bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Defects in Children with Cardiac Anomalies/Malformations: Noonan and CFC Syndromes
Authors: Kumari Divya , Chaudhary Deepti , Panigrahi Inusha , Rohit Manoj K.
Published: December 2020

Cardiac defects presenting in childhood show significant phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. With availability of advanced genetic technologies, these can be detected early using specialized testing. Prenatal testing is currently feasible with improved ultrasonography and fetal echocardiography. Here, we report two cases of Noonan's and cardiofaciocutaneous syndromes in patients seen in the genetic unit of a tertiary care center presenting with cardiac defect with or without developmental delay, short stature, and dysmorphism. In these conditions, there is also increased risk of malignancy such as juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia. With the advent of next-generation sequencing, definitive diagnosis and counseling is possible in this group of conditions.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Excess Perinatal Mortality and Morbidity in Israel
Authors: Mor Matan , Kugler Nadav , Jauniaux Eric , Betser Moshe , Wiener Yifat , Cuckle Howard , Maymon Ron
Published: December 2020

Objective The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with excess mortality and morbidity in adults and teenagers over 14 years of age, but there is still limited evidence on the direct and indirect impact of the pandemic on pregnancy. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on obstetrical emergency attendance in a low-risk population and the corresponding perinatal outcomes.

Study Design This is a single center retrospective cohort study of all singleton births between February 21 and April 30. Prenatal emergency labor ward admission numbers and obstetric outcomes during the peak of the first COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 in Israel were compared with the combined corresponding periods for the years 2017 to 2019.

Results During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the mean number of prenatal emergency labor ward admissions was lower, both by daily count and per woman, in comparison to the combined matching periods in 2017, 2018, and 2019 (48.6 ± 12.2 vs. 57.8 ± 14.4, p < 0.0001 and 1.74 ± 1.1 vs. 1.92 ± 1.2, p < 0.0001, respectively). A significantly (p = 0.0370) higher rate of stillbirth was noted in the study group (0.4%) compared with the control group (0.1%). All study group patients were negative for COVID-19. Gestational age at delivery, rates of premature delivery at <28, 34, and 37 weeks, pregnancy complications, postdate delivery at >40 and 41 weeks, mode of delivery, and numbers of emergency cesarean deliveries were similar in both groups. There was no difference in the intrapartum fetal death rate between the groups.

Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic stay-at-home policy combined with patient fear of contracting the disease in hospital could explain the associated higher rate of stillbirth. This collateral perinatal damage follows a decreased in prenatal emergency labor ward admissions during the first wave of COVID-19 in Israel.

Key Points
Together: Navy Reserve's Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dutta Eryn Hart , Barker Michael , Gherman Robert
Published: December 2020

Under the direction of U.S. Northern Command for COVID-19 pandemic response efforts, approximately 500 Navy Reserve medical professionals were deployed to the New York City area from April to June 2020. Some of these providers were asked to serve in 11 overburdened local hospitals to augment clinic staffs that were exhausted from the battle against coronavirus. Two maternal/fetal medicine physicians were granted emergency clinical providers to assist in these efforts.

Key Points
Analysis of energy exchanges during the interaction between pulsed lightning arcs and metallic plates
Authors: Sousa Martins R. , Rivière Ph. , Zaepffel C. , Passilly F. , Soufiani A.
Published: December 2020

Lightning electrical arcs lead to high temperature and high pressure air plasmas where radiation is a dominant energy transfer mechanism. The aim of this work is to evaluate the energy exchanges during the arc–electrode interaction for metallic plates impacted by pulsed lightning arcs that can reach 100 kA, with a peak time of around 13 μs and a full width at half maximum of 40 μs. Rear surface temperatures are measured with an infrared camera, and an experimental parametric study on current amplitude, material, plate thickness, and arc polarity is performed, with a total of 18 studied configurations. An inverse method using the heat conduction equation and taking into account Joule heating is applied to estimate the incoming heat flux at the plate surface. To compare with experimental results and to analyze the contribution of radiative transfer, calculations of the incoming radiative flux from the arc column on the plate are performed. Experimental time- and space-resolved temperature and pressure distributions of the arc column are used for these computations, which are performed using a line-by-line calculation based on accurate plasma spectroscopic data, in association with a ray tracing method. An energy budget analysis is proposed, and the influence of the different mechanisms is discussed. A transferred energy higher than 300 J is observed for the 100 kA current waveform. The comparisons show that the radiative flux from the arc channel can play an important role in the energy balance at the plate surface.
Laminar supersonic sphere wake unstable bifurcations
Authors: Sansica A. , Ohmichi Y. , Robinet J.-Ch. , Hashimoto A.
Published: December 2020

