bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Paleoproterozoic Francevillian succession of Gabon and the Lomagundi-Jatuli event
Authors: Mayika Karen Bakakas , Moussavou Mathieu , Prave Anthony R. , Lepland Aivo , Mbina Michel , Kirsimäe Kalle
Published: July 2020

The Paleoproterozoic Francevillian succession of Gabon has figured prominently in concepts about Earth’s early oxygenation and genesis of a large positive excursion in carbon-isotope values, the Lomagundi-Jatuli event (LJE). Here we present a detailed study of a 139-m-long core of Francevillian rocks marked by carbonate δ13C (δ13Ccarb) values of 5‰–9‰ that decline upsection to near 0‰, a trend inferred by many workers as a fingerprint of the LJE and its termination. However, we show that the shift in δ13Ccarb values coincides with a facies change: shallow-marine facies are marked by the strongly positive values, whereas deeper-marine facies (below storm wave base) are at ∼0‰. The most circumspect interpretation of such facies dependence of δ13Ccarb is that shallow-marine settings record the isotope effects of local physical and biochemical processes driving the ambient dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) pool to heavier values, and the lighter values (∼0‰) in deeper-water facies track the DIC of the open-marine realm where δ13C was largely unaffected by fractionations occurring in shallow-water settings. Further, a transgressing redoxcline created conditions for precipitation of Mn-bearing minerals and chemotrophic microbial biota, including methane cycling communities evident by organic δ13C (δ13Corg) values of −47‰ and Δδcarb-org values as high as 46‰. Thus, the Francevillian C-isotope profile reflects basin-specific conditions and is not a priori an indicator of global C-cycle disturbances nor of the termination of the LJE.
Recognizing tide- and wave-dominated compound deltaic clinothems in the rock record
Authors: Peng Yang , Olariu Cornel , Steel Ronald J.
Published: July 2020

Many modern deltas exhibit a compound geometry that consists of a shoreline clinoform and a larger subaqueous clinoform connected through a subaqueous platform. Despite the ubiquity of compound clinoforms in modern deltas, very few examples have been documented from the ancient sedimentary record. We present recognition criteria for shelf compound-clinoform systems in both tide- and wave-dominated deltas by integration of ancient and modern examples from multiple types of data. The compound clinothem can be identified by using a combination of: (1) the three-dimensional (3-D) configuration identified in bathymetric or seismic data, (2) bipartite stacked regressive units, consisting of a lower muddy coarsening-to-fining-upward (CUFU) or coarsening-upward (CU) unit (30–100 m thick) and an overlying sandier CU unit (5–30 m thick) (together they represent the subaqueous and shoreline clinoform pair), and (3) distinct facies described herein, though both types of delta have highly bioturbated mudstone and siltstone bottomsets. Tide-dominated deltas have muddy foresets with tidal scours containing tidal rhythmites or inclined heterolithic strata in the subaqueous clinothem overlain by river and tidal deposits of the shoreline clinothem. Wave-dominated deltas show mainly wave-enhanced sediment-gravity-flow (WSGF) beds and some thin hummocky/swaley cross-stratified (HCS/SCS) sandstones toward the top in the subaqueous muddy foreset, and upward-thickening HCS/SCS and trough/planar cross-bedded sandstones interbedded with siltstones in the shoreline clinothem. The subaqueous platform, which links the clinoform couplet, shows evidence of frequent tidal or wave reworking and redeposition. The platform in tide-dominated deltas is characterized by tide-generated heterolithic strata (e.g., bidirectional current-rippled and cross-stratified sandstones, spring and neap tidal bundles, tidal rhythmites) with occasional storm-wave–influenced strata. In contrast, the wave-dominated platform comprises small-scale swales with scours and mud clasts and some WSGF deposits. The proposed criteria can aid in the recognition of compound deltaic clinothems in other basins, particularly those with limited amounts and/or types of data.
Study protocol for the POPART study—Prophylactic Oropharyngeal surfactant for Preterm infants: A Randomised Trial
Authors: Murphy Madeleine Claire , Galligan Marie , Molloy Brenda , Hussain Rabia , Doran Peter , O'Donnell Colm
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Many preterm infants develop respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), a condition characterised by a relative lack of surfactant. Endotracheal surfactant therapy revolutionised the care of preterm infants in the 1990s. However, supporting newborns with RDS with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and reserving endotracheal surfactant for those who develop respiratory failure despite CPAP yield better results than intubating all infants for surfactant. Half of preterm infants born before 29 weeks gestation initially managed with CPAP are intubated for surfactant. Intubation is difficult to learn and associated with adverse effects. Surfactant administration into the oropharynx has been reported in preterm animals and humans and may be effective. We wished to determine whether giving oropharyngeal surfactant at birth reduces the rate of endotracheal intubation for respiratory failure in preterm infants within 120 hours of birth.

