bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive randomised controlled non-inferiority multicentre trial (the Ketodex Trial) on intranasal dexmedetomidine plus ketamine for procedural sedation in children: study protocol
Authors: Poonai Naveen , Coriolano Kamary , Klassen Terry , Heath Anna , Yaskina Maryna , Beer Darcy , Sawyer Scott , Bhatt Maala , Kam April , Doan Quynh , Sabhaney Vikram , Offringa Martin , Pechlivanoglou Petros , Hickes Serena , Ali Samina
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Up to 40% of orthopaedic injuries in children require a closed reduction, almost always necessitating procedural sedation. Intravenous ketamine is the most commonly used sedative agent. However, intravenous insertion is painful and can be technically difficult in children. We hypothesise that a combination of intranasal dexmedetomidine plus intranasal ketamine (Ketodex) will be non-inferior to intravenous ketamine for effective sedation in children undergoing a closed reduction.

Methods and analysis

This is a six-centre, four-arm, adaptive, randomised, blinded, controlled, non-inferiority trial. We will include children 4–17 years with a simple upper limb fracture or dislocation that requires sedation for a closed reduction. Participants will be randomised to receive either intranasal Ketodex (one of three dexmedetomidine and ketamine combinations) or intravenous ketamine. The primary outcome is adequate sedation as measured using the Paediatric Sedation State Scale. Secondary outcomes include length of stay, time to wakening and adverse effects. The results of both per protocol and intention-to-treat analyses will be reported for the primary outcome. All inferential analyses will be undertaken using a response-adaptive Bayesian design. Logistic regression will be used to model the dose–response relationship for the combinations of intranasal Ketodex. Using the Average Length Criterion for Bayesian sample size estimation, a survey-informed non-inferiority margin of 17.8% and priors from historical data, a sample size of 410 participants will be required. Simulations estimate a type II error rate of 0.08 and a type I error rate of 0.047.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from Clinical Trials Ontario for London Health Sciences Centre and McMaster Research Ethics Board. Other sites have yet to receive approval from their institutions. Informed consent will be obtained from guardians of all participants in addition to assent from participants. Study data will be submitted for publication regardless of results.

Trial registration number

NCT0419525.
Online forward triage during the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Hautz Wolf E , Exadaktylos Aristomenis , Sauter Thomas C
Published: December 2020

Health systems face major challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic with new information and challenges emerging daily and frequently changing guidelines. Online forward triage tools (OFTTs) provide useful information, direct patients and free physician resources.

We implemented an OFTT targeted at the current pandemic, adapted the content and goals and assessed its effects. The OFTT was implemented on 2 March 2020 and modified regularly based on the revised testing criteria issued by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health. After testing criteria liberalised, a chatbot tool was set up on 9 April 2020 to assess urgency of testing, referral to available testing sites and need for emergency care.

In the first 40 days of the OFTT, there were more than 17 300 visitors and 69.8% indicated they would have contacted the healthcare system if the online test had not been available. During the initial week of operation, using the conservative testing strategy, 9.1% of visitors received recommendations to be tested, which increased to 36.0% of visitors after a change in testing criteria on 9 March 2020. Overall, since the implementation of the tool, 26.27% of all users of the site have been directed to obtain testing. The Chatbot tool has had approximately 50 consults/day.

Setting up an OFTT should be considered as part of local strategies to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. It may ease the burden on the healthcare system, reassure patients and inform authorities. To account for the dynamic development of the pandemic, frequent adaptation of the tool is of great importance. Further research on clinical outcomes of OFTT is urgently needed.
Prize, not price: reframing rewards for kidney donors
Authors: Sterri Aksel Braanen
Published: December 2020

Worldwide 1.2 million people are dying from kidney failure each year, and in the USA alone, approximately 100 000 people are currently on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. One possible solution to the kidney shortage is for governments to pay donors for one of their healthy kidneys and distribute these kidneys according to need. There are, however, compelling objections to this government-monopsony model. To avoid these objections, I propose a small adjustment to the model. I suggest we reward kidney sellers with both money and a ceremony that celebrates their noble act. They should, in other words, receive a prize rather than a price.
Love thy neighbour? Allocating vaccines in a world of competing obligations
Authors: Ferguson Kyle , Caplan Arthur
Published: December 2020

