bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Comparison Between Instrumented and Observer-Rated Measures of the Modified Balance Error Scoring System: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: DeFeo Courtney J. , Morelli Nathan , Hoch Matthew C.
Published: July 2021

Clinical Scenario: Postural control deficits are one of the most common impairments associated with sport-related concussion. The Modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS) is one of the current standard clinical measures for assessing these deficits; however, it is dependent upon observer-rated measurements. Advancements in inertial measurement units (IMUs) lend themselves to be a viable option in objectifying postural control assessments, such as the mBESS. Clinical Question: Are IMU-based measures of the mBESS more effective than observer-rated measures of the mBESS in identifying patients with sport-related concussion? Summary of Key Findings: Following a systematic search, three studies were included. One study compared observer-rated measures of the Balance Error Scoring System and mBESS to instrumented measures of both tests and determined that the instrumented mBESS had the highest diagnostic accuracy. The results of the second study determined that IMU-based measures were successful in both classifying group and identifying task errors. The final study found that using IMUs increased sensitivity of the mBESS, specifically the double-limb stance, to group classification. Clinical Bottom Line: Instrumentation of the mBESS using IMUs provides more objective and sensitive measures of postural control in patients with SRC. Strength of Recommendation: Due to the consistent, good-quality evidence used to answer this critically appraised topic, the grade of A is recommended by the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy.
Protective antibodies elicited by SARS-CoV-2 spike protein vaccination are boosted in the lung after challenge in nonhuman primates
Authors: Francica Joseph R. , Flynn Barbara J. , Foulds Kathryn E. , Noe Amy T. , Werner Anne P. , Moore Ian N. , Gagne Matthew , Johnston Timothy S. , Tucker Courtney , Davis Rachel L. , Flach Britta , O’Connell Sarah , Andrew Shayne F. , Lamb Evan , Flebbe Dillon R. , Nurmukhambetova Saule T. , Donaldson Mitzi M. , Todd John-Paul M. , Zhu Alex Lee , Atyeo Caroline , Fischinger Stephanie , Gorman Matthew J , Shin Sally , Edara Venkata Viswanadh , Floyd Katharine , Lai Lilin , Boyoglu-Barnum Seyhan , Van De Wetering Renee , Tylor Alida , McCarthy Elizabeth , Lecouturier Valerie , Ruiz Sophie , Berry Catherine , Tibbitts Timothy , Andersen Hanne , Cook Anthony , Dodson Alan , Pessaint Laurent , Van Ry Alex , Koutsoukos Marguerite , Gutzeit Cindy , Teng I.-Ting , Zhou Tongqing , Li Dapeng , Haynes Barton F. , Kwong Peter D. , McDermott Adrian , Lewis Mark G. , Fu Tong Ming , Chicz Roman , van der Most Robbert , Corbett Kizzmekia S. , Suthar Mehul S. , Alter Galit , Roederer Mario , Sullivan Nancy J. , Douek Daniel C. , Graham Barney S. , Casimiro Danilo , Seder Robert A.
Published: July 2021

Vaccination of nonhuman primates with SARS-CoV-2 spike trimers and AS03 adjuvant induces neutralizing antibodies sufficient to protect from disease.
B.1.526 SARS-CoV-2 Variants Identified in New York City are Neutralized by Vaccine-Elicited and Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Zhou Hao , Dcosta Belinda M. , Samanovic Marie I. , Mulligan Mark J. , Landau Nathaniel R. , Tada Takuya
Published: July 2021

A novel SARS-CoV-2 variant termed B.1.526 was recently identified in New York City and has been found to be spreading at an alarming rate. The variant has mutations in its spike protein that might allow it to escape neutralization by vaccine-elicited antibodies and might cause monoclonal antibody therapy for COVID-19 to be less successful.
Discovery of Fungus-Specific Targets and Inhibitors Using Chemical Phenotyping of Pathogenic Spore Germination
Authors: Ortiz Sébastien C. , Huang Mingwei , Hull Christina M.
Published: July 2021

Fungal pathogens cause 1.5 million deaths annually, and there is a critical need for new antifungal drugs. However, humans and fungi are very similar on a molecular level, and so many drugs that kill fungi also damage human cells, leading to extreme side effects, including death.
A field trip to observe features of Lake Bonneville, mountain glaciation, and Great Salt Lake near Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Authors: (Jack) Oviatt Charles G. , Atwood Genevieve , Laabs Benjamin J.C. , Jewell Paul W. , Jol Harry M.
Published: July 2021

On this field trip we visit three sites in the Salt Lake Valley, Utah, USA, where we examine the geomorphology of the Bonneville shoreline, the history of glaciation in the Wasatch Range, and shorezone geomorphology of Great Salt Lake. Stop 1 is at Steep Mountain bench, adjacent to Point of the Mountain in the Traverse Mountains, where the Bonneville shoreline is well developed and we can examine geomorphic evidence for the behavior of Lake Bonneville at its highest levels. At Stop 2 at the mouths of Little Cottonwood and Bells Canyons in the Wasatch Range, we examine geochronologic and geomorphic evidence for the interaction of mountain glaciers with Lake Bonneville. At the Great Salt Lake at Stop 3, we can examine modern processes and evidence of the Holocene history of the lake, and appreciate how Lake Bonneville and Great Salt Lake are two end members of a long-lived lacustrine system in one of the tectonically generated basins of the Great Basin.
Aggregate mining on Mount Zion, Clayton, California
Authors: Goodwin Joshua A.
Published: July 2021