Methods and analysis

Prophylactic Oropharyngeal surfactant for Preterm infants: A Randomised Trial (POPART, Eudract No. 2016-004198-41) is an investigator-led, unblinded, multicentre, randomised, parallel group, controlled trial. Infants are eligible if born at a participating centre before 29 weeks gestational age (GA) and there is a plan to offer intensive care. Infants are excluded if they have major congenital anomalies. Infants are randomised at birth to treatment with oropharyngeal surfactant (120 mg vial <26 weeks GA stratum; 240 mg vial 26–28+6weeks GA stratum) in addition to CPAP or CPAP alone. The primary outcome is intubation within 120 hours of birth, for bradycardia and/or apnoea despite respiratory support in the delivery room or respiratory failure in the intensive care unit. Secondary outcomes include incidence of mechanical ventilation, endotracheal surfactant use, chronic lung disease and death before hospital discharge.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval for the study has been granted by the Research Ethics Committees at the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland (EC31.2016) and at each participating site. The trial is being conducted at nine centres in six European countries. The study results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

2016-004198-41; Pre-results.
Cost and outcomes of the ultrasound screening program for birth defects over time: a population-based study in France
Authors: Ferrier Clément , Khoshnood Babak , Dhombres Ferdinand , Randrianaivo Hanitra , Perthus Isabelle , Jouannic Jean-Marie , Durand-Zaleski Isabelle
Published: July 2020

Objective

To assess trends in the average costs and effectiveness of the French ultrasound screening programme for birth defects.

Design

A population-based study.

Setting

National Public Health Insurance claim database.

Participants

All pregnant women in the ‘Echantillon Généraliste des Bénéficiaires’, a permanent representative sample of 1/97 of the individuals covered by the French Health Insurance System.

Main outcomes measures

Trends in the costs and in the average cost-effectiveness ratio (ACER) of the screening programme (in € per case detected antenatally), per year, between 2006 and 2014. incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) from 1 year to another were also estimated. We assessed costs related to the ultrasound screening programme of birth defects excluding the specific screening of Down’s syndrome. The outcome for effectiveness was the prenatal detection rate of birth defects, assessed in a previous study. Linear and logistic regressions were used to analyse time trends.

Results

During the study period, there was a slight decrease in prenatal detection rates (from 58.2% in 2006 to 55.2% in 2014; p=0.015). The cost of ultrasound screening increased from €168 in 2006 to €258 per pregnancy in 2014 (p=0.001). We found a 61% increase in the ACER for ultrasound screening during the study period. ACERs increased from €9050 per case detected in 2006 to €14 580 per case detected in 2014 (p=0.001). ICERs had an erratic pattern, with a strong tendency to show that any increment in the cost of screening was highly cost ineffective.

Conclusion

Even if the increase in costs may be partly justified, we observed a diminishing returns for costs associated with the prenatal ultrasound screening of birth defects, in France, between 2006 and 2014.
Systematic review of the global epidemiology of viral-induced acute liver failure
Authors: Patterson Jenna , Hussey Hannah Sophia , Silal Sheetal , Goddard Liz , Setshedi Mashiko , Spearman Wendy , Hussey Gregory D , Kagina Benjamin M , Muloiwa Rudzani
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The aetiology and burden of viral-induced acute liver failure remains unclear globally. It is important to understand the epidemiology of viral-induced ALF to plan for clinical case management and case prevention.

Participants

This systematic review was conducted to synthesize data on the relative contribution of different viruses to the aetiology of viral-induced acute liver failure in an attempt to compile evidence that is currently missing in the field. EBSCOhost, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for relevant literature published from 2009 to 2019. The initial search was run on 9 April 2019 and updated via PubMed on 30 September 2019 with no new eligible studies to include. Twenty-five eligible studies were included in the results of this review.

Results

This systematic review estimated the burden of acute liver failure after infection with hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis E virus, herpes simplex virus/human herpesvirus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus and parvovirus B19. Data were largely missing for acute liver failure after infection with varicella-zostervirus, human parainfluenza viruses, yellow fever virus, coxsackievirus and/or adenovirus. The prevalence of hepatitis A-induced acute liver failur was markedly lower in countries with routine hepatitis A immunisation versus no routine hepatitis A immunisation. Hepatitis E virus was the most common aetiological cause of viral-induced acute liver failure reported in this review. In addition, viral-induced acute liver failure had poor outcomes as indicated by high fatality rates, which appear to increase with poor economic status of the studied countries.

Conclusions

Immunisation against hepatitis A and hepatitis B should be prioritised in low-income and middle-income countries to prevent high viral-induced acute liver failure mortality rates, especially in settings where resources for managing acute liver failure are lacking. The expanded use of hepatitis E immunisation should be explored as hepatitis E virus was the most common cause of acute liver failure.

Registration

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42017079730.
Public perceptions and experiences of social distancing and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic: a UK-based focus group study
Authors: Williams Simon N , Armitage Christopher J , Tampe Tova , Dienes Kimberly
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study explored UK public perceptions and experiences of social distancing and social isolation related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

This qualitative study comprised five focus groups, carried out online during the early stages of the UK’s stay at home order (‘lockdown’), and analysed using a thematic approach.

Setting

Focus groups took place via online videoconferencing.

Participants

Participants (n=27) were all UK residents aged 18 years and older, representing a range of gender, ethnic, age and occupational backgrounds.

