bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New insights into the relationship between seismic intensity measures and nonlinear structural response
Authors: Vargas-Alzate Yeudy F. , Hurtado Jorge E. , Pujades Luis G.
Published: December 2021

This paper focuses on the probabilistic analysis of Intensity Measures (IMs) and Engineering Demand Parameters (EDPs) in the context of earthquake-induced ground motions. Several statistical properties, which are desirable inIMs when they are used to predictEDPs, have been analysed. Specifically, efficiency, sufficiency andsteadfastnesshave been quantified for a set ofIMs with respect to twoEDPs: the maximum inter-storey drift ratio,MIDR, and the maximum floor acceleration,MFA. Steadfastness is a new statistical property proposed in this article, which is related to the ability ofIMs to forecastEDPs for large building suites. In other words, this means that efficiency does not significantly vary when different types of buildings are simultanously considered in the statistical analyses. This property allows reducing the number of calculations when performing seismic risk estimations at urban level since, for instance, a large variety of fragility curves, representing specific building typologies, can be grouped together within a more generic one. The main sources of uncertainty involved in the calculation of the seismic risk have been considered in the analysis. To do so, the nonlinear dynamic responses of probabilistic multi-degree-of-freedom building models, subjected to a large data set of ground motion records, have been calculated. These models have been generated to simulate the dynamic behavior of reinforced concrete buildings whose number of stories vary from 3 to 13. 18 spectrum-, energy- and direct-accelerogram-basedIMs have been considered herein. Then, from clouds ofIM-EDPpoints, efficiency, sufficiency and steadfastness have been quantified. ForMIDR, results show thatIMs based on spectral velocity are more efficient and steadfast than the ones based on spectral acceleration; spectral velocity averaged in a range of periods,AvSv, has shown to be the most efficientIMwith an adequate level of steadfastness. ForMFA, spectral acceleration-based-IMs are more efficient than velocity-based ones. A comparison is also presented on the use of linear vs quadratic regression models, and their implications on the derivation of fragility functions. Concerning sufficiency, most of the 18IMs analysed do not have this property. Nonetheless, multi-regression models have been employed to address this lack of sufficiency allowing to obtain a so-called ‘ideal’IM.
Functions of digital learning within the international mobility programme – perspectives of university students and staff from Europe
Authors: Leek Joanna , Rojek Marcin
Published: December 2021

This paper is based on research studies conducted in the academic community of students and staff members (teachers, researchers and administrative staff) from 16 European universities that focus on digital learning in international mobility. The context of our qualitative study is digital learning during an international mobility scheme when university staff and students do not go abroad for their mobility programme but take courses offered by a partner university from home. By taking the perspectives of both of these academic groups, we aimed to arrive at a clearer understanding of how the digital environment supports digital learning within mobility, ascertain the functions of digital learning and describe the opportunities and challenges that are presented to students engaged in international mobility. Empirical data was gathered using questionnaires and focus group interviews. This study puts forward the assertion that distinctive features of learning in a digital environment within international mobility are systems thinking, self-directed learning and focus on course content. Digital learning environments support motivation to learn, and independence in gaining knowledge. In international digital learning, the online courses of which are characterized by their innovative pedagogical and assessment practices, students and staff become more autonomous in their learning, and more willing to open up to meeting the challenges encountered in various educational settings. Digital learning in the context of mobility means giving meaning to one’s own activity in a digital environment and extension of the course content, meaning oral expression such as discussing and interacting with teachers and peers.
Future Contingency and Classical Indeterminism
Authors: Gaskin Richard
Published: December 2021

A position that has been called ‘classical indeterminism’ has recently been developed in order to model vagueness: this approach appeals to an object-language ‘determinately’ operator, the semantics of which are defined in such a way as to preserve the principle of bivalence. I suggest that a prominent argument against this strategy, which I call the Field–Williamson argument, fails. The classical indeterminist position in its general form was anticipated by the Aristotelian commentators in their discussions of Aristotle’s famous ‘sea battle’ passage concerning future contingency. But I maintain that, ironically enough, the strategy is less happily applied in this case, where a version of the Field–Williamson argument succeeds.
In vitro proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 14T for benign and malignant ovary: Part I, signal processing by the nonparametric fast Padé transform
Authors: Belkić Dževad , Belkić Karen
Published: December 2021

