bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Fe(III)‐OTC complex on degradation of OTC with Fe(II)/H2O2 under simulated solar light
Authors: Wenlong Bi , Dong Wenbo
Published: September 2020

The typical antibiotic Oxytetracycline (OTC) remained in the environment and it was widely used. And the migration and transformation of OTC in natural environment and its harmfulness had become the focus of attention. Thus, the influence of Fe(II/III)‐OTC complex on degradation of OTC by Fe(II)/H2O2 under simulated solar light was investigated. The results showed that the average ratio of OTC‐Fe(II/III) complexes formed by OTC and Fe(III) was 1:1 at pH = 2.5. In addition, it was difficult to obtain the stability constant of Fe(III)‐OTC complexes effectively considering the morphology of Fe(III) and the complexation sites of OTC. And when OTC:Fe(II):H2O2 = 1:1.5:2, the removal rate of OTC was 82% after 1 h, however, simulated solar light could not improve the degradation of OTC effectively. Furthermore, the existence of OTC‐Fe(II/III) complex led to the slow degradation stage of OTC degradation by Fe(II)/H2O2. It could be concluded that the Fe(III)‐OTC complex might prolong the retention time of OTC in the environment.
Evaluation of waste stabilisation pond units for treating domestic wastewater
Authors: Letshwenyo Moatlhodi Wise , Thumule Shepherd , Elias Kealeboga
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of individual units of waste stabilisation ponds (WSPs) system treating domestic wastewater. The study was conducted by measuring the concentrations of physiochemical parameters and bacteriological indictors in the influent and effluent samples of each pond. The thickness of sludge was determined by measuring depths of sludge layer in each pond. Knowing the performance of each pond will speed up targeted intervention to improve performance. The influent was mainly characterised by 224, 500, 270 mg L−1, 258 Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) respectively, of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity and 35600 coliform forming units/100 ml of faecal coliforms. Bacteriological counts were fluctuating and effluent faecal coliforms counts were 1.22 × 104 ± 2.0 × 102 coliform forming units/100 ml. The hydraulic retention times (HRTs) decreased by 2.0, 13.6 and 7.2 days in the first three ponds and by 3.3 days in the last three ponds. Biochemical oxygen demand in the final effluent was 40 mg L−1 more than the design value of f 25 mg L−1. Chemical oxygen demand in the final effluent was 190 mg L−1, higher than the prescribed limit of 150 mg L−1 of discharge into rivers. Total suspended solids in the final effluent was 150 ± 127 mg L−1 more than the national limit of 25 mg L−1. Total suspended solids and turbidity correlated positively with bacteriological indicators, but there was no correlation with temperature except with faecal coliforms. There was also no correlation observed between suspended solids and pH. The treatment system did not meet the design treatment criteria because of overloading as a result of increased population which exceeded the design value. The final effluent from the system did not meet the discharge limits, therefore, it is unsuitable for discharge into the environment as it can pollute ground and surface waters as well as the open environment. Knowledge on the performance of each pond will help in proper interventions to be undertaken at the targeted pond or unit. It is therefore eminent to desludge each pond as a short‐term solution and expand the system for a long‐term solution.
Protein‐carbohydrate ingestion alters Vps34 cellular localization independent of changes in kinase activity in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Hodson Nathan , Dent Jessica R. , Song Zhe , O'Leary Mary F. , Nicholson Thomas , Jones Simon W. , Murray James T. , Jeromson Stewart , Hamilton D. Lee , Breen Leigh , Philp Andrew
Published: September 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of the study?

Is Vps34 a nutrient‐sensitive activator of mTORC1 in human skeletal muscle?

What is the main finding and its importance?

We show that altering nutrient availability, via protein‐carbohydrate feeding, does not increase Vps34 kinase activity in human skeletal muscle. Instead, feeding increased Vps34‐mTORC1 co‐localization in parallel to increased mTORC1 activity. These findings may have important implications in the understanding nutrient‐induced mTORC1 activation in skeletal muscle via interaction with Vps34.