Although a safe, effective, and licensed coronavirus vaccine does not yet exist, there is already controversy over how it ought to be allocated. Justice is clearly at stake, but it is unclear what justice requires in the international distribution of a scarce vaccine during a pandemic. Many are condemning ‘vaccine nationalism’ as an obstacle to equitable global distribution. We argue that limited national partiality in allocating vaccines will be a component of justice rather than an obstacle to it. For there are role-based and community-embedded responsibilities to take care of one’s own, which constitute legitimate moral reasons for some identity-related prioritisation. Furthermore, a good form of vaccine nationalism prioritises one’s own without denying or ignoring duties derived from a principle of equal worth, according to which all persons, regardless of citizenship or identity, equally deserve vaccine-induced protection from COVID-19. Rather than dismissing nationalism as a tragic obstacle, it is necessary to acknowledge that a limited form of it is valuable and expresses moral commitments. Only then can one understand our world of competing obligations, a world where cosmopolitan duties of benevolence sometimes conflict with special obligations of community membership. Once these competing obligations are recognised as such, we can begin the work of designing sound ethical frameworks for achieving justice in the global distribution of a coronavirus vaccine and developing practical strategies for avoiding, mitigating or resolving conflicts of duty.
Validity of participants’ self-reported diagnosis for a work absence due to a mental health problem compared with physician-certified diagnosis for the same work absence among 709 Canadian workers
Authors: Gilbert-Ouimet Mahée , Trudel Xavier , Aubé Karine , Ndjaboue Ruth , Duchaine Caroline S , Blanchette Caty , Vézina Michel , Milot Alain , Brisson Chantal
Published: December 2020

Objectives

This study assesses the validity of a self-reported mental health problem (MHP) diagnosis as the reason for a work absence of 5 days or more compared with a physician-certified MHP diagnosis related to the same work absence. The potential modifying effect of absence duration on validity is also examined.

Methods

A total of 709 participants (1031 sickness absence episodes) were selected and interviewed. Total per cent agreement, Cohen’s kappa, sensitivity and specificity values were calculated using the physician-certified MHP diagnosis related to a given work absence as the reference standard. Stratified analyses of total agreement, sensitivity and specificity values were also examined by duration of work absence (5–20 workdays,>20 workdays).

Results

Total agreement value for self-reported MHP was 90%. Cohen’s kappa value was substantial (0.74). Sensitivity was 77% and specificity was 95%. Absences of more than 20 workdays had a better sensitivity than absences of shorter duration. A high specificity was observed for both short and longer absence episodes.

Conclusion

This study showed high specificity and good sensitivity of self-reported MHP diagnosis compared with physician-certified MHP diagnosis for the same work absence. Absences of longer durations had a better sensitivity.
Surgical factors associated with new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation after lung resection: the EPAFT multicentre study
Authors: Crispi Vassili , Isaac Emmanuel , Abah Udo , Shackcloth Michael , Lopez Eileen , Eadington Thomas , Taylor Marcus , Kandadai Rammohan , Marshall Neil R , Gurung Anil , Rogers Luke J , Marchbank Adrian , Qadri Suhail , Loubani Mahmoud
Published: December 2020

Purpose of the study

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a recognised complication in approximately 10% of major lung resections. In order to best target preoperative treatment, this study aimed at determining the association of incidence of POAF in patients undergoing lung resection to surgical and anatomical factors, such as surgical approach, extent of resection and laterality.

Study design

Evaluation of Post-operative Atrial Fibrillation in Thoracic surgery (EPAFT): a multicentre, population-based, retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study including 1367 patients undergoing lung resections between April 2016 and March 2017. The primary outcome was the presence of POAF following resection. POAF was defined as at least one episode of symptomatic or asymptomatic AF confirmed by ECG within 7 days from the thoracic procedure or prior to discharge from the hospital.

Results

POAF was observed in 7.4% of patients: 3.1% in minor resection (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS): 2.5%; thoracotomy: 3.8%), 9.0% in simple lobectomy (VATS: 7.3%, thoracotomy: 9.9%), 6.0% in complex resection (thoracotomy: 6.3%) and 11.4% in pneumonectomy. POAF was higher in left (4.0%) vs right (2.4%) minor resections, and in left (9.9%) vs right (8.3%) lobectomy, but higher in right (7.5%) complex resections, and the highest in right pneumonectomy (17.6%). No significant variations were observed as per sex, laterality or resected lobes. A positive univariable and multivariable association was observed for increasing age and increasing extent of resection, but not thoracotomy. Median (Q1–Q3) hospital stay was 9 (7–14) days in POAF and 5 (4–7) days in non-AF patients (p<0.001), with an increased cerebrovascular accident burden (p<0.001) and long-term mortality (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Among patients undergoing lung resection, POAF was significantly associated with age, increasing invasiveness of approach and increasing extent of resection. In addition, POAF carried a significant long-term mortality rate and burden of cerebrovascular accident. Appropriate prophylaxis should be targeted at these groups.
Relative Fat Mass Index can be solution for obesity paradox in coronary artery disease severity prediction calculated by SYNTAX Score
Authors: Efe Süleyman Çağan , Karagoz Ali , Dogan Cem , Bayram Zubeyde , Kalkan Sedat , Altıntas Mehmet Sait , Yuksel Yasin , Karabag Turgut , Ayca Burak , Ozdemir Nihal
Published: December 2020