The present study deals with two different kinds of time signals, encoded by in vitro proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) with a high external static magnetic field, 14.1T (Bruker 600 MHz spectrometer). These time signals originate from the specific biofluid samples taken from two patients, one with benign and the other with malignant ovarian cysts. The latter two diagnoses have been made by histopathologic analyses of the samples. Histopathology is the diagnostic gold standard in medicine. The obtained results from signal processing by the nonparametric derivative fast Padé transform (dFPT) show that a number of resonances assignable to known metabolites are considerably more intense in the malignant than in the benign specimens. Such conclusions from the dFPT include the recognized cancer biomarkers, lactic acid and choline-containing compounds. For example, the peak height ratio for the malignant-to-benign samples is about 18 for lactate, Lac. This applies equally to doublet Lac(d) and quartet Lac(q) resonating near 1.41 and 4.36 ppm (parts per million), respectively. For the choline-containing conglomerate (3.19-3.23 ppm), the dFPT with already low-derivative orders (2nd, 3rd) succeeds in clearly separating the three singlet component resonances, free choline Cho(s), phosphocholine PC(s) and glycerophosphocholine GPC(s). These constituents of total choline, tCho, are of critical diagnostic relevance because the increased levels, particularly of PC(s) and GPC(s), are an indicator of a malignant transformation. It is gratifying that signal processing by the dFPT, as a shape estimator, coheres with the mentioned histopathology findings of the two samples. A very large number of resonances is identifiable and quantifiable by the nonparametric dFPT, including those associated with the diagnostically most important low molecular weight metabolites. This is expediently feasible by the automated sequential visualization and quantification that separate and isolate sharp resonances first and subsequently tackle broad macromolecular lineshape profiles. Such a stepwise workflow is not based on subtracting nor annulling any part of the spectrum, in sharp contrast to controversial customary practice in the MRS literature. Rather, sequential estimation exploits the chief derivative feature, which is a faster peak height increase of the thin than of the wide resonances. This is how the dFPT simultaneously improves resolution (linewidth narrowing) and reduces noise (background flattening). Such a twofold achievement makes the dFPT-based proton MRS a high throughput strategy in tumor diagnostics as hundreds of metabolites can be visualized/quantified to offer the opportunity for a possible expansion of the existing list of a handful of cancer biomarkers.
The Extent of Universal Health Coverage for Maternal Health Services in Eastern Uganda: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Lindberg Clara , Nareeba Tryphena , Kajungu Dan , Hirose Atsumi
Published: December 2021

Objective

Monitoring essential health services coverage is important to inform resource allocation for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal 3. The objective was to assess service, effective and financial coverages of maternal healthcare services and their equity, using health and demographic surveillance site data in eastern Uganda.

Methods

Between Nov 2018 and Feb 2019, 638 resident women giving birth in 2017 were surveyed. Among them, 386 were randomly sampled in a follow-up survey (Feb 2019) on pregnancy and delivery payments and contents of care. Service coverage (antenatal care visits, skilled birth attendance, institutional delivery and one postnatal visit), effective coverage (antenatal and postnatal care content) and financial coverage (out-of-pocket payments for antenatal and delivery care and health insurance coverage) were measured, stratified by socio-economic status, education level and place of residence.

Results

Coverage of skilled birth attendance and institutional delivery was both high (88%), while coverage of postnatal visit was low (51%). Effective antenatal care was lower than effective postnatal care (38% vs 76%). Financial coverage was low: 91% of women made out-of-pocket payments for delivery services. Equity analysis showed coverage of institutional delivery was higher for wealthier and peri-urban women and these women made higher out-of-pocket payments. In contrast, coverage of a postnatal visit was higher for rural women and poorest women.

Conclusion

Maternal health coverage in eastern Uganda is not universal and particularly low for postnatal visit, effective antenatal care and financial coverage. Analysing healthcare payments and quality by healthcare provider sector is potential future research.
Monitoring and Evaluation of the Lateral Stability of CWR Track
Authors: Atapin Vitaly , Bondarenko Alexey , Sysyn Mykola , Grün Dimitri
Published: December 2021

Continuous welded rail (CWR) track has great advantages of low-cost maintenance, environmental influence, and ride comfort. However, the CWR track is subjected to the longitudinal stresses in rails due to temperature influence as well the inhomogeneous stress accumulation due to train loadings. The stresses cause the accelerated track lateral irregularity accumulation that without timely maintenance can cause track buckling. The present paper present a method of the CWR track lateral stability estimation during its lifecycle using the track geometry monitoring information from the track measurement cars. The methods proposes a systematic approach of track stability evaluation based on multiple criteria of track stability evaluation. It takes into account the lateral resistance of the track, actual temperatures, and the lateral geometry condition of the track. The presented case study of a half-year track geometry monitoring and the track stability evaluation in a track curve shows the practical possibility of the recent detection of the track sections with low lateral stability and buckling prevention.
Current practice patterns and gaps in guideline-concordant breast cancer survivorship care
Authors: Brauer Eden R. , Long Elisa F. , Petersen Laura , Ganz Patricia A.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Breast cancer-specific survivorship care guidelines for the more than 3.8 million survivors in the U.S. are available, but implementation in clinical practice remains challenging. We examined current practice patterns and factors associated with guideline-concordant survivorship care among oncologists.

Methods

A national sample of medical oncologists, recruited using two databases, participated in a survey focused on practice patterns for breast cancer survivorship care. A “survivorship care composite score” was calculated for each respondent based on provision of services recommended in the survivorship guidelines. Descriptive statistics and multivariable linear regression analyses examined associations between physician and practice characteristics and composite scores.

