bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the Variational Consistency and Variational Inconsistency on Free Flexural Vibration Frequencies of Simply-supported Rectangular Isotropic Shear Deformable Beams
Authors: Pakhare Kedar S , Guruprasad P J , Shimpi Rameshchandra P
Published: October 2020

In order to derive governing differential equations of a displacement-based shear deformation beam theory, one can either utilise the variationally consistent approach (VCA) or the variationally inconsistent approach (VIA). In the VCA, variational principles are utilised to derive beam governing equations. Whereas in the VIA, beam gross / integrated two-dimensional equilibrium equations are utilised to derive beam governing equations. Shimpi et al. [2] have proposed the single variable shear deformation beam theory (SVSDBT) which is based on the VIA. Whereas, Shimpi et al. [1] have proposed the two variable shear deformation beam theory (TVSDBT) which is based on the VCA. In the SVSDBT and TVSDBT, the beam axial displacement and beam transverse displacement consist of bending and shearing components. In both theories, bending components do not take part in the cross-sectional shearing force, and shearing components do not take part in the cross-sectional bending moment. Both theories utilise linear strain-displacement relations. Displacement functions of both theories give rise to the beam transverse shear strain (and hence to the beam transverse shear stress) which varies quadratically through the beam thickness and maintains transverse shear stress-free beam surface conditions. For the case of dynamics, the SVSDBT has only one governing equation, and the TVSDBT has two governing equations which are inertially coupled. The aim of this paper is to present the comparison study on free flexural vibration frequencies of simply-supported rectangular isotropic shear deformable beams obtained by utilising the SVSDBT and TVSDBT. These frequencies are obtained for various values of the beam thickness-to-length ratio and beam vibration mode parameter. This comparison shows that for both theories, the VCA and VIA have a minimal effect on resulting beam free flexural vibration frequencies.
Optimisation of Trapezoidal Corrugated Plate Girder
Authors: Dhakate Sarang , Balu A S
Published: October 2020

Trapezoidal Corrugated web girders is a newly developed structural design. The major advantage of such design of web is that the corrugated webs enhance the stability of beam against buckling, which results in a very economical design by the reduction in the use of web stiffeners. The flanges are made up of flat plates and welded to the trapezoidal web sheet with the modern manufacturing process and modern advance welding technology. The flanges are mainly used to provide flexural strength to the beam and web are used to increase the shear capacity of the beam. Main reason for the failure of the web is the steel yielding or web buckling. Other possible failure reasons are lateral torsional buckling of the girder and local flange buckling, separately or in combination. This paper presents a new technological solution of such a system, composed by web made of trapezoidal shape. The buckling strength of the girder is studied under different geometrical modifications performing a nonlinear finite element analysis in ANSYS.
Analysis of Geometrically Nonlinear Euler-Bernoulli Beam using EFGM
Authors: Paavani D , Aswathy M , Arun C O , Praveen Krishna I R
Published: October 2020

The current paper presents a meshless formulation for the analysis of geometrically nonlinear one-dimensional Euler-Bernoulli beams. Element-free Galerkin method (EFGM) is used as the meshless numerical tool and Newton-Raphson method as the iterative scheme. Numerical examples of beams with four different boundary conditions are solved, and the results are compared with that of the finite element method (FEM). EFGM results are found in good agreement with that of FEM. Also, it is found that EFGM eliminates the effect of membrane locking in thin beams.
Analysis of Beams and Frames using Applied Element Method
Authors: Lincy Christy D , Madhavan Pillai T M , Nagarajan Praveen
Published: October 2020

Applied Element Method (AEM) is an efficient tool for analysing structures numerically. It has a few benefits when conventional methods are concerned. In conventional numerical methods, node-to-node connection is important. Hence, when elements of different sizes are to be connected, transition elements will have to be used. In AEM, rigid elements are connected to each other with the help of springs. Therefore, node-to-node connection is not required. In this paper, some plane stress problems are analysed using AEM. For this, two-dimensional (2D) element is made use of. Continuous beam and 2D frame are analysed using AEM. The results show that AEM is able to analyse beams and frames accurately. Modal analysis of beam clamped on one end and hinged at the other end, gave accurate first natural frequency and mode shape. It was also possible to perform nonlinear analysis of cantilever beam accurately.
Seismic Performance of High Rise Buildings with Different Types of Shear Wall
Authors: Vijayan Vineeth , Santhi M Helen , Mohan Romy
Published: October 2020

In today’s construction world, aesthetic tall structures play a major role. The design of aesthetic high - rise buildings need to be checked for its safety against extreme load conditions such as earthquake, wind, etc. The provision of composite shear wall is one of the efficient methods to make high rise buildings seismic resistant. In this paper different types of shear walls, namely, concrete shear wall, silica fume concrete shear wall, steel plate shear wall and steel-silica fume concrete composite shear wall are considered for lift wall in 22 and 52 storeyed high-rise buildings. The seismic performance of these buildings is analysed using response spectrum method by ETABS. The factors such as storey displacement, storey drift and storey shear are studied and found that there is a significant reduction when compared to the conventional shear wall.
Nanoparticle-modified thermoelectric tetrahedrite as an effective nucleating agent for sodium acetate trihydrate based phase change materials
Authors: Yang Bo , Wang Qiyang , Guo Huafei , Yang Xiao , Yang Dongmei
Published: October 2020

