bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of a Geosynthetic-Clay-Liner Cover System at a Cu/Zn Mine Tailings Impoundment
Authors: Pakostova Eva , Schmall Adrienne J. , Holland Steven P. , White Heather , Ptacek Carol J. , Blowes David W.
Published: February 2020

Mining activities are accompanied by significant environmental and financial liabilities, including the release of acid mine drainage (AMD). AMD is caused by accelerated chemical and biological oxidation of sulfide minerals in mine wastes and is characterized by low pH and high concentrations of sulfate and metal(loid)s. Microorganisms assume important roles in the catalysis of redox reactions. Our research elucidates linkages among the biogeochemistry of mine wastes and remediation systems and microbial community and activity. This study assesses the performance and utility of geosynthetic-clay-liner cover systems for management of acid-generating mine wastes. Analyses of the microbial communities in tailings isolated beneath an engineered cover system provide a better understanding of the complex biogeochemical processes involved in the redox cycling of key elements, contribute to the remediation of mine wastes, and provide a valuable tool for assessment of the effectiveness of the remediation system.
Exploration of recovery of people living with severe mental illness (SMI) in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC): a scoping review protocol
Authors: Gamieldien Fadia , Galvaan Roshan , Myers Bronwyn , Sorsdahl Katherine
Published: February 2020

Introduction

The construct of recovery was conceptualised in high-income countries and its applicability in low-income and middle- income countries is underexplored. A scoping review is proposed to synthesise knowledge, review conceptual overlap and map key elements of recovery from severe mental illness in low-income and middle-income countries. We aim to appraise the literature so as to inform future recovery-oriented services that consider the cultural and contextual influences on recovery from severe mental illness.

Methods and analysis

The following electronic databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, SCOPUS (which included contents of Embase), PsycINFO, CINAHL, Africa-Wide Information, PsycARTICLES, Health source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Academic Search Premier and SocINDEX all via the EBSCOHOST platform, the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, the Cochrane Centre Register of Controlled Trials) and grey literature sources will be searched between May and December 2019. Eligible studies will be independently screened for inclusion and exclusion by two reviewers using a checklist developed for this purpose. Studies published between January 1993 and November 2019 that focus on recovery from severe mental illness in a low-income and middle-income country will be included. Findings will be compared and discrepancies will be discussed. Unresolved discrepancies will be referred to a third reviewer. All bibliographic data and study characteristics will be extracted and thematically analysed using a tool developed through an iterative process by the research team. Indicators will be classified according to a predefined conceptual framework and categorised and described using qualitative content analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

The review aims to synthesise information from available publications, hence it does not require ethical approval. The results will be disseminated through publications, conference presentations and future workshops with stakeholders involved within the recovery paradigm of mental health policy and practice. The scoping review title is registered with the Joanna Briggs Institute.
Provider perspectives on general practice in Henan, China: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Zhu Jiming , Ariana Proochista
Published: February 2020

Objective

Since 2011 China’s central government has committed to establishing a new ‘general practitioner’ (GP)-centred primary care system. To this end there have been great efforts to train an additional 300 000 GPs by 2020. This paper examines the perspective of practitioners in Henan, China, regarding general practice.

Design

A mixed-methods approach using focus group discussions (FGD), and structured questionnaires.

Setting/participants

Seven FGDs and responses to 1887 questionnaires included medical students, primary care doctors and GP residents in Henan.

Results

The three surveyed medical groups have some awareness of the attributes of general practice (eg, comprehensiveness, first contact and coordination), but often misinterpret what being a GP entails. Five themes were identified through the FGDs and tested quantitatively for their prevalence with structured questionnaires. First, the GPs’ role as a comprehensive care provider was (mis)interpreted as an ‘all-round doctor’. Second, the GP’s responsibility as the first point of care was understood in two conflicting ways: private personal doctors of the rich and the powerful or village doctors for common people. Third, referral was understood as simply guiding patients to appropriate departments within the hospital while the gatekeeping role was interpreted to involve GPs being peoples’ health protectors rather than being also gatekeepers of specialty services. Traditional Chinese medicine now further complicates the understanding of GPs. And lastly, the GPs’ main responsibility was considered to be public health work.

Conclusion

The misunderstandings of the roles and responsibilities of GPs render problematic the policy foundation of China’s GP-centred primary care system. Pursuing the quantity of GPs on its own is meaningless, since the number needed depends on the delineated role of GPs. Top priority is to establish clarity about the GP role, which requires reforming the health delivery system to address issues with fragmented care, strategically taking into account the development of GPs with work delegation and substitution and providing more clarity on the distinction between general practice and public health.
Wessex Acute Frailty Audit: applying quality improvement methodology to design and implement a regional frailty audit using a collaborative, multiprofessional approach
Authors: Lewis Lucy Anne , Corbett Teresa , Burrows Kerry , Spice Claire , Davies Cheryl , Wallis Kathy
Published: February 2020

Introduction

An acute hospital stay increases the risk of negative outcomes for those living with frailty. This paper describes the application of quality improvement methodology to design and implement a regional audit to gain an understanding of care provision.