The laminar sphere unstable bifurcations are sought at a Mach number of M∞ = 1.2. Global stability performed on steady axisymmetric base flows determines the regular bifurcation critical Reynolds number at Recrreg=650, identifying a steady planar-symmetric mode to cause the loss of the wake axisymmetry. When global stability is performed on steady planar-symmetric base flows, a Hopf bifurcation is found at RecrHopf=875 and an oscillatory planar-symmetric mode is temporally amplified. Despite some differences due to highly compressible effects, the supersonic unstable bifurcations present remarkably similar characteristics to their incompressible counterparts, indicating a robust laminar wake behavior over a large range of flow speeds. A new bifurcation for steady planar-symmetric base flow solutions is found above Re > 1000, caused by an anti-symmetric mode consisting of a 90° rotation of the dominant mode. To investigate this reflectional symmetry breaking bifurcation in the nonlinear framework, unsteady nonlinear calculations are carried out up to Re = 1300 and dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) based on the combination of input data low-dimensionalization and compressive sensing is used. While the DMD analysis confirms dominance and correspondence in terms of modal spatial distribution with respect to the global stability mode responsible for the Hopf bifurcation, no reflectional symmetry breaking DMD modes were found, asserting that the reflectional symmetry breaking instability is not observable in the nonlinear dynamics. The increased complexity of the wake dynamics at Re = 1300 can be instead explained by nonlinear interactions that suggest the low-frequency unsteadiness to be linked to the destabilization of the hairpin vortex shedding limit cycle.
The effects of vacancy and heteroatoms-doping on the stability, electronic and magnetic properties of blue phosphorene
Authors: Chen Jingjin , Wang Zhiyong , Dai Xueqiong , Xiao Jianrong , Long Mengqiu , Xu Liang
Published: December 2020

In this work, we have systematically studied the stability, electronic structure and magnetic properties of the pristine, four defect states case of blue phosphorene and the six heteroatoms doping in blue phosphorene by first-principles calculations. In our findings, both defects and heteroatoms doping can regulate the band gap of blue phosphorene and the transition from indirect to direct band gap can be dramatically tuned by DV1BP, DV2BP and Al, Si atoms substitutional doping in blue phosphorene. The presence of defects and heteroatoms doping effectively modulates the electronic properties of blue phosphorene, rendering the defect-containing phosphorene semiconducting with a tunable band gap. Spin–orbit coupling can be induced by introducing SV-, DV- defects in blue phosphorene. The results provide theoretical guidance for future bandgap regulation and magnetism, defective and substitutional doping blue phosphorene may have potential electro-optical and electromagnetic applications.
Increasing the accumulation of aptamer AS1411 and verapamil conjugated silver nanoparticles in tumor cells to enhance the radiosensitivity of glioma
Authors: Zhao Jing , Li Dongdong , Ma Jun , Yang Huiquan , Chen Wenbin , Cao Yuyu , Liu Peidang
Published: December 2020

Radioresistance significantly decreases the efficacy of radiotherapy, which can ultimately lead to tumor recurrence and metastasis. As a novel type of nano-radiosensitizer, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have shown promising radiosensitizing properties in the radiotherapy of glioma, but their ability to efficiently enter and accumulate in tumor cells needs to be improved. In the current study, AS1411 and verapamil (VRP) conjugated bovine serum albumin (BSA) coated AgNPs (AgNPs@BSA-AS-VRP) were synthesized and characterized. Dark-field imaging and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were applied to investigate the accumulation of AgNPs@BSA-AS and AgNPs@BSA-AS-VRP mixed in different ratios in U251 glioma cells. To assess the influences of 19:1 mixed AgNPs@BSA-AS and AgNPs@BSA-AS-VRP on the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux activity, rhodamine 123 accumulation assay was carried out. Colony formation assay and tumor-bearing nude mice model were employed to examine the radiosensitizing potential of 19:1 mixed AgNPs@BSA-AS and AgNPs@BSA-AS-VRP. Thioredoxin Reductase (TrxR) Assay Kit was used to detect the TrxR activity in cells treated with different functionally modified AgNPs. Characterization results revealed that AgNPs@BSA-AS-VRP were successfully constructed. When AgNPs@BSA-AS and AgNPs@BSA-AS-VRP were mixed in a ratio of 19:1, the amount of intracellular nanoparticles increased greatly through AS1411-mediated active targeting and inhibition of P-gp activity. In vitro and in vivo experiments clearly showed that the radiosensitization efficacy of 19:1 mixed AgNPs@BSA-AS and AgNPs@BSA-AS-VRP was much stronger than that of AgNPs@BSA and AgNPs@BSA-AS. It was also found that 19:1 mixed AgNPs@BSA-AS and AgNPs@BSA-AS-VRP significantly inhibited intracellular TrxR activity. These results indicate that 19:1 mixed AgNPs@BSA-AS and AgNPs@BSA-AS-VRP can effectively accumulate in tumor cells and have great potential as high-efficiency nano-radiosensitizers in the radiotherapy of glioma.
The impact of variable relative biological effectiveness in proton therapy for left-sided breast cancer when estimating normal tissue complications in the heart and lung
Authors: Marteinsdottir Maria , Wang Chia-Chun , McNamara Aimee , Depauw Nicolas , Shin Jungwook , Paganetti Harald
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical impact of relative biological effectiveness (RBE) variations in proton beam scanning treatment (PBS) for left-sided breast cancer versus the assumption of a fixed RBE of 1.1, particularly in the context of comparisons with photon-based three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Ten patients receiving radiation treatment to the whole breast/chest wall and regional lymph nodes were selected for each modality. For PBS, the dose distributions were re-calculated with both a fixed RBE and a variable RBE using an empirical RBE model. Dosimetric indices based on dose-volume histogram analysis were calculated for the entire heart wall, left anterior descending artery (LAD) and left lung. Furthermore, normal tissue toxicity probabilities for different endpoints were evaluated. The results show that applying a variable RBE significantly increases the RBE-weighted dose and consequently the calculated dosimetric indices increases for all organs compared to a fixed RBE. The mean dose to the heart and the maximum dose to the LAD and the left lung are significantly lower for PBS assuming a fixed RBE compared to 3DCRT. However, no statistically significant difference is seen when a variable RBE is applied. For a fixed RBE, lung toxicities are significantly lower compared to 3DCRT but when applying a variable RBE, no statistically significant differences are noted. A disadvantage is seen for VMAT over both PBS and 3DCRT. One-to-one plan comparison on 8 patients between PBS and 3DCRT shows similar results. We conclude that dosimetric analysis for all organs and toxicity estimation for the left lung might be underestimated when applying a fixed RBE for protons. Potential RBE variations should therefore be considered as uncertainty bands in outcome analysis.
Study on magnetic anisotropy and magnetocaloric effect of Co50V34Ga16 alloy
Authors: Wu Meng , Qian Yuetong , Liu Hongwei , Ni Zhenting , Chen Wei , Li Chunsheng , Si Xiaodong , Lin Jia , Li Zhe , Liu Yongsheng
Published: December 2020