The Class III PI3Kinase, Vps34, has recently been proposed as a nutrient sensor, essential for activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1). We therefore investigated the effects of increasing nutrient availability through protein‐carbohydrate (PRO‐CHO) feeding on Vps34 kinase activity and cellular localization in human skeletal muscle. Eight young, healthy males (21 ± 0.5 yrs, 77.7 ± 9.9 kg, 25.9 ± 2.7 kg/m2, mean ± SD) ingested a PRO‐CHO beverage containing 20/44/1 g PRO/CHO/FAT respectively, with skeletal muscle biopsies obtained at baseline and 1 h and 3 h post‐feeding. PRO‐CHO feeding did not alter Vps34 kinase activity, but did stimulate Vps34 translocation toward the cell periphery (PRE (mean ± SD) – 0.273 ± 0.040, 1 h – 0.348 ± 0.061, Pearson's Coefficient (r)) where it co‐localized with mTOR (PRE – 0.312 ± 0.040, 1 h – 0.348 ± 0.069, Pearson's Coefficient (r)). These alterations occurred in parallel to an increase in S6K1 kinase activity (941 ± 466% of PRE at 1 h post‐feeding). Subsequent in vitro experiments in C2C12 and human primary myotubes displayed no effect of the Vps34‐specific inhibitor SAR405 on mTORC1 signalling responses to elevated nutrient availability. Therefore, in summary, PRO‐CHO ingestion does not increase Vps34 activity in human skeletal muscle, whilst pharmacological inhibition of Vps34 does not prevent nutrient stimulation of mTORC1 in vitro. However, PRO‐CHO ingestion promotes Vps34 translocation to the cell periphery, enabling Vps34 to associate with mTOR. Therefore, our data suggests that interaction between Vps34 and mTOR, rather than changes in Vps34 activity per se may be involved in PRO‐CHO activation of mTORC1 in human skeletal muscle.
Single Degree-of-Freedom Modeling of the Nonlinear Vibration Response of a Machining Robot
Authors: Mohammadi Yaser , Ahmadi Keivan
Published: September 2020

Highly dynamic machining forces can cause excessive and unstable vibrations when industrial robots are used to perform high-force operations such as milling and drilling. Implementing appropriate optimization and control strategies to suppress vibrations during robotic machining requires accurate models of the robot’s vibration response to the machining forces generated at its tool center point (TCP). The existing models of machining vibrations assume the linearity of the structural dynamics of the robotic arm. This assumption, considering the inherent nonlinearities in the robot’s revolute joints, may cause considerable inaccuracies in predicting the extent and stability of vibrations during the process. In this article, a single degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system with the nonlinear restoring force is used to model the vibration response of a KUKA machining robot at its TCP (i.e., machining tool-tip). The experimental identification of the restoring force shows that its damping and stiffness components can be approximated using cubic models. Subsequently, the higher-order frequency response functions (HFRFs) of the SDOF system are estimated experimentally, and the parameters of the SDOF system are identified by curve fitting the resulting HFRFs. The accuracy of the presented SDOF modeling approach in capturing the nonlinearity of the TCP vibration response is verified experimentally. It is shown that the identified models accurately predict the variation of the receptance of the nonlinear system in the vicinity of well-separated peaks, but nonlinear coupling around closely spaced peaks may cause inaccuracies in the prediction of system dynamics.
Process Capability of Aerosol-Jet Additive Processes for Long-Runs Up to 10-Hours
Authors: Lall Pradeep , Abrol Amrit , Kothari Nakul , Leever Benjamin , Miller Scott
Published: September 2020

Traditionally, printed circuit assemblies have been fabricated through a combination of imaging and plating-based subtractive processes involving the use of photo-exposure followed by baths for plating and etching in order to form the necessary circuitry on rigid and flexible laminates. The emergence of a number of additive technologies presents an opportunity for the development of processes for manufacturing of flexible substrates by utilizing mainstream additive processes. Aerosol-jet printing is capable of printing lines and spaces below 10 μm in width. The aerosol-jet system also supports a wide variety of materials, including nanoparticle inks, screen-printing pastes, conductive polymers, insulators, adhesives, and biological matter. The adoption of additive manufacturing for high-volume commercial fabrication requires an understanding of the print consistency and electrical mechanical properties. Little literature that addresses the effect of varying sintering time and temperature on the shear strength and resistivity of the printed lines exists. In this study, the effect of process parameters on the resultant line consistency and mechanical and electrical properties has been studied. Print process parameters studied include sheath rate, mass flow rate, nozzle size, substrate temperature, and chiller temperature. Properties include resistance and shear load to failure of the printed electrical line as a function of varying sintering time and temperature. The aerosol-jet machine has been used to print interconnects. Printed samples have been exposed to different sintering times and temperatures. The resistance and shear load to failure of the printed lines have been measured. The underlying physics of the resultant trend was then investigated using elemental analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The effect of line consistency drift over prolonged runtimes has been measured for up to 10 h of runtime. The printing process efficiency has been gaged as a function of the process capability index (Cpk) and process capability ratio (Cp). Printed samples were studied offline utilizing optical profilometry in order to analyze the consistency within the line width, height, and resistance, and shear load to study the variance in electrical and mechanical properties over time.
Facilitating Intersectionally Conscious Collaborations in Physics Education
Authors: Boveda Mildred , Weinberg Andrea E.
Published: September 2020

In this article, we introduce the Intersectionally Conscious Collaboration (ICC) protocol to physics educators who seek to disrupt the long-standing inequities in their field. Recent studies raise awareness of diversity and inclusivity concerns and propose best practices for reducing bias toward women, LGBTQ+ students, and racially/ethnically minoritized students. Documented evidence demonstrates persistent challenges for women in physics in university settings, even addressing the identities and experiences of Women of Color. Simone Hyater-Adams and colleagues’ Critical Physics Identity framework, focused on Black physics identity, simultaneously considers racial and physics identities and individuals’ experiences within the context of structural and institutionalized oppression in the physics community. The ICC protocol includes six elements designed to support collaboration and inclusive instructional practices that respond to how multidimensional inequities and power differentials may manifest in academic settings.
Implementing an Honors Physics Add-On Course: The SMU Experience
Authors: Cooley Jodi , Godat Eric , Sekula Stephen
Published: September 2020

