bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The amalgamation of Pangea: Paleomagnetic and geological observations revisited
Authors: Wu Lei , Murphy J. Brendan , Quesada Cecilio , Li Zheng-Xiang , Waldron John W.F. , Williams Simon , Pisarevsky Sergei , Collins William J.
Published: July 2020

The supercontinent Pangea formed by the subduction of the Iapetus and Rheic oceans between Gondwana, Laurentia, and Baltica during mid-to-late Paleozoic times. However, there remains much debate regarding how this amalgamation was achieved. Most paleogeographic models based on paleomagnetic data argue that the juxtaposition of Gondwana and Laurussia (Laurentia-Baltica) was achieved via long-lasting highly oblique convergence in the late Paleozoic. In contrast, many geology-based reconstructions suggest that the collision between the two continents was likely initiated via a Gondwanan promontory comprising the Iberian, Armorican, and Bohemian massifs, and parts of the basement units in the Alpine orogen during the Early Devonian. To help resolve this discrepancy, we present an updated compilation of high-quality paleopoles of mid-to-late Paleozoic ages (spanning Middle Ordovician and Carboniferous times) from Gondwana, Laurentia, and Baltica. These paleopoles were evaluated with the Van der Voo selection criteria, corrected for inclination error where necessary, and were used to revise their apparent polar wander (APW) paths. The revised APW paths were constructed using an innovative approach in which age errors, A95 ovals, and Q-factors of individual paleopoles are taken into account. By combining the resulting APW paths with existing geological data and field relationships in the European Variscides, we provide mid-to-late Paleozoic paleogeographic reconstructions which indicate that the formation of Pangea was likely initiated at 400 Ma via the collision between Laurussia and a ribbon-like Gondwanan promontory that was itself formed by a scissor-like opening of the Paleotethys Ocean, and that the amalgamation culminated in the mostly orthogonal convergence between Gondwana and Laurussia.
How to interpret symptoms, signs and investigations of dehydration in children with gastroenteritis
Authors: Prisco Antonio , Capalbo Daniela , Guarino Stefano , Miraglia del Giudice Emanuele , Marzuillo Pierluigi
Published: July 2020

Dehydration is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. Infants and young children are vulnerable to dehydration, and clinical assessment plays a pivotal role in their care. In addition, laboratory investigations can, in some children, be helpful when assessing the severity of dehydration and for guiding rehydration treatment. In this interpretation, we review the current literature and provide an evidence-based approach to recognising and managing dehydration in children.
Blood pressure and cognitive function across the eighth decade: a prospective study of the Lothian Birth Cohort of 1936
Authors: Altschul Drew , Starr John , Deary Ian
Published: July 2020

Objectives

We investigated the associations among blood pressure and cognitive functions across the eighth decade, while accounting for antihypertensive medication and lifetime stability in cognitive function.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

This study used data from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 (LBC1936) study, which recruited participants living in the Lothian region of Scotland when aged 70 years, most of whom had completed an intelligence test at age 11 years.

Participants

1091 members of the LBC1936 with assessments of cognitive ability in childhood and older adulthood, and blood pressure measurements in older adulthood.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Participants were followed up at ages 70, 73, 76 and 79, and latent growth curve models and linear mixed models were used to analyse both cognitive functions and blood pressure as primary outcomes.

Results

Blood pressure followed a quadratic trajectory in the eighth decade: on average blood pressure rose in the first waves and subsequently fell. Intercepts and trajectories were not associated between blood pressure and cognitive functions. Women with higher early-life cognitive function generally had lower blood pressure during the eighth decade. Being prescribed antihypertensive medication was associated with lower blood pressure, but not with better cognitive function.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that women with higher early-life cognitive function had lower later-life blood pressure. However, we did not find support for the hypothesis that rises in blood pressure and worse cognitive decline are associated with one another in the eighth decade.
Is a definitive trial of prehospital continuous positive airway pressure versus standard oxygen therapy for acute respiratory failure indicated? The ACUTE pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Fuller Gordon , Keating Sam , Goodacre Steve , Herbert Esther , Perkins Gavin , Rosser Andy , Gunson Imogen , Miller Josh , Ward Matthew , Bradburn Mike , Thokala Praveen , Harris Tim , Marsh Maggie , Scott Alex , Cooper Cindy
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To determine the feasibility of a large-scale definitive multicentre trial of prehospital continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in acute respiratory failure.

Design

A single-centre, open-label, individual patient randomised, controlled, external pilot trial.

Setting

A single UK Ambulance Service, between August 2017 and July 2018.

Participants

Adults with respiratory distress and peripheral oxygen saturations below British Thoracic Society target levels despite controlled oxygen treatment.

Interventions

Patients were randomised to prehospital CPAP (O-Two system) versus standard oxygen therapy in a 1:1 ratio using simple randomisation.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Feasibility outcomes comprised recruitment rate, adherence to allocated treatment, retention and data completeness. The primary clinical outcome was 30-day mortality.