Results

Qualitative analysis revealed four main themes: (1) loss—participants’ loss of (in-person) social interaction, loss of income and loss of structure and routine led to psychological and emotional ‘losses’ such as loss of motivation, loss of meaning and loss of self-worth; (2) criticisms of government communication—participants reported a lack of trust in government and a lack of clarity in the guidelines around social distancing and isolation; (3) adherence—participants reported high self-adherence to social distancing guidelines but reported seeing or hearing of non-adherence in others; (4) uncertainty around social reintegration and the future—some participants felt they would have lingering concerns over social contact while others were eager to return to high levels of social activity.

Most participants, and particularly those in low-paid or precarious employment, reported feeling that the social distancing and isolation associated with COVID-19 policy has had negative impacts on their mental health and well-being during the early stages of the UK’s ‘lockdown’.

Conclusions

A rapid response is necessary in terms of public health programming to mitigate the mental health impacts of COVID-19 social distancing and isolation. Social distancing and isolation ‘exit strategies’ must account for the fact that, although some individuals will voluntarily or habitually continue to socially distance, others will seek high levels of social engagement as soon as possible.
Observational study assessing changes in timing of readmissions around postdischarge day 30 associated with the introduction of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program
Authors: Nathan Ashwin S , Martinez Joseph R , Giri Jay , Navathe Amol S
Published: July 2020

Background

The Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) initially penalised hospitals for excess readmission within 30 days of discharge for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), congestive heart failure (CHF) or pneumonia (PNA) and was expanded in subsequent years to include readmissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, elective total hip arthroplasty, total knee arthroplasty and coronary artery bypass graft surgery. We assessed whether HRRP was associated with delays in readmissions from immediately before the 30-day penalty threshold to just after it.

Methods

We included Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries discharged between 1 January 2007 and 31 October 2015. Readmissions were assessed until December 31, 2015. The study period was divided into three phases: January 2007 to March 2009 (pre-HRRP), April 2009 to September 2012 (implementation) and October 2012 to December 2015 (penalty). We estimated additional readmissions between postdischarge days 31–35 compared with days 26–30 using a negative binomial difference-in-differences model, comparing target HRRP versus non-HRRP conditions at the same hospital in the same month in the pre-HRRP and penalty phases.

Results

HRRP was not associated with a significant difference in AMI readmissions between postdischarge days 31–35 versus postdischarge days 26–30 for each hospital in the penalty phase, as compared with non-HRRP conditions and the pre-HRRP phase (p=0.19). There were statistically significant increases in readmissions CHF (0.040%, 95% CI 0.024% to 0.056%, p<0.01), PNA (0.022%, 95% CI 0.002% to 0.042%, p=0.03) and stroke (0.035%, 95% CI 0.010% to 0.060%, p<0.01); however, these readmissions represent <0.01% of readmissions during this time period.

Conclusion

We did not identify consistently significant associations between HRRP and delayed readmissions, and importantly, any findings suggesting delayed readmissions were extremely small and unlikely to be clinically relevant.
Effects on alcohol consumption of announcing and implementing revised UK low-risk drinking guidelines: findings from an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Holmes John , Beard Emma , Brown Jamie , Brennan Alan , Meier Petra S , Michie Susan , Stevely Abigail K , Webster Laura , Buykx Penny F
Published: July 2020

Background

In January 2016, the UK announced and began implementing revised guidelines for low-risk drinking of 14 units (112 g) per week for men and women. This was a reduction from the previous guidelines for men of 3–4 units (24–32 g) per day. There was no large-scale promotion of the revised guidelines beyond the initial media announcement. This paper evaluates the effect of announcing the revised guidelines on alcohol consumption among adults in England.

Methods

Data come from a monthly repeat cross-sectional survey of approximately 1700 adults living in private households in England collected between March 2014 and October 2017. The primary outcomes are change in level and time trend of participants’ Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test—Consumption (AUDIT-C) scores.

Results

In December 2015, the modelled average AUDIT-C score was 2.719 out of 12 and was decreasing by 0.003 each month. After January 2016, AUDIT-C scores increased immediately but non-significantly to 2.720 (β=0.001, CI −0.079 to 0.099) and the trend changed significantly such that scores subsequently increased by 0.005 each month (β=0.008, CI 0.001 to 0.015), equivalent to 0.5% of the population increasing their AUDIT-C score by 1 point each month. Secondary analyses indicated the change in trend began 7 months before the guideline announcement and that AUDIT-C scores reduced significantly but temporarily for 4 months after the announcement (β=−0.087, CI −0.167 to 0.007).

Conclusions

Announcing new UK drinking guidelines did not lead to a substantial or sustained reduction in drinking or a downturn in the long-term trend in alcohol consumption, but there was evidence of a temporary reduction in consumption.
Occupational exposure to inorganic dust and risk of gout: a population-based study
Authors: Sigurdardottir Valgerdur , Jacobsson Lennart , Schiöler Linus , Svärd Anna , Dehlin Mats , Toren Kjell
Published: July 2020

Background

Risk factors operating independently of hyperuricemia could be of importance in determining why only a minority of people with hyperuricemia develop gout. Exposure to inorganic dust has been linked to other inflammatory diseases and could influence the development of gout.