In this article, we outline how we implemented an honors-level add-on course to complement standard university-level introductory physics courses. We explain why it was necessary to do this. We then explain the strategies we have adopted for attracting students, engaging them, and assessing their performance. Our goal in creating this course was to provide a flexible format that would not discriminate based on experience and preparation, because such factors can be tied to sex, gender, social-economic status, and race. We also sought to empower students that are traditionally marginalized or underrepresented in large course settings by giving them a venue where they could work in a small, dynamic, and creative environment.
COVID-19 AP Physics Writing “Workshop”
Authors: Reif Marc
Published: September 2020

Science teachers want students to think like scientists, investigate like scientists, and write like scientists. Writing has special prominence in the AP Physics 1 and 2 courses. Although it doesn’t describe a true writing workshop, this article presents a few basic principles for a classroom writing cycle that uses online tools so that students practice writing, get feedback, respond to the feedback, and revise their writing. The cycle reinforces the expectation that writing is an iterative process that benefits from feedback.
Research on perturbation method for nonlinear elastic waves
Authors: Jia Lu , Yan Shouguo , Zhang Bixing , Huang Juan
Published: September 2020

This paper explores the propagation of nonlinear elastic waves in a two-dimensional isotropic medium. The analytical expressions of first-order potentials corresponding to second harmonic acoustic components are obtained and discussed by using the perturbation method. Based on the careful theoretical analysis, it is shown that the first-order P wave always has a resonant term, which is proportional to the propagation distance in the condition of simultaneous excitation of the P wave. On the contrary, the first-order SV wave does not have any cumulative effect. Moreover, the nonlinear interactions between the P wave and SV are also presented.
Sound transmission across a narrow sidebranch array duct muffler at low Mach number
Authors: Yu H. M. , Tang S. K.
Published: September 2020

The sound transmission loss across a duct muffler in the form of a linear array of 11 narrow sidebranches is examined experimentally in the present study. The introduction of a low Mach number duct flow deteriorates the broadband acoustical performance of the muffler and strong sound transmission loss dips and sound amplifications are observed at high flow speeds. It is found that a stronger acoustic pressure magnitude inside the sidebranches improves the muffler's performance in the presence of the duct flow. A theoretical analysis using a 2-sidebranch array muffler is conducted and the results indicate the possibility of increasing the sound pressures inside the sidebranches by locating the shorter sidebranch upstream of the longer one. The results of further experiments validate the theoretical deduction. Results also confirm that the muffler with sidebranches arranged in the order of decreasing acoustic impedance magnitude has stronger resilience against aerodynamic disturbance and gives better performance when the upstream excitation level and the duct flow speed are fixed.
A Structurally Novel Lipoyl Synthase in the Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis
Authors: Jin Jian-qiang , Hachisuka Shin-ichi , Sato Takaaki , Fujiwara Tsuyoshi , Atomi Haruyuki
Published: September 2020

Lipoic acid is an essential cofactor for GCS and 2-oxoacid dehydrogenases, and α-lipoic acid has been utilized as a medicine and attracted attention as a supplement due to its antioxidant activity. The biosynthesis pathways of lipoic acid have been established in
Bacteria
and
Eucarya
but not in
Archaea
. Although some archaeal species, including
Sulfolobus
, possess a classical lipoyl synthase (LipA) gene homolog, many archaeal species, including
T. kodakarensis
, do not. In addition, the biosynthesis mechanism of the octanoyl moiety, a precursor for lipoyl group biosynthesis, is also unknown for many archaea. As the enzyme identified in
T. kodakarensis
most likely represents a new group of lipoyl synthases in
Archaea
, the results obtained in this study provide an important step in understanding how lipoic acid is synthesized in this domain and how the two structurally distinct lipoyl synthases evolved in nature.
Genome Sequence of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 202195, a Probiotic Strain That Reduces Sepsis and Other Infections during Early Infancy
Authors: Wright Matthew E. , Yu Annabelle O. , Marco Maria L. , Panigrahi Pinaki
Published: September 2020

The draft genome of probiotic
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
ATCC 202195, with the trademark PPLP-217, is comprised of 3,368,305 bp with a G+C content of 44.3% and no plasmids. The strain is able to grow on lactose, raffinose, and fructooligosaccharides.
Complete Coding Sequence of a Pasivirus Found in Swedish Pigs
Authors: Metreveli Giorgi , Berg Mikael , Blomström Anne-Lie
Published: September 2020

