bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The BDX-MINI detector for Light Dark Matter search at JLab
Authors: Battaglieri M. , Bisio P. , Bondí M. , Celentano A. , Cole P. L. , De Napoli M. , De Vita R. , Marsicano L. , Ottonello G. , Parodi F. , Randazzo N. , Smith E. S. , Snowden-Ifft D. , Spreafico M. , Whitlatch T. , Wood M. H.
Published: February 2021

This paper describes the design and performance of a compact detector, BDX-MINI, that incorporates all features of a concept that optimized the detection of light dark matter in the MeV-GeV mass range produced by electrons in a beam dump. It represents a reduced version of the future BDX experiment expected to run at JLAB. BDX-MINI was exposed to penetrating particles produced by a 2.176 GeV electron beam incident on the beam dump of Hall A at Jefferson Lab. The detector consists of 30.5 kg of PbWO$$_4$$

4

crystals with sufficient material following the beam dump to eliminate all known particles except neutrinos. The crystals are read out using silicon photomultipliers. Completely surrounding the detector are a passive layer of tungsten and two active scintillator veto systems, which are also read out using silicon photomultipliers. The design was validated and the performance of the robust detector was shown to be stable during a six month period during which the detector was operated with minimal access.
Implementation of Symmetric Functions Using Memristive Nanocrossbar Arrays and their Application in Cryptography
Authors: Basu Subhashree , Kule Malay , Rahaman Hafizur
Published: February 2021

VLSI technology makes the integration of multiple electronic components into a single electronic chip possible but Moore has already predicted that further miniaturization of VLSI chips will cause excess heat dissipation. Because of this impediment faced by this technology, the scientists have turned their focus to nano-technological alternatives to keep up the continuous device improvement and continue with the miniaturization procedure without facing any hurdle from the aspect of heat dissipation and space and time complexity. Memristor can be such a nano-alternative, which has the potential of very rapid execution, miniaturization and very low power consumption compared to transistor-based technology. The main objective of this paper is to show an application of symmetric function in cryptography. In order to do so, first, three-input and five-input symmetric functions are implemented in memristor-based nanocrossbar circuits. Then a dynamic circuit of symmetric functions is implemented where the input voltages convert the circuit to three-input or five-input symmetric function circuit as and when required. The simulation results show the satisfactory behavior of our proposed design.
Flat plumbing basket and contact structure
Authors: Ito Tetsuya , Tagami Keiji
Published: February 2021

A flat plumbing basket is a Seifert surface consisting of a disk and bands contained in distinct pages of the disk open book decomposition of the 3-sphere. In this paper, we examine close connections between flat plumbing baskets and the contact structure supported by the open book. As an application we give lower bounds for the flat plumbing basket numbers and determine the flat plumbing basket numbers for various knots and links, including the torus links.
Minimum Diameter of Optimally Located Damping Wire to Maximize the Fundamental Frequencies of Rotating Blade Using Timoshenko Beam Theory
Authors: Asgarikia Mehdi , Kakavand Farshad
Published: February 2021

In this study, the optimum position and minimum diameter of damping wire were investigated to maximize the fundamental frequencies of a rotating blade. The blade was modeled as an isotropic, homogenous and constant cross-sectional cantilever rotating beam. The damping wire was modeled as an intermediate elastic support. In most rotating-beam applications, such as turbine blades, the slenderness ratio is low; therefore, Timoshenko beam theory was selected to analyze the model. The optimal position and minimum stiffness of elastic support were determined to maximize the natural frequencies of the beam using the finite element method. Minimum diameter of the damping wire was calculated by determining the minimum stiffness. Parameter sensitivity analysis showed that the angular velocity of the blade has no remarkable effect on the optimal position and minimum diameter of damping wire.
Elasticity Solution for Bending and Frequency Behavior of Sandwich Cylindrical Shell with FG-CNTRC Face-Sheets and Polymer Core Under Initial Stresses
Authors: Safarpour M. , Alibeigloo A.
Published: February 2021

