bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Cathode Materials by Al2O3 Coating
Authors: Feng Yaohua , Xu Hui , Wang Bo , Wang Shimin , Ai Ling , Li Shiyou
Published: September 2020

The Ni-rich LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) is considered as a promising high capacity (more than 160 mAh/g) cathode for lithium-ion batteries. However, NCM811 suffers the rapid capacity fading and potential safety hazard during cycling, which hinders further commercial application. Herein, a homogeneous Al2O3 film is successfully coated on the NCM811 surface by the liquid phase deposition. The Al2O3 coating layer is evidenced by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results clearly demonstrate that the Al2O3 film is uniformly covered on the NCM811. In particular, the 2 wt% Al2O3-coated materials delivers a high discharge capacity of 162.2 mAh/g and with retention of 82.67% after 100 cycles at 0.5 C than that of the pristine NCM811 electrode with retention of 64.90% and discharge capacity of 111.50 mAh/g. The improved electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the thin and dense coating layer not only effectively inhibits the direct contact between the material and the electrolyte but also promotes the transfer of Li+ in the layered structure material.
A Hierarchically Nanostructured Composite of MoO3-NiO/Graphene for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Teng Yongqiang , Liu Hao , Liu Dandan , Chen Yongchong
Published: September 2020

Bicomponent transition metal oxide (TMO) anodes have attracted increased attention for the application in high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this work, MoO3-NiO/graphene (MNG) composite was fabricated by one-pot method. Results showed that ultrafine MoO3 nanosheets and NiO nanoparticles were homogeneously anchored on the graphene layers, which is benefit for short Li+ diffusion distance, fast reaction kinetics, and low volume expansion. The as-prepared MNG composite exhibited remarkable electrochemical properties as lithium-ion battery anodes with high specific capacities of 1164 mAh/g at 100 mA/g after 50 cycles and 946.9 mAh/g at 1000 mA/g after 180 cycles. This work indicates that the MNG composite would be a promising anode material for high-performance LIBs.
Film Thickness and Friction Investigations in a Fluid Film Thrust Bearing Employing A New Conceived Micro-Texture on Pads
Authors: Atwal J. C. , Pandey R. K.
Published: September 2020

This paper presents the performance behaviors (coefficient of friction, minimum film thickness, and pressure distributions) of a fluid film thrust bearing using a newly conceived micro-texture on pads. In the numerical investigation, the Reynolds equation has been discretized using the finite element formulation followed by the solution of algebraic equations employing the Fischer-Burmeister-Newton-Schur (FBNS) algorithm, which satisfies the mass-conservation phenomenon arising due to the commencement of cavitation in the lubricating film. The effects of parameters (micro-texture/pocket depth, circumferential/radial length of micro-texture and pocket, etc.) of new texture on the performance behaviors of the thrust bearing have been explored and presented herein for the range of input data. It has been found that the minimum film thickness has increased up to 48%, and the friction coefficient reduced up to 24% in comparison to conventional plain pad case.
Concise Data Set Formulation for Dynamically Loaded Conformal Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Problems
Authors: Boedo S.
Published: September 2020

This paper introduces a concise data set formulation for efficient modeling of dynamically loaded conformal elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) problems. The data set represents the structural elasticity of the bearing members and is constructed independently of the lubricant film model. Data set construction involves modification of a previously published mode-based EHL formulation such that the resulting structural information is insensitive to changes in finite-element mesh density and thus to the modeling process itself. Curve-fitted expressions of modal information are introduced for elastic structures, which otherwise would normally be represented by large structural matrices. A data set is formulated for the sample case of a dynamically loaded big-end connecting-rod bearing, and the resulting bearing performance agrees well with previously published node- and mode-based EHL methods.
Genotoxic and Mutagenic Activity of Particulate Matter Gathered in a High Emitter Automotive Diesel Engine Operated With Different Palm Oil-Derived Biofuels
Authors: Mendoza Carolina , Orozco Luz Yaneth , Palacio Jaime , López Andrés F. , Agudelo John R.
Published: September 2020

The need to substitute fossil fuels with energy alternatives has favored the development of biodiesel and green diesel, which generate less amount of particulate matter (PM), but their biological reactivity is unknown, an important factor of quality and risk. Therefore, the genotoxicity and mutagenicity potential of PM emitted by the combustion of mixtures of green diesel and palm biodiesel with petroleum diesel has been evaluated; 10% palm biodiesel (B10), 10% and 30% green diesel (HVO10 and HVO30) and ultralow sulfur diesel (ULSD) were subjected to combustion at two engine operating speeds: 1890 and 2410 rpm. From each PM sample, the organic fraction was extracted to evaluate the mutagenicity with the Ames test in the presence and absence of microsomal enzymes, and the genotoxicity with the alkaline comet assay, while in the Ames test, concentrations of equivalent 3, 1.5, and 0.8 μg of PM/µl were considered; in the comet assay, equivalent 3.1, 6.3, and 12.5 μg of PM/µl were tested. The organic fraction of the PM from the ULSD was the least genotoxic and mutagenic. In contrast, the organic fraction of the PM of HVO30 showed the highest genotoxic and mutagenic activity (p < 0.05). Although the genotoxic potential of PM generated at 1890 rpm, low speed, was slightly higher, no relationship was found regarding the engine operating speed. The results of this investigation show that the fuel extraction method and the mixture with the petroleum diesel affect the quality of the PM and, therefore, its biological activity. Consequently, the physicochemical monitoring of the PM should be complemented with biological procedures to evaluate the quality of alternative fuels and protect the environmental health.
Automated Multireplicate Quantification of Persistent HIV-1 Viremia in Individuals on Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Jacobs Jana L. , Tosiano Melissa A. , Koontz Dianna L. , Staines Brittany , Worlock Andrew , Harrington Karen , Bakkour Sonia , Stone Mars , Shutt Kathleen , Busch Michael P. , Mellors John W.
Published: September 2020

