bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colonic transit time in progressive supranuclear palsy and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Doi Hirokazu , Sakakibara Ryuji , Tateno Fuyuki , Aiba Yosuke
Published: December 2020

Objective

Gastrointestinal (GI) function in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) has not been reported, in contrast with extensive studies of GI function in Parkinson's disease (PD). We aimed to investigate GI function in PSP and PD.

Methods

A GI questionnaire for constipation and an objective colonic transit time (CTT) test were performed in 8 patients with PSP (6 men and 2 women; mean age, 74.6 years, mean duration of disease, 2.9 years), 36 patients with PD (19 men and 17 women; mean age, 75.6 years, mean duration of disease, 2.6 years), and 8 age‐matched normal control subjects (4 men and 4 women; mean age, 73.6 years).

Results

A GI questionnaire showed constipation in 2 (25%) PSP; 23 (64%) PD; and none (0%) control, without statistical significance. A CTT test showed total CTT of 63.2 ± 33.9 hours in PSP; 69.6 ± 42.8 hours in PD; and 45.2 ± 40.3 hours in control, without statistical significance. In contrast, right CTT in PSP (P < .05) and PD (P < .01) was significantly prolonged from that in control.

Conclusions

Subjective constipation is uncommon, but prolonged CTT is observed in PSP. This GI feature needs appropriate management and care, which might reflect PSP’s brainstem/sacral spinal cord pathology.
Recent advances in Cannabis sativa genomics research
Authors: Hurgobin Bhavna , Tamiru‐Oli Muluneh , Welling Matthew T. , Doblin Monika S. , Bacic Antony , Whelan James , Lewsey Mathew G.
Published: December 2020

Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) is one of the oldest cultivated plants purported to have unique medicinal properties. However, scientific research of cannabis has been restricted by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, an international treaty that prohibits the production and supply of narcotic drugs except under license. Legislation governing cannabis cultivation for research, medicinal and even recreational purposes has been relaxed recently in certain jurisdictions. As a result, there is now potential to accelerate cultivar development of this multi‐use and potentially medically useful plant species by application of modern genomics technologies. Whilst genomics has been pivotal to our understanding of the basic biology and molecular mechanisms controlling key traits in several crop species, much work is needed for cannabis. In this review we provide a comprehensive summary of key cannabis genomics resources and their applications. We also discuss prospective applications of existing and emerging genomics technologies for accelerating the genetic improvement of cannabis.
Serum MicroRNA Differences Between Fracture in Postmenopausal Women with and without Diabetes
Authors: Ren Cheng , Li Ming , Sun Liang , Li Zhong , Lu Yao , Wang Qian , Ma Teng , Xue Han‐zhong , Zhang Kun
Published: December 2020

Objective

To screen serum microRNAs (miRNAs) which could discriminate fracture status in postmenopausal women with or without diabetes.

Methods

The miRNA expression profile dataset GSE70318 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. This dataset composed of 74 samples, among these, 55 postmenopausal women was selected for bioinformatics analysis, including 19 osteoporotic fracture patients with type‐2 diabetes, 19 osteoporotic fracture patients without type‐2 diabetes, and 17 healthy control subjects. These samples were divided into two groups: fracture patients with diabetes vs healthy subjects (FH group) and fracture patients without diabetes vs healthy subjects (DFH group). Then, the differentially expressed miRNA (DEMs) in FH group and DFH group were respectively identified. The target genes of DEMs were predicted, followed by functional enrichment analysis. Furthermore, DEMs related to long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were screened, and DEMs‐lncRNA‐target genes network was constructed. Subsequently, principal component analysis (PCA) of DEMs was performed to further explore the expression characteristics of the selected miRNAs in different types of fracture samples. Finally, the expression level of significant DEMs was calculated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to verify the accuracy of the results of bioinformatics analysis.

Results

A total of 18 and 23 DEMs were identified in FH and DFH groups, respectively. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that genes in FH group were significantly enriched in regulation of transcription (GO: 0045449) and genes in DFH group were mainly enriched in cellular response to hormone stimulus (GO: 0032870). Meanwhile, pathway analysis indicated that genes in FH group were primarily enriched in T cell receptor signaling pathway (hsa04660) and genes in DFH group were mainly implicated in neurotrophin‐signaling pathway (hsa04722). Moreover, the miRNA‐lncRNA analysis revealed that miR‐155‐5p regulated by lncRNA MIR155HG was up‐regulated in FH group; in addition, the miR‐181c was significantly up‐regulated and miR‐375 was observably down‐regulated in DFH group. Furthermore, PCA analysis suggested that the screened miRNAs were able to differentiate these two types of fractures in postmenopausal women. The miR‐181c and miR‐375 might be regarded as potential predictors for fracture, while miR‐155‐5p might be a candidate diagnostic biomarker for diabetic fracture. Finally, the results of qPCR were consistent with that of microarray data.