This paper explores the high-accuracy analysis of bending and frequency response of the sandwich cylindrical shell with functionally graded (FG) carbon nanotubes reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) face-sheets and polymeric core under the effect of initial axial stress and various mechanical loading based upon the three-dimensional theory of elasticity for various sets of boundary conditions. The sandwich structure is composed of multilayers with uniformly dispersed carbon nanotubes (CNT) in each fictitious layer of face-sheets, but its weight fraction changes layer-by-layer along the thickness direction. With the aid of compatibility conditions, the sandwich structure with three layers is modeled. Analytical bending and frequency solutions are obtained for simply supported shells. Also, the state-space based differential quadrature method (SS-DQM) is employed to determine the bending and frequency response of the sandwich cylindrical shell by considering various boundary conditions. The bending response of the sandwich cylindrical shell is obtained under the impact of various mechanical loadings. The influences of several parameters, such as initial stress and various mechanical loadings are investigated on the bending and frequency of the structures. The results of the presented study can be served as benchmarks to assess the validity of the conventional two-dimensional theory.
On strong pseudo-amenability of some Banach algebras
Authors: Sahami Amir
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we introduce a new notion of strong pseudo-amenability for Banach algebras. We study strong pseudo-amenability of some matrix algebras. Using this tool, we characterize strong pseudo-amenability of [Formula: see text], provided that [Formula: see text] is a uniformly locally finite inverse semigroup. As an application, we show that for a Brandt semigroup [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is strong pseudo-amenable if and only if [Formula: see text] is amenable and [Formula: see text] is finite. We give some examples to show the differences between strong pseudo-amenability and the other classical notions of amenability.
Exploration of Some Naturally Occurring Fungal-Derived Bioactive Molecules as Potential SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (MPro) Inhibitors ThroughIn-silicoApproach
Authors: Jana Pradip , Bhardwaj Bhagwati
Published: February 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease (MPro) is recognized as an important therapeutic target protein in the drug development for COVID-19. To date, clinical trials of many vaccine and other viral protease inhibitors (PI) are currently under investigation. Undoubtedly, there are chances of possible side effects and ineffectiveness. Thus, the search for natural bio-active molecules is of great interest that will exert antiviral activity as well as have least chances of toxicity. Fungi are considered as bio-enriched source of producing antiviral compounds. This study is focused on identifying potential fungal derived antiviral molecules with good binding affinity against SARS-CoV-2 MProusing molecular docking. Semicochliodinol B was identified as the best lead molecule with higher binding affinity ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]kcal/mol) as compared to the co-crystalized ligand ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]kcal/mol). The results of molecular docking confirm the hydrogen bond interaction of Semicochliodinol B with Glu166 and Asn142 as well as hydrophobic interactions with 20 amino acid residues of SARS-CoV-2 MPro. Semicochliodinol B also exhibited good binding affinity against SARS-CoV MProand Middle east respiratory syndrome-related corona virus (MERS-CoV MPro), suggesting its broad-spectrum activity. Druglikeness, Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME) and toxicity studies also directed that Semicochliodinol B may become a promising drug candidate and thus it can be further investigated as a potential inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 MPro.
Algebraic formulas characterizing an alternative to Guyton’s graphical analysis relevant for heart failure
Authors: Stiles Thomas W. , Morfin Rodriguez Alejandra E. , Mohiuddin Hanifa S. , Lee Hyunjin , Dalal Fazal A. , Fuertes Wesley W. , Adams Thaddeus H. , Stewart Randolph H. , Quick Christopher M.
Published: February 2021

Although Guyton’s graphical analysis of cardiac output-venous return has become a ubiquitous tool for explaining how circulatory equilibrium emerges from heart-vascular interactions, this classical model relies on a formula for venous return that contains unphysiological assumptions. Furthermore, Guyton’s graphical analysis does not predict pulmonary venous pressure, which is a critical variable for evaluating heart failure patients’ risk of pulmonary edema. Therefore, the purpose of the present work was to use a minimal closed-loop mathematical model to develop an alternative to Guyton’s analysis. Limitations inherent in Guyton’s model were addressed by 1) partitioning the cardiovascular system differently to isolate left ventricular function and lump all blood volumes together, 2) linearizing end-diastolic pressure-volume relationships to obtain algebraic solutions, and 3) treating arterial pressures as constants. This approach yielded three advances. First, variables related to morbidities associated with left ventricular failure were predicted. Second, an algebraic formula predicting left ventricular function was derived in terms of ventricular properties. Third, an algebraic formula predicting flow through the portion of the system isolated from the left ventricle was derived in terms of mechanical properties without neglecting redistribution of blood between systemic and pulmonary circulations. Although complexities were neglected, approximations necessary to obtain algebraic formulas resulted in minimal error, and predicted variables were consistent with reported values.
A clinically relevant decrease in contractile force differentially regulates control of glucocorticoid receptor translocation in mouse skeletal muscle
Authors: Dunlap Kirsten R. , Steiner Jennifer L. , Rossetti Michael L. , Kimball Scot R. , Gordon Bradley S.
Published: February 2021

Glucocorticoids induce significant skeletal muscle atrophy by activating the glucocorticoid receptor. Our work shows that muscle contractile force dictates glucocorticoid receptor nuclear translocation. We also show that blunting nuclear translocation by high force contractions coincides with the ability of muscle to mount an anabolic response characterized by increased muscle protein synthesis. This work further defines the therapeutic parameters of skeletal muscle contractions to blunt glucocorticoid-induced atrophy.
fMRI response to automatic and purposeful familiar-face processing in perceptual and nonperceptual cortical regions
Authors: Ubaldi Silvia , Fairhall Scott L.
Published: February 2021

Information is extracted from familiar faces in both automatic and active modes. Using functional MRI, we show: 1) that automatic access results in the selective activation of nonperceptual brain regions, the precuneus, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, and the anterior face patch and amygdala, demonstrating the automaticity of access to information in these regions; 2) selective increases in the activation of the lateral anterior temporal lobe and posterior superior temporal gyrus when biographic information is actively extracted.
Regulation and metabolic functions of mTORC1 and mTORC2
Authors: Szwed Angelia , Kim Eugene , Jacinto Estela
Published: February 2021

