bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lumped-Parameter Modeling of Visco-Elastically Coupled Rigid Bodies Using Dual Number Methods
Authors: Fasse Ernest D.
Published: December 2020

This work considers the problem of modeling visco-elastically coupled rigid bodies, with application to modeling and computer simulation of spatial, flexural mechanisms. A method of modeling visco-elastic coupling based on screw theory and dual number calculus is presented. The potential utility of the method is demonstrated by simulating the behavior of a complex spatial, flexural mechanism.
Real Continuation Method and its Application in Kinematic Synthesis
Authors: Anxin Liu , Tingli Yang
Published: December 2020

Real continuation method for finding real solutions to non-linear equations is proposed. Synthesis of planar four-bar linkage for path generation with nine precision points is studied using this method. The proposed method has high efficiency and can best be used for solving synthesis problems.
The Transmissivity Analysis of Planar Six-Bar Mechanisms
Authors: Lin Chen-Chou , Chang Chih-Chiang
Published: December 2020

This paper proposes a systematic method to evaluate the transmissivity performance of planar six-bar mechanisms. We start from the definitions of the transmissivity of the four-bar mechanism, then we analyze the topological structures of the six-bar mechanisms. According to their topological structures and the locations of the input and output links, mechanisms can be categorized into serially connected and parallel-connected type. Using the concept of characteristic kinematic sub-chain and the virtual equivalent kinematic chain, the topological structures that characterize the mechanisms can be simplified. The CKSC can greatly reduce the complexity of the mechanisms, hence helping us to analyze the problems more easily. Finally, the transmissivity of planar six-bar mechanisms can be established. It can be shown that zero transmissivity corresponds to the locking position of the mechanisms. For four-bar mechanism, as it is well known, the best posture of the mechanism corresponds to the configuration where transmission angle equals to 90 degrees or deviation angle equal to zero. While for six-bar mechanism, the deviation angle or transmission angle is usually not apparent. Using the definition in this paper we may evaluate the transmissivity performance of mechanisms beyond four-bar mechanisms. We have shown the validity of the proposed method by examples and by comparing with the determinant of direct kinematic Jacobian. It is concluded that, the proposed method provides a useful tool for the transmissivity analysis of six-bar mechanisms. In addition, the method can be further extended to the problems of other multi-loop mechanisms.
Enhancement of Stereo-Lithography Technology to Support Building Around Inserts
Authors: Geving Brad , Ebert-Uphoff Imme
Published: December 2020

Stereo-lithography (SL) is a method of rapidly prototyping parts and products by using a photopolymer resin cured by an ultraviolet laser layer by layer. This allows the user to go quickly from a CAD file to a physical three-dimensional manifestation of the part. Traditionally, this technology is employed to build rigid parts, but recently several research groups have discovered the potential of producing mechanisms, in particular robotic mechanisms, using SL or similar rapid prototyping technology.

This article discusses the possibility to include inserts, such as actuators, sensors or joints, into a part while it is being built in an SL machine. This would allow the fabrication of functional robotic mechanisms that do not require any assembly. Benefits are anticipated in particular for the fabrication of small-scale robotic mechanisms with many actuators and/or sensors.

The capabilities and limitations of current SL technology to build around inserts are discussed and concepts that may eliminate the limitations are presented. One of these concepts was implemented in a test-bed that emulates the functionality of an enhanced SL machine.
Assessment of the (010) β-Ga2O3 surface and substrate specification
Authors: Mastro Michael A. , Eddy Charles R. , Tadjer Marko J. , Hite Jennifer K. , Kim Jihyun , Pearton Stephen J.
Published: December 2020

Recent breakthroughs in bulk crystal growth of the thermodynamically stable beta phase of gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3) have led to the commercialization of large-area β-Ga2O3 substrates with subsequent epitaxy on (010) substrates producing high-quality films. Still, metalorganic chemical vapor deposition, molecular beam epitaxy, and processing of the (010) β-Ga2O3 surface are known to form subnanometer-scale facets along the [001] direction as well as larger ridges with features perpendicular to the [001] direction. A density function theory calculation of the (010) surface shows an ordering of the surface as a subnanometer-scale feature along the [001] direction. Additionally, the general crystal structure of β-Ga2O3 is presented, and recommendations are presented for standardizing (010) substrates to account for and control the larger-scale ridge formation.
Vacuum ultraviolet enhanced atomic layer etching of ruthenium films
Authors: Coffey Brennan M. , Nallan Himamshu C. , Ekerdt John G.
Published: December 2020

Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) enhanced atomic layer etching (ALE) of thin (∼8 nm) Ru films is demonstrated. Oxidation half-cycles of 2–5 min VUV/O2 co-exposure are used to oxidize near-surface Ru to RuO2 at 1 Torr O2 and 100–150 °C. In situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements indicate that RuO2 formation saturates after ∼5 min of VUV/O2 exposure at 100 and 150 °C. The depth of Ru oxidation is limited by the rate of oxidation and can be controlled with substrate temperature and exposure time. Etching half-cycles are performed by exposing the oxidized Ru film to HCOOH vapor at 0.50 Torr for 30 s isothermally, which results in the removal of the oxidized Ru layer. The amount of Ru removed per ALE cycle is determined by comparing ex situ x-ray reflectivity (XRR) measurements of the film before and after etching. When using 2 min VUV/O2 co-exposure, approximately 0.8 and 0.9 Å of Ru is etched per cycle at 100 and 150 °C, respectively. XRR and atomic force microscopy measurements indicate that the as-deposited and sputtered Ru film surface becomes smoother as ALE is performed. The etch rate decreases with ALE cycles and corresponds to a slowing oxidation rate, which is likely associated with the decrease in surface roughness. Density functional theory is used to study the adsorption of oxidants in a model Ru system, and nudged elastic band (NEB) calculations describe O diffusion into the Ru substrate by following an O “probe” atom as it moves between Ru(002) atomic planes with 0.50 monolayer (ML) O on the surface. NEB results reveal an approximate energetic barrier to diffusion, Ea, of 5.10 eV for O to move through the second and third atomic Ru layers when O, which can form an RuOx species, is subsurface. This Ea is in excess of the energetic gain of 4.23 eV in adsorbing an O atom to Ru(002) with 0.50 ML O. The difference in Ea and the adsorption energy likely contributes to the self-limiting nature of the oxidation and explains the observation that VUV/O2 co-exposure time must be increased to allow additional time for O diffusing into the subsurface as it overcomes the barrier to subsurface O diffusion. The self-limiting oxidation of Ru arising from VUV/O2 at low temperatures, in turn, enables an ALE process for Ru.
COVID-19 testing: One size does not fit all
Authors: Mina Michael J. , Andersen Kristian G.
Published: December 2020

To control the pandemic, testing should be considered a public health tool
Cross-Border Emergence of Escherichia coli Producing the Carbapenemase NDM-5 in Switzerland and Germany
Authors: Chakraborty Trinad , Sadek Mustafa , Yao Yancheng , Imirzalioglu Can , Stephan Roger , Poirel Laurent , Nordmann Patrice
Published: December 2020

A series of clinical NDM-5-producing
Escherichia coli
isolates obtained from two surveillance networks for carbapenem-producing
Enterobacterales
from 2018 to 2019, namely, Switzerland (NARA) and Germany (SurvCARE), were analyzed. The 33 NDM-5-producing
E. coli
isolates were highly resistant to β-lactams, including novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations (ceftazidime-avibactam, imipenem-relebactam, and meropenem-vaborbactam), and remained susceptible to fosfomycin, colistin, and tigecycline.
U-Pb geochronology and paleogeography of the Valanginian–Hauterivian Neuquén Basin: Implications for Gondwana-scale source areas
Authors: Schwarz E. , Finzel E.S. , Veiga G.D. , Rapela C.W. , Echevarria C. , Spalletti L.A.
Published: December 2020

Sedimentary basins located at the margins of continents act as the final base level for continental-scale catchments that are sometimes located thousands of kilometers away from the basin, and this condition of exceptionally long sediment transfer zones is probably reinforced in supercontinents, such as Gondwana. One of the most prominent marine basins in southwestern Gondwana during the Jurassic and Early Cretaceous was the Neuquén Basin (west-central Argentina), but its role as a sediment repository of far-flung source areas has not been extensively considered. This contribution provides the first detailed detrital-zircon U-Pb geochronology of the Valanginian–Hauterivian Pilmatué Member of the Agrio Formation, which is combined with sedimentology and paleogeographic reconstructions of the unit within the Neuquén Basin for a better understanding of the fluvial delivery systems. Our detrital-zircon signatures suggest that Triassic–Permian zircon populations were probably sourced from the adjacent western sector of the North Patagonian Massif, whereas Early Jurassic, Cambrian, Ordovician, and Proterozoic grains were most likely derived from farther east, in the eastern sector of the North Patagonian Massif, as well as presently remote terranes such as the Saldania Belt in southern Africa. We thus propose a Valanginian–Hauterivian longitudinal delivery system that, starting in the mid-continent region of southwestern Gondwana and by effective sorting, was bringing fine-grained or finer caliber sand to the Neuquén Basin shoreline. This delivery system was probably active (though not necessarily continuously) from Early Jurassic to Early Cretaceous until finally coming to an end during the opening of the South Atlantic Ocean in the latest Early Cretaceous.
Dilemmas in delivering health promotion activities: findings from a qualitative study of mental health nurses in Denmark
Authors: Møller Jane Ege , Møller Anne , Ledderer Loni
Published: December 2020

Objective

Recent studies have shown that people with mental illnesses have higher mortality and morbidity rates due to long-term conditions and lifestyle diseases. This knowledge has led to health promotion initiatives in mental health care to improve the physical health of people with mental illness. This article explores how mental health nurses experience working with health promotion activities in mental healthcare practices.

Design

We adopted a qualitative research design using an interactive approach. Qualitative content analysis was used to develop the analytical framework.

