bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sedimentology of the latest Permian to Early Triassic in the terrestrial settings of the North China Basin: Low-latitude climate change during a warming-driven crisis
Authors: Ji Kaixuan , Wignall Paul B. , Tong Jinnan , Yu Yingyue , Guo Wenwei , Shu Wenchao , Chu Daoliang
Published: May 2022

In terrestrial settings, the Permo-Triassic mass extinction is commonly linked to major changes in sedimentological and climatic conditions that include a switch from meandering to braided fluvial systems and increased aridity. We examined the predominantly terrestrial strata of North China to reveal that, on the contrary, there was little substantial sedimentological change during the Permo-Triassic mass extinction. The crisis level occurs in the upper Sunjiagou Formation, where a range of environments, including low-sinuosity rivers, distally terminating alluvial fans, and mud-dominated coastal plains are recorded. A major sedimentological change occurred slightly higher, within the lowest Triassic, and involved a switch to braided fluvial and shallow lacustrine/fluviodeltaic conditions of the Liujiagou Formation. Later in the Early Triassic, fine-grained, playa lake, and alluvial plain facies became widespread (Heshanggou Formation). Paleosols are present throughout the basin fill and record a transition from Aridisols and Vertisols in the Late Permian to Inceptisols in the Early Triassic followed by gleyed Aridisols, Vertisols, and Inceptisols later in the Early Triassic. Previously reported aeolian facies from Lower Triassic strata were not encountered in this study and were unlikely to have occurred given the prevalence of lacustrine and fluvial conditions at this time. Overall, the North China Basin experienced an increase in seasonal rainfall in the latest Permian and a base-level rise that introduced marine conditions into the southwest of the basin. During the Early Triassic, seasonal or interannual rainfall was frequent, with strong evaporation in a hot climate. Overall, substantial sedimentological changes occurred in the terrestrial Permo-Triassic environments of North China, but despite earlier claims from studies in North China and elsewhere, there was no abrupt transition in fluvial styles around the Permo-Triassic mass extinction.
Zircon-modeled melts shed light on the formation of Earth's crust from the Hadean to the Archean
Authors: Carley T.L. , Bell E.A. , Miller C.F. , Claiborne L.L. , Hunt A. , Kirkpatrick H.M. , Harrison T.M.
Published: May 2022

Elucidating the compositions of melts from which Hadean zircons crystallized can provide insight into early crust construction. We calculated model melts using Ti-calibrated zircon/melt partition coefficients and trace element data for zircons from the Hadean, Archean, and possible analogue environments (e.g., rifts, hotspots, arcs) to constrain petrogenetic relationships. Model melts from oceanic settings (mid-ocean ridges, arcs, Iceland) showed higher heavy rare earth element (HREE) contents and shallower middle REE (MREE) to HREE/chondrite (ch) slopes than those from continental arcs and tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite suites (TTGs). However, Hadean and Archean model melts were consistently similar to each other and to those from continental arcs, hotspots, and TTGs (and dissimilar to oceanic settings), with depleted HREE contents and slope reversal in heaviest REEch. Despite close similarities that suggest comparable petrogenesis of Hadean and early Archean magmas from which Jack Hills detrital zircons crystallized, subtle variabilities in REEch and Zr/Hf suggest thickening crust and evolving igneous systems through time.
The role of flat slab subduction, ridge subduction, and tectonic inheritance in Andean deformation
Authors: Horton Brian K. , Capaldi Tomas N. , Perez Nicholas D.
Published: May 2022

Convergent plate boundaries show sharp variations in orogenic width and extent of intraplate deformation. Analysis of late Cenozoic contractile deformation along the Andean mountain front and adjacent foreland highlights the contrasting degrees of deformation advance toward the plate interior. The retroarc positions of the Andean topographic front (marked by frontal thrust-belt structures) and foreland deformation front (defined by isolated basement block uplifts) range from 300 to 900 km inboard of the trench axis. Over the ~8000 km arcuate length of the Andes (10°N to 55°S), four discrete maxima of inboard deformation advance are spatially co-located with the Peruvian (5°S–14°S) and Pampean (27°S–33°S) zones of flat slab subduction, the subducted Chile Ridge (45°S–48°S), and the anomalously thick Paleozoic stratigraphic wedge of Bolivia (17°S –23°S). The spatial correspondence of retroarc shortening with specific geodynamic configurations demonstrates the mechanical role of flat slab subduction, slab window development, and combined structural and stratigraphic geometries in shaping the orogenic architecture of Cordilleran margins, largely through lithospheric strengthening, weakening, and/or tectonic inheritance.
Ringwoodite and zirconia inclusions indicate downward travel of super-deep diamonds
Authors: Lorenzon Sofia , Novella Davide , Nimis Paolo , Jacobsen Steven D. , Thomassot Emilie , Pamato Martha G. , Prosperi Loredana , Lorenzetti Alessandra , Alvaro Matteo , Brenker Frank , Salvadego Franco , Nestola Fabrizio
Published: May 2022