Methods

Small scale tests of change (Plan–Do–Study–Act cycles) were used to design the audit structure and questions. Data collectors met face to face with 2–3 multiprofessional clinicians on 58 wards in 10 hospitals across the region, using an electronic tool to gather data. Outcomes were analysed manually in Excel by extracting from the electronic audit tool.

Results

58 wards across 10 hospitals participated in the audit, which identified three key themes: lack of awareness and frailty training outside medicine for older people specialties, and significant variability of both frailty identification and comprehensive geriatric assessment.

Conclusion

Combining quality improvement methodology with a collaborative, regional approach to design and implementation of a frailty audit creates a reliable tool ensuring all stakeholders are considering improvement from the outset. The results have facilitated an agreed regional approach on how best to use local resources to improve and standardise frailty care provision. By highlighting areas of good practice and significant gaps in frailty identification, personalised care planning and hospital wide provision of frailty training, this region of the UK will now be able to drive up standards of care.
Learning from complaints in healthcare: a realist review of academic literature, policy evidence and front-line insights
Authors: van Dael Jackie , Reader Tom W , Gillespie Alex , Neves Ana Luisa , Darzi Ara , Mayer Erik K
Published: February 2020

Introduction

A global rise in patient complaints has been accompanied by growing research to effectively analyse complaints for safer, more patient-centric care. Most patients and families complain to improve the quality of healthcare, yet progress has been complicated by a system primarily designed for case-by-case complaint handling.

Aim

To understand how to effectively integrate patient-centric complaint handling with quality monitoring and improvement.

Method

Literature screening and patient codesign shaped the review’s aim in the first stage of this three-stage review. Ten sources were searched including academic databases and policy archives. In the second stage, 13 front-line experts were interviewed to develop initial practice-based programme theory. In the third stage, evidence identified in the first stage was appraised based on rigour and relevance, and selected to refine programme theory focusing on what works, why and under what circumstances.

Results

A total of 74 academic and 10 policy sources were included. The review identified 12 mechanisms to achieve: patient-centric complaint handling and system-wide quality improvement. The complaint handling pathway includes (1) access of information; (2) collaboration with support and advocacy services; (3) staff attitude and signposting; (4) bespoke responding; and (5) public accountability. The improvement pathway includes (6) a reliable coding taxonomy; (7) standardised training and guidelines; (8) a centralised informatics system; (9) appropriate data sampling; (10) mixed-methods spotlight analysis; (11) board priorities and leadership; and (12) just culture.

Discussion

If healthcare settings are better supported to report, analyse and use complaints data in a standardised manner, complaints could impact on care quality in important ways. This review has established a range of evidence-based, short-term recommendations to achieve this.
Nutrition impact symptoms and weight loss in head and neck cancer during radiotherapy: a longitudinal study
Authors: Jin Sanli , Lu Qian , Sun Yan , Xiao Shaowen , Zheng Baomin , Pang Dong , Yang Ping
Published: February 2020

Objective

Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) receiving radiotherapy (RT) are at high risk of weight loss (WL) due to a variety of nutrition impact symptoms (NIS). This study aimed to describe the NIS through the Head and Neck patient Symptom Checklist and body weight over time and further explore the impact of NIS on WL in patients with HNC undergoing RT.

Methods

This was a prospective, longitudinal observational study. NIS and body weight of 117 participants were assessed at baseline, mid-treatment and post-treatment of RT. Generalised estimation equations (GEE) were used to conduct repeated measures analysis of NIS interference score and body weight at each time point and estimate the impact of NIS interference score on WL.

Results

All participants experienced a substantial increase in the mean number of NIS during RT, with each patient having eight to nine NIS at mid-treatment and post-treatment. Marked increases were noted in almost each NIS score during RT. Compared with their baseline body weight, 97 (82.9%) and 111 (94.9%) participants experienced WL at mid-treatment and post-treatment, with the mean WL of 2.55±1.70 kg and 5.31±3.18 kg, respectively. NIS of dry mouth (β=−0.681, p=0.002, 95% CI −1.116 to −0.247), difficulty swallowing (β=−0.410, p=0.001, 95% CI −0.651 to −0.169) and taste change (β=−0.447, p=0.000, 95% CI −0.670 to −0.225) impacted WL significantly in GEE multivariate model.