Clearance of low-level viremia that persists in most HIV-1-positive individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is an important milestone for efforts to cure HIV-1 infection. The level of persistent viremia on ART is generally below the lower limit of quantification (LOQ) of current FDA-cleared plasma HIV-1 RNA assays (20 to 40 copies/ml) but can be quantified by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) assays with single-copy sensitivity. Such assays require multistep manual methods, and their low throughput limits the capacity to monitor the effects of interventions on persistent viremia.
Immune Response Characterization after Controlled Infection with Lyophilized Shigella sonnei 53G
Authors: Clarkson Kristen A. , Frenck Robert W. , Dickey Michelle , Suvarnapunya Akamol E. , Chandrasekaran Lakshmi , Weerts Hailey P. , Heaney Christopher D. , McNeal Monica , Detizio Kate , Parker Susan , Hoeper Amy , Bourgeois August L. , Porter Chad K. , Venkatesan Malabi M. , Kaminski Robert W.
Published: September 2020

Correlate(s) of immunity have yet to be defined for shigellosis. As previous disease protects against subsequent infection in a serotype-specific manner, investigating immune response profiles pre- and postinfection provides an opportunity to identify immune markers potentially associated with the development of protective immunity and/or with a reduced risk of developing shigellosis postchallenge. This study is the first to report such an extensive characterization of the immune response after challenge with
S. sonnei
53G. Results demonstrate an association of progression to shigellosis with robust intestinal inflammatory and mucosal gut-homing responses. An important finding in this study was the association of elevated
Shigella
LPS-specific serum IgA and memory B cell IgA responses at baseline with reduced risk of disease. The increased baseline IgA responses may contribute to the lack of dose response observed in the study and suggests that IgA responses should be further investigated as potential correlates of immunity.
Role of retinal pigment epithelium in age-related macular disease: a systematic review
Authors: Bird Alan
Published: September 2020

Age-related macular disease (AMD) is a major cause of blindness and there is little treatment currently available by which the progress of the basic disorder can be modulated. Histological and clinical studies show that the major tissues involved are the outer retina, retinal pigment epithelium, Bruch’s membrane and choroid. Because of a wide variation of phenotype from one case to another, it has been suggested that accurate phenotyping would be necessary for assessment of the effectiveness of treatment that is tissue-directed. However, based on findings from the study of human donor material and animal models of disease and of cell culture, it is concluded that retinal pigment epithelial dysfunction plays a central role in the disease process in most, if not all, cases of early AMD. The metabolism of phagosomal material, particularly lipids, and energy generation are interdependent, and dysfunction of both appears to be important in the genesis of disease. Evidence exists to suggest that both can be modulated therapeutically. These metabolic functions are amenable to further investigation in both the normal state and in disease. Once fully characterised, it is likely that treatment could be directed towards a limited number of functions in single tissue, thus simplifying treatment strategies.
Association between right atrial area measured by echocardiography and prognosis among pulmonary arterial hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Ke , Zhang Chunhua , Chen Bingyu , Li Mingfeng , Zhang Peican
Published: September 2020

Objective

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between enlarged right atrial area (RAA), as measured by echocardiography, and prognosis of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

To identify potential publications, a comprehensive literature search through MEDLINE, the Cochrane database and the Embase database was performed up to December 2019.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Studies were included if they reported Cox regression based-HRs with 95% CIs for all-cause mortality or composite endpoint consisting of death and PAH-related events for echocardiography measurements of the RAA or the right atrial area index (RAAI) in patients with PAH.

Data extraction and synthesis

The unadjusted HR with 95% CI was extracted for the final pooled analysis. A random-effects model was used to determine the value of RAA/RAAI in the prognosis of patients with PAH. The data heterogeneity among the studies was estimated by the I2statistic and the Cochran Q-statistic.

Results

Twelve studies with a total of 1085 patients with PAH were finally included in the meta-analysis. These studies had a mean follow-up time ranging from 9.2 months to 5.0 years. Their findings showed that patients with PAH with enlarged RAA/RAAI were associated with poor prognosis. The risk of all-cause mortality in patients with PAH was found to statistically increase by 50% for every 5-unit increase in RAA/RAAI (HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.28 to 1.75, p<0.001). Similarly, the risk of the composite endpoint also significantly increased by 53% for every 5-unit increase in RAA/RAAI (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.89, p<0.001). Subgroup analyses in which the patients were stratified by RAA and RAAI were consistent with the main results.

