bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplemental Material: Distinct responses of late Miocene eolian and lacustrine systems to astronomical forcing in NE Tibet
Authors: Wang Zhixiang , Huang Chunju , al. et
Published: January 2021

The pre-treatment and testing process for the grain size of the bulk sample in the Yaodian profile, and provide grain size and Mn-Fe data in the Yaodian profile.
Supplemental Material: Jurassic evolution of the Qaidam Basin in western China: Constrained by stratigraphic succession, detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology and Hf isotope analysis
Authors: Qian Tao , al. et
Published: January 2021

Files of LA-ICP-MS U-Pb data, Trace elements, Th/U ratios, and Lu-Hf isotopic data of detrital zircons.
Acute kidney injury secondary to severe delayed haemolysis in intravenous artesunate use for severe malaria
Authors: Leong Kai Wen , Singh Kasha P , Leder Karin , Tong Steven Y C
Published: January 2021

The use of artemisinin derivatives has been recommended by the WHO guidelines in malaria treatment largely due to its rapid parasite clearance and safety profile. This case report details the development of delayed haemolysis and subsequent severe acute kidney injury (AKI) 13 days after commencing intravenous artesunate treatment for malaria in an Australian returned traveller. Delayed haemolysis may be an under-recognised complication following artesunate use and if severe, can be complicated by AKI. Therefore, close patient follow-up following treatment is required to ensure prompt recognition of this phenomenon.
Direct ultrasound-guided puncture of vertebral artery V2 segment during mechanical thrombectomy
Authors: Semeraro Vittorio , Gasparrini Fulvio , Vidali Sofia , Gandini Roberto
Published: January 2021

An 83-year-old man experienced left upper limb uncontrolled movements preceded by intense gasping during night rest, which progressed to unconsciousness and respiratory arrest requiring intubation. He was diagnosed with acute stroke due to distal occlusion of the basilar artery and received indication for endovascular thrombectomy. Standard endovascular approach includes percutaneous puncture of the femoral or radial arteries; however, the presence of unfavourable vascular anatomies (stenotic origin and tortuosity) did not allow catheterisation of the intracranial vessels through conventional access, and based on the consistent time lapse from onset of symptoms and deterioration of the clinical condition, a direct right vertebral artery ultrasound-guided puncture was performed. After one attempt of a triaxial technique, a complete recanalisation of the basilar artery and of its distal branches was achieved. Direct percutaneous puncture of the vertebral artery represents a rescue access strategy for treatment of posterior circulation stroke when other routes are not feasible.
Association of ambient air pollution with age-related macular degeneration and retinal thickness in UK Biobank
Authors: Chua Sharon Y L , Warwick Alasdair , Peto Tunde , Balaskas Konstantinos , Moore Anthony T , Reisman Charles , Desai Parul , Lotery Andrew J , Dhillon Baljean , Khaw Peng T , Owen Christopher G , Khawaja Anthony P , Foster Paul J , Patel Praveen J
Published: January 2021

Aim

To examine the associations of air pollution with both self-reported age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and in vivo measures of retinal sublayer thicknesses.

Methods

We included 115 954 UK Biobank participants aged 40–69 years old in this cross-sectional study. Ambient air pollution measures included particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Participants with self-reported ocular conditions, high refractive error (< −6 or > +6 diopters) and poor spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) image were excluded. Self-reported AMD was used to identify overt disease. SD-OCT imaging derived photoreceptor sublayer thickness and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layer thickness were used as structural biomarkers of AMD for 52 602 participants. We examined the associations of ambient air pollution with self-reported AMD and both photoreceptor sublayers and RPE layer thicknesses.

Results

After adjusting for covariates, people who were exposed to higher fine ambient particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5 µm (PM2.5, per IQR increase) had higher odds of self-reported AMD (OR=1.08, p=0.036), thinner photoreceptor synaptic region (β=−0.16 µm, p=2.0 × 10−5), thicker photoreceptor inner segment layer (β=0.04 µm, p=0.001) and thinner RPE (β=−0.13 µm, p=0.002). Higher levels of PM2.5 absorbance and NO2 were associated with thicker photoreceptor inner and outer segment layers, and a thinner RPE layer. Higher levels of PM10 (PM with an aerodynamic diameter <10 µm) was associated with thicker photoreceptor outer segment and thinner RPE, while higher exposure to NOx was associated with thinner photoreceptor synaptic region.

Conclusion

Greater exposure to PM2.5 was associated with self-reported AMD, while PM2.5, PM2.5 absorbance, PM10, NO2 and NOx were all associated with differences in retinal layer thickness.
Lifestyle factors associated with incidence of rheumatoid arthritis in US adults: analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database and meta-analysis
Authors: Ye Ding , Mao Yingying , Xu Yang , Xu Xueli , Xie Zhijun , Wen Chengping
Published: January 2021

Objective

To quantify rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cases attributable to selected non-genetic risk factors.

Design

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and meta-analysis.

Participants

US adults.

Data sources

The prevalence of exposure was obtained from NHANES. Weighted analysis was performed to account for the complex sampling design in NHANES. PubMed and Web of Science up to 31 March 2019 were searched to identify epidemiological studies reported the association between non-genetic risk factors and RA in US adults. Relative risk (RR) value and the corresponding CI were pooled by meta-analysis to evaluate the associations between modifiable risk factors and RA. Population attributable fraction (PAF) was calculated based on the prevalence and RR data.