Conclusions

Patients with HNC experience a variety of NIS which have significant impact on WL during RT. Assessment of NIS, especially dry mouth, difficulty swallowing and taste change, should be given more considerable attention in the supportive care of patients with HNC.
The gut microbiome: what every gastroenterologist needs to know
Authors: Mullish Benjamin H , Quraishi Mohammed Nabil , Segal Jonathan P , Ianiro Gianluca , Iqbal Tariq H
Published: February 2020

The mucosal surfaces of the body are characterised by complex, specialised microbial communities, often referred to as themicrobiome. However, only much more recently—with the development of technologies allowing exploration of the composition and functionality of these communities—has meaningful research in this area become feasible. Over the past few years, there has been rapid growth in interest in the gut microbiome in particular, and its potential contribution to gastrointestinal and liver disease. This interest has already extended beyond clinicians to pharmaceutical companies, medical regulators and other stakeholders, and is high profile among patients and the lay public in general. Such expansion of knowledge holds the intriguing potential for translation into novel diagnostics and therapeutics; however, being such a nascent field, there remain many uncertainties, unanswered questions and areas of debate.
Physician assistant utilisation in the US Armed Forces: applicability to the UK Defence Medical Services
Authors: Rabener Michael J , Breeze J
Published: February 2020

Physicians assistants (PAs) are being increasingly utilised by the US Armed Forces both in homeland medical treatment provision as well as while on deployment. In a deployed environment, the USA has the flexibility to interchange doctors with specialty-trained PAs in all roles of care due to their ability to practice autonomously, thereby filling shortfalls created by the lack of specialty physicians. PAs are increasingly being utilised within the UK National Health Service, in similar roles to their US counterparts. This paper postulates that PAs have an equivalent role to play in the future of medical care provision within the UK Defence Medical Services, including on military operations.
Mentoring for postdoctoral researchers in rheumatology: the Emerging EULAR Network (EMEUNET) post-doc mentoring programme
Authors: Rodríguez-Carrio Javier , Putrik Polina , Gwinnutt James , Sepriano Alexandre , Alunno Alessia , Ramiro Sofia , Leipe Jan , Nikiphorou Elena
Published: February 2020

Objective

This study aims to (1) assess the perceived need for a postdoctoral (post-doc) mentoring programme in rheumatology, (2) describe the characteristics and organisational aspects of a pilot mentoring programme implemented by the EMerging European League Against Rheumatism NETwork (EMEUNET) and (3) report mentors’ and mentees’ evaluation of the pilot programme.

Methods

An online survey was conducted among young researchers in rheumatology to evaluate the need and preferred characteristics of a post-doc mentoring initiative. Informed by the survey, a pilot programme was designed and launched. The pilot programme was evaluated with 3-month, 6-moth and 12-month surveys and interviews with mentees and a 12-month survey among mentors, after completion.

Results

From 275 responses (43 countries, 86% from Europe) collected, analyses were restricted to the target population (total population=158; post-docs (n=103 (65%)) and PhD students (n=55 (35%))). There was a clear need (99% positive responses) for a post-doc mentoring programme. Discussions about current and new projects, and how to lead projects were ranked as priorities in post-doc mentoring. The most desired mentor attribute was generosity and interest in helping (86%), followed by research experience (68%) and having a well-established network (66%). The pilot programme included four mentees (through competitive application) allocated to three mentors. Evaluation surveys and interviews revealed that the programme organisation and content were well appreciated by mentees and mentors.

Conclusions

The EMEUNET post-doc mentoring programme addresses unmet need for mentoring, is viable and appreciated by mentors and mentees. The programme structure and content are transferable to other fields where there is need for academic career mentoring.
Abscessation associated with an intramuscular haemangiosarcoma in a dog
Authors: Gasparini Molly K , Selmic Laura E , Cook Matthew , Brown Megan , Wavreille Vincent A
Published: February 2020

Haemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a neoplasm of the endothelial cells. Intramuscular HSA is an uncommon presentation of this endothelial cell neoplasm. This report describes an unusual case of an intramuscular HSA arising in the hindlimb of a dog with associated abscessation. Diagnosis of underlying HSA was complicated by associated infection and initial cytological evaluation showed only septic suppurative inflammation. However, due to the heterogeneously contrast enhancing appearance of the area on CT, underlying neoplasia was suspected. Definitive diagnosis of HSA could only be made following excision and histopathology of the affected muscle in addition to immunohistochemistical stains. This dog received multimodal treatment including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, and despite developing metastatic lesions, was alive 12 months after presentation, at the time of manuscript writing. Deep abscessation can occur concurrently with neoplasia, and neoplasia should remain on the differential diagnosis list for deep abscesses of unknown aetiology.
New family of parasupercoherent states: entanglement, uncertainties, and statistical properties
Authors: Motamedinasab Amin , Anbaraki Azam , Afshar Davood , Jafarpour Mojtaba
Published: February 2020

The general parasupersymmetric annihilation operator of arbitrary order does not reduce to the Kornbluth–Zypman general supersymmetric annihilation operator for the first order. In this paper, we introduce an annihilation operator for a parasupersymmetric harmonic oscillator that in the first order matches with the Kornblouth–Zypman results. Then, using the latter operator, we obtain the parasupercoherent states and calculate their entanglement, uncertainties, and statistics. We observe that these states are entangled for any arbitrary order of parasupersymmetry and their entanglement goes to zero for the large values of the coherency parameter. In addition, we find that the maximum of the entanglement of parasupercoherent states is a decreasing function of the parasupersymmetry order. Moreover, these states are minimum uncertainty states for large and also small values of the coherency parameter. Furthermore, these states show squeezing in one of the quadrature operators for a wide range of the coherency parameter, while no squeezing in the other quadrature operator is observed at all. In addition, using the Mandel parameter, we find that the statistics of these new states are subPoissonian for small values of the coherency parameter.
Pharmacokinetic profile of the selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron in the rat: an original study and a minireview of the behavioural pharmacological literature in the rat
Authors: Kwan Cynthia , Bédard Dominique , Frouni Imane , Gaudette Fleur , Beaudry Francis , Hamadjida Adjia , Huot Philippe
Published: February 2020