Here, we report the complete coding sequence of a pasivirus found in the tonsil of a conventionally reared pig from a herd with respiratory disease in Sweden. The genome displays 75% to 87% and 81% to 94% nucleotide and amino acid sequence identity, respectively, to genomes of pasiviruses from other parts of the world.
Draft Genome Sequences of
Lactobacillales
Isolated from the International Space Station
Authors: Bharadwaj Achintya R. , Singh Nitin K. , Wood Jason M. , Debieu Marilyne , O’Hara Niamh B. , Karouia Fathi , Mason Christopher E. , Venkateswaran Kasthuri
Published: September 2020

Nineteen strains from the order
Lactobacillales
were isolated from the International Space Station and commercial resupply vehicle, and whole-genome sequences (WGS) were generated. WGS would permit the characterization of these potentially pathogenic bacteria that have been adapting to the extreme conditions of the space environment.
Whole-Genome Sequence of SARS-CoV-2 Isolate Siena-1/2020
Authors: Cusi Maria Grazia , Pinzauti David , Gandolfo Claudia , Anichini Gabriele , Pozzi Gianni , Santoro Francesco
Published: September 2020

The complete genome sequence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) isolate Siena-1/2020 was obtained by Nanopore sequencing, combining the direct RNA sequencing and amplicon sequencing approaches. The isolate belongs to the B1.1 lineage, which is prevalent in Europe, and contains a mutation in the spike protein coding sequence leading to the D614G amino acid change.
Implications of giant ooids for the carbonate chemistry of Early Triassic seawater
Authors: Li Xiaowei , Trower Elizabeth J. , Lehrmann Daniel J. , Minzoni Marcello , Kelley Brian M. , Schaal Ellen K. , Altiner Demir , Yu Meiyi , Payne Jonathan L.
Published: September 2020

Lower Triassic limestones contain giant ooids (>2 mm) along with other precipitated carbonate textures more typical of Precambrian strata. These features appear to have resulted from changes in seawater chemistry associated with the end-Permian mass extinction, but quantifying the carbonate chemistry of Early Triassic seawater has remained challenging. To constrain seawater carbonate saturation state, dissolved inorganic carbon, alkalinity, and pH, we applied a physicochemical model of ooid formation constrained by new size data on Lower Triassic ooids from south China, finding that the Triassic giant ooids require a higher carbonate saturation state than typifies modern sites of ooid formation. Model calculations indicate that Early Triassic oceans were at least seven times supersaturated with respect to aragonite and calcite. When combined with independent constraints on atmospheric pCO2 and oceanic [Ca2+], these findings require that Early Triassic oceans had more than twice the modern levels of dissolved inorganic carbon and alkalinity and a pH near 7.6. Such conditions may have played a role in inhibiting the recovery of skeletal animals and algae during Early Triassic time.
High transient stress in the lower crust: Evidence from dry pseudotachylytes in granulites, Lofoten Archipelago, northern Norway
Authors: Dunkel Kristina G. , Zhong Xin , Arnestad Paal Ferdinand , Valen Lars Vesterager , Jamtveit Bjørn
Published: September 2020

Seismic activity below the standard seismogenic zone is difficult to investigate because the geological records of such earthquakes, pseudotachylytes, are typically reacted and/or deformed. Here, we describe unusually pristine pseudotachylytes in lower-crustal granulites from the Lofoten Archipelago, northern Norway. The pseudotachylytes have essentially the same mineralogical composition as their host (mainly plagioclase, alkali feldspar, orthopyroxene) and contain microstructures indicative of rapid cooling, i.e., feldspar microlites and spherulites and “cauliflower” garnets. Mylonites are absent, both in the wall rocks and among the pseudotachylyte clasts. The absence of features recording precursory ductile deformation rules out several commonly invoked mechanisms for triggering earthquakes in the lower crust, including thermal runaway, plastic instabilities, and downward propagation of seismic slip from the brittle to the ductile part of a fault. The anhydrous mineralogy of host and pseudotachylytes excludes dehydration-induced embrittlement. In the absence of such weakening mechanisms, stress levels in the lower crust must have been transiently high.
Microsatellite instability driven metastatic parathyroid carcinoma managed with the anti-PD1 immunotherapy, pembrolizumab
Authors: Park Daniel , Airi Rany , Sherman Michael
Published: September 2020

The present case report describes a 65-year-old man with Lynch syndrome and hypercalcaemia associated with hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroid surgery confirmed the diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma. Serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations serially increased after initial surgery. Imaging study and subsequent biopsy confirmed lung metastases with mismatch repair deficiency. Pembrolizumab was initiated achieving 60% reduction in tumour burden.
Mental health management of elite athletes during COVID-19: a narrative review and recommendations
Authors: Reardon Claudia L , Bindra Abhinav , Blauwet Cheri , Budgett Richard , Campriani Niccolo , Currie Alan , Gouttebarge Vincent , McDuff David , Mountjoy Margo , Purcell Rosemary , Putukian Margot , Rice Simon , Hainline Brian
Published: September 2020

