bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of ventilator‐associated pneumonia in dogs and evaluation of empiric antimicrobial therapy: 13 cases (2012–2016)
Authors: Fox Christine , Daly Meredith , Bellis Tara
Published: December 2020

Objective

To evaluate criteria used for diagnosis of ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) in dogs and to determine whether appropriate empiric antimicrobial therapy affects outcome.

Design

Retrospective observational study from 2012 to 2016.

Setting

Private small animal emergency and specialty center.

Animals

Thirteen client‐owned dogs requiring positive‐pressure ventilation for over 48 hours.

Measurements and main results

Medical records of dogs requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) were reviewed. Dogs receiving MV for over 48 hours that had endotracheal lavages (ETL) and thoracic radiographs performed both at initiation of MV and at 48 hours were included. Signalment, body weight, temperature, reason for MV, WBC count, cytology, and semiquantitative aerobic cultures obtained via ETL were recorded. Outcome was defined as survival to discharge or nonsurvival (euthanasia). Six patients (46.2%) were diagnosed with VAP based on the presence of a new bacterial isolate identified on ETL culture at 48 hours. All patients with VAP had new pulmonary infiltrates present on radiographs. The majority of patients with VAP had a leukocytosis (4/6; 66.7%). Six patients (46.2%) survived to discharge. Of the survivors, 3 of 6 (50%) had VAP.

Conclusions

Bacterial cultures should be obtained at initiation of MV and at 48 hours. A diagnosis of VAP should be suspected in patients that have a new bacterial isolate identified by ETL culture at 48 hours. Radiographic changes and an increase in WBC count may help support a diagnosis of VAP, while culture results are pending. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of appropriate antimicrobial therapy on patient outcome.
Engineers in Action
Authors: Costabile Thomas
Published: December 2020

The editors of Mechanical Engineering magazine recognize technologists who developed a robot that can sterilize hospital rooms, a filter that can kill microbes in HVAC systems, an autonomous droid that delivers food, a lobby kiosk that can check for masks and fevers, and an open-source design for a face shield that anyone can 3D print. These are just a few of the many ways engineers responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effects of Contextual Interference on Learning of Falling Techniques
Authors: Krstulović Saša , De Giorgio Andrea , DelCastillo Andrés Óscar , Franchini Emerson , Kuvačić Goran
Published: December 2020

The main aim of this investigation was to determine the effect of high contextual interference (HCI) and low contextual interference (LCI) on motor learning of falling techniques. Thirty-five kinesiology students (21 males and 14 females; mean ± SD, age = 19.4 ± 0.69 years) were randomly assigned to the HCI or LCI practice group. The participants’ task was to learn two judo falling techniques on both sides over 3 weeks. The two-way analysis of variance found no difference between LCI and HCI in the performance at the pretest, posttest, retention, and transfer. Both groups improved posttest and retention performance. Finally, differences were found for both groups between the falling performance in the posttest and the application test (except for the right yoko ukemi fall in the HCI). Lower application test scores led to the conclusion that the 3-week treatment was insufficient to reach the application level of the falling techniques.
Extraordinary Normalcy, Ableist Rehabilitation, and Sporting Ablenationalism: The Cultural (Re)Production of Paralympic Disability Narratives
Authors: Pullen Emma , Jackson Daniel , Silk Michael , Howe P. David , Silva Carla Filomena
Published: December 2020

In the United Kingdom, significant changes have occurred in the Paralympic media production environment and style of Paralympic broadcasting. Given the generative nature of media texts on cultural representation, the authors explore the circulation of disability narratives in contemporary Paralympic media coverage. Drawing on an integrated data set that brings together textual analysis and audience perceptions, the authors highlight the presence of three disability narratives, termed: extraordinary normalcy, ableist rehabilitation, and sporting ablenationalism. The authors unpack the ways these three narratives differ from the widely and commonly used “supercrip” critique and discuss the implications of these narratives, and the wider cultural discourses and dialogue they generate, in terms of inclusion/exclusion and progressive social change.
Defining the features and duration of antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with disease severity and outcome
Authors: Röltgen Katharina , Powell Abigail E. , Wirz Oliver F. , Stevens Bryan A. , Hogan Catherine A. , Najeeb Javaria , Hunter Molly , Wang Hannah , Sahoo Malaya K. , Huang ChunHong , Yamamoto Fumiko , Manohar Monali , Manalac Justin , Otrelo-Cardoso Ana R. , Pham Tho D. , Rustagi Arjun , Rogers Angela J. , Shah Nigam H. , Blish Catherine A. , Cochran Jennifer R. , Jardetzky Theodore S. , Zehnder James L. , Wang Taia T. , Narasimhan Balasubramanian , Gombar Saurabh , Tibshirani Robert , Nadeau Kari C. , Kim Peter S. , Pinsky Benjamin A. , Boyd Scott D.
Published: December 2020