The availability of agonists and antagonists to modulate the activity of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) type 3 (5-HT3) receptor has renewed interest in its role as a therapeutic target. Ondansetron is a highly selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist that is well tolerated as an anti-emetic for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Preclinical studies in rat have shown the effects of small doses of ondansetron on cognition, behavioural sensitisation, and epilepsy. However, the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of ondansetron in rat has not been described, which limits the translational relevance of these findings. Here, we aim to determine, in the rat, the PK profile of ondansetron in the plasma and to determine associated brain levels. The plasma PK profile was determined following acute subcutaneous administration of ondansetron (0.1, 1, and 10 μg/kg). Brain levels were measured following subcutaneous administration of ondansetron at 1 μg/kg. Plasma and brain levels of ondansetron were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry. Following administration of all three doses, measured ondansetron plasma levels (≈30–3000 pg/mL) were below levels achieved with doses usually administered in the clinic, with a rapid absorption phase and a short half-life (≈30–40 min). We also found that brain levels of ondansetron at 1 μg/kg were significantly lower than plasma levels, with brain to plasma ratios of 0.45 and 0.46 in the motor and pre-frontal cortices. We discuss our findings in the context of a minireview of the literature. We hope that our study will be helpful to the design of preclinical studies with therapeutic end-points.
Tribracket Modules
Authors: Needell Deanna , Nelson Sam , Shi Yingqi
Published: February 2020

Niebrzydowski tribrackets are ternary operations on sets satisfying conditions obtained from the oriented Reidemeister moves such that the set of tribracket colorings of an oriented knot or link diagram is an invariant of oriented knots and links. We introduce tribracket modules analogous to quandle/biquandle/rack modules and use these structures to enhance the tribracket counting invariant. We provide examples to illustrate the computation of the invariant and show that the enhancement is proper.
Emergence of δ′-waves in the zero pressure gas dynamic system
Authors: Sarrico C. O. R.
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we prove that the model known as the zero pressure gas dynamic system with certain singular measures as initial conditions may develop waves defined by distributions that are not measures. This study is done strictly within the theory of distributions and does not assume the knowledge of any classical result about conservation laws. We include a brief survey of the ideas and formulas used to multiply distributions.
Nonrotating reference frames for the Gödel and Kerr metrics
Authors: Saibatalov R. X.
Published: February 2020

The coordinate transformations are proposed to transform Gödel and Kerr metrics to a nonrotating form by the uniform way.
Gravitational interaction in astrophysics in Riemann-Cartan space-time and vacuum torsion
Authors: Minkevich A. V. , Korenev L. V. , Klimashonok V. V.
Published: February 2020

The role of space-time torsion in astrophysics in the frame of minimum gauge gravitational theory in Riemann-Cartan space-time is discussed. The influence of the vacuum torsion on dynamics of astrophysical objects induced by the interaction of their spin momenta with vacuum torsion is studied. Possible manifestations of such interaction are considered.
Super-Penrose process
Authors: Zaslavskii O. B.
Published: February 2020

If two particles collide near a rotating black hole, their energy in the centre of mass frame can become unbounded under certain conditions. In doing so, the Killing energy [Formula: see text] of debris at infinity is, in general, remain restricted. If [Formula: see text] is also unbounded, this is called the super-Penrose process. We elucidate when such a process is possible and give full classification of corresponding relativistic objects for rotating space-times. We also discuss the case of a pure electric super-Penrose process that is valid even in the flat space-time. The key role in consideration is played by the Wald inequalities.
Double Casoratian solutions to the nonlocal semi-discrete modified Korteweg-de Vries equation
Authors: Feng Wei , Zhao Song-Lin , Sun Ying-Ying
Published: February 2020

Two nonlocal versions of the semi-discrete modified Korteweg-de Vries equation are derived by different nonlocal reductions from a coupled equation set in the Ablowitz–Ladik hierarchy. Different kinds of exact solutions in terms of double Casoratians to the reduced equations are obtained by imposing constraint conditions on the double Casorati determinant solutions of the coupled equation set. Dynamics of the soliton solutions for the real and complex nonlocal semi-discrete modified Korteweg-de Vries equations are analyzed and illustrated by asymptotic analysis.
The Ising model with nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor interactions on the Bethe lattice: The exact recursion relations
Authors: Albayrak Erhan
Published: February 2020

