bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiotherapists’ and physiotherapy students’ attitudes and beliefs about working with people with dementia: a mixed methods systematic review protocol
Authors: Quick Stephen M. , Snowdon David A. , Lawler Katherine , McGinley Jennifer L. , Soh Sze-Ee , Callisaya Michele L.
Published: March 2021

Objective:

The objective of this review is to explore the attitudes and beliefs of physiotherapists and physiotherapy students working with people with dementia. A second objective is to explore their knowledge and confidence in this area.

Introduction:

Dementia is a leading cause of disability. It poses a challenge to individuals and health systems due to the complex nature of its presentation. With a growing body of evidence supporting physiotherapists’ role in the care of people with dementia, it is important to understand their knowledge, confidence, attitudes, and beliefs in managing this role.

Inclusion criteria:

The review will consider quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies that include physiotherapists and physiotherapy students who have worked or had a clinical placement in any setting where people with dementia might access physiotherapy care. Studies investigating one or more of the following topics will be included: knowledge, confidence, attitudes, and beliefs about working with people with any type of dementia.

Methods:

MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Embase (Ovid), Emcare, PsycINFO (Ovid), Scopus, Web of Science, Informit, ERIC (ProQuest), ProQuest Dissertations, and Google Scholar will be searched without a date limit for studies published in English. All study types will be screened for inclusion and critically appraised for methodological quality by two independent reviewers. Methodological quality will be assessed using the appropriate JBI critical appraisal checklist for each study type. Data will be extracted using standardized JBI tools for mixed methods systematic reviews. A convergent integrated approach to synthesis and integration will be used.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42020181845
Use of mHealth apps by nurses in the management of chronic wounds: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Vaughan Grainne , Prizeman Geraldine , Eustace-Cook Jessica , Byrne Gobnait
Published: March 2021

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to explore the existing literature related to nurses’ use of mHealth apps in the management of chronic wounds and chart if and how these apps are being evaluated.

Introduction:

mHealth technology is increasingly used within health care facilities. There is now a variety of wound care apps available to support nurses delivering wound care. These promise many benefits, but little is known about their use.

Inclusion criteria:

Studies involving nurses of all grades, in all clinical settings using mHealth apps in the care and management of chronic wounds will be included. Criteria used to evaluate these apps will also be considered. The context will be all primary care, hospital, and community settings, which includes general practice, nurse-led clinics, public health services, nursing and care homes, and all hospital settings. There will be no limit on the geographical setting of the research. All studies and reports that focus on qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods will be included, as will text and opinion papers and published gray literature.

Methods:

An initial search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Embase will be undertaken to identify index terms. This will be followed by an analysis of the text words contained in the title. A search of commercial app stores (eg, Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store) will not be carried out. A data extraction form will be used and piloted on the first 10 articles. Results will be reported in tabular form and presented in a PRISMA flow diagram.
Lubrication and Fluid Film Study on the Vane Tip in a Vane Pump Hydraulic Transmission Considering a Fluid and Structure Interaction
Authors: Wang Feng , Sun Zhenxing , Fiebig Wieslaw , Xu Bing , Stelson Kim A.
Published: March 2021

A mathematical modeling approach to determine fluid film thickness on the vane tip in a vane pump transmission is developed. The transmission is based on a double-acting vane pump with an additional output shaft coupled to a floating ring. Owing to the floating ring design, the internal viscous friction helps to drive the output shaft, whereas the friction is turned into heat in a conventional vane pump. To study the mechanical efficiency, it is crucial to investigate the fluid film thickness between the vane tip and the ring inner surface. The modeling approach in this study takes the interactions between vane radial motion and chamber pressure dynamics into consideration, without using a computational fluid dynamics approach. The lubrication on the vane tip is considered as elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication and the fluid film thickness calculation is based on the Hooke lubrication diagram. Results show that the developed simulation model is capable of revealing the fluid film thickness change and vane radial motion in different operation regions. Sensitivity studies of several parameters on the minimum fluid film thickness are also presented.
The Effect of Heating Duration on the Quantitative Estimation of Defect Depth Using Sonic Infrared Imaging
Authors: Obeidat Omar , Yu Qiuye , Favro Lawrence , Han Xiaoyan
Published: March 2021

Sonic infrared (SIR) imaging is an original hybrid nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technique that has seen rapid acceptance in the industry. A single-tone ultrasonic wave in the 15–40 kHz range is induced to the specimen under inspection through a high-power ultrasonic plastic welder. Heating duration is equal to the ultrasonic excitation duration. In a previous article, an analytical model for depth profiling using SIR NDE was presented. According to the proposed model, material thermal properties, defect size and ultrasonic excitation duration influence defect characterization and contribute to the total temperature-time curves. In this paper, heating duration effect on the quantitative estimation of flaws using sonic infrared nondestructive evaluation was investigated.
Adaptation to Athletic Retirement and Perceptions About Aging: A Qualitative Study of Retired Olympic Athletes
Authors: Silver Michelle Pannor
Published: March 2021

