bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
S‐ICD lead dislodgement in a young isometric athlete: A rare complication
Authors: Bissolino Arianna , Andreis Alessandro , Magnano Massimo , Budano Carlo , Castagno Davide , Golzio Pier Giorgio , Giustetto Carla , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria
Published: May 2020

The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S‐ICD) is an alternative to transvenous ICD in patients who do not need cardiac pacing. We report the case of a young isometric athlete who received S‐ICD for primary prevention of sudden death. Lead dislodgement and myopotential noise oversensing during isometric training led to inappropriate shock, and a surgical revision was performed. During the procedure, strong fibrous adhesions were found, requiring polytetrafluoroethylene dilator sheaths. The S‐ICD was finally reimplanted. Despite continued isometric training, no more myopotential oversensing occurred after 1‐year follow‐up. The present case highlights the possible higher risks of lead complication in an isometric athlete and the uncommon effort in removing an old‐generation subcutaneous defibrillator lead.
Opposing Energy Transitions: Modeling the Contested Nature of Energy Transitions in the Electricity Sector
Authors: Stefes Christoph H.
Published: May 2020

Energy transitions are fiercely contested. The incumbents of the fossil‐ and nuclear‐based energy systems have much to lose from a transition to a sustainable and decentralized energy system. They therefore employ their material and political resources to reverse, halt, or slow down this transition. They also attempt to stop and reverse the decentralization of energy production. This article provides a framework that can be used to analyze the contestation that surrounds energy transitions. The analytical framework breaks apart the macro paths of energy transitions, and differentiates between three meso‐paths (political, economic‐technological, and legitimation), emphasizes the feedback processes between these paths, and acknowledges the crucial role that actors play in engendering these feedback processes. It uses Germany as a case study to illustrate the analytical model. It also provides hypotheses that will be tested in the subsequent contributions to this special issue.
On the asymmetric effects of exchange‐rate volatility on trade flows: Evidence from US–UK Commodity Trade
Authors: Bahmani‐Oskooee Mohsen , Huynh Toan Luu Duc , Nasir Muhammad Ali
Published: May 2020

We consider the response of each of the 67 industries that trade between the United States and United Kingdom to the volatility of the real dollar–pound exchange rate. When we follow previous research and estimate a linear ARDL model for each industry, we find short‐run effects of volatility in 22 US exporting industries to the United Kingdom that last into the long run only in nine industries. As for the UK exports to the United States, we find short‐run effects in 18 industries that last into the long run in 15 industries. However, when we estimate a nonlinear model for each industry, we find short‐run effects of volatility on 41 US exporting industries and on 43 UK exporting industries, all in an asymmetric manner. Short‐run asymmetric effects lasted into long‐run asymmetric effects in 24 US exporting industries to the United Kingdom and in 33 UK exporting industries to the United States. While total trade shares of industries from the linear models were negligible, those of the industries from the nonlinear models were significant in size, in the tune of one‐third of the trade.
ZIF-67 Derived Cu-Doped Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Haider M. Daarain , Iqbal Naseem , Rizvi Syed Aun M. , Noor Tayyaba , Hanif Saadia , Anwar Rehan
Published: May 2020

In the present study, the catalytic activity of copper-loaded cobalt-based metal–organic framework (ZIF-67) composites was studied for their electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The Cu-ZIF-67 composite was prepared by the solvothermal method. After pyrolysis under argon atmosphere at 700 °C, the composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The electrochemical activity of the composites was tested for ORR in 0.1 M alkaline media using the three-electrode system by cyclic voltammetry (CV), Tafel plots, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The composites showed variable activity with a current density of 1.32 mA cm−2 at 0.71 V (versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)) onset potential for 70 wt% Cu-ZIF-67, 7.5 mA cm−2 at 0.82 V (versus RHE) onset potential for 50 wt% Cu-ZIF-67, and 11.85 mA cm−2 at 0.85 V (versus RHE) for 30% Cu-ZIF-67. The increasing ratio of the ZIF-67 effect can be attributed to the increased activity of ZIF-67 with the synergistic effect of Cu toward increased current density.
Self-Support Topology Optimization With Horizontal Overhangs for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Liu Jikai , Yu Huangchao
Published: May 2020

Most of the existing self-support topology optimization methods restrict the overhang inclination angle to be larger than the self-support threshold value. However, for some additive manufacturing processes, such as fused deposition modeling, horizontal overhangs with zero inclination angle could be successfully printed while the overhang size plays a key role in determining the printability. Therefore, the self-support threshold condition should be re-developed to comprehensively consider the overhang size and inclination angle. At the same time, there raises the challenges of formulating the self-support constraints based on the new threshold condition. To address this difficulty, a novel method is proposed in this work to realize the design with horizontal overhangs. To be specific, the new method employs a skeleton-based structure decomposition approach to divide the structure into components based on the connectivity condition. Then, each component will be evaluated about its self-support status based on its overhang length and inclination angle. Finally, the self-support constraint will be activated only for those components that violate the threshold condition. An excellent feature of the method is that it can be adapted to address the only inclination angle self-support condition, or the comprehensive self-support condition that simultaneously considers the overhang length and inclination angle. Therefore, the new method serves for general applications to different additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Numerical examples will be studied to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Differential Eye Movements and Visual Contrast Acuity in National Collegiate Athletic Association Athletes
Authors: Tejani Ali S. , Vargas Bert B. , Middleton Emily F. , Huang Mu
Published: May 2020

