and predictors of in-hospital mortality in very preterm neonates (VPTN, gestation 22 to <32 weeks) in the Malaysian National Neonatal Registry.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

43 Malaysian neonatal intensive care units.

Patients

29 010 VPTN (without major malformations) admitted between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2018.

Main outcome measures

Care practices, survival, admission hypothermia (AH, <36.5°C), late-onset sepsis (LOS), pneumothorax, necrotising enterocolitis grade 2 or 3 (NEC), severe intraventricular haemorrhage (sIVH, grade 3 or 4) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Results

During this 10-year period, there was increased use of antenatal steroid (ANS), lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) and early continuous positive airway pressure (eCPAP); but decreased use of surfactant therapy. Survival had increased from 72% to -83.9%. The following morbidities had decreased: LOS (from 27.9% to 7.1%), pneumothorax (from 6.0% to 2.7%), NEC (from 8.1% to 4.7%) and sIVH (from 12.2% to 7.5%). However, moderately severe AH (32.0°C–35.9°C) and BPD had increased. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that lower birth weight, no ANS, no LSCS, admission to neonatal intensive care unit with <100 VPTN admissions/year, no surfactant therapy, no eCPAP, moderate and severe AH, LOS, pneumothorax, NEC and sIVH were significant predictors of mortality.

Conclusion

Survival and major morbidities had improved modestly. Failure to use ANS, LSCS, eCPAP and surfactant therapy, and failure to prevent AH and LOS increased risk of mortality.
Evidence of disparities in the provision of the maternal postpartum 6-week check in primary care in England, 2015–2018: an observational study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD)
Authors: Li Yangmei , Kurinczuk Jennifer J , Gale Christopher , Siassakos Dimitrios , Carson Claire
Published: September 2021

Background

A maternal postpartum 6-week check (SWC) with a general practitioner (GP) is now considered an essential service in England, a recent policy change intended to improve women’s health. We aimed to provide an up-to-date snapshot of the prevalence of SWC prior to the policy change as a baseline, and to explore factors associated with having a late or no check.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study using primary care records in England (Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD)). 34 337 women who gave birth between 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2018 and had ≥12 weeks of follow-up post partum were identified in the CPRD Pregnancy Register. The proportion who had evidence of an SWC with a GP was calculated, and regression analysis was used to assess the association between women’s characteristics and risks of a late or no check.

Results

Sixty-two per cent (95% CI 58% to 67%) of women had an SWC recorded at their GP practice within 12 weeks post partum, another 27% had other consultations. Forty per cent had an SWC at the recommended 6–8 weeks, 2% earlier and 20% later. A late or no check was more common among younger women, mothers of preterm babies or those registered in more deprived areas.

Conclusions

Nearly 40% of women did not have a postpartum SWC recorded. Provision or uptake was not equitable; younger women and those in more deprived areas were less likely to have a record of such check, suggesting postpartum care in general practice may be missing some women who need it most.
Comparative evaluation of coronary disease burden: bicuspid valve disease is not atheroprotective
Authors: Dolmaci Onur Baris , Driessen Antoine H G , Klautz Robert J M , Poelmann Robert , Lindeman Jan H N , Grewal Nimrat
Published: September 2021

Objective

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) has been associated with less atherosclerosis as compared with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) patients. It, however, remains unclear whether this reflects the older age of TAV patients and/or accumulation of atherosclerotic risk factors or that the BAV phenotype is atheroprotective. Therefore, we compared the atherosclerotic disease burden of BAV and TAV patients, with that of the general (age-matched) population.

Methods

The prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and CAD risk factors in BAV and TAV patients who underwent aortic valve surgery were compared with the Dutch general practitioners registry data. BAV (n=454) and TAV (n=1101) patients were divided into four groups: BAV with aortic valve stenosis (BAV-AoS), BAV with aortic valve regurgitation (BAV-AR), TAV with AoS (TAV-AoS) and TAV with AR (TAV-AR). The atherosclerotic disease burden of each group was compared with that of the corresponding age cohort for the general population.