Conclusions

Overall, these three miRNAs might be regarded as potential diagnostic biomarkers to discriminate fracture status in postmenopausal women with and or without diabetes, and they served a putative role in the pathogenesis of these two diseases. However, these findings were only observed in serum samples and further clinical trials are urgently demanded to validate our results.
Low‐budget, single‐session elimination of CIED pocket infection
Authors: Roshdy Hisham , Seaoud Elshaimaa , Elbelbesy Radwa
Published: December 2020

Background

The dramatic increase in the use of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIED) was associated with an increased rate of CIED infection, which has a high management cost.

Aim of the Study

To test the safety and efficacy of a single‐session protocol, aiming to reuse the infected pocket side and the same device and leads in patients with CIED pocket infection.

Patients and Methods

We included patients with isolated pocket infection between January 2015 and November 2019. The Patient was prepared by taking a swab for culture and sensitivity before the procedure. The pocket was debrided and the capsule was removed, the pocket was rinsed with povidone‐iodine and hydrogen peroxide mixture, then packed with gauze sponge soaked with povidone‐iodine. The device was debrided using ultrasonic irrigation and sterilized using gas plasma. The device was reimplanted and the wound was closed in layers.

Results

During the period of the study, we had 12 patients with isolated pocket infection. Nine presented with erosion, two with impending erosion, and one with a chronic sinus. Patient's age was 61.5 ± 7.64 years. The infection was diagnosed 14.2 ± 8.22 weeks post device implantation. They were admitted for 7.6 ± 1.54 days postprocedure. The follow‐up duration was 26.5 ± 15 (1.7–52) months. Only one patient (8%) had a recurrence of the infection after 50 days of the procedure.

Conclusion

Our protocol was successful in treating 92% of device‐related pocket infection without the need to replace the device or the pocket side.
Retrieval of a leadless transcatheter pacemaker from the right pulmonary artery: A case report
Authors: Romeo Emanuele , D'Alto Michele , Cappelli Maurizio , Nigro Gerardo , Correra Anna , Colonna Diego , Sarubbi Berardo , Golino Paolo
Published: December 2020

This case report describes a procedure of retrieval of a leadless transcatheter pacemaker from the right pulmonary artery 3 days after device implantation. An 80‐year‐old man affected by ischemic cardiomyopathy and sinus node dysfunction was implanted with a leadless transcatheter pacemaker in the low septum of the right ventricle. Three days after the procedure, the leadless pacemaker migrated into a side branch of the right pulmonary artery. The device was successfully removed using two snares hooked to a tine via the proximal retrieval feature.
3D point‐cloud spatial expansion by total least‐squares line fitting
Authors: Dąbrowski Paweł S. , Zienkiewicz Marek H.
Published: December 2020

Point‐cloud spatial expansion (PCSE) allows the creation of a new point‐cloud form that presents an alternative geometry of an entire object in a single spatial view. Spatial expansion facilitates the analysis process and introduces an additional spatial parameter describing the point cloud. An important element of the PCSE method is determining the position of the axis of symmetry of a symmetrical object: the procedure for determining the parameters of this axis (set of cross‐sectional centres) of the object’s point cloud by the total least‐squares method is presented. The estimation results were used to create a spatial expansion of the point cloud of a cylindrical object, demonstrating the usefulness of total least‐squares fitting to the PCSE method.
Cooperation with Police in China: Surveillance Cameras, Neighborhood Efficacy and Policing
Authors: Wu Yuning , Sun Ivan Y. , Hu Rong
Published: December 2020

Objective

Given the paucity of research on Chinese cooperation with the police and the underdevelopment of knowledge on the influence of surveillance videos on such cooperation, this study investigates the interplay of surveillance cameras and neighborhood collective efficacy, police fairness, and police effectiveness in shaping public willingness to cooperate with the police.

Methods

Relying on face‐to‐face survey interview data collected from 751 residents in a southern city in China, this study used Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis to examine the key correlates of Chinese willingness to cooperate with the police.

Results

The results reveal positive influences of video surveillance, collective efficacy, police fairness, and police effectiveness on cooperative desires. Notably, the cooperation‐promoting effect of surveillance cameras is most profound among people who live in neighborhoods with high levels of collective efficacy and people who perceive low levels of police fairness.

Conclusion

These findings affirm that formal and informal social control interlock in determining the public's cooperative willingness, and reiterate the need for testing theoretical interactions. They also help us understand the underlying reasons that may explain the public's reliance on video surveillance to make their decisions about helping the police in the context of China.
Cognitive Sophistication, Religion, and the Trump Vote
Authors: Sherkat Darren E.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Support for Donald has been linked to religious commitments and education, though the issue of how cognitive sophistication may play a role in his support has rarely been examined. This study explores how cognitive sophistication and religion influenced political orientations and Trump voting.

Methods

Data from the 2018 General Social Survey are examined. Logistic regression is used to predict voting and choice. Structural equation models are estimated to examine the interrelationships between cognitive ability, education, religious commitments, political orientations, and the Trump vote.