Background

The relation between body mass index (BMI) and coronary artery disease (CAD) extension remains controversial. A new score was developed to estimate body fat percentage (BFP) known as Relative Fat Mass (RFM) Index. This study aimed to evaluate the value of RFM Index in predicting the severity of the CAD, compared with other anthropometric measurements.

Methods

A total of 325 patients with chronic CAD were investigated. RFM, BFP, BMI and other anthropometric characteristics of patients were measured before angiography. CAD severity was determined by SYNergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with TAXus and cardiac surgery trial (SYNTAX) Score. The association between SYNTAX Score and variables was evaluated using linear regression models. In order to compare the model performance, R-squared (R2), Akaike’s information criterion, Bayesian information criterion and root mean square error were used.

Results

Univariate linear regression outcome variable, SYNTAX was used to determine whether there was any relationship between variables. Independent variables were included in the multivariable linear logistic regression models. The analysis showed that in model 1, RFM (β coefficient: 2.31 (0.90 to 3.71), p=0.001)), diabetes mellitus (β coefficient: 3.72 (1.67 to 3.76), p=0.004)), haemoglobin (β coefficient: −2.12 (−3.70 to −0.53), p=0.03) and age (β coefficient: 1.83 (0.29 to 3.37), p=0.02)) were statistically significant. The adjusted R2 values in model 1 were higher than model 2 (BFP) and model 3 (BMI) (0.155, 0.137 and 0.130, respectively), and χ2 values of RFM were higher than BFP and BMI (10.5, 3.4 and 1.0, respectively).

Conclusion

RFM Index is a more reliable and compatible marker of obesity in showing the severity of CAD compared to BMI.
A Simulation of the potential impact of restricting tobacco retail outlets around middle and high schools on tobacco advertisements
Authors: Obinwa Udoka , Pasch Keryn E , Jetelina Katelyn K , Ranjit Nalini , Perez Adriana , Perry Cheryl , Harrell Melissa
Published: December 2020

Objective

To examine (1) if tobacco retail outlets (TROs) closer to middle and high schools have more tobacco advertisements than TROs farther away and (2) the potential impact of two place-based tobacco control strategies on tobacco advertisements: a simulated ban of TROs (1) within 1000ft of schools and (2) within 500 ft of other TROs.

Methods

TROs within half-mile of 53 middle and high schools in the four largest Metropolitan areas in Texas were audited for all tobacco marketing. ArcGIS was used for mapping and grouping TROs by distance from the schools and simulating the ban. Mean differences in the number of tobacco advertisements were examined with t-tests. Percentage reductions in tobacco advertisements were calculated after simulation of both bans, reported by school type and by location, product and flavour.

Results

TROs within 1000 ft of schools had significantly more tobacco advertisements as compared with TROs located within 1000-2000 ft (p=0.03) for all schools combined and middle schools. Simulation of the 1000 ft ban of TROs led to a slightly greater reduction in advertisements (19.4%) as compared with the 500 ft ban of TROs from other TROs (17.9%). The reduction in all advertisement types was greater around middle schools and greatest for e-cigarettes (23.6%).

Conclusion

Students can be exposed to a great deal of tobacco advertising in TROs around their schools. The implementation of a 1000 ft ban of TROs, or at minimum a ban on tobacco advertising outside and within these outlets, is one way to prevent or reduce the use of tobacco among adolescents.
Kinetics of spontaneous decay in cold atomic systems
Authors: Prepelita Oleg
Published: December 2020

We discuss the spontaneous decay in a system of cold identical two-level atoms when, due to the strong dipole–dipole interaction, the collision-induced spontaneous decay plays a leading role in the process. We show that the time profile of the spontaneous transition is essentially non-exponential. Also, we argue that at a low initial temperature of the atomic system the spontaneous decay is accompanied by strong heating caused by the inelastic atom–atom collisions. We show that the spontaneous emission spectrum is asymmetric. In addition, the width of the emission spectrum is a function of time. When atoms decay, the emission spectrum becomes broader. The spectrum’s asymmetry and the atomic system’s heating have the same physical origin: coming from the peculiarities of the atoms’ distribution function.
Comparing traditional and deep-learning techniques of kinematic reconstruction for polarization discrimination in vector boson scattering
Authors: Grossi M. , Novak J. , Kerševan B. , Rebuzzi D.
Published: December 2020