Results

The survey was completed by 217 medical oncologists, with an overall response rate of 17.9% and eligibility rate of 56.9% for those who responded. Oncologists reported high engagement in evaluation of disease recurrence (78%). Performed less frequently were the provision of survivorship care plans (46%), assessment of psychosocial long-term and late effects (34%), and screening for subsequent cancers (34%). Lack of survivorship care training (p = 0.038) and not routinely informing patients about potential late effects (p = 0.003) were significantly associated with poorer survivorship care composite scores.

Conclusions

Despite the availability of disease-specific survivorship care guidelines, adherence to their recommendations in clinical practice is suboptimal. Survey results identified key gaps in survivorship care for breast cancer survivors, particularly related to subsequent primary cancers and psychosocial long-term and late effects.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Improving the delivery of comprehensive survivorship care for the growing population of breast cancer survivors is a high priority. Disease-specific clinical guidelines for cancer survivorship provide valuable recommendations, but innovative strategies are needed to integrate them into the care of long-term breast cancer survivors.
Experimental investigation on vibration characteristics of the medium–low-speed maglev vehicle–turnout coupled system
Authors: Li Miao , Gao Dinggang , Li Tie , Luo Shihui , Ma Weihua , Chen Xiaohao
Published: December 2021

The steel turnout is one of the key components in the medium–low-speed maglev line system. However, the vehicle under active control is prone to vehicle–turnout coupled vibration, and thus, it is necessary to identify the vibration characteristics of this coupled system through field tests. To this end, dynamic performance tests were conducted on a vehicle–turnout coupled system in a medium–low-speed maglev test line. Firstly, the dynamic response data of the coupled system under various operating conditions were obtained. Then, the natural vibration characteristics of the turnout were analysed using the free attenuation method and the finite element method, indicating a good agreement between the simulation results and the measured results; the acceleration response characteristics of the coupled system were analysed in detail, and the ride quality of the vehicle was assessed by Sperling index. Finally, the frequency distribution characteristics of the coupled system were discussed. All these test results could provide references for model validation and optimized design of medium–low-speed maglev transport systems.
IMPROVING FOOD POLICIES FOR A CLIMATE INSECURE WORLD: EVIDENCE FROM ETHIOPIA
Authors: Dasgupta Shouro , Robinson Elizabeth J. Z.
Published: December 2021

Climate change and weather shocks have multi-faceted impacts on food systems with important implications for economic policy. Combining a longitudinal household survey with high-resolution climate data, we demonstrate that both climate and weather shocks increase food insecurity; cash assistance and participation in Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Programme have reduced food insecurity; but food assistance has been ineffective. Importantly, households with savings, and those that stored their harvest to sell at higher prices rather than for home use, suffered less from food insecurity, yet both strategies are harder for the poorest and most food insecure households to adopt. Our paper provides micro-founded evidence needed to design policies that both improve agricultural yields in the context of a changing climate and target households’ abilities to cope with shocks that put upwards pressure on food prices.
ON RETRIBUTIVE JUSTICE
Authors: Ruloff C. P. , Findler Patrick
Published: December 2021

Hsiao has recently developed what he considers a ‘simple and straightforward’ argument for the moral permissibility of corporal punishment. In this article we argue that Hsiao's argument is seriously flawed for at least two reasons. Specifically, we argue that (i) a key premise of Hsiao's argument is question-begging, and (ii) Hsiao's argument depends upon a pair of false underlying assumptions, namely, the assumption that children are moral agents, and the assumption that all forms of wrongdoing demand retribution.
BETTER TO HAVE CHILDREN: A RESPONSE TO HARRISON AND TANNER
Authors: Rotondo Andrew
Published: December 2021

In Harrison and Tanner's (2011) ‘Better Not to Have Children’, it's argued that having children is immoral as well as detrimental to one's well-being. In this article, I argue against those claims and defend the position that, for most people, having children is morally permissible and greatly enhances their well-being.
A training plan to implement lung ultrasound for diagnosing pneumonia in children
Authors: Guitart Carmina , Esteban Esther , Becerra Judit , Rodríguez-Fanjul Javier , Cambra Francisco José , Balaguer Mònica , Jordan Iolanda
Published: December 2021

Background

Lung ultrasound (LUS) for critical patients requires trained operators to perform them, though little information exists on the level of training required for independent practice. The aims were to implement a training plan for diagnosing pneumonia using LUS and to analyze the inter-observer agreement between senior radiologists (SRs) and pediatric intensive care physicians (PICPs).

Methods

Prospective longitudinal and interventional study conducted in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary hospital. Following a theoretical and practical training plan regarding diagnosing pneumonia using LUS, the concordance between SRs and the PICPs on their LUS reports was analyzed.

Results

Nine PICPs were trained and tested on both theoretical and practical LUS knowledge. The mean exam mark was 13.5/15. To evaluate inter-observer agreement, a total of 483 LUS were performed. For interstitial syndrome, the global Kappa coefficient (K) was 0.51 (95% CI 0.43–0.58). Regarding the presence of consolidation, K was 0.67 (95% CI 0.53–0.78), and for the consolidation pattern, K was 0.82 (95% CI 0.79–0.85), showing almost perfect agreement.