Self-perceptions about aging have implications for health and well-being; however, less is known about how these perceptions influence adaptation to major life transitions. The goal of this study was to examine how high-performance athletes’ perceptions about aging influenced their adaptation to athletic retirement. In-depth interviews conducted with 24 retired Olympic athletes using thematic analysis yielded three key themes: (a) perceptions about aging influenced participants’ postretirement exercise habits, (b) perceptions about aging motivated participants to engage in civic activities, and (c) participants who lacked formative perceptions about aging associated their athletic retirement with their own lost sense of purpose. These findings provide evidence that perceptions about aging influence athletes’ adaptation to retirement by directing their subsequent engagement in postretirement activities. Furthermore, this research highlights theoretical implications for the literature regarding embodied processes, retirement transitions, role models, and adaptation to new physical states.
Evaluation of the Roche cobas MTB and MTB-RIF/INH Assays in Samples from Germany and Sierra Leone
Authors: Nadarajan Darshaalini , Hillemann Doris , Kamara Rashidatu , Foray Lynda , Conteh Ousman S. , Merker Matthias , Niemann Stefan , Lau Jasmine , Njoya Merlin , Kranzer Katharina , Somoskovi Akos , Maurer Florian P.
Published: March 2021

The cobas MTB and MTB-RIF/INH assays allow for detection of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBC) nucleic acid and rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) resistance-associated mutations in an automated, high-throughput workflow. In this study, we evaluated the performance of these assays, employing samples from settings of low and high tuberculosis (TB) burdens.
Temporal effect of acupuncture on amino acid neurotransmitters in rats with acute cerebral ischaemia
Authors: Liu Jing , Wu Yuan-Yuan , Yu Xiao-lei , Jia Hong-Yang , Mao Qun-Yan , Fang Jian-Qiao
Published: March 2021

Background:

Acupuncture stimulation at GV26 during the acute phase of cerebral ischaemia can effectively reduce brain damage induced by ischaemic injury. However, the time course of the effects of acupuncture stimulation has not yet been thoroughly studied.

Objective:

To investigate the effects of manual acupuncture (MA) on glutamic acid (Glu) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) expression in the cerebrospinal fluid of rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and determine whether there is a temporal effect of acupuncture on the treatment of cerebral ischaemia.

Methods:

We performed thread occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery in rats to establish an animal model of MCAO. Simultaneously, during acupuncture treatment, microdialysis was used to continuously and dynamically observe immediate alterations in amino acid metabolism with acupuncture stimulation after cerebral ischaemia in vivo in this rat model of MCAO.

Results:

We found that, in comparison with an untreated MCAO group, Glu content was significantly decreased during the first acupuncture stimulation and during the course of the acupuncture treatment in the MCAO+MA group (MCAO vs MCAO+MA: day 1, P=0.032; day 2, P=0.021; day 3, P=0.017). These findings were also seen after the end of treatment when acupuncture was no longer applied (MCAO vs MCAO+MA: day 7, P=0.009). Measurements of GABA content following cerebral ischaemic injury showed that GABA peaks 24 hours after damage, falls thereafter and decreases to baseline levels on day 7. In the MCAO+MA group, GABA content on days 1 to day 2 was lower than in the MCAO group (MCAO+MA vs MCAO: day 1, P=0.003; day 2, P=0.001), although it was higher than in the control group (MCAO+MA vs control: day 1, P=0.024; day 2, P=0.009). GABA content on day 3 and day 7 was higher in the MCAO+MA group than in the MCAO group and the control group (MCAO+MA vs MCAO: day 3, P=0.008; day 7, P=0.013; MCAO+MA vs control: day 3, P=0.002; day 7, P=0.009).

Conclusion:

Acupuncture stimulation at GV26 can effectively decrease excessive release of Glu induced by ischaemia and maintain the endogenous inhibitory activity of GABA. This phenomenon was seen during the entire course of acupuncture treatment and continued for some time after the end of acupuncture treatment.
Effect of moxibustion on the expression of GDNF and its receptor GFRα3 in the colon and spinal cord of rats with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Qi Qin , Wu Huangan , Jin Xiaoming , Jin Duiyin , Wang Yuanyuan , wang Cun , Liu Yanan , Wang Xiaomei
Published: March 2021

Background:

Moxibustion treatment has been found to ameliorate clinical symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhoea and constipation in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Herein we investigated the mechanisms underlying the use of moxibustion in a rat model of IBS.

Methods:

In our study, an IBS model was established in rats by colorectal distension (CRD) stimulus and mustard oil enema. The rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group, mild moxibustion group, electroacupuncture group, probiotic group and dicetel group. Abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores were determined within 90 min of the last treatment. The expression of GDNF/GFRα3 protein and mRNA in the colon and spinal cord were detected by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time-PCR, respectively.

Results:

The IBS model rats had significantly higher AWR scores than the normal group ( P<0.01). After mild moxibustion treatment, the AWR score was significantly reduced (20 mm Hg, P<0.05; 40 mm Hg, 60 mm Hg and 80 mm Hg, P<0.01). The model group showed significantly more colonic glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF/GFRα3 (GDNF family receptor α3) protein and mRNA expression in the colon and spinal cord than the normal group ( P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of GDNF/GFRα3 protein and mRNA in the colon and spinal cord of the rats were significantly decreased in the mild moxibustion group (colon: GDNF and GFRα3 protein, P<0.01; GDNF and GFRα3 mRNA, P<0.01; spinal cord: GDNF and GFRα3 protein, P<0.01; GDNF mRNA, P<0.05, GFRα3 mRNA, P<0.01).