Measuring longitudinally polarized vector boson scattering in $$\mathrm {WW}$$
WW
channel is a promising way to investigate unitarity restoration with the Higgs mechanism and to search for possible physics beyond the Standard Model. In order to perform such a measurement, it is crucial to develop an efficient reconstruction of the full $$\mathrm {W}$$
W
boson kinematics in leptonic decays with the focus on polarization measurements. We investigated several approaches, from traditional ones up to advanced deep neural network structures, and we compared their abilities in reconstructing the $$\mathrm {W}$$
W
boson reference frame and in consequently measuring the longitudinal fraction $$\mathrm {W}_{\text {L}}$$

W
L

in both semi-leptonic and fully-leptonic $$\mathrm {WW}$$
WW
decay channels.
A minimal supersymmetric left-right model, dark matter and signals at the LHC
Authors: Huitu Katri
Published: December 2020

The left-right symmetric models extend the gauge group of the Standard Model enabling treatment of the left- and right-handed fermions in the same footing. The left-right symmetry requires the existence of right-handed neutrinos, leading naturally to non-zero masses for neutrinos. Here some aspects of a supersymmetric version of the left-right symmetric models are reviewed. Such models have many virtues, including possibility for dark matter without any new additional symmetry needed in order to have a stable lightest supersymmetric particle. In the model the lightest sneutrino or the lightest neutralino can form dark matter of the universe, at the same time fulfilling all the experimental constraints. The dark matter particle in the model can be very different from the dark matter typical in the minimal supersymmetric standard model. Specific signals for this kind of models at the LHC are also discussed.
Solitons of general topological charge over noncommutative tori
Authors: Da̧browski Ludwik , Jakobsen Mads S. , Landi Giovanni , Luef Franz
Published: December 2020

We study solitons of general topological charge over noncommutative tori from the perspective of time-frequency analysis. These solitons are associated with vector bundles of higher rank, expressed in terms of vector-valued Gabor frames. We apply the duality theory of Gabor analysis to show that Gaussians are such solitons for any value of a topological charge. Also they solve self/anti-self duality equations resulting from an energy functional for projections over noncommutative tori, and have a reformulation in terms of Gabor frames. As a consequence, the projections generated by Gaussians minimize the energy functional. We also comment on the case of the Moyal plane and the associated continuous vector-valued Gabor frames and show that Gaussians are the only class of solitons there.
Asynchronous cellular automata that hide some of the configurations during evolution
Authors: Roy Souvik , Das Sukanta
Published: December 2020

In the light of recent developments in the theory of reversibility for asynchronous cellular automata, we attempt to explore the dynamics of recurrent rules under fully asynchronous updating scheme. Depending on the reachability of the configurations for a communication class during the evolution of the system, we classify the recurrent rules into two classes — partially exposed recurrent system and fully exposed recurrent system.
FINANCIAL LITERACY AND STOCK MARKET PARTICIPATION: DOES GENDER MATTER?
Authors: MUNIR IRFAN ULLAH , YUE SHEN , IJAZ MUHAMMAD SHAHZAD , HUSSAIN SAAD , ZAIDI SYEDA YUMNA
Published: December 2020

In recent years, financial literacy has attracted much attention in the field of household finance as individuals have become more concerned about their financial well-being. Besides, financial products have become more complex over the years. Therefore, financial literacy has become crucial for financial decision making and has received the attention of policymakers, researchers and regulatory bodies. This study investigates the cross-sectional heterogeneity on the relationship between financial literacy and stock market participation in an emerging economy, particularly Pakistan. This study uses the survey data of the 300 individuals residing in Islamabad. Exploratory factor analysis is used to assess convergent and discriminant validity of the survey data. Results are estimated using logistic regression. Results of this study show that individuals with higher levels of financial literacy tend to participate more in the stock market. This study also finds the support for gender gap on the financial literacy and participation in the stock market. Further, it is observed that age, qualification and income are positively associated with stock market participation. In the end, the conclusion of the study is given along with significant policy implications.
Influence of dark matter on phase transitions of XCDM black hole in braneworld based on the framework of GUP
Authors: Liu Xiang , Li Hui-Ling , Li Liu
Published: December 2020