Results

77 patients were enrolled (target 120), including 7 cases with a diagnosis where CPAP could be ineffective or harmful. CPAP was fully delivered in 74% (target 75%). There were no major protocol violations. Full data were available for all key outcomes (targets ≥90%). Overall 30-day mortality was 27.3%. Of these deceased patients, 14/21 (68%) either did not have a respiratory condition or had ceiling of treatment decisions implemented excluding hospital non-invasive ventilation and critical care.

Conclusions

Recruitment rate was below target and feasibility was not demonstrated. Limited compliance with CPAP, and difficulty in identifying patients who could benefit from CPAP, indicate that prehospital CPAP is unlikely to materially reduce mortality. A definitive effectiveness trial of CPAP is therefore not recommended.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN12048261; Post-results.
Women’s satisfaction with existing labour and delivery services in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Demis Asmamaw , Getie Addisu , Wondmieneh Adam , Bimerew Melaku , Alemnew Birhan , Gedefaw Getnet
Published: July 2020

Objective

To estimate the pooled prevalence of women’s satisfaction with existing labour and delivery services in Ethiopia.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Hinari, Google Scholar and web of science electronic databases were searched for the study. This meta-analysis included nineteen cross-sectional studies. Cochrane I2 statistics were used to check the heterogeneity of the studies. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis were conducted with the evidence of heterogeneity. Egger test with funnel plot were used to investigate publication bias.

Result

Nineteen studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of women’s satisfaction with existing labour and delivery services in Ethiopia was 70.54% (95% CI 60.94 to 80.15). Having informal education of the women (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.19; 95% CI 1.47 to 3.25), time to be seen by the healthcare providers within 20 min (AOR=2.97; 95% CI 2.11 to 4.19), receiving free service (AOR=5.01; 95% CI 2.87 to 8.75), keeping women privacy (AOR=2.84; 95% CI 1.46 to 5.55), planned delivery in the health institution (AOR=2.85; 95% CI 1.99 to 4.07), duration of labour within 12 hours (AOR=2.55; 95% CI 1.70 to 3.81) and have not antenatal care follow-up (AOR=4.03; 95% CI 2.21 to 7.35) were factors associated with women satisfaction with labour and delivery services in Ethiopia.

Conclusion

The pooled prevalence of women’s satisfaction with existing labour and delivery services was high. Informal education of the women, antenatal care follow-up, planned delivery in the health institution, keeping women privacy, getting free service, time to be seen by the healthcare providers and duration of labour were factors associated with women’s satisfaction during labour and delivery services. This finding is important to design strategic policies and to prevent emergency neonatal and women complications during the childbirth and postpartum periods.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020149217.
Effect of pragmatic versus explanatory interventions on medication adherence in people with cardiometabolic conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fitzpatrick Claire , Gillies Clare , Seidu Samuel , Kar Debasish , Ioannidou Ekaterini , Davies Melanie J , Patel Prashanth , Gupta Pankaj , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: July 2020

Objective

To synthesise findings from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions aimed at increasing medication adherence in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and/or cardiovascular disease (CVD). And, in a novel approach, to compare the intervention effect of studies which were categorised as being more pragmatic or more explanatory using the Pragmatic-Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary-2 (PRECIS-2) tool, to identify whether study design affects outcomes. As explanatory trials are typically held under controlled conditions, findings from such trials may not be relatable to real-world clinical practice. In comparison, pragmatic trials are designed to replicate real-world conditions and therefore findings are more likely to represent those found if the intervention were to be implemented in routine care.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2018.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

RCTs lasting ≥3 months (90 days), involving ≥200 patients in the analysis, with either established CVD and/or T2DM and which measured medication adherence. From 4403 citations, 103 proceeded to full text review. Studies published in any language other than English and conference abstracts were excluded.

Main outcome measure

Change in medication adherence.

Results

Of 4403 records identified, 34 studies were considered eligible, of which 28, including 30 861 participants, contained comparable outcome data for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Overall interventions were associated with an increase in medication adherence (OR 1.57 (95% CI: 1.33 to 1.84), p<0.001; standardised mean difference 0.24 (95% CI: −0.10 to 0.59) p=0.101). The effectiveness of interventions did not differ significantly between studies considered pragmatic versus explanatory (p=0.598), but did differ by intervention type, with studies that included a multifaceted rather than a single-faceted intervention having a more significant effect (p=0.010). The analysis used random effect models and used the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool to assess study quality.

Conclusions

In this meta-analysis, interventions were associated with a significant increase in medication adherence. Overall multifaceted interventions which included an element of education alongside regular patient contact or follow-up showed the most promise. Effectiveness of interventions between pragmatic and explanatory trials was comparable, suggesting that findings can be transferred from idealised to real-word conditions.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017059460.
Laryngeal chondritis in two Dorper sheep
Authors: Câmara Antonio Carlos Lopes , Borges José Renato Junqueira , Campebell Rita de Cássia , de Castro Marcio Botelho , Soto‐Blanco Benito
Published: July 2020