This article reported the magnetocaloric properties and magnetic anisotropy of Co50V34Ga16 alloy with directional solidification direction. The Curie temperatures of this alloy in the three directions are 214 K, 214 K, and 216 K for a, b, and c, respectively. The maximum values of inverse magnetic entropy change below 205K under a magnetic field of 5 T are 1.0306 J kg−1·K−1, 1.155 J kg−1·K−1, and 1.1834 J kg−1·K−1, respectively. For the temperature higher than 205K, the maximum values of magnetic entropy change of the three directions under a magnetic field of 5 T are −1.2232 J kg−1·K−1, −1.2267 J kg−1·K−1, and −1.225 J kg−1·K−1, respectively. Moreover, the Landau theory is used to calculate the magnetic entropy change consistent with the experimental results of Maxwell equation.
Optical solutions to the Kundu-Mukherjee-Naskar equation: mathematical and graphical analysis with oblique wave propagation
Authors: Kumar Dipankar , Paul Gour Chandra , Biswas Tapos , Seadawy Aly R , Baowali Rakib , Kamal Mostafa , Rezazadeh Hadi
Published: December 2020

This paper retrieves some new optical solutions to the Kundu–Mukherjee–Naskar (KMN) equation in the context of nonlinear optical fiber communication systems. In this regard, a complex transformation is applied to the integer-order KMN equation for converting it to an ordinary differential equation (ODE). Then, the generalized Kudryashov method (gKM) and the new auxiliary equation method (NAEM) are employed to the ODE. As consequence, dark, bright, periodic

U

-shaped, and singular soliton solutions are explored to the ODE. The discrepancies between the results obtained in the present study and the previously obtained solutions through different methods are discussed. Furthermore, the time-fractional derivative and an oblique wave transformation in conjunction with the mentioned methods are executed to the fractional-order KMN equation. All obtained wave solutions are found to be new in terms of fractionality, wave obliqueness, and applied methods sense. The effects of obliqueness and fractionality on the attained solutions are demonstrated graphically along with its physical descriptions. It is found that the optical wave phenomena are changed with the increase of obliqueness as well as fractionality. It is also found that both the applied methods are suitable for acquiring new optical soliton features to the KMN equation with or without fractional and obliqueness conditions. However, the NAEM is capable of exploring more solutions of the considered equation over the gKM. Precisely, it can be assured that the utilized methods and the relevant transformation are powerful over the other methods. Therefore, the methods can be applied for further studies to explain the various physical phenomena arising in optical fiber communication systems.
Amplituhedra, and beyond
Authors: Ferro Livia , Łukowski Tomasz
Published: December 2020

This review is a primer on recently established geometric methods for observables in quantum field theories. The main emphasis is on amplituhedra, i.e. geometries encoding scattering amplitudes for a variety of theories. These pertain to a broader family of geometries called positive geometries, whose basics we review. We also describe other members of this family that are associated with different physical quantities and briefly consider the most recent developments related to positive geometries. Finally, we discuss the main open problems in the field. This is a Topical Review invited by Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical.
System Integration of Urban Agglomerations and Haze Governance in China
Authors: Du Cong , Liang Changyi , Liu Xiuyan
Published: December 2020

It is urgent to explore the path of urban haze governance, and regional integration is a feasible route. This paper uses the characteristics of urban agglomeration integration and PM2.5 spatial distribution raster data to investigate the impact of urban agglomeration institutional integration on haze pollution in Chinese cities. Improving the integration of urban agglomeration systems has a significant inhibitory effect on urban haze pollution, and from a numerical point of view, for every 1% increase in the level of urban agglomeration integration, the average urban haze concentration will drop by 0.08%-0.10%. The policy enlightenment of this paper is that the government should accelerate the integration of urban agglomeration systems, strengthen cooperation in environmental protection between regions, to promote urban haze reduction.
Research on safety culture development in urban community
Authors: Wang Jian , Ma Yingnan , Zheng Yun , Lyu Ziyang
Published: December 2020