Conclusion

The meta-analysis suggested that enlarged RAA/RAAI were associated with increased risk of poor prognosis in patients with PAH.
Study protocol: a prospective cohort on non-communicable diseases among primary healthcare users living in Kosovo (KOSCO)
Authors: Obas Katrina Ann , Gerold Jana , Bytyçi-Katanolli Ariana , Jerliu Naim , Kwiatkowski Marek , Ramadani Qamile , Statovci Shukrije , Zahorka Manfred , Probst-Hensch Nicole
Published: September 2020

Introduction

With the lowest life expectancy in the Balkans, underlying causes of morbidity in Kosovo remain unclear due to limited epidemiological evidence. The goal of this cohort is to contribute epidemiological evidence for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases such as depression, hypertension, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease in Kosovo as the basis for policy and decision-making, with a spotlight on the relationships between non-experimental primary healthcare (PHC) interventions and lifestyle changes as well as between depression and the course of blood pressure.

Methods and analysis

PHC users aged 40 years and above were recruited consecutively between March and October 2019 from 12 main family medicine centres across Kosovo. The data collected through interviews and health examinations included: sociodemographic characteristics, social and environmental factors, comorbidities, health system, lifestyle, psychological factors and clinical attributes (blood pressure, height, weight, waist/hip/neck circumferences, peak expiratory flow and HbA1c measurements). Cohort data were collected annually in two phases, approximately 6 months apart, with an expected total follow-up time of 5 years.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approvals were obtained from the Ethics Committee Northwest and Central Switzerland (Ref. 2018-00994) and the Kosovo Doctors Chamber (Ref. 11/2019). Cohort results will provide novel epidemiological evidence on non-communicable diseases in Kosovo, which will be published in scientific journals. The study will also examine the health needs of the people of Kosovo and provide evidence for health sector decision-makers to improve service responsiveness, which will be shared with stakeholders through reports and presentations.
Burden of tinea capitis among children in Africa: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies, 1990–2020
Authors: Bongomin Felix , Olum Ronald , Nsenga Lauryn , Baluku Joseph Baruch
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Tinea capitis is the most common form of dermatophytosis among children, contributing significantly to the global burden of skin and hair infections. However, an accurate account of its burden in Africa, where most cases are thought to occur, is lacking. We aim to systematically evaluate the burden, aetiology and epidemiological trend of tinea capitis among children over a 30-year period in Africa.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review will be conducted using Embase, PubMed, African Journals Online, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library of Systematic Review. These resources will be used to identify studies published between 1990 and December 2020, which report the prevalence, aetiology and trend of tinea capitis among children younger than 18 years in Africa. Articles in English and French will be considered. Two independent reviewers will screen the articles for eligibility, and any discrepancies will be resolved by discussion and consensus between the authors. Methodological quality of all studies will be assessed and critically appraised. We will perform a metaregression to assess the impact of study characteristics on heterogeneity and also to correct the meta-analytical estimates for biases. A qualitative synthesis will be performed, and STATA V.16.0 software will be used to estimate the pooled prevalence and aetiology of tinea capitis. The Mann-Kendall trend test will be use to evaluate the trend in the prevalence of tinea capitis over the study period.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval from an institutional review board or research ethics committee is not required for this systematic review and meta-analysis. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented in conferences.
Risk factors for gastric cancer and related serological levels in Fujian, China: hospital-based case–control study
Authors: Yuan Ping , Lin Lan , Zheng Kuicheng , Wang Wen , Wu Sihan , Huang Liangxiang , Wu Bingshan , Chen Tiehui , Li Xiaoqing , Cai Lin
Published: September 2020

Objective

To explore the relationships between gastric cancer and serum pepsinogen I (PG I), PG II, PG I/II ratio, gastrin 17 (G-17) and Helicobacter pylori infection, and to investigate dietary and lifestyle risk factors for gastric cancer in Fujian Province, China.

Design

A hospital-based, 1:1 matched case–control study.

Setting

Patients with newly diagnosed gastric cancer were recruited from the Fujian Provincial Hospital and the No. 900 Hospital of the Joint Support Force of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army between July 2014 and December 2016.

Participants

A total of 180 pairs of patients with gastric cancer and control subjects were recruited in the study, including 134 (74.4%) male pairs and 46 (25.6%) female pairs.

Investigation and analysis measures

Serological indicators were tested with ELISA kits. Dietary, lifestyle and psychological factors were investigated through face-to-face questionnaire. Relationships between gastric cancer and these influencing factors were examined by Χ2 test and conditional logistic regression.

Results

Serum PG II and G-17 levels and H. pylori infection rate were higher in patients with gastric cancer than in control subjects (p<0.05), while PG I/II ratio was lower in patients with gastric cancer (p<0.05). Serum G-17 levels were higher in patients with corpus gastric cancer than in patients with antral gastric cancer (p<0.05). Serum PG II levels were higher in patients with advanced gastric cancer than in patients with early-stage cancer (p<0.05), however, PG I/II ratio was lower in patients with advanced-stage gastric cancer than in patients with early-stage cancer (p<0.05). Eating hot food (OR=2.32), eating pickled vegetables (OR=4.05) and often feel troubled (OR=2.21) were found to significantly increase the risk of gastric cancer (all p<0.05), while consuming onion or garlic (OR=0.35), drinking tea (OR=0.26), eating fresh fruits (OR=0.55), and high serum PG I (OR=0.99) or PG I/II ratio (OR=0.73) were found to be protective against gastric cancer.