Laryngeal chondritis is an acute obstructive upper respiratory condition characterised by severe dyspnoea and laryngeal stridor, considered an uncommon disease in sheep. In this study, we describe detailed clinical evolution, imaging and pathological findings of the first cases of laryngeal chondritis in Dorper sheep. Two Dorper sheep from different flocks were referred to clinical care with respiratory distress and fatigue. Due to dyspnoea, both sheep were submitted to emergency tracheotomy. Both sheep did not show recovery after treatment with antimicrobials and anti‐inflammatories and died. Main gross findings observed in sheep 1 were purulent foci affecting cricoid cartilage and surrounding tissues. Sheep 2 presented with marked swelling of the laryngeal mucosa, reduced airway lumen and a pus‐draining fistula in the arytenoid cartilage. Histologically, both cases revealed necrosis of the laryngeal cartilage, suppurative inflammation and abscedation within myriads of intralesional bacteria.
Beyond the genome: challenges and potential for epigenetics-driven therapeutic approaches in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Hsu Jessica Y. , Major Jennifer L. , Riching Andrew S. , Sen Rwik , Pires da Silva Julie , Bagchi Rushita A.
Published: July 2020

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating disease of the cardiopulmonary system caused by the narrowing of the pulmonary arteries, leading to increased vascular resistance and pressure. This leads to right ventricle remodeling, dysfunction, and eventually, death. While conventional therapies have largely focused on targeting vasodilation, other pathological features of PAH including aberrant inflammation, mitochondrial dynamics, cell proliferation, and migration have not been well explored. Thus, despite some recent improvements in PAH treatment, the life expectancy and quality of life for patients with PAH remains poor. Showing many similarities to cancers, PAH is characterized by increased pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation, decreased apoptotic signaling pathways, and changes in metabolism. The recent successes of therapies targeting epigenetic modifiers for the treatment of cancer has prompted epigenetic research in PAH, revealing many new potential therapeutic targets. In this minireview we discuss the emergence of epigenetic dysregulation in PAH and highlight epigenetic-targeting compounds that may be effective for the treatment of PAH.
Agent-based simulation of workers’ behaviors, productivity, and safety around construction obstacles
Authors: Binhomaid Omar , Hegazy Tarek
Published: July 2020

Construction sites involve many hazardous areas and fixed and movable objects around which the workers interact. Unguided site policies or workers’ behaviors can lead to productivity loss and (or) accidents. In this paper, an agent-based modeling and simulation framework has been developed to: (1) provide a detailed site model with temporary facilities and obstacles (danger zones and productivity-hindering spots); (2) model the workers’ natural behaviors towards safety while moving around the site; and (3) quantify the consequent site productivity and accident potential of any site configuration. The paper discusses the site model and the behavioral rules that autonomous agents follow to simulate the movement of aggressive and avoider workers around hazard areas. The results of two case studies and sensitivity analyses show that different simulations with different site improvement measures can quantify the effectiveness of, and optimize, site operational measures and establish rewards for positive worker’s behaviors that improve productivity and safety.
ASSESSING THE LINK BETWEEN RAIL TRANSIT USAGE AND MULTIMODAL INTEGRATION
Authors: Özgür-Cevher Özge , Altintasi Oruc , Tuydes-Yaman Hediye , Babalık Ela
Published: July 2020

Current planning literature considers rail transit usage a function of neighborhood design (ND) parameters (such as density, diversity and connectivity) around station areas at a micro-level. However, during the early development stages of a rail transit system in a city, integration with the other modes may be equally influential on the rail transit usage, which must be determined. For this purpose, ridership data of 14 rail transit stations were evaluated based on both i) ND design parameters and ii) multimodal integration (MMI) parameters, along two existing urban rail corridors in Ankara, Turkey. A principal component analysis, as a part of quantitative analysis, suggested MMI as one of the three main components. Statistical regression model results also showed a clear relation between the ridership and MMI, which was clearer along the metro corridor, which serves suburban regions.
Stability analysis of DGP brane-world model with agegraphic dark energy
Authors: Ravanpak A. , Fadakar G.F.
Published: July 2020

The aim of this work is to apply the dynamical system approach to study the linear dynamics of the normal DGP brane-world model with agegraphic dark energy. The stability analysis of the model will be investigated and the phase plane portrait will be illustrated. The nature of critical points will be analyzed by evaluating the eigenvalues of a linearized Jacobi matrix. Also, the statefinder diagnostic procedure will be applied to show the slight deviation of our model from the ΛCDM model. One of the most interesting results of this work is the great alleviation of the coincidence problem.
Screening US peanut mini-core accessions for resistance to Sclerotinia blight caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Dura S. , Lujan P. , Puppala N. , Sanogo S. , Steiner R.
Published: July 2020

