bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mucositis reduction with probiotics in children with cancer: a randomised-controlled feasibility study
Authors: Hassan Hadeel , Kinsey Sally , Phillips Bob
Published: June 2021

Background

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis identified a paucity of randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of probiotics to reduce or prevent mucositis and infection in children with cancer.

Objective

This study evaluated the feasibility of undertaking an RCT and investigated the efficacy of probiotics for reducing or preventing mucositis and infection in children with cancers.

Setting

The Paediatric Oncology and Haematology department at Leeds Teaching Hospital, UK.

Patients

Children aged 1 year or older, receiving chemotherapies likely to cause mucositis.

Interventions

Participants were randomised to receive the probiotic or placebo on day 1–14 of a chemotherapy cycle. Participants were also required to complete a patient diary for 21 days.

Main outcome measures

To assess whether it is feasible to recruit children diagnosed with cancer who are at risk of developing mucositis to an adequately powered RCT.

Results

Between May and November 2019, 34 out of 39 eligible participants were approached. Ten patients were recruited (4 probiotic and 6 placebo) of which 2 participants withdrew. Seven participants partially completed the diary but only two participants completed 80% or more. Eligible participants appeared to prefer giving informal verbal feedback when in direct contact with research and healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that recruitment needs to be improved prior to undertaking an adequately powered RCT.

Trial registration number

NCT03785938.
Perforated gallbladder in a parastomal hernia
Authors: Crane Jasmine , Ari Kaso , Lam Stephen , Lewis Michael
Published: June 2021

We present an 87-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with a 7-day history of severe abdominal pain at her ileostomy parastomal hernia site. Prior to presentation, her general practitioner had started her on a reducing steroid dose for suspected Crohn’s disease exacerbation. On examination, she had a distended abdomen with localised guarding and tenderness over her hernia site. A CT scan demonstrated an incarcerated perforated gallbladder within her parastomal hernia. Successful surgical management was performed involving an enterotomy, refashioning her ileostomy and an open cholecystectomy. The patient recovered well with a short postoperative stay. This report is intended as a guide for clinicians in the differential diagnoses for acute abdominal pain and an unusual presentation of a gallbladder perforation.
Marked improvement in hyperammonaemic encephalopathy from multimodal treatment of metastatic neuroendocrine tumour
Authors: Davis Alexander , Clarke Stephen , Ayesa Sally , Chan David L
Published: June 2021

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEPNETs) are a heterogenous group of tumours which are rising in incidence. Morbidity and mortality related to these tumours is dependent on the location of metastatic spread. Hyperammonaemia and subsequent encephalopathy has previously been described in GEPNET and is typically associated with a poor prognosis. We describe a case of a 55-year-old woman with hyperammonaemic encephalopathy and a new diagnosis of GEPNET. Given the poor prognosis and the outcomes in this patient group we feel this case highlights the benefit of a multimodality treatment approach including peptide receptor radionucleotide therapy and transarterial chemoembolisation.
Carbamazepine-induced delayed-onset agranulocytosis in a case of bipolar disorder with Kikuchi’s disease
Authors: Irudayaraj Cebasta , Innamuri Raviteja , Kattula Dheeraj
Published: June 2021

A 48-year-old man who is a known case of bipolar disorder was maintaining well on a combination of carbamazepine and quetiapine for 3 years until he developed fever, severe leucopenia and lymphadenopathy, along with significant loss of weight and appetite. A thorough investigation revealed Kikuchi’s disease as a likely histological diagnosis. Carbamazepine was discontinued and quetiapine was titrated for the management of psychiatric symptoms. The patient gradually made good recovery following discontinuation of carbamazepine and the diagnosis of drug-induced myelosuppression was retained. Clinicians need to be aware of the adverse effects of medications being used for long-term prophylaxis and other possible conditions that may change the course of drug effects.
Wnt signalling inhibits adipogenesis in orbital fibroblasts from patients with Graves’ orbitopathy
Authors: Jung Sang Joon , Choi Yeon Jeong , Park Tae Kwann , Woo Sang Earn , Kim Bo-Yeon , Yoon Jin Sook , Jang Sun Young
Published: June 2021

Background/Aims

To investigate the role of Wnt signalling in adipogenesis using an in vitro model of Graves’ orbitopathy (GO).

Methods

Orbital fat was obtained from patients with GO and non-GO participants for primary orbital fibroblast (OF) culture. Expression levels of Wnt5a, Wnt10b, β-catenin, phospho-β-catenin and cyclin D1 were compared between GO and non-GO OFs. These expression levels were also determined during adipogenesis of GO and non-GO OFs. The effects of a stimulator and inhibitor of Wnt signalling on adipogenesis of GO and non-GO OFs were investigated.

Results

Western blotting analysis showed significant reductions in β-catenin and cyclin D1 and significant enhancement of phospho-β-catenin in OFs from patients with GO, compared with OFs from non-GO participants (p<0.05). Expression of Wnt5a, Wnt10b, β-catenin and cyclin D1 in OFs was highest on day 0, and then gradually declined after induction of adipogenic differentiation. The expression levels of PPARγ, C/EBPα and C/EBPβ were reduced in Wnt stimulator-treated OFs in a dose-dependent manner. Oil red O staining confirmed that a stimulator of Wnt inhibited adipogenesis in GO OFs.