Cells metabolize nutrients for biosynthetic and bioenergetic needs to fuel growth and proliferation. The uptake of nutrients from the environment and their intracellular metabolism is a highly controlled process that involves cross talk between growth signaling and metabolic pathways. Despite constant fluctuations in nutrient availability and environmental signals, normal cells restore metabolic homeostasis to maintain cellular functions and prevent disease. A central signaling molecule that integrates growth with metabolism is the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). mTOR is a protein kinase that responds to levels of nutrients and growth signals. mTOR forms two protein complexes, mTORC1, which is sensitive to rapamycin, and mTORC2, which is not directly inhibited by this drug. Rapamycin has facilitated the discovery of the various functions of mTORC1 in metabolism. Genetic models that disrupt either mTORC1 or mTORC2 have expanded our knowledge of their cellular, tissue, as well as systemic functions in metabolism. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the regulation and functions of mTORC2, particularly in metabolism, has lagged behind. Since mTOR is an important target for cancer, aging, and other metabolism-related pathologies, understanding the distinct and overlapping regulation and functions of the two mTOR complexes is vital for the development of more effective therapeutic strategies. This review discusses the key discoveries and recent findings on the regulation and metabolic functions of the mTOR complexes. We highlight findings from cancer models but also discuss other examples of the mTOR-mediated metabolic reprogramming occurring in stem and immune cells, type 2 diabetes/obesity, neurodegenerative disorders, and aging.
Representation Theory of Groups and
D
-Modules
Authors: Nonkané Ibrahim
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we study a decomposition

D

-module structure of the polynomial ring. Then, we illustrate a geometric interpretation of the Specht polynomials. Using Brauer’s characterization, we give a partial generalization of the fact that factors of the discriminant of a finite map

π
:
spec
B
⟶
spec
A

generate the irreducible factors of the direct image of

B

under the map

π

.
A Compact Quasi-Yagi Antenna with High Gain by Employing the Bent Arms and Split-Ring Resonators
Authors: Zhou Wen-Ying , Mei Zhong-Lei , Lu Mai
Published: February 2021

A compact quasi-Yagi antenna with bent arms and split-ring resonators (SRRs) is proposed. Compared with traditional quasi-Yagi antennas employing straight arms, the resonant frequency of the proposed antenna could be always consistent with its center frequency, and there is no obvious frequency shift under the process of its miniaturization. The SRRs are adopted in the proposed compact antenna for a high gain of 6.58 dBi. The reliability verification of the proposed antenna radiation characteristics is further experimentally proved with the prototype measurement. The proposed quasi-Yagi antenna has an adjustable compact structure and low frequency offset and could be used in the precise point-to-point wireless communication environment.
Clinical Application of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Diagnosis of Intracranial Mass Lesions
Authors: Onyambu Callen Kwamboka , Wajihi Mufaddal Nuruddin , Odhiambo Alfred Otieno
Published: February 2021

Introduction. Conventional MR imaging provides highly detailed anatomic information with unrivalled soft tissue contrast making it the mainstay in the diagnosis of suspected brain lesions. Despite this, MRI alone at times cannot answer the diagnostic questions in quite a few patients. Proton MR Spectroscopy (H-MRS) provides information on the metabolic composition within an area under interrogation. By comparing the relative concentrations of specific metabolites, the neuroradiologist can deduce critical information regarding neuronal cell density and integrity, cell membrane turnover, metabolic fuel, and possible necrosis in the region of interest. This provides a biochemical picture of the underlying pathology and thus aids in the diagnosis. Methods. This was a cross-sectional comparative study. Results. Of the 63 patients examined by MRI and MRS for intracranial mass lesions, the radiologists were able to offer a single imaging diagnosis based on MRI alone in only 15 patients (23.8%) while when MRI imaging was combined with MR spectroscopy, a single imaging diagnosis was offered in 47 patients (74.6%). This was an overall statistically significant improvement. Conclusion. MRS aided the radiologist in offering a single diagnosis in high versus low-grade gliomas, high-grade gliomas versus tuberculomas, and recurrent tumours versus radiation necrosis.
Metabolic Alteration in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Mechanism of Lipid Accumulation in Well-Differentiated Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Suzuki Hideo , Kohjima Motoyuki , Tanaka Masatake , Goya Takeshi , Itoh Shinji , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Mori Masaki , Tsuda Mariko , Takahashi Motoi , Kurokawa Miho , Imoto Koji , Tashiro Shigeki , Kuwano Akifumi , Kato Masaki , Okada Seiji , Nakamuta Makoto , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: February 2021