Results

The weighted percentages of former smokers, current smokers and overweight or obese people were 24.84%, 23.93% and 63.97%, and the average alcohol consumption was 51.34 g/week. In the meta-analysis, we found that former smokers (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.36) and current smokers (RR 1.47, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.68) had higher risks of RA. Overweight and obese individuals had 1.27-fold (95% CI 1.09 to 1.48) increased risk of RA. Each per 50 g/week increment of alcohol consumption was associated with 8% (95% CI 0% to 16%) reduction in the risk of RA. Therefore, PAF value of smoking was 14.00% (95% CI 8.13% to 23.33%). Excess body mass index (BMI) was found to account for 14.73% (95% CI 5.45% to 23.50%) of RA incidence. The fraction of RA risk attributed by low alcohol intake was 8.21% (95% CI 0.31% to 16.39%). Collectively, we found that 32.69% (95% CI 13.41% to 50.96%) of RA cases were attributable to smoking, overweight or obesity and low alcohol drinking.

Conclusion

Nearly 33% of RA incidence was attributed to smoking, excess BMI and low alcohol drinking in USA. Our findings could provide a basis for developing guidelines of RA prevention and control in USA.
Turning the tide: a quasi-experimental study on a coaching intervention to reduce burn-out symptoms and foster personal resources among medical residents and specialists in the Netherlands
Authors: Solms Lara , van Vianen Annelies , Koen Jessie , Theeboom Tim , de Pagter Anne P J , De Hoog Matthijs
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Physician burn-out is increasing, starting already among residents. The consequences of burn-out are not limited to physicians’ well-being, they also pose a threat to patient care and safety. This study investigated the effectiveness of a professional coaching intervention to reduce burn-out symptoms and foster personal resources in residents and specialists.

Design

In a controlled field experiment, medical residents and specialists received six coaching sessions, while a control group did not undergo any treatment. The authors assessed burn-out symptoms of exhaustion and cynicism, the personal resources psychological capital, psychological flexibility and self-compassion, as well as job demands and job resources with validated questionnaires (January 2017 until August 2018). The authors conducted repeated measures analyses of variance procedures to examine changes over time for the intervention and the control group.

Setting

Four academic hospitals in the Netherlands.

Participants

A final sample of 57 residents and specialists volunteered in an individual coaching programme. A control group of 57 physicians did not undergo any treatment.

Intervention

Coaching was provided by professional coaches during a period of approximately 10 months aiming at personal development and growth.

Results

The coaching group (response rate 68%, 57 physicians, 47 women) reported a reduction in burn-out symptoms and an increase in personal resources after the coaching intervention, while no such changes occurred in the control group (response rate 35%, 42 women), as indicated by significant time × group interactions, all p<0.01. Specifically, physicians increased their psychological capital (ηp2=0.139), their self-compassion (ηp2=0.083), and reported significantly less exhaustion (ηp2=0.126), the main component of the burn-out syndrome.

Conclusion

This study suggests that individual coaching is a promising route to reduce burn-out symptoms in both residents and specialists. Moreover, it strengthens personal resources that play a crucial role in the prevention of burn-out.
Evaluating the motivation of Red Cross Health volunteers in the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study protocol
Authors: Heyerdahl Leonardo W , Vray Muriel , Leger Vincent , Le Fouler Lénaig , Antouly Julien , Troit Virginie , Giles-Vernick Tamara
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Voluntary organisations provide essential support to vulnerable populations and front-line health responders to the COVID-19 pandemic. The French Red Cross (FRC) is prominent among organisations offering health and support services in the current crisis. Comprised primarily of lay volunteers and some trained health workers, FRC volunteers in the Paris (France) region have faced challenges in adapting to pandemic conditions, working with sick and vulnerable populations, managing limited resources and coping with high demand for their services. Existing studies of volunteers focus on individual, social and organisational determinants of motivation, but attend less to contextual ones. Public health incertitude about the COVID-19 pandemic is an important feature of this pandemic. Whether and how uncertainty interacts with volunteer understandings and experiences of their work and organisational relations to contribute to Red Cross worker motivation is the focus of this investigation.