Participants

Focus groups (n=7; n=5) were conducted with two groups of mental health nurses who attended health specialist training sessions in Denmark in the spring and fall of 2018.

Results

The findings showed that working with health promotion activities in mental health care created two dilemmas for the mental health nurses: (1) dilemmas related to health promotion that involved discrepancies between the health promotion activities that were offered and patients’ autonomy and wishes, and (2) system-related dilemmas stemming from working with screening for risk factors and documentation programmes. The mental health nurses developed different strategies to navigate these dilemmas, such as devising interview techniques for the screening questions and bending guidelines.

Conclusions

Mental health nurses found it challenging to implement health promotion activities in mental health care, although they generally found these activities meaningful. The findings show that new health promotion activities need to be adapted to nurses’ existing mental healthcare practices; however, this may require some adaptation of existing nursing practices.
Clinico-epidemiological characteristics of Kawasaki-like disease in paediatric patients with COVID-19: a protocol for rapid living systematic review
Authors: Sinha Abhinav , Nayak Swetalina , Dehuri Priyadarshini , Kanungo Srikanta , Pati Sanghamitra
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The COVID-19 outbreak has posed a major challenge to healthcare providers. Due to its communicable nature, very stringent public health interventions have been put in place worldwide; yet, it still poses new emerging challenges, one of the most recent being a multisystem inflammatory condition with clinical features resembling Kawasaki-like disease and toxic shock syndrome in children and adolescents. The data on this novel condition are scarce which need to be reported to identify its clinico-epidemiological and geographical distribution. There is an urgent need to generate evidence for diagnosis and management of this condition in the midst of a pandemic.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review will be conducted using Medline database searched through PubMed, Embase, Ovid; and Google Scholar, ProQuest and EBSCO databases will also be searched along with grey literature with the aim to identify the clinical features, aetiopathology, laboratory findings, treatment modes and outcomes of Kawasaki-like disease among paediatric patients suffering from COVID-19. Original articles reporting Kawasaki-like disease in paediatric patients with COVID-19 will be retrieved after screening by two independent reviewers. Data will be extracted in a specially designed form and studies will be assessed independently for risk of bias. Data will be extracted for the following: author, journal title, publication year, study design, study setting, demographic characteristics, sample size, clinical features, aetiopathology, laboratory findings, modes and doses of treatment given, strength and weakness of studies. A descriptive and quantitative analysis will be completed.

Ethics and dissemination

This is a literature-based review study with no ethical concerns. We will publish the results in a peer-reviewed journal and present at a conference.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020187427.
Awareness, knowledge and attitudes towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation among people with and without heart disease relatives in South China: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Teng Yun , Li Yunxuan , Xu Liya , Chen Fanyu , Chen Hailiu , Jin Ling , Chen Jimei , Huang Jingjing , Xu Gang
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To assess the awareness, knowledge and attitudes towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) among relatives of people with and without heart disease and their influence in South China.

Design

This is a cross-sectional survey. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the demographic factors associated with CPR training, learning and knowledge.

Setting

The study was conducted in two hospitals, the largest cardiovascular institute and the largest eye care centre in South China.

Participants

Healthy individuals who accompanied their relatives with heart disease to the outpatient department of cardiovascular disease and systemically healthy patients who came for regular ophthalmic examination and had no relatives with heart disease were consecutively recruited for the study. A total of 1644 respondents with heart disease relatives and 813 respondents without heart disease relatives completed the survey.

Results

Thirty three per cent of respondents never heard of CPR and only 11% had received CPR training. Factors associated with a higher rate of CPR training were higher level of education and income (p<0.001). Most respondents stated that CPR training was necessary and would like to learn CPR. However, only one-third considered it beneficial to perform CPR as a layperson. In addition, healthcare respondents (p<0.001), younger (p<0.05) and more educated respondents (p<0.001) earned higher scores on the knowledge of CPR skills. Only 5.3% had perfect scores on a CPR skills test. Notably, respondents with relatives suffering from heart disease had significantly less training experience and CPR knowledge than those without (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Although the attitudes towards learning CPR are very positive, there was a lack of knowledge on this topic among the general public. This study demonstrates an urgent need to boost awareness and training in CPR in South China, especially among people whose relatives have heart disease.
Global impact of tobacco control policies on smokeless tobacco use: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Arora Monika , Chugh Aastha , Jain Neha , Mishu Masuma , Boeckmann Melanie , Dahanayake Suranji , Eckhardt Jappe , Forberger Sarah , Huque Rumana , Kanaan Mona , Khan Zohaib , Mehrotra Ravi , Rahman Muhammad Aziz , Readshaw Anne , Sheikh Aziz , Siddiqi Kamran , Vidyasagaran Aishwarya , Dogar Omara
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Smokeless tobacco (ST) was consumed by 356 million people globally in 2017. Recent evidence shows that ST consumption is responsible for an estimated 652 494 all-cause deaths across the globe annually. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was negotiated in 2003 and ratified in 2005 to implement effective tobacco control measures. While the policy measures enacted through various tobacco control laws have been effective in reducing the incidence and prevalence of smoking, the impact of ST-related policies (within WHO FCTC and beyond) on ST use is under-researched and not collated.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review will be conducted to collate all available ST-related policies implemented across various countries and assess their impact on ST use. The following databases will be searched: Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, EconLit, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), African Index Medicus, LILACS, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Index Medicus for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Index Medicus for South-East Asia Region, Western Pacific Region Index Medicus and WHO Library Database, as well as Google search engine and country-specific government websites. All ST-related policy documents (FCTC and non-FCTC) will be included. Results will be limited to literature published since 2005 in English and regional languages (Bengali, Hindi and Urdu). Two reviewers will independently employ two-stage screening to determine inclusion. The Effective Public Health Practice Project’s ‘Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies’ will be used to record ratings of quality and risk of bias among studies selected for inclusion. Data will be extracted using a standardised form. Meta-analysis and narrative synthesis will be used.

