bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing Variability in Chemical Vapor Deposition of Carbon Nanotubes Based on Gas Purification and Sample Support Redesign
Authors: Tomaraei Golnaz , Lee Jaegeun , Abdulhafez Moataz , Bedewy Mostafa
Published: January 2021

The synthesis of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs), also referred to as CNT forest, by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is an intricate process that is sensitive to multiple factors other than control of temperature, pressure, and gas flows. In particular, growth is highly sensitive to factors like ambient humidity, as well as small quantities of oxygen-containing species and carbon deposits inside the reactor. These typically uncontrolled factors significantly affect growth reproducibility and hinders the fundamental study of process–structure–property relationship for these emerging materials. Accordingly, universally applicable design modifications and process steps toward improving growth consistency are sought after. In this study, we introduce two new modifications to our custom-designed multizone rapid thermal CVD reactor and demonstrate their impact on growth: (1) reconfiguring the inlet gas plumbing to add a gas purifier to the helium (He) line, and (2) designing a new support wafer for consistent loading of substrates. We use statistical analysis to test the effectiveness of these modifications in improving growth and reducing variability of both CNT forest height and density. Analysis of our experimental results and hypothesis testing show that combining the implementation of He purifier with the redesigned support wafer increases forest height and reduces the variability in height (17-folds), both at statistically significant and practically significant levels.
A Systematic Review of CrossFit® Workouts and Dietary and Supplementation Interventions to Guide Nutritional Strategies and Future Research in CrossFit®
Authors: de Souza Ricardo Augusto Silva , da Silva André Guedes , de Souza Magda Ferreira , Souza Liliana Kataryne Ferreira , Roschel Hamilton , da Silva Sandro Fernandes , Saunders Bryan
Published: January 2021

CrossFit® is a high-intensity functional training method consisting of daily workouts called “workouts of the day.” No nutritional recommendations exist for CrossFit® that are supported by scientific evidence regarding the energetic demands of this type of activity or dietary and supplement interventions. This systematic review performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines aimed to identify studies that determined (a) the physiological and metabolic demands of CrossFit® and (b) the effects of nutritional strategies on CrossFit® performance to guide nutritional recommendations for optimal recovery, adaptations, and performance for CrossFit® athletes and direct future research in this emerging area. Three databases were searched for studies that investigated physiological responses to CrossFit® and dietary or supplementation interventions on CrossFit® performance. Various physiological measures revealed the intense nature of all CrossFit® workouts of the day, reflected in substantial muscle fatigue and damage. Dietary and supplementation studies provided an unclear insight into effective strategies to improve performance and enhance adaptations and recovery due to methodological shortcomings across studies. This systematic review showed that CrossFit® is a high-intensity sport with fairly homogenous anaerobic and aerobic characteristics, resulting in substantial metabolic stress, leading to metabolite accumulation (e.g., lactate and hydrogen ions) and increased markers of muscle damage and muscle fatigue. Limited interventional data exist on dietary and supplementation strategies to optimize CrossFit® performance, and most are moderate to very low quality with some critical methodological limitations, precluding solid conclusions on their efficacy. High-quality work is needed to confirm the ideal dietary and supplemental strategies for optimal performance and recovery for CrossFit® athletes and is an exciting avenue for further research.
Gyroresonant wave-particle interactions with chorus waves during extreme depletions of plasma density in the Van Allen radiation belts
Authors: Allison Hayley J. , Shprits Yuri Y. , Zhelavskaya Irina S. , Wang Dedong , Smirnov Artem G.
Published: January 2021

Periods of low plasma density allow chorus waves to accelerate radiation belt electrons to ultrarelativistic energies.
Mechanism of C-type inactivation in the hERG potassium channel
Authors: Li Jing , Shen Rong , Reddy Bharat , Perozo Eduardo , Roux Benoît
Published: January 2021

C-type inactivation in hERG is associated with an asymmetrical constricted-like conformation of the selectivity filter.
An electronic proton-trapping ion pump for selective drug delivery
Authors: Strakosas X. , Seitanidou M. , Tybrandt K. , Berggren M. , Simon D. T.
Published: January 2021

Proton-trapping electrodes in the OEIP enhance selective electrophoretic delivery of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter.
Microbiota control of maternal behavior regulates early postnatal growth of offspring
Authors: Lee Yujung Michelle , Mu Andre , Wallace Martina , Gengatharan Jivani M. , Furst Annalee J. , Bode Lars , Metallo Christian M. , Ayres Janelle S.
Published: January 2021

Microbiota control of maternal behavior regulates early postnatal growth of offspring.
Kinetic Characterization and Inhibitor Screening for the Proteases Leading to Identification of Drugs against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Kuo Chih-Jung , Chao Tai-Ling , Kao Han-Chieh , Tsai Ya-Min , Liu Yi-Kai , Wang Lily Hui-Ching , Hsieh Ming-Chang , Chang Sui-Yuan , Liang Po-Huang
Published: January 2021