Illness severity in COVID-19 correlates with specificity of serological responses, but antibody levels decrease in most patients.
Targeting the ion channel TRPM7 promotes the thymic development of regulatory T cells by promoting IL-2 signaling
Authors: Mendu Suresh K. , Stremska Marta E. , Schappe Michael S. , Moser Emily K. , Krupa Julia K. , Rogers Jason S. , Stipes Eric J. , Parker Clare A. , Braciale Thomas J. , Perry Justin S. A. , Desai Bimal N.
Published: December 2020

Knockout or inhibition of the channel and kinase TRPM7 increases the number of regulatory T cells in mice.
Yersinia pestis: the Natural History of Plague
Authors: Barbieri R. , Signoli M. , Chevé D. , Costedoat C. , Tzortzis S. , Aboudharam G. , Raoult D. , Drancourt M.
Published: December 2020

The Gram-negative bacteriumYersinia pestisis responsible for deadly plague, a zoonotic disease established in stable foci in the Americas, Africa, and Eurasia. Its persistence in the environment relies on the subtle balance betweenY. pestis-contaminated soils, burrowing and nonburrowing mammals exhibiting variable degrees of plague susceptibility, and their associated fleas. Transmission from one host to another relies mainly on infected flea bites, inducing typical painful, enlarged lymph nodes referred to as buboes, followed by septicemic dissemination of the pathogen.
Comparison of the structure–function relationship between compass microperimetry and Humphrey field analyser in myopic open-angle glaucoma eyes
Authors: Shin Joong Won , Song Min Kyung , Won Hun Jae , Jo Younhye , Kook Michael S
Published: December 2020

Background/aims

To compare the structure–function relationship between compass microperimetry (CMP; CenterVue, Padova, Italy) and Humphrey field analyser (HFA; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, California, USA) in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) eyes with myopia.

Methods

Circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (cpRNFLT) and visual field (VF) mean sensitivity (MS) were obtained in 90 OAG subjects using the optical coherence tomography, CMP and HFA in a random order. The global and sectoral structure–function relationships between the cpRNFLT and VFMS were assessed with different VF devices (CMP vs HHA) in OAG eyes with and without myopia.

Results

Overall, the global and regional structure–function relationships between the two devices did not show significant differences except for the superotemporal sector. In the myopic subgroup, the global association between the average cpRNFLT and VFMSCMP was significantly stronger than that between the average cpRNFLT and VFMSHFA (r=0.806 vs. 0.720, p=0.035). The presence of myopia and higher global cpRNFLT were significantly associated with the greater global VFMS differences between the two devices (p<0.05).

Conclusion

In general, structure–function relationship is similar between CMP and HFA in OAG eyes. However, the global structure–function relationship is significantly stronger with CMP than with HFA in OAG eyes with myopia.
Infection Prevention and Control Lead Link Practitioner: a new deployed role piloted on Exercise SAIF SAREEA 3
Authors: Davis Siobhan I , Biswas J S , White S
Published: December 2020

Disease non-battle injury has plagued British expeditionary forces through the ages. While in recent years significant mortality has reduced, it has had a large impact on operational effectiveness, at times leading to closure of major medical treatment facilities (MTFs).

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) benefits from a subject matter expert and champion to ensure it remains at the front of people’s minds and to be on hand to manage acute and dynamic situations. To mitigate the lack of an IPC Nursing Officer, we piloted a deployed military IPC Lead Link Practitioner (IPC-LL) for the first time on a large-scale overseas exercise (SAIF SAREEA 3). An experienced generalist nurse deploying as the IPC-LL (after specific training) provided pre-deployment IPC education and preparation, deployed IPC advice, undertook mandatory audits and monitored IPC compliance throughout the MTFs on the exercise. Data from 22 IPC audits conducted on the exercise showed that the presence of the IPC-LL improved IPC compliance and standards overall in the MTF where based, compared with others. In addition, a gastroenteritis outbreak occurred and was successfully managed with significant input from the IPC-LL. The IPC-LL was also able to add value by pre-empting potential IPC problems from occurring.

There is a small pool of deployable Infection Prevention and Control Nursing Officers, so this new IPC-LL role could help to fill the capability gap. The IPC-LL could be the dedicated person focusing on IPC elements, reducing the IPC risk within the deployed field hospital setting where deployed experts are not available.
Effectiveness of interventions for improving timely diagnosis of breast and cervical cancers in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Nnaji Chukwudi Arnest , Kuodi Paul , Walter Fiona M , Moodley Jennifer
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Breast and cervical cancers pose a major public health burden globally, with disproportionately high incidence, morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The majority of women diagnosed with cancer in LMICs present with late-stage disease, the treatment of which is often costlier and less effective. While interventions to improve the timely diagnosis of these cancers are increasingly being implemented in LMICs, there is uncertainty about their role and effectiveness. The aim of this review is to systematically synthesise available evidence on the nature and effectiveness of interventions for improving timely diagnosis of breast and cervical cancers in LMICs.