Methods and analysis

This mixed-methods study will investigate volunteer motivation using ethnographic methods and social network listening. Semi-structured interviews and observations will illuminate FRC volunteer work relations, experiences and concerns during the pandemic. A questionnaire targeting a sample of Paris region volunteers will allow quantification of motivation. These findings will iteratively shape and be influenced by a social media (Twitter) analysis of biomedical and public health uncertainties and debates around COVID-19. These tweets provide insight into a French lay public’s interpretations of these debates. We evaluate whether and how socio-political conditions and discourses concerning COVID-19 interact with volunteer experiences, working conditions and organisational relations to influence volunteer motivation. Data collection began on 15 June 2020 and will continue until 15 April 2021.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol has received ethical approval from the Institut Pasteur Institutional Review Board (no 2020-03). We will disseminate findings through peer-reviewed articles, conference presentations and recommendations to the FRC.
Care-experienced cHildren and young people’s Interventions to improve Mental health and wEll-being outcomes: Systematic review (CHIMES) protocol
Authors: Evans Rhiannon , Boffey Maria , MacDonald Sarah , Noyes Jane , Melendez-Torres G.J. , Morgan Helen E , Trubey Rob , Robling Michael , Willis Simone , Wooders Charlotte
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The mental health and well-being of children and young people who have been in care (ie, care-experienced) are a priority. There are a range of interventions aimed at addressing these outcomes, but the international evidence-base remains ambiguous. There is a paucity of methodologically robust systematic reviews of intervention effectiveness, with few considering the contextual conditions under which evaluations were conducted. This is important in understanding the potential transferability of the evidence-base across contexts. The present systematic review will adopt a complex systems perspective to synthesise evidence reporting evaluations of mental health and well-being interventions for care-experienced children and young people. It will address impact, equity, cost-effectiveness, context, implementation and acceptability. Stakeholder consultation will prioritise a programme theory, and associated intervention, that may progress to further development and evaluation in the UK.

Methods and analysis

We will search 16 bibliographic databases from 1990 to June 2020. Supplementary searching will include citation tracking, author recommendation, and identification of evidence clusters relevant to included evaluations. The eligible population is children and young people (aged ≤25 years) with experience of being in care. Outcomes are (1) mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders; (2) subjective well-being; (3) self-harm; suicidal ideation; suicide. Study quality will be appraised with methodologically appropriate tools. We will construct a taxonomy of programme theories and intervention types. Thematic synthesis will be used for qualitative data reporting context, implementation and acceptability. If appropriate, meta-analysis will be conducted with outcome and economic data. Convergent synthesis will be used to integrate syntheses of qualitative and quantitative data.

Ethics and dissemination

We have a comprehensive strategy for engagement with care-experienced children and young people, carers and social care professionals. Dissemination will include academic and non-academic publications and conference presentations. Ethical approval from Cardiff University’s School of Social Sciences REC will be obtained if necessary.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020177478.
Study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of comorbidities and stroke characteristics associated with troponin elevation after acute stroke
Authors: Jimenez-Ruiz Amado , Fridman Sebastian , Sposato Luciano A
Published: January 2021

Introduction

It is unknown which comorbidities and stroke characteristics are associated with elevated cardiac troponin (cTn) levels after stroke. The main objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the association of elevated cTn with preexisting cardiovascular comorbidities (eg, coronary artery disease, heart failure and structural heart disease), specific stroke characteristics (eg, infarct/haemorrhage size, stroke severity, insular cortex involvement) and renal failure after ischaemic stroke (IS) or intracranial haemorrhage (ICH). The secondary objective is to evaluate the association of elevated cTn with stroke recurrence and death.

Methods and analysis

We will include all cross-sectional, case–control, cohort studies and clinical trials involving IS and ICH adult patients (≥18 years), published between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2020 in English or Spanish, reporting the proportion with elevated cTn. We will search PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science by applying predefined search terms. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts, retrieve full texts, extract the data in a predesigned form, and assess the risk of bias. We will apply random-effects or fixed-effects meta-analyses to estimate the association between cardiovascular comorbidities, stroke characteristics and renal failure with cTn elevation. We will report results as risk ratios or ORs. We will perform sensitivity analyses for subtypes of cTn (cTn-I and cTn-T), regular versus high-sensitivity assays, and type of stroke (IS vs ICH). We will estimate heterogeneity by using t2Qand I2measures. We will use funnel plots, Rosenthal’s Fail-Safe N, Duval and Tweedie’s trim and fill procedure, and Egger’s regression intercept to assess publication bias.

Ethics and dissemination

This review will be based on published data and does therefore not require ethical clearance. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020203126.
Effect of wrist dorsiflexion on ultrasound-guided radial artery catheterisation using dynamic needle tip positioning technique in adult patients: a randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Xiao Qingyu , Xu Dejiang , Zhuang Shaohui
Published: January 2021

Background

It is generally recommended to keep the wrist joint mildly dorsiflexed during radial artery catheterisation. However, wrist dorsiflexion might decrease the success rate of radial artery catheterisation with dynamic needle tip positioning technique. Therefore, we assessed the success rates of two groups with or without wrist dorsiflexion by 5 cm wrist elevation in adult patients.

Methods

This randomised controlled clinical trial was performed between March and December 2018 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, China. We recruited 120 adult patients undergoing major surgical procedures and randomly allocated them into two groups: dorsiflexion group (group D) and neutral group (group N). The primary outcome was first-attempt success rates of two groups. Secondary outcomes were overall success rates within 5 min; numbers of insertion and cannulation attempts; overall catheterisation time; duration of localisation, insertion and cannulation; and complication rates of catheterisation.

Results

First-attempt success rate was 88.3% in group D and 81.7% in group N (p=0.444). The overall success rate within 5 min was 93.3% in group D compared with 90.0% in group N (p=0.743). Numbers of insertion and cannulation attempts, overall catheterisation time, duration of localisation and insertion, and complication rates did not show a significant difference between the two groups. Cannulation time was longer in group N (35.68 s) than that in group D (26.19 s; p<0.05).