Sodium acetate trihydrate phase change materials (SAT-PCMs) for thermal energy storage have been studied and applied widely because of their enhanced energy efficiency and environmental friendliness, while their application on energy exchanging requires stable chemical property and great heat storage-release merit. Nanoparticles-modified tetrahedrite (CNAS-NPs) composites show high thermoelectric properties among copper sulfides, and present excellent nucleating performance in SAT-PCMs. As characterized, the NPs were uniformly distributed into the CNAS grains, and a large number of nanopores were appeared in the grain boundaries after SPS treatment. As a heterogeneous nucleation site, NPs were used to reduce the thermal conductivity, but simultaneously maintained a relatively high electrical conductivity. As a result, by adding a small quantity of SiC, a relatively high ZT ∼ 1.0 at 723 K is obtained, which increases by ∼42% in the pure CNAS sample. Finally, the CNAS-NPs regarded as nucleating agents obviously decrease the supercooling degree and improve the heat storage-release cycle property. These SAT-PCMs also possess high latent heat, fine chemical stability and robust nanostructures, which illustrates promising potentials in practical applications.
Dimensional effect of SrTiO3 particles on functional performance optimization of polydimethylsiloxane-based composites for dielectric elastomer actuators
Authors: Wei Xin , Gao Shuyan , Zhang Na , Zhao Hang
Published: October 2020

Dielectric elastomer materials have a great application potential in electromechanical sensing and energy-harvesting fields. However, the realization of high electro-actuation properties under a relatively low electric field is still a critical challenge. Herein two series of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based dielectric elastomer composites incorporated SrTiO3 (STO) with distinguishing diameters were prepared through solution-blending and compression moulding methods. The resultant STO/PDMS composites showed significantly enhanced dielectric permittivity and Young’s modulus. Moreover, the PDMS-based composite filled with 4 vol.% nano-scaled STO exhibited an improved electro-actuation strain of 3.3% at a very low electric field of 24 V μm−1, which was 30% larger than that of the neat PDMS. The experimental results revealed that the electro-active performance of dielectric elastomer composite under low electric fields can be influenced by the size of incorporating functional units, and be also successfully optimized by regulating the fillers-matrix interfacial interaction. This study provides a promising strategy to design and fabricate novel dielectric elastomers with advanced low-field driving electro-active properties.
𝐶*-algebras with weak* angelic dual balls
Authors: Tanaka Ryotaro
Published: October 2020

Some characterizations of hereditary

C
∗

C^*

-subalgebras of weakly Rickart

C
∗

C^*

-algebras with weak

∗

^*

angelic dual balls are given. In particular, it turns out that weak

∗

^*

angelicity, weak

∗

^*

sequentiality and weak

∗

^*

sequential compactness of dual balls are the same on this class, and that they are characterized by using ideals of compact elements in those algebras. As an application, it is shown that a weakly Rickart

C
∗

C^*

-algebra has weak

∗

^*

angelic dual ball if and only if it coincides with the ideal of compact elements, which happens if and only if the algebra is finite dimensional.
Hybrid (institutional) arbitration clauses: party autonomy gone wild
Authors: Molina Esteban Carlos
Published: October 2020

Hybrid institutional arbitration clauses are situations in which parties choose one arbitral institution to administer a case but under the rules of another arbitral institution. This forces institutions to adapt their organs to the chosen set of rules, making procedures more cumbersome and increasing litigiousness. As a consequence, hybrid arbitration clauses are a prime example of something parties may choose to do under the principle of party autonomy, yet shouldn’t do in the interest of safeguarding the principle of efficiency of arbitral procedure.

This article analyses existing cases on the matter in order to extract conclusions as to how the interplay between party autonomy and efficiency operates in each case and at a broader level.

While all decisions have upheld the validity of hybrid clauses, the analysed cases open up a whole set of additional questions, on which a consensus may not be reached: Does upholding the validity of hybrid arbitration really further party autonomy if institutions are heavily construing arbitration agreements? Should the choice of an administering institution or the choice of rules prevail? What weight should be attached to an institution's willingness to administer a case? These questions underscore the key tension between party autonomy and procedural efficiency.
Evaluation of consensus strategies for haplotype phasing
Authors: Al Bkhetan Ziad , Chana Gursharan , Ramamohanarao Kotagiri , Verspoor Karin , Goudey Benjamin
Published: October 2020