Objective. Metabolic alteration is widely considered as one of the hallmarks of cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a unique pathological feature in which lipid accumulation is common in well-differentiated HCC and rare in poorly differentiated HCC; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Methods. Tissue samples were obtained from 103 HCC patients who had undergone hepatic resection and 12 living donors of liver transplantation. We evaluated metabolic gene expressions in cancer tissues as well as background noncancer tissues and compared the expressions by the degree of cancer differentiation and by liver disease states. Besides, the metabolomics was evaluated and integrated to gene expressions in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-HCC model mice. Results. In cancer tissues, the expression levels of enzymes related to glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), and fatty acid (FA) synthesis were increased and that of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and β-oxidation were suppressed. Same metabolic alterations were observed in noncancer tissue as the liver disease progresses from healthy liver to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and HCC. Similar alterations of metabolic genes were detected in NASH-HCC mice, which were consistent with the results of metabolomics. As the degree of cancer differentiation decreased, glycolysis and PPP were accelerated; however, FA synthesis and uptake were diminished. Conclusions. The metabolic alterations including glycolysis, PPP, TCA cycle, and β-oxidation became more prominent as liver disease progresses from normal, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, well-, moderately, and poorly differentiated HCC. FA synthesis and uptake were highest in well-differentiated HCC, which could explain the lipid accumulation.
Effect of Antifungal-Treated Host Macrophages on Candida glabrata
Authors: Li Hong-Bin , Li Na , Wen Shu-Ran , Qiang Ming-Yue , Yang Zheng-Hui , Dong Tian-Xiang , Li Yu-Ye , Kuang Yi-Qun
Published: February 2021

Objective. Candida glabrata (C. glabrata) causes infections associated with severe sepsis and high mortality. This study describes the effects of micafungin (MCF), itraconazole (ICZ), and amphotericin B (AmB) on the function of macrophages during C. glabrata infection. Methods. RAW264.1 macrophages were treated with MCF, ICZ, or AmB and then challenged with C. glabrata. Cytokines from infected macrophage supernatants and the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in macrophages were measured at different time points after phagocytosis. Results. The activity of SOD was significantly increased in RAW264.1 cells that phagocytized C. glabrata and reached a peak level at 6 hours (

P
<
0.05

). ICZ and AmB did not affect the SOD activity in cells that phagocytized C. glabrata versus that in untreated macrophage. C. glabrata stimulated macrophages to secrete cytokines. Neither ICZ nor AmB affected the secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by C. glabrata-infected macrophages. However, MCF downregulated the secretion of TNF-α by infected macrophages and reduced the SOD activity of C. glabrata compared with those in untreated controls. Conclusion. Echinocandins may increase their antifungal efficacy by altering the innate immune response of macrophages and attenuating antioxidants of this organism.
A Research on the Combined Maintenance Strategy for Production Line Equipment Based on Mixed Failure Rate
Authors: Xu Binbin , Wang Ziyue , Luo Wei , Ma Tianqi , Huang Hao
Published: February 2021

In order to improve the reliability of the production line and reduce its maintenance costs, this paper establishes preventive maintenance (PM) models of the equipment, which are classified into different levels based on mixed failure rate. The differential and targeted maintaining strategies are formulated as well. First, a method for dividing important equipment and secondary equipment of a production line based on grey interval Analytic Hierarchy Process- (AHP-) Entropy method is proposed. Next, the dynamic service age regression factor and the dynamic failure rate increasing factor are combined to establish a mixed failure rate model. Finally, for the important equipment and secondary equipment, two PM models are established with the constraint of reliability, the objective of maximum availability, and minimum maintenance cost rate to determine the optimal number of PM and cycles. Combined with an example of production line equipment, the optimal maintenance strategies for important equipment and secondary equipment are obtained. The result verified the feasibility of the model, which effectively improved the reliability of the production line equipment and reduced maintenance costs.
Empatia e conflito entre o trágico e o cômico: uma leitura de “Comédia em tom menor” de Hans Keilson
Authors: Andrade Patricia Helena Baialuna de
Published: February 2021

Hans Keilson faz parte do numeroso grupo de escritores de língua alemã que publicou entre as décadas de 1930 e 1950 obras sobre a Segunda Guerra Mundial e temas tangentes. Reconhecido tardiamente, Keilson escreveu romances, autobiografia e ensaios em que se confundem suas experiências, seu conhecimento técnico como psicanalista e a ficção. Neste artigo propomos uma leitura da novela Comédia em tom menor (Komödie in Moll), destacando a empatia como chave fundamental para leitura da obra, a focalização como expediente narrativo para alcançá-la, e a presença de elementos cômicos imiscuídos à realidade grave e por vezes trágica que é construída no conto.
DaF und digitale Medien: ein Interview mit Dietmar Rösler
Authors: Marques-Schäfer Gabriela
Published: February 2021

Der Gießener Professor und Autor der Bücher „E-Learning Fremdsprachen – eine kritische Einführung“ und „Deutsch als Fremdsprache: Eine Einführung“, Dietmar Rösler, spricht im Interview über seine Ideen zum Einsatz digitaler Medien im DaF-Unterricht und seine Erfahrungen als Hochschulprofessor mit der Digitalisierung der Lehre vor und während der Corona-Pandemie in Deutschland. Dabei skizziert er mögliche Konsequenzen aus der Krise für unterschiedliche fremdsprachliche Lehr- und Lernszenarien sowie für Veränderungen in der Aus- und Fortbildung von DaF-Lehrenden. Dietmar Rösler beschreibt in diesem Interview auch seine Zukunftsvision zu den Lehrwerken in einer zunehmenden digitalisierten Welt.
Reducing Confusion in Active Learning for Part-Of-Speech Tagging
Authors: Chaudhary Aditi , Anastasopoulos Antonios , Sheikh Zaid , Neubig Graham
Published: February 2021

