bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A tabletop experiment for speed of light measurement using a Red Pitaya STEMlab board
Authors: Chou Che-Chung , Hsaio Shi-Yu , Feng Jun-Zhi , Lin Tyson , Lu Sheng-Hua
Published: February 2023

The speed of light is an important fundamental constant in physics, and so determining its value is a common undergraduate laboratory experiment. Methods to measure the light speed can help students practice their experimental skills and become familiar with the concepts of modern precision measurement techniques. In this paper, we demonstrate that a tabletop optical setup, comprised of an affordable Red Pitaya STEMlab board and a low-cost laser diode module, can be used to accurately determine the speed of light by measuring the frequency response of the phase shift between intensity-modulated light beams reflected by two end mirrors separated by 50 cm. By using the STEMlab built-in Bode analyzer to automatically scan the modulation frequency over the range from 10 to 40 MHz, the frequency response of phase is measured and recorded. These phase shift data are then used to calculate the speed of light with an uncertainty of less than 0.5%. With the help of the Red Pitaya board, the number of required electronic instruments for our setup is reduced. All of the required components are commercially available, and no electronic construction work is necessary so that teachers and students can implement the experiment in a plug-and-play manner.
Singular Lagrangians and the Dirac–Bergmann algorithm in classical mechanics
Authors: Brown J. David
Published: February 2023

Textbook treatments of classical mechanics typically assume that the Lagrangian is nonsingular; that is, the matrix of second derivatives of the Lagrangian with respect to the velocities is invertible. This assumption ensures that (i) Lagrange's equations can be solved for the accelerations as functions of coordinates and velocities, and (ii) the definitions of the conjugate momenta can be inverted to solve for the velocities as functions of coordinates and momenta. This assumption, however, is unnecessarily restrictive—there are interesting classical dynamical systems with singular Lagrangians. The algorithm for analyzing such systems was developed by Dirac and Bergmann in the 1950s. After a brief review of the Dirac–Bergmann algorithm, several examples are presented using familiar components: point masses connected by massless springs, rods, cords, and pulleys.
A shorter path to some action variables
Authors: Zanella Béguelin Juan F.
Published: February 2023

This paper shows how to apply Leibniz's integral rule to calculate the action variables for the Kepler problem. This method offers an attractive alternative to the usual technique of complex contour integration. The method presented here to calculate definite integrals has a broad scope and is especially suitable for undergraduates who are unfamiliar with complex analysis.
Alternative polyadenylation alters protein dosage by switching between intronic and 3′UTR sites
Authors: de Prisco Nicola , Ford Caitlin , Elrod Nathan D. , Lee Winston , Tang Lauren C. , Huang Kai-Lieh , Lin Ai , Ji Ping , Jonnakuti Venkata S. , Boyle Lia , Cabaj Maximilian , Botta Salvatore , Õunap Katrin , Reinson Karit , Wojcik Monica H. , Rosenfeld Jill A. , Bi Weimin , Tveten Kristian , Prescott Trine , Gerstner Thorsten , Schroeder Audrey , Fong Chin-To , George-Abraham Jaya K. , Buchanan Catherine A. , Hanson-Khan Andrea , Bernstein Jonathan A. , Nella Aikaterini A. , Chung Wendy K. , Brandt Vicky , Jovanovic Marko , Targoff Kimara L. , Yalamanchili Hari Krishna , Wagner Eric J. , Gennarino Vincenzo A.
Published: February 2023

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) creates distinct transcripts from the same gene by cleaving the pre-mRNA at poly(A) sites that can lie within the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR), introns, or exons. Most studies focus on APA within the 3′UTR; however, here, we show that CPSF6 insufficiency alters protein levels and causes a developmental syndrome by deregulating APA throughout the transcript. In neonatal humans and zebrafish larvae, CPSF6 insufficiency shifts poly(A) site usage between the 3′UTR and internal sites in a pathway-specific manner. Genes associated with neuronal function undergo mostly intronic APA, reducing their expression, while genes associated with heart and skeletal function mostly undergo 3′UTR APA and are up-regulated. This suggests that, under healthy conditions, cells toggle between internal and 3′UTR APA to modulate protein expression.
Supplemental Material: The life and death of a subglacial lake in West Antarctica
Authors: Siegfried Matthew J. , al. et
Published: February 2023

Supplemental Figures S1–S3 and Table S1, and extended information about our GPS, satellite altimetry, ApRES, distributed temperature sensing, and sediment core statistical methods. 
Treatment and referral experiences of patients with type A aortic dissection and their families: a qualitative study
Authors: Li Lin , Wu Wenxian , Xu Na , Zhao Qing , Guo Wanpeng
Published: February 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to analyse the experiences and feelings of patients with type A aortic dissection (TAAD) and their families during the medical treatment and referral process, investigate the entire process’s needs and problems and provide evidence for improving the aortic dissection treatment system.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design using a phenomenological study. Face-to-face semistructured interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview data, which was transcribed verbatim.