Ethics and dissemination

Permission for ethics exemption of the review was obtained from the Centre for Chronic Disease Control’s Institutional Ethics Committee, India (CCDC_IEC_06_2020; dated 16 April 2020). The results will be disseminated through publications in a peer-reviewed journal and will be presented in national and international conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020191946.
Medical treatment of SUNCT and SUNA: a prospective open-label study including single-arm meta-analysis
Authors: Lambru Giorgio , Stubberud Anker , Rantell Khadija , Lagrata Susie , Tronvik Erling , Matharu Manjit Singh
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The management of short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms (SUNA) remains challenging in view of the paucity of data and evidence-based treatment recommendations are missing.

Methods

In this single-centre, non-randomised, prospective open-label study, we evaluated and compared the efficacy of oral and parenteral treatments for SUNCT and SUNA in a real-world setting. Additionally, single-arm meta-analyses of the available reports of SUNCT and SUNA treatments were conducted.

Results

The study cohort comprised 161 patients. Most patients responded to lamotrigine (56%), followed by oxcarbazepine (46%), duloxetine (30%), carbamazepine (26%), topiramate (25%), pregabalin and gabapentin (10%). Mexiletine and lacosamide were effective in a meaningful proportion of patients but poorly tolerated. Intravenous lidocaine given for 7–10 days led to improvement in 90% of patients, whereas only 27% of patients responded to a greater occipital nerve block. No statistically significant differences in responders were observed between SUNCT and SUNA. In the meta-analysis of the pooled data, topiramate was found to be significantly more effective in SUNCT than SUNA patients. However, a higher proportion of SUNA than SUNCT was considered refractory to medications at the time of the topiramate trial, possibly explaining this isolated difference.

Conclusions

We propose a treatment algorithm for SUNCT and SUNA for clinical practice. The response to sodium channel blockers indicates a therapeutic overlap with trigeminal neuralgia, suggesting that sodium channels dysfunction may be a key pathophysiological hallmark in these disorders. Furthermore, the therapeutic similarities between SUNCT and SUNA further support the hypothesis that these conditions are variants of the same disorder.
Application of highly efficient and reusable H3PW12O40/Fe3O4@SiO2-Pr-Pi nanocatalyst for preparation of dihydro-2-oxypyrrole derivatives
Authors: Zafari Shiva , Ghorbani-Vaghei Ramin , Alavinia Sedigheh
Published: December 2020

In this study, a novel heterogeneous catalyst (H3PW12O40/Fe3O4@SiO2-Pr-Pi) was prepared via immobilization of H3PW12O40on the surface of piperidine modified magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2-Pr-Pi). The synthesis of dihydro-2-oxypyrrole derivatives was carried out by the reaction of substituted aniline, formaldehyde, and dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate, promoted by H3PW12O40/Fe3O4@SiO2-Pr-Pi in EtOH. The formation of resultant catalyst was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy, FE-SEM, EDX, VSM, and TGA techniques. The magnetically separable and environmentally friendly nanostructured catalyst remained quite stable during reaction conditions and was reused for at least five recycle runs.
Bianchi type-III Tsallis holographic dark energy model in Saez–Ballester theory of gravitation
Authors: Santhi M. Vijaya , Sobhanbabu Y.
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we have investigated Tsallis holographic dark energy (infrared cutoff is the Hubble radius) in homogeneous and anisotropic Bianchi type-III Universe within the framework of Saez–Ballester scalar–tensor theory of gravitation. We have constructed non-interaction and interaction dark energy models by solving the Saez–Ballester field equations. To solve the field equations, we assume a relationship between the metric potentials of the model. We developed the various cosmological parameters (namely deceleration parameter q, equation of state parameter $$\omega _t$$

ω
t

, squared sound speed $$v_s^2$$

v
s
2

, om-diagnostic parameter Om(z) and scalar field $$\phi $$
ϕ
) and well-known cosmological planes (namely $$\omega _t-\omega _t^{'}$$