Conclusions

Our training plan allowed PICPs to independently perform LUS and might improve pneumonia diagnosis. We found a high inter-observer agreement between PICPs and SRs in detecting the presence and type of consolidation on LUS.

Impact

Lung ultrasound (LUS) has been proposed as an alternative to diagnose pneumonia in children. However, the adoption of LUS in clinical practice has been slow, and it is not yet included in general clinical guidelines.

The results of this study show that the implementation of a LUS training program may improve pneumonia diagnosis in critically ill patients. The training program’s design, implementation, and evaluation are described. The high inter-observer agreement between LUS reports from the physicians trained and expert radiologists encourage the use of LUS not only for pneumonia diagnosis, but also for discerning bacterial and viral patterns.
Determination of tyrosinase-cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and (−/+)-catechin binding modes reveal mechanistic differences in tyrosinase inhibition
Authors: Lee Kyung Eun , Bharadwaj Shiv , Sahoo Amaresh Kumar , Yadava Umesh , Kang Sang Gu
Published: December 2021

Tyrosinase, exquisitely catalyzes the phenolic compounds into brown or black pigment, inhibition is used as a treatment for dermatological or neurodegenerative disorders. Natural products, such as cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and (−/+)-catechin, are considered safe and non-toxic food additives in tyrosinase inhibition but their ambiguous inhibitory mechanism against tyrosinase is still elusive. Thus, we presented the mechanistic insights into tyrosinase with cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and (−/+)-catechin using computational simulations and in vitro assessment. Initial molecular docking results predicted ideal docked poses (− 9.346 to − 5.795 kcal/mol) for tyrosinase with selected flavonoids. Furthermore, 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations and post-simulation analysis of docked poses established their stability and oxidation of flavonoids as substrate by tyrosinase. Particularly, metal chelation via catechol group linked with the free 3-OH group on the unconjugated dihydropyran heterocycle chain was elucidated to contribute to tyrosinase inhibition by (−/+)-catechin against cyanidin-3-O-glucoside. Also, predicted binding free energy using molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area for each docked pose was consistent with in vitro enzyme inhibition for both mushroom and murine tyrosinases. Conclusively, (−/+)-catechin was observed for substantial tyrosinase inhibition and advocated for further investigation for drug development against tyrosinase-associated diseases.
Bleeding management in computed tomography-guided liver biopsies by biopsy tract plugging with gelatin sponge slurry
Authors: Handke Nikolaus A. , Koch Dennis C. , Muschler Eugen , Thomas Daniel , Luetkens Julian A. , Attenberger Ulrike I. , Kuetting Daniel , Pieper Claus C. , Wilhelm Kai
Published: December 2021

To evaluate the safety and impact of biopsy tract plugging with gelatin sponge slurry in percutaneous liver biopsy. 300 consecutive patients (158 females, 142 males; median age, 63 years) who underwent computed tomography-guided core biopsy of the liver in coaxial technique (16/18 Gauge) with and without biopsy tract plugging were retrospectively reviewed (January 2013 to May 2018). Complications were rated according to the common criteria for adverse events (NCI-CTCAE). The study cohort was dichotomized into a plugged (71%; n = 214) and an unplugged (29%; n = 86) biopsy tract group. Biopsy tract plugging with gelatin sponge slurry was technically successful in all cases. Major bleeding events were only observed in the unplugged group (0.7%; n = 2), whereas minor bleedings (4.3%) were observed in both groups (plugged, 3.6%, n = 11; unplugged, 0.7%, n = 2). Analysis of biopsies and adverse events showed a significant association between number of needle-passes and overall (P = 0.038; odds ratio: 1.395) as well as minor bleeding events (P = 0.020; odds ratio: 1.501). No complications associated with gelatin sponge slurry were observed. Biopsy tract plugging with gelatin sponge slurry is a technically easy and safe procedure that can prevent major bleeding events following liver biopsy.
Triacontanol modulates salt stress tolerance in cucumber by altering the physiological and biochemical status of plant cells
Authors: Sarwar Mubeen , Anjum Sumreen , Ali Qurban , Alam Muhammad Waqar , Haider Muhammad Saleem , Mehboob Wajid
Published: December 2021