Results

Cognitive sophistication was found to have a positive effect on voting, but a negative effect on choosing Trump. The influence of cognitive sophistication works through its support for secular beliefs and opposition to biblical inerrancy, influencing Republican partisanship and political conservatism that favored Trump.

Conclusions

Cognitive sophistication and educational attainment are important for influencing political commitments and the Trump vote, and the effect of cognitive sophistication is entwined with its negative association with religious fundamentalism and positive association with secularism.
Finding learning amidst the maelstrom: Storytelling, trauma, and hope
Authors: Hess Mary E.
Published: December 2020

We are living through a time of uncertainty and change in which our educational priorities can be re‐ordered. A time during which what it means to teach and learn in theology and religious studies can be a vivid and powerful resource to our wider contexts. We are living in a time of context collapse. Narrative is one key route to engaging and sharing context. Pedagogy during this time must be trauma‐informed. Our work in higher education needs to be about igniting curiosity, curating appropriate materials, and sharing practices rather than about covering content.
Pollination from invasive dandelions is unlikely to reduce seed production in the native Japanese dandelion, Taraxacum japonicum
Authors: Kyogoku Daisuke
Published: December 2020

Reproductive interference occurs when closely related species interact reproductively, affecting the fitness of either or both species. Understanding the mechanisms by which reproductive interference reduces fitness can be crucial for effective management and the interpretation of the functional significance of traits. Invasive apomictic dandelions reproductively interfere with the seed production of Taraxacum japonicum, a sexual species native to part of the Japanese archipelago. The simultaneous deposition of both apomictic and conspecific pollen on the stigma of T. japonicum has been hypothesised to lead to interspecific fertilisation, producing empty seeds. However, experimental results appear to vary across studies. The invasive apomict is often assumed to be T. officinale, but other apomicts are morphologically similar to T. officinale, and only some may reproductively interfere with T. japonicum. Here, hand pollination experiments were performed using potted plants to control the identities of apomictic dandelions. No evidence was found for a negative effect of apomictic pollen on T. japonicum. Based on my experimental results and the review of relevant previous studies, I concluded that the simultaneous deposition of apomictic and conspecific pollen likely leads to a normal level of seed production in T. japonicum, suggesting that mechanisms other than interspecific pollen competition for fertilisation underlie reproductive interference by apomictic dandelions on T. japonicum.
Temperature dependence of the electrical characteristics of ZnO thin film transistor with high-k NbLaO gate dielectric
Authors: Li Hong-cheng , Liu Yu-rong , Geng Kui-wei , Wu Wei-jing , Yao Ruo-he , Lai Pui-to
Published: December 2020

ZnO thin film transistor with high-k NbLaO/SiO2 bilayer gate dielectric was fabricated by sputtering, and the temperature dependence of the electrical properties of the device was investigated in the temperature range of 293–353 K for clarifying thermally activated carrier generation and carrier transport mechanisms in the conducting channel. With the increase in the temperature, the transfer curve shifts toward the negative gate voltage direction with a negative shift of the threshold voltage, an increase in the off-state current and the subthreshold slope, and a significant increase in carrier mobility. The decrease in the threshold voltage is originated from the formation of oxygen vacancy and the release of free electrons in the ZnO channel, and the formation energy can be estimated to be approximately 0.3 eV. In both subthreshold and above-threshold regimes, the temperature dependence of the drain current shows Arrhenius-type dependence, and the activation energy is around 0.94 eV for a gate voltage of 2 V, reducing with the increase in the gate voltage. The temperature dependence of the ZnO film resistance also exhibits an Arrhenius-type behavior, indicating that the thermal activation conduction process is the dominant conduction mechanism in the ZnO film. Two types of thermal activation conduction processes are observed in the 303–373 K temperature range. This is explained in terms of the existence of two types of deep donors that are consecutively excited to the conduction band as the temperature increases.
Creation of Universal Primers Targeting Nonconserved, Horizontally Mobile Genes: Lessons and Considerations
Authors: Brown Damon C. , Turner Raymond J.
Published: December 2020

Increasing use of molecular detection methods, specifically PCR and quantitative PCR (qPCR), requires utmost confidence in the results while minimizing false positives and negatives due to poor primer designs. Frequently, these detection methods are focused on conserved core genes, which limits their applications.
In Vivo
Colonization with Candidate Oral Probiotics Attenuates Streptococcus mutans Colonization and Virulence
Authors: Culp David J. , Hull William , Bremgartner Matthew J. , Atherly Todd A. , Christian Kacey N. , Killeen Mary , Dupuis Madeline R. , Schultz Alexander C. , Chakraborty Brinta , Lee Kyulim , Wang Deneen S. , Afzal Verisha , Chen Timmy , Burne Robert A.
Published: December 2020

Our results demonstrate that
in vivo
testing of potential oral probiotics can be accomplished and can yield information to facilitate the ultimate design and optimization of novel anticaries probiotics. We show that human oral commensals associated with dental health are an important source of potential probiotics that may be used to colonize patients under dietary conditions of highly various cariogenicity.
Mucin as a Functional Niche Is a More Important Driver of
In Vitro
Gut Microbiota Composition and Functionality than Akkermansia muciniphila Supplementation
Authors: Van Herreweghen Florence , De Paepe Kim , Marzorati Massimo , Van de Wiele Tom
Published: December 2020