ω
t

-

ω
t

′

plane, where $$'$$

′

denotes derivative with respect to ln(a) and statefinders ($$r-s$$

r
-
s

) plane) and analyzed their behavior through graphical representation for our both the models. It is also, quite interesting to mention here that the obtained results are coincide with the modern observational data.
A theoretical analysis of the semileptonic decays $$\eta ^{(\prime )}\rightarrow \pi ^0l^+l^-$$ and $$\eta ^\prime \rightarrow \eta l^+l^-$$
Authors: Escribano Rafel , Royo Emilio
Published: December 2020

A complete theoretical analysis of the C- conserving semileptonic decays $$\eta ^{(\prime )}\rightarrow \pi ^0l^+l^-$$

η

(
′
)

→

π
0

l
+

l
-

and $$\eta ^\prime \rightarrow \eta l^+l^-$$

η
′

→
η

l
+

l
-

($$l=e$$

l
=
e

or $$\mu $$
μ
) is carried out within the framework of the Vector Meson Dominance (VMD) model. An existing phenomenological model is used to parametrise the VMD coupling constants and the associated numerical values are obtained from an optimisation fit to $$V\rightarrow P\gamma $$

V
→
P
γ

and $$P\rightarrow V\gamma $$

P
→
V
γ

radiative decays ($$V=\rho ^0$$

V
=

ρ
0

, $$\omega $$
ω
, $$\phi $$
ϕ
and $$P=\pi ^0$$

P
=

π
0

, $$\eta $$
η
, $$\eta ^{\prime }$$

η
′

). The decay widths and dilepton energy spectra for the two $$\eta \rightarrow \pi ^0l^+l^-$$

η
→

π
0

l
+

l
-

processes obtained using this approach are compared and found to be in good agreement with other results available in the published literature. Theoretical predictions for the four $$\eta ^{\prime }\rightarrow \pi ^0l^+l^-$$

η
′

→

π
0

l
+

l
-

and $$\eta ^\prime \rightarrow \eta l^+l^-$$

η
′

→
η

l
+

l
-

decay widths and dilepton energy spectra are calculated and presented for the first time in this work.
The generic sudden singularity in Brans–Dicke theory
Authors: Barrow John D. , Cotsakis Spiros , Trachilis Dimitrios
Published: December 2020

We construct a formal asymptotic series expansion for a general solution of the Brans–Dicke equations with a fluid source near a sudden singularity. This solution contains 11 independent arbitrary functions of the spatial coordinates as required by the Cauchy problem of the theory. We show that the solution is geodesically complete and has the character of a shock wave in the sudden asymptotic region. This solution is weak in the senses of Tipler and Krolak as in the corresponding case of general relativity.
High-Quality Many-to-Many Voice Conversion Using Transitive Star Generative Adversarial Networks with Adaptive Instance Normalization
Authors: Li Yanping , He Zhengtao , Zhang Yan , Yang Zhen
Published: December 2020

This paper proposes a novel high-quality nonparallel many-to-many voice conversion method based on transitive star generative adversarial networks with adaptive instance normalization (Trans-StarGAN-VC with AdaIN). First, we improve the structure of generator with TransNets to make full use of hierarchical features associated with speech naturalness. In TransNets, many shortcut connections share hierarchical features between encoding and decoding part to capture sufficient linguistic and semantic information, which helps to provide natural sounding converted speech and accelerate the convergence of training process. Second, by incorporating AdaIN for style transfer, we enable the generator to learn sufficient speaker characteristic information directly from speech instead of using attribute labels, which also provides a promising framework for one-shot VC. Objective and subjective experiments with nonparallel training data show that our method significantly outperforms StarGAN-VC in both speech naturalness and speaker similarity. The mean values of mean opinion score (MOS) and ABX are increased by 24.5% and 10.7%, respectively. The comparison of spectrogram also shows that our method can provide more complete harmonic structures and details, and effectively bridge the gap between converted speech and target speech.
Quantifying the hydrodynamic limit of Vlasov-type equations with alignment and nonlocal forces
Authors: Carrillo José A. , Choi Young-Pil , Jung Jinwook
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we quantify the asymptotic limit of collective behavior kinetic equations arising in mathematical biology modeled by Vlasov-type equations with nonlocal interaction forces and alignment. More precisely, we investigate the hydrodynamic limit of a kinetic Cucker–Smale flocking model with confinement, nonlocal interaction, and local alignment forces, linear damping and diffusion in velocity. We first discuss the hydrodynamic limit of our main equation under strong local alignment and diffusion regime, and we rigorously derive the isothermal Euler equations with nonlocal forces. We also analyze the hydrodynamic limit corresponding to strong local alignment without diffusion. In this case, the limiting system is pressureless Euler-type equations. Our analysis includes the Coulomb interaction potential for both cases and explicit estimates on the distance towards the limiting hydrodynamic equations. The relative entropy method is the crucial technology in our main results, however, for the case without diffusion, we combine a modulated macroscopic kinetic energy with the bounded Lipschitz distance to deal with the nonlocality in the interaction forces. The existence of weak and strong solutions to the kinetic and fluid equations is also obtained. We emphasize that the existence of global weak solution with the needed free energy dissipation for the kinetic model is established.
Linear instability of Z-pinch in plasma: Inviscid case
Authors: Bian Dongfen , Guo Yan , Tice Ian
Published: December 2020