Conclusion

These results indicate that Wnt signalling inhibits adipogenesis in OFs from patients with GO and non-GO participants. Further studies are required to examine the potential of Wnt signalling as a target for therapeutic strategies.
Determining the effect size of aerobic exercise training on the standard lipid profile in sedentary adults with three or more metabolic syndrome factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Wood Gina , Taylor Emily , Ng Vanessa , Murrell Anna , Patil Aditya , van der Touw Tom , Sigal Ronald , Wolden Mitch , Smart Neil
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To estimate the change in the standard lipid profile (SLP) of adults diagnosed with ≥3 metabolic syndrome (MetS) factors following aerobic exercise training (AET); and to investigate whether study/intervention covariates are associated with this change.

Design

Systematic review with univariate meta-analysis and meta-regression.

Data sources

English language searches of online databases from inception until July 2020.

Eligibility criteria

(1) Published randomised controlled human trials with study population ≥10 per group; (2) sedentary adults with ≥3 MetS factors but otherwise free of chronic disease, not pregnant/lactating; (3) AET-only intervention with duration ≥12 weeks; and (4) reporting pre–post intervention SLP outcomes.

Results

Various univariate meta-analyses pooled 48 data sets of 2990 participants. Aerobic exercise training significantly (P<.001) improved all lipids (mmol/L mean difference ranges, 95% CIs): total cholesterol, –0.19 (–0.26 to –0.12) to –0.29 (−0.36 to –0.21); triglycerides, −0.17 (–0.19 to –0.14) to –0.18 (−0.24 to –0.13); high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), 0.05 (0.03 to 0.07) to 0.10 (0.05 to 0.15); and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), –0.12 (–0.16 to –0.9) to –0.20 (−0.25 to –0.14). Meta-regression showed that intensity may explain change in triglycerides and volume may explain change in HDL-C and LDL-C.

Conclusion

Aerobic exercise training positively changes the SLP of sedentary and otherwise healthy adults with ≥3 MetS factors. Adjusting AET intervention training variables may increase the effects of AET on triglycerides and HDL-C.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020151925.
Effects of physical education interventions on cognition and academic performance outcomes in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: García-Hermoso Antonio , Ramírez-Vélez Robinson , Lubans David Revalds , Izquierdo Mikel
Published: June 2021

Objective

To determine the effects of interventions aimed at optimising the quantity and quality of physical education (PE) on cognition and academic performance in children and adolescents.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Studies from electronic databases from inception to 3 January 2021 were identified.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Experimental studies that assessed the effect of quantity-based (ie, increasing the amount of curriculum time allocated to PE) or quality-based (ie, increasing students’ participation in physical activity during PE) PE interventions, or both, on changes in cognition and/or academic performance in youth (aged 5–18 years) were included.

Results

19 trials comprising 8676 youth (46.5% girls) were included. Individual quality-based PE interventions increased cognition performance (Hedges’ g=0.38, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.60;I2=83.70%), mainly in primary education settings (g=0.48, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.89;I2=90.43%). Academic performance, principally mathematics-related skills, was also increased by quality-based PE interventions (g=0.15, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.24;I2=41.75%). Among these interventions, teaching strategies favoured similar results, but without heterogeneity in the results (g=0.12, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.18;I2=0%). In contrast, quantity-based PE interventions had a very small and non-significant effect on academic performance (g=0.09, 95% CI −0.05 to 0.24; Q=11.65;I2=48.48%). Finally, there were no differences between the three PE interventions (ie, quantity, quality, and combined PE interventions) in regard to academic performance.

Conclusion

Improving the quality of PE classes may improve students’ cognition and academic performance in children and adolescents. Importantly, allocating more time for PE does not seem to compromise this performance.
Low-income neighbourhood was a key determinant of severe COVID-19 incidence during the first wave of the epidemic in Paris
Authors: Jannot Anne-Sophie , Countouris Hector , Van Straaten Alexis , Burgun Anita , Katsahian Sandrine , Rance Bastien
Published: June 2021

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that socioeconomic factors are associated with COVID-19 incidence. In this study, we analysed a broad range of socioeconomic indicators in relation to hospitalised cases in the Paris area.

Methods

We extracted 303 socioeconomic indicators from French census data for 855 residential units in Paris and assessed their association with COVID-19 hospitalisation risk.

Findings

The indicators most associated with hospitalisation risk were the third decile of population income (OR=9.10, 95% CI 4.98 to 18.39), followed by the primary residence rate (OR=5.87, 95% CI 3.46 to 10.61), rate of active workers in unskilled occupations (OR=5.04, 95% CI 3.03 to 8.85) and rate of women over 15 years old with no diploma (OR=5.04, 95% CI 3.03 to 8.85). Of note, population demographics were considerably less associated with hospitalisation risk. Among these indicators, the rate of women aged between 45 and 59 years (OR=2.17, 95% CI 1.40 to 3.44) exhibited the greatest level of association, whereas population density was not associated. Overall, 86% of COVID-19 hospitalised cases occurred within the 45% most deprived areas.