Cucumber is an important vegetable but highly sensitive to salt stress. The present study was designed to investigate the comparative performance of cucumber genotypes under salt stress (50 mmol L−1) and stress alleviation through an optimized level of triacontanol @ 0.8 mg L−1. Four cucumber genotypes were subjected to foliar application of triacontanol under stress. Different physiological, biochemical, water relations and ionic traits were observed to determine the role of triacontanol in salt stress alleviation. Triacontanol ameliorated the lethal impact of salt stress in all genotypes, but Green long and Marketmore were more responsive than Summer green and 20252 in almost all the attributes that define the genetic potential of genotypes. Triacontanol performs as a good scavenger of ROS by accelerating the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT) and compatible solutes (proline, glycinebetaine, phenolic contents), which lead to improved gas exchange attributes and water relations and in that way enhance the calcium and potassium contents or decline the sodium and chloride contents in cucumber leaves. Furthermore, triacontanol feeding also shows the answer to yield traits of cucumber. It was concluded from the results that the salinity tolerance efficacy of triacontanol is valid in enhancing the productivity of cucumber plants under salt stress. Triacontanol was more pronounced in green long and marketer green than in summer green and 20252. Hence, the findings of this study pave the way towards the usage of triacontanol @ 0.8 mg L−1, and green long and marketer genotypes may be recommended for saline soil.
COVID-19 experiences predicting high anxiety and depression among a sample of BRCA1/BRCA2-positive women in the US
Authors: Dibble Kate E. , Connor Avonne E.
Published: December 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, breast and ovarian cancer survivors experienced more anxiety and depression than before the pandemic. Studies have not investigated the similarities of this trend among BRCA1/2-positive women who are considered high risk for these cancers. The current study examines the impact of COVID-19 experiences on anxiety and depression in a sample of BRCA1/2-positive women in the U.S. 211 BRCA1/2-positive women from medically underserved backgrounds completed an online survey. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression for associations between COVID-19 experiences and self-reported anxiety and depression stratified by demographic factors. Overall, women who reported COVID-19 stigma or discrimination (aOR, 5.14, 95% CI [1.55, 17.0]) experienced significantly more depressive symptoms than women who did not report this experience. Racial/ethnic minority women caring for someone at home during COVID-19 were 3.70 times more likely (95% CI [1.01, 13.5]) to report high anxiety while non-Hispanic white women were less likely (aOR, 0.34, 95% CI [0.09, 1.30], p interaction = 0.011). To date, this is the first study to analyze anxiety and depression considering several COVID-19 predictors among BRCA1/2-positive women. Our findings can be used to inform future research and advise COVID-19-related mental health resources specific to these women.
Silica-supported Fe/Fe–O nanoparticles for the catalytic hydrogenation of nitriles to amines in the presence of aluminium additives
Authors: Chandrashekhar Vishwas G. , Senthamarai Thirusangumurugan , Kadam Ravishankar G. , Malina Ondřej , Kašlík Josef , Zbořil Radek , Gawande Manoj B. , Jagadeesh Rajenahally V. , Beller Matthias
Published: December 2021

The hydrogenation of nitriles to amines represents an important and frequently used industrial process due to the broad applicability of the resulting products in chemistry and life sciences. Despite the existing portfolio of catalysts reported for the hydrogenation of nitriles, the development of iron-based heterogeneous catalysts for this process is still a challenge. Here, we show that the impregnation and pyrolysis of iron(II) acetate on commercial silica produces a reusable Fe/Fe–O@SiO2 catalyst with a well-defined structure comprising the fayalite phase at the Si–Fe interface and α-Fe nanoparticles, covered by an ultrathin amorphous iron(III) oxide layer, growing from the silica matrix. These Fe/Fe–O core–shell nanoparticles, in the presence of catalytic amounts of aluminium additives, promote the hydrogenation of all kinds of nitriles, including structurally challenging and functionally diverse aromatic, heterocyclic, aliphatic and fatty nitriles, to produce primary amines under scalable and industrially viable conditions.
Accurate and rapid microfluidic ELISA to monitor Infliximab titers in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Iria Inês , Soares Ruben R. G. , Brás Eduardo J. S. , Chu Virginia , Gonçalves João , Conde João P.
Published: December 2021

The main steps for Infliximab quantification from the blood collection to plasma measurement by conventional and microfluidic ELISA.
An oral pH-activated “nano-bomb” carrier combined with berberine by regulating gene silencing and gut microbiota for site-specific treatment of ulcerative colitis
Authors: Yang Mei , Yang Chunhua , Zhang Yujie , Yan Xiangji , Ma Yana , Zhang Yuanyuan , Cao Yameng , Xu Qiuran , Tu Kangsheng , Zhang Mingzhen
Published: December 2021

A pH-activated nano-bomb carrier with endo/lysosomal escape capability enhanced the delivery of siCD98, and when combined with berberine it enhanced the therapeutic effect on ulcerative colitis through anti-inflammation and restoring gut microbiota.
The EcCLC antiporter embedded in lipidic liquid crystalline films – molecular dynamics simulations and electrochemical methods
Authors: Miszta Przemysław , Nazaruk Ewa , Nieciecka Dorota , Możajew Mariusz , Krysiński Paweł , Bilewicz Renata , Filipek Sławomir
Published: December 2021

Lipidic-liquid crystalline nanostructures (lipidic cubic phases), which are biomimetic and stable in an excess of water, were used as a convenient environment to investigate the transport properties of the membrane antiporterE. coliCLC-1 (EcCLC).
DFT and microkinetic study of acetylene transformation on Pd(111), M(111) and PdM(111) surfaces (M = Cu, Ag, Au)
Authors: Huang Yugai , Lu Hui-Li , Chen Zhao-Xu
Published: December 2021

Microkinetic simulations based on DFT calculated and TSS estimated barriers were performed on the transformation of CHCH on (111) facets of Pd, M and PdM (M = Cu, Ag, Au). Activity of these substrates and production of C2H4and C2H6were discussed.
The surface phase structure evolution of the fcc MoC (001) surface in a steam reforming atmosphere: systematic kinetic and thermodynamic investigations
Authors: Chu Changqing , Li Chao , Liu Xue , Zhao Hang , Wu Changning , Li Junguo , Liu Ke , Li Qi , Cao Daofan
Published: December 2021