The [Formula: see text]-pinch is a classical steady state for the MHD model, where a confined plasma fluid is separated by vacuum, in the presence of a magnetic field which is generated by a prescribed current along the [Formula: see text] direction. We develop a variational framework to study its stability in the absence of viscosity effect, and demonstrate for the first time that such a [Formula: see text]-pinch is always unstable. Moreover, we discover a sufficient condition such that the eigenvalues can be unbounded, which leads to ill-posedness of the linearized MHD system.
On the ring of D-valued R-polynomials over E
Authors: Tamoussit Ali
Published: December 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be an integral domain with quotient field [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] be an overring of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] be an indeterminate over [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be a subset of [Formula: see text]. We consider the ring of [Formula: see text]-valued[Formula: see text]-polynomials on[Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], formed by the polynomials [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] for each [Formula: see text], that is, [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we study localization properties, local freeness and faithful flatness of [Formula: see text] over various classes of locally essential domains. In particular, we extend some known results to more general settings.
Probabilistic Seismic Demand Analysis of Structures Using Reliability Approaches
Authors: Kia M. , Amini A. , Bayat M. , Ziehl P.
Published: December 2020

The Probabilistic Seismic Demand Analysis (PSDA) which is frequently implemented in the first generation performance-based earthquake engineering quantifies seismic behavior of a structure by computing mean annual frequency of exceeding a specific value of a desired demand parameter given all anticipated earthquakes. This framework, based on the total probability integration formula, provides a technical basis on which aleatory uncertainties, uncertainties originated due to inherent randomness of the phenomena, are explicitly addressed. However, variability in the mean value of different model parameters, referred to as epistemic uncertainties and mainly due the finite-sample size of observations, is neglected. In this study, as an alternative to total probability integration, a reliability-based formulation tailored to effortlessly reflect both aleatory and epistemic uncertainties is put-forward to perform unified PSDA. Next, as an application of the proposed methodology, a reliability-based seismic demand curve of a 4-story example building is developed. Results demonstrate that the Second-Order Reliability Method (SORM) and important sampling method (ISM) along with multi-step Monte Carlo simulation (MSMCS) methods are appropriate candidates for computing reliability-based PSDA with differentiable and nondifferentiable performance functions, respectively.
β2-Adrenergic agonist salbutamol augments hypertrophy in MHCIIa fibers and sprint mean power output but not muscle force during 11 weeks of resistance training in young men
Authors: Jessen Søren , Reitelseder Søren , Kalsen Anders , Kreiberg Michael , Onslev Johan , Gad Anders , Ørtenblad Niels , Backer Vibeke , Holm Lars , Bangsbo Jens , Hostrup Morten
Published: December 2020

Here, we show that daily oral treatment with selective β2-agonist salbutamol induces muscle fiber isoform transition from myosin-heavy-chain (MHC)-I toward MHCIIa and augments hypertrophy of MHCIIa fibers during a period of resistance training. Compared with placebo, salbutamol enhanced sprint mean power output, whereas peak power output and measures of muscle strength increased similarly during the resistance training period despite augmented hypertrophy with salbutamol. Thus, salbutamol is a muscle anabolic drug that can enhance sprint ability adaptations to resistance training.
Equol-producing status affects exercise training-induced improvement in arterial compliance in postmenopausal women
Authors: Hayashi Koichiro , Yamaguchi Hidetaka , Amaoka Hiroshi , Takahara Terumasa , Kunisa Shiori , Tamai Nanae , Maejima Nagisa , Watanabe Nana , Kobayashi Yui , Tanaka Hirofumi
Published: December 2020

Isoflavone intake and aerobic exercise increase central artery compliance. Equol, a metabolite of isoflavone daidzein by gut microbiome, has beneficial effects on vascular function. We demonstrated for the first time that the interaction of aerobic exercise and equol production status plays an essential role in improvements in central artery compliance in postmenopausal women. More specifically, the equol-producing status was obligatory to exercise training-induced improvements in central arterial compliance in postmenopausal women.
Expression of titin-linked putative mechanosensing proteins in skeletal muscle after power resistance exercise in resistance-trained men
Authors: Wette Stefan G. , Birch Nigel P. , Soop Mattias , Zügel Martina , Murphy Robyn M. , Lamb Graham D. , Smith Heather K.
Published: December 2020

This is the first study to assess the early changes in the expression of titin-linked putative mechanosensing proteins and associated myogenic regulatory factors in skeletal muscle after power resistance exercise in fed, resistance-trained men. We report that power resistance exercise induces subtle early responses in the expression of Ankrd 1 and MLP, suggesting these proteins play a role in the remodeling of skeletal muscle in individuals who regularly perform this type of exercise.
Modeling intra-abdominal volume and respiratory driving pressure during pneumoperitoneum insufflation—a patient-level data meta-analysis
Authors: Mazzinari Guido , Diaz-Cambronero Oscar , Serpa Neto Ary , Martínez Antonio Cañada , Rovira Lucas , Argente Navarro María Pilar , Malbrain Manu L.N.G , Pelosi Paolo , Gama de Abreu Marcelo , Hollmann Markus W. , Schultz Marcus J.
Published: December 2020