Two construction aggregate companies, Cemex and Hanson Aggregates, operate respective crushed stone quarries on the east and west slopes of Mount Zion in Clayton, California. These sidehill quarries utilize a single highwall and mine Jurassic diabase of the Coast Range ophiolite that formed as a sheeted dike complex. Hydrothermal veins, some containing 20%–30% disseminated pyrite and chalcopyrite, cut the diabase. The east quarry, operated by Cemex, was started by the Harrison-Birdwell Company in 1947. The west quarry, operated by Hanson, was started by the Henry J. Kaiser Sand and Gravel Company in 1954. The Cemex quarry highwall is visible as you come into the city of Clayton on Marsh Creek Road, with a height of ~280 m (920 ft). The height of the highwall at the Hanson quarry is ~215 m (700 ft). Both operations remove weathered diabase overburden to expose fresh diabase, which is drilled, blasted, and hauled to the plant for processing. To ensure aggregate is suitable for construction, quality assurance testing is conducted in accordance with the specifications of various agencies. These quarries supply the surrounding area with aggregate for hospitals, schools, highways, dams, and other buildings. Noteworthy projects supplied by the Clayton quarries include the Concord BART Station, Interstate-680, Interstate-580, Calaveras Dam, Sherman Island Levee, Highway 4, Highway 24, and Bay Bridge epoxy asphalt. Before aggregate was mined, Mount Zion was the site of a copper rush from 1862 to 1864. Gold and silver were also reported in various assays from the Clayton district. Although prospecting created excitement around Clayton, no productive orebodies were ever discovered.
Neogene volcanism on the eastside of Mount Diablo, Contra Costa County, California
Authors: Sullivan Raymond , Fay Ryan P. , Schaefer Carl , Deino Alan , Edwards Stephen W.
Published: July 2021

Two spatially separated areas of Neogene volcanic rocks are located on the northeast limb of the Mount Diablo anticline. The southernmost outcrops of volcanics are 6 km east of the summit of Mount Diablo in the Marsh Creek area and consist of ~12 hypabyssal dacite intrusions dated at ca. 7.8–7.5 Ma, which were intruded into the Great Valley Group of Late Cretaceous age. The intrusions occur in the vicinity of the Clayton and Diablo faults. The rocks are predominantly calc-alkaline plagioclase biotite dacites, but one is a tholeiitic plagioclase andesite. Mercury mineralization was likely concomitant with emplacement of these late Miocene intrusions. The northernmost outcrops of Neogene volcanic rocks occur ~15 km to the north of Mount Diablo in the Concord Naval Weapons Station and the Los Medanos Hills and are probably parts of a single andesite flow. A magnetometer survey indicates that the flow originated from a feeder dike along the Clayton fault. The lava flow is flat-lying and occupies ancient stream channels across an erosional surface of tilted Markley Sandstone of middle Eocene age. New radiometric dates of the flow yield an age of 5.8–5.5 Ma, but due to alteration the age should be used with caution. The flow is a calc-alkaline andesite rich in clinopyroxene and plagioclase. What appear to be uplifted erosional remnants of the flow can be traced northeastward in the Los Medanos Hills across a surface of tilted Cenozoic rocks that eventually rest on formations as young as the Lawlor Tuff dated at 4.865 ± 0.011 Ma. This stratigraphic relationship suggests that the andesite flow is probably late Pliocene in age and was impacted by the more recent uplift of the Los Medanos Hills but postdates the regional folding and faulting of the rocks of Mount Diablo. In terms of timing, location, and composition, the evidence suggests these two areas of dacitic and andesitic volcanics fit into a series of migrating volcanic centers in the California Coast Ranges that erupted following the northward passage of the Mendocino Triple Junction.
Supplemental Material: Curved orogenic belts, back-arc basins, and obduction as consequences of collision at irregular continental margins
Authors: Schliffke Nicholas , al. et
Published: July 2021

Detailed figures of the model evolution, as well as a short description of the methodology and parameters used.
Experiences of a National Early Warning Score (NEWS) intervention in care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Stocker Rachel , Russell Siân , Liddle Jennifer , Barker Robert O , Remmer Adam , Gray Joanne , Hanratty Barbara , Adamson Joy
Published: July 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on the care home sector, with residents accounting for up to half of all deaths in Europe. The response to acute illness in care homes plays a particularly important role in the care of residents during a pandemic. Digital recording of a National Early Warning Score (NEWS), which involves the measurement of physical observations, started in care homes in one area of England in 2016. Implementation of a NEWS intervention (including equipment, training and support) was accelerated early in the pandemic, despite limited evidence for its use in the care home setting.

Objectives

To understand how a NEWS intervention has been used in care homes in one area of North-East England during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it has influenced resident care, from the perspective of stakeholders involved in care delivery and commissioning.