Though studies describe postconcussive changes in eye movements, there is a need for data describing baseline eye movements. The purpose of this study was to describe baseline eye movements and visual contrast acuity using the King-Devick (KD) Eye Tracking System and KD Visual Contrast Sensitivity Chart. Fewer total saccades were noted in soccer players than basketball players (soccer, 56.9 ± 14.3; basketball, 101.1 ± 41.3; p = .0005). No significant differences were noted for the number of saccades between sexes (males, 60.4 ± 20.3; females, 84.9 ± 41.8, p = .100) or in contrast acuity between all groups (p > .05). These results suggest the presence of sport-specific trends that may invalidate the comparison of postconcussion evaluation to generic baseline athlete eye movements.
A caveolin binding motif in Na/K-ATPase is required for stem cell differentiation and organogenesis in mammals and
C.
elegans
Authors: Wang Xiaoliang , Cai Liquan , Xie Jeffrey X. , Cui Xiaoyu , Zhang Jue , Wang Jiayan , Chen Yiliang , Larre Isabel , Shapiro Joseph I. , Pierre Sandrine V. , Wu Dianqing , Zhu Guo-Zhang , Xie Zijian
Published: May 2020

Caveolin binding motif of Na/K-ATPase is essential for mammals and
C. elegans
organogenesis.
Draft Genome Sequences of
Rhodococcus
sp. Strains YH1 and T7, Isolated from Explosive-Contaminated Environments
Authors: Istvan Paula , Ronen Zeev
Published: May 2020

We report the draft genome sequences for
Rhodococcus
sp. strains YH1 and T7. These strains are both capable of degrading hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and were isolated from explosive-contaminated soil and groundwater, respectively. Further genomic analysis might facilitate an understanding of the degradation of RDX and will contribute to the development of bioremediation methods for polluted soil and groundwater.
16S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing of Urban Prokaryotic Communities in the South Bronx River Estuary
Authors: Naro-Maciel Eugenia , Ingala Melissa R. , Werner Irena E. , Fitzgerald Allison M.
Published: May 2020

Biodiversity monitoring is an essential component of restoration efforts. We sequenced 16S rRNA gene amplicons from sediments and waters of Hunts Point Riverside Park and Soundview Park, located in a historically degraded but recovering urban estuary in New York. In total, 16,165 unique amplicon sequence variants were recovered, and
Proteobacteria
was the dominant phylum.
Draft Genome Sequences of Nine Cultivable Heterotrophic Proteobacteria Isolated from Phycosphere Microbiota of Toxic Alexandrium catenella LZT09
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Ling , Yang Xi , Wang Shu-Jun , Jiang Zhi-Wei , Xie Zhang-Xian , Zhang Lei , Dai Jun , Fan Cheng-Qi , Tian Xiao-Qing , Yang Qiao
Published: May 2020

Microscopic interactions between phycosphere microbiota and host algae play crucial roles in aquatic ecosystems. Despite their significance, there is a scarcity of available genome sequences derived from the phycosphere microbiome. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of nine heterotrophic proteobacterial strains isolated from the toxic dinoflagellate
Alexandrium catenella
LZT09 during execution of our Phycosphere Microbiome Project. Further exploration of the genomic features of the alga-associated bacterial community will profoundly help in deeply deciphering the processes and mechanisms governing the host-microbe interactome within algal holobionts in the ocean.
Complete Genome Sequences of Virus Strains Isolated from Bottle A of the South African Live Attenuated Bluetongue Virus Vaccine
Authors: Coetzee Peter , Guthrie Alan J. , Ebersohn Karen , Maclachlan James N. , Ismail Arshad , van Schalkwyk Antoinette , Venter Estelle H.
Published: May 2020

This is a report of the complete genome sequences of plaque-selected isolates of five virus strains included in bottle A of the South African Onderstepoort Biological Products commercial live attenuated bluetongue virus vaccine.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Shewanella
sp. Strain ISO12, a Candidate Probiotic Isolated from the Intestine of
Fundulus heteroclitus
Authors: Schreier Harold J.
Published: May 2020

The genome of
Shewanella
sp. strain ISO12, which was isolated from the intestine of wild-caught
Fundulus heteroclitus
, was sequenced and is reported here. Bioinformatic analysis revealed genes encoding the bacteriocin marinocine and those potentially associated with probiotic activity. The genome sequence will assist in further identifying probiotic and other antibacterial processes.
Rules of Expansion: an Updated Consensus Operator Site for the CopR-CopY Family of Bacterial Copper Exporter System Repressors
Authors: O’Brien Henrik , Alvin Joseph W. , Menghani Sanjay V. , Sanchez-Rosario Yamil , Van Doorslaer Koenraad , Johnson Michael D. L.
Published: May 2020