Active learning (AL) uses a data selection algorithm to select useful training samples to minimize annotation cost. This is now an essential tool for building low-resource syntactic analyzers such as part-of-speech (POS) taggers. Existing AL heuristics are generally designed on the principle of selecting uncertain yet representative training instances, where annotating these instances may reduce a large number of errors. However, in an empirical study across six typologically diverse languages (German, Swedish, Galician, North Sami, Persian, and Ukrainian), we found the surprising result that even in an oracle scenario where we know the true uncertainty of predictions, these current heuristics are far from optimal. Based on this analysis, we pose the problem of AL as selecting instances that maximally reduce the confusion between particular pairs of output tags. Extensive experimentation on the aforementioned languages shows that our proposed AL strategy outperforms other AL strategies by a significant margin. We also present auxiliary results demonstrating the importance of proper calibration of models, which we ensure through cross-view training, and analysis demonstrating how our proposed strategy selects examples that more closely follow the oracle data distribution. The code is publicly released here. 1
Egyptology and Global History: Between Geocultural Power and the Crisis of Humanities
Authors: Moreno García Juan Carlos
Published: February 2021

Globalization, the decline of Western hegemony, and the rise of new political and economic actors, particularly in East Asia, are concomitant with the emergence of more encompassing historical perspectives, attentive to the achievements and historical trajectories of other regions of the world. Global history provides thus a new framework to understanding our past that challenges former views based on the cultural needs, values, and expectations of the West. This means that humanities and social sciences are subject to intense scrutiny and pressed to adapt themselves to a changing cultural, academic, and intellectual environment. However, this process is hindered by the gradual loss of their former prestige and by the increasing influence of economics in the reorganization of the educational, research, and cultural agenda according to market-oriented criteria. The result is that the mobilization of the past increasingly conforms to new strategies in which connectivity, trading, and diplomatic interests, as well as integration in dynamic flows of wealth, appear of paramount importance. Egyptology is not alien to these challenges, which will in all probability reshape its very foundations in the foreseeable future.
Convection-Permitting Regional Climate Change Simulations for Understanding Future Climate and Informing Decision-Making in Africa
Authors: Senior Catherine A. , Marsham John H. , Berthou Ségolène , Burgin Laura E. , Folwell Sonja S. , Kendon Elizabeth J. , Klein Cornelia M. , Jones Richard G. , Mittal Neha , Rowell David P. , Tomassini Lorenzo , Vischel Théo , Becker Bernd , Birch Cathryn E. , Crook Julia , Dougill Andrew J. , Finney Declan L. , Graham Richard J. , Hart Neil C. G. , Jack Christopher D. , Jackson Lawrence S. , James Rachel , Koelle Bettina , Misiani Herbert , Mwalukanga Brenda , Parker Douglas J. , Stratton Rachel A. , Taylor Christopher M. , Tucker Simon O. , Wainwright Caroline M. , Washington Richard , Willet Martin R.
Published: February 2021

Pan-Africa convection-permitting regional climate model simulations have been performed to study the impact of high resolution and the explicit representation of atmospheric moist convection on the present and future climate of Africa. These unique simulations have allowed European and African climate scientists to understand the critical role that the representation of convection plays in the ability of a contemporary climate model to capture climate and climate change, including many impact-relevant aspects such as rainfall variability and extremes. There are significant improvements in not only the small-scale characteristics of rainfall such as its intensity and diurnal cycle, but also in the large-scale circulation. Similarly, effects of explicit convection affect not only projected changes in rainfall extremes, dry spells, and high winds, but also continental-scale circulation and regional rainfall accumulations. The physics underlying such differences are in many cases expected to be relevant to all models that use parameterized convection. In some cases physical understanding of small-scale change means that we can provide regional decision-makers with new scales of information across a range of sectors. We demonstrate the potential value of these simulations both as scientific tools to increase climate process understanding and, when used with other models, for direct user applications. We describe how these ground-breaking simulations have been achieved under the U.K. Government’s Future Climate for Africa Programme. We anticipate a growing number of such simulations, which we advocate should become a routine component of climate projection, and encourage international coordination of such computationally and human-resource expensive simulations as effectively as possible.
Emotional Calibration and Salesperson Performance
Authors: Kidwell Blair , Hasford Jonathan , Turner Broderick , Hardesty David M. , Zablah Alex Ricardo
Published: February 2021