Haplotype phasing is a critical step for many genetic applications but incorrect estimates of phase can negatively impact downstream analyses. One proposed strategy to improve phasing accuracy is to combine multiple independent phasing estimates to overcome the limitations of any individual estimate. However, such a strategy is yet to be thoroughly explored. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of consensus strategies for haplotype phasing. We explore the performance of different consensus paradigms, and the effect of specific constituent tools, across several datasets with different characteristics and their impact on the downstream task of genotype imputation. Based on the outputs of existing phasing tools, we explore two different strategies to construct haplotype consensus estimators: voting across outputs from multiple phasing tools and multiple outputs of a single non-deterministic tool. We find that the consensus approach from multiple tools reduces SE by an average of 10% compared to any constituent tool when applied to European populations and has the highest accuracy regardless of population ethnicity, sample size, variant density or variant frequency. Furthermore, the consensus estimator improves the accuracy of the downstream task of genotype imputation carried out by the widely used Minimac3, pbwt and BEAGLE5 tools. Our results provide guidance on how to produce the most accurate phasing estimates and the trade-offs that a consensus approach may have. Our implementation of consensus haplotype phasing, consHap, is available freely at https://github.com/ziadbkh/consHap. Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Briefings in Bioinformatics online.
Melatonergic systems of AANAT, melatonin, and its receptor MT2 in the corpus luteum are essential for reproductive success in mammals†
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhu Tianqi , Ma Xiao , Wang Yehua , Liu Jiping , Li Guangdong , Liu Yunjie , Ji Pengyun , Zhang Zhenzhen , Zhang Lu , Liu Guoshi
Published: October 2020

Corpus luteum (CL) plays a critical role in mammalian reproductive physiology. Its dysfunction will lead to infertility or habitual abortion. In the current study, by use of melatonin specific membrane receptor 2 (MT2) knocking out (KO) mice model combined with RNA-Seq, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence analyses, the genes of melatonin synthetic enzyme arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) and MT2 were identified to strongly express in the CL of sows and mice. KO MT2 significantly impaired the reproductive performance in mice indicated by the reduced litter sizes. Melatonin treatment elevated the progesterone production in sows suggesting the improved CL function. Mechanistic analysis showed that melatonin upregulated a set of progesterone synthesis-related genes including cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1 (Cyp11a1), aldo-keto reductase family 1, member C18 (Akr1c18), isopentenyl-diphosphate delta isomerase 1 (Idi1), and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (Lhcgr). The upregulation of these genes directly related to the increased progesterone production. The regulatory effects of melatonin on these gene expressions were mediated by MT2 and MT2KO diminished the effects of melatonin in this respect. Thus, the presence of melatonergic system of AANAT, melatonin, and its receptor MT2 in CL is essential for reproductive success in mammals.
Maternal obesity alters placental lysophosphatidylcholines, lipid storage, and the expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism
Authors: Bidne Katie L , Rister Alana L , McCain Andrea R , Hitt Brianna D , Dodds Eric D , Wood Jennifer R
Published: October 2020

Dyslipidemia is a characteristic of maternal obesity and previous studies have demonstrated abnormalities in fatty acid oxidation and storage in term placentas. However, there is little information about the effect of pre-pregnancy obesity on placental lipid metabolism during early pregnancy. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between lipid profiles and markers of metabolism in placentas from obese and lean dams at midgestation. Mice were fed a western diet (WD) or normal diet (ND) and lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) and/or phosphatidylcholines (PCs) were measured in dam circulation and placenta sections using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and mass spectrometry imaging, respectively. In WD dam, circulating LPCs containing 16:1, 18:1, 20:0, and 20:3 fatty acids were increased and 18:2 and 20:4 were decreased. In WD placenta from both sexes, LPC 18:1 and PC 36:1 and 38:3 were increased. Furthermore, there were moderate to strong correlations between LPC 18:1, PC 36:1, and PC 38:3. Treatment-, spatial-, and sex-dependent differences in LPC 20:1 and 20:3 were also detected. To identify genes that may regulate diet-dependent differences in placenta lipid profiles, the expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism and nutrient transport was measured in whole placenta and isolated labyrinth using droplet digital PCR and Nanostring nCounter assays. Several apolipoproteins were increased in WD placentas. However, no differences in nutrient transport or fatty acid metabolism were detected. Together, these data indicate that lipid storage is increased in midgestation WD placentas, which may lead to lipotoxicity, altered lipid metabolism and transport to the fetus later in gestation.
Prison as temporary refuge: amplifying the voices of women detained in prison
Authors: Bucerius Sandra , Haggerty Kevin D , Dunford David T
Published: October 2020

This article details how a subset of women can perceive of prison as temporary refuge from the hardships and marginalization they face on the outside. It focuses particularly on a group of 88 women incarcerated in western Canada. A large percentage of these women accentuated several reasons why they saw being incarcerated as a desirable alternative to their marginalized situation in their respective communities. These findings nuance our understanding of the place of prison in the lives of these women and draws attention to notable gaps in Canada’s often-celebrated social welfare system.
Clinical and pathogenic themes in hereditary spastic paraplegia
Authors: Warner Thomas T
Published: October 2020