Methods

A qualitative interview study with care home (n=10) and National Health Service (n=7) staff. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Use of the NEWS intervention in care homes in this area accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stakeholders felt that NEWS, and its associated education and support package, improved the response of care homes and healthcare professionals to deterioration in residents’ health during the pandemic. Healthcare professionals valued the ability to remotely monitor resident observations, which facilitated triage and treatment decisions. Care home staff felt empowered by NEWS, providing a common clinical language to communicate concerns with external services, acting as an adjunct to staff intuition of resident deterioration.

Conclusions

The NEWS intervention formed an important part of the care home response to COVID-19 in the study area. Positive staff perceptions now need to be supplemented with data on the impact on resident health and well-being, workload, and service utilisation, during the pandemic and beyond.
Study protocol for a multicentre, open-label, single-arm phase I/II trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ripasudil 0.4% eye drops for retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Arima Mitsuru , Inoue Hirosuke , Nakao Shintaro , Misumi Akiko , Suzuki Maya , Matsushita Itsuka , Araki Shunsuke , Yamashiro Chiemi , Takahashi Kazumasa , Ochiai Masayuki , Yoshida Noriko , Hirose Masayuki , Kishimoto Junji , Todaka Koji , Hasegawa Shunji , Kimura Kazuhiro , Kusuhara Koichi , Kondo Hiroyuki , Ohga Shouichi , Sonoda Koh-Hei
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vascular proliferative disorder that occurs in preterm infants. Existing treatments are only indicated in severe ROP cases due to the high invasiveness and the potential risk of irreversible side effects. We previously elucidated that ripasudil, a selective inhibitor of the Rho-associated protein kinase, has the ability to inhibit abnormal retinal neovascularisation in animal models. In addition, ripasudil eye drops (Glanatec ophthalmic solution 0.4%) have been already used for the treatment of glaucoma. Since eye drop therapy is less invasive, early intervention for ROP is possible. The purpose of this phase I/II trial is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ripasudil eye drops for preterm infants with ROP.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre, open-label, single-arm phase I/II trial. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ripasudil as much as possible, ripasudil will be administered to all enrolled preterm infants with zone I/II, stage 1, or worse ROP. The safety and efficacy of ripasudil in treated patients will be assessed in comparison to a historical control group. Because this is the first trial of ripasudil in preterm infants, a dose-escalation study (once daily for 1 week, then two times per day for 2 weeks) will be conducted in phase I. After obtaining approval from the independent data and safety monitoring board to continue the trial after the completion of phase I, phase II will be conducted. In phase II, ripasudil eye drops will be administered two times per day for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint in phase II is also safety. Efficacy and pharmacokinetics will be evaluated as secondary endpoints.

Ethics and dissemination

This study protocol was approved by the institutional review board at each of the participating centres. Data will be presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration numbers

NCT04621136and jRCT2071200047.
Prevalence, pattern and determinants of chronic disease multimorbidity in Nepal: secondary analysis of a national survey
Authors: Dhungana Raja Ram , Karki Khem Bahadur , Bista Bihungum , Pandey Achyut Raj , Dhimal Meghnath , Maskey Mahesh K
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To assess the prevalence, pattern and determinants of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) multimorbidity in Nepal.

Design

Secondary analysis of the data from the NCD survey 2018, which was conducted between 2016 and 2018.

Setting

The data belong to the nationally representative survey, that selected the study samples from throughout Nepal using multistage cluster sampling.

Participants

8931 participants aged 20 years and older were included in the study.

Primary outcomes

NCD multimorbidity (occurrence of two or more chronic conditions including hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease and cancer). Descriptive statistics, prevalence ratio and odds ratio were computed to assess pattern and determinants of multimorbidity.

Results

Mean (SD) age was 46.7 years (14.9 years). The majority of the participants were women (57.8%), without formal education (53.4%) and from urban areas (51.5%). Multimorbidity was present in 13.96% (95% CI: 12.9% to 15.1%). Hypertension and diabetes coexisted in 5.7%. Age, alcohol consumption, body mass index, non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) level and rural–urban setting were significantly associated with multimorbidity.

Conclusion

Multimorbidity was prevalent in particular groups or geographical areas in Nepal suggesting a need for coordinated and integrated NCD care approach for the management of multiplicative co-comorbid conditions.
Boulder-strewn flats in a high-latitude macrotidal embayment, Baffin Island: geomorphology, formation, and future stability
Authors: Hatcher Scott V. , Forbes Donald L. , Manson Gavin K.
Published: July 2021