Many Gram-positive bacteria respond to copper stress by upregulating a copper export system controlled by a copper-sensitive repressor, CopR-CopY. The previous operator sequence for this family of proteins had been identified as TACANNTGTA. Here, using several recombinant proteins and mutations in various DNA fragments, we define those 10 bases as necessary but not sufficient for binding and in doing so, refine the
cop
operon operator to the 16-base sequence RNYKACANNTGTMRNY. Due to the sheer number of repressors that have been said to bind to the original 10 bases, including many antibiotic resistance repressors such as BlaI and MecI, we feel that this study highlights the need to reexamine many of these sites of the past and use added stringency for verifying operators in the future.
Supplemental Material: The Chief Joseph dike swarm of the Columbia River flood basalts, and the legacy data set of William H. Taubeneck
Authors: Morriss M.C. , al. et
Published: May 2020

dike swarm, Large igneous province, Columbia River Basalts, Eastern Oregon, Wallowa Mountains
Supplemental Material: Incipient evolution of the Eastern California shear zone through the transpressional zone of the San Bernardino Mountains and San Gorgonio Pass, California
Authors: Cochran W.J. , al. et
Published: May 2020

Table of UAV parameters and four uninterpreted UAV and lidar topographic hillshade models. Figures are in the RAW format used as the basis for neotectonic interpretations in this paper.
Supplemental Material: Provenance of early Paleozoic sedimentary rocks in the Altyn Tagh orogen: Insights into the paleoposition of the Tarim craton in northern Gondwana associated with final closure of the Proto–Tethys Ocean
Authors: Liu Qian , al. et
Published: May 2020

Sample characteristics (Figs. S1–S3), analytical results (Tables S3 and S4), and compiled data (Tables S1, S2, and S5).
'Team capital’ in quality improvement teams: findings from an ethnographic study of front-line quality improvement in the NHS
Authors: Montgomery Catherine , Parkin Stephen , Chisholm Alison , Locock Louise
Published: May 2020

Background

Teamwork is important in the design and delivery of initiatives in complex healthcare systems but the specifics of quality improvement (QI) teams are not well studied.

Objective

To explain the functioning of front-line healthcare teams working on patient-centred QI using Bourdieu’s sociological construct of capital.

Methods

One medical ward from each of six NHS Trusts in England participated in the study, purposively selected for a range of performance levels on patient experience metrics. Three ethnographers conducted focused ethnography for 1 year, using interviews and observations to explore the organisation, management and delivery of patient-centred QI projects by the six front-line teams. Data were analysed using Bourdieu’s typology of the four forms of capital: economic, social, symbolic and cultural.

Results

While all teams implemented some QI activities to improve patient experience, progress was greater where teams included staff from a broad range of disciplines and levels of seniority. Teams containing both clinical and non-clinical staff, including staff on lower grades such as healthcare assistants and clerks, engaged more confidently with patient experience data than unidisciplinary teams, and implemented a more ambitious set of projects. We explain these findings in terms of ‘team capital’.

Conclusion

Teams that chose to restrict membership to particular disciplines appeared to limit their capital, whereas more varied teams were able to draw on multiple resources, skills, networks and alliances to overcome challenges. Staff of varying levels of seniority also shared and valued a broader range of insights into patient experience, including informal knowledge from daily practice. The construct of ‘team capital’ has the potential to enrich understanding of the mechanism of teamwork in QI work.
Are my religious beliefs anyone’s business? A framework for declarations in health and biomedicine
Authors: Ghinea Narcyz , Wiersma Miriam , Kerridge Ian , Lipworth Wendy
Published: May 2020

Conflicts of interests (COI) are typically divided into those that are financial and those that are not. While there is general agreement that financial COIs have a significant impact on decisions and need to be declared and managed, the status of non-financial COIs continues to be disputed. In a recentBMJfeature article it was proposed that religious beliefs should be routinely declared as an interest. The article generated over 41 responses from the medical community and health researchers, which put forward diverse and opposing views. In this paper, we analyse the discourse to shed further light on the reasons put forward for and against declaring religious beliefs. We argue for a middle path in which only material beliefs should be declared, and then only when there are no extenuating circumstances. To this end, we present a framework to help evaluate the materiality of interests that can be used for both financial and non-financial interests.
Potential for epistemic injustice in evidence-based healthcare policy and guidance
Authors: Michaels Jonathan Anthony
Published: May 2020

The rapid development in healthcare technologies in recent years has resulted in the need for health services, whether publicly funded or insurance based, to identify means to maximise the benefits and provide equitable distribution of limited resources. This has resulted in the need for rationing decisions, and there has been considerable debate regarding the substantive and procedural ethical principles that promote distributive justice when making such decisions. In this paper, I argue that while the scientifically rigorous approaches of evidence-based healthcare are claimed as aspects of procedural justice that legitimise such guidance, there are biases and distortions in all aspects of the process that may lead to epistemic injustices. Regardless of adherence to principles of distributive justice in the decision-making process, evidential failings may undermine the fairness and legitimacy of such decisions. In particular, I identify epistemic exclusion that denies certain patient and professional groups the opportunity to contribute to the epistemic endeavour. This occurs at all stages of the process, from the generation, analysis and reporting of the underlying evidence, through the interpretation of such evidence, to the decision-making that determines access to healthcare resources. I further argue that this is compounded by processes which confer unwarranted epistemic privilege on experts in relation to explicit or implicit value judgements, which are not within their remit. I suggest a number of areas in which changes to the processes for developing, regulating, reporting and evaluating evidence may improve the legitimacy of such processes.
EVALUATING THE EFFECT OF APERTURE VARIATION ON THE HYDRAULIC PROPERTIES OF THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL FRACTAL-LIKE TREE NETWORK MODEL
Authors: HUANG NA , LIU RICHENG , JIANG YUJING
Published: May 2020