Elite athletes suffer many mental health symptoms and disorders at rates equivalent to or exceeding those of the general population. COVID-19 has created new strains on elite athletes, thus potentially increasing their vulnerability to mental health symptoms. This manuscript serves as a narrative review of the impact of the pandemic on management of those symptoms in elite athletes and ensuing recommendations to guide that management. It specifically addresses psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and higher levels of care. Within the realm of psychotherapy, crisis counselling might be indicated. Individual, couple/family and group psychotherapy modalities all may be helpful during the pandemic, with novel content and means of delivery. Regarding pharmacotherapy for mental health symptoms and disorders, some important aspects of management have changed during the pandemic, particularly for certain classes of medication including stimulants, medications for bipolar and psychotic disorders, antidepressants and medications for substance use disorders. Providers must consider when in-person management (eg, for physical examination, laboratory testing) or higher levels of care (eg, for crisis stabilisation) is necessary, despite potential risk of viral exposure during the pandemic. Management ultimately should continue to follow general principles of quality health care with some flexibility. Finally, the current pandemic provides an important opportunity for research on new methods of providing mental health care for athletes, and consideration for whether these new methods should extend beyond the pandemic.
Return to sport for North American professional sport leagues in the context of COVID-19
Authors: DiFiori John P , Green Gary , Meeuwisse Willem , Putukian Margot , Solomon Gary S , Sills Allen
Published: September 2020

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. A range of clinical scenarios exist, from an asymptomatic disease course to SARS and death. This document describes important considerations for 5 North American professional sports leagues (Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, National Basketball Association, National Football League and National Hockey league) assessing when and how to resume phased operations, including practices and games. Sports should prioritise and promote the health and safety of athletes, team and operational staff, and other participants, and should not unduly increase those individuals’ relative health risk while contributing to economic recovery, providing entertainment for the public and leading a responsible restoration of civic life. Because elite professional sport ordinarily is conducted in a controlled environment, professional sports leagues may be able to achieve these goals. This document is focused on professional sports leagues in North America, and although many of the statements are generalisable to professional sporting settings throughout the world, other considerations may apply to sports in other countries.
Factors associated with quality of life and work ability among Finnish municipal employees: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bergman Elina , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Myllyntausta Saana , Rautava Päivi , Korhonen Päivi Elina
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Quality of life (QoL) and work ability are elementary parts in defining the well-being of an employed person. The aim of this study was to demonstrate factors associated with QoL and self-reported work ability among public sector employees, while taking into account several confounding factors, including sleep quality, occupational stress and psychological symptoms.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Finland among 710 employees (89% women, mean age 49 (SD=10) years) from 10 municipal work units in 2015. Information about the participants was collected by physical examination, self-administered questionnaire and from medical history. QoL was assessed with the EUROHIS-Quality of Life 8-item index and work ability with the Work Ability Score (WAS).

Results

The EUROHIS-QOL mean score among all participants was 4.07 (95% CI 4.03 to 4.11). QoL was positively associated with good sleep quality, cohabiting, university-level education and lower body mass index (BMI), and negatively associated with occupational stress, depression and/or anxiety and disease burden. Work ability was reported good or excellent by 80% of the participants and the WAS mean score among all participants was 8.31 (95% CI 8.21 to 8.41). Work ability was positively associated with good sleep quality, younger age, lower BMI and university-level education, and negatively associated with occupational stress and disease burden.

Conclusions

Occupational stress and self-reported sleep quality were strongly associated with both QoL and work ability among Finnish public sector employees. These findings highlight the need for screening and handling of work stress and sleep problems in occupational and primary healthcare.
Efficacy of halopeRIdol to decrease the burden of Delirium In adult Critically ill patiEnts (EuRIDICE): study protocol for a prospective randomised multi-centre double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial in the Netherlands
Authors: Smit Lisa , Trogrlić Zoran , Devlin John W , Osse Robert-Jan , Ponssen Huibert H , Slooter Arjen J C , Hunfeld Nicole G M , Rietdijk Wim J R , Gommers Diederik , van der Jagt Mathieu
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Delirium in critically ill adults is associated with prolonged hospital stay, increased mortality and greater cognitive and functional decline. Current practice guideline recommendations advocate the use of non-pharmacological strategies to reduce delirium. The routine use of scheduled haloperidol to treat delirium is not recommended given a lack of evidence regarding its ability to resolve delirium nor improve relevant short-term and longer-term outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of haloperidol for the treatment of delirium in adult critically ill patients to reduce days spent with coma or delirium.

Methods and analysis

EuRIDICE is a prospective, multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Study population consists of adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients without acute neurological injury who have delirium based on a positive Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) or Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) assessment. Intervention is intravenous haloperidol 2.5 mg (or matching placebo) every 8 hours, titrated daily based on ICDSC or CAM-ICU positivity to a maximum of 5 mg every 8 hours, until delirium resolution or ICU discharge. Main study endpoint is delirium and coma-free days (DCFD) up to 14 days after randomisation. Secondary endpoints include (1) 28-day and 1-year mortality, (2) cognitive and functional performance at 3 and 12 months, (3) patient and family delirium and ICU experience, (4) psychological sequelae during and after ICU stay, (4) safety concerns associated with haloperidol use and (5) cost-effectiveness. Differences in DCFDs between haloperidol and placebo group will be analysed using Poisson regression analysis. Study recruitment started in February 2018 and continues.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Erasmus University Medical Centre Rotterdam (MEC2017-511) and by the Institutional Review Boards of the participating sites. Its results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations.