Coronavirus (CoV) disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has claimed many lives worldwide and is still spreading since December 2019. The 3C-like protease (3CL
pro
) and papain-like protease (PL
pro
) are essential for maturation of viral polyproteins in SARS-CoV-2 life cycle and thus regarded as key drug targets for the disease.
Microbial Community Shifts Reflect Losses of Native Soil Carbon with Pyrogenic and Fresh Organic Matter Additions and Are Greatest in Low-Carbon Soils
Authors: Whitman Thea , DeCiucies Silene , Hanley Kelly , Enders Akio , Woolet Jamie , Lehmann Johannes
Published: January 2021

Soil organic matter (SOM) has an important role in global climate change, carbon and nutrient cycling in soils, and soil moisture dynamics. Understanding the processes that affect SOM stocks is important for managing these functions.
Pyruvate Accelerates Palladium Reduction by Regulating Catabolism and the Electron Transfer Pathway in Shewanella oneidensis
Authors: Cheng Yuan-Yuan , Wang Wen-Jing , Ding Shi-Ting , Zhang Ming-Xing , Tang Ai-Guo , Zhang Ling , Li Dao-Bo , Li Bing-Bing , Deng Guo-Zhi , Wu Chao
Published: January 2021

The unique respiration of EET is crucial for biogeochemical cycling of metal elements and diverse applications of EAB. Although a carbon source is a determinant factor of bacterial metabolism, research into the regulation of the carbon source of EET is rare.
Whole-Genome Assemblies of 16 Burkholderia pseudomallei Isolates from Rivers in Laos
Authors: Liechti Nicole , Zimmermann Rosalie E. , Zopfi Jakob , Robinson Matthew T. , Pierret Alain , Ribolzi Olivier , Rattanavong Sayaphet , Davong Viengmon , Newton Paul N. , Wittwer Matthias , Dance David A. B.
Published: January 2021

We report 16
Burkholderia pseudomallei
genomes, including 5 new multilocus sequence types, isolated from rivers in Laos. The environmental bacterium
B. pseudomallei
causes melioidosis, a serious infectious disease in tropical and subtropical regions. The isolates are geographically clustered in one clade from around Vientiane, Laos, and one clade from further south.
Acquisition of Host Cytosolic Protein by Toxoplasma gondii Bradyzoites
Authors: Kannan Geetha , Thaprawat Pariyamon , Schultz Tracey L. , Carruthers Vern B.
Published: January 2021

Chronic infection of humans with
Toxoplasma gondii
is common, but little is known about how this intracellular parasite obtains the resources that it needs to persist indefinitely inside neurons and muscle cells. Here, we provide evidence that the chronic-stage form of
T. gondii
can internalize proteins from the cytosol of infected cells despite residing within an intracellular cyst that is surrounded by a cyst wall.
Optic neuropathy secondary to perhexiline and amiodarone
Authors: Tan Yiran , Sia Paul , Simon Sumu
Published: January 2021

Bilateral optic disc swelling is an important clinical sign for potentially life-threatening and sight-threatening conditions, with the most common being raised intracranial pressure and pseudopapillitis. Perhexiline-related and amiodarone-related optic disc swellings are diagnoses of exclusion. This report describes the diagnosis of a man with perhexiline-induced and amiodarone-induced optic neuropathy after extensive investigation consisting of full ophthalmic examination, biochemical screen, temporal artery biopsy, CT, MRI, positron emission tomography and lumbar puncture. There was partial to complete resolution of optic neuropathy following cessation of the causative medication. We postulate that the underlying mechanism of perhexiline toxicity could be mitochondrial dysfunction related. Our case demonstrates that patients treated with perhexiline and amiodarone should be monitored closely for ocular side effects.
Use of symptom checkers for COVID-19-related symptoms among university students: a qualitative study
Authors: Aboueid Stephanie , Meyer Samantha B , Wallace James R , Mahajan Shreya , Nur Teeyaa , Chaurasia Ashok
Published: January 2021

Objective

Symptom checkers are potentially beneficial tools during pandemics. To increase the use of the platform, perspectives of end users must be gathered. Our objectives were to understand the perspectives and experiences of young adults related to the use of symptom checkers for assessing COVID-19-related symptoms and to identify areas for improvement.

Methods

We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with 22 young adults (18–34 years of age) at a university in Ontario, Canada. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

We identified six main themes related to the decision of using a symptom checker for COVID-19 symptoms: (1) presence of symptoms or a combination of symptoms, (2) knowledge about COVID-19 symptoms, (3) fear of seeking in-person healthcare services, (4) awareness about symptom checkers, (5) paranoia and (6) curiosity. Participants who used symptom checkers shared by governmental entities reported an overall positive experience. Individuals who used non-credible sources reported suboptimal experiences due to lack of perceived credibility. Five main areas for improvement were identified: (1) information about the creators of the platform, (2) explanation of symptoms, (3) personalised experience, (4) language options, and (5) option to get tested.