Hydraulic properties of rock fractures are important issues for many geoengineering practices. Previous studies have revealed that natural rock fractures have variable apertures that could significantly influence the permeability of single rock fractures, yet the effect of aperture variation on the hydraulic properties of fractured rock masses has received little attention. The present study implemented a series of flow calculations on two kinds of 3D fractal-like tree network models constituted by fractures with heterogeneous aperture distributions and parallel plates with uniform apertures to gain insight into the effect of aperture variation on the hydraulic properties of fractured rock masses. The fluid flows through the two kinds of models are simulated using a developed numerical code, whose validity is verified by comparisons with the analytical solutions and previous experimental results. The effects of heterogeneous aperture distributions on the permeability of the models are illustrated by changing the geometrical parameters including the aperture ratio and mean aperture of the initial fracture branch. The results show that a significant channeling flow is observed in the 3D fractal-like tree network models constituted by fractures with heterogeneous aperture distributions. These preferential flow paths are mainly located in the large aperture channels, bypassing the contacts and/or low aperture barriers. The equivalent permeability of the 3D fractal-like tree network models increases with increasing fracture aperture ratio and/or increasing mean aperture of the initial fracture branch. The permeability ratio of the model of fractures with heterogeneous aperture distributions to the model with uniform mean apertures is always smaller than 1.0, and the ratio increases following a logarithmic relationship as the mean aperture of the initial fracture branch increases. A regression function is proposed to estimate the equivalent permeability of the model of fractures with heterogeneous aperture distributions. The deviations between the predicted permeability and the simulated/experimental results are less than half of the order of magnitude, which verifies that the proposed equation is capable of predicting the equivalent permeability of 3D fractal-like tree networks as a first-order estimation.
A LOWER BOUND OF TOPOLOGICAL HAUSDORFF DIMENSION OF FRACTAL SQUARES
Authors: ZHANG YAN-FANG
Published: May 2020

Given an integer [Formula: see text] and a digit set [Formula: see text], there is a self-similar set [Formula: see text] satisfying the set equation [Formula: see text]. This set [Formula: see text] is called a fractal square. By studying the line segments contained in [Formula: see text], we give a lower estimate of the topological Hausdorff dimension of fractal squares. Moreover, we compute the topological Hausdorff dimension of fractal squares whose nontrivial connected components are parallel line segments, and introduce the Latin fractal squares to investigate the question when the topological Hausdorff dimension of a fractal square coincides with its Hausdorff dimension.
A NOTE ON THE RELATIVE GROWTH RATE OF THE MAXIMAL DIGITS IN LÜROTH EXPANSIONS
Authors: TAN XIAOYAN , HE KANGJIE
Published: May 2020

This paper is concerned with the growth rate of the maximal digits relative to the rate of approximation of the number by its convergents, as well as relative to the rate of the sum of digits for the Lüroth expansion of an irrational number. The Hausdorff dimension of the sets of points with a given relative growth rate is proved to be full.
FRACTAL ANALYSIS OF STRESS-DEPENDENT DIFFUSIVITY OF POROUS CEMENTITIOUS MATERIALS
Authors: ZENG QIANG , JIKE NIDU , LIU JIAHAN , WANG ZHENDI , WANG JIYANG
Published: May 2020

The understanding of the diffusion process and mechanisms of harmful species (e.g. chlorides) in porous cementitious materials is important to control and improve the material durability under harsh environments. In this paper, fractal analysis on the pore structure of porous cementitious materials was conducted and involved in a diffusion model. Macro material geometric parameters were considered in the model to avoid the difficulties in the measurements of microscopic pore parameters. The deformations of porous cementitious materials under the uniaxial elastic loads were considered to correct the diffusion model. The stress-affected diffusivity was displayed in an elegant expression involving some macro material parameters (e.g. total porosity, elastic modulus of solid skeleton, Poisson ratio). Results show that the effective diffusivity is greatly influenced by the porosity and stress ratio. The uniaxial elastic loads decrease the pore areas but increase the lengths of the pore channels for mass diffusion, which eventually causes the decrease of the effective diffusivity. The plots of the relative diffusivity against the stress ratio follow linear forms. The developed fractal diffusion model may help better understand the diffusion process in complex porous cementitious materials under elastic loads. Going beyond this, the fractal diffusion model may provide a new tool to predict the diffusivity of porous building materials under complex mechanical and environmental loads.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF CO-DOPED HYDROXYAPATITE BIOMIMETIC COATINGS ON PRETREATED Ti6Al4V ALLOY
Authors: HACIOGLU TUGCE , TEZCANER AYSEN , ABBAS SHERIF , EVIS ZAFER
Published: May 2020