Setting

Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of Shanxi Bethune Hospital in China.

Participants

Fifteen family groups, consisting of patients with TAAD who underwent surgical treatment and their families, were selected.

Results

Three primary themes were discussed and developed. Theme 1: the experiences of medical treatment and referral (confusion at the onset; complex inner feelings and emotional expressions of the medical treatment and referral; preoperative inner conflict); theme 2: problems with the TAAD medical treatment system (the quality of diagnosis and medical treatment needs to be improved; deficiency of medical system policies and procedures); and theme 3: real demands (demands for TAAD-related knowledge and access to the disease; economic-related demands).

Conclusion

Patients with TAAD and their families encounter complex inner experiences, multiple requirements and numerous challenges during the medical treatment and referral process. It is advised that the treatment and referral system of TAAD in China needs to be improved. Future research and clinical practice should standardise diagnosis and treatment training, establish a fast channel for TAAD to prioritise treatment, popularise aortic dissection-related knowledge and improve the funding system.
Understanding how primary care practitioners can be supported to recognise, screen and initially diagnose oropharyngeal dysphagia: protocol for a behavioural science realist review
Authors: Smith Caroline , Bhattacharya Debi , Scott Sion
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) affects around 15% of older people; however, it is often unrecognised and underdiagnosed until patients are hospitalised. Screening is an important process which aims to facilitate proactive assessment, diagnosis and management of health conditions. Healthcare systems do not routinely screen for OD in older people, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) are largely unaware of the need to screen. This realist review aims to identify relevant literature and develop programme theories to understand what works, for whom, under what circumstances and how, to facilitate primary care HCPs to recognise, screen and initially diagnose OD.

Methods and analysis

We will follow five steps for undertaking a realist review: (1) clarify the scope, (2) literature search, (3) appraise and extract data, (4) evidence synthesis and (5) evaluation. Initial programme theories (IPTs) will be constructed after the preliminary literature search, informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework and with input from a stakeholder group. We will search Medline, Google Scholar, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, Scopus and PsycINFO databases. We will obtain additional evidence through grey literature, snowball sampling, lateral searching and consulting the stakeholder group. Literature will be screened, evaluated and synthesised in Covidence. Evidence will be assessed for quality by evaluating its relevance and rigour. Data will be extracted and synthesised according to their relation to IPTs. We will follow the Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards quality and publication standards to report study results.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethical approval is not required for this review. We will disseminate this research through publication in a peer-reviewed journal, written pieces targeted to diverse groups of HCPs on selected online platforms and public engagement events.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022320327.
Use of healthcare before and after sepsis in Sweden: a case–control study
Authors: Dahlberg Jacob , Linder Adam , Mellhammar Lisa
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare readmissions and death between sepsis and non-sepsis hospitalisations the first year after discharge, and to investigate what diagnoses patients with sepsis present with at readmission. The aim was also to evaluate to what degree patients hospitalised for sepsis seek medical attention prior to hospitalisation.

Design

Retrospective case–control study with data validated through clinical chart review. A disproportionate stratified sampling model was used to include a relatively larger number of sepsis hospitalisations.

Setting

All eight public hospitals in region Scania, Sweden (1 January to 3 December 2019).

Participants

There were 447 patients hospitalised for sepsis (cases), and 541 hospitalised for other causes (control) identified through clinical chart review.

Outcome measures

Cox regression was used to analyse readmission and death the year after discharge, and logistic regression was used to analyse healthcare the week prior to hospitalisation. Both analyses were made unadjusted, and adjusted for age, sex and comorbidities.

Results

Out of patients who survived a sepsis hospitalisation, 48% were readmitted the year after discharge, compared with 39% for patients without sepsis (HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.19), p=0.04. The majority (52%) of readmissions occurred within 90 days and 75% within 180 days. The readmissions were most often caused by infection (32%), and 18% by cardiovascular disease. Finally, 34% of patients with sepsis had sought prehospital contact with a physician the week before hospitalisation, compared with 22% for patients without sepsis (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.06 to 3.04), p=0.03.

Conclusion

Patients hospitalised for sepsis had a higher risk of readmission the year after discharge compared with patients without sepsis. The most common diagnoses at readmission were infection followed by cardiovascular disease. With better follow-up, some of these readmissions could potentially be prevented. Patients hospitalised for sepsis had sought prehospital contact the week prior to hospitalisation to a greater extent than patients without sepsis.
Mortality among people who have experienced homelessness: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Heerde Jessica , Borschmann Rohan , Young Jesse , Kinner Stuart A , Sawyer Susan M , Patton George C
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Homelessness is a major contributor to health inequalities. People who experience homelessness are at markedly increased risk of multiple and complex health morbidities which likely increase their susceptibility to early, preventable death. Despite this, the mortality burden in this group remains poorly understood, limited in part by insufficient synthesis of data at a global level. This systematic review will synthesise international literature examining rates of risk and protective factors for mortality among people who have experienced homelessness.