Conclusions

This study suggests an increased acceptance of symptom checkers due to the perceived risks of infection associated with seeking in-person healthcare services. Symptom checkers have the potential to reduce the burden on healthcare systems and health professionals, especially during pandemics; however, these platforms could be improved to increase use.
Changing patterns of gender inequities in childhood mortalities during the Sustainable Development Goals era in Nigeria: findings from an artificial neural network analysis
Authors: Adeyinka Daniel Adedayo , Petrucka Pammla Margaret , Isaac Elon Warnow , Muhajarine Nazeem
Published: January 2021

Objectives

In line with the child survival and gender equality targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3 and 5, we aimed to: (1) estimate the age and sex-specific mortality trends in child-related SDG indicators (ie, neonatal mortality rate (NMR) and under-five mortality rate (U5MR)) over the 1960s–2017 period, and (2) estimate the expected annual reduction rates needed to achieve the SDG-3 targets by projecting rates from 2018 to 2030.

Design

Group method of data handling-type artificial neural network (GMDH-type ANN) time series.

Methods

This study used an artificial intelligence time series (GMDH-type ANN) to forecast age-specific childhood mortality rates (neonatal and under-five) and sex-specific U5MR from 2018 to 2030. The data sets were the yearly historical mortality rates between 1960s and 2017, obtained from the World Bank website. Two scenarios of mortality trajectories were simulated: (1) status quo scenarios—assuming the current trend continues; and (2) acceleration scenarios—consistent with the SDG targets.

Results

At the projected rates of decline of 2.0% for NMR and 1.2% for U5MR, Nigeria will not achieve the child survival SDG targets by 2030. Unexpectedly, U5MR will begin to increase by 2028. To put Nigeria back on track, annual reduction rates of 7.8% for NMR and 10.7% for U5MR are required. Also, female U5MR is decreasing more slowly than male U5MR. At the end of SDG era, female deaths will be higher than male deaths (80.9 vs 62.6 deaths per 1000 live births).

Conclusion

Nigeria is not likely to achieve SDG targets for child survival and gender equities because female disadvantages will worsen. A plausible reason for the projected increase in female mortality is societal discrimination and victimisation faced by female child. Stakeholders in Nigeria need to adequately plan for child health to achieve SDG targets by 2030. Addressing gender inequities in childhood mortality in Nigeria would require gender-sensitive policies and community mobilisation against gender-based discrimination towards female child.
Narrative review of mental illness in cricket with recommendations for mental health support
Authors: McCabe Thomas , Peirce Nicholas , Gorczynski Paul , Heron Neil
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Epidemiology reporting within the cricketing medical literature has emerged over the past 2 years, with a focus on physical injuries. Despite mental health in elite sport gaining increasing recognition, few studies have addressed mental health symptoms and disorders within cricket. Recently, cricketers have been prominent in the mainstream media describing their lived experiences of mental illness. As a result, some have withdrawn from competition and suggested there is an unmet need for mental health services within the sport.

Objectives

(i) To appraise the existing evidence on mental health symptoms and disorders amongst cricketers. (ii) To provide guidance on shaping mental health research and services within cricket.

Design

A narrative review of the literature from inception of available databases until 26 July 2019, with analysis and recommendations.

Results

Five studies were included in this narrative review. Studies covered a range of mental health symptoms and disorders, including distress, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, suicide, adverse alcohol use, illicit drug use, eating disorders and bipolar disorder. Results indicated that cricketers are at high risk for distress, anxiety, depression and adverse alcohol use. When compared with the general population, cricketers are more likely to experience anxiety and depressive symptoms. Rates of suicide were proposed to be high for test cricketers. Overall, studies to date have been of low quality, demonstrating non-rigorous research methods. Some studies have relied on non-validated questionnaires to collect self-reported data on mental health symptoms and disorders, while others have presented biographical data obtained through searches of the media.

Conclusions

The results of this narrative review highlight the lack of evidence underpinning mental health services for athletes within cricket. We suggest the following recommendations for future research and practice: (i) normalising mental health symptoms and disorders; (ii) working with and helping vulnerable demographic segments within the target population; (iii) designing and implementing early recognition systems of mental health symptoms and disorders; (iv) addressing the mental health needs of cricketers on a population basis.
Potential for reduced premature mortality by current and increased bicycle commuting: a health impact assessment using registry data on home and work addresses in Stockholm, Sweden
Authors: Sommar Johan Nilsson , Schantz Peter , Strömgren Magnus , Forsberg Bertil
Published: January 2021

Objectives

The study aims to make use of individual data to estimate the impact on premature mortality due to both existing commuter bicycling and the potential impact due to increased physical activity through shifting transport mode from car commuting to bicycling.

Methods

Using registry data on home and work addresses for the population of Stockholm County the shortest bicycling route on a network of bicycle paths and roads was retrieved. Travel survey data were used to establish current modes of commuting. The relation between duration of bicycling and distance bicycled within the general population in 2015 was established as a basis for identifying individuals that currently drive a car to work but were estimated to have the physical capacity to bicycle to work within 30 min. Within this mode-shift scenario from car-to-bike the duration of bicycling per week was estimated, both among current and potential bicycle commuters. The health impact assessment (HIA) on mortality due to bicycle commuting physical activity was estimated using the same relative risk as within the WHO Health Economic Assessment Tool.