Systematicab initio-based calculations were performed to clarify the surface structure evolution of the fcc MoC (001) surface at different H2O/H2pressures.
Dye contaminated wastewater treatment through metal–organic framework (MOF) based materials
Authors: Maru Ketan , Kalla Sarita , Jangir Ritambhara
Published: December 2021

A complete discussion of MOFs and MOF composites such as MOF-based membranes, magnetic MOFs, and metal–organic gels (MOGs) used for dye removal along with their adsorption efficiency has been done.
Deuterium labelling to extract local stereochemical information by VCD spectroscopy in the C–D stretching region: a case study of sugars
Authors: Zubir Mohamad Zarif Mohd , Maulida Nurul Fajry , Abe Yoshihiro , Nakamura Yuta , Abdelrasoul Mariam , Taniguchi Tohru , Monde Kenji
Published: December 2021

Methoxy-d3 group installed at the C-1 position of a series of epimeric pairs of sugars generated mirror-image VCD patterns in the 2300–1900 cm−1 region depending on the C-1 stereochemistry irrespective of the configurations at other positions.
Solvent-controlled regioselective arylation of indoles and mechanistic explorations
Authors: Niu Yuan , Yan Chao-Xian , Yang Xin-Xin , Bai Peng-Bo , Zhou Pan-Pan , Yang Shang-Dong
Published: December 2021

A new reaction for the regioselective arylation of indoles at C2 or C3 positions achieved by adjusting the solvent and with P(O)tBu2 as an auxiliary group is reported. And the experimental results and DFT confirmed the process.
During Lipreading Training With Sentence Stimuli, Feedback Controls Learning and Generalization to Audiovisual Speech in Noise
Authors: Bernstein Lynne E. , Auer Edward T. , Eberhardt Silvio P.
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

This study investigated the effects of external feedback on perceptual learning of visual speech during lipreading training with sentence stimuli. The goal was to improve visual-only (VO) speech recognition and increase accuracy of audiovisual (AV) speech recognition in noise. The rationale was that spoken word recognition depends on the accuracy of sublexical (phonemic/phonetic) speech perception; effective feedback during training must support sublexical perceptual learning.

Method:

Normal-hearing (NH) adults were assigned to one of three types of feedback: Sentence feedback was the entire sentence printed after responding to the stimulus. Word feedback was the correct response words and perceptually near but incorrect response words. Consonant feedback was correct response words and consonants in incorrect but perceptually near response words. Six training sessions were given. Pre- and posttraining testing included an untrained control group. Test stimuli were disyllable nonsense words for forced-choice consonant identification, and isolated words and sentences for open-set identification. Words and sentences were VO, AV, and audio-only (AO) with the audio in speech-shaped noise.

Results:

Lipreading accuracy increased during training. Pre- and posttraining tests of consonant identification showed no improvement beyond test–retest increases obtained by untrained controls. Isolated word recognition with a talker not seen during training showed that the control group improved more than the sentence group. Tests of untrained sentences showed that the consonant group significantly improved in all of the stimulus conditions (VO, AO, and AV). Its mean words correct scores increased by 9.2 percentage points for VO, 3.4 percentage points for AO, and 9.8 percentage points for AV stimuli.

Conclusions:

Consonant feedback during training with sentences stimuli significantly increased perceptual learning. The training generalized to untrained VO, AO, and AV sentence stimuli. Lipreading training has potential to significantly improve adults' face-to-face communication in noisy settings in which the talker can be seen.
Adapting Audiology Procedures During the Pandemic: Validity and Efficacy of Testing Outside a Sound Booth
Authors: Serpanos Yula C. , Hobbs Melissa , Nunez Karina , Gambino Lucia , Butler Jasmin
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

This investigation aims to provide outcomes from a clinical perspective on the validity and efficacy of a wireless automated audiometer system that could be used in multiple settings when a sound booth is not accessible. Testing was conducted in a clinical setting under modified protocols meeting safety precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method:

Four doctoral students in audiology served as examiners. Participants were 69 adults between the ages of 20 and 69 years, with normal hearing (≤ 25 dB HL;
n
= 110 ears) or hearing loss (> 25 dB HL;
n
= 25 ears). Two versions of a pure-tone air-conduction threshold test following a modified Hughson-Westlake approach were performed and compared at 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz (a) in a sound-treated test booth using standard manual audiometry and (b) in a quiet, nonsound-treated clinical room (sound booth free) using automated KUDUwave audiometry. Participants were asked to complete a five-item feedback questionnaire, and examiners were interviewed to report on their experience.