We found that intra-abdominal volume changes related to intra-abdominal pressure increase reached a plateau with diminishing gains in commonly used pneumoperitoneum pressure ranges. We also found a linear relationship between intra-abdominal pressure and respiratory driving pressure, a known marker of postoperative pulmonary complications.
Lipodystrophy: A paradigm for understanding the consequences of "overloading" adipose tissue
Authors: Lim Koini , Haider Afreen , Adams Claire , Sleigh Alison , Savage David
Published: December 2020

Lipodystrophies have been recognised since at least the 19thcentury and despite their rarity tended to attract considerable medical attention due to the severity and somewhat paradoxical nature of the associated metabolic disease which so closely mimics that of obesity. Within the last 20 years most of the monogenic subtypes have been characterized, facilitating family genetic screening and earlier disease detection, as well as providing important insights into adipocyte biology and the systemic consequences of impaired adipocyte function. Even more recently, compelling genetic studies have suggested that subtle partial lipodystrophy is likely to be a major factor in prevalent insulin resistant T2DM, justifying the longstanding interest in these disorders. This progress has also underpinned novel approaches to treatment which, in at least some patients, can be of considerable therapeutic benefit.
Simulation Study on the Spatiotemporal Difference of Complex Neurodynamics between P3a and P3b
Authors: Wei Xin , Ni Xiaoli , Liu Junye , Lang Haiyang , Zhao Rui , Dai Tian , Qin Wei , Jia Wei , Fang Peng
Published: December 2020

The integration of event-related potential (ERP) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) helps to obtain and study neural networks with high temporal and spatial resolution. EEG/fMRI data proves that in the visual tristimulus oddball paradigm, two P300 potentials (P3a and P3b) induced by target stimulation and novel stimulation are detected at the frontal-middle (Fz), center (Cz), and mid-apical (Pz) electrodes. Previous studies have shown that P3a and P3b have different spatial distributions of brain activation, but it is unclear whether they have the same neural mechanism. The purpose of this study is to determine the neuropsychological mechanisms of P3a and P3b, as well as the spatiotemporal differences in neurodynamics between the two ERP subcomponents. In a group of 25 subjects, P300 ERP induced by target stimulation and novel stimulation can be detected at the Fz, Cz, and Pz electrodes. At Cz and Fz, compared with P3b related to the target stimulus, the P3a related to the novel stimulus has a higher amplitude and the waveform declines more slowly. But at Pz, P3b has a higher amplitude than P3a. P3a appeared earlier than P3b at Cz and Fz, but the opposite phenomenon was observed at the Pz electrode. The activated brain regions of P3a included the left frontal-parietal lobe region, left anterior wedge lobe region, and right insula, while the target-driven P3b was significantly associated with BOLD changes in the bilateral fusiform gyrus, the left frontal region, and the bilateral insula. The results showed that the integration of the spatial and temporal information of the two imaging modes, namely, ERP and fMRI, proves the existence of the different brain function processes of the two P300 subcomponents. Through the analysis of the composition of P300, the results further proved that the top-down and bottom-up processing processes have played a role in the occurrence of attention capture. It is just that the modulation effects of the two processing mechanisms are different in different tasks. Therefore, it should be noted that the captured neural mechanism is not a single top-down or bottom-up processing process but should be the result of the interaction between the two.
Improving Camper Comfort by Optimizing the Vibration Isolation of Air-Conditioning Compressor
Authors: Shi Hui , Shi Wenku , Sun Liang , Chen Zhiyong
Published: December 2020

Compressors are the main excitation source of vibration and noise in camper air-conditioning systems, which directly affects the NVH characteristics in campers. The vibration and noise reduction for camper comfort improvement can be implemented by the optimization method. This paper presents vibration and noise improvement in camper by systematically optimizing the vibration isolation performance of air-conditioning compressor. To analyze the compressor vibration characteristics, operational vibration tests under different conditions and modal identification are implemented. Based on the analysis results, a genetic algorithm is used to optimize the stiffness of the compressor vibration isolation element by the energy decoupling method (EDM). The stiffness, natural frequencies, and energy decoupling rate (EDR) of the compressor vibration isolation system (CVIS) are compared between preoptimization and postoptimization. The stiffness and strength characteristics of the optimized isolation system are verified by the finite element method. Operational vibration and noise tests of a camper are performed to validate the optimization effect. The improvement of camper comfort demonstrates that the proposed optimization procedure of CVIS is effective.
Potential of Plant Bioactive Compounds as SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro) and Spike (S) Glycoprotein Inhibitors: A Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Tallei Trina Ekawati , Tumilaar Sefren Geiner , Niode Nurdjannah Jane , Fatimawali  , Kepel Billy Johnson , Idroes Rinaldi , Effendi Yunus , Sakib Shahenur Alam , Emran Talha Bin
Published: December 2020