The research scope of safety culture development in urban community is urban community. The purpose of this study is to further improve the safety atmosphere of urban communities, reduce the safety risk of urban community, and ensure the harmonious and happy life of residents. This paper discusses the content and mode of the safety culture development in urban community, and puts forward the promotion mechanism of the safety culture development in urban community. This study is of great significance to enhance the ability of urban community security and risk prevention and control, enhance the sense of access, happiness and security of residents, and ensure the safety, harmony and sustainable development of the city.
Social benefit assessment of urban utility tunnels planned in unbuilt new area: a case study of Xiong’an New Area
Authors: Zhang Ziyun , Zhang Hui , Ma Chenxiao
Published: December 2020

Urban utility tunnels (UUTs) have the social benefit of providing careful management and keeping maintenance and repair work underground, avoiding causing disruption or damage to the aboveground environment which is always the case with directly buried pipelines. Previous studies have developed several methods for valuating those benefits with high demand on data and field surveys. Problems therefore arise when UUTs are planned to be built in unbuilt new areas where there is a lack of data required and practicality in doing surveys. This paper provides adapted valuation methods and instructions for calculating social benefits of UUTs under this circumstance, by taking the UUT project in Xiong’an New Area, China as an example. Though bearing inevitable uncertainties, the method is useful for making a quick and workable estimation. Some suggestion is then given on further improvement and development.
Prediction of Metro Short-term Entry Flow Based on Passenger Flow Characteristic Analysis
Authors: Zhao Shuzhi , Zhang Chongyu , Liu Huasheng
Published: December 2020

Prediction of short-term incoming passenger flow at metro stations is of great significance to the stable operation of Metro networks. Taking AFC data of Chengdu Metro as data source, based on Stochastic Forest model, support vector machine regression model and neural network model in machine learning method, this paper makes short-term prediction of metro entry flow and comparative analysis of three models. Metro stations are divided into four types according to the passenger flow characteristics: residential type, commercial type, business type and terminal type. Three models are trained in workdays and weekends conditions for different types of stations. The average absolute percentage error (MAPE) and root mean square error (RMSE) were used to evaluate the accuracy and stability of the prediction results. The results show that BP neural network has the best comprehensive performance and random forest has better prediction accuracy for stations with strong periodicity.
An Empirical Analysis of the Impact of Urbanization on the Sharing Economy of 100 Cities in China
Authors: Huang Lu , Li Yuan , Zhang Huaping , Yan Jinjiang
Published: December 2020

The sharing economy is an urban phenomenon. The process of urbanization promotes the development of sharing economy. Taking sharing travel as an example, this paper constructs an econometric model of the impact of urbanization on the development of sharing economy, and conducts an empirical study based on the relevant data of 100 large, medium and small cities in China. The empirical analyses reveal that the level of urbanization, urban trust, urban Internet technology and urban innovation have significant positive correlations with the development of sharing economy. After controlling the influence of other factors in the model, for every 1% increase in urbanization level, the development level of urban sharing economy increases by 0.31%; for every 1% increase in the level of urban trust, the development level of urban sharing economy increases by 4.54%. Therefore, in order to promote the development of urban sharing economy, it is necessary for the government to strengthen the urbanization construction and improve the level of urbanization. In addition, increasing the level of urban social trust also provides new ideas for the development of sharing economy.
Process synthesis and optimization of SiO2/PVDF mixed-matrix membrane for oil-water emulsion separation
Authors: Teow Y H , Solihuddin M I
Published: December 2020

In this study, and optimized silicon oxide (SiO2)/polyvinyledene fluoride (PVDF) mixed-matrix membrane formulation was developed using response surface methodology (RSM). SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) concentration (1-3%), silane solution concentration (1:100-3:100 ratio of silane to ethanol) and duration of silanization process (240-600 s) were identified as the factor in affecting the membrane performance, both permeate flux and rejection. The synthesized membranes were characterized in terms of membrane pore size, porosity, surface roughness, and surface wettability. The optimum SiO2/PVDF mixed-matrix membrane formulation was obtained with 2.9% SiO2 NPs concentration, 2.22:100 ratio of silane to ethanol, with 496 seconds of salination process duration. The optimum SiO2/PVDF mixed-matrix membrane formulation exhibited an extraordinarily high oil droplets rejection (92.01%) with 27.57 L/m2 h of permeate flux at 1 bar of operating pressure.
Experimental study on clogging and water quality change during artificial recharge
Authors: Huang X D , Li W
Published: December 2020

In this paper, an experimental sand column was used to investigate the clogging process and water quality changes simultaneously during artificial recharge. Clogging was described quantitatively according to the changes of hydraulic conductivity, whilst several important water quality parameters, such as SS, total bacterial count, DO, TOC, total nitrogen, total phosphorus were measured at regular time intervals during recharge. After 80 hours of continuous recharge, the hydraulic conductivity of the upper column (10-15cm) and the lower(15-55cm) decreased from 1.23×10−4m/s to 9.84×10−5m/s and from 1.23×10−4m/s to 1.06×10−4m/s, respectively. This was thought to be due to physical clogging by suspended solids and then biological clogging by biomass accumulation along the columns. The sand column had significant self-purification effect on suspended matter, bacteria, TOC, permanganate index, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, copper, etc. The filtration and adsorption effect of the upper column were much stronger than that of the lower, so the clogging of the upper was more severe. The results of this study will provide technical support for the implementation of large-scale artificial recharge in the Liaolan groundwater funnel area of Qingdao.
Analysis of influence of mesh partition on Mike21 calculation in flood impact assessment
Authors: Zuo J , Zhang H X , Deng S , Gu P , Lian L L
Published: December 2020