In this paper, under the framework of generalized uncertainty principle (GUP), based on the quantum tunneling radiation, we discuss the influence of dark matter on thermodynamics and phase transition from the X-cold dark matter (XCDM) black hole in Braneworld. It turns out that the existence of the dark matter can give rise to some new relations such as local temperature–mass, heat capacity–mass and local free energy–local temperature, and dark matter can play an important role in phase transitions. It is worth emphasizing that the first-order phase transition, second-order and Hawking–Page-like phase transitions can be observed from the new phase diagrams, and the novel and interesting thermodynamics behavior has been presented under the influence of GUP and dark matter.
Novel soliton solutions of the fractal Biswas–Milovic model arising in Photonics
Authors: Khan Yasir
Published: December 2020

This paper introduces the fractal form of the generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation, newly named as the Biswas–Milovic model (BM). The BM equation theoretically explains the transmission of solitons for transatlantic and transcontinental distances utilizing optical fibers. The BM equation relating to Kerr law, parabolic law and nonlinearity quadratic law was studied using a variational approach for optical soliton solutions. Essential novel conditions are presented that guarantee the existence of the appropriate solitons. Besides, the physical action of the solution obtained was recorded in terms of 3D and contour plots for distinct parameters for the three different nonlinearities. This study shows the relevance and huge potential of the variational approach to the generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation.
A theoretical approach to model variations in ocean color as a function of chlorophyll-α concentration
Authors: Aliyeva Y. N. , Mammadova K. A.
Published: December 2020

A method has been proposed to reason the choice among the known optimized models for methods for estimating chlorophyll (Chl) concentration in the seawater according to the information-logarithmic criterion, which provides a comparison of theoretical models by the SeaWiFS data. It has been shown that the most appropriate means is to determine the Chl concentration, since the concentration of Chl in seawater is systematically investigated by marine ships or remote sensing. All optimized models of the optical properties of seawater can be verified by checking the simulated and measured Chl concentration data.
Finite-time synchronization of coupled complex-valued chaotic systems with time-delays and bounded perturbations
Authors: Luo Fei , Xiang Yi , Wu Enli
Published: December 2020

In this paper, finite-time synchronization for a class of complex-valued coupled chaotic systems with bounded non-identical perturbations and discontinuous activations is investigated. State feedback controller and Lyapunov function are designed to deal with time delay of the coupled systems. By separating the state variables into real and imaginary parts and using chain rule, sufficient conditions are obtained to realize finite-time synchronization. Moreover, the setting time can be estimated for chaotic systems. Those results can be applied to the continuous and real-valued chaotic systems. Finally, numerical simulations are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Single-Electron Fault Tolerance in Quantum Cellular Automata Majority Gate
Authors: Sheibani Hamid , Rahimi Ehsan
Published: December 2020

Quantum cellular automata (QCA) is a promising paradigm that enables performing arithmetic and logic operations at the nanoscopic scale. The QCA utilizes the configuration of electric charges in molecular scale quantum-dots to encode binary information. Defects are very likely to occur at the nanoscale and impact the operation of QCA devices. We concentrate on a specific fault, which is caused by impurities in materials used in packaging devices. These defects may cause a single-electron to tunnel outside a QCA cell and lead to a single-electron fault (SEF). Cosmic rays may also lead to a SEF. The three-input majority gate is the primary device in the QCA paradigm. In this paper, the effect of redundant cells on the fault tolerance of the majority gate is studied in the presence of a SEF. We present figures based on the number of redundant cells, their positions, and the clock method, which are essential in designing SEF-tolerant devices.
CFA: Toward the Realization of Conservative Full Adder in QCA with Enhanced Reliability
Authors: Pal Jayanta , Goswami Mrinal , Saha Apu Kumar , Sen Bibhash
Published: December 2020

The significant physical challenges of Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology drives it on the brink of ultimate limit. With the surfacing of tremendous research findings, Quantum dot cellular automata (QCA) has emerged as a new technology in nanoscale era as a viable alternative to CMOS technology. Besides its wide acceptance, QCA-based nanoscale circuits are highly susceptible to huge fault/error rates. Thus, the fault tolerance and testability have become the utmost necessity for ensuring reliable QCA circuit. Toward this direction, conservative logic plays a vital role to achieve such reliability. In this paper, a Conservative Full Adder (CFA) is proposed with a simplified testable logic to detect the internal fault in the circuit. A simple majority–minority-based testing logic in the circuit is augmented for the detection of conservative (bit preserving) nature. Besides the testable feature, the full adder is chosen for its versatility in Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) synthesis. Experimental result establishes the superiority of the proposed logic in terms of design capability as well as testability. Also, a comprehensive analysis of energy dissipation is performed to ensure the robustness of the proposed testable conservative adder. The QCA layout design and functional verification of the design are performed using the QCADesigner tool and Hardware Description Language for QCA (HDLQ) tool, respectively. The QCAPro simulator is used to evaluate the energy dissipation of the circuit.
An adaptive edge element approximation of a quasilinear H(curl)-elliptic problem
Authors: Xu Yifeng , Yousept Irwin , Zou Jun
Published: December 2020