Methods and analysis

A comprehensive search of published and relevant grey literature will be conducted. The following electronic databases will be searched: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). Evidence will be synthesised in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Two reviewers will independently screen the search outputs, select studies using predefined inclusion criteria and assess each included study for risk of bias. If sufficient data are available and studies are comparable in terms of interventions and outcomes, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Where studies are not comparable and a meta-analysis is not appropriate, a narrative synthesis of findings will be reported.

Ethics and dissemination

As this will be a systematic review of publicly available data, with no primary data collection, it will not require ethical approval. Findings will be disseminated widely through a peer-reviewed publication and forums such as conferences, workshops and community engagement sessions. This review will provide a user-friendly evidence summary for informing further efforts at developing and implementing interventions for addressing delays in breast and cervical cancer diagnosis in LMICs.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020177232.
Rater training for standardised assessment of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations in rural Tanzania
Authors: Sigalet Elaine L , Matovelo Dismas , Brenner Jennifer L , Boniphace Maendeleo , Ndaboine Edgar , Mwaikasu Lusako , Shabani Girles , Kabirigi Julieth , Mannerfeldt Jaelene , Singhal Nalini
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To describe a simulation-based rater training curriculum for Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) for clinician-based training for frontline staff caring for mothers and babies in rural Tanzania.

Background

Rater training for OSCE evaluation is widely embraced in high-income countries but not well described in low-income and middle-income countries. Helping Babies Breathe, Essential Care for Every Baby and Bleeding after Birth are standardised training programmes that encourage OSCE evaluations. Studies examining the reliability of assessments are rare.

Methods

Training of raters occurred over 3 days. Raters scored selected OSCEs role-played using standardised learners and low-fidelity mannikins, assigning proficiency levels a priori. Researchers used Zabar’s criteria to critique rater agreement and mitigate measurement error during score review. Descriptive statistics, Fleiss’ kappa and field notes were used to describe results.

Results

Six healthcare providers scored 42 training scenarios. There was moderate rater agreement across all OSCEs (κ=0.508). Kappa values increased with Helping Babies Breathe (κ=0.28–0.48) and Essential Care for Every Baby (κ=0.42–0.77) by day 3 of training, but not with Bleeding after Birth (κ=0.58–0.33). Raters identified average proficiency 50% of the time.

Conclusion

Our study shows that the in-country raters in this study had a hard time identifying average performance despite moderate rater agreement. Rater training is critical to ensure that the potential of training programmes translates to improved outcomes for mothers and babies; more research into the concepts and training for discernment of competence in this setting is necessary.
Ethics in clinical autopsy
Authors: Rugge Massimo , Sacchi Diana , Cesaro Sonia , Sbaraglia Marta , Locatelli Franco
Published: December 2020

This manuscript concerns the ethical aspects of the clinical autopsy procedure. Much of the literature on this topic addresses some of the multifaceted issues potentially involved: religious beliefs and/or cultural traditions coming to bear on the management of autopsies, relations between families and healthcare personnel (physicians and technicians) involved in conducting an autopsy, ethical implications of regulations to follow and procedures for obtaining biological samples for further diagnostics or research. All these issues have ethical implications, particularly in today’s globalised cultural domain. To preserve for future generations the teaching and scientific value of the clinical autopsy, scientific societies and academic institutions should endorse educational efforts to promote the ethical management of autopsy procedures.
Increased rates of immunosuppressive treatment and hospitalization after checkpoint inhibitor therapy in cancer patients with autoimmune disease
Authors: Bender David Andrew , Heilbroner Samuel P , Wang Tony J C , Shu Catherine A , Hyde Brigham , Spina Catherine , Cheng Simon K
Published: December 2020

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are important new therapeutic options for the treatment of malignancy. Existing data on the relative safety of ICI treatment in patients with pre-existing autoimmune disease (AID) are limited.

Methods

In this retrospective study utilizing an oncology medical claims database, we determined the rates of treatment with immunosuppressive agents and hospitalization within 180 days of treatment with ICIs (pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and ipilimumab) in patients both with and without AID. Patients had diagnoses of either malignant melanoma or lung cancer. Immunosuppressive agents evaluated included oral prednisone and intravenous methylprednisolone.

Results

124 cancer patients with AID and 1896 cancer patients without AID met inclusion criteria for oral prednisone analysis, while 284 patients with AID and 3230 patients without AID met inclusion criteria for all other analyzes. Following treatment with PD-1 inhibitors, rates of treatment with both oral prednisone and intravenous methylprednisolone within 180 days of ICI treatment were significantly increased in the AID group relative to the control group (oral prednisone: 16.7% treatment in AID vs 8.3% in non-AID, p=0.0048; intravenous methylprednisolone: 8.4% treatment in AID vs 3.7% in non-AID, p=0.0012). Rates of hospitalization were significantly increased in melanoma patients with AID relative to melanoma patients without AID following treatment with PD-1 inhibitors (24.1% in AID vs 5.8% in non-AID, p<0.0001).