In order to study the impact of different grid mesh sizes on the calculation results of the model in the analysis of flood impact assessment, this paper takes the newly constructed bridge between the Niushou and Xiangyang sections of the Hanjiang River as an example. It simulates the influences of bridge construction on river flow under the six schemes of setting the bridge pier as a solid boundary, no internal mesh generation, and not participating in numerical calculation, and dividing the bridge pier local mesh size into 2m, 4m, 6m, 8m, and 10m. The results show that different grid sizes in the project have an effect on the river water level and the range of water level changes. The smaller the local grid size of the project relative to the building size, the greater the maximum water level change value, and the closer it is to the calculated value of the bridge pier as a solid boundary. By adding piers module of the model to generalize the project, the water level change in the model results is significantly smaller. Under the same water level change conditions, the larger the mesh size, the greater the scope of the project. For projects located in important river sections with significant water blocking effects, it is recommended that buildings be used as solid boundaries without participating in generating meshes or modifying local terrain to simulate the effects of water flow. The results are more in line with actual conditions.
Evaluation of Liao River estuary with cumulative and sudden risk assessment methods
Authors: Shi E , Shang Y C , Li Y F , Zhang M
Published: December 2020

In order to strengthen the management of water environment, cumulative and sudden risks were integrated into risk assessment of water environment. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to empower the index system. The cumulative and sudden risks of water environment were divided into five levels. The zoning matrix of risk level was applied to evaluate Liao River estuary area. The evaluation results were basically consistent with the field survey results. Although the cumulative risk of Liaoning province in 2011-2017 showed a downward trend, it is still in a high-risk state. The investment in water treatment, the number of water treatment equipment and water quality were the major factors that affect the cumulative risk, and the critical enterprises around the Liao River estuary are the main factors that affect the sudden risk. The above indicators were controlled can reduce the water environment risk.
Efficient second harmonic generation in lithium niobate on insulator waveguides and its pitfalls
Authors: Boes Andreas , Chang Lin , Nguyen Thach , Ren Guanghui , Bowers John , Mitchell Arnan
Published: December 2020

In this contribution, we investigate second harmonic generation (SHG) in periodically poled lithium niobate (LN) on insulator waveguides and examine under what conditions such waveguides suffer from undesirable loss due to lateral leakage. We investigate the lateral leakage losses in X-cut and Z-cut LN for the fundamental (1550 nm) and second harmonic (775 nm) wavelengths. Our findings show that Z-cut lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) is more likely to suffer from lateral leakage and has a lower SHG efficiency. We further provide design guidelines for highly efficient nonlinear optical waveguides in LNOI and show how lateral leakage can be avoided.
A Bailey type identity with applications related to integer representations
Authors: El Bachraoui Mohamed
Published: December 2020

In this paper we shall deduce a Bailey type formula as a consequence of the residual identity of aqq-series transformation due to Gasper. Our formula leads to a variety ofqq-series identities which are related to the arithmetic function counting integer representations of the form\[n(An+B)2+r(Cr+D)2+Enr.\frac {n(An+B)}{2}+\frac {r(Cr+D)}{2} + Enr.\]
Interpolation and cubature for rectangular sets of nodes
Authors: Harris Lawrence , Simanek Brian
Published: December 2020

This article obtains specific formulas for Lagrange polynomials for rectangular versions of the even and the odd product nodes in

R

2

\mathbb {R}^2

. These polynomials are applied to obtain an exact cubature formula for bivariate polynomials when the number of rows of the nodes exceeds the number of columns by one.
Displacements of automorphisms of free groups I: Displacement functions, minpoints and train tracks
Authors: Francaviglia Stefano , Martino Armando
Published: December 2020

This is the first of two papers in which we investigate the properties of the displacement functions of automorphisms of free groups (more generally, free products) on Culler-Vogtmann Outer space and its simplicial bordification – the free splitting complex – with respect to the Lipschitz metric. The theory for irreducible automorphisms being well-developed, we concentrate on the reducible case. Since we deal with the bordification, we develop all the needed tools in the more general setting of deformation spaces, and their associated free splitting complexes.

In the present paper we study the local properties of the displacement function. In particular, we study its convexity properties and the behaviour at bordification points, by geometrically characterising its continuity-points. We prove that the global-simplex-displacement spectrum of

A
u
t
(

F
n

)

Aut(F_n)

is a well-ordered subset of

R

\mathbb {R}

, this being helpful for algorithmic purposes. We introduce a weaker notion of train tracks, which we call partial train tracks (which coincides with the usual one for irreducible automorphisms) and we prove that, for any automorphism, points of minimal displacement – minpoints – coincide with the marked metric graphs that support partial train tracks. We show that any automorphism, reducible or not, has a partial train track (hence a minpoint) either in the outer space or its bordification. We show that, given an automorphism, any of its invariant free factors is seen in a partial train track map.