Conclusions:

Our data suggest that moxibustion therapy may mitigate CRD-induced increases in the expression of GDNF and its receptor GFRα3 in the colon and spinal cord in a rat model of IBS.
Acupuncture promotes expression of Hsp84/86 and delays brain ageing in SAMP8 mice
Authors: Chang Shichen , Guo Xuanyang , Li Guomin , Zhang Xuezhu , Li Jing , Jia Yujie , Nie Kun
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To study the effects of acupuncture on expression of heat shock protein (Hsp) 84 and 86, and brain ageing, in the senescence accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) model of Alzheimer’s disease.

Methods:

7-month-old male senescence resistant mouse strain 1 (SAMR1) and SAMP8 mice were assigned to the following groups, with 15 animals in each group: SAMR1 control (Rc), SAMP8 control (Pc), SAMP8 acupuncture (Pa), SAMP8 sham-acupuncture (Psa). The Pa group was given acupuncture treatment once daily for 15 days. Neuromuscular coordination and cognitive function of the mice were evaluated by the tightrope test and Morris water maze test, respectively. The number of neurons in the CA1, CA3 and dentate gyrus (DG) regions of the hippocampus were measured. The levels of oxidative stress and protein carbonyl, mRNA and protein expression levels of Hsp84 and Hsp86 in the hippocampus were detected.

Results:

Compared with the Rc group, in the Pc mice there was a lower success rate for the tightrope test, impaired cognitive abilities, a decline in neuron numbers, reduced levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), increased levels of superoxide anion and protein carbonyl, and decreased mRNA and protein levels of Hsp84 and Hsp86 (all P<0.05). After acupuncture treatment, the success rate for the tightrope test was elevated, cognitive function was improved, neuron numbers were enhanced, levels of SOD and GSH-Px were increased, levels of superoxide anion and protein carbonyl were decreased, and Hsp84 and Hsp86 mRNA and protein expression were increased in the Pa mice when compared with the Pc and Psa groups (all P<0.05).

Conclusion:

Acupuncture may delay brain ageing in SAMP8 mice by reducing oxidative protein damage and promoting Hsp84 and Hsp86 expression.
Chronic intercostal neuralgia after placement of right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit with prosthetic valve
Authors: Chau Destiny F , Fontenot Eudice E , Schmitz Michael L
Published: March 2021

Adults with congenital heart disease often have complex medical issues requiring individualised multidisciplinary care for optimising outcomes and quality of life. Chronic pain is an example. We report a rare case of intercostal neuralgia seemingly caused by irritation from a prosthetic valve in a right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit in a patient with tetralogy of Fallot. Intercostal neuralgia is a painful disorder linked to nerve irritation or injury from trauma, infection or pressure. Although chronic postsurgical pain after cardiac surgery is prevalent, rarely the aetiology relates to valve irritation on a single intercostal nerve. After failing pharmacological therapy for 8 months, the neuralgia completely resolved after an ultrasound-guided neurolytic block with long-term effectiveness and improvement in patient satisfaction.
Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome in a young patient with the involvement of gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts: an unusual and rare presentation
Authors: Shaikh Oseen Hajilal , Kumbhar Uday Shamrao , Jain Ankit , Chakkalakkoombil Sunitha Vellathussery
Published: March 2021

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare congenital disorder characterised by capillary and venous malformations and soft-tissue hypertrophy with or without lymphatic malformation. The involvement of the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary tract is uncommon in KTS. We present a case of a young adult who presented to us with bleeding per rectum and varicosities of the left lower limb. The patient was evaluated and diagnosed to have KTS. The patient was managed conservatively. To best of our knowledge, this is the first case report in literature where KTS was associated with atypical varicose veins of the left lower limb with mild hypertrophy of the lower limb, localised hypertrophy of the right gluteal region with involvement of pelvis, rectum, bladder and seminal vesicle.
Operative treatment of multiple costochondral dislocations in a patient with severe rib fractures and a flail chest following trauma
Authors: Prins Jonne T H , Wijffels Mathieu M E
Published: March 2021