Tidal flats are widely distributed on high-latitude coasts, where sea ice processes have been invoked to explain the abundance and distribution of boulders. This study documents the surface morphology and sediment dynamics of a Low-Arctic macrotidal system, the boulder-rich tidal flats of Koojesse Inlet, fronting the Nunavut capital, Iqaluit, on Baffin Island. This is a region of postglacial isostatic uplift and forced regression, with raised littoral, deltaic, and glaciomarine deposits. The spring-tidal range is 11.1 m and sea ice cover lasts roughly 9 months of the year. The extensive intertidal flats are up to 1 km wide, with a veneer of sand and gravel (including large boulders) resting on an erosional unconformity truncating the underlying glaciomarine mud, forming a terrace within the present tidal range. Over a 3-year study, no consistent pattern of erosion or deposition was evident. Over a longer time scale, the concave hypsometry, low sediment supply, slight ebb dominance of weak tidal currents, abrasion by wave-entrained sand, ebb-oriented ripples formed under subaerial drainage, and slumps on the terrace flanks are consistent with seaward hydraulic and gravitational sediment transport. These processes may be of greater importance than shoreward ice transport. This study underlines the importance of relict glaciomarine deposits, postglacial uplift, and falling relative sea level in the erosional development of these high-latitude tidal flats. Relative sea-level projections for Iqaluit are ambiguous, but a switch to rising sea level, if it occurs, combined with more open water and wave energy, could alter the foreshore dynamics of the system.
Effects of ketamine in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and in silico interaction with sortase A
Authors: Coutinho Tatiana do Nascimento Paiva , Barroso Fátima Daiana Dias , da Silva Cecília Rocha , da Silva Anderson Ramos , Cabral Vitória Pessoa de Farias , Sá Lívia Gurgel do Amaral Valente , Cândido Thiago Mesquita , da Silva Lisandra Juvencio , Ferreira Thais Lima , da Silva Wildson Max Barbosa , Silva Jacilene , Marinho Emmanuel Silva , Cavalcanti Bruno Coelho , Moraes Manoel Odorico de , Nobre Júnior Hélio Vitoriano , Andrade Neto João Batista
Published: July 2021

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the main human pathogens and is responsible for many diseases, ranging from skin infections to more invasive infections. These infections are dangerous and expensive to treat because these strains are resistant to a large number of conventional antibiotics. Thus, the antibacterial effect of ketamine against MRSA strains, its mechanism of action, and in silico interaction with sortase A were evaluated. The antibacterial effect of ketamine was assessed using the broth microdilution method. Subsequently, the mechanism of action was assessed using flow cytometry and molecular docking assays with sortase A. Our results showed that ketamine has a significant antibacterial activity against MRSA strains in the range of 2.49–3.73 mM. Their mechanism of action involves alterations in membrane integrity and DNA damage, reducing cell viability, and inducing apoptosis. In addition, ketamine had an affinity for S. aureus sortase A. These results indicate that this compound can be used as an alternative to develop new strategies to combat infections caused by MRSA.
Analysis of GaN-based HEMTS with AlN buffer layers by using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Lee Cheng Che , Lee Hsin Jung , Lee Hsin Che , Lee Wei Yu , Chuang Wei Ching
Published: July 2021

In this paper, AlGaN/GaN HEMTs with an AlN buffer layer were fabricated. Analyses on the crystal quality of the GaN epitaxial layer by Raman spectroscopy have been purposed. By introducing an AlN layer on sapphire substrate, the maximum drain current of the HEMT increased from 481 mA/mm to 522 mA/mm at [Formula: see text] V. Subthreshold slope was reduced from 638.3 mV/decade to 240.9 mV/decade and the electron mobility increased from 1109 cm2 V[Formula: see text]s[Formula: see text] to 1781 cm2 V[Formula: see text]s[Formula: see text]. These results showed that using an AlN buffer layer can improve the crystal quality of the GaN epitaxial layer, thus optimize the device performances of the GaN-based HEMTs.
Simulation-Based Study of Biological Systems with Threshold Policy by a Differential Linear Complementarity System
Authors: Luo Jianfeng , Zhao Yi
Published: July 2021

Threshold policy is more realistic than continuous control for biological system management. Most related works are devoted to studying a single-threshold value for one single population, thereby avoiding complicated mathematical analysis of the nonsmooth differential equations. Based on the fact that numerical simulations play an important role in analyzing and understanding the intrinsic mechanism of a biological experiment and system, we hereby propose a differential linear complementarity system to reformulate the biological system with threshold policy. Using this method, we can transform a biological system with multiple-threshold values for one or more population to a differential linear complementarity system, where the corresponding dynamics can be investigated numerically by various algorithms for the complementarity problem. Firstly, the well-posedness of solutions of the differential linear complementarity system and its discretized method are derived explicitly. Then we illustrate the application of our approach to two systems which are a population harvesting system with threshold policy and an HIV replication system with threshold therapy, respectively. Numerical results demonstrate that those nonsmooth biological systems exhibit much more complex dynamics than the corresponding smooth systems. These results also validate the effectiveness and simplicity of the method that reformulates a common biological system with multiple-threshold policy by a differential linear complementarity system.
Chaotic Dynamics of Partial Difference Equations with Polynomial Maps
Authors: Guo Haihong , Liang Wei
Published: July 2021

In this paper, chaotic dynamics of a class of partial difference equations are investigated. With the help of the coupled-expansion theory of general discrete dynamical systems, two chaotification schemes for partial difference equations with polynomial maps are established. These controlled equations are proved to be chaotic either in the sense of Li–Yorke or in the sense of both Li–Yorke and Devaney. One example is provided to illustrate the theoretical results with computer simulations for demonstration.
Intervention Time in Target-Oriented Chaos Control
Authors: Segura Juan
Published: July 2021