Research into the identification of biomarkers for gut health and ways to modulate the microbiota composition and activity to improve health has put
Akkermansia muciniphila
in the spotlight. As a mucin degrader,
A. muciniphila
colonizes the interesting but not fully described host-glycan degradation niche. Much of research concerning
A. muciniphila
has been done, but little is known about its behavior in the complex microbial ecosystem in the colon, about the potential role of mucins to influence
A. muciniphila
behavior, and the impact of its probiotic administration on the microbial ecosystem.
Lon Protease- and Temperature-Dependent Activity of a Lysis Cassette Located in the Insecticidal Island of Yersinia enterocolitica
Authors: Springer Katharina , Sänger Philipp-Albert , Felsl Angela , Fuchs Thilo M.
Published: December 2020

The investigation of the mechanisms that help pathogens survive in the environment is a prerequisite to understanding their evolution and their virulence capacities. In members of the genus
Yersinia
, many factors involved in virulence, metabolism, motility, or biofilm formation follow a strict temperature-dependent regulation.
A Mutation Upstream of the
rplN-rpsD
Ribosomal Operon Downregulates Bordetella pertussis Virulence Factor Production without Compromising Bacterial Survival within Human Macrophages
Authors: Novák Jakub , Jurnečka David , Linhartová Irena , Holubová Jana , Staněk Ondřej , Štipl Daniel , Dienstbier Ana , Večerek Branislav , Azevedo Nayara , Provazník Jan , Beneš Vladimír , Šebo Peter
Published: December 2020

We show that a spontaneous mutation that upregulates transcription of an operon encoding ribosomal proteins and causes overproduction of the downstream-encoded α subunit (RpoA) of RNA polymerase causes global effects on gene expression levels and proteome composition of
Bordetella pertussis
. Nevertheless, the resulting important downregulation of the BvgAS-controlled expression of virulence factors of the whooping cough agent did not compromise its capacity to persist for prolonged periods inside primary human macrophage cells, and it even enhanced its capacity to persist in infected mouse lungs.
Supplemental Material: New constraints on the age, geochemistry, and environmental impact of High Arctic Large Igneous Province magmatism: Tracing the extension of the Alpha Ridge onto Ellesmere Island, Canada
Authors: Naber T.V. , Tegner C.
Published: December 2020

Supplementary Data Files: (1) Sample list and description; (2) GPS positions of samples; (3) Accuracy of major and trace element bulk rock compositions and precision of repeat analyses; (4) Photomicrographs; (5) Clinopyroxene, plagioclase and olivine compositions; (6) SHRIMP U-Pb methods and results; (7) 7. Nb-Zr-Y tectonic discrimination diagram; (8) Ti-Zr-Y tectonic discrimination diagram; (9) Ti-V tectonic discrimination diagram; (10) MgO-FeOtot_Al2O3 tectonic discrimination diagram; (11) AFM diagram; and (12) Th/Nb vs. SiO2 diagram.
Peek at the glass ceiling: gender distribution of leadership among emergency medicine residency programs
Authors: Parsons Melissa , Krzyzaniak Sara , Mannix Alexandra , Rocca Nicole , Chan Teresa M , Gottlieb Michael
Published: December 2020

Background

A gender gap in faculty rank at academic institutions exists; however, data among graduate medical education (GME) programmes are limited. There is a need to assess gender disparities in GME leadership, as a lack of female leadership may affect recruitment, role modelling and mentorship of female trainees. This cross-sectional study aimed to describe the current state of gender in programme leadership (department chair, programme director (PD), associate/assistant PD (APD) and clerkship director (CD)) at accredited Emergency Medicine (EM) programmes in the USA to determine whether a gender gap exists.

Methods

A survey was distributed to EM residency programmes in the USA assessing demographics and gender distribution among programme leadership. If no response was received, information was collected via the programme’s website. Data were organised by position, region and length of the programme. We obtained data on the number of female EM physicians in practice and in training/fellowship in 2017 from the Association of American Medical Colleges. Data analysis was completed using descriptive statistics and χ2analysis.

Results

Of the 226 programmes contacted, 148 responded to the survey (66.3%). Among US EM residency programmes, 11.2% of chairs, 34.6% of PDs, 40.5% of APDs and 46.5% of CDs are women. The percentage of female chairs is significantly lower than the percentage of women in practice or in training in EM. The percentage of female PDs did not differ from the percentage of women in practice or in training in EM. The percentage of female APDs and CDs was significantly higher than the percentage of women in practice but did not differ from the percentage in training. There was wide variability across regions. Four-year programmes had more women in PD and APD positions compared with 3-year programmes (p=0.01).