A 73-year-old male patient underwent operative treatment for dislocation of multiple costochondral junctions alongside multiple bony rib fractures and a flail chest following high-energy trauma. During the operative fixation of the flail chest, the costochondral lesions were surgically stabilised with plates and screws, which were fixated on the osseous anterior rib, sternum or the rib cartilage. The patient experienced no pulmonary complications during the primary admission. At 7 months after the trauma, the chest CT scan showed full consolidation of all fixated rib fractures, including the costochondral lesions, without hardware dislocation or complications. The patient did not require any pain medication and had no pain during daily activities, at rest or at night. Although being a biomechanically demanding region, which is often not defined in current rib fracture classification, operative treatment of costochondral lesions is feasible with outcome similar to the treatment of bony rib fractures.
Treatment of unexplained coma and hypokinetic-rigid syndrome in a patient with COVID-19
Authors: Roy Devjit , Song Justin , Awad Nirvana , Zamudio Paul
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a devastating blow to healthcare systems globally. Approximately 3.2% of patients infected with COVID-19 require invasive ventilation during the course of the illness. Within this population, 25% of patients are affected with neurological manifestations. Among those who are affected by severe neurological manifestations, some may have acute cerebrovascular complications (5%), impaired consciousness (15%) or exhibit skeletal muscle hypokinesis (20%). The cause of the severe cognitive impairment and hypokinesis is unknown at this time. Potential causes include COVID-19 viral encephalopathy, toxic metabolic encephalopathy, post-intensive care unit syndrome and cerebrovascular pathology. We present a case of a 60 year old patient who sustained a prolonged hospitalization with COVID-19, had a cerebrovascular event and developed a persistent unexplained encephalopathy along with a hypokinetic state. He was treated successfully with modafinil and carbidopa/levodopa showing clinical improvement within 3–7 days and ultimately was able to successfully discharge home.
Bilateral thalamic lesion presenting as Broca’s type subcortical aphasia in cerebral venous thrombosis: index case report
Authors: Das Shambaditya , Dubey Souvik , Pandit Alak , Ray Biman Kanti
Published: March 2021

A 35-year-old man with a history of multiple substances abuse (alcohol, tobacco and cannabis) presented with acute, severe, holocranial headache associated with nausea and few episodes of vomiting followed by acute onset Broca-type aphasia with intact comprehension from next day, without any other focal neurodeficits, seizure or altered sensorium. Neurological examination was marked by Broca-type aphasia and failure in convergence reaction bilaterally, rest unremarkable. Brain imaging revealed lesions in bilateral thalamus, while magnetic resonance venography showed multiple flow voids in posterior part of superior sagittal sinus and bilateral transverse sinus. A diagnosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis was made. Subsequent investigations revealed decreased levels of protein C, protein S and antithrombin III. The patient was started on anticoagulation to which his headache and aphasia recovered completely after 8 and 12 days of therapy, respectively. He is being continued on anticoagulation and is following-up with us for past 4 months uneventfully.
Compartment syndrome: a rare complication following laparoscopic colorectal surgery
Authors: Crane Jasmine , Seebah Kevin , Morrow Darren , Pal Atanu
Published: March 2021

We present a 71-year-old man who developed left calf pain after an elective laparoscopic assisted anterior resection. A clinical picture with a raised creatine kinase and negative Doppler ultrasound was suggestive of compartment syndrome. Successful surgical management was performed with two incisional fasciotomies to release all four compartments of the left leg. The patient recovered well postoperatively. The lateral incision was closed primarily while the medial incision required vacuum-assisted closure dressings and healed by secondary intention. Neither wound required skin grafts. The patient recovered well but had an extended hospital stay due to extensive physiotherapy requirements and mild foot drop. This report is intended as a guide for clinicians when considering differentials in calf pain following surgery and to keep in mind the small risk of developing compartment syndrome after pelvic surgery.
Case of WPW and anomalous right coronary in a teenager with cardiac symptoms
Authors: Albrecht Nathan , Mckenzie Keore , Ferns Sunita
Published: March 2021

A 17-year-old African-American man was being followed for palpitations and chest pain. CT angiography revealed an anomalous right coronary artery from the left coronary sinus and he underwent unroofing of the right coronary ostium. There was a manifest pre-excitation on postoperative ECGs, and review of prior ECGs at initial presentation showed subtle pre-excitation suggesting a left lateral pathway. An electrophysiology study revealed easily inducible supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and rapid anterograde conduction via the pathway which was successfully ablated. Eight months postablation, the patient remains asymptomatic with no evidence of pre-excitation on ECG.
Protective/reparative cytokines are suppressed at high injury severity in human trauma
Authors: Cai Jinman , McKinley Todd , Billiar Isabel , Zenati Mazen S , Gaski Greg , Vodovotz Yoram , Gruen Danielle S , Billiar Timothy R , Namas Rami A
Published: March 2021

Background

Trauma elicits a complex inflammatory response that, among multiple presenting factors, is greatly impacted by the magnitude of injury severity. Herein, we compared the changes in circulating levels of mediators with known proinflammatory roles to those with known protective/reparative actions as a function of injury severity in injured humans.

Methods

Clinical and biobank data were obtained from 472 (trauma database-1 (TD-1), University of Pittsburgh) and 89 (trauma database-2 (TD-2), Indiana University) trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and who survived to discharge. Injury severity was estimated based on the Injury Severity Score (ISS), and this was used as both a continuous variable and for the purpose of grouping patients into severity-based cohorts. Samples within the first 24 hours were obtained from all patients and then daily up to day 7 postinjury in TD-1. Sixteen cytokines were assayed using Luminex and were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (p<0.05).