The Ising model with nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor (NNN) bilinear interactions is examined on the Bethe lattice (BL) in terms of exact recursion relations (ERR) when the external magnetic [Formula: see text] is turned on. The thermal variation of the magnetization belonging to the central spin is investigated to calculate the possible phase diagrams of the model for given coordination numbers. Different phase regions, ferromagnetic (FM), antiferromagnetic (AFM) and paramagnetic (PM), are discovered and the phase lines in terms of first-order or second-order phase transitions are calculated. These lines are found to be order–disorder or order–order phase transition lines. It is also found that they combine at some special points or terminate at some end points for appropriate values of the model parameters.
Polarization-insensitive electromagnetically-induced transparency in planar metamaterial based on coupling of ring and zigzag spiral resonators
Authors: Tung Bui Son , Khuyen Bui Xuan , Linh Pham The , Tung Nguyen Thanh , Manh Do Hung , Lam Vu Dinh
Published: February 2020

A planar metamaterial (MM) mimicking electromagnetically-induced transparency (EIT) effect is demonstrated numerically and experimentally in the microwave region. The structure of MM is a periodicity of ring and zigzag spiral resonators, in which each resonator can be excited directly by the external field. By matching the characteristic resonance frequencies of two resonators, the coupling of two bright modes appears, leading to an EIT effect with a transparency peak at 4.86 GHz. Although the geometry of the structure is not perfectly symmetric, the proposed electromagnetically-induced transparency metamaterial (EIT-MM) is insensitive to the polarization of incoming wave. Furthermore, the EIT-MM exhibits a strong dispersion behavior, which leads to a high group index of 2785 and a group delay of 0.83 ns. Our work might be useful to potential applications using EIT-MM such as modulators, filters and sensors.
Metamaterial sensor application concrete material reinforced with carbon steel fiber
Authors: Dalgaç Şekip , Karadağ Faruk , Ünal Emin , Özkaner Vedat , Bakır Mehmet , Akgöl Oğuzhan , Sevim Umur Korkut , Delihacıoğlu Kemal , Öztürk Murat , Karaaslan Muharrem , Sabah Cumali
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a rectangular split ring resonator-type metamaterial (MTM) sensor application is demonstrated in order to examine concrete materials. First, different types of concrete materials including carbon steel fiber with the purity ratio of 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% were prepared by using cement and water and their electrical properties were determined via Nicolson–Ross–Weir tehcnique. After that, compatible MTM-based sensor structure was designed and proposed. In order to find out the effect of the humidity on the concrete material, all samples were kept in the water pool for 28 days, the samples were then taken out and the temperature effect on the concrete materials was observed by increasing the heat up to 30[Formula: see text] and 70[Formula: see text] in the oven. The simulated resonance frequency shifts were observed at 910 MHz for concrete material sensor, 120 MHz for humidity sensor validation and 400 MHz for temperature sensor applications. By having large bandwidth in different fiber contents and validating the physical sensor applications as temperature and humidity, it was shown that the proposed study has novelty in the area of MTM-based sensor applications when it is compared with current state-of-the-art.
Stokes and anti-Stokes quantum fields from a mesoscopic microparticle with cylindrical geometry: Orientation, size and angular-dependence of spectra
Authors: Loh W. M. Edmund
Published: February 2020

We present a semi-analytical theory to describe the nonlinear scattering of Raman photon pairs from a cylindrical microparticle comprising of quantum particles in double Raman configuration. The normally ordered Stokes and anti-Stokes spectra are computed to gain insights into the quantum optical properties of the system and the variation of the spectra with microparticle’s size, orientation as well as observation angles are also analyzed and compared with the results obtained in our previous work involving mesoscopic spherical particle. Our results show several features in the spectra that are unique to the case of cylindrical microparticle and not found in the spherical particle case, such as the shifting of the side peaks originally formed due to ac Stark shifts towards the center at certain range of particle radius values, occurrence of side peaks with magnitudes comparable to that of the central peak, formation of additional peaks at certain observation angles and strong dependence of the spectra on the microparticle’s cylinder axis orientation. Most of these effects are either caused by the inhomogeneity of the incident pump and control laser fields within the volume of the cylindrical microparticle or simply due to the lack of three-dimensional symmetry of cylindrical geometry.
Impedance Source-based Multilevel Inverter: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Rahul Jammy Ramesh , Das Chinmay Kumar , Annamalai Kirubakaran , Somasekhar Veeramraju Tirumala
Published: February 2020