Conclusions

While the representation of women in educational roles is encouraging, the number of women holding the rank of chairperson remains disproportionately low. Further studies are needed to evaluate reasons for this and strategies to increase gender equality in leadership roles.
DNA damage signalling as an anti-cancer barrier in gastric intestinal metaplasia
Authors: Krishnan Vaidehi , Lim Debbie Xiu En , Hoang Phuong Mai , Srivastava Supriya , Matsuo Junichi , Huang Kie Kyon , Zhu Feng , Ho Khek Yu , So Jimmy Bok Yan , Khor Christopher , Tsao Stephen , Teh Ming , Fock Kwong Ming , Ang Tiing Leong , Jeyasekharan Anand D , Tan Patrick , Yeoh Khay-Guan , Ito Yoshiaki
Published: December 2020

Objective

Intestinal metaplasia (IM) is a premalignant stage that poses a greater risk for subsequent gastric cancer (GC). However, factors regulating IM to GC progression remain unclear. Previously, activated DNA damage response (DDR) signalling factors were shown to engage tumour-suppressive networks in premalignant lesions. Here, we interrogate the relationship of DDR signalling to mutational accumulation in IM lesions.

Design

IM biopsies were procured from the gastric cancer epidemiology programme, an endoscopic surveillance programme where biopsies have been subjected to (epi)genomic characterisation. IM samples were classified as genome-stable or genome-unstable based on their mutational burden/somatic copy-number alteration (CNA) profiles. Samples were probed for DDR signalling and cell proliferation, using the markers γH2AX and MCM2, respectively. The expression of the gastric stem cell marker, CD44v9, was also assessed. Tissue microarrays representing the GC progression spectrum were included.

Results

MCM2-positivity increased during GC progression, while γH2AX-positivity showed modest increase from normal to gastritis and IM stages, with further increase in GC. γH2AX levels correlated with the extent of chronic inflammation. Interestingly, genome-stable IM lesions had higher γH2AX levels underscoring a protective anti-cancer role for DDR signalling. In contrast, genome-unstable IM lesions with higher mutational burden/CNAs had lower γH2AX levels, elevated CD44v9 expression and modest promoter hypermethylation of DNA repair genesWRN, MLH1andRAD52.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that IM lesions with active DDR will likely experience a longer latency at the premalignant state until additional hits that override DDR signalling clonally expand and promote progression. These observations provide insights on the factors governing IM progression.
Assessing leadership in junior resident physicians: using a new multisource feedback tool to measure Learning by Evaluation from All-inclusive 360 Degree Engagement of Residents (LEADER)
Authors: Bharwani Aleem , Swystun Dana , Oddone Paolucci Elizabeth , Ball Chad G , Mack Lloyd A , Kassam Aliya
Published: December 2020

Background

The multifaceted nature of leadership as a construct has implications for measuring leadership as a competency in junior residents in healthcare settings. In Canada, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada’s CanMEDS physician competency framework includes theLeaderrole calling for resident physicians to demonstrate collaborative leadership and management within the healthcare system. The purpose of this study was to explore the construct of leadership in junior resident physicians using a new multisource feedback tool.

Methods

To develop and test the Learning by Evaluation from All-Inclusive 360 Degree Engagement of Residents (LEADER) Questionnaire, we used both qualitative and quantitative research methods in a multiphase study. Multiple assessors including peer residents, attending physicians, nurses, patients/family members and allied healthcare providers as well as residents’ own self-assessments were gathered in healthcare settings across three residency programmes: internal medicine, general surgery and paediatrics. Data from the LEADER were analysed then triangulated using a convergent-parallel mixed-methods study design.

Results

There were 230 assessments completed for 27 residents. Based on key concepts of theLeaderrole, two subscales emerged: (1)Personal leadership skillssubscale (Cronbach’s alpha=0.81) and (2)Physicians as active participant-architects within the healthcare system(abbreviated toactive participant-architectssubscale, Cronbach’s alpha=0.78). There were seven main themes elicited from the qualitative data which were analogous to the five remaining intrinsic CanMEDS roles. The remaining two themes were related to (1) personal attributes unique to the junior resident and (2) skills related to management and administration.

Conclusions

For healthcare organisations that aspire to be proactive rather than reactive, we make three recommendations to develop leadership competence in junior physicians: (1) teach and assess leadership early in training, (2) empower patients to lead and transform training and care by evaluating doctors, (3) activate frontline care providers to be leaders by embracing patient and team feedback.
Neighbourhood walking tours for physicians-in-training
Authors: Cross Jeremiah Joseph , Arora Anita , Howell Benjamin , Boatright Dowin , Vijayakumar Pavithra , Cruz Lee , Smart Jerry , Spell Virginia , Greene Ann , Rosenthal Marjorie
Published: December 2020