The timing of interventions plays a central role in managing and exploiting biological populations. However, few studies in the literature have addressed its effect on population stability. The Seno equation is a discrete-time equation that describes the dynamics of single-species populations harvested according to the proportional feedback method at any moment between two consecutive censuses. Here we study a discrete-time equation that generalizes the Seno equation by considering the management and exploitation of populations through the target-oriented chaos control method. We investigate the combined effect of timing, targeting, and control on population stability, focusing on global stability. We prove that high enough control values create a positive equilibrium that attracts all positive solutions. We also prove that it is possible to determine parameter values to stabilize the controlled populations at any preset population size. Finally, we investigate the parameter combinations for which the management and exploitation are optimized in different scenarios.
Two-Dimensional Manifolds of Modified Chen System with Time Delay
Authors: Suqi Ma
Published: July 2021

Two-dimensional unstable manifolds of the modified Chen system are constructed at equilibrium solution by “expanding up” along the unstable eigen-direction, hence it is tangent to the unstable eigenspace. In general, unstable manifold expands to the attraction basin of the corresponding limit cycle or attractor. With the introduction of time delay, the two-dimensional unstable manifold of an unstable focus is simulated via expanding solution orbits with restriction condition on the associated foliations. The simulated unstable manifold coincides with the attraction basin of the limit cycle of the delay differential equations.
Solitary waves and excited states for Boson stars
Authors: Melgaard M. , Zongo F. D. Y.
Published: July 2021

We study the nonlinear, nonlocal, time-dependent partial differential equation [Formula: see text] which is known to describe the dynamics of quasi-relativistic boson stars in the mean-field limit. For positive mass parameter [Formula: see text] we establish existence of infinitely many (corresponding to distinct energies [Formula: see text]) traveling solitary waves, [Formula: see text], with speed [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] corresponds to the speed of light in our choice of units. These traveling solitary waves cannot be obtained by applying a Lorentz boost to a solitary wave at rest (with [Formula: see text]) because Lorentz covariance fails. Instead, we study a suitable variational problem for which the functions [Formula: see text] arise as solutions (called boosted excited states) to a Choquard-type equation in [Formula: see text], where the negative Laplacian is replaced by the pseudo-differential operator [Formula: see text] and an additional term [Formula: see text] enters. Moreover, we give a new proof for existence of boosted ground states. The results are based on perturbation methods in critical point theory.
On Countably Generated Dimension
Authors: Davoudian Maryam
Published: July 2021

In this article, we introduce and study the concept of countably generated dimension, which is a Krull-like dimension extension of the concept of DCC on countably generated submodules. We show that some of the basic results of Krull dimension are true for countably generated dimension. It is shown that an [Formula: see text]-module [Formula: see text] has Krull dimension if and only if it has countably generated dimension, and its Krull dimension and countably generated dimension coincide.
Nil-Clean Rings with Involution
Authors: Cui Jian , Xia Guoli , Zhou Yiqiang
Published: July 2021

A [Formula: see text]-ring [Formula: see text] is called a nil [Formula: see text]-clean ring if every element of [Formula: see text] is a sum of a projection and a nilpotent. Nil [Formula: see text]-clean rings are the [Formula: see text]-version of nil-clean rings introduced by Diesl. This paper is about the nil [Formula: see text]-clean property of rings with emphasis on matrix rings. We show that a [Formula: see text]-ring [Formula: see text] is nil [Formula: see text]-clean if and only if [Formula: see text] is nil and [Formula: see text] is nil [Formula: see text]-clean. For a 2-primal [Formula: see text]-ring [Formula: see text], with the induced involution given by[Formula: see text], the nil [Formula: see text]-clean property of [Formula: see text] is completely reduced to that of [Formula: see text]. Consequently, [Formula: see text] is not a nil [Formula: see text]-clean ring for [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] is a nil [Formula: see text]-clean ring if and only if [Formula: see text] is nil, [Formula: see text]is a Boolean ring and [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text].
Extremal Betti Numbers of Some Cohen–Macaulay Binomial Edge Ideals
Authors: Mascia Carla , Rinaldo Giancarlo
Published: July 2021

We provide the regularity and the Cohen–Macaulay type of binomial edge ideals of Cohen–Macaulay cones, and we show the extremal Betti numbers of some classes of Cohen–Macaulay binomial edge ideals: Cohen–Macaulay bipartite and fan graphs. In addition, we compute the Hilbert–Poincaré series of the binomial edge ideals of some Cohen–Macaulay bipartite graphs.
A Note on the Signature Representations of the Symmetric Groups
Authors: Lim Kay Jin , Wang Jialin
Published: July 2021

For a partition [Formula: see text] and a prime [Formula: see text], we prove a necessary and sufficient condition for there to exist a composition [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] can be obtained from [Formula: see text] after rearrangement and no partial sums of [Formula: see text] are divisible by [Formula: see text]. To demonstrate why we are interested in the question, we compute some signed [Formula: see text]-Kostka numbers.
Cohomology of Lie Conformal Algebra Vir⋉Cur g
Authors: Xu Maosen , Tan Yan , Wu Zhixiang
Published: July 2021

In this article, we compute cohomology groups of the semisimple Lie conformal algebra [Formula: see text] with coefficients in its irreducible modules for a finite-dimensional simple Lie algebra [Formula: see text].
The Expression Pattern of Cypher in the Multiple Organs of Mice
Authors: Fang Chushan , Xie Siyi , Gao Yujie , Sun Yunfu , Liang Xingqun
Published: July 2021