Natural diamonds and their inclusions provide unique glimpses of mantle processes from as deep as ~800 km and dating back to 3.5 G.y. Once formed, diamonds are commonly interpreted to travel upward, either slowly within mantle upwellings or rapidly within explosive, carbonate-rich magmas erupting at the surface. Although global tectonics induce subduction of material from shallow depths into the deep mantle, mineralogical evidence for downward movements of diamonds has never been reported. We report the finding of an unusual composite inclusion consisting of ringwoodite (the second finding to date), tetragonal zirconia, and coesite within an alluvial super-deep diamond from the Central African Republic. We interpret zirconia + coesite and ringwoodite as prograde transformation products after zircon or reidite (ZrSiO4) and olivine or wadsleyite, respectively. This inclusion assemblage can be explained if the diamond traveled downward after entrapping olivine/wadsleyite + zircon/reidite, dragged down by a subducting slab, before being delivered to the surface. This indicates that the commonly assumed view that diamonds form at, and capture material from, a specific mantle level and then travel upward is probably too simplistic.
Triple oxygen isotope evidence for a hot Archean ocean
Authors: McGunnigle J.P. , Cano E.J. , Sharp Z.D. , Muehlenbachs K. , Cole D. , Hardman M.F. , Stachel T. , Pearson D.G.
Published: May 2022

Triple oxygen isotope (δ17O and δ18O) values of high- and low-temperature altered oceanic crust and products of basalt alteration experiments were measured to better constrain ocean isotope compositions in deep time. The data define an array of δ18O and Δ′17O (Δ′17O=δ′17O − λRL × δ′18O + γ) values from mantle values toward 1‰ and −0.01‰, respectively, with a λ of ~0.523. The altered oceanic crust data were used to construct a model for estimating δ18O-Δ′17O values of the ancient oceans if the continental weathering flux (FCW) and/or hydrothermal oceanic crust alteration flux (FHT) changed through time. A maximum lowering of 7‰ and 4‰, respectively, is achieved in the most extreme cases. The δ18O value of the ocean cannot be raised by more than 1.1‰. Eclogites from the Roberts Victor kimberlite (South Africa), with a protolith age of 3.1 Ga, have δ18O-Δ′17O values that precisely overlap with those of the modern altered oceanic crust, suggesting that the Archean oceans had similar isotope values as today. Published triple isotope data for Archean cherts show that all samples have been altered to some degree and suggest an Archean ocean surface temperature of ~70–100 °C. An ocean as light as −2‰ is still consistent with our eclogite data and reduce our temperature estimates by 10 °C.
Protogenetic clinopyroxene inclusions in diamond and Nd diffusion modeling—Implications for diamond dating
Authors: Pasqualetto L. , Nestola F. , Jacob D.E. , Pamato M.G. , Oliveira B. , Perritt S. , Chinn I. , Nimis P. , Milani S. , Harris J.W.
Published: May 2022

Diamonds are witnesses of processes that have operated in Earth's mantle over more than 3 b.y. Essential to our understanding of these processes is the determination of diamond crystallization ages. These cannot be directly determined on diamond, but they can be calculated using radiogenic isotopic systematics of suitable minerals included in a diamond. This method relies on the assumption that the mineral inclusions were in isotopic equilibrium with the diamond-forming medium. We evaluated the validity of Sm-Nd ages yielded by clinopyroxene inclusions by combining crystallographic orientation analyses and Nd diffusion modeling at the relevant conditions for Earth's cratonic mantle. We investigated the crystallographic orientation relationships (CORs) for 54 clinopyroxene inclusions within 18 diamonds from South Africa and Siberia. Clinopyroxene inclusions in some diamonds showed specific CORs with their hosts, indicating possible syngenesis. Other samples had clusters of clinopyroxene inclusions sharing the same orientation but no specific orientation relative to their hosts, indicating that the inclusions are older than the diamond (i.e., they are protogenetic). Diffusion modeling in the temperature range typical for lithospheric diamonds (900–1400 °C) showed that resetting of the Sm-Nd isotopic system in clinopyroxene grains larger than 0.05 mm requires geologically long interaction with the diamond-forming fluid/melt (>3.5 m.y. at average temperature of ~1150 °C). Depending on inclusion size and temperature regime, protogenetic clinopyroxene inclusions may not fully reequilibrate during diamond-formation events. We suggest that small clinopyroxene inclusions (<0.2 mm) that equilibrated at temperatures higher than 1050–1080 °C may be the most suitable for age determinations.
B cell depletion therapy using rituximab to induce long-term remission of recalcitrant skin lesions of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mehta Nikhil , Baskaran Narayanan , Arava Sudheer , Gupta Somesh
Published: May 2022

A woman in her 20s presented with chilblains for 2 years and recent-onset photodistributed psoriasiform plaques. She did not have persistent good improvement despite treatment with 1 mg/kg oral prednisolone, along with successive trials with many steroid-sparing adjuvants in adequate dosage and duration, including hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate and cyclosporine, in the following 6 months. The patient had an excellent improvement and went into remission with two doses of injection rituximab, 1 g each, at a 2-week interval. The remission was maintained during the 14-month follow-up.
Headache may be the only symptom of subclavian steal syndrome after thoracic endovascular aortic repair
Authors: Rajendram Rajkumar , Aldbas Abdulaziz Abdullah
Published: May 2022