Interpretation

Studying a broad range of socioeconomic indicators using census data and hospitalisation data as a readily available and large resource can provide real-time indirect information on populations with a high incidence of COVID-19.
Healthcare workers’ (HCWs) attitudes and related factors towards COVID-19 vaccination: a rapid systematic review
Authors: Li Mei , Luo Yue , Watson Roger , Zheng Yu , Ren Jianlan , Tang Jian , Chen Yanhua
Published: June 2021

Herd immunity through vaccination is a key measure to control COVID-19 pandemic. However, vaccine hesitancy remains a public health threat, which is still common among healthcare workers (HCWs). This systematic review aimed to synthesise evidence on HCWs’ attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and analyse associated factors to provide information for vaccine policy development and practice. We searched PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and three Chinese databases for literature published on 12 February 2021. Two researchers screened the literature independently, and 13 studies were included in the systematic review. Vaccine acceptance varied widely and ranged from 27.7% to 77.3%. HCWs had positive attitudes towards future COVID-19 vaccines, while vaccine hesitancy was still common. Demographic variables such as men, older age and physicians were positive predictive factors. Women and nurses had more vaccine hesitancy. Previous influenza vaccination and self-perceived risk were facilitators. Concerns for safety, efficacy and effectiveness and distrust of the government were barriers. Influences of direct (COVID-19) patient care towards vaccination intention were less conclusive. Tailored communication strategies were needed to increase the uptake rate of COVID-19 vaccines among HCWs. More importantly, more data and information on the safety and efficacy of vaccines should be provided with transparency.
Patient delivered partner therapy for chlamydia infection is used by some general practitioners, but more support is needed to increase uptake: findings from a mixed-methods study
Authors: Goller Jane L , Coombe Jacqueline , Bittleston Helen , Bourne Christopher , Bateson Deborah , Vaisey Alaina , Tomnay Jane , O'Donnell Heather , Garret Cameryn , Estcourt Claudia S , Temple-Smith Meredith , Hocking Jane S
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) describes the giving of a prescription or antibiotics by an index case with chlamydia to their sexual partners. PDPT has been associated with higher numbers of partners receiving treatment. In Australia, general practitioners (GPs) previously expressed negative views about PDPT. Health authority guidance for PDPT has since been provided in some areas. We investigated recent use and perceptions of PDPT for chlamydia among GPs in Australia.

Methods

In 2019, we conducted an online survey comprising multiple-choice and open-ended questions to investigate GPs’ chlamydia management practices, including PDPT. Logistic regression identified factors associated with ever offering PDPT. A directed content analysis of free-text data explored GPs’ perceptions towards PDPT.

Results

The survey received responses from 323 GPs; 85.8% (n=277) answered PDPT-focused questions, providing 628 free-text comments. Over half (53.4%) reported never offering PDPT, while 36.5% sometimes and 10.1% often offered PDPT. GPs more likely to offer PDPT were aged ≥55 years (adjusted OR (AOR) 2.9, 95% CI 1.4 to 5.8), worked in non-metropolitan areas (AOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.5 to 4.4) and jurisdictions with health authority PDPT guidance (AOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4 to 3.9). Qualitative data demonstrated that many GPs recognised PDPT’s potential to treat harder to engage partners but expressed hesitancy to offer PDPT because they considered partners attending for care as best practice. GPs emphasised a case-by-case approach that considered patient and partner circumstances to determine PDPT suitability. To alleviate medicolegal concerns, many GPs indicated a need for professional and health authority guidance that PDPT is permissible. They also desired practical resources to support its use.

Conclusion

GPs appear to accept the place of PDPT as targeted to those who may otherwise not access testing or treatment. Availability of health authority guidance appears to have supported some GPs to incorporate PDPT into their practice.
What do young people in high-income countries want from STI testing services? A systematic review
Authors: Gan Joscelyn , Kularadhan Varsicka , Chow Eric P F , Fairley Christopher K , Hocking Jane S , Kong Fabian Y S , Ong Jason J
Published: June 2021

Background

There are upward trends of STI rates among young people in most high-income countries. We reviewed the literature to provide a summary of information to support health services with the aim of increasing testing of STIs among young people living in high-income countries.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review (Prospero: CRD42020179720) using PubMed, Embase, PsychINFO and CINAHL. The search was performed on 10 January 2020 for studies between January 2000 and 10 January 2020. Two reviewers independently screened articles, and any discrepancies were resolved by a third reviewer. Studies were included if they were performed in high-income countries and contained data on both young people (<26 years) and STI testing preferences. Data regarding the characteristics of STI testing services that young people preferred was extracted. We categorised these characteristics using the framework of a social-ecological model.

Results

We identified 1440 studies, and 63 studies were included in the final review. We found 32 studies that addressed individual factors, 62 studies that addressed service factors and 17 studies that addressed societal factors. At an individual level, we identified eight attributes including the need for improved sexual health education. At a service level, 14 attributes were identified including preferences from different subgroups of young people (such as sexual and ethnic minorities) for the types of services. At a societal level, we identified two attributes including the need to address stigma associated with STIs.