Sclerotinia blight is a destructive disease of peanut caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary and Sclerotinia minor Jagger. Crop management practices are routinely used to control Sclerotinia blight, however, development of resistant cultivars together with crop management practices may provide a lasting solution to control the disease in peanut fields. In this study, 95 accessions of United States’ peanut mini-core collection were evaluated using detached leaflet and whole plant inoculation methods under greenhouse conditions. The area of detached leaflet infected was scored using a scale from 0 (no disease) to 4 (76%–100% leaflet area infected). Whole plants were evaluated based on disease severity index (DSI) from 0% (no disease) to 100% (entire plants infected). In the detached leaflet inoculation method, accessions PI-268586, PI-268696, PI-356004, PI-372305, and PI-429420 had the lowest average disease score of 2.7. In the whole plant inoculation method, accessions PI-200441, PI-259658, PI-319770, PI-323268, and PI-337293 had the lowest DSI from 86% to 90%. The two inoculation methods resulted in different set of accessions with the lowest disease level. These results may reflect differences in disease pressure between the two screening methods.
Higgs portal to dark matter and $$B\rightarrow K^{(*)}$$ decays
Authors: Kachanovich Aliaksei , Nierste Ulrich , Nišandžić Ivan
Published: July 2020

We consider a Higgs portal model in which the 125-GeV Higgs boson mixes with a light singlet mediator $$h_2$$h2 coupling to particles of a Dark Sector and study potential $$b\rightarrow s h_2$$b→sh2 decays in the Belle II experiment. Multiplying the gauge-dependent off-shell Standard-Model b-s-Higgs vertex with the sine of the Higgs mixing angle does not give the correct b-s-$$h_2$$h2 vertex. We clarify this issue by calculating the b-s-$$h_2$$h2 vertex in an arbitrary $$R_\xi $$Rξ gauge and demonstrate how the $$\xi $$ξ dependence cancels from physical decay rates involving an on-shell or off-shell $$h_2$$h2. Then we revisit the $$b\rightarrow s h_2$$b→sh2 phenomenology and point out that a simultaneous study of $$B\rightarrow K^* h_2$$B→K∗h2 and $$B\rightarrow K h_2$$B→Kh2 helps to discriminate between the Higgs portal and alternative models of the Dark Sector. We further advocate for the use of the $$h_2$$h2 lifetime information contained in displaced-vertex data with $$h_2$$h2 decaying back to Standard-Model particles to better constrain the $$h_2$$h2 mass or to reveal additional $$h_2$$h2 decay modes into long-lived particles.
DO OIL PRICE FLUCTUATIONS AFFECT THE INFLATION RATE IN INDONESIA ASYMMETRICALLY?
Authors: GOH LIM THYE , LAW SIONG HOOK , TRINUGROHO IRWAN
Published: July 2020

Changes in the oil price directly affect production costs, and subsequently, the general price level of products. With Indonesia observing an inflation targeting policy, this study applies the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) technique to investigate the effect of oil price fluctuations in Indonesia. The relationship is important for the central bank to gauge the effectiveness of the inflation targeting policy in immunizing the country from oil price fluctuations. Our findings have revealed that there was an asymmetric behavior between oil price and the inflation rate (producer price index), thus questioning the effectiveness of the inflation targeting policy. More specifically, in the long run, an increase in the oil price will tend to lead to an increase in the rate of inflation with a greater deviation, while an oil price reduction will lead to a decrease in the inflation rate with a lower deviation. This suggests that the benefits of an oil price reduction are not passed down to the consumer.
ECONOMIC POLICY UNCERTAINTY AND THE REAL ECONOMY OF SINGAPORE
Authors: ISTIAK KHANDOKAR
Published: July 2020

This paper investigates (for the first time) the impact of the economic policy uncertainties of Singapore and its major trading partners on Singapore’s industrial production and exports. The study uses monthly data from January 2003 to August 2019, correlation analysis, spillover index analysis and a structural vector autoregression model to perform the investigation. Using the newly invented Singaporean economic policy uncertainty index, the research finds that it is a good predictor of industrial production. It is found that, in general, uncertainty depresses Singapore’s industrial production and exports. The paper suggests that policymakers promote new entrepreneurship and build a skilled labor force to minimize the impact of uncertainty on the economy of Singapore.
Microscopic study of nuclear structure of odd-odd 128–138I nuclei within the framework of projected shell model for positive- and negative-parity states
Authors: Kumar Vikesh , Dhiman Shashi K.
Published: July 2020

We have done the microscopic study of neutron-rich odd-odd iodine isotopes within the framework of projected shell model. Odd-odd nuclei are the best candidates for studying possible structure variations away from the valley of stability. We used the projected shell model, in which the deformed Nilsson single-particle states are being used for the construction of model basis. We studied the band properties of odd-odd I[Formula: see text](Z [Formula: see text] 53) isotopes with neutron numbers N [Formula: see text] 75, 77, 79, 81, 83 and 85. Using model analysis, we presented the low-lying positive- and negative-parity states of these nuclei. In these isotopes, the band structures have been analyzed in terms of quasi-particle configurations and comparative presentation of yrast levels is discussed. The phenomenon of yrast energy splitting is also studied in this work.
The simulation, fabrication technology and characteristic research of micro-pressure sensor with isosceles trapezoidal beam-membrane
Authors: Wu Jing , Zhao Xiaofeng , Liu Yibo , Wen Dianzhong
Published: July 2020