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is currently the treatment of choice for thoracic aortic disease. In select cases, the TEVAR stent must occlude the left subclavian artery. This is usually well tolerated, but the subclavian steal syndrome (SCSS) may occur. Vertebrobasilar insufficiency can cause headaches, but reports of headache as the only symptom of SCSS are very rare. Thus, this may be under-recognised. To increase the awareness of this complication we describe the course of a patient who developed chronic intermittent headaches after intentional occlusion of the left subclavian artery with a TEVAR stent. Revascularisation may be required to prevent adverse neurological outcomes from SCSS. Some authors recommend prophylactic revascularisation whenever the left subclavian artery is sacrificed during TEVAR. However, transposition or bypass of this artery is not without risk and mild symptoms, such as secondary headache, can be fully controlled with conservative measures that reduce steal pathophysiology.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) consensus statement on acute respiratory illness in athletes part 2: non-infective acute respiratory illness
Authors: Schwellnus Martin , Adami Paolo Emilio , Bougault Valerie , Budgett Richard , Clemm Hege Havstad , Derman Wayne , Erdener Uğur , Fitch Ken , Hull James H , McIntosh Cameron , Meyer Tim , Pedersen Lars , Pyne David B , Reier-Nilsen Tonje , Schobersberger Wolfgang , Schumacher Yorck Olaf , Sewry Nicola , Soligard Torbjørn , Valtonen Maarit , Webborn Nick , Engebretsen Lars
Published: May 2022

Acute respiratory illness (ARill) is common and threatens the health of athletes. ARill in athletes forms a significant component of the work of Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) clinicians. The aim of this consensus is to provide the SEM clinician with an overview and practical clinical approach to non-infective ARill in athletes. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Medical and Scientific Committee appointed an international consensus group to review ARill in athletes. Key areas of ARill in athletes were originally identified and six subgroups of the IOC Consensus group established to review the following aspects: (1) epidemiology/risk factors for ARill, (2) infective ARill, (3) non-infective ARill, (4) acute asthma/exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and related conditions, (5) effects of ARill on exercise/sports performance, medical complications/return-to-sport (RTS) and (6) acute nasal/laryngeal obstruction presenting as ARill. Following several reviews conducted by subgroups, the sections of the consensus documents were allocated to ‘core’ members for drafting and internal review. An advanced draft of the consensus document was discussed during a meeting of the main consensus core group, and final edits were completed prior to submission of the manuscript. This document (part 2) of this consensus focuses on respiratory conditions causing non-infective ARill in athletes. These include non-inflammatory obstructive nasal, laryngeal, tracheal or bronchial conditions or non-infective inflammatory conditions of the respiratory epithelium that affect the upper and/or lower airways, frequently as a continuum. The following aspects of more common as well as lesser-known non-infective ARill in athletes are reviewed: epidemiology, risk factors, pathology/pathophysiology, clinical presentation and diagnosis, management, prevention, medical considerations and risks of illness during exercise, effects of illness on exercise/sports performance and RTS guidelines.
Real-world evidence on the use of a fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine and lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) in people with suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes in Romania: a prospective cohort study (STAR.Ro)
Authors: Bala Cornelia , Cerghizan Anca , Mihai Bogdan-Mircea , Moise Mihaela , Guja Cristian
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To assess the effectiveness and safety of insulin glargine and lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) fixed-ratio combination on a cohort of Romanian adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Design

Open-label, 24-week, prospective cohort study.

Setting

65 secondary care diabetes centres in Romania.

Participants

The study included 901 adults with T2D suboptimally controlled with previous oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs)±basal insulin (BI) who initiated treatment with iGlarLixi upon the decision of the investigator. Major exclusion criteria were iGlarLixi contraindications and refusal to participate. 876 subjects received at least one dose of iGlarLixi (intention-to-treat/safety population).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary endpoint was change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to week 24 in the modified intention-to-treat population (study participants with HbA1c available at baseline and week 24). Secondary efficacy outcomes were percentage of participants reaching HbA1c targets and change in fasting plasma glucose (FPG).

Results

Mean baseline HbA1c was 9.2% (SD 1.4) and FPG was 10.8 mmol/L (2.9). Mean HbA1c change was −1.3% (95% CI: −1.4% to −1.2%, p<0.0001) at week 24. HbA1c levels ≤6.5%, <7% and<7.5% at week 24 were achieved by 72 (8.9%), 183 (22.6%) and 342 (42.3%) participants, respectively. Mean FPG change was −3.1 mmol/L (95% CI: −3.3 to −2.8, p<0.001) at week 24. Mean body weight change was −1.6 kg (95% CI: −1.9 to −1.3, p<0.001) at 24 weeks. Mean iGlarLixi dose increased from 19.5 U (SD 7.7) and 30.1 U (10.0) to 30.2 U (8.9) (ratio 2/1 pen) and 45.0 U (11.6) (ratio 3/1 pen). Adverse events (AEs) were reported by 43 (4.9%) participants (18 (2.1%) gastrointestinal) with 4 (0.5%) reporting serious AEs. 13 (1.5%) participants reported at least one event of symptomatic hypoglycaemia, with one episode of severe hypoglycaemia reported.