In this study, [Formula: see text] co-doped and pure hydroxyapatites (HAp) were coated on rough surfaces of Ti6Al4V plates by biomimetic method. Prepared samples were investigated with SEM, EDS, FTIR, XRD and ICP. Furthermore, mechanical scratch tests, profilometer tests and in vitro cell studies were carried out. In order to explore the antibacterial characteristics of the coating, the survival rate of a bacteria named Staphylococcus epidermidis was determined. Structural investigations showed that HAp nucleation began four days after the immersion, expectedly nucleation developed collaterally with the incubation period and co-dopants had considerable effect on surface characteristics. Besides, the pretreatment procedure and dopants had notable impact on mechanical qualifications of the coatings. The critical load values obtained for coating failure were detected above 100[Formula: see text]mN in all types of coatings (max. critical load was obtained from 0.3[Formula: see text]mM co-doped coatings). Cancerous bone cells (SaOS-2) on prepared coatings were evaluated in terms of biological properties. 0.1-C7 and 0.3-C7 exhibited highest reduction percentage among all co-doped samples. Further increase in dopants concentrations up to 0.5[Formula: see text]mM lead to increase in toxicity and decrease in cell proliferation. Antibacterial test results showed the most antibacterial samples were 0.1-C7 and 0.3-C7, the results conformed with cell culture findings.
Exchange Rate Volatility and Trade: External Exchange Rate Volatility Matters
Authors: Tunc Cengiz , Babuşçu Senol , Hazar Adalet , Solakoglu M. Nihat
Published: May 2020

We investigate the role of external exchange rate volatility in export in addition to the effect of bilateral exchange rate volatility using country-, sector-, and destination-specific detailed export data of the World Bank Exporter Dynamics Database. The results show that while the bilateral exchange rate volatility has a depressing effect on export, the external exchange rate volatility generates trade-promoting effect on export. However, the magnitude of the effect depends on trade intensity between countries. Furthermore, while the role of external exchange rate volatility diminished after the Global Financial Crisis, the effect of its volatility has become larger. Finally, external exchange rate volatility has a larger trade-promoting effect on export in the presence of high volatilities than the effect in the presence of low volatilities.
DFT Study on the Electronic Structure and the Magnetic Properties of SmFe2 and HoCo2Binary Cubic C15-Laves Phases
Authors: Benmedjahed Toufik , Bentouaf Ali , Berrahal Mokhtar , Ameri Mohammed
Published: May 2020

In this study, we report the electronic structure properties of SmFe2 and HoCo2 binary Laves phase compounds using the density functional theory (DFT) method. We treated the exchange correlation potential with generalized gradient approximation (GGA); in addition, GGA+U (U: Hubbard correction) calculations were applied to describe the correlation effects. At the equilibrium state, the lattice parameter [Formula: see text] is found in favorable agreement with the available data. We also treated the magnetic properties of SmFe2 and HoCo2, respectively; it is shown that the magnetic moment values of Sm and Ho atoms are larger than those of Fe and Ho elements. We note that the GGA with Hubbard correction (U) provides the best description of our systems. We also illustrated the band structures and total and partial densities of states (DOS) of the rare earth-4f (Sm and Ho) and transition metals-3d (Fe and Co) orbitals. For both approximations used, the SmFe2 and HoCo2 binary compounds have a metallic character at the Fermi level. This investigation shows the importance of the treatment of correlated electrons for a clear and accurate description of these binary compounds of the Laves phases family.
Random non-Abelian G-circulant matrices. Spectrum of random convolution operators on large finite groups
Authors: Adamczak Radosław
Published: May 2020

We analyze the limiting behavior of the eigenvalue and singular value distribution for random convolution operators on large (not necessarily Abelian) groups, extending the results by Meckes for the Abelian case. We show that for regular sequences of groups, the limiting distribution of eigenvalues (respectively singular values) is a mixture of eigenvalue (respectively singular value) distributions of Ginibre matrices with the directing measure being related to the limiting behavior of the Plancherel measure of the sequence of groups. In particular, for the sequence of symmetric groups, the limiting distributions are just the circular and quarter circular laws, whereas e.g. for the dihedral groups, the limiting distributions have unbounded supports but are different than in the Abelian case. We also prove that under additional assumptions on the sequence of groups (in particular, for symmetric groups of increasing order) families of stochastically independent random convolution operators converge in moments to free circular elements. Finally, in the Gaussian case, we provide Central Limit Theorems for linear eigenvalue statistics.
Effect of Cross-Sectional Aspect Ratio on Rectangular FRP-Concrete-Steel Double-Skin Tubular Columns under Axial Compression
Authors: Zhang Bing , Hu Xia-Min , Wei Wei , Zhang Qian-Biao , Zhang Ning-Yuan , Zhang Yi-Jie
Published: May 2020