Results

CAD risk factors hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia were more prevalent in the surgery groups than the age-matched general population (all p<0.001). All BAVs (BAV-AoS and BAV-AR) and TAV-AR had a similar incidence of CAD history as compared to the age-matched general populations (p=0.689, p=0.325 and p=0.617 respectively), whereas TAV-AoS had a higher incidence (21.6% versus 14.9% in the age-matched general population, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Stenotic TAV disease is part of the atherosclerotic disease spectrum, while regurgitant TAV and all BAVs are not. Although the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors is higher in all BAV patients, the prevalence of CAD is similar to the general population.
Effects of ibuprofen on gene expression in chondrocytes from patients with osteoarthritis as determined by RNA-Seq
Authors: Pemmari Antti , Tuure Lauri , Hämäläinen Mari , Leppänen Tiina , Moilanen Teemu , Moilanen Eeva
Published: September 2021

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a widely used symptomatic treatment in osteoarthritis (OA), but their effects on cartilage remain controversial. We studied the effects of ibuprofen on gene expression in chondrocytes from patients with OA using RNA-Seq. Chondrocytes were isolated from cartilage samples of patients with OA undergoing knee replacement surgery, cultured with ibuprofen, and total mRNA was sequenced. Differentially expressed genes were identified with edgeR using pairwise comparisons. Functional analysis was performed using ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA). Ibuprofen did not induce statistically significant changes in chondrocyte transcriptome when the cells were cultured in the absence of added cytokines. In inflammatory conditions (when the cells were exposed to the OA-related cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β), 51 genes were upregulated and 42 downregulated by ibuprofen with fold change >1.5 in either direction. The upregulated genes included anti-inflammatory factors and genes associated with cell adhesion, while several mediators of inflammation were among the downregulated genes. IPA analysis revealed ibuprofen having modulating effects on inflammation-related pathways such as integrin, IL-8, ERK/MAPK and cAMP-mediated signalling pathways. In conclusion, the effects of ibuprofen on primary OA chondrocyte transcriptome appear to be neutral in normal conditions, but ibuprofen may shift chondrocyte transcriptome towards anti-inflammatory phenotype in inflammatory environments.
Ultrafast dynamics with the exact factorization
Authors: Agostini Federica , Gross E. K. U.
Published: September 2021

The exact factorization of the time-dependent electron–nuclear wavefunction has been employed successfully in the field of quantum molecular dynamics simulations for interpreting and simulating light-induced ultrafast processes. In this work, we summarize the major developments leading to the formulation of a trajectory-based approach, derived from the exact factorization equations, capable of dealing with nonadiabatic electronic processes, and including spin-orbit coupling and the non-perturbative effect of an external time-dependent field. This trajectory-based quantum-classical approach has been dubbed coupled-trajectory mixed quantum-classical (CT-MQC) algorithm, whose performance is tested here to study the photo-dissociation dynamics of IBr.

Graphic abstract
Equilibrium Spin Distribution From Detailed Balance
Authors: Wang Ziyue , Guo Xingyu , Zhuang Pengfei
Published: September 2021

As the core ingredient for spin polarization, the equilibrium spin distribution function that eliminates the collision terms is derived from the detailed balance principle. The kinetic theory for interacting fermionic systems is applied to the Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model at quark level. Under the semi-classical expansion with respect to $$\hbar $$
ħ
, the kinetic equations for the vector and axial-vector distribution functions are obtained with collision terms. For an initially unpolarized system, spin polarization can be generated at the first order of $$\hbar $$
ħ
from the coupling between the vector and axial-vector charges. Different from the classical transport theory, the collision terms in a quantum theory vanish only in global equilibrium with Killing condition.
SUSY-breaking scenarios with a mildly violated $$\varvec{R}$$ symmetry
Authors: Pallis Constantinos
Published: September 2021

New realizations of the gravity-mediated SUSY breaking are presented consistently with an R symmetry. We employ monomial superpotential terms for the hidden-sector (goldstino) superfield and Kähler potentials parameterizing compact or non-compact Kähler manifolds. Their scalar curvature may be systematically related to the R charge of the goldstino so that Minkowski solutions without fine tuning are achieved. A mild violation of the R symmetry by a higher order term in the Kähler potentials allows for phenomenologically acceptable masses for the R axion. In all cases, non-vanishing soft SUSY-breaking parameters are obtained and a solution to the $$\mu $$
μ
problem of MSSM may be accommodated by conveniently applying the Giudice–Masiero mechanism.
Italian Twitter semantic network during the Covid-19 epidemic
Authors: Mattei Mattia , Caldarelli Guido , Squartini Tiziano , Saracco Fabio
Published: September 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a deep impact on the lives of the entire world population, inducing a participated societal debate. As in other contexts, the debate has been the subject of several d/misinformation campaigns; in a quite unprecedented fashion, however, the presence of false information has seriously put at risk the public health. In this sense, detecting the presence of malicious narratives and identifying the kinds of users that are more prone to spread them represent the first step to limit the persistence of the former ones. In the present paper we analyse the semantic network observed on Twitter during the first Italian lockdown (induced by the hashtags contained in approximately 1.5 millions tweets published between the 23rd of March 2020 and the 23rd of April 2020) and study the extent to which various discursive communities are exposed to d/misinformation arguments. As observed in other studies, the recovered discursive communities largely overlap with traditional political parties, even if the debated topics concern different facets of the management of the pandemic. Although the themes directly related to d/misinformation are a minority of those discussed within our semantic networks, their popularity is unevenly distributed among the various discursive communities.
Numerical simulations of Zakharov’s (ZK) non-dimensional equation arising in Langmuir and ion-acoustic waves
Authors: Khater Mostafa M. A.
Published: September 2021