Methods and analysis

We will search MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase and PubMed for peer-reviewed cohort studies examining mortality among people who have experienced homelessness. No study eligibility restrictions will be placed on the date, country of origin, or language of publications, or age of the sample. We will assess the quality of included studies using the Methodological Standards for Epidemiological Research scale. Our measures of mortality will include: (A) incidence—all cause and cause specific, expressed as a crude mortality rate (CMR) per 1000 person-years, with 95% CI and (B) all cause and cause specific, indirectly standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) with 95%CI. Associations between risk and protective factors and all-cause and cause-specific mortality will be reported using pooled relative risk ratios with 95% CI. Where there are sufficient data, the influence of subgroup and methodological factors on CMRs, SMRs and predictive factors will be examined using meta-regression.

Ethics and dissemination

This study does not require institutional ethics review or approval as it will synthesise findings from published studies that have previously been granted relevant ethics approvals. Study findings will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed journal article, conference and seminar presentations. A plain language summary will be distributed through the authors’ academic and professional networks.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021272937.
Staff and ward factors associated with aggression development on an acute closed psychiatric ward: an experience sampling method study
Authors: Weltens Irene , Drukker Marjan , van Amelsvoort T , Bak Maarten
Published: February 2023

Aggression on psychiatric wards develops under influence of patient, staff and ward factors. Assessment of naturalistic derived staff and ward factors might increase better understanding of how aggressive incidents develop on psychiatric wards.

Objective

Studying staff and ward factors including interactions between patients and nurses prior and after development of aggression, within a naturalistic closed ward setting.

Design

A prospective naturalistic experience sampling method (ESM) study.

Setting and participants

A high intensive care unit of a mental health institution in The Netherlands where 29 nurses answered beeps generated by an app during approximately 7 consecutive days with questions regarding their subjective feelings, ward atmosphere, location, interaction they had with patients and their colleagues and whether an incident took place.

Main outcome measures

Associations were established between different staff and ward factors and the occurrence of aggressive incidents on the ward.

Results

Risk for aggression was associated with the nurse being with a patient (OR=2.26, 95% CI 0.99 to 5.15, p=0.05). No significant association was found between discussing with the patient and setting a limit or physical absence of the nurse on the one hand and aggression on the other. More experienced nurses encountered more aggression (OR=3.5, 95% CI 1.32 to 8.26, p=0.01). Age and gender of the nurse were not associated with aggression development. Exceeding the maximum bed capacity was associated with a greater risk for aggression (OR=5.36, 95% CI 1.69 to 16.99, p=0.004). There was no significant association when analysing a more positive atmosphere on the ward or positive affect of the nurse, but negative affect of the nurses showed a trend for an association with less aggression.

Conclusion

Aggression is a problem that should be managed from a multidimensional perspective. The quality of interaction between nurses and patients is crucial. Exceeding the maximum bed capacity is likely associated with more aggression.
Facilitators and barriers impacting in-hospital Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) implementation across country income levels: a scoping review
Authors: Kapanadze George , Berg Johanna , Sun Yue , Gerdin Wärnberg Martin
Published: February 2023

Objective

Trauma is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, disproportionately affecting low/middle-income countries (LMICs). Understanding the factors determining implementation success for in-hospital Trauma Quality Improvement Programs (TQIPs) is critical to reducing the global trauma burden. We synthesised topical literature to identify key facilitators and barriers to in-hospital TQIP implementation across country income levels.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

PubMed, Web of Science and Global Index Medicus databases were searched from June 2009 to January 2022.

Eligibility criteria

Published literature involving any study design, written in English and evaluating any implemented in-hospital quality improvement programme in trauma populations worldwide. Literature that was non-English, unpublished and involved non-hospital TQIPs was excluded.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers completed a three-stage screening process using Covidence, with any discrepancies resolved through a third reviewer. Content analysis using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research identified facilitator and barrier themes for in-hospital TQIP implementation.

Results

Twenty-eight studies met the eligibility criteria from 3923 studies identified. The most discussed in-hospital TQIPs in included literature were trauma registries. Facilitators and barriers were similar across all country income levels. The main facilitator themes identified were the prioritisation of staff education and training, strengthening stakeholder dialogue and providing standardised best-practice guidelines. The key barrier theme identified in LMICs was poor data quality, while high-income countries (HICs) had reduced communication across professional hierarchies.