Results

The current number of bicycle commuters were 53 000, and the scenario estimated an additional 111 000. Their mean bicycle distances were 4.5 and 3.4 km, respectively. On average these respective amounts of physical activity reduced the yearly mortality by 16% and 12%, resulting in 11.3 and 16.2 fewer preterm deaths per year.

Conclusion

The HIA of transferring commuting by car to bicycle estimated large health benefits due to increased physical activity.
Global research on cognitive behavioural therapy for schizophrenia from 2000 to 2019: a bibliometric analysis via CiteSpace
Authors: Fei Xinxing , Wang Shiqi , Zheng Xiaojiao , Liu Kezhi , Liang Xuemei
Published: January 2021

Background

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is considered to be an effective treatment for schizophrenia. In recent years, researchers have published clinical research results on CBT for schizophrenia. However, there is currently a lack of bibliometric analysis on CBT for schizophrenia.

Aims

To understand the current situation and research trends of CBT for schizophrenia, and to provide valuable information for researchers in this field.

Methods

Literature was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. CiteSpace was used to visually analyse the current status of research on CBT for schizophrenia, as well as trends and points of general interest on this topic.

Results

A total of 1151 papers were retrieved. The annual number of publications has increased 417.65% from 2000 to 2019.Schizophrenia Researchwas the most active journal. McGorry enjoys considerable influence. The University of London is deemed to be the most active research institution. England and the USA retain the highest scientific productivity in this field. China and Norway might make more contributions to this field in the future. The most important research topics are randomised controlled trials of CBT for schizophrenia, meta-analysis, scale selection and research on the improvement of quality of life. Results from the following keywords ‘psychoeducation’, ‘insomnia’, ‘individual’, ‘mental illness’, ‘major depressive disorder’, ‘efficacy’, ‘internalised stigma’ and ‘remediation’ indicated new research frontiers in this field.

Conclusions

The field of CBT for schizophrenia is progressing and has great potential. The level and quality of research in this field is high. The proposal of research hotspots and frontiers serves as a direction for researchers in this field. Researchers around the world should strengthen their cooperation and communication to promote further development of this field.
Contrast-enhanced computed tomography assessment of aortic stenosis
Authors: Cartlidge Timothy RG , Bing Rong , Kwiecinski Jacek , Guzzetti Ezequiel , Pawade Tania A , Doris Mhairi K , Adamson Philip D , Massera Daniele , Lembo Maria , Peeters Frederique E C M , Couture Christian , Berman Daniel S , Dey Damini , Slomka Piotr , Pibarot Philippe , Newby David E , Clavel Marie-Annick , Dweck Marc R
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Non-contrast CT aortic valve calcium scoring ignores the contribution of valvular fibrosis in aortic stenosis. We assessed aortic valve calcific and non-calcific disease using contrast-enhanced CT.

Methods

This was a post hoc analysis of 164 patients (median age 71 (IQR 66–77) years, 78% male) with aortic stenosis (41 mild, 89 moderate, 34 severe; 7% bicuspid) who underwent echocardiography and contrast-enhanced CT as part of imaging studies. Calcific and non-calcific (fibrosis) valve tissue volumes were quantified and indexed to annulus area, using Hounsfield unit thresholds calibrated against blood pool radiodensity. The fibrocalcific ratio assessed the relative contributions of valve fibrosis and calcification. The fibrocalcific volume (sum of indexed non-calcific and calcific volumes) was compared with aortic valve peak velocity and, in a subgroup, histology and valve weight.

Results

Contrast-enhanced CT calcium volumes correlated with CT calcium score (r=0.80, p<0.001) and peak aortic jet velocity (r=0.55, p<0.001). The fibrocalcific ratio decreased with increasing aortic stenosis severity (mild: 1.29 (0.98–2.38), moderate: 0.87 (1.48–1.72), severe: 0.47 (0.33–0.78), p<0.001) while the fibrocalcific volume increased (mild: 109 (75–150), moderate: 191 (117–253), severe: 274 (213–344) mm3/cm2). Fibrocalcific volume correlated with ex vivo valve weight (r=0.72, p<0.001). Compared with the Agatston score, fibrocalcific volume demonstrated a better correlation with peak aortic jet velocity (r=0.59 and r=0.67, respectively), particularly in females (r=0.38 and r=0.72, respectively).

Conclusions

Contrast-enhanced CT assessment of aortic valve calcific and non-calcific volumes correlates with aortic stenosis severity and may be preferable to non-contrast CT when fibrosis is a significant contributor to valve obstruction.
Factors Associated with Covid-19 Severity and Mortality among Hispanic Patients Living on the Usa-Mexico Border
Authors: Cervantes Jorge , Sureen Amit , Galura Gian , Dodoo Christopher , Dwivedi Alok Kumar , Bashashati Mohammad , Zuckerman Marc , Meza Armando
Published: January 2021