The trigonometric quintic B-spline scheme is used in this research paper to research Zakharov’s (ZK) nonlinear dimensional equation’s numerical solution. The ZK model’s solutions explain the relationship between the high-frequency Langmuir and the low-frequency ion-acoustic waves with many applications in optical fiber, coastal engineering, and fluid mechanics of electromagnetic waves, plasma physics, and signal processing. Three recent computational schemes (the expanded [Formula: see text]-expansion method, generalized Kudryashov method, and modified Khater method) have recently been used to investigate this model’s moving wave solution. Many innovative solutions have been established in this paper to determine the original and boundary conditions that allow numerous numerical schemes to be implemented. Here, the trigonometric quintic B-spline method is used to analyze the precision of the collected analytical solutions. To illustrate the precision of the numerical and computational solutions, distinct drawings are depicted.
A MIXED MULTIFRACTAL ANALYSIS FOR QUASI-AHLFORS VECTOR-VALUED MEASURES
Authors: MABROUK ANOUAR BEN , FARHAT ADEL
Published: September 2021

The multifractal formalism for measures in its original formulation is checked for special classes of measures, such as, doubling, self-similar, and Gibbs-like ones. Out of these classes, suitable conditions should be taken into account to prove the validity of the multifractal formalism. In this work, a large class of measures satisfying a weak condition known as quasi-Ahlfors is considered in the framework of mixed multifractal analysis. A joint multifractal analysis of finitely many quasi-Ahlfors probability measures is developed. Mixed variants of multifractal generalizations of Hausdorff, and packing measures, and corresponding dimensions are introduced. By applying convexity arguments, some properties of these measures, and dimensions are established. Finally, an associated multifractal formalism is introduced, and proved to hold for the class of quasi-Ahlfors measures. Besides, some eventual applications, and motivations, especially, in AI are discussed.
THE NUMERICAL STRATEGY OF TEMPERED FRACTIONAL DERIVATIVE IN EUROPEAN DOUBLE BARRIER OPTION
Authors: XIE CHENGXUAN , XIA XIAOXIAO , AGHDAM YONES ESMAEELZADE , FARNAM BEHNAZ , JAFARI HOSSEIN , WANG SHUCHUN
Published: September 2021

The usage of Lévy processes involving big moves or jumps over a short period of time has proven to be a successful strategy in financial analysis to capture such rare or extreme events of stock price dynamics. Models that follow the Lévy process are FMLS, Kobol, and CGMY models. Such simulations steadily raise the attention of researchers in science because of the certain best options they produce. Thus, the issue of resolving these three separate styles has gained more interest. In the new paper, we introduce the computational method of such models. At first, the left and right tempered fractional derivative with arbitrary order is approximated by using the basis function of the shifted Chebyshev polynomials of the third kind (SCPTK). In the second point, by implementing finite difference approximation, we get the semi-discrete structure to solve the tempered fractional B–S model (TFBSM). We show that this system is stable and [Formula: see text] is the convergence order. In practice, the processing time and the calculation time per iteration will be reduced by a quickly stabilized system. Then we use SCPTK to approximate the spatial fractional derivative to get the full design. Finally, two numerical examples are provided to illustrate the established system’s reliability and effectiveness.
Cascading Impacts of Seed Disperser Loss on Plant Communities and Ecosystems
Authors: Rogers Haldre S. , Donoso Isabel , Traveset Anna , Fricke Evan C.
Published: September 2021