Results

Patients with higher ISSs had longer ICU and hospital stays, days on mechanical ventilation and higher rates of nosocomial infection when compared with the mild and moderate groups. Time course analysis and correlations with ISS showed that 11 inflammatory mediators correlated positively with injury severity, consistent with previous reports. However, five mediators (interleukin (IL)-9, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23 and IL-17E/25) were suppressed in patients with high ISS and inversely correlated with ISS.

Discussion

These findings suggest that severe injury is associated with a suppression of a subset of cytokines known to be involved in tissue protection and regeneration (IL-9, IL-22 and IL-17E/25) and lymphocyte differentiation (IL-21 and IL-23), which in turn correlates with adverse clinical outcomes. Thus, patterns of proinflammatory versus protective/reparative mediators diverge with increasing ISS.
Black-hole solution in nonlinear electrodynamics with the maximum allowable symmetries
Authors: Amirabi Z. , Mazharimousavi S. Habib
Published: March 2021

The nonlinear Maxwell Lagrangian preserving both conformal and SO(2) duality-rotation invariance has been introduced very recently. Here, in the context of Einstein’s theory of gravity minimally coupled with this nonlinear electrodynamics, we obtain a black hole solution which is the Reissner–Nordström black hole with one additional parameter that is coming from the nonlinear theory. We employ the causality and unitarity principles to identify an upper bound for this free parameter. The effects of this parameter on the physical properties of the black hole solution are investigated.
An Integrated Response-Surface-Based Method for Simulation Optimization with Correlated Outputs
Authors: Chang Kuo-Hao , Yang Hui-Yu , Cuckler Robert
Published: March 2021

While nearly all previous algorithms designed to solve simulation optimization problems have treated the outputs of simulation systems at a given design point (input parameter) as being independent of each other, this premise is flawed in that simulated outputs are generally correlated. We propose a decorrelation (DC) procedure that can effectively evaluate and remove the correlation of outputs of a simulation system. The proposed DC procedure is further integrated with STRONG, an improved framework of the well-known Response Surface Methodology (RSM), for tackling the simulation optimization problems with correlated outputs. This integration is particularly synergistic due to the fact that STRONG is a fully automated, response-surface-based procedure possessing appealing convergence properties and DC can take advantage of the concept of trust region as in STRONG to enable the removal of the correlation of outputs at the design points within the same trust region all at once. This is more efficient compared to the traditional approaches where a substantial number of observations are typically required for dealing with correlations. The resulting integrated method, which we call STRONG-DC, requires various adaptations so as to ensure the efficacy and efficiency of the overall framework. STRONG-DC preserves the desirable automation and convergence as STRONG, namely, it does not require human involvements and can be proved to achieve the truly optimal solution(s) with probability one (w.p.1) under reasonable conditions. Moreover, the effectiveness and efficiency of STRONG-DC are evaluated through extensive numerical analyses, along with a case study involving the well-known newsvendor problem.
Individual-based Markov model of virus diffusion: Comparison with COVID-19 incubation period, serial interval and regional time series
Authors: Flandoli Franco , La Fauci Eleonora , Riva Martina
Published: March 2021

A Markov chain individual-based model for virus diffusion is investigated. Both the virus growth within an individual and the complexity of the contagion within a population are taken into account. A careful work of parameter choice is performed. The model captures very well the statistical variability of quantities like the incubation period, the serial interval and the time series of infected people in Tuscany towns.
Space of quantum states built over metrics of fixed signature
Authors: Okołów Andrzej
Published: March 2021

We construct a space of quantum states and an algebra of quantum observables, over the set of all metrics of arbitrary but fixed signature, defined on a manifold. The construction is diffeomorphism invariant, and unique up to natural isomorphisms.
Some New Concepts on Int-Soft Ideals in Ordered Semigroups
Authors: Muhiuddina G. , Alenzea Ebtehaj N. , Mahboobb Ahsan , Al-Masarwahc Anas
Published: March 2021

In the present paper, we introduce some new notions on ordered semigroup. In fact, notion of a convex soft set in an ordered semigroup is introduced, and its basic properties are investigated. Moreover, we consider a characterization of a convex soft set. Furthermore, relations between a convex soft set and an int-soft [Formula: see text]-ideal (or, int-soft [Formula: see text]-ideal) are studied. Finally, int-soft [Formula: see text]-ideals (or, int-soft [Formula: see text]-ideals) generated by an ordered soft point are established.
Fuzzy Autoregressive Time Series Model Based on Symmetry Triangular Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Efendi Riswan , Imandari Adhe N. , Rahmadhani Yusnita , Suhartono  , Samsudin Noor A. , Arbai Nureize , Deris Mustafa M.
Published: March 2021