Hybrid FRP-concrete-steel double-skin tubular columns (hybrid DSTCs) are novel hollow columns consisting of an outer FRP tube, an inner steel tube, and the concrete between the two tubes. Hybrid DSTCs possess important advantages, such as excellent corrosion resistance as well as remarkable seismic resistance. However, existing studies are mainly focused on hybrid DSTCs with a circular cross section or a square cross section. When a column is subjected to different load levels in the two horizontal directions, a rectangular column is preferred as it can provide different bending stiffness and moment capacity around its two axes of symmetry. This paper presents an experimental study on rectangular DSTCs with a particular focus on the effect of the cross-sectional aspect ratio (i.e., the ratio of the breadth to the width of the rectangular cross section). The effect of the cross-sectional shape of the inner steel tube (i.e., both elliptical and rectangular inner steel tubes were used) and the effect of FRP tube thickness were also investigated experimentally. Experimental results show that a larger aspect ratio will have no negative effect on the confinement effect in rectangular DSTCs; a rectangular DSTC with a larger aspect ratio generally has a larger ultimate axial strain and a higher axial stress at the ultimate axial strain; rectangular DSTCs with an elliptical steel tube generally have better performance than corresponding specimens with a rectangular steel tube. An existing model, which was developed based on a model for rectangular FRP-confined concrete columns and a model for circular DSTCs, is verified using the test results of the present study. The model generally provides close predictions for the peak axial stress of the confined concrete but yields conservative predictions for the ultimate axial strain for rectangular DSTCs.
Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of Salmonella, Shigella, and Intestinal Parasites and Associated Factor among Food Handlers in Dilla University Student Cafeteria, Dilla, Ethiopia
Authors: Diriba Kuma , Awulachew Ephrem , Ashuro Zemach
Published: May 2020

Background. Food-borne disease is mostly caused by unsafe food handling and processing as well as poor hygienic practice. Recently, it is a worldwide and local burden to the human health. It is estimated that about one-third of the world population is affected by food-borne diseases annually and become a global public health problem. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated risk factors of Shigella, Salmonella, and intestinal parasites among food handlers in Dilla University, Southern Ethiopia. Methods. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November to September 2018/2019. A structured questionnaire was used for the collection of data on sociodemographic characteristics. Parasite and bacterial identification, as well as susceptibility testing, was done using standard parasitological and bacteriological procedures. Results. Of the total 220 food handlers included in the study, 38.6%, 9.5%, and 3.2% were positive for intestinal parasites, Salmonella, and Shigella species, respectively. A. lumbricoides (11.4%) was the predominant parasite isolated followed by E. histolytica (7.7%). From the total Salmonella isolates, serogroup D was the most frequent isolate and from the total Shigella species, Shigella flexneri was the predominant isolate. In this study, through irregular medical checkups, those who drunk unpasteurized milk and ate raw meat were significantly associated with intestinal parasites. Both Salmonella and Shigella species were highly resistant to ampicillin (81%) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (>70%). Salmonella isolates are highly sensitive to cefotaxime and ceftriaxone, while Shigella is highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin. MDR was recorded in 71.4% of all bacterial isolates. Conclusion. The presence of a high prevalence of intestinal parasites, Salmonella, and Shigella species that were resistant to the commonly prescribed drugs is a treat to the children and the community at large. Therefore, measures including health education, improvement of safe water supply, sanitation facilities, and continuous monitoring of microbiological and antimicrobial surveillance are crucial.
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and Pulmonary Morbidity in Patients with Primary Immunodeficiency Disease: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Evers Georg , Schulze Arik Bernard , Thrull Michael , Hering Jan-Philipp , Schülke Christoph , Wiewrodt Rainer , Wittkowski Helmut , Schmidt Lars Henning , Mohr Michael
Published: May 2020

Background. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is of importance in the pathogenesis of pulmonary emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), and bronchiectasis. Various pulmonary disorders are a typical feature of primary immunodeficiency disease (PID). This includes recurrent pulmonary infections, immunodysregulation, and autoinflammatory diseases. As a result, incidence of acute and chronic pulmonary diseases is higher. Interestingly, pulmonary morbidity in PID and AATD share similar features. To study the coexistence of AATD in patients suffering from PID, we performed the underlying investigation. Methods. We evaluated a study group of 149 patients (n = 149) with PID. In total, serum AAT concentrations were available for 110 patients (n = 110). For the identified patients, we analyzed both clinical associations and interactions. Results. Among the investigated patients, reduced serum AAT levels were detected in 7 patients. With regard to the genotype, PI∗ZZ was found in 2 patients, whereas PI∗MZ was observed in 5 patients. Independent of the underlying phenotype, obstructive lung diseases were found in 2 patients with PI∗ZZ and 2 patients with PI∗MZ. Conclusions. In Germany, the estimated percentage for PI∗ZZ and PI∗MZ is 0.01% and 1.9%, respectively. As demonstrated, the ratio in our study group was even higher. We identified seven patients with AATD. Since AATD contributes to pulmonary morbidity in PID patients, systematic underdiagnosis of the coexistence might yield a strong clinical impact. Hence, AAT analysis should be offered to all patients with confirmed PID diagnoses. To strengthen this finding, we suggest the investigation of larger databases.
Academic Burnout and Academic Achievement among Secondary School Students in Kenya
Authors: Oyoo Syprine , Mwaura Peter , Kinai Theresia , Mutua Josephine
Published: May 2020