Results:

Clinical validity to within ±10 dB of standard audiometry was demonstrated for 94.5% of the total thresholds (
n
= 937) measured with the sound booth–free approach. Less accuracy (73.3%) was observed using a ±5 dB comparison. When comparing the mean thresholds, there were significant differences (
p
< .01) between the mean thresholds at most frequencies, with mean sound booth thresholds being higher than the sound booth–free mean thresholds. A strong threshold correlation (.91–.98) was found between the methods across frequencies. Participant and examiner feedback supported the efficacy of the sound booth–free technology.

Conclusions:

Findings support sound booth–free, automated software-controlled audiometry with active noise monitoring as a valid and efficient procedure for pure-tone hearing threshold assessment. This method offers an effective alternative when circumstances require more transportable hearing assessment technology or do not allow for standard manual audiometry in a sound booth.
Approximating quasi-stationary distributions with interacting reinforced random walks
Authors: Budhiraja Amarjit , Fraiman Nicolas , Waterbury Adam
Published: December 2021

We propose two numerical schemes for approximating quasi-stationary distributions (QSD) of finite state Markov chains with absorbing states. Both schemes are described in terms of certain interacting chains in which the interaction is given in terms of the total time occupation measure of all particles in the system and has the impact of reinforcing transitions, in an appropriate fashion, to states where the collection of particles has spent more time. The schemes can be viewed as combining the key features of the two basic simulation-based methods for approximating QSD originating from the works of Fleming and Viot (1979) and Aldous, Flannery and Palacios (1998), respectively. The key difference between the two schemes studied here is that in the first method one starts witha(n) particles at time 0 and number of particles stays constant over time whereas in the second method we start with one particle and at most one particle is added at each time instant in such a manner that there area(n) particles at timen. We prove almost sure convergence to the unique QSD and establish Central Limit Theorems for the two schemes under the key assumption thata(n) =o(n). Whena(n) ~n, the fluctuation behavior is expected to be non-standard. Some exploratory numerical results are presented to illustrate the performance of the two approximation schemes.
Computing some role assignments of Cartesian product of graphs
Authors: Castonguay Diane , Silva Dias Elisangela , Mesquita Fernanda Neiva , Nascimento Julliano Rosa
Published: December 2021

In social networks, a role assignment is such that individuals play the same role, if they relate in the same way to other individuals playing counterpart roles. When a smaller graph models the social roles in a network, this gives rise to the decision problem called r-Role Assignment whether it exists such an assignment of r distinct roles to the vertices of the graph. This problem is known to be NP-complete for any fixed r ≥ 2. The Cartesian product of graphs is one of the most studied operation on graphs and has numerous applications in diverse areas, such as Mathematics, Computer Science, Chemistry and Biology. In this paper, we determine the computational complexity of r-Role Assignment restricted to Cartesian product of graphs, for r = 2, 3. In fact, we show that the Cartesian product of graphs is always 2-role assignable, however the problem of 3-Role Assignment is still NP-complete for this class.
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Efficacy and Safety of Melatonin and Triclofos for Inducing Adequate Sedation for Sleep Electroencephalogram in Children
Authors: Panda Prateek K. , Panda Pragnya , Dawman Lesa , Sharawat Indar K.
Published: December 2021

Introduction Triclofos and melatonin are commonly used oral sedatives in children for obtaining a sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) record. There has been no systematic review till now to compare the efficacy and safety of these two medications.

Objectives The review intended to compare the efficacy of oral triclofos and melatonin in children <18 years of age for inducing adequate sedation for obtaining a sleep EEG record. We also attempted to compare the adverse effects, impact on EEG record, the yield of epileptiform abnormalities, and sleep onset latency in both groups.

Methods A systematic search was conducted on “MEDLINE/PUBMED, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar” till November 30, 2020, with the following keywords/the Medical Subject Headings (MESH) terms while searching: “sleep EEG,” “electroencephalogram,” “triclofos,” “melatonin” OR “ramelteon” AND “epilepsy,” “seizure,” OR “convulsion.” ROB 2.0 and ROBINS-I tool was used to determine the risk of bias. To assess heterogeneity in studies, Higgins and Thompson's I
2 method was utilized. When I
2 was more than 50%, a random effects model was utilized and a fixed-effect model was used for other parameters. To assess the presence of publication bias, Egger's test was used.

Results For describing the efficacy of triclofos in 1,284 and melatonin in 1,532 children, we selected 16 articles. The indirect comparison between the pooled estimate of all children receiving individual medications revealed comparable efficacy in obtaining successful sleep EEG record with a single dose (90 vs. 76%, p = 0.058) and repeat dose (p = 0.054), detection of epileptiform abnormalities (p = 0.06), and sleep onset latency (p = 0.06), but more proportion of children receiving triclofos had adverse effects (p = 0.001) and duration of sleep was also higher with triclofos (p = 0.001).

Conclusion Efficacy of triclofos and melatonin are comparable in inducing sleep for recording EEG in children, although triclofos is more likely to cause adverse effects. However, the level of evidence is low for this conclusion and the weak strength of recommendation for the results of this review is likely to change in the future after completion of controlled trials exploring these two medications.
Effect of N-95 Mask on Oxygen Saturation Level in Health Care Workers and Their Experience While Using N-95 Mask
Authors: Sinha Devika , Bhandary Satheesh Kumar , Aroor Rajeshwary , Reddy Rashmitha , Alva Shravan
Published: December 2021

Background N-95 masks are in high demand during this COVID-19 pandemic but wearing an N-95 mask is a real challenge to the health workers during their duty hours. The present study aims to measure the effect of the N-95 mask on oxygen saturation level in the blood and the discomforts experienced while using it.