Conclusion

Wrist dorsiflexion may not be a necessity for ultrasound-guided radial artery catheterisation using dynamic needle tip positioning technique in adult patients.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR1800015262.
Green spaces, subjective health and depressed affect in middle-aged and older adults: a cross-country comparison of four European cohorts
Authors: Noordzij J Mark , Beenackers Marielle A , Oude Groeniger Joost , Timmermans Erik , Chaix Basile , Doiron Dany , Huisman Martijn , Motoc Irina , Ruiz Milagros , Wissa Rita , Avendano Mauricio , van Lenthe Frank J
Published: January 2021

Background

Studies on associations between urban green space and mental health have yielded mixed results. This study examines associations of green space exposures with subjective health and depressed affect of middle-aged and older adults in four European cohorts.

Methods

Data came from four Western-European and Central-European ageing cohorts harmonised as part of the Mindmap project, comprising 16 189 adults with an average age of 50–71 years. Green space exposure was based on the distance to the nearest green space and the amount of green space within 800 m buffers around residential addresses. Cohort-specific and one-step individual participant data (IPD) meta-analyses were used to examine associations of green space exposures with subjective health and depressed affect.

Results

The amount of green spaces within 800 m buffers was lowest for Residential Environment and CORonary heart Disease (Paris, 15.0 hectares) and highest for Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial factors In Eastern Europe (Czech Republic, 35.9 hectares). IPD analyses indicated no evidence of an association between the distance to the nearest green space and depressed affect (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.00) or good self-rated health (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.02). Likewise, the amount of green space within 800 m buffers did not predict depressed affect (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.00) or good self-rated health (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.02). Findings were consistent across all cohorts.

Conclusions

Data from four European ageing cohorts provide no support for the hypothesis that green space exposure is associated with subjective health or depressed affect. While longitudinal evidence is required, these findings suggest that green space may be less important for older urban residents.
Music intervention to relieve anxiety and pain in adults undergoing cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kakar Ellaha , Billar Ryan J , van Rosmalen Joost , Klimek Markus , Takkenberg Johanna J M , Jeekel Johannes
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Previous studies have reported beneficial effects of perioperative music on patients’ anxiety and pain. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials investigating music interventions in cardiac surgery.

Methods

Five electronic databases were systematically searched. Primary outcomes were patients’ postoperative anxiety and pain. Secondary outcomes were hospital length of stay, opioid use, vital parameters and time on mechanical ventilation. PRISMA guidelines were followed and PROSPERO database registration was completed (CRD42020149733). A meta-analysis was performed using random effects models and pooled standardised mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Results

Twenty studies were included for qualitative analysis (1169 patients) and 16 (987 patients) for meta-analysis. The first postoperative music session was associated with significantly reduced postoperative anxiety (SMD = –0.50 (95% CI –0.67 to –0.32), p<0.01) and pain (SMD = –0.51 (95% CI –0.84 to –0.19), p<0.01). This is equal to a reduction of 4.00 points (95% CI 2.56 to 5.36) and 1.05 points (95% CI 0.67 to 1.41) on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)/Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), respectively, for anxiety, and 1.26 points (95% CI 0.47 to 2.07) on the VAS/NRS for pain. Multiple days of music intervention reduced anxiety until 8 days postoperatively (SMD = –0.39 (95% CI –0.64 to –0.15), p<0.01).

Conclusions

Offering recorded music is associated with a significant reduction in postoperative anxiety and pain in cardiac surgery. Unlike pharmacological interventions, music is without side effects so is promising in this population.
Evolutionary game analysis of government supervision and private sector ecological technology innovation behavior for water environment treatment PPP projects on the basis of public participation
Authors: Li Huimin , Wang Fuqiang , Lv Lelin , Xia Qing , Wang Lunyan
Published: January 2021

Ecological technology innovation with environmental benefits as the core has become an inevitable choice for water environment treatment PPP projects (WETP-PPP), and government supervision and public participation are essential driving factors for eco-technological innovation. To explore the influence of public participation on the behavior of the government and private sector in the WETP-PPP, this study constructed an asymmetric evolutionary game model of government supervision and private sector ecological technology innovation behavior under public participation. The main contribution of this study is to explore the mutual evolutionary regularity of the private sector and government supervision department and the influence of public participation level on public and private behavior in different scenarios. The results showed that the government can reduce the supervision cost by increasing the public’s active participation and improving environmental regulation measures to achieve a win-win situation of economic and environmental performance.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)-based canopy height modeling under leaf-on and leaf-off conditions for determining tree height and crown diameter (case study: Hyrcanian mixed forest)
Authors: Nasiri Vahid , Darvishsefat Ali A. , Arefi Hossein , Pierrot-Deseilligny Marc , Namiranian Manochehr , Le Bris Arnaud
Published: January 2021

Tree height and crown diameter are two common individual tree attributes that can be estimated from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images thanks to photogrammetry and structure from motion. This research investigates the potential of low-cost UAV aerial images to estimate tree height and crown diameter. Two successful flights were carried out in two different seasons corresponding to leaf-off and leaf-on conditions to generate a digital terrain model and a digital surface model, which were further employed in calculation of a canopy height model (CHM). The CHM was used to estimate tree height using low pass and local maximum filters, and crown diameter was estimated based on an inverse watershed segmentation algorithm. UAV-based tree height and crown diameter estimates were validated against field measurements and resulted in 3.22 m (10.1%) and 0.81 m (7.02%) root mean square errors, respectively. The results showed high agreement between our estimates and field measurements, with an R2 of 0.808 for tree height and an R2 of 0.923 for crown diameter. Generally, the accuracy of the results was considered acceptable and confirmed the usefulness of this approach for estimating tree heights and crown diameter.
On leptonic width of X(4260)
Authors: Cao Qin-Fang , Qi Hong-Rong , Tang Guang-Yi , Xue Yun-Feng , Zheng Han-Qing
Published: January 2021