Seed dispersal is key to the persistence and spread of plant populations. Because the majority of plant species rely on animals to disperse their seeds, global change drivers that directly affect animals can cause cascading impacts on plant communities. In this review, we synthesize studies assessing how disperser loss alters plant populations, community patterns, multitrophic interactions, and ecosystem functioning. We argue that the magnitude of risk to plants from disperser loss is shaped by the combination of a plant species’ inherent dependence on seed dispersal and the severity of the hazards faced by their dispersers. Because the factors determining a plant species’ risk of decline due to disperser loss can be related to traits of the plants and dispersers, our framework enables a trait-based understanding of change in plant community composition and ecosystem functioning. We discuss how interactions among plants, among dispersers, and across other trophic levels also mediate plant community responses, and we identify areas for future research to understand and mitigate the consequences of disperser loss on plants globally.
DREAM On: Cell Cycle Control in Development and Disease
Authors: Walston Hayley , Iness Audra N. , Litovchick Larisa
Published: September 2021

Perfectly orchestrated periodic gene expression during cell cycle progression is essential for maintaining genome integrity and ensuring that cell proliferation can be stopped by environmental signals. Genetic and proteomic studies during the past two decades revealed remarkable evolutionary conservation of the key mechanisms that control cell cycle–regulated gene expression, including multisubunit DNA-binding DREAM complexes. DREAM complexes containing a retinoblastoma family member, an E2F transcription factor and its dimerization partner, and five proteins related to products of Caenorhabditis elegans multivulva (Muv) class B genes lin-9, lin-37, lin-52, lin-53, and lin-54 (comprising the MuvB core) have been described in diverse organisms, from worms to humans. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the structure, function, and regulation of DREAM complexes in different organisms, as well as the role of DREAM in human disease.
Pharmacology of TRPC Channels and Its Potential in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine
Authors: Bon Robin S. , Wright David J. , Beech David J. , Sukumar Piruthivi
Published: September 2021

Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) proteins assemble to form homo- or heterotetrameric, nonselective cation channels permeable to K+, Na+, and Ca2+. TRPC channels are thought to act as complex integrators of physical and chemical environmental stimuli. Although the understanding of essential physiological roles of TRPC channels is incomplete, their implication in various pathological mechanisms and conditions of the nervous system, kidneys, and cardiovascular system in combination with the lack of major adverse effects of TRPC knockout or TRPC channel inhibition is driving the search of TRPC channel modulators as potential therapeutics. Here, we review the most promising small-molecule TRPC channel modulators, the understanding of their mode of action, and their potential in the study and treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic disease.
Measure Transportation and Statistical Decision Theory
Authors: Hallin Marc
Published: September 2021

Unlike the real line, the real space, in dimension d ≥ 2, is not canonically ordered. As a consequence, extending to a multivariate context fundamental univariate statistical tools such as quantiles, signs, and ranks is anything but obvious. Tentative definitions have been proposed in the literature but do not enjoy the basic properties (e.g., distribution-freeness of ranks, their independence with respect to the order statistic, their independence with respect to signs) they are expected to satisfy. Based on measure transportation ideas, new concepts of distribution and quantile functions, ranks, and signs have been proposed recently that, unlike previous attempts, do satisfy these properties. These ranks, signs, and quantiles have been used, quite successfully, in several inference problems and have triggered, in a short span of time, a number of applications: fully distribution-free testing for multiple-output regression, MANOVA, and VAR models; R-estimation for VARMA parameters; distribution-free testing for vector independence; multiple-output quantile regression; nonlinear independent component analysis; and so on.
Peer instruction versus conventional group work-based teaching in a laboratory exercise on respiratory physiology: a randomized study
Authors: Mohammad Milan , Viuff Søren Lundgaard , Munch Marie Warrer , Berg Ronan M. G.
Published: September 2021

Collaborative teaching strategies such as peer instruction and conventional group work have previously been shown to enhance meaningful learning, but they have not previously been compared. In this present study, we compared the impact of solving quizzes with peer instruction and conventional group work on immediate learning in a laboratory exercise. A total of 186 second-year medical students were randomized to solve two quizzes by either a peer instruction strategy ( n = 93) or conventional group work ( n = 93) during a mandatory laboratory exercise on respiratory physiology, after which all students completed an individual test. There was no difference in total test scores between groups, but students randomized to peer instruction obtained the highest test scores in solving simple integrated questions. Conversely, students randomized to conventional group work provided the best evaluations of the overall assessment of the laboratory exercise. In conclusion, different collaborative teaching strategies implemented during a laboratory exercise appear to affect immediate learning and student satisfaction differently.
Measuring the value of a digital supplemental resource
Authors: Baptiste Yvonne M. , Abramovich Samuel , Browne Cherylea J.
Published: September 2021