Social and economic factors have a profound impact on patient health. However, education about these factors has been inconsistently incorporated into residency training. Neighbourhood walking tours may help physician-residents learn about the social determinants of health (SDoH). We assessed the impact of a neighbourhood walking tour on physician-residents’ perceptions of SDoH, plans for counselling patients and knowledge of community resources. Using a community-based participatory research approach, in 2017 we implemented a neighbourhood walking tour curriculum for physician-residents in internal medicine, internal medicine/primary care, emergency medicine, paediatrics, combined internal medicine/paediatrics and obstetrics/gynaecology. In both pre-tour and post-tour, we asked participants to (1) rank the importance of individual-level and neighbourhood-level factors affecting patients' health, (2) describe strategies used to improve health behaviours and (3) describe knowledge of community resources. Eighty-one physician-residents participated in walks (pre-tour surveys (93% participation rate (n=75)), and post-tour surveys (53% participation rate (n=43)). Pre-tour, the factor ranked most frequently affecting patient health was ‘access to primary care’ (67%) compared with post-tour: ‘income’ (44%) and ‘transportation’ (44%). In describing ways to improve diet and exercise, among pre-tour survey respondents, 67% discussed individual-level strategies and 16% discussed neighbourhood-level, while among post-tour survey respondents, 39% of respondents discussed individual-level strategies and 37% discussed neighbourhood-level. Percentage of respondents aware of community resources changed from 5% to 76% (p<0.001). Walking tours helped physician-residents recognise the importance of SDoH and the value of community resources, and may have broadened frameworks for counselling patients on healthy lifestyles.
Crossover exponents, fractal dimensions and logarithms in Landau–Potts field theories
Authors: Safari M. , Vacca G. P. , Zanusso O.
Published: December 2020

We compute the crossover exponents of all quadratic and cubic deformations of critical field theories with permutation symmetry $$S_q$$

S
q

in $$d=6-\epsilon $$

d
=
6
-
ϵ

(Landau–Potts field theories) and $$d=4-\epsilon $$

d
=
4
-
ϵ

(hypertetrahedral models) up to three loops. We use our results to determine the $$\epsilon $$
ϵ
-expansion of the fractal dimension of critical clusters in the most interesting cases, which include spanning trees and forests ($$q\rightarrow 0$$

q
→
0

), and bond percolations ($$q\rightarrow 1$$

q
→
1

). We also explicitly verify several expected degeneracies in the spectrum of relevant operators for natural values of q upon analytic continuation, which are linked to logarithmic corrections of CFT correlators, and use the $$\epsilon $$
ϵ
-expansion to determine the universal coefficients of such logarithms.
Light dark matter scattering in gravitational wave detectors
Authors: Lee Chun-Hao , Nugroho Chrisna Setyo , Spinrath Martin
Published: December 2020

We present prospects for discovering dark matter scattering in gravitational wave detectors. The focus of this work is on light, particle dark matter with masses below 1 $$\hbox {GeV}/\text {c}^{2}$$

GeV
/

c
2

. We investigate how a potential signal compares to typical backgrounds like thermal and quantum noise, first in a simple toy model and then using KAGRA as a realistic example. That shows that for a discovery much lighter and cooler mirrors would be needed. We also give some brief comments on space-based experiments and future atomic interferometers.
D-bound and the Bekenstein bound for the surrounded Vaidya black hole
Authors: Hadi H. , Darabi F. , Atazadeh K. , Heydarzade Y.
Published: December 2020

We study the Vaidya black hole surrounded by the exotic quintessence-like, phantom-like and cosmological constant-like fields by means of entropic considerations. Explicitly, we show that for this thermodynamical system, the requirement of the identification of the D-bound and Bekenstein entropy bound can be considered as a thermodynamical criterion by which one can rule out the quintessence-like and phantom-like fields, and prefer the cosmological constant as a viable cosmological field.
Modeling and protecting global ecological networks
Authors: Sun Xinmiao , Li Ruiqi
Published: December 2020

With the rapid urbanization worldwide and ever-increasing impacts of human activities since at least 200 years ago, we are now facing a harsh situation of our biosphere. Building a global-level network model on ecological systems is of great importance, which would be able to provide us predictive and quantitative responses to human activities, leading to viable suggestions to policymakers. In this paper, we propose a multi-layer model for the global ecological network, where a number of local networks are connected via long-range interactions associated with migrant species, which can be induced by human activities or natural migration of wildlife, and each local network is generated by a trophic-level-based stochastic model. Predator–prey dynamics is described by a networked Lotka–Volterra model that accounts for the self-suppression effects on basal species, and the negative feedback loops. Impacts of human activities are modeled by investigating the quantitative changes of biodiversity under certain protecting strategies. We reveal that the global ecological network is organized in a clustered small-world manner, with in-degree distribution more heterogeneous than out-degree distribution. Protecting endangered species, popular preys and predicted-to-be-extinct species is more effective than randomly selected species or influential predators. Protecting after entering the fast extinction stage is more effective than at the beginning for some high trophic level species.
Influence of driver behavior in the emergence of traffic gridlocks
Authors: Pazos Enrique
Published: December 2020