Impedance source-based multilevel inverters are becoming popular for emerging power generation technologies such as fuel cells, photovoltaic, and wind turbines. It is one of the most promising power electronic interfaces for single stage DC/AC conversion with inherent buck-boost capability. Therefore, in this paper, an extensive review of emerging impedance source-based multilevel inverter (Z-MLI) topologies is presented. These topologies are developed by the combination of impedance source network and multilevel inverter (MLI) with the merits of high voltage gain, enhanced reliability due to shoot-through immunity, improved input voltage regulation, reduced filter size, and better quality of supply. Most of the recent Z-MLI topologies are based on quasi-Z-source network which operates with continuous input current. In order to identify a suitable topology, an exhaustive comparison is made with various configurations of Z-MLIs in terms of component count, boost gain, switching stress, and control complexity.
Frobenius action on Carter subgroups
Authors: Ercan Güli̇n , Güloğlu İsmai̇l Ş.
Published: February 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite solvable group and [Formula: see text] be a subgroup of [Formula: see text]. Suppose that there exists an [Formula: see text]-invariant Carter subgroup [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] such that the semidirect product [Formula: see text] is a Frobenius group with kernel [Formula: see text] and complement [Formula: see text]. We prove that the terms of the Fitting series of [Formula: see text] are obtained as the intersection of [Formula: see text] with the corresponding terms of the Fitting series of [Formula: see text], and the Fitting height of [Formula: see text] may exceed the Fitting height of [Formula: see text] by at most one. As a corollary it is shown that for any set of primes [Formula: see text], the terms of the [Formula: see text]-series of [Formula: see text] are obtained as the intersection of [Formula: see text] with the corresponding terms of the [Formula: see text]-series of [Formula: see text], and the [Formula: see text]-length of [Formula: see text] may exceed the [Formula: see text]-length of [Formula: see text] by at most one. These theorems generalize the main results in [E. I. Khukhro, Fitting height of a finite group with a Frobenius group of automorphisms, J. Algebra 366 (2012) 1–11] obtained by Khukhro.
A kinetic theory approach for modelling tumour and macrophages heterogeneity and plasticity during cancer progression
Authors: Eftimie R. , Gibelli L.
Published: February 2020

The heterogeneity and plasticity of macrophages have become a topic of great interest, due to their role in various diseases ranging from cancer to bacterial infections. While initial experimental studies assumed an extreme polarisation situation, with the (anti-tumour) M1 and (pro-tumour) M2 macrophages representing the two extreme cell phenotypes, more recent studies showed a continuum of macrophages polarisation phenotypes. Here, we focus on tumour-macrophage interactions and develop a mathematical model based on kinetic equations for active particles to describe (i) the dynamics of macrophages with a continuum of diverse functional states, ranging from pro-tumour to anti-tumour states; and (ii) the dynamics of tumour cells with a variety of progression (i.e. mutation) states. With the help of this model we show that the growth of solid tumours is associated with an increased clonal heterogeneity, as well as with an increased macrophages phenotypic heterogeneity (caused by a shift from an initial anti-tumour M1-like phenotype to a mixed M1–M2 phenotype). Moreover, we show that the assumption of exponential tumour/immune cell growth leads to an unbounded macrophages growth, which is biologically unrealistic. In contrast, the assumption of logistic tumour/immune cell growth can lead to tumour dormancy (under the control of immune cells), or to tumour growth towards smaller/larger sizes which depend on various model parameters. Finally, we show that tumour dormancy is associated with an increase in the clonal heterogeneity of tumour cells and in the phenotypic heterogeneity of macrophages.
Twisted Alexander polynomials of torus links
Authors: Kitano Teruaki , Morifuji Takayuki , Tran Anh T.
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we give an explicit formula for the twisted Alexander polynomial of any torus link and show that it is a locally constant function on the [Formula: see text]-character variety. We also discuss similar things for the higher-dimensional twisted Alexander polynomial and the Reidemeister torsion.
Reliability Assessment of Software System Using IFS and OWA-Tree Analysis
Authors: Tandon Abhishek , Neha  , Aggarwal Anu G. , Jaiswal Ajay
Published: February 2020

To address the software design and development, reliability assessment is considered as crucial and most important task. Several studies have been directed towards reliability assessment approaches for obtaining highly reliable software product. In conventional reliability theory, failure probability of any component is assumed as an exact value but in actuality it’s not possible to get failure probability precisely. In this study, we have proposed an approach to assess the reliability of a software system with vague failure rate of the components as the given information might be incomplete or uncertain. It is a bottom–top methodology which includes the combination of intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) theory and ordered weighted averaging (OWA) tree analysis. Using IFS, we are able to come over the vagueness in the failure rate data and by using OWA-tree, we incorporate the subjectivity in the opinion of software developers with respect to selection of module. Further, for the illustration of the proposed approach one numerical example has been discussed and software reliability is assessed based upon different orness level.
On the multiplicity of character degrees of nonsolvable groups
Authors: Sayanjali Z. , Akhlaghi Z. , Khosravi B.
Published: February 2020

A finite group [Formula: see text] is said to be a [Formula: see text]-group for some integer [Formula: see text], if there exist two distinct nontrivial degrees [Formula: see text] such that the multiplicities of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively, and for every [Formula: see text] the multiplicity of [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] is trivial. In this paper, we prove that if [Formula: see text] is a nonsolvable [Formula: see text]-group, then [Formula: see text] and we determine all nonsolvable [Formula: see text]-groups.
5″ diameter PIN-PMN-PT crystal growth by the Bridgman method
Authors: Guo Haisheng , Song Kexin , Li Zhenrong , Fan Shiji , Xu Zhuo
Published: February 2020