Supplemental resources in science education are made available to students based on the belief that they will improve course-based student learning. This belief is ubiquitous, with supplemental resources being a traditional component of physiology education. In addition, the recent large-scale transition to remote learning caused by the Covid-19 pandemic suggests an increased relevance and necessity of digital versions of supplemental resources. However, the use of a supplemental resource is entirely dependent on whether students view it as beneficial. If students in a specific course do not perceive a supplemental resource as useful, there is little reason to believe the resources will be used and are worthy of investment. Consequently, measurement of student perception regarding the effectiveness of any digital learning tool is essential for educators and institutions in order to prioritize resources and make meaningful recommendations to students. In this study, a survey was used to determine student perceptions of a digital, supplemental resource. Quantitative methods, including exploratory factor analysis, were performed on data collected from the survey to examine the dimensionality and functionality of this survey. The findings from this study were used to devise an improved, standardized (i.e., reliable and valid) survey that can be used and adapted by physi3ology researchers and educators to determine student perception of a digital supplemental resource. The survey, with known construct validity and internal reliability, can provide useful information for administrators, instructors, and designers of digital supplemental resources.
Examining the relationships between medical students’ preferred online instructional strategies, course difficulty level, learning performance, and effectiveness
Authors: Cheng Xin , Ma Xin-Yue , Luo Chaohua , Chen Jian , Wei Wei , Yang Xuesong
Published: September 2021

Students’ preferences and engagement with online educational resources and activities are crucial for academic success in the context of online medical education. This study investigated the preferences of Chinese medical students regarding the teaching strategies used by instructors and their relationship with course difficulty level, student’s academic performance, and perceived effectiveness. Survey data ( n = 375) were collected from the medical students from one of the largest medical schools in Southern China during the spring semester of 2020. First, exploratory factor analysis demonstrated that there were three latent factors behind online teaching strategies, including teacher-led instructional strategies, supervised and monitored learning strategies, and self-directed learning strategies. Instructional activities under teacher supervision and monitoring received the highest rating while teacher-led strategies received the lowest ratings. Second, the popularity of the three online instructional strategies we have identified was positively associated with students’ perceived effectiveness of online teaching and their self-reported academic performance. Third, analysis of the quantified answers to the open-ended question reported a positive association between the perceived difficulty level of the courses and students’ preference of teacher-led strategies. It also manifested a positive correlation between perceived effectiveness level of the online teaching and the use of self-directed learning strategies before their online lectures. Further implications of the findings are fully discussed.
[Retracted] Remote Judgment Method of Painting Image Style Plagiarism Based on Wireless Network Multitask Learning
Authors: Wang Zhijun
Published: September 2021

Since the artistry of the work cannot be accurately described, the identification of reproducible plagiarism is more difficult. The identification of reproducible plagiarism of digital image works requires in‐depth research on the artistry of artistic works. In this paper, a remote judgment method for plagiarism of painting image style based on wireless network multitask learning is proposed. According to this new method, the uncertainty of painting image samples is removed based on multitask learning algorithm edge sampling. The deep‐level details of the painting image are extracted through the multitask classification kernel function, and most of the pixels in the image are eliminated. When the clustering density is greater than the judgment threshold, it can be considered that the two images have spatial consistency. It can also be judged based on this that the two images are similar, that is, there is plagiarism in the painting. The experimental results show that the discrimination rate is always close to 100%, the misjudgment rate of plagiarism of painting images has been reduced, and the various indicators in the discrimination process are the lowest, which fully shows that a very satisfactory discrimination result can be obtained.
Relationship of Table Tennis Sports Nutritional Food to Sports Athletes’ Training and Physical Health
Authors: Qi Rong
Published: September 2021

Table tennis has a broad mass base in our country and is a sport suitable for all ages. It has achieved outstanding results in the international arena and has become our country’s traditional advantage. To engage in professional table tennis, table tennis players are required to have good physical quality. However, table tennis is actually a high-intensity, high-skills sport. It has a very large impact on the main power-generating parts and joints of the athlete’s body. Soldiers and ball players often suffer from sports injuries. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out the nutrition corresponding supplements and targeted training. Therefore, the experimental group members were supplemented with nutritious food to distinguish the control group. The operation steps and experimental principle of this method are provided in detail in this article. Based on the above test scheme, a comparative experiment has been done and a number of physiological tests on the two groups of sports have been carried out. It includes the statistical analysis of athletes’ body composition changes after the experiment and the comparative analysis of body composition before and after nutrition intervention in the experimental group. Analysis of experimental data shows that nutritional food can improve the physical indicators of table tennis players and enhance the overall health evaluation coefficient.