Conclusions

In a real-world setting, 24-week treatment with iGlarLixi provided a significant reduction of HbA1c with body weight loss and low hypoglycaemia risk in T2D suboptimally controlled with OADs±BI treatment.
Lysosomal lipid switch sensitises to nutrient deprivation and mTOR targeting in pancreatic cancer
Authors: De Santis Maria Chiara , Gozzelino Luca , Margaria Jean Piero , Costamagna Andrea , Ratto Edoardo , Gulluni Federico , Di Gregorio Enza , Mina Erica , Lorito Nicla , Bacci Marina , Lattanzio Rossano , Sala Gianluca , Cappello Paola , Novelli Francesco , Giovannetti Elisa , Vicentini Caterina , Andreani Silvia , Delfino Pietro , Corbo Vincenzo , Scarpa Aldo , Porporato Paolo Ettore , Morandi Andrea , Hirsch Emilio , Martini Miriam
Published: May 2022

Objective

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive disease with limited therapeutic options. However, metabolic adaptation to the harsh PDAC environment can expose liabilities useful for therapy. Targeting the key metabolic regulator mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and its downstream pathway shows efficacy only in subsets of patients but gene modifiers maximising response remain to be identified.

Design

Three independent cohorts of PDAC patients were studied to correlate PI3K-C2γ protein abundance with disease outcome. Mechanisms were then studied in mouse (KPC mice) and cellular models of PDAC, in presence or absence of PI3K-C2γ (WT or KO). PI3K-C2γ-dependent metabolic rewiring and its impact on mTORC1 regulation were assessed in conditions of limiting glutamine availability. Finally, effects of a combination therapy targeting mTORC1 and glutamine metabolism were studied in WT and KO PDAC cells and preclinical models.

Results

PI3K-C2γ expression was reduced in about 30% of PDAC cases and was associated with an aggressive phenotype. Similarly, loss of PI3K-C2γ in KPC mice enhanced tumour development and progression. The increased aggressiveness of tumours lacking PI3K-C2γ correlated with hyperactivation of mTORC1 pathway and glutamine metabolism rewiring to support lipid synthesis. PI3K-C2γ-KO tumours failed to adapt to metabolic stress induced by glutamine depletion, resulting in cell death.

Conclusion

Loss of PI3K-C2γ prevents mTOR inactivation and triggers tumour vulnerability to RAD001 (mTOR inhibitor) and BPTES/CB-839 (glutaminase inhibitors). Therefore, these results might open the way to personalised treatments in PDAC with PI3K-C2γ loss.
091  CIDP mimic in a patient with HIV; An unusual presentation of POEMS syndrome
Authors: Carroll Liam , Osman Chinar , Katifi Haider
Published: May 2022

A 37-year old woman with HIV on antiretrovirals (undetectable viral load; CD4 count 520) presented with a painful length dependant sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Investigations showed mild neutropenia, IgA 5.2g/L without paraprotein. Nerve conduction studies indicated a demyelinating polyneuropathy. CSF was acellular with protein 1193mg/L. Despite multiple courses of IVIg and subsequently pulsed IV and oral steroids, her power deteriorated considerably. A nerve biopsy showed loss of myelinated fibres with inflammation. On reinvestigation an IgA lambda paraprotein (5.2g/L) with raised VEGF (1190ng/L) was identified. Bone marrow demonstrated 8% plasma cells; a CT-PET was normal. A diagnosis of POEMS syndrome was made and chemotherapy commenced. A full VEGF response and resolution of neuropathic pain was seen 6-months post treatment initiation; however, treatment was complicated by venous sinus thrombosis and hypocortisolaemia.

POEMS syndrome is a rare plasma cell dyscrasia with protean clinical manifestations, though all develop a progressive peripheral neuropathy. There is no reported association with HIV and POEMS, though HIV in association with CIDP has been reported and is usually responsive to treatment. It is important to challenge a CIDP diagnosis when refractory to treatment with atypical features, particularly severe neuropathic pain, and to repeat investigations if clinical suspicion is high.

liamcarroll@nhs.net
Unhealthy traits and risk of Parkinson’s disease: a mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Jensen Melanie , Heilbron Karl , Bandres-Ciga Sara , Fontanillas Pierre , Blauwendraat Cornelis , Nalls Mike , Singleton Andrew , Smith George Davey , Cannon Paul , Noyce Alastair
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Observational studies have flagged smoking, alcohol and high body mass index (BMI) as potential protective factors against Parkinson’s disease (PD), however it is unclear whether such asso- ciations are causal. Mendelian randomisation (MR) uses gene variants to explore causal trait-outcome effects, minimising bias from observational studies. Using MR, we sought to determine the causal relation- ship between unhealthy traits (tobacco smoking, alcohol intake, and high BMI) and PD risk.

Methods

We used genome-wide association studies to find single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with each trait. Using split-sample MR, we used inverse weighted (IVW) methods to determine the effect of traits on PD. We used MR-Egger and weighted mean methods to check for bias in IVW analyses.

Results

Ever-smoking and high BMI causally reduced PD risk (OR 0.96 95%CI 0.92–0.99 p=0.01; OR 0.99 95%CI 0.98–1.00 per 1 kg/m2 p=0.01, respectively). Alcohol causally increased PD risk (OR 1.13 95%CI 1.03–1.24 p=0.01). Sensitivity analyses did not reveal bias from pleiotropy or invalid instruments.