Pb([Formula: see text][Formula: see text])O3-Pb([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]O3-PbTiO3 (PIN-PMN-PT) relaxor ferroelectric crystals in 5″ diameter by 5″ length were grown by the Bridgman (BR) method for the first time. Typical issues in the crystal growth concerning large volume of the melt, high density of the crystal and corrosion of the melt on the wall of Pt crucible are discussed.
Adaptive Workflow Scheduling Using Evolutionary Approach in Cloud Computing
Authors: Jaybhaye Sangita M. , Attar Vahida Z.
Published: February 2020

Cloud services are used to achieve diverse computing needs such as cost, security, scalability, and availability. Acceleration evolution in the distributed and cloud domains is common for large and dynamic workflows deployment. Resources and task mapping depend on the user’s objectives such as reduction in cost or execution completion within the stipulated time in consideration with certain quality of services. Multiple virtual machine instances can be launched by defining different configurations such as operating system, server types, and applications. Though workflow scheduling is an NP-Hard problem, variety of decision-making techniques are available for optimum resource allocation. In this research paper, different algorithms are studied and compared with evolutionary approaches. Workflow scheduling using genetic algorithm is implemented and discussed. This paper aims to design a decision-making technique to optimize resources of cloud. It is an adaptive scheduling to maximize profit by reducing execution time. The approach implemented is useful to cloud service providers to maximize profit and resource efficiency in their services.
Condition Monitoring of Equipment in Oil Wells using Deep Learning
Authors: Imamverdiyev Yadigar N. , Abdullayeva Fargana J.
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a fault prediction method for oil well equipment based on the analysis of time series data obtained from multiple sensors is proposed. The proposed method is based on deep learning (DL). For this purpose, comparative analysis of single-layer long short-term memory (LSTM) with the convolutional neural network (CNN) and stacked LSTM methods is provided. To demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method, some experiments are conducted on the real data set obtained from eight sensors installed in oil wells. In this paper, compared to the single-layer LSTM model, the CNN and stacked LSTM predicted the faulty time series with a minimal loss.
Heterogeneity of Seismic Wave Velocity in Earth's Mantle
Authors: Ritsema Jeroen , Lekić Vedran
Published: February 2020

Seismology provides important constraints on the structure and dynamics of the deep mantle. Computational and methodological advances in the past two decades improved tomographic imaging of the mantle and revealed the fine-scale structure of plumes ascending from the core-mantle boundary region and slabs of oceanic lithosphere sinking into the lower mantle. We discuss the modeling aspects of global tomography including theoretical approximations, data selection, and model fidelity and resolution. Using spectral, principal component, and cluster analyses, we highlight the robust patterns of seismic heterogeneity, which inform us of flow in the mantle, the history of plate motions, and potential compositionally distinct reservoirs. In closing, we emphasize that data mining of vast collections of seismic waveforms and new data from distributed acoustic sensing, autonomous hydrophones, ocean-bottom seismometers, and correlation-based techniques will boost the development of the next generation of global models of density, seismic velocity, and attenuation. ▪  Seismic tomography reveals the 100-km to 1,000-km scale variation of seismic velocity heterogeneity in the mantle. ▪  Tomographic images are the most important geophysical constraints on mantle circulation and evolution.
Lactonase Activity, Status, and Genetic Variations of Paraoxonase 1 in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zhou Mi , Liu Xing-Hui , Liu Qing-Qing , Chen Meng , Bai Huai , Guan Lin-Bo , Fan Ping
Published: February 2020

Background. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is a calcium-dependent multifunctional enzyme that binds to high-density lipoproteins. The physiological function of PON1 is related to its lactonase activity. However, this activity has not been analyzed in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The present study investigated the lactonase activities and status of PON1 and their association with PON1 genetic variants and oxidative stress indices in Chinese women with GDM. Methods. This is a case-control study of 347 women with GDM and 288 women with uncomplicated pregnancies. PON1 levels and lactonase activities were analyzed using 7-O-diethylphosphoryl-3-cyano-4-methyl-7-hydroxycoumarin (DEPCyMC) and 5-thiobutyl butyrolactone (TBBL), respectively. A normalized lactonase activity (NLA) was estimated based on the ratio of TBBLase to DEPCyMCase activity. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels, and PON1 genetic polymorphisms were also analyzed. Results. PON1 lactonase activity and levels of TOS, TAC, and MDA were higher in the GDM women compared with the control women. The PON1 -108C→T genetic variation decreased the levels and lactonase activities of PON1 in a genotype-dependent manner in the patient and control groups. GDM patients with the PON1 -108TT genotype displayed lower NLA than those with the -108CC or -108CT genotype. GDM patients with the RR genotype of PON1 192Q/R polymorphism had significantly lower PON1 lactonase activities and NLA and tended to have decreased PON1 levels compared with those with the QQ or QR genotype. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that the PON1 -108C/T or 192Q/R variations, apolipoprotein (apo) A1, apoB, TAC, MDA, or age was significant predictors of the levels, lactonase activities, or NLA of PON1. Conclusions. The lactonase activities of PON1 are increased in women with GDM. PON1 genetic variants, increased oxidative stress, and abnormalities in lipoproteins may be associated with these changes.
Clinical and Biomechanical Outcomes of One-Stage Treatment of a Simultaneous Ipsilateral Patellar Tendon and ACL Tear Combined with a Tibial Plateau Fracture: A Case Study
Authors: Ismailidis Petros , Kernen Rolf , Egloff Christian , Nüesch Corina , Mündermann Annegret , Müller Sebastian Andreas
Published: February 2020