The study examined the relationship between academic burnout and academic achievement among secondary school students in the Kenyan context. Data were collected from 714 form 4 students (equivalent to 12th graders) drawn from 31 public secondary schools. The Maslach Burnout Inventory Student Survey was used. Academic achievement was measured using students’ grades in end of term examinations. The results of the Pearson product moment correlation of coefficient revealed a significant inverse relationship between academic burnout and academic achievement (r (712) = −0.24, p<0.01). Furthermore, regression analysis revealed that academic efficacy significantly predicted academic achievement (β = 0.18, p<0.01). A key implication of the findings is that examination-oriented approach to learning be reduced to ease the pressure exerted on learners for good academic grades.
The Influence of Interlocking Directorates on the Propensity of Dividend Payout to the Parent Company
Authors: Siudak Dariusz
Published: May 2020

An examination was performed on whether director interlocks enabled the adoption of a dividend policy for the benefit of the parent company in the ownership structure. Specifically, the study investigated the dependence of the impact of the central position in the board network on the probability of dividend payment. Based on sample of firms listed on Polish capital market, it was observed that the more central the company’s position in the interlocking directorate network, the more likely it is to pay dividends to a subsidiary. This effect is related to the eigenvector centrality. The results obtained suggest that corporate financial policy can be spread across firms through the board network.
Neuroprotective Effect of Chlorogenic Acid on Mitochondrial Dysfunction-Mediated Apoptotic Death of DA Neurons in a Parkinsonian Mouse Model
Authors: Singh Saumitra Sen , Rai Sachchida Nand , Birla Hareram , Zahra Walia , Rathore Aaina Singh , Dilnashin Hagera , Singh Richa , Singh Surya Pratap
Published: May 2020

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress characterize major factors involved in the activation of complex processes corresponding to apoptosis-mediated neuronal senescence of dopaminergic neurons (DA) in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Here, we evaluated the molecular mechanisms participating in the treatment of a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydopyridine- (MPTP-) intoxicated PD mouse model in response to chlorogenic acid (CGA). The results indicate that CGA treatment significantly improved the motor coordination of the MPTP-intoxicated mice. CGA also alleviated the fall in activity of mitochondrial complexes I, IV, and V in accordance with ameliorating the level of superoxide dismutase and mitochondrial glutathione in the midbrain of MPTP-induced mice. CGA inhibited the activation of proapoptotic proteins including Bax and caspase-3, while elevating the expression of antiapoptotic protein like Bcl-2 consequently preventing the MPTP-mediated apoptotic cascade. The study also revealed the improved phosphorylation state of Akt, ERK1/2, and GSK3β which was downregulated as an effect of MPTP toxicity. Our findings signify that CGA may possess pharmacological properties and contribute to neuroprotection against MPTP induced toxicity in a PD mouse model associated with phosphorylation of GSK3β via activating Akt/ERK signalling in the mitochondrial intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Thus, CGA treatment may arise as a potential therapeutic candidate for mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic senescence of DA neurons in PD.
Analysis of Leakage Model of All-Metal Screw Pump
Authors: Zhang Heng , Wu Xiaodong , An Yongsheng
Published: May 2020

Traditional rubber screw pumps use an interference method to engage. When the pressure is less than the breakdown pressure of the pump, there is no leakage in the pump. The all-metal screw pump stator and rotor are made of metal, and the stator and rotor adopt a gap-fitting engagement method, so even when the pump is working normally, the leakage is objective. Based on the concentric annular gap flow, the pressure drop leakage caused by the fluid inertia force is fully considered, and the calculation formula of the leakage of the all-metal screw pump is studied from the three aspects of transverse leakage, longitudinal leakage, and oblique leakage. This model was experimentally verified by a commercial all-metal screw pump produced by Shihong Petroleum Equipment Company. The model results show that the leakage of the all-metal screw pump is mainly affected by the structure parameters of the pump itself and the density of the pumped fluid, and the gap height is the main factor affecting the leakage.
Some Nonlinear Fractional PDEs Involvingβ-Derivative by Using Rationalexp−Ωη-Expansion Method
Authors: Bin Jebreen Haifa
Published: May 2020

In this article, some new nonlinear fractional partial differential equations (PDEs) (the space-time fractional order Boussinesq equation; the space-time (2 + 1)-dimensional breaking soliton equations; and the space-time fractional order SRLW equation) have been considered, in which the treatment of these equations in the diverse applications are described. Also, the fractional derivatives in the sense ofβ-derivative are defined. Some fractional PDEs will convert to consider ordinary differential equations (ODEs) with the help of transformationβ-derivative. These equations are analyzed utilizing an integration scheme, namely, the rationalexp−Ωη-expansion method. Different kinds of traveling wave solutions such as solitary, topological, dark soliton, periodic, kink, and rational are obtained as a by product of this scheme. Finally, the existence of the solutions for the constraint conditions is also shown. The outcome indicates that some fractional PDEs are used as a growing finding in the engineering sciences, mathematical physics, and so on.
Does the Presence of Significant Mitral Regurgitation prior to Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation for Aortic Stenosis Impact Mortality? – Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Sethi Ankur , Kodumuri Vamsi , Prasad Vinoy , Chaudhary Ashok , Coromilas James , Kassotis John
Published: May 2020