The symmetry triangular fuzzy number has been developed to build fuzzy autoregressive models by using various approaches such as low-high data, integer number, measurement error, and standard deviation data. However, most of these approaches are not simulated and compared between ordinary least square and fuzzy optimization in parameter estimation. In this paper, we are interested in implementation of measurement error and standard deviation data in construction symmetry triangular fuzzy numbers. Additionally, both types of triangular fuzzy numbers are deployed to build a fuzzy autoregressive model, especially the second order. The simulation result showed that the fuzzy autoregressive model produced the smaller mean square error and average width if compared with the ordinary autoregressive model. In the implementation, the high accuracy was also achieved by the fuzzy autoregressive model in consumer goods stock prediction. From the simulation and implementation, the proposed fuzzy autoregressive model is a competent approach for upper and lower forecasts.
Strong collapse and persistent homology
Authors: Boissonnat Jean-Daniel , Pritam Siddharth , Pareek Divyansh
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we introduce a fast and memory efficient approach to compute the Persistent Homology (PH) of a sequence of simplicial complexes. The basic idea is to simplify the complexes of the input sequence by using strong collapses, as introduced by Barmak and Miniam [DCG (2012)], and to compute the PH of an induced sequence of reduced simplicial complexes that has the same PH as the initial one. Our approach has several salient features that distinguishes it from previous work. It is not limited to filtrations (i.e. sequences of nested simplicial subcomplexes) but works for other types of sequences like towers and zigzags. To strong collapse a simplicial complex, we only need to store the maximal simplices of the complex, not the full set of all its simplices, which saves a lot of space and time. Moreover, the complexes in the sequence can be strong collapsed independently and in parallel.

We also focus on the problem of computing persistent homology of a flag tower, i.e. a sequence of flag complexes connected by simplicial maps. We show that if we restrict the class of simplicial complexes to flag complexes, we can achieve decisive improvement in terms of time and space complexities with respect to previous work. Moreover we can strong collapse a flag complex knowing only its 1-skeleton and the resulting complex is also a flag complex. When we strong collapse the complexes in a flag tower, we obtain a reduced sequence that is also a flag tower we call the core flag tower. We then convert the core flag tower to an equivalent filtration to compute its PH. Here again, we only use the 1-skeletons of the complexes. The resulting method is simple and extremely efficient. As a result and as demonstrated by numerous experiments on publicly available data sets, our approach is extremely fast and memory efficient in practice. Finally, we can compromise between precision and time by choosing the number of simplicial complexes of the sequence we strong collapse.
Depth perception on fundus images using a single-channel stereomicroscopy
Authors: Radfar Edalat , Yu Hyunseon , Ho Tien Son , Choi Seung Ho , Jung Byungjo
Published: March 2021

Typical fundus photography produces a two-dimensional image. This makes it difficult to observe the microvascular and neural abnormalities, because the depth of the image is missing. To provide depth appreciation, we develop a single-channel stereoscopic fundus video imaging system based on a rotating refractor. With respect to the pupil center, the rotating refractor laterally displaces the optical path and the illumination. This allows standard monocular fundus cameras to generate stereo-parallax and image disparity through sequential image acquisition. We optimize our imaging system, characterize the stereo-base, and image an eyeball model and a rabbit eye. When virtual realities are considered, our imaging system can be a simple yet efficient technique to provide depth perception in a virtual space that allows users to perceive abnormalities in the eye fundus.
Measuring Absolute Membrane Potential Across Space and Time
Authors: Lazzari-Dean Julia R. , Gest Anneliese M.M. , Miller Evan W.
Published: March 2021

Membrane potential (Vmem) is a fundamental biophysical signal present in all cells. Vmem signals range in time from milliseconds to days, and they span lengths from microns to centimeters. Vmem affects many cellular processes, ranging from neurotransmitter release to cell cycle control to tissue patterning. However, existing tools are not suitable for Vmem quantification in many of these areas. In this review, we outline the diverse biology of Vmem, drafting a wish list of features for a Vmem sensing platform. We then use these guidelines to discuss electrode-based and optical platforms for interrogating Vmem. On the one hand, electrode-based strategies exhibit excellent quantification but are most effective in short-term, cellular recordings. On the other hand, optical strategies provide easier access to diverse samples but generally only detect relative changes in Vmem. By combining the respective strengths of these technologies, recent advances in optical quantification of absolute Vmem enable new inquiries into Vmem biology.
Editors’ Choice—Natural Convection Boundary Layer Thickness at Elevated Chloride Concentrations and Temperatures and the Effects on a Galvanic Couple
Authors: Katona R. M. , Carpenter J. C. , Knight A. W. , Marshall R. S. , Nation B. L. , Schindelholz E. J. , Schaller R. F. , Kelly R. G.
Published: March 2021

The natural convection boundary layer (

δ

n
c

) and its influence on cathodic current in a galvanic couple under varying electrolytes as a function of concentration (1 − 5.3 M NaCl) and temperature (25 °C−45 °C) were understood. Polarization scans were obtained under quiescent conditions and at defined boundary layer thicknesses using a rotating disk electrode on platinum and stainless steel 304L (SS304L); these were combined to determine

δ

n
c

.