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Defining the clinical, molecular and imaging spectrum of adaptor protein complex 4-associated hereditary spastic paraplegia’, by Ebrahimi-Fakhari etal. (doi:10.1093/brain/awz307).
Atlas55+: Brain Functional Atlas of Resting-State Networks for Late Adulthood
Authors: Doucet Gaelle E , Labache Loic , Thompson Paul M , Joliot Marc , Frangou Sophia ,   Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2020

Currently, several human brain functional atlases are used to define the spatial constituents of the resting-state networks (RSNs). However, the only brain atlases available are derived from samples of young adults. As brain networks are continuously reconfigured throughout life, the lack of brain atlases derived from older populations may influence RSN results in late adulthood. To address this gap, the aim of the study was to construct a reliable brain atlas derived only from older participants. We leveraged resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from three cohorts of healthy older adults (total N = 563; age = 55–95 years) and a younger-adult cohort (N = 128; age = 18–35 years). We identified the major RSNs and their subdivisions across all older-adult cohorts. We demonstrated high spatial reproducibility of these RSNs with an average spatial overlap of 67%. Importantly, the RSNs derived from the older-adult cohorts were spatially different from those derived from the younger-adult cohort (P = 2.3 × 10−3). Lastly, we constructed a novel brain atlas, called Atlas55+, which includes the consensus of the major RSNs and their subdivisions across the older-adult cohorts. Thus, Atlas55+ provides a reliable age-appropriate template for RSNs in late adulthood and is publicly available. Our results confirm the need for age-appropriate functional atlases for studies investigating aging-related brain mechanisms.
Swab-Yourself Trial With Economic Monitoring and Testing for Infections Collectively (SYSTEMATIC): Part 2. A Diagnostic Accuracy and Cost-effectiveness Study Comparing Rectal, Pharyngeal, and Urogenital Samples Analyzed Individually, Versus as a Pooled Specimen, for the Diagnosis of Gonorrhea and Chlamydia
Authors: Wilson Janet D , Wallace Harriet E , Loftus-Keeling Michelle , Ward Helen , Davies Bethan , Vargas-Palacios Armando , Hulme Claire , Wilcox Mark H
Published: October 2020

Background

Sexual history does not accurately identify those with extragenital Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), so universal extragenital sampling is recommended. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are expensive. If urogenital, plus rectal and pharyngeal, samples are analyzed, the diagnostic cost is trebled. Pooling samples into 1 NAAT container would cost the same as urogenital samples alone. We compared clinician triple samples analyzed individually with self-taken pooled samples for diagnostic accuracy, and cost, in men who have sex with men (MSM) and females.

Methods

This was a prospective, convenience sample in United Kingdom sexual health clinic. Randomized order of clinician and self-samples from pharynx, rectum, plus first-catch urine (FCU) in MSM and vulvovaginal swabs (VVS) in females, for NG and CT detection.

Results

Of 1793 participants (1284 females, 509 MSM), 116 had NG detected (75 urogenital, 83 rectum, 72 pharynx); 276 had CT detected (217 urogenital, 249 rectum, 63 pharynx). There was no difference in sensitivities between clinician triple samples and self-pooled specimens for NG (99.1% and 98.3%), but clinician samples analyzed individually identified 3% more chlamydia infections than pooled (99.3% and 96.0%; P = .027). However, pooled specimens identified more infections than VVS/FCU alone. Pooled specimens missed 2 NG and 11 CT infections, whereas VVS/FCU missed 41 NG and 58 CT infections. Self-taken pooled specimens were the most cost-effective.

Conclusions

FCU/VVS testing alone missed many infections. Self-taken pooled samples were as sensitive as clinician triple samples for identifying NG, but clinician samples analyzed individually identified 3% more CT infections than pooled. The extragenital sampling was achievable at no additional diagnostic cost to the FCU/VVS.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02371109.
Electronic Dose Monitoring Identifies a High-Risk Subpopulation in the Treatment of Drug-resistant Tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Zelnick Jennifer R , Daftary Amrita , Hwang Christina , Labar Amy S , Boodhram Resha , Maharaj Bhavna , Wolf Allison K , Mondal Shinjini , Amico K Rivet , Orrell Catherine , Seepamore Boitumelo , Friedland Gerald , Padayatchi Nesri , O’Donnell Max R
Published: October 2020

Background

In generalized drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemics, identifying subpopulations at high risk for treatment failure and loss to care is critically important to improve treatment outcomes and prevent amplification of drug resistance. We hypothesized that an electronic dose-monitoring (EDM) device could empirically identify adherence-challenged patients and that a mixed-methods approach would characterize treatment challenges.

Methods

A prospective study of patients with DR-TB HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiating bedaquiline-containing regimens in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Separate EDM devices measured adherence for bedaquiline and ART. Patients with low adherence (<85%) to both bedaquiline and ART were identified as high risk for poor outcomes. Baseline survey, study visit notes, and focus group discussions characterized treatment challenges.