Cypher, which is named ZASP/LDB3, one of the members of PDZ-LIM family, was well known to express in cardiac and skeletal muscles which played a functional role in muscles. It has shown that global deletion of Cypher in mice leads to lethality due to dysfunction of the skeletal muscles. Recently, the MGD database has been shown that conditional deletion of Cypher or gene mutations leads to human disease, the etiology and mechanism of which remained unknown. Therefore, it might be very important that we systemically investigated the expression of Cypher in organs or tissues from developmental stages through adulthood at first. We explored the expression pattern of Cypher by [Formula: see text]-gal staining of Cypher LacZ knockin mice combing with chemical staining, immunostaining and in situ hybridization, suggesting that Cypher might play a functional role in those organs. Further investigation will be done by cooperation with other groups by using the conditional deletion of Cypher or the point mutation of genes in the organs, which studied Cypher expression according to the MGD database.
High strength Al alloy development for laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Sun Jin’e , Zhang Baicheng , Qu Xuanhui
Published: July 2021

High strength Al alloy development is the key technique to additive manufacturing (AM) applied on lightweight of aerospace, automotive and military industry. Unlike the conventional wrought Al–Si eutectic alloys available for AM process, the strength of new developed Al alloy can be improved by in situ or additional nano-precipitated phase. This paper presents an overview of high strength Al alloys development including metallic additives, such as Zr, Sc, Mn, Cu, etc., and nanoparticle additives, such as ceramics (TiB2, TiC, LaB6 and TiN) as well as carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The addition of Zr and Sc elements significantly prevents hot tearing and enhances the strength of laser processed Al alloys because the nanoscale Al3Zr, Al3Sc and Al3 (Sc, Zr) precipitated phases generate, facilitate the heterogeneous nucleation of Al matrix and refine the microstructure. Moreover, the addition of Mn and Cu elements provides an increment in the toughness and strength of laser processed Al alloys through the superimposed effect of multi-element solid solution reinforcement and precipitation strengthening role of some Al2CuMg and Al6Mn. The growth process of Al alloy can be interrupted by the addition of nanoceramics particles as additional nucleation site which leads the columnar grain transforms to the equiaxed grain. Furthermore, the mechanism of mutual solubility of LaB6, TiB2, TiC and TiN in Al alloys is systematically studied. Finally, an assessment of the state in laser processed high strength Al alloys and the research demands for the expansion of laser powder bed fusion of Al metallic components are provided.
The Effects of Cabergoline Compared to Dienogest in Women with Symptomatic Endometrioma
Authors: Shume Mehnaz Mustary , Banu Jesmine , Ishrat Shakeela , Munira Serajoom , Uddin Muhammad Jasim , Sultana Sabiha
Published: July 2021

Background: New vessel formation or neovascularization has been recognized as a feature of endometriosis. Treatment with cabergoline suppresses cell proliferation and vascular-endothelial-growth-factor-mediated angiogenesis, thereby promoting regression of endometriotic lesions. Dienogest, a fourth-generation progestin currently in use for the treatment of endometriosis significantly decreases the volume of endometrial implants.

Objective: The objective of the study was to see if cabergoline is as effective as dienogest in reducing the size of endometriomas and pelvic pain in women with endometriosis.

Methods: The prospective comparative study was carried out on 56 women with endometrioma (diagnosed by ultrasound), divided by odd and even numbers into two groups. Cabergoline, 0.5[Formula: see text]mg tablet twice weekly, was given to 28 women for 3 months. Dienogest, 2[Formula: see text]mg tablet daily, was given to 28 women for the same duration. Pre- and post-treatment assessment of endometrioma size by transvaginal sonography and pelvic pain using the 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS) were recorded.

Results: The percentage reduction in endometrioma size in women given dienogest was twice that compared to the women given cabergoline. Mean VAS score after 3 months was significantly lower in the cabergoline group compared to dienogest ([Formula: see text]). The incidence of nausea, vomiting, and headache were similar in cabergoline and dienogest group. There was polymenorrhea in the cabergoline group and irregular spotting in the dienogest group.

Conclusions: Reduction of the size of endometrioma is less apparent with cabergoline than dienogest after 3 months of treatment. Cabergoline yields better results in decreasing pelvic pain compared to dienogest.
Update of Management of ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Tang Hoi San
Published: July 2021

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Management of AAV is divided into induction of remission and maintenance of remission. Management of AAV has evolved with the aim of improving treatment outcomes and minimizing treatment toxicities. In this article, we will review the latest evidence on the treatment of AAV.
Clinical Staging for Youth Mental Disorders: Progress in Reforming Diagnosis and Clinical Care
Authors: McGorry Patrick D. , Mei Cristina
Published: July 2021