Conclusion

We provide an overview of the growing body of literature capturing the preferences of young people for STI testing services. To optimise the uptake of STI testing among young people, factors from all socioecological levels should be considered. In addition, understanding and accounting for distinct preferences from subgroups of young people could increase demand for STI testing services for those at greatest need.
Examining inequities in rates of undiagnosed HIV and rectal STIs in a large nationwide cohort study of sexual minority men
Authors: Rendina H Jonathon , Talan Ali , Sizemore K Marie , Tavella Nicola F , Salfas Brian , Shalhav Ore , Westmoreland Drew , Mustanski Brian , Rodríguez-Díaz Carlos E
Published: June 2021

Objective

Sexual minority men (SMM) of colour are disproportionately impacted by HIV and bacterial STIs (bSTIs). To better understand within-group heterogeneity and differential risk factors by race and ethnicity, we sought to examine rates of undiagnosed HIV and rectal bSTI at the intersection of racial and ethnic identity with other sociodemographic factors.

Methods

We examined data from 8105 SMM conducting home-based self-testing at enrolment in a nationwide cohort study collected from November 2017 to August 2018. We conducted analyses stratified by racial and ethnic groups to examine within-group (ie, subgroup) unadjusted rates of HIV and rectal bSTI infection across a range of characteristics.

Results

Rates of undiagnosed HIV were highest among Black (4.3%, n=39) and Latino (2.4%, n=38) SMM, with lower rates among those identified as multiracial (1.6%, n=15), white (1.3%, n=56) and other races (1.3%, n=6). Across the stratified analyses of HIV infection, 15 significant associations emerged showing that age, region, insurance type, sexual positioning and incarceration history had differential impacts across racial and ethnic groups. In particular, private and public insurance were protective against HIV for white but not Black and Latino SMM, and incarceration was associated with substantially higher rates of HIV infection for Black and Latino SMM relative to white SMM. We found significant co-occurrence of HIV and bSTI rates for participants who identified as Latino (OR=7.5, 95% CI 2.12 to 26.54), white (OR=3.19, 95% CI 1.14 to 8.98) and multiracial (OR=5.5, 95% CI 1.08 to 27.90), but not those who identified as Black (OR=0.82, 95% CI 0.10 to 6.56) or other races (OR=3.56 95% CI 0.31 to 40.80).

Conclusions

Stratified analyses showed differential rates of HIV infection at the intersection of racial and ethnic groups with other characteristics, particularly insurance status and incarceration history, pointing to structural inequities rather than individual behaviours underlying disproportionately high rates of HIV for Black and Latino SMM.
Electrochemical characterization of Cu(II) complexes of brain-related tau peptides
Authors: Golec Camilla , Esteves-Villanueva Jose O. , Martic Sanela
Published: June 2021

Metal ion dyshomeostasis plays an important role in diseases, including neurodegeneration. Tau protein is a known neurodegeneration biomarker, but its interactions with biologically relevant metal ions, such as Cu(II), are not fully understood. Herein, the Cu(II) complexes of four tau R peptides, based on the tau repeat domains, R1, R2, R3, and R4, were characterized by electrochemical methods, including cyclic voltammetry, square-wave voltammetry, and differential pulse voltammetry in solution under aerobic conditions. The current and potential associated with Cu(II)/(I) redox couple was modulated as a function of R peptide sequence and concentration. All R peptides coordinated Cu(II) resulting in a dramatic decrease in the current associated with free Cu(II), and the appearance of a new redox couple due to metallo–peptide complex. The metallo–peptide complexes were characterized by the irreversible redox couple at more positive potentials and slower electron-transfer rates compared with the free Cu(II). The competition binding studies between R peptides with Cu(II) indicated that the strongest binding affinity was observed for the R3 peptide, which contained 2 His and 1 Cys residues. The formation of complexes was also evaluated as a function of peptide concentration and in the presence of competing Zn(II) ions. Data indicate that all metallo–peptides remain redox active pointing to the potential importance of the interactions between tau protein with metal ions in a biological setting.
U–Pb zircon geochronology and implications of Cambrian plutonism in the Ellsworth belt, Maine
Authors: Pollock Jeffrey C. , Reusch Douglas N. , Dunning Gregory R.
Published: June 2021