Results

From December 2016–February 2018, 32 of 198 (16%) enrolled patients with DR-TB HIV were identified as dual-adherence challenged. In a multivariate model including baseline characteristics, only receiving a disability grant was significantly associated with dual nonadherence at 6 months. Mixed-methods identified treatment barriers including alcohol abuse, family conflicts, and mental health issues. Compared with adherent patients, dual-adherence–challenged patients struggled to prioritize treatment and lacked support, and dual-adherence–challenged patients experienced higher rates of detectable HIV viral load and mortality than more adherent patients.

Conclusions

EDM empirically identified a subpopulation of patients with DR-TB HIV with dual-adherence challenges early in treatment. Mixed-methods revealed intense psychosocial, behavioral, and structural barriers to care in this subpopulation. Our data support developing differential, patient-centered, adherence support interventions focused on psychosocial and structural challenges for subpopulations of at-risk DR-TB HIV patients.
High-sensitivity troponins in dialysis patients: variation and prognostic value
Authors: Snaedal Sunna , Bárány Peter , Lund Sigrún H , Qureshi Abdul R , Heimbürger Olof , Stenvinkel Peter , Löwbeer Christian , Szummer Karolina
Published: October 2020

Background

Dialysis patients have a high prevalence of cardiovascular mortality but also elevated cardiac troponins (cTns) even without signs of cardiac ischaemia. The study aims to assess variation and prognostic value of high-sensitivity cTnI and cTnT in prevalent dialysis patients.

Methods

In 198 prevalent haemodialysis (HD) and 78 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, 4-monthly serum troponin I and T measurements were obtained. Reference change values (RCVs) were used for variability assessment and competing-risk regression models for survival analyses; maximal follow-up was 50 months.

Results

HD and PD patients had similar troponin levels [median (interquartile range) troponin I: 25 ng/L (14–43) versus 21 ng/L (11–37), troponin T: 70 ng/L (44–129) versus 67 ng/L (43–123)]. Of troponin I and T levels, 42% versus 98% were above the decision level of myocardial infarction. RCVs were +68/−41% (troponin I) and +29/−23% (troponin T). Increased variability of troponins related to higher age, male sex, protein-energy wasting and congestive heart failure, but not ischaemic heart disease or dialysis form. Elevated troponin T, but not troponin I, predicted death after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions

A large proportion of prevalent dialysis patients without current established or ongoing cardiac events have elevated levels of high-sensitivity cTns. Mortality risk was doubled in patients with persistently high troponin T levels. The large intraindividual variation of cTns suggests that serial measurements and reference change levels may be used to improve diagnostic utility. However, evidence-based recommendations require more data from large studies of dialysis patients with cardiac events.
Cardiac Troponin Testing in Patients with COVID-19: A Strategy for Testing and Reporting Results
Authors: Kavsak Peter A , Hammarsten Ola , Worster Andrew , Smith Stephen W , Apple Fred S
Published: October 2020

Background

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that emerged late in 2019 causing COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-2019) may adversely affect the cardiovascular system. Publications from Asia, Europe, and North America have identified cardiac troponin as an important prognostic indicator for patients hospitalized with COVID-19. We recognized from publications within the first 6 months of the pandemic that there has been much uncertainty on the reporting, interpretation, and pathophysiology of an increased cardiac troponin concentration in this setting.

Content

The purpose of this mini-review is: a) to review the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 and the cardiovascular system, b) to overview the strengths and weaknesses of selected studies evaluating cardiac troponin in patients with COVID-19, and c) to recommend testing strategies in the acute period, in the convalescence period and in long-term care for patients who have become ill with COVID-19.

This review provides important educational information and identifies gaps in understanding the role of cardiac troponin and COVID-19. Future, properly designed studies will hopefully provide the much-needed evidence on the path forward in testing cardiac troponin in patients with COVID-19.
Real-World Networks Are Not Always Fast Mixing
Authors: Qi Yi , Xu Wanyue , Zhu Liwang , Zhang Zhongzhi
Published: October 2020

The mixing time of random walks on a graph has found broad applications across both theoretical and practical aspects of computer science, with the application effects depending on the behavior of mixing time. It is extensively believed that real-world networks, especially social networks, are fast mixing with their mixing time at most $O(\log N)$ where $N$ is the number of vertices. However, the behavior of mixing time in the real-life networks has not been examined carefully, and exactly analytical research for mixing time in models mimicking real networks is still lacking. In this paper, we first experimentally evaluate the mixing time of various real-world networks with scale-free small-world properties and show that their mixing time is much higher than anticipated. To better understand the behavior of the mixing time for real-world networks, we then analytically study the mixing time of the Apollonian network, which is simultaneously scale-free and small-world. To this end, we derive the recursive relations for all eigenvalues, especially the second largest eigenvalue modulus of the transition matrix, based on which we deduce a lower bound for the mixing time of the Apollonian network, which approximately scales sublinearly with $N$. Our results indicate that real-world networks are not always fast mixing, which has potential implications in the design of algorithms related to mixing time.
Influence of Pharmaceutical Direct-to-Consumer Advertisement on Medical Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease—An Outpatient Survey-Based Study
Authors: Schuster Isaiah P , Mutz Hugo , Perera Sapphire , Perera Royce , Taub Erin , Rajapakse Ramona
Published: October 2020

Background

The management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has become much more complex as our understanding of the disease pathology has improved and as new novel therapeutic options come into play. A factor that has not been studied in the management of this disease is the role that Direct-To-Consumer Advertisement (DTCA) plays in patients’ decisions regarding their treatment options. Here we investigate the very role this mode of television advertisement has on influencing our patients.