COVID-19 has ravaged the medical, social, and financial landscape across the world, and the USA-Mexico border is no exception. Although some risk factors for COVID-19 severity and mortality have already been identified in various ethnic cohorts, there remains a paucity of data among Hispanics, particularly those living on borders. Ethnic disparities in COVID-19 outcomes in Hispanic and black populations have been reported. We sought to identify the clinical presentation, treatment, laboratory, and imaging characteristics of 82 Hispanic patients in a county hospital and describe the factors associated with rates of hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and mortality. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (48.8%) and diabetes mellitus (DM) (39%), both found to be associated with hospitalization and mortality, while only DM was associated with increased rate of ICU admission. Multivariable analysis showed that individuals with fever, low oxygen saturation (SpO2), nasal congestion, shortness of breath, and DM had an increased risk of hospitalization. Individuals with fever, decreased levels of SpO2, and advanced age were found to be associated with an increased risk of death. The most common cause of death was respiratory failure (28.9%), followed by shock (17.8%) and acute kidney injury (15.6%). Our findings are critical to developing strategies and identifying at-risk individuals in a Hispanic population living on borders. Research aiming to identify key evidence‐based prognostic factors in our patient population will help inform our healthcare providers so that best interventions can be implemented to improve the outcomes of patients with COVID-19.
Clot composition in retrieved thrombi after mechanical thrombectomy in strokes due to carotid web
Authors: Koneru Sitara , Nogueira Raul G , Osehobo Ehizele , Oprea-Ilies Gabriela , Al-Bayati Alhamza R , Brinjikji Waleed , Dai Daying , Haussen Diogo C
Published: January 2021

Background

The association of carotid webs (CaW) and ischemic stroke is being increasingly recognized. Data on the histologic clot architecture in strokes caused by CaW has not been previously described. Understanding thrombi histopathology may provide insight into the pathophysiology of CaW-related strokes.

Methods

This case series presents three patients with acute ischemic stroke thought to be caused by ipsilateral CaW. Thromboemboli were retrieved from the middle cerebral artery (MCA) by mechanical thrombectomy and histologic analysis was performed.

Results

Three patients aged between 41 and 55 years with few to no vascular risk factors presented with symptoms concerning for an acute MCA territory infarction (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) range 10–17). Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) range was 7–8 and all patients had hyperdense vessel sign. Initial CT angiogram was concerning for CaW with no superimposed thrombus, later confirmed with conventional angiography. All patients underwent thrombectomy with full reperfusion. Comprehensive stroke workup failed to reveal other etiologies besides ipsilateral CaW. The histopathologic appearance was of typical fresh mixed thrombi. Qualitative thrombus composition analysis of clot from Case #1 yielded 42.5% fibrin, 50.0% red blood cells (RBC), and 7.5% white blood cells (WBC); Case #2 yielded 46.9% fibrin, 43.4% RBC, and 9.7% WBC; and Case #3 yielded 61.5% fibrin, 31.8% RBC, and 6.7% WBC.

Conclusions

The clot composition of large vessel occlusion strokes from CaW is comparable to the histopathology of previously reported clots from other stroke etiologies. Advanced staining techniques may aid in further characterizing the thrombi of this poorly understood condition.
Young people’s perspectives on patient-reported outcome measures in inflammatory arthritis: results of a multicentre European qualitative study from a EULAR task force
Authors: Mosor Erika , Studenic Paul , Alunno Alessia , Padjen Ivan , Olsder Wendy , Ramiro Sofia , Bini Ilaria , Caeyers Nele , Gossec Laure , Kouloumas Marios , Nikiphorou Elena , Stones Simon , Wilhelmer Tanita-Christina , Stamm Tanja A
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Although patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are increasingly used in clinical practice and research, it is unclear whether these instruments cover the perspective of young people with inflammatory arthritis (IA). The aims of this study were to explore whether PROMs commonly used in IA adequately cover the perspective of young people from different European countries.

Methods

A multinational qualitative study was conducted in Austria, Croatia, Italy and the Netherlands. Young people with either rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), Still’s disease, psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or spondyloarthritis (SpA), aged 18–35 years, participated in semistructured focus group interviews. Thematic analysis was used and data saturation was defined as no new emergent concepts in at least three subsequent focus groups.

Results

Fifty-three patients (21 with RA/JIA/Still’s, 17 with PsA, 15 with SpA; 72% women) participated in 12 focus groups. Participants expressed a general positive attitude towards PROMs and emphasised their importance in clinical practice. In addition, 48 lower level concepts were extracted and summarised into 6 higher level concepts describing potential issues for improvement. These included: need for lay-term information regarding the purpose of using PROMs; updates of certain outdated items and using digital technology for data acquisition. Some participants admitted their tendency to rate pain, fatigue or disease activity differently from what they actually felt for various reasons.