Trial registration

NCT03628391
Integrated communication support program for oncologists, caregivers and patients with rapidly progressing advanced cancer to promote patient-centered communication: J-SUPPORT 1904 study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Fujimori Maiko , Sato Ayako , Jinno Sayaka , Okusaka Takuji , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Ikeda Masafumi , Ueno Makoto , Ozaka Masato , Takayama Yukiko , Miyaji Tempei , Majima Yoshiyuki , Uchitomi Yosuke
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Communication is an essential aspect of care for patients with progressive serious illnesses. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a new, integrated communication support program for oncologists, patients with rapidly progressing advanced cancer and their caregivers.

Methods and analysis

The proposed integrated communication support programme is in the randomised control trial stage. It comprises a cluster of oncologists from comprehensive cancer centre hospitals in a metropolitan area in Japan. A total of 20 oncologists, 200 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and the patients’ caregivers are enrolled in this study as of the writing of this protocol report. Oncologists are randomly assigned to the intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). Patients and caregivers are allocated to the same group as their oncologists. The IG oncologists receive a 2.5-hour individual communication skills training, and patients and caregivers receive a half-hour coaching intervention to facilitate prioritising and discussing questions and concerns; the CG participants do not receive any training. Follow-up data will be collected quarterly for 6 months for a year and then annually for up to 3 years. The primary endpoint is the intergroup difference between before-intervention and after-intervention patient-centred communication behaviours during oncology visits.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is conducted in accordance with the ethical guidelines for clinical studies published by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Cultural, Sports, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and the ethical principles established for research on humans stipulated in the Declaration of Helsinki and further amendments thereto. The protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of National Cancer Center, Japan on 4 July 2018 (ID: 2017-474).

Trial status

This study is currently enrolling participants. Enrolment period ends 31 July 2020; estimated follow-up date is 31 March 2023.

Trial registration number

UMIN Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN000033612); pre-results.
In out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, is the positioning of victims by bystanders adequate for CPR? A cohort study
Authors: Wagner Patrick , Schloesser Sebastian , Braun Julia , Arntz Hans-Richard , Breckwoldt Jan
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Outcome from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) highly depends on bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with high-quality chest compressions (CCs). Precondition is a supine position of the victim on a firm surface. Until now, no study has systematically analysed whether bystanders of OHCA apply appropriate positions to victims and whether the position is associated with a particular outcome.

Design

Prospective observational cohort study.

Setting

Metropolitan emergency medical services (EMS) serving a population of 400 000; dispatcher-assisted CPR was implemented. We obtained information from the first EMS vehicle arriving on scene and matched this with data from semi-structured interviews with witnesses of the arrest.

Participants

Bystanders of all OHCAs occurring during a 12-month period (July 2006–July 2007). From 201 eligible missions, 200 missions were fully reported by EMS. Data from 138 bystander interviews were included.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Proportion of positions suitable for effective CCs; related survival with favourable neurological outcome at 3 months.

Results

Positioning of victims at EMS arrival was ‘supine on firm surface’ in 64 cases (32.0%), ‘recovery position (RP)’ in 37 cases (18.5%) and other positions unsuitable for CCs in 99 cases (49.5%). Survival with favourable outcome at 3 months was 17.2% when ‘supine position’ had been applied, 13.5% with ‘RP’ and 6.1% with ‘other positions unsuitable for CCs’; a statistically significant association could not be shown (p=0.740, Fisher’s exact test). However, after ‘effective CCs’ favourable outcome at 3 months was 32.0% compared with 5.3% if no actions were taken. The OR was 5.87 (p=0.02).

Conclusion

In OHCA, two-thirds of all victims were found in positions not suitable for effective CCs. This was associated with inferior outcomes. A substantial proportion of the victims was placed in RP. More attention should be paid to the correct positioning of victims in OHCA. This applies to CPR training for laypersons and dispatcher-assisted CPR.
Role of perceived neighbourhood crime in the longitudinal association between perceived built environment and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a moderated mediation analysis
Authors: Dendup Tashi , Feng Xiaoqi , O’Shaughnessy P. Y. , Astell-Burt Thomas
Published: September 2020

Background

We examined to what extent perceived neighbourhood crime moderates, associations between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and perceived local amenities, recreational facilities, footpaths and public transit, and potential mediation of environmental characteristics—T2DM association by physical activity, social contact, sleep and body mass index (BMI).