An adaptive edge element method is designed to approximate a quasilinear [Formula: see text]-elliptic problem in magnetism, based on a residual-type a posteriori error estimator and general marking strategies. The error estimator is shown to be both reliable and efficient, and its resulting sequence of adaptively generated solutions converges strongly to the exact solution of the original quasilinear system. Numerical experiments are provided to verify the validity of the theoretical results.
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF WEAR BEHAVIOR OF BORAX-ADDED MINERAL OIL AT VARIOUS TEMPERATURES
Authors: AKKUŞ HARUN , DUZCUKOGLU HAYRETTIN , SERİN FIRAT
Published: December 2020

Additives, which are used to reduce wear and friction coefficient and are added into petroleum-based oils in various amounts, are known to be harmful rather than beneficial unless an appropriate working environment is used. It is critical that additives are utilized in the form of motor oil additives at the right time and in the right amount. This study aimed to determine wear performance of commercial borax® product by adding a borax additive into the system at various working temperatures. In this study, mineral oil was heated at three different temperatures ([Formula: see text]C, [Formula: see text]C and [Formula: see text]C) and wear performances were determined by adding commercially produced borax into mineral oil at these temperatures. It was seen that wear performance of commercial borax additive was not good at low temperatures. However, wear performance was better when the additive was added into the oil at temperatures higher than [Formula: see text]C.
On reduced archimedean skew power series rings
Authors: Mousavi Hamed , Padashnik Farzad , Qureshi Ayesha Asloob
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we prove that if [Formula: see text] is an Archimedean reduced ring and satisfy ACC on annihilators, then [Formula: see text] is also an Archimedean reduced ring. More generally, we prove that if [Formula: see text] is a right Archimedean ring satisfying the ACC on annihilators and [Formula: see text] is a rigid automorphism of [Formula: see text], then the skew power series ring [Formula: see text] is right Archimedean reduced ring. We also provide some examples to justify the assumptions we made to obtain the required result.
DOES REVENUE DIVERSIFICATION STILL MATTER IN BANKING? EVIDENCE FROM A CROSS-COUNTRY ANALYSIS
Authors: ROSSI SIMONE , DREASSI ALBERTO , BORRONI MARIAROSA , PALTRINIERI ANDREA
Published: December 2020

Banks have been revising their business models since the financial crisis, diversifying income sources to pursue profitability and stability in a rapidly evolving environment. The effectiveness of this strategy is still debated. We investigate if revenue diversification of 1250 EU and US banks improved performance or its stability between 2008 and 2016. We adopt a broad econometric approach and define diversification as the share of non-interest revenue and the HH index of the net operating income. We find that diversification is not clearly associated with performance or its volatility, that benefits change remarkably over time and, where present, show significant variability. Our results support recent evidence on the limitations of diversification in banking, raising potential concerns on converging supervisory practices and general calls for revenue diversity. The variability of business models and the impacts of different economic and institutional environments matter.
Field measurements on a large natural sand boil along the river Po, Italy
Authors: Marchi Michela , Martínez María Fernanda García , Gottardi Guido , Tonni Laura
Published: December 2020

Sand boils are the surface manifestation of an erosion process, known as backward erosion piping, which may take place beneath river embankments during high-water events. The risk of embankment failure greatly increases in locations affected by sand boils. Numerous studies have been carried out, mainly at the laboratory scale, providing significant advancements in this field. Nonetheless, there is still a gap between research and practice that needs to be filled. This study presents a set of field measurements carried out on a large sand boil reactivated near the toe of an embankment along the river Po, Italy. Hydraulic heads, velocity and discharge, concentration and pipe geometry were measured as a function of the water level in the river during the November 2018 flood. The collected data are compared with predictions of a theoretical model that provides the head loss in the vertical pipe. Furthermore, the local exit gradients, as deduced from measurements, are discussed, together with the operational critical gradients adopted in current design practice. The collected data provide important input parameters for the calibration of analytical and numerical models, typically implemented to investigate the sand boil evolution and then to assess the backward erosion piping risk at real scale.
Proposed chronostratigraphic units for the Carboniferous and early Permian of the southwestern Gondwana margin
Authors: González Carlos R. , Díaz Saravia Pamela
Published: December 2020