Conclusion

Cancer patients with AID have higher rates of hospitalization and treatment with immunosuppressive agents following treatment with ICI therapy compared with patients with no AID. This suggests that patients with AID may have increased toxicity risk while being treated with checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Further prospective clinical trials are needed to determine safety.
Systemic and intravesical adoptive cell therapy of tumor-reactive T cells can decrease bladder tumor growth in vivo
Authors: Bunch Brittany L , Morse Jennifer , Asby Sarah , Blauvelt Jamie , Aydin Ahmet M , Innamarato Patrick , Hajiran Ali , Beatty Matthew , Poch Michael , Pilon-Thomas Shari
Published: December 2020

Background

The therapeutic armamentarium of bladder cancer has been recently enriched with the introduction of new therapies including immune checkpoint inhibitors, receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and antibody drug conjugates, however treatment responses and duration of responses are still less than expected. Adoptive cellular therapy (ACT) using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has potential to treat bladder cancer, as previously demonstrated by successful expansion of tumor reactive T cells from human bladder tumors.

Methods

A model system using OT-I T cells and an ovalbumin expressing MB49 tumor cell line (MB49OVA) was developed to study ACT in bladder cancer. Systemic ACT-treated mice were given T cells intravenously after lymphodepleting chemotherapy and followed by interleukin (IL)-2 administration. Intravesical ACT treated mice were given T cells directly into the bladder, without chemotherapy or IL-2. TILs were isolated from MB49 orthotopic tumors and expanded ex vivo in IL-2. Immune cell infiltrates were analyzed by flow cytometry. T cell infiltration was studied using a CXCR3 blocking antibody.

Results

Systemic ACT-treated mice had a decrease in tumor growth, increase in T cell infiltration and long-term immune protection compared with control-treated mice. OT-I T cells delivered intravesically were able to control tumor growth without lymphodepleting chemotherapy or IL-2 in MB49OVA orthotopic tumors. Intravesical delivery of TIL expanded from MB49 tumors was also able to decrease tumor growth in mice with MB49 orthotopic tumors. Blocking CXCR3 on OT-I T cells prior to intravesical delivery decreased T cell infiltration into the tumor and prevented the control of tumor growth.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates how TIL therapy can be used in treating different stages of bladder cancer.
SARS-CoV-2 infection and adverse outcomes in users of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor blockers: a nationwide case-control and cohort analysis
Authors: Christiansen Christian Fynbo , Pottegård Anton , Heide-Jørgensen Uffe , Bodilsen Jacob , Søgaard Ole Schmeltz , Maeng Michael , Vistisen Simon Tilma , Schmidt Morten , Lund Lars Christian , Reilev Mette , Hallas Jesper , Voldstedlund Marianne , Husby Anders , Thomsen Marianne Kragh , Johansen Nanna Borup , Brun Nikolai Constantin , Thomsen Reimar Wernich , Bøtker Hans Erik , Sørensen Henrik Toft
Published: December 2020

Objective

To examine the impact of ACE inhibitor (ACE-I)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) use on rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection and adverse outcomes.

Methods

This nationwide case-control and cohort study included all individuals in Denmark tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA with PCR from 27 February 2020 to 26 July 2020. We estimated confounder-adjusted ORs for a positive test among all SARS-CoV-2 tested, and inverse probability of treatment weighted 30-day risk and risk ratios (RRs) of hospitalisation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality comparing current ACE-I/ARB use with calcium channel blocker (CCB) use and with non-use.

Results

The study included 13 501 SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive and 1 088 695 PCR-negative individuals. Users of ACE-I/ARB had a marginally increased rate of a positive PCR when compared with CCB users (aOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.37), but not when compared with non-users (aOR 1.00 95% CI 0.92 to 1.09).

Among PCR-positive individuals, 1466 (11%) were ACE-I/ARB users. The weighted risk of hospitalisation was 36.5% in ACE-I/ARB users and 43.3% in CCB users (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.02). The risk of ICU admission was 6.3% in ACE-I/ARB users and 5.4% in CCB users (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.64 to 2.16), while the 30-day mortality was 12.3% in ACE-I/ARB users and 13.9% in CCB users (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.30). The associations were similar when ACE-I/ARB users were compared with non-users.

Conclusions

ACE-I/ARB use was associated neither with a consistently increased rate nor with adverse outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our findings support the current recommendation of continuing use of ACE-Is/ARBs during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Trial registration number

EUPAS34887
Clinical and diagnostic findings in a dog and a cat with congenital hypothyroidism
Authors: Hermans Michelle , Burger Nienke Christina , Kromhout Kaatje , Bhatti Sofie F M , Cornelis Ine
Published: December 2020

A seven‐year‐old Miniature Schnauzer and a 16‐month‐old Domestic shorthair with clinical features of disproportionate dwarfism, presented with progressive thoracolumbar and cervical myelopathies, respectively. CT and MR imaging were performed in both patients revealing multiple thoracolumbar intervertebral disc protrusions located between T10 and L3 in the dog, and a cervical spinal arachnoid diverticulum at C2 in the cat as the cause for their myelopathic signs. Additionally, epiphysial dysgenesis of the vertebral column and shortened vertebrae were noticed. The history of hypothyroidism in the dog and the low serum thyroxine and elevated thyroid stimulating hormone concentration in the cat, together with the clinical presentations and the skeletal deformities, resulted in the diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism in both patients. Congenital hypothyroidism is known to cause vertebral deformities and joint laxity, which possibly contributed in both cases to the development of the myelopathic disorders. Surgical treatment, combined with levothyroxine therapy, resulted in successful outcomes.
Optimized route to clear diverging diamond interchange using discrete optimization method
Authors: Liu Jun , Qi Yan , Cui Na , Bergner Dave
Published: December 2020