Methods

Following formal institutional review board approval, we devised a prospective, single institution, survey-based study in our university-based outpatient gastroenterology clinic. Surveys included major demographic features along with questions pertaining to patients’ interactions with various advertisements. Surveys were collected over a 3-month period.

Results

Overall, 103 surveys were collected. The data were not normally distributed. Fifty-three patients were female, and 40 patients were male. Eighty-one percent of patients with IBD were not affected in any way by advertisements with regard to influencing their decision to start new therapies. A subgroup analysis revealed that various parameters including age, sex, and marital status played a role in how DTCA influences patients with regard to their IBD treatments.

Discussion

This study demonstrates that overall patients are not significantly influenced by DTCAs; however, some cohorts are influenced in more ways than others. This study highlights the importance of understanding the role DTCA plays in influencing our patients with IBD and sets the foundation for further inquiry into this very interesting relationship.
How evolutionary behavioural sciences can help us understand behaviour in a pandemic
Authors: Arnot Megan , Brandl Eva , Campbell O L K , Chen Yuan , Du Juan , Dyble Mark , Emmott Emily H , Ge Erhao , Kretschmer Luke D W , Mace Ruth , Micheletti Alberto J C , Nila Sarah , Peacey Sarah , Salali Gul Deniz , Zhang Hanzhi
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought science into the public eye and to the attention of governments more than ever before. Much of this attention is on work in epidemiology, virology and public health, with most behavioural advice in public health focusing squarely on ‘proximate’ determinants of behaviour. While epidemiological models are powerful tools to predict the spread of disease when human behaviour is stable, most do not incorporate behavioural change. The evolutionary basis of our preferences and the cultural evolutionary dynamics of our beliefs drive behavioural change, so understanding these evolutionary processes can help inform individual and government decision-making in the face of a pandemic.

Lay summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought behavioural sciences into the public eye: Without vaccinations, stopping the spread of the virus must rely on behaviour change by limiting contact between people. On the face of it, “stop seeing people” sounds simple. In practice, this is hard. Here we outline how an evolutionary perspective on behaviour change can provide additional insights. Evolutionary theory postulates that our psychology and behaviour did not evolve to maximize our health or that of others. Instead, individuals are expected to act to maximise their inclusive fitness (i.e, spreading our genes) – which can lead to a conflict between behaviours that are in the best interests for the individual, and behaviours that stop the spread of the virus. By examining the ultimate explanations of behaviour related to pandemic-management (such as behavioural compliance and social distancing), we conclude that “good of the group” arguments and “one size fits all” policies are unlikely to encourage behaviour change over the long-term. Sustained behaviour change to keep pandemics at bay is much more likely to emerge from environmental change, so governments and policy makers may need to facilitate significant social change – such as improving life experiences for disadvantaged groups.
Proteome analysis of virulentAeromonas hydrophilareveals the upregulation of iron acquisition systems in the presence of a xenosiderophore
Authors: Lange Miles D , Abernathy Jason , Shoemaker Craig A , Zhang Dunhua , Kirby Augustus , Peatman Eric , Beck Benjamin H
Published: October 2020

The Gram-negative bacterium, Aeromonas hydrophila, has been responsible for extensive losses in the catfish industry for over a decade. Due to this impact, there are ongoing efforts to understand the basic mechanisms that contribute to virulent A. hydrophila (vAh) outbreaks. Recent challenge models demonstrated that vAh cultured in the presence of the iron chelating agent deferoxamine mesylate (DFO) were more virulent to channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Interestingly, differential gene expression of select iron acquisition genes was unremarkable between DFO and non-DFO cultures, posing the question: why the increased virulence? The current work sought to evaluate growth characteristics and protein expression of vAh after the addition of DFO. A comparative proteome analysis revealed differentially expressed proteins among tryptic soy broth (TSB) and TSB + DFO treatments. Upregulated proteins identified among the TSB + DFO treatment were enriched for gene ontology groups including iron ion transport, siderophore transport and siderophore uptake transport, all iron acquisition pathways. Protein-protein interactions were also evaluated among the differentially expressed proteins and predicted that many of the upregulated iron acquisition proteins likely form functional physiological networks. The proteome analysis of the vAh reveals valuable information about the basic biological processes likely leading to increased virulence during iron restriction in this organism.
On the wobbles of phase-velocity dispersion curves
Authors: Kolínský Petr , Bokelmann Götz ,   the AlpArray Working Group
Published: October 2020