The Ellsworth belt is one of several fault-bounded blocks exposed along the southeastern coast of Maine that formed within Ganderia. New ID-TIMS U–Pb geochronological data integrated with field relationships provide additional insights into the timing of magmatism and deformation in the Ellsworth belt. The deformed Lamoine Granite was selected for U–Pb zircon analysis to: (i) establish the protolith age; (ii) provide direct temporal constraints on regional low-grade metamorphism and deformation; and (iii) elucidate relationships between the Ellsworth belt and coeval rocks elsewhere in the Appalachian orogen. The Lamoine Granite was emplaced within the Ellsworth Schist at 492 ± 1.7 Ma; this is the first unequivocal evidence for a Furongian magmatic event in the Ellsworth belt. The schistosity in the Lamoine Granite is parallel to the main fabric of the host Ellsworth Schist and provides a maximum estimate for timing of the regional metamorphic overprint. Widespread deformation in the Ellsworth belt where kinematic indicators indicate a top-to-northwest sense of shear is attributed to thrusting during which progressive horizontal shortening, caused crustal thickening and peak greenschist facies metamorphism. The Cambrian U–Pb age permits correlation of the Lamoine Granite with the Cameron Road Granite in the Annidale belt of New Brunswick where subduction-related magmas intruded the Penobscot arc–back-arc and were subsequently deformed during the Penobscot Orogeny.
Analysis of Complex Network Measures for Multi-label Classification
Authors: Resende Vinícius H. , Carneiro Murillo G.
Published: June 2021

Most multi-label learning (MLL) techniques perform classification by analyzing only the physical features of the data, which means they are unable to consider high-level features, such as structural and topological ones. Consequently, they have trouble to detect the semantic meaning of the data (e.g., formation pattern). To handle this problem, a high-level framework has been recently proposed to the MLL task, in which the high-level features are extracted using the analysis of complex network measures. In this paper, we extend that work by evaluating different combinations of four complex networks measures, namely clustering coefficient, assortativity, average degree and average path length. Experiments conducted over seven real-world data sets showed that the low-level techniques often can have their predictive performance improved after being combined with high-level ones, and also demonstrated that there is no a unique measure that provides the best results, i.e., different problems may ask for different network properties in order to have their high-level patterns efficiently detected.
Study of breakup induced fusion mechanisms for 9Be+181Ta system at around barrier energies
Authors: Chetna  , Shaikh MD. Moin , Singh Pardeep , Kharab Rajesh
Published: June 2021

The excitation functions for total, complete and incomplete fusion (TF, CF and ICF) mechanisms have been investigated for 9Be + [Formula: see text]Ta system at near and above barrier energy region. The calculations are performed by employing the code FRESCO based on continuum discretized coupled channel (CDCC) method. An enhancement is observed in the TF excitation function with respect to the data when breakup couplings are taken into account. Further, the CF and ICF probabilities, defined as the ratio of CF (ICF) cross-sections to the TF cross-sections, are also calculated. The dominance of breakup induced fusion is noticed at near barrier energies.
ADSORPTION AND DECOMPOSITION OF NITROGEN OXIDES ON Al(111) SURFACE: A DENSITY FUNCTIONAL THEORY STUDY
Authors: XU CHENHONG , ZHOU SUQIN , Li YUANRUI , ZHANG CHI , WEI YUNZHE
Published: June 2021

The interaction and adsorption of NO[Formula: see text] gas molecules on the Al(111) surface were investigated by the density functional theory (DFT) method. The adsorption structures, energies, charge transfer, and density of states (DOS) of the adsorbed NO, NO2 on the Al(111) were studied. The O, O[Formula: see text]-bridge NO[Formula: see text] and the N, O-hcp NO* configurations are the most stable configurations of all the adsorption structures. The Bader charge analysis indicates that both NO2 and NO adsorption are accompanied by a back-donation from the top layer Al atoms to the adsorbates. The DOS of the adsorption structures shows that the [Formula: see text] orbitals (NO[Formula: see text] and the [Formula: see text] orbitals (NO) are available for accepting electron density. All these suggest that a strong interaction exists between the Al surface and the NO[Formula: see text]. Furthermore, NO2 decomposes into NO and O with the further dissociating into N and O on Al(111), which is thermodynamic favorable and kinetics feasible.
THE CLASSIFICATION OF TERM STRUCTURE SHAPES IN THE TWO-FACTOR VASICEK MODEL — A TOTAL POSITIVITY APPROACH
Authors: KELLER-RESSEL MARTIN
Published: June 2021

We provide a full classification of all attainable term structure shapes in the two-factor Vasicek model of interest rates. In particular, we show that the shapes normal, inverse, humped, dipped and hump-dip are always attainable. In certain parameter regimes, up to four additional shapes can be produced. Our results apply to both forward and yield curves and show that the correlation and the difference in mean-reversion speeds of the two factor processes play a key role in determining the scope of attainable shapes. The key mathematical tool is the theory of total positivity, pioneered by Samuel Karlin and others in the 1950s.
Anti-invariant Riemannian submersions from Sasakian manifolds with totally umbilical fibers
Authors: Köprülü Gizem , Şahin Bayram
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this paper is to study anti-invariant Riemannian submersions from Sasakian manifolds onto Riemannian manifolds such that characteristic vector field is vertical or horizontal vector field. We first show that any anti-invariant Riemannian submersions from Sasakian manifold is not a Riemannian submersion with totally umbilical fiber. Then we introduce anti-invariant Riemannian submersions from Sasakian manifolds with totally contact umbilical fibers. We investigate the totally contact geodesicity of fibers of such submersions. Moreover, under this condition, we investigate Ricci curvature of anti-invariant Riemannian submersions from Sasakian manifolds onto Riemannian manifolds.
Reliability Analysis of Soil Liquefaction Considering Spatial Variability of Soil Property
Authors: Wang Yubing , Shu Shuang , Wu Yongxin
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the liquefaction response of soil using the spatial variability of the shear modulus by considering different values of the coefficient of variation (COV) and the horizontal scale of fluctuation (SOF). For this purpose, a Monte Carlo simulation, combining the digital generation of a non-Gaussian random field with finite difference analyses, was utilized. Parametric studies were performed from the perspectives of the liquefaction area, excess pore water pressure (EPWP), and displacement at the ground surface. We found that a larger COV of the soil shear modulus was correlated with a slower reduction of liquefaction area and a lower EPWP ratio. To explain the influence from the perspective of the spatial distribution characteristics of the shear modulus, a deterministic model test was carried out. Additionally, it was found that the displacement history and the differential settlement at the end of shaking were regularly affected by the COV and the horizontal SOF, especially for large COV and horizontal SOF.
Thermodynamic Analysis of an Auto-Cascade Freezer Cycle at Different Loads of Evaporators
Authors: Atamtürk Ayça , Küçüka Serhan
Published: June 2021