Objectives

To evaluate if occupational exposure to inorganic dust increases the risk of gout.

Methods

Individuals aged 30–65 years with a first gout diagnosis in 2006–2012 in the population-based healthcare database of the Western Swedish Healthcare Region (VEGA) and population controls matched by age and sex were included. Data on occupation was collected from the Swedish occupational register. Exposure status was assigned by means of a job exposure matrix. Data on gout-related comorbidities was collected from VEGA. Alcohol use disorder and obesity were related both to gout and exposure to inorganic dust and were adjusted for in multivariate analyses. ORs were calculated using conditional logistic regression.

Results

5042 gout cases and 20 682 controls were included. Exposure to inorganic dust was associated with gout in both unadjusted (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.20) and multivariate (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.16) analyses of the whole population. In sex-stratified multivariate analyses, dust exposure was significantly associated with gout in women (adjusted OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.51), but not in men (adjusted OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.13).

Conclusions

We describe for the first time an association between exposure to inorganic dust and gout. After adjusting for confounders, the findings were statistically significant for women but not for men.
Considerations for improving quality of care of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and associated comorbidities
Authors: Kvien Tore K , Balsa Alejandro , Betteridge Neil , Buch Maya H , Durez Patrick , Favalli Ennio Giulio , Favier Guillaume , Gabay Cem , Geenen Rinie , Gouni-Berthold Ioanna , van den Hoogen Frank , Kent Alison , Klareskog Lars , Ostergaard Mikkel , Pavelka Karel , Polido Pereira Joaquim , Semb Anne Grete , Sköld Magnus , Dougados Maxime
Published: July 2020

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder with a global prevalence of approximately 0.5–1%. Patients with RA are at an increased risk of developing comorbidities (eg, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes and depression). Despite this, there are limited recommendations for the management and implementation of associated comorbidities. This study aimed to identify good practice interventions in the care of RA and associated comorbidities.

Methods

A combination of primary research (180+ interviews with specialists across 12 European rheumatology centres) and secondary research (literature review of existing publications and guidelines/recommendations) were used to identify challenges in management and corresponding good practice interventions. Findings were prioritised and reviewed by a group of 18 rheumatology experts including rheumatologists, comorbidity experts, a patient representative and a highly specialised nurse.

Results

Challenges throughout the patient pathway (including delays in diagnosis and referral, shortage of rheumatologists, limited awareness of primary care professionals) and 18 good practice interventions were identified in the study. The expert group segmented and prioritised interventions according to three distinct stages of the disease: (1) suspected RA, (2) recent diagnosis of RA and (3) established RA. Examples of good practice interventions included enabling self-management (self-monitoring and disease management support, for example, lifestyle adaptations); early arthritis clinic; rapid access to care (online referral, triage, ultrasound-guided diagnosis); dedicated comorbidity specialists; enhanced communication with primary care (hotline, education sessions); and integrating patient registries into daily clinical practice.

Conclusion

Learning from implementation of good practice interventions in centres across Europe provides an opportunity to more widely improved care for patients with RA and associated comorbidities.
Density-dependent consequences of size-selective induced life-history changes to population fitness in medaka (Oryzias latipes)
Authors: Evangelista Charlotte , Vøllestad Leif Asbjørn , Diaz Pauli Beatriz , Edeline Eric
Published: July 2020

There is an increasing concern about the potential for size-selective harvest to impair population persistence. Yet little is known about the relative contribution of the evolutionary (shifts in life history) and demographic effects (decreased population density and size truncation) of harvesting to changes in fitness. Using medaka (Oryzias latipes), we experimentally investigated the fitness consequences of antagonistic size-dependent selection under contrasted levels of density (low versus high) and size structure (uniform versus truncated). The size-dependent selection generated large- and small-breeder lines with fast growth and late maturity versus slow growth and early maturity life histories, respectively. A decrease in density had a positive effect on almost all fitness components, while size truncation only had a positive effect on fish growth. Small-breeder fish grew slower and had a greater probability of reproducing, at least when considering small-sized females. The number of larvae and juveniles did not differ between the two lines. Finally, the positive effect of decreased density on population asymptotic growth rate was less pronounced in small-breeders than in large-breeders of medaka. These findings stress the importance of considering the ramifications of fishing-adapted life history to population persistence in the light of density-dependent population dynamics.
Lepton flavor violation and dilepton tails at the LHC
Authors: Angelescu Andrei , Faroughy Darius A. , Sumensari Olcyr
Published: July 2020