Interchanges and intersections are the most complex part of a roadway network and are very challenging for snow plowing operators. The objective of the study is to test if the empirical best plowing route to clear a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) recommended by Clear Roads is also mathematically optimized. A discrete optimization method was employed to find the shortest route. In the study, the DDI is represented as a directed graph model. The task of clearing all lanes is treated as the well-known directed Chinese postman problem, which was then solved by an existing network optimization algorithm upon appropriate modification. The results showed that the best practice plowing route recommended by Clear Roads is one of the computed optimal routes with the efficiency index of 2/3. The approach proposed in the study can also be applied to other complex intersections and interchanges and help agencies achieve cost-effective snow control operations.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of NRAMP transporter genes in Cucumis sativus and Citrullus lanatus
Authors: Zhang Huanxin , Li Guoquan , Cao Na , Yang Huidong , Zhu Fanghong
Published: December 2020

Natural resistance-associated macrophage proteins (NRAMPs) are able to transport various metal ions across cell membranes, which play an important role in plant growth and development. Here, a survey of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] genomes found a total of five CsNRAMPs and four ClNRAMPs, respectively. Based on the phylogenetic relationships, CsNRAMPs and ClNRAMPs were clustered into three groups (I, II, and III). Five orthologous pairs were identified between cucumber and watermelon genome, and they were clustered on the same branch of the phylogenetic tree. The number of introns in CsNRAMPs and ClNRAMPs ranged from 3 to 13 and the genes from group I were more fragmented than those in group II. Subsequently, analysis of promoter sequences found that five putative transcription factors could act on NRAMPs. Moreover, CsNRAMPs and ClNRAMPs were differentially regulated by deficiencies of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), or zinc (Zn), along with toxicities of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, or cadmium (Cd). Functional analysis by heterologous expression in yeast indicated that CsNRAMP4 and ClNRAMP3 participate in Cd transport. Overall, the comprehensive analysis of CsNRAMPs and ClNRAMPs reported herein may pave the way for further investigations examining the regulation and functions of this gene family in cucumber and watermelon.
Asymptotic analysis of Feynman diagrams and their maximal cuts
Authors: Ananthanarayan B. , Das Abhijit B. , Sarkar Ratan
Published: December 2020

The ASPIRE program, which is based on the Landau singularities and the method of Power geometry to unveil the regions required for the evaluation of a given Feynman diagram asymptotically in a given limit, also allows for the evaluation of scaling coming from the top facets. In this work, we relate the scaling having equal components of the top facets of the Newton polytope to the maximal cut of given Feynman integrals. We have therefore connected two independent approaches to the analysis of Feynman diagrams.
3-3-1 Self interacting dark matter and the galaxy core-cusp problem
Authors: Nguyen Quynh Lan , Mathews Grant J. , Phillips Lara Arielle , Correa Miguel A. , Suh In-Saeng , Coughlin Jared W.
Published: December 2020

The core–cusp problem remains a challenging discrepancy between observations and simulations in the standard [Formula: see text]CDM model for the formation of galaxies. The problem is that [Formula: see text]CDM simulations predict a steep power-law mass density profile at the center of galactic dark matter halos. However, observations of dwarf galaxies in the Local Group reveal a density profile consistent with a nearly flat distribution of dark matter near the center. A number of solutions to this dilemma have been proposed. Here, we summarize investigations into the possibility that the dark matter particles themselves self interact and scatter. Such self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) particles can smooth out the dark-matter profile in high-density regions. We also review the theoretical proposal that self-interacting dark matter may arise as an additional Higgs scalar in the 3–3–1 extension of the Standard Model (SM). We present new simulations of galaxy formation and evolution for this formulation of self-interacting dark matter. Current constraints on this self-interacting dark matter are then summarized.
Ricci soliton vector fields of spherically symmetric static spacetimes
Authors: Tahirullah  , Ali Ahmad T. , Khan Suhail
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we focused our attention to find Ricci solitons of spherically symmetric static spacetimes. It is shown that special classes of such spacetime metrics admit shrinking, expanding or steady Ricci solitons. It is found that the dimensions of the Ricci soliton vector fields are four, five, eight, ten or eleven. It is observed that non-Einstein metrics also exist with shrinking or expanding Ricci soliton vector fields. In all the cases, the obtained Ricci soliton vector fields are proved to be gradient and concircular potential fields.
Node Trust: an effective method to detect non-overlapping community in social networks
Authors: Sheng Jinfang , Li Qiong , Wang Bin , Guan Wanghao , Dai Jinying , Hu Jie , Zuo Huaiyu
Published: December 2020