In this study, a modified auto-cascade refrigerating cycle is proposed. The cycle includes two evaporators and one compressor, and a separator is located after the refrigerator evaporator. The vapor phase from the separator is condensed through an internal evaporator and is mixed with some amount of the liquid phase taken from the separator. The condensed liquid is sent to the freezer evaporator at low pressure. Thermodynamic properties of the mixture R290/R600a, which is a zeotropic mixture as a cycle fluid, were determined using the REFPROP database. The variation of the cycle performance and total cooling capacity is investigated by changing the ratios of refrigerator and freezer loads. The results show that the volumetric cooling capacity increases and the compressor pressure ratio decreases as the load ratio of the refrigerator increases.
Investigation of the effect of in-situ grown PPy on low frequency dielectric properties and other properties of PVA-PVP blend film
Authors: Jha Sushma , Bhavsar Vaishali , Sooraj K. P. , Ranjan Mukesh , Tripathi Deepti
Published: June 2021

Present study is carried out to understand the effect of conducting polymer, polypyrrole (PPy) on structural, morphological, thermal and dielectric properties of bio-compatible polymer blend film of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). The growth of PPy in the matrix of PVA–PVP was analyzed using XRD, FT-IR and SEM studies. The shifting in positions and broadening of XRD diffraction peaks of PVA–PVP-PPy from that of PVA–PVP indicates the structural modification and reduction in the crystallinity of the PVA–PVP due to incorporation of PPy. The SEM studies suggest scattered growth of PPy in PVA–PVP matrix at lower concentration of pyrrole monomer. As the monomer concentration is increased, the uniform and interconnected growth of PPy was observed in SEM micrographs. The TGA thermograms show faster thermal degradation of PVA–PVP- PPy films at lower temperature as compared to PVA–PVP films. The blend films of PVA–PVP- PPy exhibited enhanced values of dielectric constant and ac conductivity as compared to the virgin blend film which are observed to increase with increasing concentration of PPy. The high dielectric constant with high ac conductivity exhibited by PVA–PVP-PPy film suggests its possible application as flexible dielectric material for the development of biosensors, energy storage devices in field of green organic electronics.
Crystal structure and dielectric properties of layered perovskite-like solid solutions Bi3−x Gdx TiTaO9 (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) with high Curie temperature
Authors: Zubkov S. V.
Published: June 2021

The Aurivillius phases [Bi2O2][A[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text]] are well-known ferroelectrics with high Curie temperatures [Formula: see text]. High-temperature piezoceramics Bi[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]TiTaO9 (BGdTTa, [Formula: see text]= 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) were prepared by a solid-state reaction method. The structural and electrophysical characteristics of BGdTTa ceramics have been studied. According to the data of powder X-ray diffraction, all the compounds are single-phase with the structures of two-layer Aurivillius phases ([Formula: see text] = 2) with the orthorhombic crystal lattice (space group A21am). The temperature dependence of the relative permittivity [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] of the compounds was measured and showed that the Curie temperature [Formula: see text] of perovskite-like oxides Bi[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]TiTaO9 increases linearly with an increase in the substitution parameter [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] = 925[Formula: see text]C. The activation energies of charge carriers have been found in different temperature ranges.
A Survey on Silicon Photonics for Deep Learning
Authors: Sunny Febin P. , Taheri Ebadollah , Nikdast Mahdi , Pasricha Sudeep
Published: June 2021