Conclusions

Stakeholder prioritisation of in-hospital TQIPs, along with increased knowledge and consensus of trauma care best practices, are essential efforts to reduce the global trauma burden. The primary focus of future studies on in-hospital TQIPs in LMICs should target improving registry data quality, while interventions in HICs should target strengthening communication channels between healthcare professionals.
Protocol for an OpenSAFELY cohort study collecting patient-reported outcome measures using the TPP Airmid smartphone application and linked big data to quantify the health and economic costs of long COVID (OpenPROMPT)
Authors: Herrett Emily , Tomlin Keith , Lin Liang-Yu , Tomlinson Laurie A , Jit Mark , Briggs Andrew , Marks Michael , Sandmann Frank , Parry John , Bates Christopher , Morley Jessica , Bacon Seb , Butler-Cole Benjamin , Mahalingasivam Viyaasan , Dennison Alan , Smith Deb , Gabriel Ethan , Mehrkar Amir , Goldacre Ben , Smeeth Liam , Eggo Rosalind M M
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The impact of long COVID on health-related quality of-life (HRQoL) and productivity is not currently known. It is important to understand who is worst affected by long COVID and the cost to the National Health Service (NHS) and society, so that strategies like booster vaccines can be prioritised to the right people. OpenPROMPT aims to understand the impact of long COVID on HRQoL in adults attending English primary care.

Methods and analysis

We will ask people to participate in this cohort study through a smartphone app (Airmid), and completing a series of questionnaires held within the app. Questionnaires will ask about HRQoL, productivity and symptoms of long COVID. Participants will be asked to fill in the questionnaires once a month, for 90 days. Questionnaire responses will be linked, where possible, to participants’ existing health records from primary care, secondary care, and COVID testing and vaccination data. Analysis will take place using the OpenSAFELY data platform and will estimate the impact of long COVID on HRQoL, productivity and cost to the NHS.

Ethics and dissemination

The Proportionate Review Sub-Committee of the South Central—Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee has reviewed and approved the study and have agreed that we can ask people to take part (22/SC/0198). Our results will provide information to support long-term care, and make recommendations for prevention of long COVID in the future.

Trial registration number

NCT05552612.
Process over outcome quality in paediatrics? An analysis of outpatient healthcare quality indicators for seven common diseases
Authors: Müller Teresa , Mehl Claudia , Nau Thorsten , Bachmann Christian , Geraedts Max
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the scope, quality dimensions and treatment aspects covered by existing quality indicators (QIs) for the somatic diseases bronchial asthma, atopic eczema, otitis media and tonsillitis as well as the psychiatric disorders attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression and conduct disorder in paediatrics.

Methods

QIs were identified through an analysis of the guidelines and a systematic search of literature and indicator databases. Subsequently, two researchers independently assigned the QIs to the quality dimensions according to Donabedian and Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and to the content categories covering the treatment process.

Results

We found 1268 QIs for bronchial asthma, 335 QIs for depression, 199 QIs for ADHD, 115 QIs for otitis media, 72 QIs for conduct disorder, 52 QIs for tonsillitis and 50 QIs for atopic eczema. Of these, 78% focused on process quality, 20% on outcome quality and 2% on structural quality. Using OECD criteria, 72% of the QIs were assigned to effectiveness, 17% to patient-centredness, 11% to patient safety and 1% to efficiency. The QIs covered the following categories: diagnostics (30%), therapy (38%), patient-reported outcome measures/ observer-reported outcome measures/patient-reported experience measures (in sum 11%), health monitoring (11%) and office management (11%).

Conclusion

Most QIs focused on the dimensions of effectiveness and process quality, and on the categories of diagnostics and therapy, with outcome-focused and patient-focused QIs being under-represented. Possible reasons for this striking imbalance could be the easier measurability and clearer assignment of accountability in comparison to the QIs of outcome quality, patient-centredness and patient safety. To produce a more balanced picture of the quality of healthcare, the future development of QIs should prioritise the currently under-represented dimensions.
Gadget addiction among school-going children and its association to cognitive function: a cross-sectional survey from Bangladesh
Authors: Liza Mowshomi Mannan , Iktidar Mohammad Azmain , Roy Simanta , Jallow Musa , Chowdhury Sreshtha , Tabassum Mustari Nailah , Mahmud Tarannum
Published: February 2023

Background

People are becoming more dependent on technology than ever before. Today’s children and adults are heavily plugged into electronics, which raises concerns for their physical and cognitive development. This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the relationship between media usage and cognitive function among school-going children.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 11 schools in 3 of Bangladesh’s most populous metropolitan areas: Dhaka, Chattogram and Cumilla. A semistructured questionnaire with three sections was used to obtain data from the respondents: (1) background information, (2) PedsQL Cognitive Functioning Scale and (3) Problematic Media Use Measure Short Form. Stata (V.16) was used for statistical analysis. Mean and SD were used to summarise quantitative variables. Qualitative variables were summarised using frequency and percentage. The χ2test was used to explore bivariate association between categorical variables, and a binary logistic regression model was fit to investigate the factors associated with the cognitive function of the study participants after adjusting for confounders.

Results

The mean age of total of 769 participants was 12.0±1.8 years, and the majority (67.31%) were females. The prevalence of high gadget addiction and poor cognitive function was 46.9% and 46.5%, respectively, among the participants. After adjusting the factors, this study found a statistically significant relationship (adjusted OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.3 to 0.7) between gadget addiction and cognitive function. In addition, the duration of breast feeding was a predictor of cognitive function as well.