The authors propose that the emotional intelligence–sales performance link can be better understood by considering a salesperson’s confidence in how they use emotions, known as emotional self-efficacy (ESE). Four multisource studies across diverse sales industries offer evidence of the interactive effect of a salesperson’s emotional intelligence and ESE—which the authors term “emotional calibration”—on salesperson performance. They find that sales performance suffers when salespeople are either overconfident or underconfident in their emotional skills and that salespeople perform best when they are calibrated. Further, the authors demonstrate that the performance gains associated with emotional calibration (1) are attenuated when salespeople are under stress and (2) occur because emotional calibration encourages positive avoidance emotions (calmness and relaxation) among salespeople that result in improved customer rapport, but only among salespeople with relatively longer job tenures. Overall, the research highlights the critical role of ESE as an essential but neglected aspect of a salesperson’s emotional competence.
Bronchoesophageal fistula secondary to esophageal diverticulum in an adult: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Xiaolin , Jiao Hongmei , Liu Xinmin
Published: February 2021

Esophageal diverticulum with secondary bronchoesophageal fistula is a rare clinical entity that manifests as respiratory infections, coughing during eating or drinking, hemoptysis, and sometimes fatal complications. In the present study, we describe a case of bronchoesophageal fistula emanating from esophageal diverticulum in a 45-year-old man who presented with bronchiectasis. We summarize the characteristics of this rare condition based on a review of the relevant literature.
Thermodynamic analysis of triple effect ammonia–water absorption compression (hybrid) cycle
Authors: Jawahar CP
Published: February 2021

This paper presents the energy analysis of a triple effect absorption compression (hybrid) cycle employing ammonia water as working fluid. The performance parameters such as cooling capacity and coefficient of performance of the hybrid cycle is analyzed by varying the temperature of evaporator from −10 °C to 10 °C, absorber and condenser temperatures in first stage from 25 °C to 45 °C, degassing width in both the stages from 0.02 to 0.12 and is compared with the conventional triple effect absorption cycle. The results of the analysis show that the maximum cooling capacity attained in the hybrid cycle is 472.3 kW, at 10 °C evaporator temperature and first stage degassing width of 0.12. The coefficient of performance of the hybrid cycle is about 30 to 65% more than the coefficient of performance of conventional triple effect cycle.
Toward In-Depth Coverage: Testing the Effectiveness of a Single-Issue Multimedia Course for Undergraduate Public Affairs Reporting
Authors: Mourão Rachel R. , Shin Soo Young , Tunney Carin
Published: February 2021

This article details a case study testing the effectiveness of a new curriculum for undergraduate public affairs reporting. Our intervention focused on restructuring an undergraduate reporting class to focus on a single issue (schools) and introduce mapping and video, whereas control groups used the old curriculum that was print-heavy and had no specific focus. Findings revealed that the new model helped students engage with communities at a deeper level and allowed them to produce more in-depth stories, but did not increase student confidence with multimedia techniques or class satisfaction.
Implementation of pre-captured videos for remote cytological evaluation of salivary gland lesions
Authors: Archondakis Stavros , Roma Maria , Evropi Kaladelfou
Published: February 2021

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of implementing videos captured by static telecytological applications for remote cytological evaluation of fine needle aspiration specimens from salivary gland lesions.

Methods

The current study was carried out on 102 fine needle aspiration specimens from salivary gland lesions with histological confirmation (benign lesions, 11; benign neoplasms, 68; malignant neoplasms, 23), retrospectively selected from the department’s registry. Videos were transferred via file transfer protocol to password-protected accounts for remote review by three independent cytopathologists. In addition to diagnosis, reviewers commented on overall digital video quality. Contributor’s and reviewer’s diagnoses were collected, recorded and statistically evaluated.

Results

Statistical evaluation of cytological diagnoses detected no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between the diagnoses proffered on the basis of pre-captured videos and conventional slides. The overall interobserver agreement was ranging from substantial to almost perfect with κ values of 0.71–0.89.

Conclusions

Video production by static telecytology applications can be used as an alternative method for telecytological diagnosis of salivary gland fine needle aspirations. Videos of salivary gland fine needle aspirations can be used for rapid and accurate diagnosis, by diminishing turn-around times and improving the quality indices of small cytology departments. They can also be used for archiving, teleconsultation, educational and second opinion purposes, improving the performance of the already existing static telecytology stations.
Hybrid optimization design approach of asymmetric base-isolation coupling system for twin buildings
Authors: Park Wonsuk , Ok Seung-Yong
Published: February 2021