The western Andean belt of Argentina displays a comprehensive record of the Carboniferous and earliest Permian rocks so extensive that it allows an exceptional reconstruction of the Late Paleozoic Ice Age of the southwestern margin of the South American Gondwana area. Severe endemism of the Gondwana biota during this period makes it difficult to achieve a precise correlation of these glacially influenced deposits with the coeval sequences of the palaeoequatorial belt, where the subdivisions of the International Chronostratigraphic Chart (ICC) are currently defined. The abundant palaeontological record available from the Upper Paleozoic deposits of central-western Argentina, central Patagonia and eastern Argentina makes it possible to recognize five successive faunal stages that allow a proper ordering of the sequences of this period. The proposed regional stages, and their assumed chronological position regarding the standards of the current ICC, are: the Malimanian (late Tournaisian), Barrealian (Mid-Carboniferous or Serpukhovian–Bashkirian), Aguanegrian (Upper Pennsylvanian), Uspallatian (Asselian–Tastubian?) and Bonetian (Sakmarian). This paper aims to reiterate former recommendations about the convenience of having regional reference units and suggests the consideration of the available faunal stages as possible chronostratigraphic subdivisions for the Carboniferous–early Permian of the southeastern margin of Gondwana.
Facilitating Inspiration: Design of the Textiles Archive Design Application (TADA)
Authors: Spencer Dan , Willis Chris , Tredwell David , White Jessica , Briska Kayla
Published: December 2020

A key goal of textile design education is to provide students entering the field opportunities to develop a strong design process, and beginning students, in particular, must learn about helpful concept development resources and how to use them to initiate design work and provide direction for further research. In addition, sources of inspiration serve an important role in the development of the design process by activating, prompting, and guiding designers? activities. This article is a case study of a collaborative project undertaken to develop a web-based app, Textiles Archive Design Application (TADA), to provide both a source for inspiration and a foundation for theoretical and conceptual knowledge in textile pattern design among students taking their first textile design course at the undergraduate level.
Graphene-based Electrochemical Biosensor for Impedimetric Detection of miRNAs as Potential Cancer Biomarkers
Authors: Asadi Hamid , Ramasamy Ramaraja P.
Published: December 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have shown great potential to be used as biomarkers for the screening and clinical diagnosis of cancer. In this study, an electrochemical biosensor based on graphene-modified glassy carbon electrode was developed for the detection of miRNA-21, a well-known biomarker for the early stage of prostate cancer. A novel molecular tethering agent was used for immobilization of single-stranded probe DNA onto the electrode surface. Different parameters related to biosensor fabrication and experimental conditions were optimized to obtain the highest biosensor response. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was employed to achieve a sensitive and label-free detection method for miRNA-21 through measuring the change in charge-transfer resistance (Rct) before and after hybridization. Under the optimal conditions, the biosensor showed a linear impedimetric response between ΔRctand logarithm of miRNA-21 concentration ranging from 10−14to 10−8M with a correlation coefficient of 0.972 and a detection limit of 3 fM. The selectivity of the biosensor was examined against non-complementary miRNA-141. The biosensor showed acceptable reproducibility, regeneration ability and stability as well as remarkable response (recoveries 90%–116%) in real plasma samples. The results indicated that the proposed biosensor could be used as a promising alternative to conventional methods in early clinical and point-of-care cancer diagnosis.
Film Characterization of Low-Temperature Silicon Carbon Nitride for Direct Bonding Applications
Authors: Nagano F. , Iacovo S. , Phommahaxay A. , Inoue F. , Sleeckx E. , Beyer G. , Beyne E. , De. Gendt S.
Published: December 2020

Silicon carbon nitride (SiCN) compounds have aroused great interest as dielectric materials for direct bonding because of the high thermal stability and high bond strength, as well as its Cu diffusion barrier properties. While wafer-to-wafer direct bonding, including the dielectric deposition step, is generally performed at high temperature (>350 °C), applications such as heterogeneous chips and DRAMs would require wafer-to-wafer direct bonding at lower temperature (<250 °C). In this study, we evaluate, for SiCN deposited at various temperatures, the impact for direct wafer bonding of lowering the temperature of all processes. Chemical and mechanical properties of SiCN direct bonding are studied.
Bonding Mechanisms of Roughened Nanotwinned-Cu Surface at Temperature as Low as 120 °C
Authors: Wu YewChung Sermon , Lai Tung-Yen , Li Meiyi , Lu Tsan-Feng , Wang Yu Hsiang , Tseng Tzu Yen
Published: December 2020