With increasing chloride concentration and temperature,

δ

n
c

decreased. Increased mass transport (Sherwood number) results in a decrease in

δ

n
c

,

providing a means to predict this important boundary. Using Finite Element Modeling, the cathodic current was calculated for an aluminum alloy/SS304L galvanic couple as a function of water layer (WL) thickness and cathode length. Electrolyte domains were delineated, describing (i) dominance of ohmic resistance over mass transport under thin WL, (ii) the transition from thin film to bulk conditions at

δ

n
c

,

and (iii) dominance of mass transport under thick WL. With increasing chloride concentration, cathodic current decreased due to decreases in mass transport. With increasing temperature, increased cathodic current was related to increases in mass transport and solution conductivity. This study has implications for sample sizing and corrosion prediction under changing environments.
In Situ Observation of Cu2+ Concentration Profile During Cu Dissolution in Magnetic Field
Authors: Kamesui Go , Nishikawa Kei , Matsushima Hisayoshi , Ueda Mikito
Published: March 2021

It is important to understand and control corrosion in very small parts. For this purpose, in situ observation of corrosion reactions is necessary. Magnetic fields offer a new way of influencing corrosion reactions. We have investigated the dissolution of a Cu anode in a magnetic field using a holographic laser interferometric microscope. The microscope enables us to quantify the growth of the diffusion layer and the variation in Cu2+ concentration in the vicinity of the electrode. By sandwiching the anode between two doughnut-shaped neodymium magnets, the increase in the surface concentration caused by dissolution is remarkably suppressed, whereas the thickness of the diffusion layer is barely affected. The present results support the hypothesis that mass transport in enhanced in the magnetic field.
Extended Peridynamics and Parameter Optimization Study Based on Moving Least Squares Method
Authors: Xu Jingwei , Hou Wei , Luan Shoucheng , Mao Shuting , Liu Guowei , Ma Pengfei
Published: March 2021

Based on the theory of peridynamics, the least squares and the moving least squares method are proposed to fit the physical information at nondiscrete points. It makes up for the shortcomings of the peridynamic method that only solves the discrete nodes and cannot obtain the physical information of other blank areas. The extended method is used to fit the one-way vibration problem of the rod, and the curve of the displacement of a nondiscrete node in the rod is extracted with time. The fitted displacement results are compared with the theoretical results to verify the feasibility of the fitting method. At the same time, the parameters in the fitting of the moving least squares method are optimized, and the effects of different tight weight functions and influence ranges on the results are analyzed. The results show that when the weight function is a power exponential function, the fitting effect increases with the decrease in the coefficient. When the weight function is a cubic spline weight function, a better fitting effect is obtained. And in the case of ensuring the fitting result, the affected area should be reduced as much as possible, and the calculation efficiency and precision can be improved.
Robust Iterative Learning Control for 2‐D Singular Fornasini–Marchesini Systems with Iteration‐Varying Boundary States
Authors: Xu Deming , Wan Kai
Published: March 2021

This study first investigates robust iterative learning control (ILC) issue for a class of two‐dimensional linear discrete singular Fornasini–Marchesini systems (2‐D LDSFM) under iteration‐varying boundary states. Initially, using the singular value decomposition theory, an equivalent dynamical decomposition form of 2‐D LDSFM is derived. A simple P‐type ILC law is proposed such that the ILC tracking error can be driven into a residual range, the bound of which is relevant to the bound parameters of boundary states. Specially, while the boundary states of 2‐D LDSFM satisfy iteration‐invariant boundary states, accurate tracking on 2‐D desired surface trajectory can be accomplished by using 2‐D linear inequality theory. In addition, extension to 2‐D LDSFM without direct transmission from inputs to outputs is presented. A numerical example is used to illustrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the designed ILC law.
Critical Roles of Balanced T Helper 9 Cells and Regulatory T Cells in Allergic Airway Inflammation and Tumor Immunity
Authors: Huang Muhua , Dong Jingcheng
Published: March 2021

CD4+T helper (Th) cells are important mediators of immune responses in asthma and cancer. When counteracted by different classes of pathogens, naïve CD4+T cells undergo programmed differentiation into distinct types of Th cells. Th cells orchestrate antigen-specific immune responses upon their clonal T-cell receptor (TCR) interaction with the appropriate peptide antigen presented on MHC class II molecules expressed by antigen-presenting cells (APCs). T helper 9 (Th9) cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells and their corresponding cytokines have critical roles in tumor and allergic immunity. In the context of asthma and cancer, the dynamic internal microenvironment, along with chronic inflammatory stimuli, influences development, differentiation, and function of Th9 cells and Treg cells. Furthermore, the dysregulation of the balance between Th9 cells and Treg cells might trigger aberrant immune responses, resulting in development and exacerbation of asthma and cancer. In this review, the development, differentiation, and function of Th9 cells and Treg cells, which are synergistically regulated by various factors including cytokine signals, transcriptional factors (TFs), costimulatory signals, microenvironment cues, metabolic pathways, and different signal pathways, will be discussed. In addition, we focus on the recent progress that has helped to achieve a better understanding of the roles of Th9 cells and Treg cells in allergic airway inflammation and tumor immunity. We also discuss how various factors moderate their responses in asthma and cancer. Finally, we summarize the recent findings regarding potential mechanisms for regulating the balance between Th9 and Treg cells in asthma and cancer. These advances provide opportunities for novel therapeutic strategies that are aimed at reestablishing the balance of these cells in the diseases.
A Simple Chaotic Wien Bridge Oscillator with a Fractional‐Order Memristor and Its Combination Synchronization for Efficient Antiattack Capability
Authors: Karthikeyan Anitha , Rajagopal Karthikeyan , Kamdoum Tamba Victor , Adam Girma , Srinivasan Ashokkumar
Published: March 2021