New measurements on cross sections in $$e^+e^-\rightarrow J/\psi \pi ^+\pi ^-$$

e
+

e
-

→
J
/
ψ

π
+

π
-

, $$h_c\pi ^+\pi ^-$$

h
c

π
+

π
-

, $$D^0D^{*-}\pi ^++c.c.$$

D
0

D

∗
-

π
+

+
c
.
c
.

, $$\psi (2S)\pi ^+\pi ^-$$

ψ

(
2
S
)

π
+

π
-

, $$\omega \chi _{c0}$$

ω

χ

c
0

and $$J/\psi \eta $$

J
/
ψ
η

channels have been carried out by BESIII, Belle and BABAR experiments, as well as in the $$D_s^{*+}D_s^{*-}$$

D
s

∗
+

D
s

∗
-

channel. We perform extensive numerical analyses by combining all these data available, together with those in $$D^+D^{*-}+c.c.$$

D
+

D

∗
-

+
c
.
c
.

and $$D^{*+}D^{*-}$$

D

∗
+

D

∗
-

channels. Though the latter show no evident peak around $$\sqrt{s}=4.230$$

s

=
4.230

GeV, the missing X(4260) is explained as that it is concealed by the interference effects of the well established charmonia $$\psi (4040)$$

ψ
(
4040
)

, $$\psi (4160)$$

ψ
(
4160
)

and $$\psi (4415)$$

ψ
(
4415
)

. Our analyses reveal that the leptonic decay width of X(4260) ranges from $$\mathcal {O}(10^2)$$

O
(

10
2

)

eV to $$\mathcal {O}(1)$$

O
(
1
)

keV, and hence it is probably explained in the conventional quark model picture. That is, the X(4260) may well be interpreted as a mixture of $$4^3S_1$$

4
3

S
1

and $$3^3D_1$$

3
3

D
1

($$2^3D_1$$

2
3

D
1

) states.
Lyapunov exponent, ISCO and Kolmogorov–Senai entropy for Kerr–Kiselev black hole
Authors: Mondal Monimala , Rahaman Farook , Singh Ksh. Newton
Published: January 2021

Geodesic motion has significant characteristics of space-time. We calculate the principle Lyapunov exponent (LE), which is the inverse of the instability timescale associated with this geodesics and Kolmogorov–Senai (KS) entropy for our rotating Kerr–Kiselev (KK) black hole. We have investigate the existence of stable/unstable equatorial circular orbits via LE and KS entropy for time-like and null circular geodesics. We have shown that both LE and KS entropy can be written in terms of the radial equation of innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO) for time-like circular orbit. Also, we computed the equation marginally bound circular orbit, which gives the radius (smallest real root) of marginally bound circular orbit (MBCO). We found that the null circular geodesics has larger angular frequency than time-like circular geodesics ($$Q_o > Q_{\sigma }$$

Q
o

>

Q
σ

). Thus, null-circular geodesics provides the fastest way to circulate KK black holes. Further, it is also to be noted that null circular geodesics has shortest orbital period $$(T_{photon}< T_{ISCO})$$

(

T

photon

<

T

ISCO

)

among the all possible circular geodesics. Even null circular geodesics traverses fastest than any stable time-like circular geodesics other than the ISCO.
(n − 2)-Fault-Tolerant Edge-Pancyclicity of Crossed Cubes CQn
Authors: Xu Xirong , Zhang Huifeng , Wang Ziming , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Peng
Published: January 2021

As one of the most fundamental networks for parallel and distributed computation, cycle is suitable for developing simple algorithms with low communication cost. A graph [Formula: see text] is called [Formula: see text]-fault-tolerant edge-pancyclic if after deleting any faulty set [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] vertices and/or edges from [Formula: see text], every correct edge in the resulting graph lies in a cycle of every length from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text], inclusively, where [Formula: see text] is the girth of [Formula: see text], the length of a shortest cycle in [Formula: see text]. The [Formula: see text]-dimensional crossed cube [Formula: see text] is an important variant of the hypercube [Formula: see text], which possesses some properties superior to the hypercube. This paper investigates the fault-tolerant edge-pancyclicity of [Formula: see text], and shows that if [Formula: see text] contains at most [Formula: see text] faulty vertices and/or edges then, for any fault-free edge [Formula: see text] and every length [Formula: see text] from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] except [Formula: see text], there is a fault-free cycle of length [Formula: see text] containing the edge [Formula: see text]. The result is optimal in some senses.
A New Image Encryption Algorithm with Cantor Diagonal Scrambling Based on the PUMCML System
Authors: Xingyuan Wang , Suo Gao , Xiaolin Ye , Shuang Zhou , Mingxu Wang
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a new spatiotemporal chaotic Parameter Uncertainty Mixed Coupled Map Lattice (PUMCML) is proposed. The Cantor diagonal matrix is generated from the Cantor set, and the ordered rotation scrambling strategy for this matrix is used to generate the scrambled image. Cantor set is a fractal system, so the Cantor set has a good effect on chaotic image encryption. The dynamic behavior of the PUMCML system is analyzed. The system has good chaotic property, so it is very suitable for chaotic image encryption. Using the PUMCML system, a diffusion strategy based on the mixture of Arnold and Logistic is proposed. Compared with other algorithms, the encryption effect of the proposed method is better and more secure.
Recurrent Misconceptions in the Study of CA Reversibility on Triangular Grids
Authors: Wolnik Barbara , Dziemiańczuk Maciej , De Baets Bernard
Published: January 2021