Conclusion

This study found digital media addiction as a predictor of decreased cognitive performance in children who use digital gadgets regularly. Although the cross-sectional design of the study precludes causal relationships from being determined, the study finding deserves further examination via longitudinal research.
Structural and functional changes in the retina in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Alves Jordan N , Westner Britta U , Højlund Andreas , Weil Rimona Sharon , Dalal Sarang S
Published: February 2023

Parkinson’s disease is caused by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, originating in thesubstantia nigra pars compactaand characterised by bradykinesia, rest tremor and rigidity. In addition, visual disorders and retinal abnormalities are often present and can be identified by decreased visual acuity, abnormal spatial contrast sensitivity or even difficulty in complex visual task completion. Because of their early onset in patients with de novo Parkinson’s disease, the anatomical retinal changes and electrophysiological modification could be valuable markers even at early stages of the disease. However, due to the concomitant occurrence of normal ageing, the relevance and specificity of these predictive values can be difficult to interpret. This review examines retinal dysfunction arising in Parkinson’s disease. We highlight the electrophysiological delays and decreased amplitude in the electroretinography recorded in patients and animal models. We relate this to coexisting anatomical changes such as retinal nerve fibre layer and macular thinning, measured using optical coherence tomography, and show that functional measures are more consistent overall than optical coherence-measured structural changes. We review the underlying chemical changes seen with loss of retinal dopaminergic neurons and the effect of levodopa treatment on the retina in Parkinson’s disease. Finally, we consider whether retinal abnormalities in Parkinson’s disease could have a role as potential markers of poorer outcomes and help stratify patients at early stages of the disease. We emphasise that retinal measures can be valuable, accessible and cost-effective methods in the early evaluation of Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis with potential for patient stratification.
Baseline concussion assessment performance by sex in military service academy rugby players: findings from the CARE Consortium
Authors: Hunzinger Katherine J , Cameron K L , Roach M H , Jackson J C , McGinty G T , Robb J B , Susmarski A J , Estevez C A , Broglio S P , McAllister T W , McCrea M , Pasquina P F , Buckley T A
Published: February 2023

Background

Normative student-athlete concussion assessment data may not be appropriate for service academy members (SAMs), particularly rugby players, because of the uniqueness of their academic/military training environment. Having accurate baseline data for this population is important because of their high risk for concussion and frequent lack of assigned sports medicine professional. The primary purpose of this study was to characterise baseline performance on a concussion assessment battery, with secondary purpose to determine effect of sex and concussion history on these measures among SAM rugby players.

Methods

601 rugby-playing SAMs (19.3±1.5 years, 37.9% female) completed baseline concussion assessments: the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) Symptom and Symptom Severity Checklist, Standard Assessment of Concussion (SAC) and a neuropsychological test (either ImPACT (Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) or ANAM (Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics)). Groups were compared using an independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. A 2 (sex) × 2 (concussion history) ANOVA was conducted to determine the effects of sex and concussion history on outcomes.

Results

Women reported greater SCAT total symptoms (3.3 vs 2.8, p<0.001, r=0.143) and symptom severities (5.7 vs 4.3, p<0.001, r=0.139), and performed worse on ImPACT Visual Memory (79.3 vs 82.6, p=0.002, r=0.144) than men. Women performed better than men on SAC (28.0 vs 27.7, p=0.03, r=0.088), ImPACT Reaction Time Composite (0.59 vs 0.61, p=0.04, r=0.092) and ANAM Code Substitution Delayed (64.3 vs 61.5, p=0.04, d=0.433). Individuals with a history of concussion reported lower ImPACT Symptom Severity (2.6 vs 4.2, p=0.02, r=0.110). There was no interaction between concussion history and sex on outcomes.

Conclusions

These findings provide reference data for SAM rugby players on baseline assessments and to help in clinical decision-making when managing sports-related concussion in absence of baseline data.
Acetazolamide versus placebo for cerebral oedema requiring dexamethasone in recurrent and/or progressive high-grade glioma: phase II randomised placebo-controlled double-blind study
Authors: Agar Meera R , Nowak Anna K , Hovey Elizabeth J , Barnes Elizabeth H , Simes John , Vardy Janette L , Wheeler Helen R , Kong Benjamin Y , Leonard Robyn , Hall Merryn , Tim Evonne , Spyridopoulos Desma , Sim Hao-Wen , Lwin Zarnie , Dowling Anthony , Harrup Rosemary , Jennens Ross , Kichenadasse Ganessan , Dunlop Tracey , Gzell Cecelia , Koh Eng-Siew
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Symptoms of raised intracranial pressure (ICP) in recurrent high-grade glioma (HGG) generally require corticosteroid treatment, often causing toxicity with variable effects on ICP symptoms. Acetazolamide reduces ICP when used in other clinical non-cancer settings. The aim of the study was to explore whether the addition of oral acetazolamide enables safe dexamethasone dose reduction in management of raised ICP in recurrent HGG.