Conclusions

Despite their general positive attitude, young people with IA suggested areas for PROM development to ensure that important concepts are included, making PROMs relevant over the entire course of a chronic disease.
Tide gates form physical and ecological obstacles to river herring (Alosa spp.) spawning migrations
Authors: Alcott Derrick , Goerig Elsa , Rillahan Christopher , He Pingguo , Castro-Santos Theodore
Published: January 2021

River herring (Alosa spp.) are anadromous fish that enter North American Atlantic coastal rivers and lakes each spring to spawn. Anthropogenic structures such as dams and tide gates serve as physical obstacles that limit river herring access to spawning habitat. This study examined the physical and ecological components affecting herring passage through a tide gate by applying a time-to-event analysis framework to multiple movement behaviors derived from telemetry data. Herring had higher passage success early in the season (78%) than later (16%). Key behaviors that govern passage varied with diel period, tide, and flow direction through the gates. Furthermore, these behaviors shifted as the season progressed, consistent with the hypothesis that predator avoidance may be driving passage failure late in the spawning season.
Pacific Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias fannini) consume thousands of juvenile salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.)
Authors: Sherker Z.T. , Pellett K. , Atkinson J. , Damborg J. , Trites A.W.
Published: January 2021

An array of predators that consume juvenile salmon (genus Oncorhynchus Suckley, 1861) may account for the poor returns of adult salmon to the Salish Sea. However, the Pacific Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias fannini Chapman, 1901) is rarely listed among the known salmon predators, despite being regularly seen near salmon streams. Investigating heron predation by scanning nesting sites within 35 km of three British Columbia (Canada) rivers for fecal remains containing passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags implanted in >100 000 juvenile salmon from 2008 to 2018 yielded 1205 tags, representing a minimum annual predation rate of 0.3%–1.3% of all juvenile salmon. Most of this predation (99%) was caused by ∼420 adult Pacific Great Blue Herons from three heronries. Correcting for tags defecated outside of the heronry raised the predation rates to 0.7%–3.2%, and was as high as 6% during a year of low river flow. Predation occurs during chick-rearing in late spring and accounts for 4.1%–8.4% of the Pacific Great Blue Heron chick diet. Smaller salmon smolts were significantly more susceptible to Pacific Great Blue Heron predation than larger conspecifics. The proximity of heronries relative to salmon-bearing rivers is likely a good predictor of Pacific Great Blue Heron predation on local salmon runs, and can be monitored to assess coast-wide effects of Pacific Great Blue Herons on salmon recovery.
The major achievements of the OPERA experiment and its legacy
Authors: De Lellis Giovanni , Galati Giuliana
Published: January 2021

The OPERA experiment was designed to discover the [Formula: see text] appearance in a pure [Formula: see text] beam, resulting from neutrino oscillations. The detector, located in the underground Gran Sasso Laboratory, consisted of an emulsion/lead target complemented by electronic detectors and was exposed, from 2008 to 2012, to the (CERN Neutrinos to Gran Sasso (CNGS)) beam, an almost pure [Formula: see text] beam with a baseline of 730 km, collecting a total of [Formula: see text] protons on target. OPERA was unique in its capability of detecting all three neutrino flavors. OPERA discovered [Formula: see text] oscillations in appearance mode with a significance of [Formula: see text]. In this review, we report the major achievements of the OPERA experiment and its legacy in the nuclear emulsion technology.
Superfluids in polymer quantum mechanics
Authors: Berra-Montiel Jasel , Castellanos Elías , Molgado Alberto , Trinidad-García Jonathan
Published: January 2021

In this work, we analyze the corrections obtained on a homogeneous one-dimensional Bose gas within the high densities limit by means of the non-regular representation of quantum mechanics introduced by the polymer quantization scheme. Thus, starting from the Bogoliubov formalism, we analyze the ground expectation value of the polymer momentum operator in terms of semiclassical states in order to obtain an analytic expression for the ground state energy of the N-body system, which allows us to solve the pathological behavior commonly associated with the one-dimensional Bose–Einstein condensation through the introduction of finite size effects characterized by the contribution of the polymer corrections. We also discuss the speed of sound in our polymer version of the Bose gas and the corresponding relative shift induced by the introduction of a minimum length parameter. Finally, we investigate the emergent superfluid behavior in our polymer model by implementing an appropriate Landau’s criterion. In this case, we are able to consequently analyze the changes in the critical velocity which defines the limit between the superfluid-condensate regions, thus deducing that the polymer length acts as a kind of pseudo-potential which induces a dissipationless flow associated with the superfluid phase even in the absence of self-interactions.
Energy and angular distributions of the bottom quark in the electron–positron annihilation e+e−→ bW+t̄
Authors: Truten I. V. , Korchin A. Yu.
Published: January 2021

The distributions of the bottom quark in the process [Formula: see text] are considered at the [Formula: see text] energy corresponding to the first construction stage of the Compact Linear Collider. The cross-sections of [Formula: see text], as functions of the [Formula: see text]-quark energy and angle with respect to the direction of the electron beam, are derived and calculated. The effects of physics beyond the Standard Model are included via the modified [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] couplings which naturally appear in effective field theories. In addition to the cross-sections, the energy and angular asymmetries are calculated. The dependence of these observables on the [Formula: see text] energy is calculated, and features of this dependence are investigated.
Revisit the tetraquark candidates in the J/ψJ/ψ mass spectrum
Authors: Wang Zhi-Gang
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we introduce a relative [Formula: see text]-wave to construct the doubly-charm axialvector diquark operator, then take the doubly-charm axialvector (anti-)diquark operator as the basic constituent to construct the scalar and tensor tetraquark currents to study the scalar, axialvector and tensor fully-charm tetraquark states with the QCD sum rules. We observe that the ground state [Formula: see text]-type tetraquark states and the first radial excited states of the [Formula: see text]-type tetraquark states have almost degenerated masses, where the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] stand for the diquark operators with and without the relative [Formula: see text]-wave, respectively, the broad structure above the [Formula: see text] threshold maybe consist of several diquark–antidiquark-type fully-charm tetraquark states.
The order-n breather and degenerate breather solutions of the (2+1)-dimensional cmKdV equations
Authors: Yuan Feng
Published: January 2021