Simultaneous ipsilateral patellar tendon (PT) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a rare injury. Associated meniscal and ligamentous injuries are common but frequently initially missed. In contrast, to date, there is no report of associated fractures. We report on a 40-year-old female Caucasian patient presenting with a ski injury resulting in simultaneous ipsilateral patellar tendon and ACL tear combined with a tibia plateau fracture and a medial and lateral meniscus lesion. ORIF of the tibia as well as one-stage primary reconstruction of the PT and ACL and suturing of the menisci was conducted. The final follow-up was 2 years postoperatively. Lower extremity kinematic, kinetic, and muscle activity measurements were conducted. Although the clinical result was excellent, altered joint kinematics went along with large side-to-side difference in hip and knee joint moments during midstance and terminal stance. During weight acceptance, vastus medialis and hamstring muscles showed greater relative activity in the injured than the uninjured side. This case demonstrates the possibility of excellent early and midterm results with a one-stage approach and suitable rehabilitation scheme. Biomechanical measurements could further help evaluate the outcome of the treatments and implications for the development of potential secondary damage.
Malaria Parasitemia in Febrile Patients Mono- and Coinfected with Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Attending Sanja Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Getaneh Fantahun , Zeleke Ayalew Jejaw , Lemma Wossenseged , Tegegne Yalewayker
Published: February 2020

Background. Malaria is a life-threatening disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. Helminths are among the most widespread infectious agents prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of the developing world. Malaria and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STHs) are coendemic and major public health problems in Ethiopia. The effects of helminth coinfection on malaria parasitemia remained poorly understood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess malaria parasitemia among malaria-monoinfected and malaria-soil-transmitted helminthiasis–coinfected febrile patients attending Sanja Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study with parallel groups was conducted to assess malaria parasitemia among malaria-monoinfected and malaria-soil-transmitted helminthiasis–coinfected febrile patients in Sanja Hospital from January to March 2019. Double population proportion formula was used for sample size calculation, and convenient sampling technique was used to select 134 study participants. Data were entered and analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed. A P value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results. From 134 malaria-positive study participants, 67 were malaria-monoinfected and 67 were malaria-STHs–coinfected patients. Out of 67 malaria STHs-coinfected patients, 54 (80.6%) were infected with hookworm followed by Ascaris lumbricoides 11 (16.4%) and Strongyloides stercoralis 2 (3%). The mean Plasmodium parasite density was significantly higher in malaria-STHs–coinfected patients than in patients infected with only Plasmodium parasites (P=0.027). The intensities of hookworm infection showed a positive association with Plasmodium parasite densities (F=6.953, P=0.002). Conclusions. Infections with STHs, especially hookworm, were positively associated with Plasmodium parasite density. The current study finding also revealed that increased worm burden of hookworm as expressed by egg intensity had significantly increased Plasmodium parasite density.
Clinical Impact of the Bolus in Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy and Volumetric-Modulated Arc Therapy for Stage I–II Nasal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Liu Xianfeng , Wang Ying , Guo Qishuai , Luo Huanli , Luo Qian , Li Qicheng , Wu Zhijuan , Jin Fu
Published: February 2020

Introduction: To estimate the clinical impact of bolus in intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for stage I–II nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NNKTCL), including target quality, organs at risk (OARs) sparing, and tumor control probability (TCP). Methods: Two different treatment plans were designed in IMRT and VMAT for 10 stage I–II NNKTCL patients. The clinical plans added bolus perfectly contacting the nose skin, similar to common clinical planning design practices. The edited bolus plans resulted from dose recalculation with the edited bolus, which simulated the actual shape of a commercial flat bolus during treatment. All the plans were with no beam passing through the couch avoiding beam attenuation caused by the couch. Differences between both types of plans in target quality, OARs sparing, and TCP were evaluated. Results: Compared with clinical plans, the D98%, D2%, Dmean, and TCP of edited bolus plans with IMRT slightly decreased (p = 0.002, 0.015, 0.000, and 0.000), the homogeneity index increased 8.33% (p = 0.024), and the doses to a small number of OARs slightly changed. Similar results were obtained for VMAT. Conclusion: The bolus deformation in practical clinical treatment resulted clinically in tiny changes with respect to the target coverage, OARs sparing, and TCP in both IMRT and VMAT for stage I–II NNKTCL. This implied that the clinical impact of the boluscan be negligible when utilizing it to increase the dose to irregularly shaped tumors in the nasal area.