A micro-pressure sensor with an isosceles trapezoidal beam-membrane (ITBM) is proposed in this paper, consisting of a square silicon membrane, four isosceles trapezoidal beams (ITBs) and four piezoresistors. To investigate how the elastic silicon membrane affects pressure sensitive characteristics, simulation models based on ANSYS 15.0 software were used to analyze the effect of structural dimension on the characteristics of pressure sensor. According to that, the chips of micro-pressure sensors were fabricated by micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology on a silicon wafer with [Formula: see text] orientation. The experimental results show that the proposed sensor achieves a better sensitivity of 9.64 mV/kPa and an excellent linearity of 0.09%F.S. in the range of 0–3.0 kPa at room temperature and a supply voltage of 5.0 V, with a super temperature coefficient of sensitivity (TCS) about - 2180 ppm/[Formula: see text] from −40[Formula: see text] to 85[Formula: see text] and low pressure measurement less than 3.0 kPa.
Strong QCD from Hadron Structure Experiments
Authors: Brodsky S. J. , Burkert V. D. , Carman D. S. , Chen J. P. , Cui Z.-F. , Döring M. , Dosch H. G. , Draayer J. , Elouadrhiri L. , Glazier D. I. , Hiller Blin A. N. , Horn T. , Joo K. , Kim H. C. , Kubarovsky V. , Kuhn S. E. , Lu Y. , Melnitchouk W. , Mezrag C. , Mokeev V.I. , Qiu J. W. , Radici M. , Richards D. , Roberts C. D. , Rodríguez-Quintero J. , Segovia J. , Szczepaniak A. P. , de Téramond G. F. , Winney D.
Published: July 2020

The topical workshop Strong QCD from Hadron Structure Experiments took place at Jefferson Lab from November 6–9, 2019. Impressive progress in relating hadron structure observables to the strong QCD mechanisms has been achieved from the ab initio QCD description of hadron structure in a diverse array of methods in order to expose emergent phenomena via quasi-particle formation. The wealth of experimental data and the advances in hadron structure theory make it possible to gain insight into strong interaction dynamics in the regime of large quark–gluon coupling (the strong QCD regime), which will address the most challenging problems of the Standard Model on the nature of the dominant part of hadron mass, quark–gluon confinement, and the emergence of the ground and excited state hadrons, as well as atomic nuclei, from QCD. This workshop aimed to develop plans and to facilitate the future synergistic efforts between experimentalists, phenomenologists, and theorists working on studies of hadron spectroscopy and structure with the goal to connect the properties of hadrons and atomic nuclei available from data to the strong QCD dynamics underlying their emergence from QCD. These results pave the way for a future breakthrough extension in the studies of QCD with an Electron–Ion Collider in the U.S.
DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR OF METHYLENE BLUE ONE. coliK30 CAPSULAR POLYSACCHARIDE USING LAYER BY LAYER SELF-ASSEMBLY TECHNIQUE
Authors: DAS BANDANA , BAIDYA ALPANA , MAJUMDER SANTANU , NATH RANENDU KUMAR
Published: July 2020

Layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly is one of the unique methods for fabrication of ultra-thin film. This technique has immense application aross many fields in today’s life. In this paper, we have presented the fabrication of the thin film comprising of antifungal and antibacterial cationic dye methylene blue with negatively charged E. coli K30 bacterial polysaccharide sharing with PAH. The multilayers were characterized by UV–Vis absorption spectra and AFM. Various photophysical behaviors were investigated. Such studies provide a new light in the research of layer by layer self-assembly technique.
Guessing models and the approachability ideal
Authors: Mohammadpour Rahman , Veličković Boban
Published: July 2020

Starting with two supercompact cardinals we produce a generic extension of the universe in which a principle that we call [Formula: see text] holds. This principle implies [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and hence the tree property at [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], the Singular Cardinal Hypothesis, and the failure of the weak square principle [Formula: see text], for all regular [Formula: see text]. In addition, it implies that the restriction of the approachability ideal [Formula: see text] to the set of ordinals of cofinality [Formula: see text] is the nonstationary ideal on this set. The consistency of this last statement was previously shown by W. Mitchell.
Collapse Behavior of Tensegrity Barrel-Vault Structures Based on Di-Pyramid (DP) Units
Authors: Mirzaaghazadeh K. , Abedi K. , Shekastehband B.
Published: July 2020

In this study, the collapse behavior of a family of tensegrity structures, i.e. di-pyramid (DP) barrel-vaults that can offer promising solutions for civil engineering applications is analyzed. Depending on whether struts’ snap or cables’ rupture dictate the occurrence of overall collapse, two different designs are considered. The effects of geometric parameters, self-stress properties, loading type, boundary conditions and strengthening schemes on the structural behavior are discussed. It is found that the structures with symmetric and ridge loading types undergo bifurcation type instability instead of limit point which is encountered in the cases with asymmetric loading type. Constraint against lateral thrust is beneficial in improving strength and initial stiffness of the studied cases, by as much as 60% and 90%, respectively. In most cases, the rate of strength variation associated with increasing self-stress levels is quite slow, while the slackness load increases by at least 400% being the primary achievements. By using non-uniform self-stress distribution, the initial stiffness of these structures can be increased up to 240%. Increasing the rise-to-span ratio improves the initial stiffness and collapse strength of the structure significantly at the expense of expedition of cables slackness. Significant gains in collapse resistance of these structures under symmetric loading are obtained with strengthened critical struts or cables, depending on which collapse case dominates, but the initial stiffness is generally not influenced by these schemes.
On the construction of staggered linear bases
Authors: Hashemi Amir , Javanbakht Masoumeh
Published: July 2020