In a subsequent paper we will prove that level sets of the displacement functions are connected, and we will apply that result to solve certain decision problems.
Prevalence and Determinants of Masked Hypertension in Nigeria: The REMAH Study
Authors: Odili Augustine N , Danladi Benjamin , Chori Babangida S , Oshaju Henry , Nwakile Peter C , Okoye Innocent C , Abdullahi Umar , Nwegbu Maxwell M , Zawaya Kefas , Essien Ime , Sada Kabiru , Ogedengbe John O , Aje Akinyemi , Isiguzo Godsent C
Published: December 2020

Background

Estimating the burden of hypertension in Nigeria hitherto relied on clinic blood pressure (BP) measurement alone. This excludes individuals with masked hypertension (MH), i.e., normotensive clinic but hypertensive out-of-clinic BP.

Methods

In a nationally representative sample of adult Nigerians, we obtained clinic BP using auscultatory method and out-of-clinic BP by self-measured home BP with semi-automated oscillometric device. Clinic BP was average of 5 consecutive measurements and home BP was average of 3 days duplicate morning and evening readings. MH was clinic BP <140 mm Hg systolic and 90 mm Hg diastolic and home BP ≥135 mm Hg systolic and/or 85 mm Hg diastolic.

Results

Among 933 participants, the prevalence of sustained hypertension, MH, and white-coat hypertension was 28.3%, 7.9%, and 11.9%, respectively. Among subjects whose clinic BP were in the normotensive range (n = 558), the prevalence of MH was 13%; 12% among untreated and 27% among treated individuals. The mutually adjusted odds ratios of having MH among all participants with normotensive clinic BP were 1.33 (95% confidence interval, 1.10–1.60) for a 10-year higher age, 1.59 (1.09–2.40) for a 10 mm Hg increment in systolic clinic BP, and 1.16 (1.08–1.28) for a 10 mg/dl higher random blood glucose. The corresponding estimates in the untreated population were 1.24 (1.03–1.51), 1.56 (1.04–2.44), and 1.16 (1.08–1.29), respectively.

Conclusions

MH is common in Nigeria and increasing age, clinic systolic BP, and random blood glucose are the risk factors.
Nation, Diaspora, and Asian American Literature
Authors: Lim Jeehyun
Published: December 2020

Read together, Patricia Chu’s Where I have Never Been (2019), Jinah Kim’s Postcolonial Grief (2019), Sze Wei Ang’s The State of Race (2019), and Janna Odabas’s The Ghosts Within (2018) allow for a review of the state and meaning of diaspora and diasporic frames of analysis in Asian American literary and cultural criticism. Approaching these books through the 1990s debate on minority nationalism in Asian American studies shows one prominent direction that critical engagements with transnationalism have taken. While postcolonialism’s place in the 1990s debate on transnationalism and Asian America was tenuous at best, these books suggest that it has become a crucial part of envisioning the critical work diasporic Asian American culture can do. In these books, diasporic frames of analysis lead to recognizing Asian American culture as a site where the unresolved and unaccounted for violence of US nationalism and globalization surfaces and challenges to dominant ideas of race and nation appear. Both as method of inquiry and as historical understanding of twentieth-century US–Asian relations, postcolonialism in these books shows the critical potential of diaspora for Asian America.
Development and Initial Validation of the Perceptual Assessment of Memory (PASSOM): A Simulator Study
Authors: Koenitzer Justin C , Herron Janice E , Whitlow Jesse W , Barbuscak Catherine M , Patel Nitin R , Pletcher Ryan , Christensen Jerilyn
Published: December 2020

Objective

Performance validity tests (PVTs) are an integral component of neuropsychological assessment. There is a need for the development of more PVTs, especially those employing covert determinations. The aim of the present study was to provide initial validation of a new computerized PVT, the Perceptual Assessment of Memory (PASSOM).

Method

Participants were 58 undergraduate students randomly assigned to a simulator (SIM) or control (CON) group. All participants were provided written instructions for their role prior to testing and were administered the PASSOM as part of a brief battery of neurocognitive tests. Indices of interest included response accuracy for Trials 1 and 2, and total errors across Trials, as well as response time (RT) for Trials 1 and 2, and total RT for both Trials.

Results

The SIM group produced significantly more errors than the CON group for Trials 1 and 2, and committed more total errors across trials. Significantly longer response latencies were found for the SIM group compared to the CON group for all RT indices examined. Linear regression modeling indicated excellent group classification for all indices studied, with areas under the curve ranging from 0.92 to 0.95. Sensitivity and specificity rates were good for several cut scores across all of the accuracy and RT indices, and sensitivity improved greatly by combining RT cut scores with the more traditional accuracy cut scores.

Conclusion

Findings demonstrate the ability of the PASSOM to distinguish individuals instructed to feign cognitive impairment from those told to perform to the best of their ability.
Chronology of Practice: Chinese Practice in Private International Law in 2019
Authors: He Qisheng
Published: December 2020