Memristor‐based oscillators are of recent interest, and hence, in this paper, we introduce a new Wien bridge oscillator with a fractional‐order memristor. The novelty of the proposed oscillator is the multistability feature and the wide range of fractional orders for which the system shows chaos. We have investigated the various dynamical properties of the proposed oscillator and have presented them in detail. The oscillator is then realized using off‐the‐shelf components, and the results are compared with that of the numerical results. A combination synchronization scheme is proposed which uses more than one driver systems to synchronize with one response system. Indeed, we use two different techniques where the first one consists of splitting the transmitted signals into two parts where each part is loaded in different drive systems, while the second one consists of dividing time into different intervals and loading the signals in different drive systems. Such techniques improve the antiattack capability of the systems when used for secure communication.
Individual and Joint Associations of Genetic Risk and Healthy Lifestyle Score with Colorectal Neoplasms Among Participants of Screening Colonoscopy
Authors: Erben Vanessa , Carr Prudence R. , Guo Feng , Weigl Korbinian , Hoffmeister Michael , Brenner Hermann
Published: March 2021

Genetic and lifestyle factors contribute to colorectal cancer risk. We investigated their individual and joint associations with various stages of colorectal carcinogenesis. We assessed associations of a polygenic risk score (PRS) and a healthy lifestyle score (HLS) with presence of nonadvanced adenomas and advanced neoplasms among 2,585 participants of screening colonoscopy from Germany. The PRS and HLS individually showed only weak associations with presence of nonadvanced adenomas; stronger associations were observed with advanced neoplasms (ORs, 95% CI, for highest vs. lowest risk tertile: PRS 2.27, 1.78–2.88; HLS 1.96, 1.53–2.51). The PRS was associated with higher odds of advanced neoplasms among carriers of any neoplasms (1.65, 1.23–2.22). Subjects in the highest risk tertile (vs. lowest tertile) of both scores had higher risks for nonadvanced adenomas (1.77, 1.09–2.86), for advanced neoplasms (3.95, 2.53–6.16) and, among carriers of any neoplasms, for advanced versus nonadvanced neoplasms (2.26, 1.31–3.92). Both scores were individually associated with increased risk of nonadvanced adenomas and, much more pronounced, advanced neoplasms. The similarly strong association in relative terms across all levels of genetic risk implies that a healthy lifestyle may be particularly beneficial in those at highest genetic risk, given that the same relative risk reduction in this group would imply a stronger absolute risk reduction. Genetic factors may be of particular relevance for the transition of nonadvanced to advanced adenomas.

Prevention Relevance:

Genetic factors have strong impact on the risk of colorectal neoplasms, which may be reduced by healthy lifestyle. Similarly strong associations in relative terms across all levels of genetic risk imply that a healthy lifestyle may be beneficial due to higher absolute risk reduction in those at highest genetic risk.
At the Heart of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor–Induced Immune Toxicity
Authors: Young Arabella , Bluestone Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2021

Wei and colleagues showcase a genetic mouse model of immune-mediated myocarditis that shares homology with immune checkpoint inhibitor (CPI)–induced myocarditis in patients with cancer. They demonstrate that abatacept (CTLA4–Ig) limits cardiac toxicity in the mouse model and, thus, may ameliorate the CPI-induced myocarditis in patients with cancer while potentially maintaining antitumor activity.

See related article by Wei et al., p. 614.
Carl Schmitt in Hungary: Constitutional Crisis in the Shadow of Covid-19
Authors: Mészáros Gábor
Published: March 2021

This paper discusses the Hungarian constitutionalism and the emergency model which can be called an ‘autocratic’ emergency model in which the government’s main aim is to create an emergency regime without real threat. That was the case in Hungary before 2020, but as the new coronavirus flourished the Hungarian constitutionalism and the rule of law withered. As the article asserts the declaration of the state of danger was unconstitutional because human epidemic is not involved in the listing of the constitution. The constitutional concerns have become even more complicated after the acceptance of the “Enabling Act” which gave unconstrained power for the Government. The spirit of Carl Schmitt’s theory is again emerged. As the coronavirus and its immediate effect necessitated extra-legal measures, the threshold between the rule of law and exceptionalism was fading swiftly and legal constitutionalism became a pleasant memory.
Self-knowledge, Perception, and Margaret Cavendish’s Metaphysics of the Individual
Authors: Georgescu Laura
Published: March 2021

For Margaret Cavendish, every single part of matter has self-knowledge, and almost every part has perceptive knowledge. This paper asks what is at stake for Cavendish in ascribing self-knowing and perceptive properties to matter. Whereas many commentators take perception and self-knowledge to be guides to Cavendish’s epistemology, this paper takes them to be guides to her metaphysics, in that it shows that these categories account for individual specificity and for relationality. A part of matter is a unique individual insofar as it is self-knowing – and it is a part in relation to other parts, and to the whole of matter, insofar as it is a perceptive part. This is so because self-knowledge is purely self-referential and complete, while perceptive knowledge is purely relational.