We present counterexamples illustrating that the characterization of the reversibility of linear cellular automata on finite triangular grids given by Uguz et al. [2017] and Uguz et al. [2019] is not valid, neither in the case of null boundary conditions nor in the case of periodic boundary conditions.
Enclaves in the Clouds
Authors: Singh Jatinder , Cobbe Jennifer , Quoc Do Le , Tarkhani Zahra
Published: January 2021

With organizational data practices coming under increasing scrutiny, demand is growing for mechanisms that can assist organizations in meeting their data-management obligations. TEEs (trusted execution environments) provide hardware-based mechanisms with various security properties for assisting computation and data management. TEEs are concerned with the confidentiality and integrity of data, code, and the corresponding computation. Because the main security properties come from hardware, certain protections and guarantees can be offered even if the host privileged software stack is vulnerable.
The Implantable Internet of Medical Things
Authors: Guida Raffaele , Dave Neil , Restuccia Francesco , Demirors Emrecan , Melodia Tommaso
Published: January 2021

The promise of real-time detection and response to life-crippling diseases brought by the Implantable Internet of Medical Things (IIoMT) has recently spurred substantial advances in implantable technologies. Yet, existing medical devices do not provide at once the miniaturized end-to-end body monitoring, wireless communication and remote powering capabilities to implement IIoMT applications. This paper fills the existing research gap by presenting U-Verse, the first FDA-compliant rechargeable IIoMT platform packing sensing, computation, communication, and recharging circuits into a penny-scale platform. Extensive experimental evaluation indicates that U-Verse (i) can be wirelessly recharged and can store energy several orders of magnitude more than state-of-theart capacity in tens of minutes; (ii) with one single charge, it can operate from few hours to several days. Finally, U-Verse is demonstrated through (i) a closed-loop application that sends data via ultrasounds through real porcine meat; and (ii) a real-time reconfigurable pacemaker.
AmphiLight
Authors: Carver Charles J. , Tian Zhao , Zhang Hongyong , Odame Kofi M. , Quattrini Li Alberto , Zhou Xia
Published: January 2021

The underwater world is still largely unexplored yet surveying and monitoring submerged sites is fundamental for many applications, including archaeology, biology, and disaster response [1, 2, 3]. One of the challenges for underwater autonomous deployments is limited communication between assets underwater and in the air. One conventional strategy is to periodically let the underwater vehicle surface to share data [4], which is inefficient due to time not being spent on the task. Another strategy is to deploy a network of buoys at the water surface [5], connected to both the underwater assets (via acoustic transducers) and the ground station (via Wi-Fi). This deployment configuration increases the cost and logistical overhead, limiting the overall scalability of the system.
FerroTag
Authors: Li Zhengxiong , Chen Baicheng , Wang Kun , Xu Wenyao
Published: January 2021

Inkjet printed technologies is a type of computer printing that recreates a digital design by propelling droplets of ink onto paper substrates. It is considered a transformative innovation that democratizes the paper-based product fabrication accessible by individual entrants. In recent years, novel functional inks (e.g, nanoparticles-based inks [1]) with consumer inkjet printers enable a more disruptive potential for fabricating low-cost inkable electronics, also known as inkables. Compared with traditional electronics [2], inkables are eco-compatible and easy to use. It is predicted that the market for inkable sensors will reach $4.5 billion by 2030 [3].
Genetic Disease and Therapy
Authors: Roth Theodore L. , Marson Alexander
Published: January 2021

Genetic diseases cause numerous complex and intractable pathologies. DNA sequences encoding each human's complexity and many disease risks are contained in the mitochondrial genome, nuclear genome, and microbial metagenome. Diagnosis of these diseases has unified around applications of next-generation DNA sequencing. However, translating specific genetic diagnoses into targeted genetic therapies remains a central goal. To date, genetic therapies have fallen into three broad categories: bulk replacement of affected genetic compartments with a new exogenous genome, nontargeted addition of exogenous genetic material to compensate for genetic errors, and most recently, direct correction of causative genetic alterations using gene editing. Generalized methods of diagnosis, therapy, and reagent delivery into each genetic compartment will accelerate the next generations of curative genetic therapies. We discuss the structure and variability of the mitochondrial, nuclear, and microbial metagenomic compartments, as well as the historical development and current practice of genetic diagnostics and gene therapies targeting each compartment.
The Membrane Interactions of Synuclein: Physiology and Pathology
Authors: Runwal Gautam , Edwards Robert H.
Published: January 2021