Methods

The 45 and Up Study data of 36, 224 individuals collected from 2010 to 2015 were analysed in 2019 using multilevel logistic regression to examine the association between T2DM and clustering of unfavourable built environment, and any difference in the association with increasing unfavourable environment and area disadvantage. We performed causal mediation analyses stratified by crime to examine whether crime moderated the strength of identified local amenities–T2DM pathways.

Results

The results showed that irrespective of crime, perceived lack of local amenities was associated with increased odds of developing T2DM, and BMI mediated 40% and 30.3% of this association among those who reported unsafe and safe daytime crime, respectively. The proportion mediated by BMI among those who reported unsafe and safe night-time crime was 27.3% and 35.1%, respectively. Walking mediated 5.7% of the local amenities–T2DM association among those who reported safe daytime crime. The odds of T2DM increased with rising unfavourable environment and area disadvantage.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the availability of neighbourhood amenities may lower T2DM risk by increasing walking and reducing BMI regardless of area crime. Policies to enhance access to local amenities and prevent crime, especially in disadvantaged areas, may support healthy behaviour and physical health that can potentially reduce T2DM risk.
Peripheral immunophenotype in dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer’s disease: an observational clinical study
Authors: Amin Jay , Boche Delphine , Clough Zoe , Teeling Jessica , Williams Anthony , Gao Yifang , Chudley Lindsey , Lau Laurie , Smith Florence , Harris Scott , Holmes Clive
Published: September 2020

Background

Inflammation plays a key role in the aetiology and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the immunophenotype of the second most common neurodegenerative cause of dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), remains unclear. To date there have been no studies examining peripheral inflammation in DLB using multiplex immunoassay and flow cytometry concomitantly. We hypothesised that, using blood biomarkers, DLB would show an increased proinflammatory profile compared with controls, and that there would be a distinct profile compared with AD.

Methods

93 participants (31 with DLB, 31 with AD and 31 healthy older controls) completed a single study visit for neuropsychiatric testing and phlebotomy. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were quantified for T and B cell subsets using flow cytometry, and serum cytokine concentrations were measured using multiplex immunoassay.

Results

We detected reduced relative numbers of helper T cells and reduced activation of B cells in DLB compared with AD. Additionally, interleukin (IL)-1β was detected more frequently in DLB and the serum concentration of IL-6 was increased compared with controls.

Conclusions

Peripheral inflammation is altered in DLB compared with AD, with T cell subset analysis supporting a possible shift towards senescence of the adaptive immune system in DLB. Furthermore, there is a proinflammatory signature of serum cytokines in DLB. Identification of this unique peripheral immunophenotype in DLB could guide development of an immune-based biomarker and direct future work exploring potential immune modulation as a novel treatment.
Classification of six-dimensional monotone symplectic manifolds admitting semifree circle actions III
Authors: Cho Yunhyung
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we complete the classification of six-dimensional closed monotone symplectic manifolds admitting semifree Hamiltonian [Formula: see text]-actions. We also show that every such manifold is [Formula: see text]-equivariantly symplectomorphic to some Kähler Fano manifold with a certain holomorphic Hamiltonian circle action.
A new perspective of link prediction in complex network for improving reliability
Authors: Gu Shuang , Li Keping , Yang Liu
Published: September 2020

Link prediction is an important issue for network evolution. For many real networks, future link prediction is the key to network development. Experience shows that improving reliability is an important trend of network evolution. Therefore, we consider it from a new perspective and propose a method for predicting new links of evolution networks. The proposed network reliability growth (NRG) model comprehensively considers the factors related to network structure, including the degree, neighbor nodes and distance. Our aim is to improve the reliability in link prediction. In experiments, we apply China high-speed railway network, China highway network and scale-free networks as examples. The results show that the proposed method has better prediction performance for different evaluation indexes. Compared with the other methods, such as CN, RA, PA, ACT, CT and NN, the proposed method has large growth rate and makes the reliability reach the maximum at first which save network construction resources, cost and improve efficiency. The proposed method tends to develop the network towards homogeneous network. In real networks, this structure with stronger stability is the goal of network construction. Therefore, our method is the best to improve network reliability quickly and effectively.
Spurious gauge-invariance of higher-order contributions to the spectral energy density of the relic gravitons
Authors: Giovannini Massimo
Published: September 2020

In the same way as the energy density associated with the tensor modes of the geometry modifies the evolution of the curvature perturbations, the scalar modes may also indirectly affect the cosmic backgrounds of relic gravitons by inducing higher-order corrections that are only superficially gauge-invariant. This spurious gauge-invariance gets manifest when the effective anisotropic stresses, computed in different coordinate systems, are preliminarily expressed in a form that only depends on the curvature inhomogeneities defined on comoving orthogonal hypersurfaces and on their corresponding time derivatives. Using this observation we demonstrate in general terms that the higher-order contributions derived in diverse coordinate systems coincide when the wavelengths are smaller than the sound horizon defining the evolution of the curvature inhomogeneities but they lead to sharply different results in the opposite limit. A similar drawback arises when the energy density of the relic gravitons is derived from competing energy–momentum pseudotensors and should be consistently taken into account in the related phenomenological discussions.
Experimental and Numerical Analyses for Auto-Parametric Internal Resonance of a Framed Structure
Authors: Li Yuchun , Liu Wei , Shen Chao , Yang Xiaojun
Published: September 2020