Starting from a general effective Lagrangian for lepton flavor violation (LFV) in quark-lepton transitions, we derive constraints on the effective coefficients from the high-mass tails of the dilepton processes $$pp \rightarrow \ell _k \ell _l$$pp→ℓkℓl (with $$k\ne l$$k≠l). The current (projected) limits derived in this paper from LHC data with $$36~\mathrm {fb}^{-1}$$36fb-1 ($$3~\mathrm {ab}^{-1}$$3ab-1) can be applied to generic new physics scenarios, including the ones with scalar, vector and tensor effective operators. For purely left-handed operators, we explicitly compare these LHC constraints with the ones derived from flavor-physics observables, illustrating the complementarity of these different probes. While flavor physics is typically more constraining for quark-flavor violating operators, we find that LHC provides the most stringent limits on several flavor-conserving ones. Furthermore, we show that dilepton tails offer the best probes for charm-quark transitions at current luminosities and that they provide competitive limits for tauonic $$b\rightarrow d$$b→d transitions at the high-luminosity LHC phase. As a by-product, we also provide general numerical expressions for several low-energy LFV processes, such as the semi-leptonic decays $$K\rightarrow \pi \ell ^{\pm }_k \ell ^{{\mp }}_l$$K→πℓk±ℓl∓, $$B\rightarrow \pi \ell ^{\pm }_k \ell ^{{\mp }}_l$$B→πℓk±ℓl∓ and $$B\rightarrow K^{(*)} \ell ^{\pm }_k \ell ^{{\mp }}_l$$B→K(∗)ℓk±ℓl∓.
New realizations of algebras of the Askey–Wilson type in terms of Lie and quantum algebras
Authors: Crampé Nicolas , Kabakibo Dounia Shaaban , Vinet Luc
Published: July 2020

The Askey–Wilson algebra is realized in terms of the elements of the quantum algebras [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]. A new realization of the Racah algebra in terms of the Lie algebras [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] is also given. Details for different specializations are provided. The advantage of these new realizations is that one generator of the Askey–Wilson (or Racah) algebra becomes diagonal in the usual representation of the quantum algebras whereas the second one is tridiagonal. This allows us to recover easily the recurrence relations of the associated orthogonal polynomials of the Askey scheme. These realizations involve rational functions of the Cartan generator of the quantum algebras, where they are linear with respect to the other generators and depend on the Casimir element of the quantum algebras.
Dilepton production rate calculation using MEQM in heavy-ion collision
Authors: Sethy P. K. , Kumar Yogesh , Singh S. Somorendro
Published: July 2020

It is established that a strong magnetic field is generated along with quark–gluon plasma in heavy-ion collision. This unique scenario offers an opportunity to study and analyze the impact of the magnetic field on the evolution of the plasma. We calculate the dilepton yield from quark–gluon plasma in a magnetic environment by considering a suitably modified magnetized effective quark mass (MEQM). Further, we study the dilepton yield for different values of magnetic field and different values of chemical potential with MEQM. The results obtained are very encouraging and we compare it with recently reported theoretical results.
Structural and optical properties of Fe-doped TiO2 films by sol–gel method
Authors: Shi S. B.
Published: July 2020

Fe-doped TiO2 films were prepared by sol–gel spin coating method. After annealing in vacuum, the structural and optical properties of the films were investigated. XRD patterns revealed that all diffraction peaks can be attributed to TiO2 with anatase phase structure. No segregated phases are present in the samples within XRD detection limit. XPS results indicated that iron element exists in a tervalent state and incorporates into TiO2 lattice. Raman spectra demonstrated that all the films are in pure anatase phase. No other vibration modes in the spectra were detected. Raman spectra are consistent with the results of XRD patterns. Photoluminescence spectra at room temperature are sensitive to the concentration of Fe doping. The quenching increases with the increase in amount of dopant, which can be due to the introduction of defect sites such as oxygen vacancy by Fe doping. The free hole can interact with a trapped electron, or a free electron can interact with a trapped hole, resulting in non-radiative.
First-passage behavior of under-damped asymmetric bistable system driven by Lévy noise
Authors: Yu Xiuxian , Guo Yongfeng , Lou Xiaojuan , Dong Qiang
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the first-passage behavior of under-damped asymmetric bistable system driven by Lévy noise is studied. The two aspects considered are the mean first-passage time (MFPT) and the distribution of first-passage time in two opposite directions. To begin with, using the Janicki–Weron algorithm to generate Lévy noise, the system driven by Lévy noise is simulated through the fourth-order Runge–Kutta algorithm. Then the first-passage time of [Formula: see text] response tracks is calculated, and the MFPT and the distribution of first-passage time are obtained. Finally, the influence of Lévy noise and system parameters on MFPT and the distribution of first-passage time are analyzed. Moreover, the noise enhanced stability (NES) effect is found.
Surface Effects on Effective Young’s Modulus of Nanoporous Structures
Authors: Fan Tao
Published: July 2020

Nanoporous materials and structures have attracted widespread attention due to their excellent mechanical properties. Based on the surface elasticity, the effective Young’s moduli are derived for four typical nanoporous structures with periodic unit cells. When the cross-sectional size reduces to nanoscale, the effective Young’s modulus is revealed to be strongly size-dependent. Both the effects of residual surface stress and effective-surface Young’s modulus are examined. The results indicate that negative effective Young’s modulus can be achieved when the residual surface stress is less than zero. The influences of the cross-sectional shape on the relationship between the overall deformation and applied loads are examined. The relative density also plays an important role to the mechanical characteristics not only at macroscales, but also at nanoscales.
On the existence of a σ-finite acim for a random iteration of intermittent Markov maps with uniformly contractive part
Authors: Toyokawa Hisayoshi
Published: July 2020