To calculate phase-velocity dispersion curves, we introduce a method which reflects both structural and dynamic effects of wave propagation and interference. Rayleigh-wave fundamental-mode surface waves from the South Atlantic Ocean earthquake of 19 August 2016, M = 7.4, observed at the AlpArray network in Europe are strongly influenced by the upper-mantle low-velocity zone under the Cameroon Volcanic Line in Central Africa. Predicting phase-delay times affected by diffraction from this heterogeneity for each station gives phase velocities as they would be determined using the classical two-station method as well as the advanced array-beamforming method. Synthetics from these two methods are thus compared with measurements. We show how the dynamic phase velocity differs from the structural phase velocity, how these differences evolve in space and how two-station and array measurements are affected. In principle, arrays are affected with the same uncertainty as the two-station measurements. The dynamic effects can be several times larger than the error caused by the unknown arrival angle in case of the two-station method. The non-planarity of the waves and its relation to the arrival angle and dynamic phase-velocity deviations is discussed. Our study is complemented by extensive review of literature related to the surface wave phase-velocity measurement of the last 120 years.
Time to seismic failure induced by repeating SSEs in a single-degree-of-freedom spring-slider model
Authors: Ohtani Makiko , Nakatani Masao , Kame Nobuki
Published: October 2020

Some large earthquakes may have been triggered by large slow slip events (SSEs). This paper studies the time it takes from the most recent SSE to seismic failure in a situation where earthquakes are influenced by periodic SSEs, unlike in earlier studies that investigated the impact of a single SSE imposed at an arbitrary timing during a seismic cycle. A single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) spring-slider model obeying a rate- and state-dependent friction (RSF) law is used to study the time to failure. The results are compared with those in Ohtani et al., which simulates megathrust earthquakes triggered by large, spontaneous SSEs along the deeper extension of a seismogenic zone in a 2-D elastic medium. Suppose a model fault under steady-rate tectonic loading is also impacted by stress steps induced by periodic SSEs. In the absence of SSEs, there is only a unique value of the characteristic slip distance L of RSF for a given seismic return period T. In the presence of SSEs, by contrast, synchronization occurs, and there exists a finite range of L values that corresponds to the same T. The timing (phase difference) of earthquakes relative to the SSEs varies continuously with L within that range. This study focuses on the case where T is triple the SSE return period, TSSE, (T = 3TSSE) to allow comparison with Ohtani et al. For each value of L in that range, disturbance tests that assign random values to T0, the timing of the third SSE within the seismic cycle, are conducted to obtain a probability distribution for tf, the time from that SSE to seismic failure. The distribution is converted into P(t; L), the cumulative probability that seismic failure occurs within time t of the SSE. The P(t; L) is averaged over the different L values to produce $\bar{P}$(t), which takes account of variability in the strength excess on the seismic fault at the time of the SSE, a parameter that is generally unknown. These numerical disturbance tests are conducted for three different values of an SSE size parameter. It is found that the larger the SSEs, the more intensely seismic failure is concentrated within short time intervals following an SSE. For the largest SSE, whereby a single SSE accounts for 3/10 of the total stress accumulated during a seismic cycle, there is a 50 per cent probability that seismic failure occurs within 132 d. These results contrast with those of Ohtani et al., in which tf was found to be concentrated more intensely within even shorter time intervals following an SSE (80 per cent probability that seismic failure occurs within 2.78 d of the SSE). It is suggested the timing of SSE-triggered seismic failure is concentrated more strongly on a fault embedded in a continuum because of a factor that cannot be taken into account by an SDOF model—a spatial structure of stress concentration that is already there on the fault even before the triggering event, the SSE.
Long-wavelength lithospheric magnetic field of China
Authors: Jiang Yi , Holme Richard , Xiong Sheng-Qing , Jiang Yong , Feng Yan , Yang Hai
Published: October 2020

We present new regional models, denoted CLAS, of the Chinese lithospheric field, combining the long-wavelength information provided by satellite-derived models: CHAOS-6, MF7, LCS-1 and NGDC720, and an extremely high-quality compilation of 97 994 aeromagnetic survey data with 10 km × 10 km resolution for shorter wavelength. The models are estimated using a depleted basis of global spherical harmonic functions centred on China. CLAS models are determined include harmonic degrees up to 400. Although some accuracy of aeromagnetic data is lost in order to balance the consistent of two data sets, the results show that CLAS models have a high correlation with the satellite models at low-degree terms (degree correlation > 0.9) but with more power at high-degree terms, reflecting more features of the lithospheric field in continental China. Examples of improvement include Changbai mountains, Sichuan Basin and Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. CLAS models have good agreement (coherence > 0.9) with Chinese aeromagnetic data at wavelength down to about 100 km (corresponding to spherical harmonic degree n = 400), filling the usual gap between satellite models and aeromagnetic data. Comparison with aeromagnetic data filtered at 100 km gives good agreement (correlation > 0.95). The residuals between CLAS models and aeromagnetic data are still large (rms > 70 nT), but with most of misfits arising from shorter wavelength fields that the model cannot fit at degree up to 400; such misfit could be reduced by increasing the model degree. We provide a geological example of how the inclusion of satellite data can change the geological conclusions that can be drawn from the magnetic information. However, the two data sets are not completely consistent, future models should start from a reanalysis of the aeromagnetic data and its line levelling to ensure consistency with the satellite model.
The corruption of popular sovereignty
Authors: Issacharoff Samuel
Published: October 2020