The auto-parametric internal resonance experiment of a [Formula: see text]-shaped frame is first conducted in this research. A non-contact electromagnetic vibration exciter is used to exert a periodic force on the vertical beam of the frame. The phenomena of internal resonance and non-internal resonance are observed and measured in this test. A common resonance of the vertical beam is excited by the external electromagnetic force, and the auto-parametric internal resonance of the horizontal beam is subsequently induced by the common resonance. The numerical method is also used to simulate the internal resonance and non-internal resonance. The stability boundaries of internal resonance and non-internal resonance are numerically and experimentally determined and compared. The numerical stability boundaries are in agreement with the experimental results. The results indicate that a small external excitation can excite a strong internal resonance response of a framed structure. The unstable domain of the internal resonance is much bigger than that of the non-internal resonance. The auto-parametric internal resonance is much more dangerous than the non-internal resonance. The risk of auto-parametric internal resonance should be emphasized and avoided in the designs of engineering structures.
On the umbilicity of linear Weingarten spacelike submanifolds immersed in the de Sitter space
Authors: Barboza Weiller F. C. , de Lima Eudes L. , de Lima Henrique F. , Velásquez Marco Antonio L.
Published: September 2020

We investigate the umbilicity of n-dimensional complete linear Weingarten spacelike submanifolds immersed with parallel normalized mean curvature vector field in the de Sitter space [Formula: see text] of index [Formula: see text]. We recall that a spacelike submanifold is said to be linear Weingarten when its mean curvature function H and its normalized scalar curvature [Formula: see text] satisfy a linear relation of the type [Formula: see text], for some constants [Formula: see text]. Under suitable constraints on the values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], we apply a generalized maximum principle for a modified Cheng–Yau operator [Formula: see text] in order to show that such a spacelike submanifold must be either totally umbilical or isometric to a product [Formula: see text], where the factors [Formula: see text] are totally umbilical submanifolds of [Formula: see text] which are mutually perpendicular along their intersections. Moreover, we also study the case in which these spacelike submanifolds are [Formula: see text]-parabolic.
Holonomic relations for modular functions and forms: First guess, then prove
Authors: Paule Peter , Radu Cristian-Silviu
Published: September 2020

One major theme of this paper concerns the expansion of modular forms and functions in terms of fractional (Puiseux) series. This theme is connected with another major theme, holonomic functions and sequences. With particular attention to algorithmic aspects, we study various connections between these two worlds. Applications concern partition congruences, Fricke–Klein relations, irrationality proofs a la Beukers, or approximations to pi studied by Ramanujan and the Borweins. As a major ingredient to a “first guess, then prove” strategy, a new algorithm for proving differential equations for modular forms is introduced.
A new subconvex bound for GL(3) L-functions in the t-aspect
Authors: Aggarwal Keshav
Published: September 2020

We revisit Munshi’s proof of the [Formula: see text]-aspect subconvex bound for [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]-functions, and we are able to remove the “conductor lowering” trick. This simplification along with a more careful stationary phase analysis allows us to improve Munshi’s bound to [Formula: see text]
On Greenberg’s generalized conjecture for imaginary quartic fields
Authors: Takahashi Naoya
Published: September 2020

For an algebraic number field [Formula: see text] and a prime number [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] be the maximal multiple [Formula: see text]-extension. Greenberg’s generalized conjecture (GGC) predicts that the Galois group of the maximal unramified abelian pro-[Formula: see text] extension of [Formula: see text] is pseudo-null over the completed group ring [Formula: see text]. We show that GGC holds for some imaginary quartic fields containing imaginary quadratic fields and some prime numbers.
On the co-factors of degree 6 Salem number beta expansions
Authors: Stockton Jacob J.
Published: September 2020

For [Formula: see text], a sequence [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] is the beta expansion of [Formula: see text] with respect to [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text]. Defining [Formula: see text] to be the greedy beta expansion of [Formula: see text] with respect to [Formula: see text], it is known that [Formula: see text] is eventually periodic as long as [Formula: see text] is a Pisot number. It is conjectured that the same is true for Salem numbers, but is only currently known to be true for Salem numbers of degree 4. Heuristic arguments suggest that almost all degree 6 Salem numbers admit periodic expansions but that a positive proportion of degree 8 Salem numbers do not. In this paper, we investigate the degree 6 case. We present computational methods for searching for families of degree 6 numbers with eventually periodic greedy expansions by studying the co-factors of their expansions. We also prove that the greedy expansions of degree 6 Salem numbers can have arbitrarily large periods. In addition, computational evidence is compiled on the set of degree 6 Salem numbers with [Formula: see text]. We give examples of numbers with [Formula: see text] whose expansions have period and preperiod lengths exceeding [Formula: see text], yet are still eventually periodic.