This study proposes a new configuration of asymmetric base-isolation coupling system for the vibration control of twin buildings, and also presents an efficient design method of using a hybrid optimization technique integrated with preference-based dimensionality reduction technique. The purpose of the proposed optimization approach is to guarantee the compromise optimal solution of well-balancing the mutually conflicting design objectives. In order to demonstrate the proposed approach, the adjacent 20-story twin buildings subjected to earthquake excitations were adopted as target buildings and it was verified through numerical examples that the proposed optimization technique can successfully find the optimal solution to achieve various design objectives in a balanced manner. The seismic performance was also compared with the existing different-story connection system with uniform distribution of dampers. The comparative results of the seismic performances between two systems clearly demonstrate that the proposed system can achieve great performance improvement over the existing system while maintaining balanced design preferences. Thus, it can be concluded that the proposed system can be a very effective system for the vibration control problem of the twin buildings.
SARS-CoV2, the COVID-19 Pandemic and Community Perceptions
Authors: Keene Woods Nikki , Vargas Inneké , McCray-Miller Melody , Drassen Ham Amy , Chesser Amy K.
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study was to describe knowledge and beliefs about SARS-CoV2 and COVID-19 and explore the gaps between current media coverage of health risks and what the general public knows about the virus and its outcome. A 37-question survey was developed and administered to a community collaborative group in a Midwestern state in the United States. Fifty-three participants completed the survey. When asked where participants found their information, a majority reported the internet (33.9%, n = 18/53) and radio and/or tv (28.3%, n = 15/53). Most participants showed a basic level of COVID-19 knowledge, but few could identify the 3 most frequent symptoms of COVID-19 (7.5%, n = 4/53). The results from this study highlight the continued need for increased public health communication. Educational efforts should focus on social media and internet outlets to address COVID-19 misinformation, strategies to address vaccine hesitancy, and the associated communication gap to help address related health disparities.
The Significance of Extra-Cage Bridging Bone via Radiographic Lumbar Interbody Fusion Criterion
Authors: Lee Jeongik , Lee Dong-Hoon , Jung Chan-Woo , Song Kwang-Sup
Published: February 2021

Study Design:

Prospective observational study.

Objectives:

We aimed to analysis the distributional patterns of the intra- and extra-cage bridging bone (InCBB and ExCBB) and the significance of ExCBB using suggested lumbar interbody fusion criterion.

Methods:

This study included the patients with planned single-level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. We divided bridging bone into InCBB (in void of right or left cage) and ExCBB (outside of cages; anterior, posterior, intermediate, right, or left) and graded bridging scores from 0 to 2 on postoperative 1-year computed tomography. The fusion was defined as at least having one or more graded 2 and the evaluation were conducted twice by 2 raters.

Results:

Sixty-five patients were enrolled. All values of intra- and inter-rater reliability in left InCBB, anterior, and posterior ExCBB showed good agreements (≥0.75). Both InCBBs showed similar mean bridging scores (Rt:1.43 vs Lt:1.48), and in ExCBBs, the anterior was the highest (1.43), followed by the posterior (1.14); the right and left were the lowest (0.49 and 0.52 respectively). In subjects determined as fusion (85.4%), complete bridging was observed more in ExCBB (88.8%) than in InCBB (69.9%).

Conclusions:

Given the higher bridging scores in both InCBBs and Ant. ExCBB, bone grafting is important promoting factor to increase the interbody bridging bone regardless of outside or in void of cages. Based on our suggested criterion, ExCBB has a greater proportion compared to InCBBs for determining the fusion and extra-cage bone grafting should be considered as important procedures for interbody fusion.
Cost-effectiveness of azacitidine and venetoclax in unfit patients with previously untreated acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Patel Kishan K. , Zeidan Amer M. , Shallis Rory M. , Prebet Thomas , Podoltsev Nikolai , Huntington Scott F.
Published: February 2021

The phase 3 VIALE-A trial reported that venetoclax in combination with azacitidine significantly improved response rates and overall survival compared with azacitidine alone in older, unfit patients with previously untreated acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the cost-effectiveness of azacitidine-venetoclax in this clinical setting is unknown. In this study, we constructed a partitioned survival model to compare the cost and effectiveness of azacitidine-venetoclax with azacitidine alone in previously untreated AML. Event-free and overall survival curves for each treatment strategy were derived from the VIALE-A trial using parametric survival modeling. We calculated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of azacitidine-venetoclax from a US-payer perspective. Azacitidine-venetoclax was associated with an improvement of 0.61 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) compared with azacitidine alone. However, the combination led to significantly higher lifetime health care costs (incremental cost, $159 595), resulting in an ICER of $260 343 per QALY gained. The price of venetoclax would need to decrease by 60% for azacitidine-venetoclax to be cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $150 000 per QALY. These data suggest that use of azacitidine-venetoclax for previously untreated AML patients who are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy is unlikely to be cost-effective under current pricing. Significant price reduction of venetoclax would be required to reduce the ICER to a more widely acceptable value.
Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 shedding in the respiratory tract depends on the severity of disease in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Munker Dieter , Osterman Andreas , Stubbe Hans , Muenchhoff Maximilian , Veit Tobias , Weinberger Tobias , Barnikel Michaela , Mumm Jan-Niclas , Milger Katrin , Khatamzas Elham , Klauss Sarah , Scherer Clemens , Hellmuth Johannes C. , Giessen-Jung Clemens , Zoller Michael , Herold Tobias , Stecher Stephanie , de Toni Enrico N. , Schulz Christian , Kneidinger Nikolaus , Keppler Oliver T. , Behr Jürgen , Mayerle Julia , Munker Stefan
Published: February 2021

A fraction of COVID-19 patients progress to a severe disease manifestation with respiratory failure and the necessity of mechanical ventilation. Identifying patients at risk is critical for optimised care and early therapeutic interventions. We investigated the dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) shedding relative to disease severity.