Populism marks a departure from the central forms of democratic governance over the past two centuries. As opposed to the primacy of the legislative branch and of institutional actors, most notably political parties, populism tends toward the unilateral authority of a charismatic leader, ruling on the basis of an electoral mandate. This article starts from an understanding of populism as being grounded in political mobilization in disregard of the institutions of governance. Even more centrally, populist leaders try to dismantle institutional constraints to allow for greater individual discretionary power. This article looks to legal vulnerabilities that might allow the institutional framework of democracy to withstand the new populist assault. The central insight is that corruption might prove the means of checking governance by the new breed of caudillos, the strongman rule that stands in opposition to separation of powers limitations on the executive. Two forms of corruption are examined. The first is the attempt to subordinate the electoral system itself. The second is the use of state discretionary authority to push the boundaries of clientelism and ultimately outright corruption. Whereas questions of electoral integrity are more commonly checked by formal constitutional boundaries, the question of ordinary corruption surfaces with regularity under populism. The article offers reasons why this might be the product of a descent from clientelism to cronyism to outright capture of public resources for private gain. In turn, the article offers arguments for how corruption invites review by broader layers of judicial and prosecutorial authorities than constitutional law.
Jurisdiction of Tribunals to Settle Intra-EU Investment Treaty Disputes
Authors: Scheu Julian , Nikolov Petyo
Published: October 2020

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) made a ground-breaking shift away from the current system of investor–State dispute settlement (ISDS) by rendering its judgment in the matter of Achmea v Slovak Republic. However, since March 2018, a large and ever-growing number of investment tribunals have found that the Achmea judgment does not deprive them of arbitral jurisdiction. Against this background, the aim of the present article is to analyse the effects of the Achmea judgment on the jurisdiction of tribunals to settle intra-European Union (EU) investment treaty disputes. By taking due account of the reasoning conducted by the ECJ, the scope of the Achmea jurisprudence will be clarified. It is concluded that the incompatibility of intra-EU ISDS with EU law concerns all intra-EU investment treaties, including article 26 of the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT). On this basis, we ask whether, and to what extent, the applicability of the Achmea judgment is relevant to arbitral jurisdiction. Considering the law applicable to the arbitration agreement, we conclude that International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) tribunals and those seated outside the EU remain competent to settle intra-EU investment disputes. In contrast, the Achmea judgment renders ISDS clauses contained in intra-EU investment treaties inoperable if the tribunal is seated within the EU. The article closes with an outlook that puts these conclusions into perspective by considering recent developments such as the EU Member States’ ratification of a multilateral termination treaty.
Triport periareolar thoracoscopic surgery versus right minithoracotomy for repairing atrial septal defect in adults
Authors: Zheng Xiang-Xiang , Wang Ze-Yu , Ma Lu-Yao , Liu Hong- , Liu Huan- , Qin Jian-Wei , Shao Yong-Feng
Published: October 2020

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to investigate the safety and feasibility of triport periareolar thoracoscopic surgery (TPTS) and its advantages in repairing adult atrial septal defect.

METHODS

Between January 2017 and January 2020, a total of 121 consecutive adult patients underwent atrial septal defect closure in our institution. Of these, 30 patients had TPTS and 31 patients had a right minithoracotomy (RMT). Operational data and clinical outcomes were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

The total operation time, cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross-clamp time in the TPTS group were slightly longer than those in the RMT group, but there were no differences between the 2 groups. Compared with the RMT group, the TPTS group showed a decrease in the volume of chest drainage in 24 h (98.6 ± 191.2 vs 222.6 ± 217.2 ml; P = 0.032) and a shorter postoperative hospital stay (6.5 ± 1.5 vs 8.0 ± 3.7 days; P = 0.042). The numeric rating scale on postoperative day 7 was significantly less in the TPTS group than in the RMT group (2.82 ± 1.14 vs 3.56 ± 1.42; P = 0.034). The patient satisfaction scale for the cosmetic results in the TPTS group was significantly higher than in the RMT group (4.68 ± 0.55 vs 4.22 ± 0.76; P = 0.012). No differences were found in postoperative complications. No in-hospital death or major adverse events occurred in the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

TPTS is safe and feasible for the closure of adult atrial septal defect. Compared with RMT, it has been associated with less pain and better cosmetic outcomes.