Conclusion

Study results showed that serum PG, G-17 and H. pylori antibodies could be useful indicators for early diagnosis of gastric cancer. Increase in serum G-17 level might indicate the location of gastric cancer. Increase in serum PG II level and decrease in PG I/II ratio might imply the clinical stage. Eating hot food, eating pickled vegetables and often feel troubled may be risk factors for gastric cancer, while eating fresh fruits, eating onion or garlic, and drinking tea may be protective factors against the disease.
Multisystem comorbidities in classic Rett syndrome: a scoping review
Authors: Fu Cary , Armstrong Dallas , Marsh Eric , Lieberman David , Motil Kathleen , Witt Rochelle , Standridge Shannon , Lane Jane , Dinkel Tristen , Jones Mary , Hale Katie , Suter Bernhard , Glaze Daniel , Neul Jeffrey , Percy Alan , Benke Timothy
Published: September 2020

Background

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe, progressive neurodevelopmental disorder with multisystem comorbidities that evolve across a patient’s lifespan requiring attentive coordination of subspecialty care by primary care providers. A comprehensive, up-to-date synthesis of medical comorbidities in RTT would aid care coordination and anticipatory guidance efforts by healthcare providers. Our objective was to review and summarise published evidence regarding prevalence of RTT medical comorbidities across all relevant organ systems.

Methods

Search of PubMed from January 2000 to July 2019 was performed using the search terms (Rett and MECP2 AND patient) OR (Rett and MECP2 AND cohort). Articles reporting the prevalence of clinical findings in RTT were assessed with respect to the size and nature of the cohorts interrogated and their relevance to clinical care.

Results

After review of over 800 records, the multisystem comorbidities of RTT were summarised quantitatively from 18 records comprising both retrospective and prospective cohorts (31–983 subjects). Neurological comorbidities had the highest prevalence, occurring in nearly all individuals with gastrointestinal and orthopaedic concerns almost as prevalent as neurological. With the exception of low bone mineral content which was relatively common, endocrine comorbidities were seen in only around one-third of patients. Although more prevalent compared with the general population, cardiac conduction abnormalities were the least common comorbidity in RTT.

Conclusions

Effective care coordination for RTT requires knowledge of and attention to multiple comorbidities across multiple unrelated organ systems. Many issues common to RTT can potentially be managed by a primary care provider but the need for sub-specialist referral can be anticipated. Since the median life expectancy extends into the sixth decade with evolving subspecialty requirements throughout this time, paediatric providers may be tasked with continued coordination of these comorbidities or transitioning to adult medicine and specialists with experience managing individuals with complex medical needs.
SARS-CoV-2 organising pneumonia: ‘Has there been a widespread failure to identify and treat this prevalent condition in COVID-19?’
Authors: Kory Pierre , Kanne Jeffrey P
Published: September 2020

Reviews of COVID-19 CT imaging along with postmortem lung biopsies and autopsies indicate that the majority of patients with COVID-19 pulmonary involvement have secondary organising pneumonia (OP) or its histological variant, acute fibrinous and organising pneumonia, both well-known complications of viral infections. Further, many publications on COVID-19 have debated the puzzling clinical characteristics of ‘silent hypoxemia’, ‘happy hypoxemics’ and ‘atypical ARDS’, all features consistent with OP. The recent announcement that RECOVERY, a randomised controlled trial comparing dexamethasone to placebo in COVID-19, was terminated early due to excess deaths in the control group further suggests patients present with OP given that corticosteroid therapy is the first-line treatment. Although RECOVERY along with other cohort studies report positive effects with corticosteroids on morbidity and mortality of COVID-19, treatment approaches could be made more effective given that secondary OP often requires prolonged duration and/or careful and monitored tapering of corticosteroid dose, with ‘pulse’ doses needed for the well-described fulminant subtype. Increasing recognition of this diagnosis will thus lead to more appropriate and effective treatment strategies in COVID-19, which may lead to a further reduction of need for ventilatory support and improved survival.
Traversable wormholes in the bulge of Milky Way galaxy with Global Monopole Charge
Authors: Sarkar Susmita , Sarkar Nayan , Rahaman Farook
Published: September 2020

The present work looks for the existence of completely new wormhole geometries in the bulge of the Milky Way galaxy (MWG) situated on the dark matter (DM) density profile followed from MacMillan (MNRAS 76:465, 2017) and Boshkayev and Malafarina (MNRAS 484:3325, 2019) concerned with Global Monopole Charge. The obtained shape function is positively increasing against the radial coordinate and it increases faster with the increasing values of Global Monopole Charge. Moreover, the reported shape function satisfies all the essential criterions and hence it constructs wormhole geometry in the bulge of the MWG. Further, the DM candidate around bulge is suitable to harbor wormhole by violating the null energy condition(NEC) corresponding to three different redshift functions. The striking point of our solution is that for zero Global Monopole Charge the wormholes are asymptotically flat corresponding to the first two choices of redshift functions while for positive values of Global Monopole Charge wormhole becomes non asymptotically flat and Global Monopole Charge also has the crucial effect on the violation of NEC. In our solutions, one can note that the total amount of averaged NEC violating matter in the wormhole spacetime depends on the Global Monopole Charge $$\eta $$
η
. Furthermore, the respective wormhole solutions are in equilibrium positions.
The interaction of glueball and heavy-light flavoured meson in holographic QCD
Authors: Li Si-wen
Published: September 2020