This survey contains materials reflecting the practice of Chinese private international law in 2019. First, this paper describes the judiciary’s caseload: Chinese courts decided some 17,000 foreign-related civil and commercial cases, 16,000 maritime cases and 9,648 requests for judicial assistance in 2019. Regarding changes in the statutory framework of private international law, four legislative acts, one set of Regulations and six Supreme People’s Court (SPC) Judicial Interpretations were adopted or amended in 2019 on investment contracts, action preservation in intellectual property, punitive damages, etc. Second, eight typical cases on jurisdictional issues are selected, including jurisdiction clauses, parallel proceedings, and res judicata. Third, seven new representative cases on choice of law relating, in particular, to international transport, force majeure, gambling debts and public order, are examined. Fourth, five cases on the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments and one SPC Opinion in favour of presumed reciprocity are briefly examined. Finally, this paper also covers seven key cases which reflect the latest development in Chinese private international law on other procedural issues, such as service of process abroad and authentication, and three cases on international arbitration (including the first decision rendered by the China International Commercial Court).
Cefiderocol for the Treatment of Adult and Pediatric Patients With Cystic Fibrosis and Achromobacter xylosoxidans Infections
Authors: Warner Nathaniel C , Bartelt Luther A , Lachiewicz Anne M , Tompkins Kathleen M , Miller Melissa B , Alby Kevin , Jones Melissa B , Carr Amy L , Alexander Jose , Gainey Andrew B , Daniels Robert , Burch Anna-Kathryn , Brown David E , Brownstein Michael J , Cheema Faiqa , Linder Kristin E , Shields Ryan K , Longworth Sarah , van Duin David
Published: December 2020

Treatment options for Achromobacter xylosoxidans are limited. Eight cystic fibrosis patients with A. xylosoxidans were treated with 12 cefiderocol courses. Pretreatment in vitro resistance was seen in 3 of 8 cases. Clinical response occurred after 11 of 12 treatment courses. However, microbiologic relapse was observed after 11 of 12 treatment courses, notably without emergence of resistance.
Hydralazine protects the heart against acute ischaemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission
Authors: Kalkhoran Siavash Beikoghli , Kriston-Vizi Janos , Hernandez-Resendiz Sauri , Crespo-Avilan Gustavo E , Rosdah Ayeshah A , Lees Jarmon G , Costa Joana Rodrigues Simoes Da , Ling Naomi X Y , Holien Jessica K , Samangouei Parisa , Chinda Kroekkiat , Yap En Ping , Riquelme Jaime A , Ketteler Robin , Yellon Derek M , Lim Shiang Y , Hausenloy Derek J
Published: December 2020

Aims

Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of mitochondrial fission induced by acute myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) has been shown to reduce myocardial infarct size. The clinically used anti-hypertensive and heart failure medication, hydralazine, is known to have anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. Here, we investigated whether hydralazine confers acute cardioprotection by inhibiting Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission.

Methods and results

Pre-treatment with hydralazine was shown to inhibit both mitochondrial fission and mitochondrial membrane depolarisation induced by oxidative stress in HeLa cells. In mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), pre-treatment with hydralazine attenuated mitochondrial fission and cell death induced by oxidative stress, but this effect was absent in MEFs deficient in the mitochondrial fission protein, Drp1. Molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance studies demonstrated binding of hydralazine to the GTPase domain of the mitochondrial fission protein, Drp1 (KD 8.6±1.0 µM), and inhibition of Drp1 GTPase activity in a dose-dependent manner. In isolated adult murine cardiomyocytes subjected to simulated IRI, hydralazine inhibited mitochondrial fission, preserved mitochondrial fusion events, and reduced cardiomyocyte death (hydralazine 24.7±2.5% vs. control 34.1±1.5%, P=0.0012). In ex vivo perfused murine hearts subjected to acute IRI, pre-treatment with hydralazine reduced myocardial infarct size (as % left ventricle: hydralazine 29.6±6.5% vs. vehicle control 54.1±4.9%, P=0.0083), and in the murine heart subjected to in vivo IRI, the administration of hydralazine at reperfusion, decreased myocardial infarct size (as % area-at-risk: hydralazine 28.9±3.0% vs. vehicle control 58.2±3.8%, P<0.001).

Conclusion

We show that, in addition to its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, hydralazine, confers acute cardioprotection by inhibiting IRI-induced mitochondrial fission, raising the possibility of repurposing hydralazine as a novel cardioprotective therapy for improving post-infarction outcomes.
Defining and Assessing the Reproducibility of Crohn’s Disease Endoscopic Lesions: A Delphi-like Method from the GETAID
Authors: Buisson A , Filippi J , Amiot A , Cadiot G , Allez M , Marteau P , Bouhnik Y , Pineton de Chambrun G , Pelletier A L , Nancey S , Moussata D , Attar A , Blain A , Vuitton L , Vernier-Massouille G , Seksik P , Nachury M , Dupas J L , Laharie D , Peyrin-Biroulet L , Louis E , Mary J Y
Published: December 2020

Background and Aims

Defining and assessing the reproducibility of Crohn’s disease [CD] endoscopic lesions is essential in assessing endoscopic healing.

Methods

Twelve endoscopic CD experts from the GETAID defined aphthoid erosions [AE], superficial ulcerations [SU], deep ulcerations [DU], stenosis, and fistulas according to a Delphi-like method. Thirty different GETAID physicians declared if they found acceptable each definition. Intra- and inter-observer agreements were investigated using 100 videos with one tagged specific lesion [AE, SU, DU, or sham lesion] read by 15 independent endoscopists at baseline and 1 month later in a randomised order. Video quality was determined by an external reader. According to kappa estimate [κ ±standard error], intra or inter-observer agreement was qualified as ‘moderate’ [0.4–0.6], ‘substantial’ [0.6–0.8], or ‘almost perfect’ [0.8–1.0].