Conclusions

MR analysis in over 2.4 million participants showed a protective effect of smoking on PD; war- ranting prioritisation of related therapeutic targets in clinical trials. Conversely, alcohol causally increased PD risk. Higher BMI protected against PD, but the effect was marginal.

m.jensen@cantab.net
226  Reduced synaptic density in progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal syndrome, revealed by [11C]UCB-J PET
Authors: Holland Negin , Simon Jones P , Savulich George , Hong Young T , Fryer Tim , Manavaki Roido , Milicevic-Sephton Selena , Aigbirhio Franklin I , O’Brien John , Rowe James B
Published: May 2022

Synaptic loss is prominent in several human neurodegenerative diseases. We tested the hypothesis that synaptic density is reduced by the primary tauopathies of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and cor- ticobasal syndrome (CBS). Thirty-three participants (10 CBS, 10 PSP, and thirteen age-/sex-/education- matched controls) underwent clinical and neuropsychological assessment, 3T-magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography with the radioligand [11C]UCB-J which targets the Synaptic Vesicle Glycoprotein 2A (SV2A). Eight CBS patients had negative β-amyloid biomarker. As expected, PSP and CBS groups were impaired in executive, memory and visuospatial tasks. [11C]UCB-J binding was reduced across frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes, cingulate, hippocampus, insula, amygdala and subcortical structures in both PSP and CBS patients compared to controls (p<0.001), with reductions up to 50%, consistent with post mortem data. The revised Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination score correlated positively with cortical [11C]UCB-J binding (frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes, hippocampus, insula and amygdala, all p<0.05); putamen and precentral [11C]UCB-J binding correlated inversely with the PSP rating scale (both p<0.05). In conclusion, we confirm severe synaptic loss in PSP and CBS, which correlates with disease severity, providing critical insights into the underlying pathophysiology of primary degenerative tauopathies and supporting potential treatment strategies based on synaptic maintenance or restoration.

nda26@cam.ac.uk
067  Negative impact of COVID-19 lockdown on papilloedema and idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Thaller Mark , Tsermoulas George , Sun Rosa , Mollan Susan , Sinclair Alexandra
Published: May 2022

Background

Enforced national lockdown due to COVID-19 limited access to medical services. We evaluated the impact on those presenting with papilloedema, and those with a pre-existing diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Design

A single United Kingdom centre prospective cohort study between May 15, 2020 (start of emergency clinics after first 8 week national lockdown) and July 31, 2020. Demographics, diagnosis and outcomes were documented.

Results

The study recorded 130 individual patients, 123 with a diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hyper- tension. 92% were female and mean age was 32.5 years. Emergency cerebrospinal fluid diversion surgery was required in 13% (17/130), a 4.7-fold (367%) increase compared to the same period in 2019. Weight increased in 58% (mean 6.2kg SD 4.6) and corresponded to a significant increase in papilloedema (Optical Coherence Tomography retinal nerve fibre layer 15µm SD 57.3, p=0.014). Elevated anxiety levels (hospital anxiety and depression scale >7) occurred in 64%.

Conclusions

There was a 367% increase in emergency shunting to save vision in idiopathic intracranial hypertension following national lockdown. Worsening of papilloedema, weight gain, and detrimental effects on mental health were recorded. Countermeasures should be implemented to minimise harm in this rare disease during future service restrictions and lockdowns.

mark.thaller@nhs.net|ABN Bursary
081  Comparison of 100 remotely assessed neurology outpatients during the COVID-19 pandemic with a 2019 cohort
Authors: Pigott James , McCammon Jacob , Nitkunan Arani
Published: May 2022

COVID-19 forced a swift change to remote neurology outpatient appointments in order to reduce hospital footfall. The impact of this change on diagnosis, investigations requested, and follow up was unknown.

This retrospective study compared 100 general neurology outpatients assessed remotely by a single clinician in 2020, to 100 patients assessed face to face during a similar time frame in 2019. The aim of the study was to identify if remote consultations are a feasible alternative, and if their use resulted in increased numbers of investigations or repeat consultations.

There were similar numbers of urgent investigations ordered in 2019 and 2020 (9% and 7% respectively); however, fewer routine investigations were requested (7% compared with 38%). Of 58 new outpatients in 2020, 12% required video assessment, and 1 required a physical review. An additional 10% consultations were needed in 2020. The discharge rate was similar in both cohorts (41% and 44%). Follow up plans were similar between the 2 cohorts, despite an increase in 2020 of 6 month follow up appointments.

This study demonstrates remote neurology outpatient consultations are feasible outside the pandemic. We propose follow up appointments could be done remotely as a default and potentially for some selected new patients.

james.pigott@nhs.net
Generalized Heisenberg uncertainty relation in spherical coordinates
Authors: Khelashvili Anzor , Nadareishvili Teimuraz
Published: May 2022

Following to the Weil method, we generalize the Heisenberg–Robertson uncertainty relation for arbitrary two operators. Consideration is made in spherical coordinates, where the distant variable [Formula: see text] is restricted from one side, [Formula: see text]. By this reason, accounting of suitable boundary condition at the origin for radial wavefunctions and operators is necessary. Therefore, there arise extra surface terms in comparison with traditional approaches. These extra terms are calculated for various solvable potentials and their influence is investigated. At last, the time–energy uncertainty relations are also analyzed. Some differences between our approach and that, in which a direct product for separate variances were considered, are discussed.
Quantum tomography of three-qubit generalized Werner states
Authors: Czerwinski Artur
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we introduce a numerical framework for quantum tomography and entanglement quantification of three-qubit generalized Werner states. The scheme involves the single-qubit symmetric, informationally complete, positive operator-valued measure (SIC-POVM), which is then generalized to perform three-qubit measurements. We introduce random errors into the scheme by imposing the Poisson noise on the measured photon counts. The precision of state estimation is quantified and presented on graphs. As a special case, we compare the efficiency of the framework for the pure three-qubit generalized Werner state and the W state. The reconstructed states are presented graphically and discussed.
Construction of a Nondegenerate 2D Chaotic Map with Application to Irreversible Parallel Key Expansion Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Mengdi , Liu Hongjun
Published: May 2022