A staggered linear basis is a specific basis for a polynomial ideal generating the ideal as a linear vector space. There are some algorithms in the literature to compute these bases and we show that they do not work properly. In this paper, due to the strong connection between Gröbner bases and staggered linear bases and by applying a signature-based structure, we present a new and correct algorithm to compute staggered linear bases. Since the output of this algorithm also remains a Gröbner basis for its input ideal, we conclude the paper by discussing the performance of this algorithm compared with the newest signature-based algorithm to compute Gröbner bases.
A ∗-prehomomorphism of a type B semigroup
Authors: Li Chunhua , Pei Zhi , Xu Baogen
Published: July 2020

Type B semigroups are generalizations of inverse semigroups, and every inverse semigroup admits an [Formula: see text]-unitary cover (M. Petrich, Inverse Semigroups (Wiley, New York, 1984)). Motivated by studying [Formula: see text]-unitary cover for inverse semigroups, and as a continuation of Petrich’s works in inverse semigroups, in this paper, we first introduce the concept of ∗-prehomomorphism of a type B semigroup. After obtaining some basic properties, we get some structure theorems and give some conditions for a type B semigroup which is constructed by using the ∗-prehomomorphism to be proper. In particular, we introduce the notion of [Formula: see text]-unitary good cover for an abundant semigroup, and prove that every type B semigroup with compatible natural partial order admits an [Formula: see text]-unitary good cover.
Some Bianchi type-V accelerating cosmological models in f(R,T) = f1(R) + f2(T) formalism
Authors: Bhardwaj Vinod Kumar , Yadav Anil Kumar
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we have studied the transition and physical behavior of Bianchi type-V cosmological models within the formalism of [Formula: see text] gravity. To obtain the solution of field equations and phase transition of universe consistent with recent cosmological observations, time varying deceleration parameters are considered. In this paper, we used two different scale factors of the form (i) [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] are constants. Here, for [Formula: see text] the universe shows transition with accelerated expansion. (ii) [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are constants. For [Formula: see text], the universe achieves a phase transition from early decelerating to current accelerating phase. The model I initially starts with quintessence scenario ([Formula: see text]) and ends up with ([Formula: see text]) as a model with cosmological constant ([Formula: see text]) as [Formula: see text]. Model II, for [Formula: see text] indicates the phantom energy scenario and for [Formula: see text], the model starts with quintessence [Formula: see text] and ends with vacuum energy scenario. A point type singularity has been observed in the derived model I. Some physical and geometrical properties of the models have been established and discussed to derive the validity of models with respect to recent astrophysical observations.
Bandgap Properties of Two-Layered Locally Resonant Phononic Crystals
Authors: Wang Hongyun , Lee Heow Pueh , Xu Wei
Published: July 2020

Multi-layered locally resonant phononic crystals (LRPCs) with wider and multiple bandgaps (BGs) in low frequency range and small size of the unit cell have promising applications in noise and vibration controls. In this paper, a 2D two-layered ternary LRPC consisting of a periodical array of cylindrical inclusions embedded in an epoxy matrix is investigated by the finite element method (FEM), where the inclusion is comprised of two coaxial cylindrical steel cores with rubber coating. It is found that the size of the inclusion of the 2D two-layered ternary LRPC has significant effects on the BG properties. With the increase of the core radius and coating thickness, the first BG would shift to lower frequency range with its width decreasing, and the second BG width would become wider until the third BG appears. Especially, with the increase of the coating thickness, more bands and BGs would appear in the lower frequency range. Based on the formation mechanisms of the BGs, several mass-spring models to predict the frequencies of the first two BG edges are developed. The results calculated by these mass-spring models are in good agreement with those by the FEM except for the upper edge frequency of the second BG when the rubber coating thickness exceeds a certain value and the third BG is opened up. These proposed mass-spring models would allow for quick pre-estimation of the resonance frequencies, and facilitate the selection of possible parameters for the wider and lower frequency BGs to obtain the desired attenuation bands. The studies would also benefit the design of multiple BGs for some device applications.
An Analytical Solution for Chemo-Mechanical Coupled Problem in Deformable Sphere with Mass Diffusion
Authors: Wang Xing-Quan , Yang Qing-Sheng
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a thermodynamically consistent chemo-thermo-mechanical coupled constitutive relationship is developed based on the local energy conservation equation, the entropy inequality and mass conservation equation, and the constitutive relation for chemo-mechanical coupled problem was degraded when the temperature was kept constant. The governing equations of chemo-mechanical coupling model were established by combining the force balance equation with the Fick diffusion equation. Then we considered a case of a sphere with symmetrical boundary and initial conditions, and the diffusion conducted along the radial direction. Using the symmetry of the spherical structure, the chemo-mechanical coupled governing equation was simplified, and then analytically solved by the separation variable method. The analytical expressions of concentration and displacement were obtained, and the variations of stresses, concentration, displacement and chemical potential with time were deduced. The results showed that the deformation of the sphere and species diffusion was not independent, but interacts with each other. The chemical potential in the sphere could be affected by both of them.
Low Concentration Synthesis of Super-Amphiphilic Nanoflake ZSM-5 Film with Adjustable Property
Authors: Tong Fei , Gong Jie , Qin Hengfei , Jiang Jinlong , Zhang Lixiong
Published: July 2020