Deep learning has led to unprecedented successes in solving some very difficult problems in domains such as computer vision, natural language processing, and general pattern recognition. These achievements are the culmination of decades-long research into better training techniques and deeper neural network models, as well as improvements in hardware platforms that are used to train and execute the deep neural network models. Many application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) hardware accelerators for deep learning have garnered interest in recent years due to their improved performance and energy-efficiency over conventional CPU and GPU architectures. However, these accelerators are constrained by fundamental bottlenecks due to (1) the slowdown in CMOS scaling, which has limited computational and performance-per-watt capabilities of emerging electronic processors; and (2) the use of metallic interconnects for data movement, which do not scale well and are a major cause of bandwidth, latency, and energy inefficiencies in almost every contemporary processor. Silicon photonics has emerged as a promising CMOS-compatible alternative to realize a new generation of deep learning accelerators that can use light for both communication and computation. This article surveys the landscape of silicon photonics to accelerate deep learning, with a coverage of developments across design abstractions in a bottom-up manner, to convey both the capabilities and limitations of the silicon photonics paradigm in the context of deep learning acceleration.
'Everything in the forest is the forest'
Authors: Bendor Roy , Nathan Lisa P. , Mauriello Matthew Louis , Bates Oliver
Published: June 2021

In this forum we highlight innovative thought, design, and research in the area of interaction design and sustainability, illustrating the diversity of approaches across HCI communities.
--- Roy Bendor, Editor
The labor behind the tools
Authors: Sinders Caroline , Ahmad Sana
Published: June 2021

The
Interactions
website (interactions.acm.org) hosts a stable of bloggers who share insights and observations on HCI, often challenging current practices. Each issue we'll publish selected posts from some of the leading and emerging voices in the field.
Skeletal muscle progenitors are sensitive to collagen architectural features of fibril size and cross linking
Authors: Hu Lin-Ya , Mileti Cassidy J. , Loomis Taryn , Brashear Sarah E. , Ahmad Sarah , Chellakudam Rosemary R. , Wohlgemuth Ross P. , Gionet-Gonzales Marissa A. , Leach J. Kent , Smith Lucas R.
Published: June 2021

Muscle stem cells (MuSCs) are essential for the robust regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle. However, in fibrotic environments marked by abundant collagen and altered collagen organization, the regenerative capability of MuSCs is diminished. MuSCs are sensitive to their extracellular matrix environment but their response to collagen architecture is largely unknown. The present study aimed to systematically test the effect of underlying collagen structures on MuSC functions. Collagen hydrogels were engineered with varied architectures: collagen concentration, cross linking, fibril size, and fibril alignment, and the changes were validated with second harmonic generation imaging and rheology. Proliferation and differentiation responses of primary mouse MuSCs and immortal myoblasts (C2C12s) were assessed using EdU assays and immunolabeling skeletal muscle myosin expression, respectively. Changing collagen concentration and the corresponding hydrogel stiffness did not have a significant influence on MuSC proliferation or differentiation. However, MuSC differentiation on atelocollagen gels, which do not form mature pyridinoline cross links, was increased compared with the cross-linked control. In addition, MuSCs and C2C12 myoblasts showed greater differentiation on gels with smaller collagen fibrils. Proliferation rates of C2C12 myoblasts were also higher on gels with smaller collagen fibrils, whereas MuSCs did not show a significant difference. Surprisingly, collagen alignment did not have significant effects on muscle progenitor function. This study demonstrates that MuSCs are capable of sensing their underlying extracellular matrix (ECM) structures and enhancing differentiation on substrates with less collagen cross linking or smaller collagen fibrils. Thus, in fibrotic muscle, targeting cross linking and fibril size rather than collagen expression may more effectively support MuSC-based regeneration.
Mitochondrial transplantation in cardiomyocytes: foundation, methods, and outcomes
Authors: Ali Pour Paria , Hosseinian Sina , Kheradvar Arash
Published: June 2021

Mitochondrial transplantation is emerging as a novel cellular biotherapy to alleviate mitochondrial damage and dysfunction. Mitochondria play a crucial role in establishing cellular homeostasis and providing cell with the energy necessary to accomplish its function. Owing to its endosymbiotic origin, mitochondria share many features with their bacterial ancestors. Unlike the nuclear DNA, which is packaged into nucleosomes and protected from adverse environmental effects, mitochondrial DNA are more prone to harsh environmental effects, in particular that of the reactive oxygen species. Mitochondrial damage and dysfunction are implicated in many diseases ranging from metabolic diseases to cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, among others. While it was once thought that transplantation of mitochondria would not be possible due to their semiautonomous nature and reliance on the nucleus, recent advances have shown that it is possible to transplant viable functional intact mitochondria from autologous, allogenic, and xenogeneic sources into different cell types. Moreover, current research suggests that the transplantation could positively modulate bioenergetics and improve disease outcome. Mitochondrial transplantation techniques and consequences of transplantation in cardiomyocytes are the theme of this review. We outline the different mitochondrial isolation and transfer techniques. Finally, we detail the consequences of mitochondrial transplantation in the cardiovascular system, more specifically in the context of cardiomyopathies and ischemia.
“SLC-omics” of the kidney: solute transporters along the nephron
Authors: Lewis Spencer , Chen Lihe , Raghuram Viswanathan , Khundmiri Syed J. , Chou Chung-Lin , Yang Chin-Rang , Knepper Mark A.
Published: June 2021