The key expansion algorithm is an important part of a general iterated block cipher, because its security determines the security level of the encryption scheme. Thus, generating secure round keys with statistical independence and sensitivity is desirable. An irreversible parallel key expansion algorithm is proposed based on a chaotic map in this paper. First, an enhanced nondegenerate 2D exponential chaotic map (2D-ECM) with ergodicity is constructed, with analysis results demonstrating that it has better dynamical characteristics. Then, an irreversible key expansion algorithm is designed based on the 2D-ECM, which has high sensitivity to initial key with independence between round keys. Experimental results and performance analysis demonstrate that the algorithm is feasible and can resist the side channel power attack.
Modeling Allee Effect in the Leslie-Gower Predator–Prey System Incorporating a Prey Refuge
Authors: Yin Wenqi , Li Zhong , Chen Fengde , He Mengxin
Published: May 2022

This paper considers a Leslie-Gower predator–prey system with Allee effect and prey refuge. By considering the prey refuge constant as a parameter, we analyze the stability of the equilibria in the system, and find that there are abundant dynamic behaviors. It is shown that the model can undergo a sequence of bifurcations including saddle-node bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation and Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation of codimension two or three as the parameters vary. Moreover, the model underdoes a degenerate Hopf bifurcation of codimension two and has two limit cycles, where the inner one is stable and the outer one is unstable. Through some numerical simulations, the occurrence of Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation and Hopf bifurcation of codimension two are confirmed.
Bifurcations and Exact Traveling Wave Solutions in the Generalized Sasa–Satsuma Equation
Authors: Deng Shenfu , Chen Guanrong , Li Jibin
Published: May 2022

This paper studies traveling wave solutions of a generalized Sasa–Satsuma equation introduced in [Adem et al., 2020]. For the cases of [Formula: see text], under given parameter conditions, the bifurcations of traveling wave solutions in the parameter space are investigated for the corresponding traveling systems. All possible explicit exact parametric representations of various solutions are obtained.
On groups in which every element has a prime power order and which satisfy some boundedness condition
Authors: Herzog Marcel , Longobardi Patrizia , Maj Mercede
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we shall deal with periodic groups, in which each element has a prime power order. A group [Formula: see text] will be called a [Formula: see text]-group if each element of [Formula: see text] has a prime power order and for each [Formula: see text] there exists a positive integer [Formula: see text] such that each [Formula: see text]-element of [Formula: see text] is of order [Formula: see text]. A group [Formula: see text] will be called a [Formula: see text]-group if each element of [Formula: see text] has a prime power order and for each [Formula: see text] there exists a positive integer [Formula: see text] such that each finite [Formula: see text]-subgroup of [Formula: see text] is of order [Formula: see text]. Here, [Formula: see text] denotes the set of all primes dividing the order of some element of [Formula: see text]. Our main results are the following four theorems. Theorem 1: Let [Formula: see text] be a finitely generated [Formula: see text]-group. Then [Formula: see text] has only a finite number of normal subgroups of finite index. Theorem 4: Let [Formula: see text] be a locally graded [Formula: see text]-group. Then [Formula: see text] is a locally finite group. Theorem 7: Let [Formula: see text] be a locally graded [Formula: see text]-group. Then [Formula: see text] is a finite group. Theorem 8: Let [Formula: see text] be a [Formula: see text]-group satisfying [Formula: see text]. Then [Formula: see text] is a locally finite group.
Application of Uncertain Autoregressive Model to Per Capita Output of Yarn in China
Authors: Chen Dan
Published: May 2022

This paper aims to employ time series analysis to forecast the per capita output of yarn in China. We note from random time series analysis that the residual data did not pass the normality and homogeneous distribution tests. It means that the disturbance term cannot be assumed as a random variable. The random autoregressive model is not suitable. In this situation, this paper employs an uncertain autoregressive model in which the disturbance term is an uncertain variable. Besides, an uncertain hypothesis test is designed to evaluate whether the uncertain autoregressive model fits the observed values well. From this study, we conclude that the uncertain autoregressive model is a good fit for the per capita output of yarn.
Scheduling in Real-Time Mobile Systems
Authors: Chen Cong , Hong Zhong , Jiang Jian-Min
Published: May 2022

To guarantee the safety and security of a real-time mobile system such as an intelligent transportation system, it is necessary to model and analyze its behaviors prior to actual development. In particular, the mobile objects in such systems must be isolated from each other so that they do not collide with each other. Since isolation means two or more mobile objects must not be located in the same place at the same time, a scheduling policy is required to control and coordinate the movement of such objects. However, traditional scheduling theories are based on task scheduling which is coarse-grained and cannot be directly used for fine-grained isolation controls. In this article, we first propose a fine-grained event-based formal model called a
time dependency structure
and use it to model and analyze real-time mobile systems. Next, an event-based schedule is defined and the composition of schedules is discussed. Then, we investigate the schedulability of isolation—that is, checking whether a given schedule ensures the isolation relationship among mobile objects or not. After that, we present an automation approach for scheduling generation to guarantee isolation controls in real-time mobile systems. Finally, case studies and simulation experiments demonstrate the usability and effectiveness of our approach.
Tracking the Migration of the Monarch Butterflies with the World's Smallest Computer
Authors: Lee Inhee , Hsiao Roger , Carichner Gordy , Hsu Chin-Wie , Yang Mingyu , Shoouri Sara , Ernst Katherine , Carichner Tess , Li Yuyang , Lim Jaechan , Julick Cole R. , Moon Eunseong , Sun Yi , Phillips Jamie , Montooth Kristi L. , Green II Delbert A. , Kim Hun-Seok , Blaauw David
Published: May 2022