We construct the D4/D8 brane configuration in the Witten–Sakai–Sugimoto model by introducing a pair of heavy flavour brane with a heavy-light open string. The multiplets created by the heavy-light string acquire mass due to the finite separation of the heavy and light flavour branes thus they could be identified as the heavy-light meson fields in this model. On the other hand the glueball field is identified as the gravitational fluctuations carried by the close string in the bulk, so this model is able to describe the interaction of glueball and heavy-light meson through the open-close string interaction in gauge-gravity duality. We explicitly derive the effective action for the various glueballs and heavy-light mesons then numerically evaluate the associated lowest coupling constants. Afterwards the decay/production widths of various glueballs involving the lowest heavy-light meson, which is identified as $$D^{0}$$

D
0

meson, are calculated by using our effective action which might be remarkable to theoretically study the charm oscillation e.g. $$D^{0}-{\bar{D}}^{0}$$

D
0

-

D

¯

0

, $$B_{s}-{\bar{B}}_{s}$$

B
s

-

B

¯

s

decay/production in hadron physics. This work extends the previous investigations of glueball in holographic QCD and it is also a further prediction of glueball-meson interaction.
Eternal inflation, entropy bounds and the swampland
Authors: Wang Ziwei , Brandenberger Robert , Heisenberg Lavinia
Published: September 2020

It has been suggested that low energy effective field theories should satisfy given conditions in order to be successfully embedded into string theory. In the case of a single canonically normalized scalar field this translates into conditions on its potential and the derivatives thereof. In this Letter we revisit small field hilltop models of eternal inflation including stochastic effects and study the compatibility of the swampland constraints with entropy considerations. We show that these stochastic inflation scenarios either violate entropy bounds or the swampland criterion on the slope of the scalar field potential. Furthermore, we illustrate that such models are faced with a graceful exit problem: any patch of space which exits the region of eternal inflation is either not large enough to explain the isotropy of the cosmic microwave background, or has a spectrum of fluctuations with an unacceptably large red tilt.
Recent trends on community detection algorithms: A survey
Authors: Gupta Sumit , Singh Dhirendra Pratap
Published: September 2020

In today’s world scenario, many of the real-life problems and application data can be represented with the help of the graphs. Nowadays technology grows day by day at a very fast rate; applications generate a vast amount of valuable data, due to which the size of their representation graphs is increased. How to get meaningful information from these data become a hot research topic. Methodical algorithms are required to extract useful information from these raw data. These unstructured graphs are not scattered in nature, but these show some relationships between their basic entities. Identifying communities based on these relationships improves the understanding of the applications represented by graphs. Community detection algorithms are one of the solutions which divide the graph into small size clusters where nodes are densely connected within the cluster and sparsely connected across. During the last decade, there are lots of algorithms proposed which can be categorized into mainly two broad categories; non-overlapping and overlapping community detection algorithm. The goal of this paper is to offer a comparative analysis of the various community detection algorithms. We bring together all the state of art community detection algorithms related to these two classes into a single article with their accessible benchmark data sets. Finally, we represent a comparison of these algorithms concerning two parameters: one is time efficiency, and the other is how accurately the communities are detected.
Point disclinations in the Chern–Simons geometric theory of defects
Authors: Katanaev M. O. , Volkov B. O.
Published: September 2020

We use the Chern–Simons action for a [Formula: see text]-connection for the description of point disclinations in the geometric theory of defects. The most general spherically symmetric [Formula: see text]-connection with zero curvature is found. The corresponding orthogonal spherically symmetric [Formula: see text] matrix and [Formula: see text]-field are computed. Two examples of point disclinations are described.
New optical soliton solutions for Triki–Biswas model by new extended direct algebraic method
Authors: Rezazadeh Hadi , Sabi’u Jamilu , Jena Rajarama Mohan , Chakraverty S.
Published: September 2020

The study focuses on the use of a direct algebraic approach to the analysis of the Triki–Biswas (TB) model. This model addresses the distribution of ultrashort pulses in optical fiber in the presence of non-Kerr dispersion concept and group velocity dispersion. However, using the new extended direct algebraic method, we have obtained various optical soliton solutions for the TB model. The optical soliton solutions are new and reliable compared to the existing methods.
Seeing Relativity — III. Journeying within the Kerr metric toward the negative gravity region
Authors: Riazuelo Alain
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we study some features of the Kerr metric both from an analytic and a visual point of view by performing accurate raytracing in various situations. We focus on features that are unique to the maximal analytic extension of the Kerr metric as compared to that of the Schwarzschild or even the Reissner–Nordström one. A large number of new, yet underexplored phenomena appear, especially regarding the structure of bounded null geodesics and the aspect of the negative gravity regions whose visual characteristics are shown both from outside and inside it.
Erratum: Dispersion of gravitational waves in cold spherical interstellar medium
Authors: Barta Dániel , Vasúth Mátyás
Published: September 2020