Specific proteins accumulate in neurodegenerative disease, and human genetics has indicated a causative role for many. In most cases, however, the mechanisms remain poorly understood. Degeneration is thought to involve a gain of abnormal function, although we do not know the normal function of many proteins implicated. The protein α-synuclein accumulates in the Lewy pathology of Parkinson's disease and related disorders, and mutations in α-synuclein cause degeneration, but we have not known its normal function or how it triggers disease. α-Synuclein localizes to presynaptic boutons and interacts with membranes in vitro. Overexpression slows synaptic vesicle exocytosis, and recent data suggest a normal role for the endogenous synucleins in dilation of the exocytic fusion pore. Disrupted membranes also appear surprisingly prominent in Lewy pathology. Synuclein thus interacts with membranes under both physiological and pathological conditions, suggesting that the normal function of synuclein may illuminate its role in degeneration.
Perspectives and Advances in the Understanding of Tuberculosis
Authors: Kinsella Rachel L. , Zhu Dennis X. , Harrison Gregory A. , Mayer Bridwell Anne E. , Prusa Jerome , Chavez Sthefany M. , Stallings Christina L.
Published: January 2021

Mycobacterium tuberculosis ( Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), remains a leading cause of death due to infection in humans. To more effectively combat this pandemic, many aspects of TB control must be developed, including better point of care diagnostics, shorter and safer drug regimens, and a protective vaccine. To address all these areas of need, better understanding of the pathogen, host responses, and clinical manifestations of the disease is required. Recently, the application of cutting-edge technologies to the study of Mtb pathogenesis has resulted in significant advances in basic biology, vaccine development, and antibiotic discovery. This leaves us in an exciting era of Mtb research in which our understanding of this deadly infection is improving at a faster rate than ever, and renews hope in our fight to end TB. In this review, we reflect on what is known regarding Mtb pathogenesis, highlighting recent breakthroughs that will provide leverage for the next leaps forward in the field.
Stepping Control of Electrochemical Process for Simultaneous Removal of COD and Ammonia with High Efficiency and Energy Saving
Authors: Yao Jiachao , Chen Anni , Ye Renhao , Wang Jiade , Pan Hua , Xu Dongmei , Chen Jun , Mei Yu , Hrynsphan Dzmitry , Savitskaya Tatsiana
Published: January 2021

To maximize pollutant removal efficiency with minimal energy consumption, electrochemical process for wastewater treatment should be further conducted. The stepping control of electrochemical process for simultaneous removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia from simulated and actual wastewater with high efficiency and energy saving was studied in this work. Flow rate, initial pH value, Cl− concentration, and applied current density were determined to be the influencing factors for the degradation performance, and analyses of pollutant removal efficiency further revealed that applied current density was the significant parameter in this case. A stepping control system by operating applied current density timely based on the degradation pathway of organic matter and variation of anodic working potential was then proposed; results indicated that 90.9% COD and 100% ammonia could be removed, and energy consumption of 7.6 kWh m−3 was calculated, which was substantially lower than that of the traditional electro-oxidation system (11.7 kWh m−3). Additionally, the developed stepping control system was validated by treating an actual pharmaceutical wastewater, results for which showed that removal efficiencies of 81.7% and 100% were achieved for COD and ammonia, respectively, and energy saving could be up to 37.2%.
Immune Modulation Effects of Lactobacillus casei Variety rhamnosus on Enterocytes and Intestinal Stem Cells in a 5-FU-Induced Mucositis Mouse Model
Authors: Yeung Chun-Yan , Chiau Jen-Shiu Chiang , Cheng Mei-Lien , Chan Wai-Tao , Chang Szu-Wen , Jiang Chuen-Bin , Lee Hung-Chang
Published: January 2021

Background. Intestinal mucositis remains one of the most deleterious side effects in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. We hypothesize that the probiotics could preserve gut ecology, ameliorate inflammation, and protect epithelia via immune modulations of enterocytes and intestinal stem cells. Our aim is to characterize these changes and the safety of probiotics via a 5-fluorouracil- (5-FU-) induced intestinal mucositis mouse model. Methods. 5-FU-injected BALB/c mice were either orally administrated with saline or probiotic suspension of Lactobacillus casei variety rhamnosus (Lcr35). Diarrhea scores, serum proinflammatory cytokines, and T-cell subtypes were assessed. Immunostaining analyses for the proliferation of intestinal stem cells CD44 and Ki67 were processed. Samples of blood and internal organs were investigated for bacterial translocation. Results. Diarrhea was attenuated after oral Lcr35 administration. Serum proinflammatory cytokines were significantly increased in the 5-FU group and were reversed by Lcr35. A tremendous rise of the CD3+/CD8+ count and a significant decrease of CD3+CD4+/CD3+CD8+ ratios were found in the 5-FU group and were both reversed by Lcr35. 5-FU significantly stimulated the expression of CD44 stem cells, and the expression was restored by Lcr35. 5-FU could increase the number of Ki67 proliferative cells. No bacterial translocation was found in this study. Conclusions. Our results showed that 5-FU caused intestinal inflammation mainly via Th1 and Th17 responses. 5-FU could stimulate stem cells and proliferation cells in a mouse model. We demonstrate chemotherapy could decrease immune competence. Probiotics were shown to modulate the immune response. This is the first study to analyze the immune modulation effects and safety of Lactobacillus strain on enterocytes and intestinal stem cells in a mouse model.
Gamma Irradiation-Assisted Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticle-Embedded Graphene Oxide-TiO2 Nanotube Nanocomposite for Organic Dye Photodegradation
Authors: Vu Duy Khang Nguyen , Nguyen Dang Khoa Vo
Published: January 2021