High silica zeolite ZSM-5/glass film was successfully synthesized by an in-situ sol–gel dip-coating process combined with the steam-assisted conversion (SAC) technique with low concentration of the synthesis solution. The resulting zeolite films grown on the glass slide show amphiphilic properties. The growing process and the effect of the concentration of SiO2 in the silica source were examined. The mechanism of the formation of the nanoflake crystals and their wetting behavior was investigated. By simply adding fluorescein in the synthesis solution during the preparation, ZSM-5 films showing luminescence property can be obtained. Furthermore, these ZSM-5 zeolite films are easily modified to exhibit hydrophobic property.
A new large embolomere from East Kirkton
Authors: Clack Jennifer A. , Smithson Timothy R.
Published: July 2020

The well-known late Mississippian/early Carboniferous locality of East Kirkton in Scotland has the earliest described fauna of terrestrial tetrapods. Seven species are now known, represented by articulated skeletons of moderate-sized animals with snout-vent length of up to 200 mm, and each is unique to East Kirkton. Here we describe the skull bones of a much larger tetrapod that closely resembles those of embolomeres from the Pennsylvanian. Although the new material is too incomplete to be named as a new species, it enhances the taxonomic diversity of the East Kirkton tetrapod fauna, predates the embolomeres from other sites in Scotland and extends the range of the group earlier into the Mississippian.
Astrochemistry During the Formation of Stars
Authors: Jørgensen Jes K. , Belloche Arnaud , Garrod Robin T.
Published: July 2020

Star-forming regions show a rich and varied chemistry, including the presence of complex organic molecules—in both the cold gas distributed on large scales and the hot regions close to young stars where protoplanetary disks arise. Recent advances in observational techniques have opened new possibilities for studying this chemistry. In particular, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array has made it possible to study astrochemistry down to Solar System–size scales while also revealing molecules of increasing variety and complexity. In this review, we discuss recent observations of the chemistry of star-forming environments, with a particular focus on complex organic molecules, taking context from the laboratory experiments and chemical models that they have stimulated. The key takeaway points include the following: ▪  The physical evolution of individual sources plays a crucial role in their inferred chemical signatures and remains an important area for observations and models to elucidate. ▪  Comparisons of the abundances measured toward different star-forming environments (high-mass versus low-mass, Galactic Center versus Galactic disk) reveal a remarkable similarity, which is an indication that the underlying chemistry is relatively independent of variations in their physical conditions. ▪  Studies of molecular isotopologues in star-forming regions provide a link with measurements in our own Solar System, and thus may shed light on the chemical similarities and differences expected in other planetary systems.
Implications of the Evolutionary Trajectory of Centromeres in the Fungal Kingdom
Authors: Guin Krishnendu , Sreekumar Lakshmi , Sanyal Kaustuv
Published: July 2020

Chromosome segregation during the cell cycle is an evolutionarily conserved, fundamental biological process. Dynamic interaction between spindle microtubules and the kinetochore complex that assembles on centromere DNA is required for faithful chromosome segregation. The first artificial minichromosome was constructed by cloning the centromere DNA of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Since then, centromeres have been identified in >60 fungal species. The DNA sequence and organization of the sequence elements are highly diverse across these fungal centromeres. In this article, we provide a comprehensive view of the evolution of fungal centromeres. Studies of this process facilitated the identification of factors influencing centromere specification, maintenance, and propagation through many generations. Additionally, we discuss the unique features and plasticity of centromeric chromatin and the involvement of centromeres in karyotype evolution. Finally, we discuss the implications of recurrent loss of RNA interference (RNAi) and/or heterochromatin components on the trajectory of the evolution of fungal centromeres and propose the centromere structure of the last common ancestor of three major fungal phyla—Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mucoromycota.
What Is the Top Quark Mass?
Authors: Hoang André H.
Published: July 2020