Each fall, millions of monarch butterflies across the U.S. and Canada migrate up to 4,000 km to overwinter in the same cluster of mountaintops in central Mexico. In spring, these migrants mate and remigrate northwards to repopulate their northern breeding territory over 2-4 partially overlapping generations. Because each migrant monarch completes only part of this round trip and does not return to the overwintering site, this navigational task cannot be learned from the prior generation. The number of monarchs completing the journey has dramatically declined in the past decades, coincident with the decreased availability of their milkweed host plant. The U.S., Mexico, and Canada have invested tremendous resources into monarch conservation efforts, including enacting specific policy initiatives, public outreach programs, and habitat protection and restoration projects. The US invested over $11 million between 2015-2017 alone [1]. Developing a tracking technology for monarch can be a key in these efforts, providing, for instance, detailed understanding of habitat use during migratory flight and dependence on weather conditions. Furthermore, it can significantly benefit animal research, and agricultural and environmental science.
A Community-Driven Approach to Democratize Access to Satellite Ground Stations
Authors: Singh Vaibhav , Prabhakara Akarsh , Zhang Diana , Yağan Osman , Kumar Swarun
Published: May 2022

If you were to launch a small satellite in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) today, the cost of installing/renting ground stations around the world to maintain global coverage is likely to rival the satellite launch costs. While satellite launch costs for small players have reduced significantly due to the emergence of ride sharing programs operated by both public and private organizations, access to ground station infrastructure is still a luxury due to the immense cost and form factor of the components involved, which need to be installed in a large, elevated area free from any obstructions.
Fluoride-Assisted Preparation of Plasmonic Oxygen-Deficient MoO3−x Nanowires for Dual-Band Electrochromic Smart Windows
Authors: Rao Tingke , Zhou Yuanliang , Jiang Jie , Yang Peng , Wang Xiongfeng , Liao Wugang
Published: May 2022

Electrochromic materials are vital to the development of dual-band smart windows, which enable the individual control of visible and near-infrared (NIR) light transmittance. In this paper, we propose a novel single-component MoO3−x nanowire fabricated using a simplified preparation method via a fluoride-assisted route. The incorporation of oxygen vacancies into MoO3−x nanowire in the presence of fluoride anions has not been attempted before. Spectroscopic measurements confirm enhanced ion mobility in the MoO3−x conduction band through the Mo6+ substitution of Mo5+ cations as the origin of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Oxygen vacancies greatly improve Li+ diffusion in the MoO3−x host while providing near-infrared selective modulation due to tunable LSPR absorbance in the NIR region. The MoO3−x nanowire demonstrates excellent dual-band electrochromic performance in terms of switching speed (12.4 s and 5.4 s for coloration and bleaching between 1.0 V and 3.5 V), coloration efficiency (232.8 cm2·C−1 at 1080 nm and 211.7 cm2·C−1 at 450 nm), and electrochemical stability (91.8% at 1080 nm after 1,000 cycles). This suggests that MoO3−x nanowire with oxygen vacancy is a promising new electrochromic material for dual-band smart windows.
An Improved Approach for Reader Anti-Collision in Industrial Internet of Things
Authors: Qian Haizhong
Published: May 2022

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology has been used in numerous applications, e.g., supply chain management and inventory control. This paper focuses on the practically important problem of reader-to-reader collision in large-scale RFID systems. There are many technical challenges during the existing work such as high computational complexity and low identification efficiency. To tackle the above challenges, this paper proposes a novel reader anti-collision protocol optimized by minimal reverse weight (NRA-MRW), which includes two phases. Extensive simulation results show that our proposed NRA-MRW can improve the identification efficiency and system throughput over the existing protocols by 25.2% and 12.3%, respectively.
CARSP: A Smart Parking System Based on Doubly Periodic Rolling Horizon Allocation Approach
Authors: Ning Shangbin , Han Zhenyu , Yang Yang , Yuan Zhenzhou , Wu Xianyu
Published: May 2022

Blind search for available parking space is accountable for most traffic congestion, accident, and pollution in cities, which severely impact people’s life. Parking management based on an online smart parking system is practical to alleviate parking problems in which parking allocation is the core. However, existing researches are weak at satisfying allocation effect and speed simultaneously when solving large-scale dynamic parking allocation problem. To address this problem, we firstly construct an online “Collection-Allocation-Response” smart parking system (CARSP) to offer parking services to users and rent parking spaces from owners so as to obtain revenue for system managers. We then propose a novel Doubly Periodic Rolling Horizon allocation approach (DPRH) that circularly conduct allocation within a short period and reallocation within a long period. We formulate a narrow allocation model (without reallocation) and broad allocation model (with reallocation), both of which are binary integer programming models with the objective of maximizing system integrated benefit. We design seven performance metrics to evaluate the overall allocation effect and speed of CARSP based on DPRH. According to the three-day district-level instance in Beijing, CARSP based on DPRH performs excellently in balancing allocation effect and speed. This study is meaningful for constructing and optimizing an online smart parking system.
Texture Analysis of Enhanced MRI and Pathological Slides Predicts EGFR Mutation Status in Breast Cancer
Authors: Du Tianming , Zhao Haidong
Published: May 2022