In this work, silver nanoparticle- (AgNP-) embedded graphene oxide- (GO-) TiO2 nanotube (TNT) nanocomposite (labelled GAT) was successfully synthesized by gamma ray radiolysis. The influence of irradiation process, including one-step and two-step assistances and at different irradiation doses (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 kGy), on the GAT’s physicochemical properties was achieved. Structure and properties of irradiated materials were analyzed by Fourier-transformed infrared (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible absorption (UV-Vis), and Raman spectroscopies; X-ray diffraction (XRD); and scanning electron (SEM) and transmission electron (TEM) microscopies. In addition, selective scavengers of e-aq and ⋅OH radicals were used to investigate the radiolytic synthesis of GAT nanocomposite. It was revealed that gamma ray irradiation could strongly support the relation of the composite synthesis. Furthermore, the synthesized GAT nanocomposites showed a significant effect for Rhodamine B (RhB) photodecomposition after 60 minutes of natural sunlight exposure and evaluation by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. Briefly, the obtained results highlighted the potential of gamma irradiation as a “clean” and controllable way for synthesizing beneficial nanocomposite materials for wastewater purification and other environmental aspects.
Vehicle Assignment considering Battery Endurance for Electric Vehicle Carsharing Systems
Authors: Zhang Bo , Wang Lei , Li Li , Lei Xu , Ju Yongfeng
Published: January 2021

On-demand station-based one-way carsharing is widely adopted for battery electric vehicle sharing systems, which is regarded as a supplement of urban mobility and a promising approach to the utilization of green energy vehicles. The service model of these carsharing systems allows users to select vehicles based on their own judgment on vehicle battery endurance, while users tend to pick up vehicles with the longest endurance distances. This phenomenon makes instant-access systems lose efficiency on matching available vehicles with diverse user requests and limits carsharing systems for higher capacity. We proposed a vehicle assignment method to allocate vehicles to users that maximize the utility of battery, which requires the system to enable short-term reservation rather than instant access. The methodology is developed from an agent-based discrete event simulation framework with a first-come-first-serve logic module for instant access mode and a resource matching optimization module for short-term reservation mode. Results show that the short-term reservation mode can at most serve 20% more users and create 47% more revenue than instant access mode under the scenario of this research. This paper also points out the equilibrium between satisfying more users by efficiently allocating vehicles and distracting users by disabling instant access and suggests that the reservation time could be 15 minutes.
Delta-Like Ligand–Notch1 Signaling Is Selectively Modulated by HPV16 E6 to Promote Squamous Cell Proliferation and Correlates with Cervical Cancer Prognosis
Authors: Khelil Maryam , Griffin Heather , Bleeker Maaike C.G. , Steenbergen Renske D.M. , Zheng Ke , Saunders-Wood Taylor , Samuels Sanne , Rotman Jossie , Vos Wim , van den Akker Brendy E. , de Menezes Renée X. , Kenter Gemma G. , Doorbar John , Jordanova Ekaterina S.
Published: January 2021

Human papillomavirus (HPV) drives high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and cancer; for unknown reasons, this occurs most often in the cervical transformation zone. Either mutation or HPV E6–driven inhibition of Notch1 can drive neoplastic development in stratified squamous epithelia. However, the contribution of Notch1 and its Delta-like ligands (DLL) to site susceptibility remains poorly understood. Here, we map DLL1/DLL4 expression in cell populations present in normal cervical biopsies by immunofluorescence. In vitro keratinocyte 2D monolayer models, growth assays, and organotypic raft cultures were used to assess the functional role of DLL–Notch signaling in uninfected cells and its modulation by HPV16 in neoplasia. An RNA sequencing–based gene signature was used to suggest the cell of origin of 279 HPV-positive cervical carcinomas from The Cancer Genome Atlas and to relate this to disease prognosis. Finally, the prognostic impact of DLL4 expression was investigated in three independent cervical cancer patient cohorts. Three molecular cervical carcinoma subtypes were identified, with reserve cell tumors the most common and linked to relatively good prognosis. Reserve cells were characterized as DLL1−/DLL4+, a proliferative phenotype that is temporarily observed during squamous metaplasia and wound healing but appears to be sustained by HPV16 E6 in raft models of low-grade and, more prominently, high-grade neoplasia. High expression of DLL4 was associated with an increased likelihood of cervical cancer–associated death and recurrence. Taken together, DLL4–Notch1 signaling reflects a proliferative cellular state transiently present during physiologic processes but inherent to cervical reserve cells, making them strongly resemble neoplastic tissue even before HPV infection has occurred.

Significance:

This study investigates cervical cancer cell-of-origin populations and describes a DLL–Notch1 phenotype that is associated with disease prognosis and that might help identify cells that are susceptible to HPV-induced carcinogenesis.