Current silo-based diagnostic systems for mental disorders lack utility and fail to fulfil a fundamental purpose of diagnosis: to guide treatment planning and predict outcomes. Diagnostic reform has gained momentum, and clinical staging has emerged as a promising framework to improve the precision of diagnosis, particularly in early illness stages, and fill current gaps in linking diagnosis to more personalized and effective intervention, prognosis, and neurobiological markers. Transdiagnostic clinical staging recognizes that the early development of mental ill-health is marked by substantial fluidity and that symptoms may, although not inevitably, evolve into more stable diagnosable syndromes. Staging facilitates the selection of interventions that are proportionate to the current need and risk of illness progression and provides an efficient framework to organize biomarker data and guide service delivery. Here, we provide an overview of transdiagnostic clinical staging and summarize key evidence supporting its ability to integrate biomarkers and guide mental health care.
Probing the Influence of Multiscale Heterogeneity on Effective Properties of Graphite Electrodes
Authors: Norris Chance A. , Parmananda Mukul , Roberts Scott Alan , Mukherjee Partha P.
Published: July 2021

Graphite electrodes in the lithium-ion battery exhibit various particle shapes, including spherical and platelet morphologies, which influence structural and electrochemical characteristics. It is well established that porous structures exhibit spatial heterogeneity, and particle morphology can influence transport properties. The impact of particle morphology on the heterogeneity and anisotropy of geometric and transport properties has not been previously studied. This study characterizes the spatial heterogeneities of eighteen graphite electrodes at multiple length scales by calculating and comparing structural anisotropy, geometric quantities, and transport properties (pore-scale tortuosity and electrical conductivity). We found that particle morphology and structural anisotropy play an integral role in determining the spatial heterogeneity of directional tortuosity and its dependency on pore-scale heterogeneity. Our analysis reveals that the magnitude of in-plane and through-plane tortuosity difference influences the multiscale heterogeneity in graphite electrodes.
Construction of a Class of Copula Using the Finite Difference Method
Authors: Bagré Remi Guillaume , Béré Frédéric , Loyara Vini Yves Bernadin
Published: July 2021

The definition of a copula function and the study of its properties are at the same time not obvious tasks, as there is no general method for constructing them. In this paper, we present a method that allows us to obtain a class of copula as a solution to a boundary value problem. For this, we use the finite difference method which is a common technique for finding approximate solutions of partial differential equations which consists in solving a system of relations (numerical scheme) linking the values of the unknown functions at certain points sufficiently close to each other.
Yoga as an Adjunct for Management of Opioid Dependence Syndrome: A Nine-Month Follow-Up Case Report
Authors: Varshney Prateek , Bhargav Hemant , Vidyasagar Pilli Devi , Venugopal Sumana , Arsappa Rashmi , Narasimha Venkata Lakshmi , Sharma Priyamvada , Rao Vijayashree , Murthy Pratima
Published: July 2021

Opioid dependence syndrome (ODS) is a chronic relapsing remitting condition associated with significant impairment and mortality risk. Opioid substitution therapy is used worldwide, but long-term retention rates are low and there is risk of misuse and diversion. Yoga practice can improve quality of life, reduce chronic pain, and enhance endogenous opioids (beta-endorphins). We describe a case of ODS where yoga was added to the conventional management and who was followed up for 9 months. Assessments were done for clinical symptoms, urine drug screening, plasma beta-endorphins, and Buprenorphine dosage. We observed an improvement in his clinical symptoms and reduction in the requirements for Buprenorphine. A slight increase in basal plasma beta-endorphin levels was also observed at the 9-month follow-up (from 2.02 pmol/L at baseline to 6.51 pmol/L).
Destabilization of Immersed Dense Granular Material Submitted to Localized Fluidization: An Experimental and Numerical Study
Authors: Dramé Aboubacar Sidiki , Wang Li , Zhang Yanping
Published: July 2021

An alternative experimental approach and a numerical analysis for the study of destabilization by localized fluidization of an immersed dense granular material are presented. To visualize the evolutions of the internal structure of the granular medium, the hydrogel beads, composed of about 99% of water and having substantially the same refraction indexes, are used as solid phase. A LED lighting system is used in place of a laser lighting system. As a result, the optical access restriction of porous structure is removed. A real economic alternative for the experimental study of fluid-grain coupling during destabilization by localized fluidization of a granular material is created. The experimental phenomenology presented in the literature is verified: the system passes successively through three different stationary regimes: static regime, fluidized cavity regime, and fluidized chimney regime. Some restrictions of using hydrogel beads as particles in the study of liquid-solid interaction are also discussed.
Nostoc sphaeroides Kütz Polysaccharide Improved Constipation and Promoted Intestinal Motility in Rats
Authors: Liu Yinlu , Yang Litao , Bi Cuicui , Tang Kun , Zhang Bo
Published: July 2021

Natural products and medicinal foods have attracted more and more attention because of their potential prevention and inhibition effect on constipation. Nostoc sphaeroides Kütz Polysaccharide (NSKP) polysaccharide is a natural product rich in polysaccharides. This work attempted to prove the effects of aqueous extracts of NSKP on STC treatment and to determine the possible mechanisms by a loperamide-induced slow transit constipation (STC) model. The results show that, in rats of the NSKP group, compared with the model group, the colon propulsion rate was improved, the time of the first grain of black stool was shortened, and the fecal wet weight was increased remarkably. The 5-HT levels were increased, but the VIP and NO levels were reduced dramatically. The number of interstitial cells of cajal (ICC) was increased by c-kit/SCF signal pathway, and the intestines were moisturized; then, constipation was relieved. It is interesting to note that NSKP appeared to be effective on constipation, so further experiments are necessary to clarify the exact mechanisms involved.
Decision Support System to Risk Stratification in the Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Xiao Hui , Nazir Shah , Li Hanmin , Khan Habib Ullah , Li Chengwei
Published: July 2021