Methods

Participants had recurrent HGG with any of dexamethasone recommencement, dose increase or dependency; prior/current bevacizumab was an exclusion. Eligible participants were randomised 1:1 to acetazolamide or placebo for 8 weeks. Standardised protocols were used for dexamethasone dosing, with planned dose decrease from day 5 once ICP symptoms were stable. The primary endpoint was a composite of dexamethasone dose reduction and stable Karnofsky Performance Status Secondary endpoints included toxicity and feasibility.

Results

Thirty participants (15 per group) were enrolled (mean age 58 years) from seven Australian sites. The mean baseline dexamethasone dose was 6.2 mg. Mean duration on study treatment was 38 days (placebo group) and 31 days (acetazolamide group) with nine participants (30%) completing all study treatments (six placebo, three acetazolamide). Study withdrawal was due to adverse events (n=6; one placebo, five acetazolamide) and disease progression (n=6 (three per arm)). Four participants (13%) (two per arm) were stable responders. Ten participants experienced a total of 13 serious adverse events (acetazolamide arm: five participants (33%), six events, two related).

Conclusions

The study closed early due to poor accrual and increasing availability of bevacizumab. The addition of acetazolamide did not facilitate dexamethasone reduction.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12615001072505.
Non-Markovian speedup evolution of a center massive particle in two-dimensional environmental model
Authors: Zhang Ying-Jie , Wang Qi , Yan Wei-Bin , Man Zhong-Xiao , Xia Yun-Jie
Published: February 2023

A two-dimensional ray model is introduced to realize the non-Markovian speedup evolution of a center massive particle gravitationally coupled to a controllable environment (multilayer arrangement of the massive particles). By controlling the environment, for instance by choosing a judicious mass of the environmental particles or by changing the separation distance of each massive particle, two dynamical crossover behaviors from Markovian to non-Markovian and from no-speedup to speedup are achieved due to the gravitational interactions between the system particle and environmental particles. It is obvious that the critical mass of the environmental particles or the critical separation distance for these two dynamical crossover behaviors restrict each other directly. The larger the value of the mass of the environmental particles is, the smaller the value of the critical separation distance should be requested. In addition, it should be emphasized that the non-Markovian dynamics is the principal physical reason for the speedup evolution of the system massive particle. Particularly, the non-Markovianity of the dynamics process of the system massive particle in the even ray case has better correspondence with the quantum speed limit time than that in the singular ray case.
Structural, electronic and thermoelectric properties of PbS, PbSe and their ternary alloy PbSe1−xSx
Authors: Zair Asma , Nabil Brahmi Badr-Eddine , Bekhechi Smaine
Published: February 2023

Solid-state thermoelectric devices offer the possibility of exploiting waste heat from engines and power plants and converting it into electrical energy. One of the greatest challenges in the development of thermoelectric material systems is to find new thermoelectric materials with high thermoelectric figures of merit ZT. In this work, the structural, electronic and thermoelectric properties of PbSe[Formula: see text]S[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text], 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1) semiconductors are investigated by applying density functional theory in a full potential linearized augmented plane wave method (FP-LAPW). Calculations of structural properties were completed using the generalized gradient approximation GGA of Perdew Burke and Ernzerhof PBE to get reliable lattice constant results with experimental values. The obtained electronic results show that the PbSe[Formula: see text]S[Formula: see text] material is a narrow band gap semiconductor. In addition, the thermoelectric properties are studied on the basis of the fully iterative solution of the Boltzmann transport equation. PbSe[Formula: see text]S[Formula: see text] had a high figure of merit indicating that our materials are promising candidates in thermoelectric applications.
Agent-based model for COVID-19: The impact of social distancing and vaccination strategies
Authors: de Andrade Bruno S. , Espíndola Aquino L. , Junior Aydamari Faria , Penna Thadeu J. P.
Published: February 2023

In this work, we study the transmission of the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. Our main aim is to analyze the disease prevalence when vaccination and social distancing strategies are used. Simulations are implemented using an agent-based model (ABM) adapted from a Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) type compartmental model. Several scenarios are simulated using the most common vaccines available in Brazil. On each scenario, different fractions of the population are affected by vaccination and social distancing measures. Results show the importance to start public health interventions to reduce the size of the epidemic. Besides, simulations show that vaccination only is not capable to control the disease spread.
Snowmass white paper: The quest to define QFT
Authors: Dedushenko Mykola
Published: February 2023

This paper provides a review of the literature on rigorous definitions and constructions in quantum field theory (QFT), spanning the period of seven decades. Compared with the ideas and constructions found in the modern physics literature, we conclude that none of the existing systems of QFT axioms can cover all the physical situations. Therefore, it is still an outstanding open problem to formulate a complete definition of QFT. We argue that the question is of relevance for both physicists and mathematicians.
Pair creation of open strings between the unstable-dressed Dp-branes
Authors: Barghi-Janyar Niloufar , Kamani Davoud
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we study the open string pair production via the interaction of two parallel D[Formula: see text]-branes. The branes have been dressed by the Kalb–Ramond field, a specific [Formula: see text] gauge potential and a tachyon field of the open string spectrum. We shall apply the boundary state formalism, in the context of the bosonic string theory.
The observation of jet azimuthal angular decorrelations at FCC-ep
Authors: Hoş İ. , Kuday S. , Saygın H.
Published: February 2023