Background: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is commonly encountered in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). However, its independent impact on mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has not been established. Methods: We performed a systematic search for studies reporting characteristics and outcome of patients with and without significant MR and/or adjusted mortality associated with MR post-TAVI. We conducted a meta-analysis of quantitative data. Results: Seventeen studies with 20,717 patients compared outcomes and group characteristics. Twenty-one studies with 32,257 patients reported adjusted odds of mortality associated with MR. Patients with MR were older, had a higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons score, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, a higher incidence of prior myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, and a trend towards higher NYHA class III/IV, but had similar mean gradient, gender, and chronic kidney disease. The MR patients had a higher unadjusted short-term (RR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.30–1.65) and long-term mortality (RR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.18–1.65). However, 16 of 21 studies with 27,777 patients found no association between MR and mortality after adjusting for baseline variables. In greater than half of the patients (0.56, 95% CI 0.45–0.66) MR improved by at least one grade following TAVI. Conclusion: The patients with MR undergoing TAVI have a higher burden of risk factors which can independently impact mortality. There is a lack of robust evidence supporting an increased mortality in MR patients, after adjusting for other compounding variables. MR tends to improve in the majority of patients post-TAVI.
Formas de compreensão e gestão da pobreza urbana no Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Gomes Ramón Chaves
Published: May 2020

Este trabalho tem o objetivo de discutir a natureza político-social dos problemas relacionados à segurança pública no Rio de Janeiro. Com o apoio de vasta literatura, é possível afirmar que, desde a redemocratização, as políticas adotadas pelo poder público com a intenção de frear a “criminalidade violenta” na cidade e no estado se caracterizaram pelo recurso à coerção e à violência física e simbólica contra as favelas. O flagrante insucesso desse modelo de intervenção estatal provocou debates em torno da possibilidade de reforma ou mudança de perspectiva na atuação do Estado. No Rio de Janeiro, isso se expressou de forma mais madura na implantação das Unidades de Policia Pacificadora (UPP) em algumas favelas da cidade, o que configurou provisoriamente um novo contexto de tratamento ao problema da favela como território da violência.
O processo de retificação do rio Tietê e suas implicações na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Pessoa Denise Falcão
Published: May 2020

Esse artigo trata do processo de retificação do rio Tietê, em São Paulo cujo estudo foi iniciado no fim do século XIX e busca detectar as principais implicações geradas por essa intervenção. Procura-se compreender como a retificação do Tietê atuou como parte de um processo de urbanização acelerada onde os interesses imobiliários reforçaram os interesses da indústria automobilística recém implantada, o que veio a justificar a construção de avenidas marginais ao longo do rio retificado. São discutidos equívocos ocorridos e consequências desse processo no que diz respeito à ocupação do solo e a destruição da natureza, acarretando problemas urbanos e ambientais até os dias de hoje.
Paleogene and Late Cretaceous Pteropoda (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Heterobranchia) from North America
Authors: GARVIE CHRISTOPHER L. , GOEDERT JAMES L. , JANSSEN ARIE W.
Published: May 2020

A comprehensive discussion and survey is made of all North American Paleogene and Late Cretaceous pteropods, and their systematics reviewed. From the West Coast of North America pteropod fossils have been collected from 23 localities in Washington State, and from the Gulf Coastal Plain they have been found in 40 localities. We also review earlier published specimens from boreholes in the Atlantic Coastal Plain. As a result, six new species are introduced from the Gulf Coast (Currylimacina asperita Garvie sp. nov., Heliconoides hodgkinsoni Garvie sp. nov., Limacina texanopsis Garvie sp. nov., Limacina parvabrazensis Garvie & Janssen sp. nov., Limacina pseudopygmaea Garvie & Janssen sp. nov., Cheilospicata cedrus Garvie sp. nov.) and one from Washington State (Clio gailae Goedert & Janssen sp. nov.). The geographical distribution and/or stratigraphic ranges of several species has been extended, for example, Limacina canadaensis Hodgkinson, 1992, is reported for the first time from western North America. Some species originally described from elsewhere, Altaspiratella multispira (Curry, 1982), Heliconoides bartonensis (Curry, 1965), L. karasawai Ando, 2011, L. aff. valvatina (Reuss, 1867), Creseis spina (Reuss, 1867) and Clio chadumica Korobkov, 1966, are reported for the first time from the Americas. New specimens of several poorly known species yielded additional information on morphology or biostratigraphy. It is shown that some species have longer temporal ranges in America, occurring in, or continuing into younger deposits than those in Europe. In addition to the only Cretaceous pteropod from Washington State known so far, several enigmatic species possibly representing Pteropoda are described from the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) and Danian of Texas, which allows a salient discussion on the early history of Pteropoda. An enigmatic specimen from the Eocene of Texas might represent a very early form of Gymnosomata. This analysis shows that there may be more pteropod species represented during the Late Cretaceous and Paleocene than previously suspected.