The study published in IJMPD 27(4):1850040, 2018 provided a numerical result for the frequency-shift of GWs due to dispersion in interstellar medium. In order to adjust the metric functions of the originally improperly matched ‘background’ spacetime in Sec. 2.1, the authors have adopted Darmois–Israel junction conditions. In Sec. 4.1 the code used in the original paper erroneously computed the magnitude of frequency-shift for the transient event GW150914 due to a missing conversion factor. In both cases where numerical errors and potential contradictions have been identified and eliminated, adjustments were undertaken in order to maintain consistency with closely-related earlier studies.
MICROSTRUCTURE AND WEAR RESISTANCE OF IN-SITU SYNTHESIZED TiB2–TiC/Fe COMPOSITE COATING BY LASER CLADDING
Authors: YANG TIANWEI , WANG ZHAOHUI , TAN SHIHAI , GUO FU
Published: September 2020

To increase the strength and wear resistance of material surfaces, various combinations of B4C and 80TiFe powder were mixed into a Fe60 self-fluxing alloy powder; the composite coatings reinforced by TiB2–TiC were successfully prepared on Q235 steel surfaces by laser cladding. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to study the microstructure and chemical and phase composition. Microhardness and wear testers were used to investigate the mechanical properties. The results show that the interfaces of composite coatings and substrate materials are excellent for metallurgical bonding. The block-like TiB2 particles and flower-like TiC particles are uniformly distributed in the cladding coating. When the mass fraction of the mixed powder is 30%, the average microhardness of the coating is approximately 1100 HV[Formula: see text], which is 50% higher than that without the mixed powder, and demonstrates the best wear with a performance twice as better as that of the substrate.
On the Hilbert scheme of smooth curves in ℙ4 of degree d = g + 1 and genus g with negative Brill–Noether number
Authors: Keem Changho , Kim Yun-Hwan
Published: September 2020

We denote by [Formula: see text] the Hilbert scheme of smooth curves, which is the union of components whose general point corresponds to a smooth irreducible and non-degenerate curve of degree [Formula: see text] and genus [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we show that for low genus [Formula: see text] outside the Brill–Noether range, the Hilbert scheme [Formula: see text] is non-empty whenever [Formula: see text] and irreducible whose only component generically consists of linearly normal curves unless [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]. This complements the validity of the original assertion of Severi regarding the irreducibility of [Formula: see text] outside the Brill–Nother range for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Ground State of Quasi-Two-Dimensional Electron–Hole Liquid on Silicon Surface
Authors: Vasilchenko Alexander A.
Published: September 2020

The density functional theory is used for the determination of a ground state of a quasi-two-dimensional electron[Formula: see text]hole liquid (EHL) in the presence of an external electric field. The Kohn[Formula: see text]Sham equations for electrons and holes are numerically solved. The binding energies of electron[Formula: see text]hole pair are calculated for various silicon surfaces. It is shown that EHL can exist on the (111) Si.
Dynamics analysis of fractional-order Hopfield neural networks
Authors: Batiha Iqbal M. , Albadarneh Ramzi B. , Momani Shaher , Jebril Iqbal H.
Published: September 2020

This paper proposes fractional-order systems for Hopfield Neural Network (HNN). The so-called Predictor–Corrector Adams–Bashforth–Moulton Method (PCABMM) has been implemented for solving such systems. Graphical comparisons between the PCABMM and the Runge–Kutta Method (RKM) solutions for the classical HNN reveal that the proposed technique is one of the powerful tools for handling these systems. To determine all Lyapunov exponents for them, the Benettin–Wolf algorithm has been involved in the PCABMM. Based on such algorithm, the Lyapunov exponents as a function of a given parameter and as another function of the fractional-order have been described, the intermittent chaos for these systems has been explored. A new result related to the Mittag–Leffler stability of some nonlinear Fractional-order Hopfield Neural Network (FoHNN) systems has been shown. Besides, the description and the dynamic analysis of those phenomena have been discussed and verified theoretically and numerically via illustrating the phase portraits and the Lyapunov exponents’ diagrams.
Surface evolution of Janus Cu-Ag nanoparticles: Influence of atom arrangements and interface structures
Authors: Liang Mengfan , Xiong Ziyi , Hu Yongmao , Liu Yingli , Shen Tao , Sun Shuhong , Zhu Yan
Published: September 2020

In this paper, the effect of the atom ratio and interface structure on the surface evolution of Janus Cu–Ag Nanoparticles (NPs) were studied by molecular dynamics (MDs) simulation during sintering process. The results show that Cu/Ag alloys tend to form the Cu-core@Ag-shell NPs with stable configuration in the case of excessive Ag. However, the different arrangements of atoms and interface lead to Janus Cu–Ag NPs exhibiting unique coalescence during the contact stage of sintering process, and the interface with Cu/Ag two-type atoms is more likely to diffuse. Moreover, the systems gradually change from separate NPs to a uniform Cu/Ag alloy as the temperature rising, meanwhile the shrinkage ratio of the Janus Cu–Ag NPs is stable at 80%.
The Impact of Shadow Banking on Economic Growth: Evidence from Cross Country Data (2006–2018)
Authors: Zhou Sheunesu , Dev D Tewari
Published: September 2020