Social networks are made up of members in society and the social relationships established by the interaction between members. Community structure is an essential attribute of social networks. The question arises that how can we discover the community structure in the network to gain a deep understanding of its underlying structure and mine information from it? In this paper, we introduce a novel community detection algorithm NTCD (Community Detection based on Node Trust). This is a stable community detection algorithm that does not require any parameters settings and has nearly linear time complexity. NTCD determines the community ownership of a node by studying the relationship between the node and its neighbor communities. This relationship is called Node Trust, representing the possibility that the node is in the current community. Node Trust is also a quality function, which is used for community detection by seeking maximum. Experiments on real and synthetic networks show that our algorithm has high accuracy in most data sets and stable community division results. Additionally, through experiments on different types of synthetic networks, we can conclude that our algorithm has good robustness.
An efficient improved routing strategy for multilayer networks
Authors: Ma Jinlong , Li Min , Li Yaming , Xu Xiangyang , Han Weizhan , Dong Zhiliang , Qi Zhaohui
Published: December 2020

Traffic dynamics of multilayer networks draws continuous attention from different communities since many systems are actually proved to have a multilayer structure. Since the core nodes of network are prone to congested, an effective routing strategy is of great significance to alleviate the congestion of the multilayer networks. In this paper, we propose an efficient improved routing strategy, with which the core nodes that can reasonably avoid congestion at the high-speed layer in the transmission process of packets, and can also make the most of the traffic resources of the low-speed layer nodes to optimize the traffic capacity of multilayer networks. The simulation results show that the proposed routing strategy can not only improve the network traffic capacity, but also shorten the average path length and average transmission time.
Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped phosphate glass waveguides formed by the H+ ion implantation
Authors: Pan He , Lin Shuo-Qi , Shen Li-Jie , Zheng Rui-Lin , Fu Li-Li , Zhang Liao-Lin , Liu Chun-Xiao
Published: December 2020

The 400 keV proton implantation with a fluence of [Formula: see text] ions/cm2 was applied on the [Formula: see text] co-doped phosphate glass to fabricate a planar waveguide structure. The mode profile at the end face of the waveguide was measured by the end-face coupling technique. The energy loss profile of the energetic protons was calculated by the SRIM 2013. The refractive index distribution was simulated by the reflectivity calculation method. Based on these results, the formation theory of the planar waveguides was discussed through simulating the energy loss distribution and analyzing the reconstructed refractive index profile, which could be used for applications in the future integrated optical systems.
Soliton molecules and some related interaction solutions of the (2+1)-dimensional Kadomtsev–Petviashvili hierarchy
Authors: Zhu Jiamin , Wang Bo , Ma Zhengyi , Fei Jinxi
Published: December 2020

The [Formula: see text]-soliton solutions of the (2+1)-dimensional Kadomtsev–Petviashvili hierarchy are first constructed. One soliton molecule satisfies the velocity resonance condition, the breather with the periodic solitary wave, the lump soliton localized in all directions in the space are showed successively for [Formula: see text]. Interaction of one soliton molecule and a line soliton, the soliton molecule hybrid a line soliton with the breather/lump soliton are presented for [Formula: see text]. Moreover, the elastic interaction between two-soliton molecules, the interaction between one soliton molecule, and a breather and the elastic collision between the lump soliton and one soliton molecule are also derived for [Formula: see text] by applying the velocity resonance, the module resonance of wave number, and the long-wave limit ideas. Figures are presented to demonstrate these dynamics features.
Symbolic computation study on exact solutions to a generalized (3+1)-dimensional Kadomtsev-Petviashvili-type equation
Authors: Zhou Cheng-Cheng , Lü Xing , Xu Hai-Tao
Published: December 2020

Based on the prime number [Formula: see text], a generalized (3+1)-dimensional Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (KP)-type equation is proposed, where the bilinear operators are redefined through introducing some prime number. Computerized symbolic computation provides a powerful tool to solve the generalized (3+1)-dimensional KP-type equation, and some exact solutions are obtained including lump-type solution and interaction solution. With numerical simulation, three-dimensional plots, density plots, and two-dimensional curves are given for particular choices of the involved parameters in the solutions to show the evolutionary characteristics.
Effects of dust size distribution on nonlinear magnetosonic wave in a dusty plasma
Authors: Liu Bo , Han Juan Fang , Duan Wen Shan
Published: December 2020

Both the linear and the nonlinear magnetosonic wave in a multi-component dusty plasma are studied in the present paper. The dependence of the dispersion relation of the linear waves on the dust size distribution are given. It seems that the larger the difference between the maximum and the minimum radius of the dust grains, the lower the wave frequency for all cases of the dust size distribution. Furthermore, it is noted that the width, the amplitude and the propagation velocity of the KdV solitary wave depend on the dust size distribution, especially it depend on whether the number density of the larger sized dust grain is larger or smaller than that of the smaller sized dust grain. For the power law dust size distribution, the width and the propagation velocity of the KdV solitary wave between the maximum and the minimum radius of the dust grains is larger than that of mono-sized dusty plasma.
Calorimetric properties of a superconducting anisotropic square: ZFC process
Authors: Aguirre C. A. , Martins Q. D. , Barba-Ortega J.
Published: December 2020