We present a microscopic driving algorithm that prescribes the acceleration using three parameters: the distance to the leading vehicle, to the next traffic light and to the nearest stopping point when the next traffic light is in the red phase. We apply this algorithm to construct decision trees that enable two driving behaviors: aggressive and careful. The focus of this study is to analyze the amount of aggressive drivers that are needed in order to generate a traffic gridlock in a portion of a city with signalized intersections. At rush hour, aggressive drivers will enter the intersection regardless if they have enough time or space to clear it. When their traffic light changes they block other drivers, thus providing the conditions for a gridlock to develop. We find that gridlocks emerge even with very few aggressive drivers present. These results support the idea of promoting good driving behavior to avoid heavy congestion during rush hours.
Software for online reconstruction and filtering at the Belle II experiment
Authors: Braun Nils , Kuhr Thomas
Published: December 2020

The Belle II experiment is designed to collect 50 times more data than its predecessor. For a smooth collection of high-quality data, a robust and automated data transport and processing pipeline has been established. We describe the basic software components employed by the high level trigger. It performs a reconstruction of all events using the same algorithms as offline, classifies the events according to physics criteria, and provides monitoring information. The improved system described in this paper has been deployed successfully since 2019.
Partition functions of 𝒩 = 1 gauge theories on S2 × ℝ𝜀2 and duality
Authors: Kimura Taro , Nian Jun , Zhao Peng
Published: December 2020

We compute the partition functions of [Formula: see text] gauge theories on [Formula: see text] using supersymmetric localization. The path integral reduces to a sum over vortices at the poles of [Formula: see text] and at the origin of [Formula: see text]. The exact partition functions allow us to test Seiberg duality beyond the supersymmetric index. We propose the [Formula: see text] partition functions on the [Formula: see text]-background, and show that the Nekrasov partition functions can be recovered from these building blocks.
An Improved Evolutionary Algorithm Based on a Multi-Search Strategy and an External Population Strategy for Many-Objective Optimization
Authors: Liu Jie , Dai Cai , Lai Xingping , Liang Fei
Published: December 2020

Balancing the convergence and diversity of many-objective evolutionary algorithms is difficult and challenging. In this work, a multi-search strategy based on decomposition is proposed to generate good offspring and improve convergence, and an external population strategy is used to maintain the diversity of the obtained solutions. The multi-search strategy allows the selection of sparse and convergent nondominated solutions to carry out the exploration and exploitation steps. Experiments are conducted on 15 benchmark functions from the CEC 2018 with 5, 10, and 15 objectives. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm can obtain a set of solutions with better diversity and convergence than the five efficient state-of-the-art algorithms, i.e. NSGAIII, MOEA/D, MOEA/DD, KnEA, and RVEA.
Distribution-dependent stochastic differential delay equations in finite and infinite dimensions
Authors: Heinemann Rico
Published: December 2020

We prove that distribution-dependent (also called McKean–Vlasov) stochastic delay equations of the form [Formula: see text] have unique (strong) solutions in finite as well as infinite-dimensional state spaces if the coefficients fulfill certain monotonicity assumptions.
Strongly D2 modules and their applications
Authors: Chen Mingzhao , Kim Hwankoo , Wang Fanggui
Published: December 2020

An [Formula: see text]-module [Formula: see text] is called strongly [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text] (equivalently, direct projective) module for every positive integer [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we consider the class of quasi-projective [Formula: see text]-modules, the class of strongly [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]-modules and the class of [Formula: see text]-modules. We first show that these classes are distinct, which gives a negative answer to the question raised by Li–Chen–Kourki. We also give structural characterizations of strongly [Formula: see text] modules for finitely generated modules over a principal ideal domain. In addition, we characterize some rings such as Artinian semisimple rings, hereditary rings, semihereditary rings and perfect rings in terms of strongly [Formula: see text] modules.
Novel Triplex Procedure for Ranking the Ability of Software Engineering Students Based on Two levels of AHP and Group TOPSIS Techniques
Authors: Zughoul O. , Zaidan A. A. , Zaidan B. B. , Albahri O. S. , Alazab M. , Amomeni U. , Albahri A. S. , Salih Mahmood M. , Mohammed R. T. , Mohammed K. I. , Momani F. , Amomeni B.
Published: December 2020