Results

Among 30 different experts, 83% to 97% found acceptable the definitions retrieved from the Delphi-like method. Intra-observer κ was 0.717 [±0.019] for SU, 0.681 [±0.027] for AE, 0.856 [±0.014] for DU, showing ‘substantial’ agreement. It was 0.801 [±0.016] for any ulceration [DU or SU]. There was a high variability across readers from ‘moderate’ to ‘almost perfect’ agreement. Inter-observer κ was 0.548 [±0.042] for SU, 0.554 [±0.028] for AE 0.694 [±0.041] for DU, and 0.705 [±0.042] for any ulceration. Inter-observer agreement increased when reading the 53 high-quality videos: 0.787 [±0.064] [p = 0.001], 0.607 [±0.043] [p = 0.001], and 0.782 [±0.064][p = 0.001] for DU, AE, and any ulceration, respectively.

Conclusions

Despite variable intra-agreement level across readers, the GETAID definitions for CD endoscopic lesions provided ‘substantial’ inter-observer agreements, especially in case of high-quality videos.
Digital Transformation and Subjective Job Insecurity in Germany
Authors: Dengler Katharina , Gundert Stefanie
Published: December 2020

The present study examines to what extent employees in Germany are afraid of losing their jobs, depending on the degree of computerization of their occupations. So far, empirical evidence on the relationship between digital transformation and subjective job insecurity is scarce. We distinguish three interrelated insecurity measures: cognitive job insecurity, i.e. the individual assessment of job loss probability, labour market insecurity, i.e. the perceived availability of job alternatives, and affective job insecurity, i.e. the extent to which individuals are worried about a potential job loss. The analysis is based on a large-scale panel study from Germany and refers to the period between 2013 and 2016. Computerization is measured by the occupation-specific substitution potential, i.e. the extent to which occupational tasks are substitutable by computers or computer-controlled machines. The results from multivariate panel analysis suggest that the digital transformation has a negative impact on cognitive job insecurity. We do not find effects on labour market insecurity and affective job insecurity.
Focal Impulse and Rotor Modulation Ablation vs. Pulmonary Vein isolation for the treatment of paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: results from the FIRMAP AF study
Authors: Tilz Roland R , Lenz Corinna , Sommer Philipp , Roza Meyer-Saraei , Sarver Anne E , Williams Christopher G , Heeger Christian , Hindricks Gerhard , Vogler Julia , Eitel Charlotte
Published: December 2020

Aims

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the gold standard for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Recently, catheter ablation targeting rotors or focal sources has been developed for treatment of AF. This study sought to compare the safety and effectiveness of Focal Impulse and Rotor Modulation (FIRM)-guided ablation as the sole ablative strategy with PVI in patients with paroxysmal AF.

Methods and results

We conducted a multicentre, randomized trial to determine whether FIRM-guided radiofrequency ablation without PVI (FIRM group) was non-inferior to PVI (PVI group) for treatment of paroxysmal AF. The two primary efficacy end points were (i) acute success defined as elimination of AF rotors (FIRM group) or isolation of all pulmonary veins (PVI group) and (ii) long-term success defined as single-procedure freedom from AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) recurrence 12 months after ablation. The study was closed early by the sponsor. At the time of study closure, any pending follow-up visits were waived. A total of 51 patients (mean age 63 ± 10.6 years, 57% male) were enrolled. All PVs were successfully isolated in the PVI group and all rotors were successfully eliminated in the FIRM group. Single-procedure effectiveness was 31.3% (5/16) in the FIRM group and 80% (8/10) in the PVI group at 12 months. Three vascular access complications occurred in the FIRM group.

Conclusion

These partial study effectiveness results reinforce the importance of PVI in paroxysmal AF patients and indicate that FIRM-guided ablation alone (without PVI) is not an effective strategy for treatment of paroxysmal AF in most patients.
Efficient identification of scars using heterogeneous model hierarchies
Authors: Chegini Fatemeh , Kopaničáková Alena , Krause Rolf , Weiser Martin
Published: December 2020

Aims

Detection and quantification of myocardial scars are helpful for diagnosis of heart diseases and for personalized simulation models. Scar tissue is generally characterized by a different conduction of excitation. We aim at estimating conductivity-related parameters from endocardial mapping data. Solving this inverse problem requires computationally expensive monodomain simulations on fine discretizations. We aim at accelerating the estimation by combining electrophysiology models of different complexity.

Methods and results

Distributed parameter estimation is performed by minimizing the misfit between simulated and measured electrical activity on the endocardial surface, subject to the monodomain model and regularization. We formulate this optimization problem, including the modelling of scar tissue and different regularizations, and design an efficient solver. We consider grid hierarchies and monodomain–eikonal model hierarchies in a recursive multilevel trust-region method. With numerical examples, efficiency and estimation quality, depending on the data, are investigated. The multilevel solver is significantly faster than a comparable single level solver. Endocardial mapping data of realistic density appears to be sufficient to provide quantitatively reasonable estimates of location, size, and shape of scars close to the endocardial surface.

Conclusion

In several situations, scar reconstruction based on eikonal and monodomain models differ significantly, suggesting the use of the more involved monodomain model for this purpose. Eikonal models can accelerate the computations considerably, enabling the use of complex electrophysiology models for estimating myocardial scars from endocardial mapping data.