Objective. Image texture information was extracted from enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pathological hematoxylin and eosin‐ (HE‐) stained images of female breast cancer patients. We established models individually, and then, we combine the two kinds of data to establish model. Through this method, we verified whether sufficient information could be obtained from enhanced MRI and pathological slides to assist in the determination of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status in patients. Methods. We obtained enhanced MRI data from patients with breast cancer before treatment and selected diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), T1 fast‐spin echo (T1 FSE), and T2 fast‐spin echo (T2 FSE) as the data sources for extracting texture information. Imaging physicians manually outlined the 3D regions of interest (ROIs) and extracted texture features according to the gray level cooccurrence matrix (GLCM) of the images. For the HE staining images of the patients, we adopted a specific normalization algorithm to simulate the images dyed with only hematoxylin or eosin and extracted textures. We extracted texture features to predict the expression of EGFR. After evaluating the predictive power of each model, the models from the two data sources were combined for remodeling. Results. For enhanced MRI data, the modeling of texture information of T1 FSE had a good predictive effect for EGFR mutation status. For pathological images, eosin‐stained images can achieve a better prediction effect. We selected these two classifiers as the weak classifiers of the final model and obtained good results (training group: AUC, 0.983; 95% CI, 0.95‐1.00; accuracy, 0.962; specificity, 0.936; and sensitivity, 0.979; test group: AUC, 0.983; 95% CI, 0.94‐1.00; accuracy, 0.943; specificity, 1.00; and sensitivity, 0.905). Conclusion. The EGFR mutation status of patients with breast cancer can be well predicted based on enhanced MRI data and pathological data. This helps hospitals that do not test the EGFR mutation status of patients with breast cancer. The technology gives clinicians more information about breast cancer, which helps them make accurate diagnoses and select suitable treatments.
News Hotspot Event Diffusion Mechanism Based on Complex Network
Authors: Guo Rongchun
Published: May 2022

The wide range of social hot news events on the Internet has made the Internet have a great impact on the public. However, there are few studies on Internet information. In order to improve the efficiency of user network information dissemination of Internet information based on complex network theory and model simulation, this paper makes a more in-depth study on information dissemination on the Internet, constructs a complex network of Internet information dissemination, and analyzes the static topology and dynamic evolution process of the network. Using the attention relationship between Internet users, the Internet information dissemination network, degree, and path were used to select multiple indicators. The static topology of the network is analyzed by using the complex network theory. The study found that the complex network of Internet information is different from other complex networks. The influencing factors of network dynamic evolution are studied from three aspects: overall structure, local structure, and time constraints. The evolution trend of different forms and overall network nodes in the evolution process was explored, and the network dynamic evolution process model was constructed. Practice shows that the model can better describe the evolution process of network information dissemination in complex networks. The degree values of the two networks are positively correlated with the corresponding average clustering coefficients, and the networks have a significant hierarchy. The correlation between news hot events and network nodes is not as good as users’ attention to the network.
Performance Evaluation of Machine Learning Algorithm for Classification of Unintended Pregnancy among Married Women in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md. Ismail , Habib Md. Jakaria , Saleheen Ahmed Abdus Saleh , Kamruzzaman Md. , Rahman Azizur , Roy Sutopa , Amit Hasan Md. , Haq Iqramul , Methun Md. Injamul Haq , Nayan Md. Iqbal Hossain , Rukonozzaman Rukon Md.
Published: May 2022

Intended pregnancy is one of the significant indicators of women’s well-being. Globally, 74 million women become pregnant every year without planning. Unintended pregnancies account for 28% of all pregnancies among married women in Bangladesh. This study aimed to investigate the performance of six different machine learning (ML) algorithms applied to predict unintended pregnancies among married women in Bangladesh. From BDHS 2017-18, only 1129 pregnant women aged 15–49 were eligible for this study. An independent

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2

test had performed before we considered six popular ML algorithms, such as logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), naïve Bayes (NB), and elastic net regression (ENR) to predict the unintended pregnancy. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, Cohen’s Kappa statistic, and area under curve (AUC) value were used as model evaluation. The bivariate analysis result showed that women aged 30–49 years, poor, not educated, and living in male-headed households had a higher percentage of unintended pregnancy. We found various performance parameters for the classification of unintended pregnancy: LR accuracy = 79.29%, LR AUC = 72.12%; RF accuracy = 77.81%, RF AUC = 72.17%; SVM accuracy = 76.92%, SVM AUC = 70.90%; KNN accuracy = 77.22%, KNN AUC = 70.27%; NB accuracy = 78%, NB AUC = 73.06%; and ENR accuracy = 77.51%, ENR AUC = 74.67%. Based on the AUC value, we can conclude that of all the ML algorithms we investigated, the ENR algorithm provides the most accurate classification for predicting unwanted pregnancy among Bangladeshi women. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of how to categorize pregnancy intentions among Bangladeshi women. As a result, the government can initiate an effective campaign to raise contraception awareness.