Shadow banking has become an important part of many financial systems despite having contributed to the financial crisis of 2008/2009. This study analyzes the relationship between shadow banking and economic growth using a panel of 28 developed and emerging economies. We employ panel feasible GLS technique and find a positive association between shadow banking and economic growth in the long-run. Further, we test for the Finance–Growth relationship using Granger causality tests and find a bi-directional relationship between shadow banking and economic growth. Stock market development and bank credit also have positive bi-directional relationships with economic growth. Our findings emphasize the role of financial innovation in enhancing economic performance given a stable regulatory environment. We suggest regular review of macro-prudential policy to carter for new financial activities and also to allow for development of new financing techniques.
Parotid gland oncocytosis: Multifocal adenomatous oncocytic hyperplasia variant — A case report in Singapore
Authors: Lee Chee Seng , Poh Eugene Hze-Khoong , Kotamma Venkateswaran , Loy Tsu Ken , Chow Hsun Tau
Published: September 2020

Oncocytosis is a rare, benign, non-neoplastic lesion that can be further classified into diffuse oncocytosis or multifocal adenomatous oncocytic hyperplasia. This tumour has been estimated to account for 0.1% of all parotid gland tumours. 1 Here, we report a rare case of a patient who presented to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department with a 3-cm swelling of his left parotid gland. Histopathological results from a superficial parotidectomy revealed the lesion to be a multifocal adenomatous oncocytic hyperplasia of the parotid gland. A description of this rare disease and its management are included in this article.
Impact of COVID-19 on the perception of Indian investors towards investment in equity fund
Authors: Das Kishore Kumar , Mahapatra Rupsa
Published: September 2020

During the post demonetization and GST, Indian economy was struggling continuously to recover from the economic crisis. In the financial year 2019–2020, GDP rate fell from 7% to 5.4% which is about 18.20%. BSE Sensex index was 42273 as on January 20th of 2020 but on April 8, 2020, it was 29894. During the Financial year 2019–2020, a reduction of 26% in mid cap index was observed, but at the same time, sensitive index reduced by 22%. These things affect the share market and financial stability of people. The stock market over the last one-year became volatile and crashed. To handle the downwards economy, Government took the initiative and announced deep tax cuts for businesses in the month of August 2019. But in the beginning of the year 2020, there was another sluggish phase which stubborn the economy. This time, it was a virus, named as COVID-19(coronavirus), which created a pandemic situation and spread all over the world. Nation-wide lock down was announced to fight with COVID-19 as there was no vaccine introduced. Starting from agriculture to textile, apparel, automotive, aviation, hotels and restaurants, poultry, chemicals, consumer durables, entertainment, sports, FMCG (fast moving consumer goods), pharmaceutical, ecommerce, IT and moreover corporate sectors were adversely affected due to this pandemic and lock down rules. Therefore, this paper focuses on the impact of corona on the perception of Indian investors towards investment in equity fund.
Phytochemical and Antioxidant Dynamics of the Soursop Fruit (Annona muricataL.) in response toColletotrichumspp.
Authors: Rubio-Melgarejo Alejandro , Balois-Morales Rosendo , Palomino-Hermosillo Yolotzin Apatzingan , López-Guzmán Graciela Guadalupe , Ramírez-Ramírez José Carmen , Cervantes-García Edwin , Villalobos-Rosario Brandon Javier , Bautista-Rosales Pedro Ulises
Published: September 2020

This work evaluates the effect of the pathogensColletotrichum siamenseandC. gloeosporioideson the response of soursop fruits. The bioactive compounds (total phenols, flavonoids, anthraquinones, coumarins, steroids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and saponins) were evaluated qualitatively in soursop pulp. Positive phytochemicals and antioxidant activity (DPPH•, ABTS•+, and FRAP) were quantified at day zero, one, three, and five. Fruits treated withC. gloeosporioidesshowed higher disease severity (P<0.05). Early fruit response (day one) was observed with both pathogens, increased the concentration of saponins and repressed the production of quercetin 3-O-glucoside (P<0.05). Likewise,C. siamensedecreased total soluble phenols and flavonoids and increased antiradical activity DPPH•.Besides,C. gloeosporioidesdecreased the levels of kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside and ferulic acid (P<0.05). Regarding the late response (day three), both pathogens decreased the concentration of saponins and increased flavonoids and phytosterols (P<0.05). Nevertheless,C. siamenseincreased the levels of total soluble phenols, p-coumaric acid, kaempferol, and antiradical activity FRAP (P<0.05). Also,C. gloeosporioidesrepressed the production of quercetin 3-O-glucoside at day five (P<0.05). Soursop fruits had a response to the attack ofColletotrichumduring ripening at physicochemical and oxidative levels, which is associated with the production of compounds related to the development inhibition of pathogens. Even so, soursop fruits showed higher susceptibility toC. gloeosporioidesand higher sensitivity to the attack ofC. siamense.
A Multifunctional Antibacterial and Osteogenic Nanomedicine: QAS‐Modified Core‐Shell Mesoporous Silica Containing Ag Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Dexiong , Qiu Yubei , Zhang Sihui , Zhang Mi , Chen Zexi , Chen Jiang
Published: September 2020