For an annealed type random dynamical system arising from non-uniformly expanding maps which admits uniformly contractive branches, we establish the existence of an absolutely continuous [Formula: see text]-finite invariant measure. We also show when the invariant measure is infinite.
The stabilizer of two-dimensional vector space of 27-dimensional module of type E6 over a field of characteristic two
Authors: Alkhezi Yousuf , Bani-Ata Mshhour
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this paper is to use the notion of [Formula: see text]-sets (cocliques) introduced by the second author in [S. Aldhafeeri and M. Bani-Ata, On the construction of Lie-algebras of type [Formula: see text] for fields of characteristic two, Beitrag Zur Algebra und Geometry 58 (2017) 529–534.] and using Levi components and unipotent radical subgroups of [Formula: see text] to give an elementary and self-contained construction of the stabilizer of two dimensional vector space of 27-dimensional module of type [Formula: see text] over a field of characteristic two. This stabilizer is in fact the maximal parabolic subgroup [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] or a Borel subgroup. This construction is elementary on the account that we use not more than little naive linear algebra notions. For more information one can see [M. E. Aschbacher, The 27-dimensional module for [Formula: see text], 1, Invent. Math. 89 (1987) 159–195; M. E. Aschbacher, The 27-dimensional module for [Formula: see text], II, J. London Math. Soc. 37 (1988) 275–293; M. Bani-Ata, On Lie algebras of type [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] over finite fields of characteristic two, Preprint; B. Cooperstein, Subgroups of the group [Formula: see text] which are generated by root-subgroups, J. Algebra 46 (1977) 355–388.].
General Thermodynamic Efficiency Loss and Scaling Behavior of Eukaryotic Organisms
Authors: Montemayor-Aldrete Jorge A. , Márquez-Caballé Rafael F. , del Castillo-Mussot Marcelo , Cruz-Peregrino Fidel
Published: July 2020

A simple and general thermodynamic theory is applied to describe the irreversible aspects of the continuous process of functional efficiency loss, which occurs in dissipative biological structures after they reach maturity. Following Prigogine [G. Nicolis and I. Prigogine, Self-organization in Nonequilibrium Systems (Wiley, New York, 1997), pp. 2–3], this theory considers that these dissipative structures perform their functions carrying out cyclic processes per se since they are self-organized far from equilibrium. Starting from the theoretical fact that after biological dissipative systems reach adulthood, the functionality of their organs decreases linearly over time. We show that cumulative damage leads to the exponential law of increasing mortality rate with age for population groups, known as Gompertz’s law. The theory was applied to the determination of functional efficiency loss parameter, [Formula: see text], for 71 living beings as a function of mass covering 18 orders of magnitude. The mathematical adjustment allowed us to conclude that there is a minimum in the value of the [Formula: see text] parameter for a 23.3 kg mass which is close enough to the Homo sapiens one. We obtained useful expressions to describe the [Formula: see text] parameter for smaller masses than those of saccharomyces cerevisiae, so perhaps this theory may contribute to the study of the evolution of some dissipative pre-biological structures.
Alkali Hydrothermal Treatment to Synthesize Hydroxyl Modified g-C3N4 with Outstanding Photocatalytic Phenolic Compounds Oxidation Ability
Authors: Guan Yuanhao , Hu Shaozheng , Gu Guizhou , Lu Guang , Yuan Xingzhou , Bai Jin
Published: July 2020

The treatment of phenol-containing wastewater is a hot topic in the field of environmental chemistry. In this work, the hydroxyl grafted graphite phase carbon nitride (g-C3[Formula: see text] was prepared by alkaline hydrothermal (AH) treatment, and its degradation of phenol under visible light was investigated. XRD, UV-Vis, FT-IR, XPS, N2 adsorption, PL, ESR, TPD and EIS were used to characterize the as-prepared catalysts. The results showed that the hydroxyl group grafting does not influence the crystal structure, optical property and specific surface area of catalyst. Compared with the hydroxyl group modified g-C3N4 prepared by H2O2 method, the alkali hydrothermal treatment can graft more hydroxyl groups onto the g-C3N4 surface, leading to the higher electron–hole separation efficiency. The as-prepared catalyst using this method had more surface negative charges and stronger adsorption capacity for the reaction substrate phenol. The g-C3N4 prepared by this alkali hydrothermal treatment displayed the phenol degradation rate constant of 0.22[Formula: see text]h[Formula: see text], which is 3.72 and 2.06 times higher than that of neat and H2O2 treated g-C3N4, as well as excellent catalytic stability and structural stability. The possible reaction mechanism was proposed.
Optimization of Nonlinear Optical Response of One-Dimensional Nanostructured Sodium Titanate Through Morphological Control
Authors: Xiao Xueqing , Zheng Chan , Cai Shuguang , Chen Wenzhe , Li Wei , Guo Qiaohang
Published: July 2020