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a set of symptoms and signs which define a range of conditions related with the unexpected reduced blood flow to the heart. In ACS, the heart muscles cannot function properly due to the decrease of blood flow. Myocardial infarction (MI) is a condition which comes under the umbrella of acute coronary syndrome. The aim of risk stratification (RS) in ACS is to recognize patients at high risk of ischemic events. Yet, no investigative study is available to identify the patients at high risk. Therefore, to facilitate this process, it would be ideal to have a reliable and trustworthy method by the help of which the doctors can make early and easy decisions for the patient and for detecting the related disease. This research used the features of GRACE Score to RS in the ACS and presented decision support system (DSS). The concept of probabilistic approach has been used as a tool to model the identified features for decision-making (DM). This technique can be further used for DM purposes to RS in the ACS in healthcare. Furthermore, the result of the proposed method has proved closer and more reliable DM of patient and then eventually can be used for advice of medicine and rest accordingly by the doctors.
Measurement and Enhancement of Environmental Responsibility Level of an Energy Enterprise in the Context of Energy Transformation
Authors: Hou Shanshan , Tang Liang , Xue Jiuyang , Lu Jingnan
Published: July 2021

Energy transformation requires energy producers to pursue energy conservation and emission reduction, control greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and produce and supply clean low-carbon energy. Based on the principle of balanced scorecard, this paper selects the data on China Shenhua Energy Company Limited (China Shenhua) of 2015–2019, systematically analyzes the influence of energy transformation on environmental protection effect of energy enterprises, and measures the environmental responsibility level (ERL). The results show that, in the context of energy transformation, Chine Shenhua always attaches great importance to ecoenvironment protection, vigorously develops clean, safe, and efficient energy, implements key tasks like green mine construction and ultra-low emission upgrading, promotes pollution control and ecoenvironment governance, takes measures of energy conservation and emission reduction, and continuously steps up the level of carbon emissions control, thereby steadily improving ecological civilization.
Psi-Caputo Logistic Population Growth Model
Authors: Awadalla Muath , Yameni Noupoue Yves Yannick , Asbeh Kinda Abu
Published: July 2021

This article studies modeling of a population growth by logistic equation when the population carrying capacity K tends to infinity. Results are obtained using fractional calculus theories. A fractional derivative known as psi-Caputo plays a substantial role in the study. We proved existence and uniqueness of the solution to the problem using the psi-Caputo fractional derivative. The Chinese population, whose carrying capacity, K, tends to infinity, is used as evidence to prove that the proposed approach is appropriate and performs better than the usual logistic growth equation for a population with a large carrying capacity. A psi-Caputo logistic model with the kernel function

x
+
1

performed the best as it minimized the error rate to 3.20% with a fractional order of derivative

α

 = 1.6455.
Access Differentials in Primary Healthcare among Vulnerable Populations in a Health Insurance Setting in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Acquah-Hagan Gertrude , Boateng Daniel , Appiah-Brempong Emmanuel , Twum Peter , Atta Joseph Amankwa , Agyei-Baffour Peter
Published: July 2021

Background. Access to healthcare remains a challenge towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Ghana. There still remain inequalities in the distribution of health services especially among vulnerable groups despite sustained efforts to strengthen the health system. This study was conducted to analyze access differentials among different vulnerable groups in the context of primary healthcare under a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Ghana. Methods. This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among multilevel participants of vulnerable groups in Kumasi Metropolis: 710 vulnerable people constituting elderly/aged (n = 359), pregnant women (n = 117), head poters (teenage girls who migrated from the northern Ghana mainly to the capital cities of the Ashanti and Greater Accra region to help in carrying of goods for their livelihood) (n = 86), sex workers (n = 75), and other vulnerable groups (people with disabilities and street participants) (n = 73). Data were collected using a semistructured questionnaire. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to access the association between vulnerability and access to healthcare. Results. Close to a fifth, 18.5% of the study respondents were unable to access care at any point in time during the last 12 months. Reasons for the inability to access healthcare included limited funding (69.7%), poor attitude of service providers (7.6%), distance to health centers (8.3%), and religious reasons (6.2%). More than 95% of respondents were insured under the NHIS, but acceptability of service provision under the NHIS was low among the vulnerable groups. In the crude models, pregnant women had lower prevalence of access to medications as compared to the elderly (prevalence ratio (PR): 0.88; 95% CI: 0.80–0.98). Head poters and other vulnerable groups were also less likely to view healthcare as affordable as compared to the elderly. The differences in healthcare access observed were attenuated after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics and healthcare-related factors. Conclusions. Despite the introduction of a NHIS in Ghana, this study highlights challenges in healthcare access among vulnerable populations independent of the type of vulnerability. This suggests the need for stakeholders to work to address access differentials in the NHIS and adopt other innovative care strategies that may have broader applicability for all populations.