Treatments for infectious bone defects such as periodontitis require antibacterial and osteogenic differentiation capabilities. Nanotechnology has prompted the development of multifunctional material. In this research, we aim to synthesize a nanoparticle that can eliminate periodontal pathogenic microorganisms and simultaneously stimulate new bone tissue regeneration and mineralization. QAS‐modified core‐shell mesoporous silica containing Ag nanoparticles (Ag@QHMS) was successfully synthesized through the classic hydrothermal method and surface quaternary ammonium salt functionalization. The Ag@QHMS in vitro antibacterial activity was explored via coculture with Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Porphyromonas gingivalis biofilms. Bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were selected for observing cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and osteogenic differentiation. Ag@QHMS showed a good sustained release profile of Ag+ and a QAS‐grafted mesoporous structure. Compared with the single‐contact antibacterial activity of QHMS, Ag@QHMS exhibited a more efficient and stable concentration‐dependent antimicrobial efficacy; the minimum inhibitory concentration was within 100 μg/ml, which was below the BMSC biocompatibility concentration (200 μg/ml). Thus, apoptosis would not occur while promoting the increased expression of osteogenic‐associated factors, such as runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteopontin (OPN), osteocalcin (OCN), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and collagen type 1 (COL‐1). A safe concentration of particles can stimulate cell alkaline phosphatase and matrix calcium salt deposition. The dual antibacterial effect from the direct contact killing of QAS and the sustained release of Ag nanoparticles, along with the Ag‐promoted osteogenic differentiation, had been verified and utilized in Ag@QHMS. This system demonstrates the potential for utilizing pluripotent biomaterials to treat complex lesions.
Clinicopathological Significance of Neuropilin 1 Expression in Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cao Hui , Li Yan , Huang Limin , Bai Banjun , Xu Zhong
Published: September 2020

Background.Neuropilin 1 (NRP1) is involved in tumorigenesis, development, invasion, and metastasis by promoting angiogenesis of tumors. The study is aimed at evaluating the correlation between the expression of NRP1 protein and clinicopathological features of gastric cancer by meta-analysis.Methods.The published studies were searched in databases including CNKI, Wanfang, Chongqing VIP, Web of Science, and PubMed online. Clinical case studies were included to compare the correlation between NRP1 protein expression and clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer. The quality of the included literatures was evaluated by NOS scale. Meta-analysis was performed by Stata software to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).Results.A total of 12 studies were included in this analysis, involving 1,225 patients with gastric cancer. The analysis indicated that the expression of NRP1 protein in gastric cancer tissues was lower in the group of early stage versus advanced stage (OR=0.128,95%CI=0.059−0.277,P≤0.001), tumor size less than 5 cm versus more than 5 cm (OR=0.443,95%CI=0.310−0.632,P≤0.001), TNM stage I-II group versus stage III-IV patients (OR=0.736,95%CI=0.589−0.919,P=0.007), well to medium differentiation group versus poor differentiation group (OR=0.735,95%CI=0.632−0.854,P≤0.001), and nonlymph node metastasis group versus lymph node metastasis group (OR=0.667,95%CI=0.522−0.854,P≤0.001). The expression of NRP1 protein in gastric cancer was not related to gender, age, and Laurèn’s classification.Conclusion.The expression of NRP1 protein in gastric cancer is closely correlated to clinical stage, tumor size, TNM stage, differentiation, and lymph node metastasis.
Analysis of Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor Genes and Their HLA Ligands in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Beigmohammadi Fereshteh , Mahmoudi Mahdi , Karami Jafar , Ahmadzadeh Nooshin , Ebrahimi-Daryani Nasser , Rezaei Nima
Published: September 2020

Genetic studies have illustrated thatkiller cell immunoglobulin-like receptor(KIR) genes could participate in various autoimmune disorders. We aimed to clarify the role ofKIRgenes,HLAligands, HLA-KIR interactions, and their genotypes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) susceptibility. The study population was composed of 183 IBD subjects, comprising 100 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, 83 Crohn’s disease (CD) patients, and 274 healthy subjects. Polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) was used to evaluate the absence or presence of the 15KIRgenes, 5HLAclass I ligands, and 2 pseudogenes. We did not find any significant difference in allele frequency ofKIRsand pseudogenes between IBD patients and healthy controls. In the case ofHLAgenes, there was a significant difference inHLA-B-Bw4Thr80frequency between UC patients and healthy controls (P=0.03,OR=0.06,95%CI=0.008-0.4). Furthermore, we found a significant difference inHLA-C1Asn80frequency between CD patients and healthy controls (P=0.04,OR=0.49, 95%CI=0.3-0.8). In the full-array combination ofKIRgenes, there was no significant frequency difference between UC patients and healthy controls, while two KIR genotypes showed a significant susceptible association with CD. Our data do not support a strong role of NK cells in IBD susceptibility, but it does not rule out a role for KIR variability in IBD patients. However, there are some protective associations such as Bw4 alleles; these associations may be due to the interaction of the alleles to TCRs rather than KIRs.