Nanostructured nonlinear optical (NLO) materials are attracting increasing interest as optical limiters for various applications. In this study, one-dimensional nanostructured Na2Ti3O7 was synthesized by a typical hydrothermal method and systematically characterized. The results showed that one-dimensional nanostructured Na2Ti3O7 has good crystallinity and thermal stability. Its morphology can be easily controlled to form nanotubes, nanobelts and nanorods by altering the amounts of added NaOH. The robustness of the NLO properties of one-dimensional nanostructured Na2Ti3O7 in broadband optical limiting (OL) applications was investigated by the open-aperture Z-scan method. At laser wavelengths of 532 nm and 1064 nm, the effective nonlinear extinction coefficients showed nonmonotonic dependence on the morphology; nanotubes gave the maximum value. The results confirmed that the NLO and OL responses of one-dimensional nanostructured Na2Ti3O7 can be effectively optimized by tailoring the morphology. In addition, the nonlinear extinction coefficients of these three types of one-dimensional nanostructured Na2Ti3O7 are better than those of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, a benchmark one-dimensional OL material, at 532 nm and 1064 nm; they therefore have potential applications in nonlinear optics. Nonlinear scattering and photothermal effect measurements showed that the OL shown by one-dimensional nanostructured Na2Ti3O7 can be mainly attributed to nonlinear scattering and free-carrier absorption at both irradiation wavelengths. The fabrication of one-dimensional nanostructured Na2Ti3O7 with different morphologies via this simple approach paves the way for the synthesis and tuning of new one-dimensional materials with desirable photonic properties for various applications.
Carbon aerogel/SnO2 as an advanced anode for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Liao Ang , Pan Yong , Lei Weixin , Luo Zhenya , Hu Jiaqing , Pan Junan , Cheng Juanjuan
Published: July 2020

As the anode of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), SnO2 has been attracted considerable attention due to its high theoretical specific capacity. However, these shortcomings of SnO2 anode seriously restrict its practical use for high-performance SIBs due to its poor conductivity, volume expansion and agglomeration of the active material during cycling. In this paper, carbon aerogel (CA) is a three-dimensional porous material with glucose as carbon source and freeze-dried hydrogel method is used to retain three-dimensional network structure by calcination. SnO2 is prepared by hydrothermal method with nanoparticles and distributed on the CA homogeneously to prepare CA/SnO2. The CA/SnO2 is prepared for SIB, in which CA can alleviate the problem of volume expansion and improve poor conductivity of SnO2 as a good carrier. Moreover, the porous structure of CA is beneficial to increase the contact between the electrolyte and the electrode, and accelerates the transmission speed of ions and electrons. Nano-sized SnO2 also contributes to cycle stability. The CA/SnO2 exhibits superior electrochemical performance and maintains a reversible discharge specific capacity of 235[Formula: see text]mAh[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] at a current density of 50[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] after 100 cycles.
Seasonal and Regional Variability of Long-Wave Effective Radiation in China and Associated Modulating Factors
Authors: Ma Qianrong , Zhang Jie , Gu Yu , Ma Yujun , Cao Yu
Published: July 2020

Variations in all-sky and clear-sky long-wave effective radiation (LER) in China during the period 2001–2016 were determined using monthly radiative datasets from the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES). Annual and seasonal spatial distributions are found to be quite similar and show a decreasing trend from northwest to southeast, although highest values are found in spring. Mean LER under clear-sky conditions is approximately 20–30 Wm−2 higher than that under all-sky conditions. There is a consistent downward trend in annual and seasonal variations of LER under different weather conditions in China especially after 2007. In northwest China, the eastern Tibetan Plateau, and southeast and northeast China, LER is significantly reduced in two weather conditions and this is more pronounced in spring. However, decreases in clear-sky LER are more obvious. Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) results for LER differences between all-sky conditions and clear-sky conditions were used to analyze regional characteristics and modulating factors. The first mode shows that the LER differences of two weather conditions over China become larger and significant after 2007. The second mode reflects the spatial characteristics, and four climate regions are divided according to the second pattern. According to the definition of LER, regression analysis shows that downward long-wave radiation has a greater influence on LER. When considering cloud effects and other modulating factors, LER has higher correlation with relative humidity in climate regions 3 and 4. However, there are higher negative correlations with middle and high clouds in regions 1 and 2, which are modulated by cloud characteristics. When these factors influence LER together, their correlation is significant in all regions (correlation coefficients are on average higher than 0.7). In summary, changes of LER can well reflect the change of climate system.
Effects of Combinations of Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Devices and Suction Flow Rates on the Corneal Endothelial Cell Damage Incurred during Phacoemulsification
Authors: Kunishige Tomoyuki , Takahashi Hiroshi
Published: July 2020