Materials and Methods Oxygen saturation was measured in 80 health care workers before and after wearing the N-95 mask continuously for more than 6 hours. The participants were asked to fill a questionnaire regarding various discomforts of N-95 mask usage, which consisted of 14 questions.

Results The most common discomfort was pain around the pinna followed by difficulty in breathing and fogging of spectacles or goggles. In addition, 71% of them had decreased oxygen saturation by 1%.

Conclusion N-95 mask can alter the oxygen saturation but it does not produce significant effects in healthy individuals. It can significantly affect patients with compromised airways.
Opinions, Attitudes, and Prescribing Practices of Oral Contraceptive Pills of General Practitioners and Gynecologists in India
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Dwivedi Varsha , Pradeep Yashodhara , Pakhare Abhijeet , Agrawal Girdhar Gopal , Saksena Anil Kumar , Kumar Vishwajeet
Published: December 2021

Background

To study the prescription behavior of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) by physicians, gynecologists, and alternative medicine practitioners (AMPs).

Materials and Methods

Close-ended questionnaire-based cross-section study was performed between 1st September 2012 and 28th February 2014 in three groups of responders, i.e., AMP, general medical practitioners (GMPs), and obstetricians and gynecologists (ObGy). A stratified random cluster sample was used. Data of 400 subjects in all three groups were obtained using both univariate and multi-variate sophisticated statistical analyses for analyzing attitude and practices and were recorded on an ordinal scale using appropriate non-parametric test.

Results

Of the 1,237 subjects surveyed, 400 completed questionnaires were received from each of the three groups viz; AMPs, GMPs, and ObGy. Remaining 37 incomplete questionnaires were not included in the final analysis.

Conclusion

There are equal misconceptions regarding OCPs among users and prescribing physicians. Preference for OCPs in married and unmarried women is also equally low. OCP usage and their prescription practices can be improved by removing potential barriers, developing public–private partnership, and training promoters.
Potential Association between Distal Deep Vein Thrombosis and Asymptomatic Atherosclerosis
Authors: Adamo Angelo , Spiezia Luca , Dalla Valle Fabio , Avruscio Giampiero , Simioni Paolo
Published: December 2021

Background Several studies have previously reported an association between idiopathic proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and atherosclerosis, but whether spontaneous distal DVT is associated with asymptomatic atherosclerosis is still unknown.

Methods Ultrasonography of the carotid arteries was done for plaque detection and intima-media thickness (IMT) evaluation, and the ankle-brachial index (ABI) in 116 patients with spontaneous DVT and without symptomatic atherosclerosis. Fifty-seven patients (M/F 19/38, age range 54–78 years) had distal DVT and 59 (M/F 24/35, age range 51–73 years) had proximal DVT. A group of 57 (M/F 21/36, age range 64–70 years) matched subjects acted as controls.

Results No significant difference was found in carotid plaques between patients with distal or proximal DVT versus controls (p> 0.05 in all comparisons). Carotid IMT (mean ± SD) was significantly increased in patients with distal (1.00 ± 0.20 mm) and proximal (0.98 ± 0.16 mm) DVT versus controls (0.88 ± 0.15 mm, p <0.01 in both comparisons). An ABI £ 0.9 was found in 3/57 (5.3%) and 5/59 (8.5%) patients with distal and proximal DVT, respectively versus no controls with abnormal ABI.

Conclusion Our results revealed that there may be an association between spontaneous distal DVT and asymptomatic atherosclerosis, and confirmed the known association between idiopathic proximal DVT and asymptomatic atherosclerosis. Larger studies are needed to confirm our results and to evaluate their clinical implications.
Bird breathing and singing take advantage of respiratory resonances
Authors: Piccone Ashley
Published: December 2021

Modeling and measurements show birds breathe in resonance with their respiratory system and predict the nonlinearities during singing.
Catalytic feed-forward explosive synchronization in multilayer networks
Authors: Rathore Vasundhara , Kachhvah Ajay Deep , Jalan Sarika
Published: December 2021

Inhibitory couplings are crucial for the normal functioning of many real-world complex systems. Inhibition in one layer has been shown to induce explosive synchronization in another excitatory (or positive) layer of duplex networks. By extending this framework to multiplex networks, this article shows that inhibition in a single layer can act as a catalyst, leading to explosive synchronization transitions in the rest of the layers feed-forwarded through intermediate layer(s). Considering a multiplex network of coupled Kuramoto oscillators, we demonstrate that the characteristics of the transition emergent in a layer can be entirely controlled by the intra-layer coupling of other layers and the multiplexing strengths. The results presented here are essential to fathom the synchronization behavior of coupled dynamical units in multi-layer systems possessing inhibitory coupling in one of its layers, representing the importance of multiplexing.