Ranking the strengths and weaknesses of software engineering students in software development life cycle (SDLC) process level is a challenging task owing to (1) data variation, (2) multievaluation criteria, (3) criterion importance and (4) alternative member importance. According to the existing literature, no specified procedure can rank the ability of software engineering students based on SDLC process levels to figure out the strengths and weaknesses of each student. This study aims to present a novel triplex procedure for ranking the ability of software engineering students to address the literature gap. The methodology of the proposed work is presented on the basis of three phases. In the identification phase, four steps are implemented, namely, processing dataset, identifying the criteria, distributing the courses to the software engineering body of knowledge and proposing the pre-decision matrix (DM). The data comprise the GPA and soft skills from 60 software engineering students who graduated from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris in 2016. In the pre-processing phase, three steps are involved as follows. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is first used to assign weights to the courses and then multiply the assigned weight by courses, which is the first procedure in the proposed work. In this phase, the construction of DM is presented based on multimeasurement criteria (GPA and soft skills), with SDLC process levels as alternatives. In the development phase, AHP is used again to weight the multimeasurement criteria, and this is the second procedure. In such case, the coordinator and head of the software engineering department are consulted to obtain subjective judgments for each criterion. Technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is then used to rank the students, which is the third procedure. In the validation, statistical analysis is performed to validate the results by checking the accuracy of the systematic ranking. Results show that (1) integrating AHP and group TOPSIS is suitable for ranking the ability of students. (2) The 60 students are categorized into five ranking groups based on their strength level: 14 collector requirements, 13 designers, 5 programmers, 13 testers and 15 maintenances. (3) Significant differences are observed between the groups’ scores for each level of SDLC, indicating that the ranking results are identical for all levels.
ABX-LEX: An Argument-Driven Approach for the Digital Facilitation of Efficient Group Decisions
Authors: Horton Graham , Goers Jana
Published: December 2020

The quality of a group decision depends on its members sharing and adopting their various perspectives. Multi-criteria models provide an appropriate vehicle for managing this information sharing because they break down the decision into small, single-issue questions that can be treated independently. We present a new lexicographic decision method with three equivalence classes for use by a group. Our algorithm is the first to combine the hidden profile and multi-criteria paradigms and thereby improving the consensus by identifying critical disagreements and inviting the decision makers to share their mental models of them. A computer simulation demonstrates the algorithm’s effectiveness and efficiency. Unless the problem parameters are very unfavorable, the method achieves the desired choice set or a close approximation to it significantly faster than the commonly used compensatory methods. Our algorithm can either provide step-by-step instructions to a human facilitator, or it can be implemented as a software agent acting as a fully automated digital facilitator, allowing decision makers to participate “on the go” using their internet-connected mobile devices.
A Multiple Attribute Decision-Making Method Based On Free Double Hierarchy Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Information Considering the Prioritized and Interactive Attributes
Authors: Liu Peide , Shen Mengjiao , Teng Fei , Zhu Baoying , Rong Lili
Published: December 2020

As the development and extension of hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets (HFLTSs), free double hierarchy hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets (FDHHFLTSs) can describe the evaluation information in more detail. In addition, in practical multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) problems, priority relations and interaction relations usually exist among attributes, and the prioritized interactive Choquet (PIC) operator based on generalized prioritized measure-guided aggregation (GPMGA) operator and Choquet integral (CI) operator is an effective tool for dealing with decision-making problems with priority relations and interaction relations. Under the above contexts, we improve the PIC operator and propose the FDHHFLPIC operator which can aggregate the evaluation information under free double hesitant fuzzy linguistic environment and take both priority and interaction relations into account. Furthermore, we propose an approach based on the FDHHFLPIC operators to address the real MADM problem, and the proposed method considering the different relations between attributes in decision-making process. Finally, two numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method which can consider priority relations and interaction relations under the FDHHFLTSs.
Span-core Decomposition for Temporal Networks
Authors: Galimberti Edoardo , Ciaperoni Martino , Barrat Alain , Bonchi Francesco , Cattuto Ciro , Gullo Francesco
Published: December 2020

When analyzing temporal networks, a fundamental task is the identification of dense structures (i.e., groups of vertices that exhibit a large number of links), together with their temporal span (i.e., the period of time for which the high density holds). In this article, we tackle this task by introducing a notion of temporal core decomposition where each core is associated with two quantities, its coreness, which quantifies how densely it is connected, and its span, which is a temporal interval: we call such cores
span-cores
.

For a temporal network defined on a discrete temporal domain
T
, the total number of time intervals included in
T
is quadratic in |
T
|, so that the total number of span-cores is potentially quadratic in |
T
| as well. Our first main contribution is an algorithm that, by exploiting containment properties among span-cores, computes all the span-cores efficiently. Then, we focus on the problem of finding only the
maximal span-cores
, i.e., span-cores that are not dominated by any other span-core by both their coreness property and their span. We devise a very efficient algorithm that exploits theoretical findings on the maximality condition to directly extract the maximal ones without computing all span-cores.

Finally, as a third contribution, we introduce the problem of
temporal community search
, where a set of query vertices is given as input, and the goal is to find a set of densely-connected subgraphs containing the query vertices and covering the whole underlying temporal domain
T
. We derive a connection between this problem and the problem of finding (maximal) span-cores. Based on this connection, we show how temporal community search can be solved in polynomial-time via dynamic programming, and how the maximal span-cores can be profitably exploited to significantly speed-up the basic algorithm.

We provide an extensive experimentation on several real-world temporal networks of widely different origins and characteristics. Our results confirm the efficiency and scalability of the proposed methods. Moreover, we showcase the practical relevance of our techniques in a number of applications on temporal networks, describing face-to-face contacts between individuals in schools. Our experiments highlight the relevance of the notion of (maximal) span-core in analyzing social dynamics, detecting/correcting anomalies in the data, and graph-embedding-based network classification.