We analyzed the role of the inclusion of anti-dots on the vortex state and some calorimetric properties of a mesoscopic superconducting square immersed in an external applied magnetic field. We calculated the magnetization, entropy, Gibbs free energy, density of Cooper pairs and specific heat for this system in a zero field cooling process, solving the time-dependent Ginzburg–Landau equations. We found that the critical temperature is non-dependent on the number of anti-dots and dependent slightly on the size of the defects. Oscillations in the entropy and specific heat are found due the temperature dependence of the superconducting characteristics length.
Clocks in Magmatic Rocks
Authors: Costa Fidel
Published: December 2020

Understanding the evolution and processes that shape our planet critically depends on the robustness of the absolute ages and process durations obtained from rocks and crystals. Two main aspects of time information on magmatic systems are currently at the forefront of new knowledge. The capacity to determine process durations on human timescales makes it possible to relate the magma dynamics below active volcanoes with the monitoring signals measured at the surface, thereby improving eruption hazards mitigation. The combination of precise in situ dating of accessory minerals and diffusion chronometry is unraveling the incremental growth of large silica-rich magma reservoirs over thousands to hundreds of thousands of years and illuminates the complex relationships between plutonic and volcanic systems. Further progress could be made by decreasing the volume of the analyzed crystals and the error of time determinations, addressing the crystal representativeness and sampling bias, and connecting the time information with physicochemical models of magmatic systems. ▪  Rock-forming minerals are time capsules of magmatic processes that occur on human timescales and can help to better anticipate volcanic eruptions. ▪  In situ dating of accessory minerals reveals that large magma reservoirs evolve through multiple thermal fluctuations of over tens to hundreds of thousands of years. ▪  Progress on conceptual models of magma storage and rejuvenation requires improved error analysis of timescales and representativeness of crystal populations.
Patella Osteomyelitis Mimicking Sinding-Larsen and Johansson Apophysitis: A Pitfall Not to Miss
Authors: Traverso Aurélien , Tschopp Benjamin , Mekdade Tristan , Kwiatkowski Barbara , Lutz Nicolas
Published: December 2020

Background. Diagnosis of bony infection remains difficult during childhood. Osteomyelitis of the patella (OMP) is rare and produces few symptoms and no fever. A high level of suspicion is needed to avoid missing this uncommon type of bone infection. Methods/Results. We report an acute osteomyelitis of the patella treated by joint and patella puncture aspiration followed by antibiotics in a 12-year-old healthy boy. Clinical and radiological findings, orthopedic follow-up, and clinical outcome are presented. Conclusion. Making a diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis of the patella can be challenging especially in the pediatric population, as it produces few specific symptoms with mostly nonspecific biologic anomalies. The paucity in specific signs and symptoms, accompanied by the rare occurrence, often leads to incorrect initial diagnosis, such as overuse injury or apophysitis. Clinical examination with high suspicion for patella infection is key. Radiological exams including MRI are the main components of the adequate imaging studies. Computed tomography may be an excellent addendum to better visualize any bony lesion within the patella. Bone aspiration or biopsy is essential to confirm the diagnosis and offers a first step in the treatment of this infection, which can then be successfully treated with a normal course of antibiotics.
Measurement and Statistical Analysis of Distinguishable Multipaths in Underground Tunnels
Authors: Sun Junchang , Ma Shuai , Zhou Hui , Du Chun , Li Shiyin
Published: December 2020

Compared with the line-of-sight (LOS) condition, the multipath effect is more serious in the non-line-of-sight (NLOS) condition. Therefore, the LOS and NLOS identification is necessary for the multipath analysis of signal propagation. The commonly used method is the support vector machine (SVM) method with high computational complexity. To tackle this problem, this paper adopts the SVM classifier based on fewer selected features of the normalized power delay profile (PDP). Therein, the PDP can be obtained using the sliding correlation method. The results show that the SVM-based classifier can achieve high accuracy on LOS and NLOS identification. We then analyze the impact of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and transmitting-receiving (Tx-to-Rx) distance on distinguishable multipaths under LOS and NLOS conditions. According to statistical measurement results, a function of distinguishable multipath numbers is established. Finally, we investigate the multipath power and delay parameters of average delay spread and root mean square (RMS) delay spread based on multipath results. The outcomes of this paper provide a useful support for analyzing signal propagation characteristics.
Sex Difference of Ribosome in Stroke‐Induced Peripheral Immunosuppression by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Xie Jian-Qin , Lu Ya-Peng , Sun Hong-Li , Gao Li-Na , Song Pei-Pei , Feng Zhi-Jun , You Chong-Ge
Published: December 2020