Starting with a plane wave seed, the order-[Formula: see text] breather for the (2+1)-D complex modified Korteweg-de Vries (cmKdV) equations is obtained by the use of Darboux transformation. The dynamic evolution of order-2 and order-3 breather solutions is shown in the form of pictures. Afterward, we obtain the order-[Formula: see text] degenerate breather solution by using the Taylor expansion concerning the limits [Formula: see text] and focus on the order-2 degenerate breather solution. We show the dynamic evolution with time and discuss the degradation process from a breather solution through getting [Formula: see text] closer and closer to [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, the approximate trajectories of the order-2, order-3, order-4 degenerate breather solutions are depicted by explicit expressions, respectively.
Molecular dynamics study of alloying process of Cu–Au nanoparticles with different heating rates
Authors: Zuo Haochen , Cao Shouqi , Yin Qingzhao
Published: January 2021

In this paper, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is utilized for the investigation of impact of heating rates on Au and Cu nanoparticles alloying process. Aggregation of contacted nanoparticles experiences three stages due to the contacting, while the alloying process can be distinguished into five regimes because of the contacting and melting. Different heating rates result in different contact temperatures. The decrease of the potential energy can be observed when the temperature reaches the melting temperature. When the temperature reaches the melting point, shrinkage ratio and relative gyration radius have drastic changes during the alloying process. It is shown that heating rates have an apparent effect on the shrinkage ratio and the relative gyration radius during the fusing process, and the shrinkage ratio and the relative gyration radius of Au and Cu alloying systems with lower heating rates have relative larger increasing ratio and decreasing ratio, respectively.
An Efficient Low Complexity Pruned DCT Approximation for Image Compression in Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks
Authors: Zidani Nesrine , Doghmane Noureddine , Kaddeche Mohamed , Kouadria Nasreddine , Harize Saliha
Published: January 2021

Prolonging the lifetime of wireless sensor networks (WSN) is the biggest challenging issue. In wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs), sensor nodes have limited energy resource and to increase the lifetime of the network, it is necessary to design an effective fast algorithm that aims at reducing the consumed power. This paper proposes an energy-efficient discrete cosine transform (DCT) approximation requiring only 12 additions. Associated with a JPEG compression chain, this DCT approximation ensures a very good rate-distortion compromise, but above all, a very low computational complexity and significant compatibility with the exact DCT. Simulation results clearly show that the proposed fast transform algorithm achieves a better trade-off between image quality, computational complexity and energy consumption compared to any existing pruned DCT approximations. Furthermore, it is very suitable for the resource constrained wireless visual sensor networks (WVSNs) requiring low bitrates.
Novel Circuits Design for SISO Shift Register in QCA Technology
Authors: Divshali Mojtaba Niknezhad , Rezai Abdalhossein
Published: January 2021

The quantum-dot cellular automata technology has great attention in nanoscale digital circuits design due to its high-speed and high-dense. Shift registers play vital role in digital circuits design. So, efficient implementation of shift register circuits in this technology is in the focal point of researches in digital circuits design. In this study, new structures are proposed for the shift register circuits in single layer, three layers and five layers based on inherent quantum-dot cellular automata clock. The QCADesigner tool version 2.0.3 is employed for simulation and verification of functionality of the proposed structures for the serial-input-serial-output shift register circuits. The results demonstrate that the developed 3-bit, 4-bit and 5-bit coplanar shift register circuits require 32, 44 and 56 cells, respectively. The comparison results demonstrate that the developed circuits provide advantages compared to other circuits in terms of area, cell count, clock cycles and cost.
On the Frobenius number of certain numerical semigroups
Authors: Hellus M. , Rechenauer A. , Waldi R.
Published: January 2021

Let [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], be a real and [Formula: see text] a prime number, with [Formula: see text] containing at least two primes. Denote by [Formula: see text] the largest integer which cannot be written as a sum of primes from [Formula: see text]. Then [Formula: see text] Further a question of Wilf about the “Money-Changing Problem” has a positive answer for all semigroups of multiplicity [Formula: see text] containing the primes from [Formula: see text]. In particular, this holds for the semigroup generated by all primes not less than [Formula: see text]. The latter special case was already shown in a previous paper.
On the Accelerated Convergence of the Decentralized Event-triggered Algorithm for Convex Optimization
Authors: Zhang Keke , Xiong Jiang , Dai Xiangguang
Published: January 2021