We examined the effects of different ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) and suction flow rates during phacoemulsification on the amount of ultrasound power used and damage to the corneal endothelium. In total, 48 eyes of 24 patients who underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens insertion with different OVD settings in the left and right eye between February and August 2018 were examined retrospectively from medical records. Each of the following types of OVDs was used in either the right or left eye of each patient: a viscoadaptive OVD (V group) or a combination of dispersive and cohesive OVDs (soft-shell technique; S group). There was no significant difference in the lens nucleus hardness between the two groups. A 2.4 mm transconjunctival scleral incision was made, and phacoemulsification was performed by the same surgeon. The cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) and ultrasound time intraoperatively were compared between the two groups. The CDE was significantly larger in the V group (9.9 ± 4.6) than the S group (6.4 ± 3.0; p=0.006). The reduction rate of the endothelial cell density at the center of the cornea was significantly higher in the V group (4.1% ± 6.7%) than the S group (0.3% ± 4.5%; p=0.03) at 1 week postoperatively. Both groups had a good postoperative course. There was less corneal endothelial damage with the soft-shell technique combined with a normal flow setting than the viscoadaptive OVD combined with a low flow setting.
Effects of Rainfall on PM2.5 and PM10 in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River
Authors: Zhou Yue , Yue Yanyu , Bai Yongqing , Zhang Liwen
Published: July 2020

Based on the PM2.5 and PM10 mass concentration data obtained from 51 national air quality monitoring stations and the corresponding rainfall intensity data in automatic meteorological stations in Hubei Province from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017, the impact of rainfall intensity on PM mass concentrations under relatively different humidity conditions was analyzed. The results showed that light rain occurred most frequently in the pollution process, with Xiangyang being affected for up to 587 h. PM concentration would not change drastically under the effect of precipitation. Mean rainfall intensity responsible for wet growth of PM10 and PM2.5 was mainly <0.5 mm/h, while that responsible for wet removal of PM2.5 was significantly higher (>1.4 mm/h) than that of PM10 (>1.0 mm/h). Precipitation was more likely to produce a wet removal effect for a greater initial value of PM mass concentration, and on the contrary, a wet growth effect was more likely, with the threshold of PM10 mass concentration being 150 μg/m3 and that of PM2.5 mass concentration being 95 μg/m3. Wet removal played a leading role in lower humidity (∼60%) and greater rainfall intensity, but wet growth played a leading role in higher humidity (∼90%) and lower rainfall intensity. As the precipitation level increased (rainfall ≥1.5 mm·h−1), the wet removal to PM10 mass concentration was enhanced more obviously. The variations of PM2.5 had similar distributions to those of PM10 under the effect of precipitation, but the wet removal effect of precipitation was weakened and the wet growth effect was enhanced.
Dynamic Aerothermal Analysis of a Cone-Cylinder Flight Body
Authors: Zhang Jun , Jia Guangchen , Mkumbuzi Sibanda Gibson , Wu Yu
Published: July 2020

Exploring the aerothermal characteristic of a flight body has great military applications in tracking, locating, thermal protection, and infrared stealth technologies. Available studies are mostly focused on the transient aerothermal characteristics of vehicles in some specific flight datum, which are not able to satisfy the requirements in real-time tracking for an infrared system. This paper probes into a method of dynamic thermal analysis of a cone-cylinder flight body with a high spinning speed. Firstly, a theoretical model for analyzing the dynamic aerothermal characteristics is established using the thermal node-network method. Then, trajectory datum and the convective heat-transfer coefficients are solved simultaneously. Besides, the trajectory datum in supersonic, transonic, and subsonic regimes is separately defined as the boundary conditions, and fluid-thermal analysis methods are implemented by a combination of sliding mesh and multicoordinate approaches. Finally, the flow characteristics are analyzed and compared with disregarding the rotational speed. The results demonstrate that there are significant differences between the two cases, especially at the high-speed regimes. This study further confirms that it is essential to conduct the aerothermal analysis from a dynamic point of view, and taking the impacts of coupling motion into account is also of vital importance.
Systems Pharmacology‐Based Research on the Mechanism of Tusizi‐Sangjisheng Herb Pair in the Treatment of Threatened Abortion
Authors: Yang Ming , Luo Jianghe , Li Yan , Xu Limian
Published: July 2020

Threatened abortion (TA) is a common complication with high incidence in the first trimester of pregnancy, which will end in miscarriage if not treated properly. The Chinese herbs Cuscutae Semen (Tusizi in Chinese) and Herba Taxilli (Sangjisheng in Chinese) first recorded in the ancient classic medical book Shennong Bencao Jing are effective and widely used as an herb pair for the treatment of TA, while the active ingredients and the functional mechanism of Tusizi‐Sangjisheng herb pair treating TA are still unknown. In order to exploit the relationship between those two herbs and TA, systems pharmacology analysis was carried out in this study. A total of 75 ingredients of Tusizi‐Sangjisheng were collected from Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). 12 bioactive compounds were screened, and 153 directly related targets were predicted by systematic models. Besides, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were used to systematically explore the potential mechanisms of Tusizi‐Sangjisheng treating TA. Meanwhile, Compound‐Target (C‐T), Target‐Disease (T‐D), and Target‐Pathway (T‐P) networks were constructed to further quest the underlying functional mechanisms of Tusizi‐Sangjisheng. As a result, 31 targets and 3 key pathways were found to be directly related to TA that includes mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs), phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K‐Akt), and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling pathways. The results in this study may provide some valuable clues about the molecular mechanisms of the efficient Chinese herb pair Tusizi‐Sangjisheng in the treatment of TA.