The fluid in the 14 distinct segments of the renal tubule undergoes sequential transport processes that gradually convert the glomerular filtrate into the final urine. The solute carrier (SLC) family of proteins is responsible for much of the transport of ions and organic molecules along the renal tubule. In addition, some SLC family proteins mediate housekeeping functions by transporting substrates for metabolism. Here, we have developed a curated list of SLC family proteins. We used the list to produce resource webpages that map these proteins and their transcripts to specific segments along the renal tubule. The data were used to highlight some interesting features of expression along the renal tubule including sex-specific expression in the proximal tubule and the role of accessory proteins (β-subunit proteins) that are thought to be important for polarized targeting in renal tubule epithelia. Also, as an example of application of the data resource, we describe the patterns of acid-base transporter expression along the renal tubule.
Reproductive and metabolic adaptation to multistressor training in women
Authors: Gifford Robert M. , O’Leary Thomas J. , Wardle Sophie L. , Double Rebecca L. , Homer Natalie Z. M. , Howie A. Forbes , Greeves Julie P. , Anderson Richard A. , Woods David R. , Reynolds Rebecca M.
Published: June 2021

We characterized reproductive endocrine adaptation to prolonged arduous multistressor training in women. We identified marked suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis function during training but found no evidence of low energy availability despite high energy requirements. Our findings suggest a complex interplay of psychological and environmental stressors with suppression of the HPG axis via activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. The neuroendocrine impact of nonexercise stressors on the HPG axis during arduous training should be considered.
Trading accuracy for speed over the course of a decision
Authors: Derosiere Gerard , Thura David , Cisek Paul , Duque Julie
Published: June 2021

Extensive research has been devoted to understanding the mechanisms allowing the regulation of the speed-accuracy tradeoff (SAT) from one context to another and from one decision to another. Here, we show that humans can voluntarily change their SAT on even shorter timescales—that is, over the course of a decision. These rapid SAT shifts are associated with dynamic adjustments in the accuracy criterion exploited for committing to a choice.
Interval-Valuedm-Polar Fuzzy Positive Implicative Ideals inBCK-Algebras
Authors: Muhiuddin G. , Al-Kadi D. , Mahboob A. , Albjedi Amjad
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the notion of interval-valuedm-polar fuzzy positive implicative ideals in BCK-algebras is presented. Then, the relationships between interval-valuedm-polar fuzzy positive implicative ideals and interval-valuedm-polar fuzzy ideals are investigated. After that, the concepts of interval-valuedm-polar∈,∈∨qκ˜-fuzzy positive implicative ideals and interval-valuedm-polar∈,∈ ∨qκ˜-fuzzy ideals are defined and some equivalent conditions are provided. Furthermore, we show that interval-valuedm-polar∈,∈ ∨qκ˜-fuzzy positive implicative ideals are interval-valuedm-polar∈,∈ ∨qκ˜-fuzzy ideals, but the converse need not be true in general and an example is given in this aim.
The Potential Role of Korean Mistletoe Extract as an Anti-Inflammatory Supplementation
Authors: Ha Soo-Min , Kim Ji-Hyeon , Kim Jong-Won , Kim Do-Yeon , Ha Min-Seong
Published: June 2021

Korean mistletoe has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions and may be a useful training supplement. We investigated the effect of Korean mistletoe extract (KME) on inflammatory markers after high-intensity exercise by 20 university male rowers (KME group vs. CON group) consuming 110 mL KME/dose (2 times a day over 8 weeks). Blood samples were collected for measurement of serum cytokine levels at baseline, immediately after exercise, and following 30 minutes of recovery. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were used as markers for inflammation. After supplementation, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were significantly lowered in the KME group than in the CON group at baseline, immediately after exercise, and following 30 minutes of recovery. KME can reduce high-strength exercise-induced increases in the levels of serum inflammatory cytokines in active individuals and improve anti-inflammatory functions.
A Causal and Correlation Analysis between China Energy Futures and China Energy‐Related Companies Stock Market
Authors: Liu Yufang , Zhang Chi , Zhang Wang
Published: June 2021

Taking the opportunity of China’s launch of Shanghai crude oil futures (INE), this study empirically examined the information transmission in this immature financial market, investigating this issue from a new perspective. To identify the impact of INE on the related stock market, we collected high‐frequency trading data of oil futures and 22 stocks owned by listed companies in the upstream and downstream of China’s oil‐related industry chains, constructed a causal chain through Directed Acyclic Graph, and used MFDCCA‐MODWT to perform multifractal analysis on the chain. Research shows that INE does have a causal relationship with the stock market of the related industry chain, and there is a multifractal correlation between its transaction time series. Subsequently, the source of fractal correlation was analysed with shuffled and surrogated sequences. We conclude that long memory plays a leading role and is the main reason for multifractal features.
On Using the Conventional and Nonconventional Measures of the Auxiliary Variable for Mean Estimation
Authors: Shabbir Javid , Gupta Sat , Onyango Ronald
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we propose an improved new class of exponential-ratio-type estimators for estimating the finite population mean using the conventional and the nonconventional measures of the auxiliary variable. Expressions for the bias and MSE are obtained under large sample approximation. Both simulation and numerical studies are conducted to validate the theoretical findings. Use of the conventional and the nonconventional measures of the auxiliary variable is very common in survey research, but we observe that this does not add much value in many of the estimators except for our proposed class of estimators.