Higher collision energies at future colliders may eventually lead to the falsification of standard fixed-order perturbation theory and linear evolutions due to nonlinear structure of QCD at small-[Formula: see text]. New physics research works that are strictly based on accurate jet measurements will undoubtedly have this observation known as Balitsky–Fadin–Kuraev–Lipatov (BFKL) effect via angular jet decorrelations taking into account the Mueller–Navelet jets. As one of the frontier colliders, FCC-ep, has a great observation potential on parton densities through asymmetrical collisions. We aim to test the observability of azimuthal angular jet decorrelations with the recent event generators (HERWIG, PYTHIA) at the generator and detector level for FCC-ep center of mass energies [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]TeV in proton–electron collisions. Jets are reconstructed by the anti-[Formula: see text] algorithm ([Formula: see text]), with [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GeV and selected in the range of [Formula: see text]. Relevant pseudo-rapidity regions have been analyzed with the azimuthal-angle difference between Mueller–Navelet Jets ([Formula: see text]) in the pseudo-rapidity separation ([Formula: see text]) and the distributions of [Formula: see text] are presented in comparison as the result.
Fluorescent oil-film applied to measure skin friction of flat plate with leading edge separation bubble in low Reynolds number
Authors: Du Hai , Jiang Hao , Chen Shuo , Yang Zhangyi , Zhang Wenxiao
Published: February 2023

Under low Reynolds number conditions, the airfoil is prone to a laminar separation bubble (LSB), which causes problems such as lift drop and drag increase. In this work, the fluorescent oil film was applied to study the leading edge LSB from the perspective of skin friction. The experimental study is carried out on a flat plate with the leading edge LSB under the Reynolds number of [Formula: see text] (the characteristic length of the plate chord). The camera captures the leading edge LSB that is formed by airflow separation and reattachment, and the flow in the bubble is opposite to the free flow. The position of separation and reattachment is determined by the distribution of skin friction, which is consistent with the visual image of the oil film. Applying the Poincare–Bendixson (P-B) index formula to test the topology of the separation bubble skin friction, the quantitative relations between the critical points and the boundary switching points in the closed region of several permeable boundary all confirm this topology law. The results show that the fluorescent oil film can quantitatively map the flow structure of the LSB, and further verify the advantage of this method in the visual measurement of the complex flow structure.
New prospective on information entropy using different initial states of the atom–field interaction
Authors: Barakat Elsayed , El-Kalla I. L. , Abdel-Aty M.
Published: February 2023

We propose a new approach for introducing the long-life information entropy of the interaction between atom and electromagnetic field. Our approach is based on a comparison of the initial state of the field. The field is initialized in Pólya state, negative hypergeometric state, generalized nonclassical state, phase-like state and generalized hypergeometric state. Dynamics of entropy squeezing are examined. It is shown that a long-time approximately steady nonclassical behavior of the system can be obtained using specific values of the parameters associated with the initial state of system. An application of the developed method to obtain the long-lived information from different models is given.
Extraction of new optical solitons and complexitons related to the motion of thermophoresis of wrinkles in graphene sheets
Authors: Alhussain Ziyad A.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, the thermophoretic motion equation based on Korteweg–de Vries is utilized to analyze new complexiton and soliton-like solutions. The homogenous balance approach is employed to generate auto-Bäcklund transformation of the concerned problem. This transformation is capitalized to extract abundant explicit and analytic solutions. Moreover, Hirota bilinear form of the concerned equation is taken under consideration to discover complexiton solutions via extended transform rational function approach. 3D visualization of the acquired solutions is also included to discuss its physical behavior.
Editorial: Active particle models and methods in science and society
Authors: Bellomo N. , Brezzi F.
Published: February 2023

This editorial paper reviews the articles published in a special issue devoted to the application of active particle methods to the study of the collective dynamics of large systems of interacting entities in science and society. The applications presented in this special issue focus on the study of financial markets, cell dynamics in the context of cancer modeling, crowd vehicle and crowd dynamics, and classical problems in the kinetic theory of active particles and swarm theory. A critical analysis is proposed to look forward at new perspectives, with emphasis on the interaction of multiple social dynamics.
Convergence of a particle method for a regularized spatially homogeneous Landau equation
Authors: Carrillo José A. , Delgadino Matias G. , Wu Jeremy S. H.
Published: February 2023