We analysed nasopharyngeal and tracheal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 in 92 patients with diagnosed COVID-19. Upon admission, standardised nasopharyngeal swab or sputum samples were collected. If patients were mechanically ventilated, endotracheal aspirate samples were additionally obtained. Viral shedding was quantified by real-time PCR detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA.

45% (41 out of 92) of COVID-19 patients had a severe disease course with the need for mechanical ventilation (severe group). At week 1, the initial viral shedding determined from nasopharyngeal swabs showed no significant difference between nonsevere and severe cases. At week 2, a difference could be observed as the viral shedding remained elevated in severely ill patients. A time-course of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and procalcitonin revealed an even more protracted inflammatory response following the delayed drop of virus shedding load in severely ill patients. A significant proportion (47.8%) of patients showed evidence of prolonged viral shedding (>17 days), which was associated with severe disease courses (73.2%).

We report that viral shedding does not differ significantly between severe and nonsevere COVID-19 cases upon admission to the hospital. Elevated SARS-CoV-2 shedding in the second week of hospitalisation, a systemic inflammatory reaction peaking between the second and third week, and prolonged viral shedding are associated with a more severe disease course.
SARS-CoV-2 early infection signature identified potential key infection mechanisms and drug targets
Authors: Li Yue , Duche Ashley , Sayer Michael R. , Roosan Don , Khalafalla Farid G. , Ostrom Rennolds S. , Totonchy Jennifer , Roosan Moom R.
Published: February 2021

Background

The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has caused devastating mortality and posed a significant threat to public health worldwide. Despite the severity of this illness and 2.3 million worldwide deaths, the disease mechanism is mostly unknown. Previous studies that characterized differential gene expression due to SARS-CoV-2 infection lacked robust validation. Although vaccines are  now available, effective treatment options are still out of reach.

Results

To characterize the transcriptional activity of SARS-CoV-2 infection, a gene signature consisting of 25 genes was generated using a publicly available RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) dataset of cultured cells infected with SARS-CoV-2. The signature estimated infection level accurately in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy and infected patients (mean 0.001 vs. 0.958; P < 0.0001). These signature genes were investigated in their ability to distinguish the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a single-cell RNA-Sequencing dataset. TNFAIP3, PPP1R15A, NFKBIA, and IFIT2 had shown bimodal gene expression in various immune cells from severely infected patients compared to healthy or moderate infection cases. Finally, this signature was assessed using the publicly available ConnectivityMap database to identify potential disease mechanisms and drug repurposing candidates. Pharmacological classes of tricyclic antidepressants, SRC-inhibitors, HDAC inhibitors, MEK inhibitors, and drugs such as atorvastatin, ibuprofen, and ketoconazole showed strong negative associations (connectivity score < − 90), highlighting the need for further evaluation of these candidates for their efficacy in treating SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusions

Thus, using the 25-gene SARS-CoV-2 infection signature, the SARS-CoV-2 infection status was captured in BALF cells, PBMCs and postmortem lung biopsies. In addition, candidate SARS-CoV-2 therapies with known safety profiles were identified. The signature genes could potentially also be used to characterize the COVID-19 disease severity in patients’ expression profiles of BALF cells.
Hyperhomocysteinemia and its relations to conventional risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in adult Nigerians: the REMAH study
Authors: Chori Babangida S. , Danladi Benjamin , Inyang Bassey A. , Okoh Michael P. , Nwegbu Maxwell M. , Alli Adewale L. , Odili Augustine N.
Published: February 2021

Background

Evidence linking homocysteine (Hcy) with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) or its risk factors are limited in a sub-Saharan black population.

Objective

We set out to evaluate the association between Hcy and hypertension and other CVD risk factors in a population of adult Nigerians.

Methods

Data of 156 adults aged 18–70 years was accessed from the North Central study site of the REmoving the MAsk on Hypertension (REMAH) study. Homocysteine, blood glucose and lipid profile in whole blood/serum were measured using standard laboratory methods. Hypertension was diagnosed if average of 5 consecutive blood pressure (BP) measurements obtained using a mercury sphygmomanometer was equal to or higher than 140 systolic and/or 90 mmHg diastolic or the individual is on antihypertensive medication. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) was defined as Hcy > 10 µmol/L.

Results

Of the 156 participants, 72 (43.5%) were hypertensive, of whom 18 had HHcy. Subjects with HHcy were significantly (p < 0.05) older (41.5 vs. 40.6yrs), had lower HDL-cholesterol (0.6 vs. 0.8 mmol/L) and higher systolic (145.5 vs. 126.0 mmHg) and diastolic BP (92.9 vs. 79.6 mmHg), compared to those without HHcy. Intake of alcohol and a 1 yr increase in age were respectively and significantly (p < 0.05) associated with a 1.54 and 0.10 µmol/L increase in Hcy. In a multivariable model adjusted for age, sex and body mass index, a 1 µmol/L increase in Hcy, was associated with a 1.69 mmHg and 1.34 mmHg increase in systolic and diastolic pressure (p < 0.0001) respectively; and a 0.01 mmol/L decrease in HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

HHcy occurs among hypertensive Nigerians and it is independently associated with age, HDL-cholesterol, systolic and diastolic BP.