This review provides an overview of the conceptual issues regarding the interpretation of so-called direct top quark mass measurements, which are based on the kinematic reconstruction of top quark decay products at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). These measurements quote the top mass parameter [Formula: see text] of Monte Carlo event generators with current uncertainties of around 0.5 GeV. The problem of finding a rigorous relation between [Formula: see text] and top mass renormalization schemes defined in field theory is unresolved to date and touches perturbative as well as nonperturbative aspects and the limitations of state-of-the-art Monte Carlo event generators. I review the status of LHC top mass measurements, illustrate how conceptual limitations enter the picture, and explain a controversy that has permeated the community in the context of the interpretation problem related to [Formula: see text]. I then summarize recent advances in acquiring first principles insights and outline what else has to be understood to fully resolve the issue. I conclude with recommendations on how to deal with the interpretation problem for the time being when making top mass–dependent theoretical predictions.
Acute mitochondrial antioxidant intake improves endothelial function, antioxidant enzyme activity, and exercise tolerance in patients with peripheral artery disease
Authors: Park Song-Young , Pekas Elizabeth J. , Headid Ronald J. , Son Won-Mok , Wooden TeSean K. , Song Jiwon , Layec Gwenael , Yadav Santosh K. , Mishra Paras K. , Pipinos Iraklis I.
Published: July 2020

The results of this study reveal for the first time that acute oral intake of mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant (MitoQ, 80 mg) is effective for improving vascular endothelial function and superoxide dismutase in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Acute MitoQ intake is also effective for improving maximal walking capacity and delaying the onset of claudication in patients with PAD. These findings suggest that the acute oral intake of MitoQ-mediated improvements in vascular mitochondria play a pivotal role for improving endothelial function, the redox environment, and skeletal muscle performance in PAD.
Practice of Menstrual Hygiene and Associated Factors among Adolescent School Girls in Dang District, Nepal
Authors: Bhusal Chet Kant
Published: July 2020

Background. Menstrual hygiene management has not been sufficiently addressed in developing countries. In many Nepalese societies, menstrual practices are still surrounded by sociocultural restrictions and taboos resulting in adverse health outcomes for adolescent girls. The purpose of this study was to determine menstrual hygiene practice and sociodemographic as well as socioeconomic factors associated with good menstrual hygiene practice amongst adolescent school girls in Dang district, Nepal. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Dang district, Nepal, among 406 adolescent girls studying in grades 8, 9, and 10 between ages of 10 and 19 years from April to October 2019. Randomly 5 units were selected from a total of 10 local units. After 5 units had been decided, 10 schools consisting of 5 government and 5 private schools were selected through a disproportionate stratified random sampling technique. A further 406 students were then selected randomly from the 10 selected schools. Bivariate analysis was used primarily to assess the association between dependent and independent variables and final measure of association was odds ratio. Variables which were associated with bivariate analysis were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model to identify associated factors of menstrual hygiene practice. Results. The mean age and family size were 15.13 ± 1.19 and 5.58 ± 1.81, respectively. A total of 272 (67.0%) adolescents have good menstrual hygiene practice. Mothers and fathers with literature educational background (adjusted odds ratio = 0.52, confidence interval: 0.30–0.89 and AOR = 2.55, CI: 1.26–5.15, respectively), family size greater than or equal to 5 (AOR = 0.61, CI: 0.37–0.98), and living with relatives (AOR = 0.45, CI: 0.24–0.85) were significantly associated with good menstrual hygiene practice. Conclusions. Educational status of mother and father, family size, and living status were found to be independent associated factors of menstrual hygiene practice. In this context, this study demonstrates that administrators and policy makers should provide specific education regarding menstrual hygiene to both parents. Similarly local government needs to subsidize hygiene towels for school adolescents.
Synthesis and Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Molecular Docking Analysis of Some Novel Quinoline Derivatives
Authors: Zeleke Digafie , Eswaramoorthy Rajalakshmanan , Belay Zerihun , Melaku Yadessa
Published: July 2020

2-Chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde and 2-chloro-8-methylquinoline-3-carbaldehyde derivatives were synthesized through Vilsmeier formulation of acetanilide and N-(o-tolyl)acetamide. Aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction was used to introduce various nucleophiles in place of chlorine under different reaction conditions. The carbaldehyde group was oxidized by permanganate method and reduced with metallic sodium in methanol and ethanol. The synthesized compounds were characterized by UV-Vis, IR, and NMR. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized compounds was screened against two Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilisATCC6633 andStaphylococcus aureusATCC25923) and two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coliATCC 25922 andPseudomonas aeruginosaATCC 27853). Most of the compounds displayed potent activity against two or more bacterial strains. Among them, compounds6and15showed maximum activity againstPseudomonas aeruginosawith mean inhibition zones of 9.67 ± 1.11 and 10.00 ± 0.44 mm, respectively, while ciprofloxacin showed mean inhibition zone of 8.33 ± 0.44 mm at similar concentration. On the other hand, compound8exhibited maximum activity againstEscherichia coliwith inhibition zones of about 9.00 ± 0.55 mm at 300 μg/mL and 11.33 ± 1.11 mm at 500 μg/mL. The radical scavenging activity of these compounds was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), and all of them displayed moderate antioxidant activity, with compound7exhibiting the strongest activity. The molecular docking study of the synthesized compounds was conducted to investigate their binding pattern with DNA gyrase, all of them were found to have minimum binding energy ranging from –6.0 to –7.33 kcal/mol, and the best result was achieved with compound11. The findings of the in vitro antibacterial and molecular docking analysis demonstrated that the synthesized compounds have potential of antibacterial activity and can be further optimized to serve as lead compounds.