We study a regularized version of the Landau equation, which was recently introduced in [J. A. Carrillo, J. Hu, L. Wang and J. Wu, A particle method for the homogeneous Landau equation, J. Comput. Phys. X 7 (2020) 100066, 24] to numerically approximate the Landau equation with good accuracy at reasonable computational cost. We develop the existence and uniqueness theory for weak solutions, and we reinforce the numerical findings in the above-mentioned paper by rigorously proving the validity of particle approximations to the regularized Landau equation.
Mathematical modeling of glioma invasion and therapy approaches via kinetic theory of active particles
Authors: Conte Martina , Dzierma Yvonne , Knobe Sven , Surulescu Christina
Published: February 2023

A multiscale model for glioma spread in brain tissue under the influence of vascularization and vascular endothelial growth factors is proposed. It accounts for the interplay between the different components of the neoplasm and the healthy tissue and it investigates and compares various therapy approaches. Precisely, these involve radiotherapy and chemotherapy in a concurrent or adjuvant manner together with anti-angiogenic therapy affecting the vascular component of the system. We assess tumor growth and spread on the basis of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data, which allows us to reconstruct a realistic brain geometry and tissue structure, and we apply our model to real glioma patient data. In this latter case, a space-dependent radiotherapy description is considered using data about the corresponding isodose curves.
ON FRACTIONAL INTEGRALS AND DERIVATIVES OF A FUNCTION WITH RESPECT TO ANOTHER FUNCTION
Authors: NIETO JUAN J. , ALGHANMI MADEAHA , AHMAD BASHIR , ALSAEDI AHMED , ALHARBI BOSHRA
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we present new definitions of generalized fractional integrals and derivatives with respect to another function and derive some of their properties, such as their inter-relationship and semigroup law. Caputo-type generalized fractional derivative with respect to another function is also defined and its properties are derived. A Cauchy problem involving the new Caputo-type generalized fractional derivative is also studied. We also provide an expansion formula for Caputo-type derivative and apply it to solve a fractional-order problem.
ON EFFICIENT FRACTIONAL CAPUTO-TYPE SIMULTANEOUS SCHEME FOR FINDING ALL ROOTS OF POLYNOMIAL EQUATIONS WITH BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS
Authors: SHAMS MUDASSIR , KAUSAR NASREEN , SAMANIEGO CUAUHTÉMOC , AGARWAL PRAVEEN , AHMED SHAMS FORRUQUE , MOMANI SHAHER
Published: February 2023

This research paper introduces a novel fractional Caputo-type simultaneous method for finding all simple and multiple roots of polynomial equations. Without any additional polynomial and derivative evaluations using suitable correction, the order of convergence of the basic Aberth–Ehrlich simultaneous method has been increased from three to [Formula: see text]. In terms of accuracy, residual graph, computational efficiency and computation CPU time, the newly proposed families of simultaneous methods outperforms existing methods in numerical applications.
Stochastic Assessment of k Operational State System with k-out-of-n:G Working Scheme with Employing Copula Repair Approach
Authors: Ayagi Hamisu Ismail , Singh V. V. , Wan Zhong
Published: February 2023

This paper is a probabilistic performance study of a repairable complex system with three subsystems coupled in a series configuration. All three subsystems have been differently configured and also have different operational schemes. The first subsystem has [Formula: see text] units and works under the [Formula: see text]-out-of-[Formula: see text]:G scheme, the second subsystem has four identical units and associates with a defined work scheme 2-out-of-4:G, however, the third subsystem has two indistinguishable units and works under the 1-out-of-2:G policy. The units’ failure rates of the subsystems are different but constant and follow an exponential distribution, however, there are two types of repair facilities available for repair general and copula repair. Under the consideration of the system with the operational duration, the failed unit was replaced with a new one and it was assigned for repair. In the complete shutdown condition, a copula repair has been employed to repair the system. Traditional reliability measures have been studied for different values of failure and repair through supplementary variable and copula approaches. The numerical computations for securing different values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] have been exhibited and tables and graphs predict the future behavior of the system performance. In the conclusion section, the effect of reliability measures has been highlighted.
Optimal Design of Funicular Arches Under Equally Spaced Point Loads for Maximum Buckling Load
Authors: Wang C. M. , Pan W. H. , Zhang Y. P. , Hao Y. Z.
Published: February 2023

This paper presents the optimal designs of pinned supported funicular arches under equally spaced point loads for maximum in-plane buckling load. Under such loading conditions, the funicular arch shapes comprise straight arch members between the point loads, that is, following the shape of the bending moment diagram of an equivalent simply supported beam under the same loading condition. Two classes of funicular arch optimization problems are considered herein. The first class of funicular arches imposes a constraint on the cross-sectional area to be uniform throughout the entire arch length. The second class of funicular arches allows the cross-sectional area to be different from one straight arch member to another member. To facilitate the buckling analysis, the Hencky bar-chain model (HBM) is adopted. This discrete structural model simplifies the optimization process as the decision variables are the HBM rotational spring stiffnesses that define the cross-sectional areas and the horizontal force that controls the arch shape. Presented herein are new optimal funicular arch shapes under various numbers of equally spaced point loads. By increasing the number of point loads, the optimal solution approaches the solution of a parabolic arch under a uniformly distributed load.