This article considers a problem of solving the optimal solution of the sum of locally convex cost functions over an undirected network. Each local convex cost function in the network is accessed only by each unit. To be able to reduce the amount of computation and get the desired result in an accelerated way, we put forward a fresh accelerated decentralized event-triggered algorithm, named as A-DETA, for the optimization problem. A-DETA combines gradient tracking and two momentum accelerated terms, adopts nonuniform step-sizes and emphasizes that each unit interacts with neighboring units independently only at the sampling time triggered by the event. On the premise of assuming the smoothness and strong convexity of the cost function, it is proved that A-DETA can obtain the exact optimal solution linearly in the event of sufficiently small positive step-size and momentum coefficient. Moreover, an explicit linear convergence speed is definitely shown. Finally, extensive simulation example validates the usability of A-DETA.
Strange mesons in strong magnetic fields
Authors: Mishra Amruta , Misra S. P.
Published: January 2021

The masses of the strange mesons ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) are investigated in the presence of strong magnetic fields. The changes in the masses of these mesons arise from the mixing of the pseudoscalar and vector mesons in the presence of a magnetic field. For the charged mesons, these mass modifications are in addition to the contributions from the lowest Landau energy levels to their masses. The decay widths, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], in the presence of the magnetic field are studied using a field theoretic model of composite hadrons with constituent quarks/antiquarks. The model uses the free Dirac Hamiltonian in terms of the constituent quark fields as the light quark–antiquark pair creation term and explicit constructions for the meson states in terms of the constituent quarks and antiquarks to study the decay processes. The pseudoscalar–vector (PV) meson mixing leads to a drop (rise) in the mass of the pseudoscalar (longitudinal component of the vector) meson. It is observed that the mass modifications for the hidden strange mesons, arising from [Formula: see text] mixing, are quite prominent, whereas the neutral open strange mesons have only marginal changes in their masses due to mixing. The mass modifications of the charged open strange mesons are due to interplay between the Landau-level contributions and the PV mixing, and, the latter effect is observed to dominate at large values of the magnetic field. The vector meson decay widths ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) involving the charged mesons are observed to be quite different from the widths involving neutral mesons, due to the additional contribution for the charged mesons from the Landau levels.
Conformal slant submersions from nearly Kaehler manifolds
Authors: Sachdeva Rashmi , Kaushal Rupali , Gupta Garima , Kumar Rakesh
Published: January 2021

We study slant submersions and conformal slant submersions from nearly Kaehler manifolds onto Riemannian manifolds and investigate conditions for such maps to be totally geodesic maps. We also obtain conditions for a slant submersion and a conformal slant submersion from a nearly Kaehler manifold onto a Riemannian manifold to be a harmonic map and a harmonic morphism, respectively.
Ag Deposition on N and B Co-doped TiO2 Nanoparticles: An Avenue for High-Efficiency Photocatalytic Degradation of Dye and Hydrocarbons in Oil-Contaminated Wastewater
Authors: Liu Wenfei , Zhao Yingjie , Li Huiting , Liu Xianbin , Liu Wei
Published: January 2021

Nowadays, the treatment of refractory wastewater such as oil-field wastewater has become one of the most concerning environmental problems. Using nanometer photocatalyst to treat wastewater under visible light is an alternative solution. In this study, N and B co-doped TiO2 particles with Ag surface modification (Ag/TNB) were prepared to improve the visible-light activity. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV–VisDRS. The decomposition of Rh.B, and hydrocarbons in the oil-field wastewater under visible light was studied. The results showed that the presence of N, B and Ag improved the photocatalytic activity of TiO2. 98% of Rh.B was removed after 1 h photocatalysis at the conditions of pH 6 with the catalyst loading of 1 g/L. The COD value of oil-field wastewater was reduced by 54% after 2 h at the conditions of pH 8 with the catalyst loading of 2 g/L. The modified catalyst revealed its great potential in the practical application for environmental purification.
Solar Panel Effect on Low-Speed Airfoil Aerodynamic Performance
Authors: El-Salamony Mostafa , Aziz Mohamed A.
Published: January 2021

Recently, a great interest in search of alternate means of power for the traditional fuel for aircraft propulsion is raised so as to decrease gas emissions and reduce operating costs. For the small and micro unmanned aerial vehicles or small transportation aircraft, there are many challenges in the direction of constructing an electric or solar powered airplane whose wings may possibly be sheltered with photo voltaic PV solar panels to harvest sun’s energy for propulsion. Greatest remarkably success solar powered aircraft has attracted the attention of researchers other than UAV and small aircraft supporters. Although the solar panel is thin, its thickness is considerable compared to the airfoil thickness. This paper aims to evaluate the impact of adding the solar panel over a low camber airfoil suitable for low-Reynolds number flights, as mini UAVs. Three panel installation configurations are examined to stand on the most suitable configuration, in terms of aerodynamic efficiency. The analysis is based on the airfoil characteristics (lift, drag, and moment) and the pressure distribution over the airfoil surface. A parametric study is conducted to study the effect of the solar panel size, thickness, and position on the aerodynamic performance.