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 19) pandemic, researchers have been trying to investigate several active compounds found in plants that have the potential to inhibit the proliferation of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). The present study aimed to evaluate bioactive compounds found in plants using a molecular docking approach to inhibit the main protease (Mpro) and spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2. The evaluation was performed on the docking scores calculated using AutoDock Vina (AV) as a docking engine. A rule of five (Ro5) was calculated to determine whether a compound meets the criteria as an active drug orally in humans. The determination of the docking score was performed by selecting the best conformation of the protein-ligand complex that had the highest affinity (most negative Gibbs’ free energy of binding/

Δ
G

). As a comparison, nelfinavir (an antiretroviral drug), chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine sulfate (antimalarial drugs recommended by the FDA as emergency drugs) were used. The results showed that hesperidin, nabiximols, pectolinarin, epigallocatechin gallate, and rhoifolin had better poses than nelfinavir, chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine sulfate as spike glycoprotein inhibitors. Hesperidin, rhoifolin, pectolinarin, and nabiximols had about the same pose as nelfinavir but were better than chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine sulfate as Mpro inhibitors. This finding implied that several natural compounds of plants evaluated in this study showed better binding free energy compared to nelfinavir, chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine sulfate, which so far are recommended in the treatment of COVID-19. From quantum chemical DFT calculations, the ascending order of chemical reactivity of selected compounds was pectolinarin > hesperidin > rhoifolin > morin > epigallocatechin gallate. All isolated compounds’ C=O regions are preferable for an electrophilic attack, and O-H regions are suitable for a nucleophilic attack. Furthermore, Homo-Lumo and global descriptor values indicated a satisfactory remarkable profile for the selected compounds. As judged by the RO5 and previous study by others, the compounds kaempferol, herbacetin, eugenol, and 6-shogaol have good oral bioavailability, so they are also seen as promising candidates for the development of drugs to treat infections caused by SARS-CoV-2. The present study identified plant-based compounds that can be further investigated in vitro and in vivo as lead compounds against SARS-CoV-2.
Environmental and Social Problems and Countermeasures in Transportation System under Resource Constraints
Authors: Li Qianyuan , Tian Shaoying
Published: December 2020

With the rapid development of urban economy and the acceleration of urbanization, the demand for urban traffic is increasing rapidly. The single traffic-oriented planning does not take into account the requirements of traffic development on resources and the impact on the environment. The traffic construction of most cities can not fully meet the standard of ecotype. In this paper, the vehicle distribution route optimization problem under multiresource constraints such as vehicle energy capacity and vehicle loading capacity is studied, and the static and dynamic models of distribution route optimization under multiresource constraints are established. In the static distribution route optimization model, the distribution route optimization problem with subloops is solved by modifying the network structure and adding virtual resource points. In the dynamic model, the spatiotemporal network model is used to avoid the generation of subloops, and the description of the vehicle distribution route planning problem is more intuitive and accurate. The model enriches the vehicle distribution route selection scheme at the cost of expanding the model scale. And it can solve the time when the vehicle arrives and leaves the customer point. This paper provides a good countermeasure for solving the environmental and social problems in the transportation system under the condition of resource constraints.
Recurrent Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Parotid Gland: Experience of 128 Patients with First Recurrence
Authors: Dai Liyuan , Lou Weihua , Fang Qigen , Zhang Xu
Published: December 2020

Objective. Recurrence is common after inappropriate surgical procedures for parotid pleomorphic adenoma (PA). However, there are some controversies regarding intraoperative tumor rupture and disease recurrence; therefore, our goal was to clarify this relationship by describing our experience with 128 cases of recurrent parotid PA. Methods. Patients suffering from a first recurrence of parotid PA were prospectively enrolled, and data regarding the operation, pathology, immunohistochemistry, and recurrence pattern (outside the previous surgical field vs. inside the previous surgical field) were extracted and analyzed. The recurrent lesions were divided into two groups based on the location of nodularity. Results. Thirty-five patients had recurrent disease outside the previous surgical field; there were 105 nodules with a mean size of 1.0 (range: 0.4–3.0) cm and 983 nodules with a mean size of 1.55 (range: 0.5–4.5) cm within the field, and the difference was significant (

p
=
0.001

). The mean values of Ki-67 in nodules outside of and within the previous surgical field were 4.7% (range: 2%–10%) and 2.1% (range: 1%–7%), respectively, and the difference was significant (

p
<
0.001

). In nodules outside the previous surgical field, cell-rich nodules were noted in 71.6% of cases; in nodules within the previous surgical field, cell-rich nodules were found in 30.4% of cases, and the difference was significant (

p
<
0.001

). Conclusion. Tumor rupture is not the only cause of disease recurrence, and recurrent PAs outside the previous surgical field are smaller in size, have higher Ki-67 expression, and have more cell-rich nodules than those within the surgical scar.