Ischemic stroke (IS) greatly threatens human health resulting in high mortality and substantial loss of function. Recent studies have shown that the outcome of IS has sex specific, but its mechanism is still unclear. This study is aimed at identifying the sexually dimorphic to peripheral immune response in IS progression, predicting potential prognostic biomarkers that can lead to sex‐specific outcome, and revealing potential treatment targets. Gene expression dataset GSE37587, including 68 peripheral whole blood samples which were collected within 24 hours from known onset of symptom and again at 24‐48 hours after onset (20 women and 14 men), was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. First, using Bioconductor R package, two kinds of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (nonsex‐specific‐ and sex‐specific‐DEGs) were screened by follow‐up (24‐48 hours) vs. baseline (24 hours). 30 nonsex‐specific DEGs (1 upregulated and 29 downregulated), 79 female‐specific DEGs (25 upregulated and 54 downregulated), and none of male‐specific DEGs were obtained finally. Second, bioinformatics analysis of female‐specific DEGs was performed. Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation analysis shows that DEGs were mainly enriched in translational initiation, cytosolic ribosome, and structural constituent of ribosome. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis shows that the top 6 enrichment pathways are ribosome, nuclear factor‐­kappa B (NF‐kappa B) signaling pathway, apoptosis, mineral absorption, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and pertussis. Three functional modules were clustered in the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs. The top 10 key genes of the PPI network constructed were selected, including RPS14, RPS15A, RPS24, FAU, RPL27, RPL31, RPL34, RPL35A, RSL24D1, and EEF1B2. Sex difference of ribosome in stroke‐induced peripheral immunosuppression may be the potential mechanism of sex disparities in outcome after IS, and women are more likely to have stroke‐induced immunosuppression. RPS14, RPS15A, RPS24, FAU, RPL27, RPL31, RPL34, RPL35A, RSL24D1, and EEF1B2 may be novel prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for IS.
Feasibility and Safety of the Distal Transradial Artery for Coronary Diagnostic or Interventional Catheterization
Authors: Lin Yaowang , Sun Xin , Chen Ruimian , Liu Huadong , Pang Xinli , Chen Jie , Dong Shaohong
Published: December 2020

Background. This prospective study compared the success rate and safety of a distal transradial artery (dTRA) approach to that of the conventional transradial artery (TRA) for coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods. From January 2019 to April 2020, nine hundred consecutive patients (height < 190 cm) scheduled for coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary interventions were randomly and equally assigned to receive either dTRA or conventional TRA catheterization. Results. Successful access was achieved in 96.00% and 96.67% of the dTRA and conventional TRA groups, respectively (P=0.814). Compared with the TRA group, patients in the dTRA experienced significantly less hemostatic band removal time (150.5 ± 50.5 cf. 210.6 ± 60.5 min,P=0.032); minor bleeding of the access site (2.44% cf. 6.44%,P=0.038); hemostatic band cost (USD; 0.1 cf. 59.4,P=0); and postprocedural radial artery occlusion (1.56% cf. 3.78%,P=0.035). A lower body mass index was a higher risk factor for dTRA access failure (odds ratio = 0.79,P=0.024), with a cutoff of 22.04 kg/m2. Conclusion. Compared to conventional TRA, dTRA had a comparable high success rate, with fewer associated complications. Clinicians should use the dTRA with caution in patients with low body mass index.
Dental Caries Prediction Based on a Survey of the Oral Health Epidemiology among the Geriatric Residents of Liaoning, China
Authors: Liu Lu , Wu Wei , Zhang Si-yu , Zhang Kai-qiang , Li Jian , Liu Yang , Yin Zhi-hua
Published: December 2020

Background. Dental caries is one of the most common chronic diseases observed in elderly patients. The development of preventive strategies for dental caries in elderly individuals is vital. Objective. The objective of the present study was to construct a generalized regression neural network (GRNN) prediction model for the risk assessment of dental caries among the geriatric residents of Liaoning, China. Methods. A stratified equal‐capacity random sampling method was used to randomly select 1144 elderly (65‐74 years) residents (gender ratio 1 : 1) of Liaoning, China. Data for the oral assessment, including caries characteristics, and questionnaire survey from each participant were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was then performed to identify the independent predictors. GRNN was applied to establish a prediction model for dental caries. The accuracy of the unconditional logistic regression and the GRNN early warning model was compared. Results. A total of 1144 patients fulfilled the requirements and completed the questionnaires. The caries rate was 68.5%, and the main associated factors were toothache history, residence area, smoking, and drinking. We randomly divided the data for the 1144 participants into a training set (915 cases) and a test set (229 cases). The optimal smoothing factor was 0.7, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the GRNN model was 0.626 (95% confidence interval, 0.544 to 0.708), with a P value of 0.002. In terms of consistency, sensitivity, and specificity, the GRNN model was better than the traditional unconditional multivariate logistic regression model. Conclusion. Geriatric (65‐74 years) residents of Liaoning, China, have a high rate of dental caries. Residents with a history of toothache and smoking habits are more susceptible to the disease. The GRNN early warning model is an accurate and meaningful tool for screening, early diagnosis, and treatment planning for geriatric individuals with a high risk of caries.