Cu direct bonding has been achieved at 150 °C by using (111)-oriented nanotwinned Cu (nt-Cu) because it has the fastest surface diffusivity. In this study, nt-Cu was bonded at even lower temperature of 120 °C by roughening one of the nt-Cu surfaces. However, the flat-to-flat nt-Cu could not be bonded at the same temperature. This result violates a bonding concept that “for good wafer bonding, the contact area must be as large as possible”. This paper discusses in detail two possible bonding mechanisms: diffusion and creep/plastic deformation.
Exercise-induced mitral regurgitation and right ventricle to pulmonary circulation uncoupling across the heart failure phenotypes
Authors: Bandera Francesco , Barletta Marta , Fontana Marianna , Boveri Sara , Ghizzardi Greta , Alfonzetti Eleonora , Ambrogi Federico , Guazzi Marco
Published: December 2020

Ex-MR is a common mechanism across the spectrum of HF subtypes and combines with ventilatory inefficiency and RV-PC uncoupling. Interestingly, in HFpEF, Ex-MR emerged as unexpectedly prevalent and peculiarly associated with increased chronotropic response and peripheral O2 extraction as potential adaptive mechanisms to backward flow redistribution.
The role of diet-derived short-chain fatty acids in regulating cardiac pressure overload
Authors: Pakhomov Nikolai , Baugh John A.
Published: December 2020

Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the modern world whose increasing prevalence is associated with “Western” diet and sedentary lifestyles. Of particular concern is the increasing burden of HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) that involves complex pathophysiology and is difficult to treat. Pressure overload caused by hypertension (HTN) is the predominant driver of cardiac injury, left ventricular hypertrophy, and fibrosis that progresses to diastolic dysfunction and ultimately HFpEF. Although pharmacological control of blood pressure may affect the degree of pressure overload, such therapies are largely ineffective in established HFpEF, and there is a need to modulate the festering inflammatory and fibrotic response to injury to halt and perhaps reverse pathology. An emerging literature indicates potentially important links between the gut microbiota, dietary soluble fiber, and microbiota-derived metabolites that modulate blood pressure and the immune response. In particular, high-fiber diets demonstrate protective properties in systemic hypertension and left-sided cardiac pathology, and this action is closely associated with short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria. Mechanisms underlying the beneficial action of SCFAs in immunity and the systemic circulation could potentially be applied to the treatment of hypertension and the cardiac damage it causes. In this review, we discuss the potential beneficial effects of SCFAs, with an emphasis on mechanisms that are involved in cardiac responses to pressure overload.
In Vivo Diuretic Activity of Hydromethanolic Extract and Solvent Fractions of the Root Bark of Clerodendrum myricoides Hochst. (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Welu Gebrelibanos Gebremichael , Yimer Ebrahim M. , Hailu Haftom Gebregergs , Bhoumik Dayananda , Lema Mehari Meles
Published: December 2020

Introduction. Clerodendrum myricoides (Lamiaceae) has been traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments, including body swelling and urine retention. The present study aimed to evaluate the diuretic activity of a crude extract and solvent fractions of the root bark of C. myricoides. Methodology. The coarsely powdered root bark of C. myricoides was extracted by a cold maceration method using 80% methanol. A portion of the extract was fractionated based on the polarity index of solvents to obtain chloroform, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions. To investigate the diuretic activity of the plant, rats were divided into fifteen groups. The normal control groups received either water or 2% tween 80, the standard group received furosemide (10 mg/kg), and the test groups were administered the hydromethanolic extract and solvent fractions at the doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg by the oral route. The urine volume, urine pH, urine, and serum electrolytes were determined and compared with the standard and normal control groups. Results. The crude hydromethanolic extract, ethyl acetate, and chloroform fractions induced significant diuresis at a dose of 400 mg/kg (P < 0.001) compared to the aqueous fraction. The hydromethanolic extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg also caused noticeable diuresis (P < 0.001) compared to the standard, furosemide. Rats treated with hydromethanolic extract, ethyl acetate, and chloroform fractions showed delayed onset and prolonged diuresis in a dose‐dependent fashion compared to the aqueous fraction (P < 0.05). The hydromethanolic extract and solvent fractions produced the highest saliuretic and natriuretic index compared to the standard, furosemide. The crude hydromethanolic extract also failed to produce any sign of toxicity up to 2000 mg/kg. Conclusion. From this study, the hydromethanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of the root bark of C. myricoides produced a prominent diuretic effect in rats.
Characterization of Odontogenic Differentiation from Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells Using TMT‐Based Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Xiao Xijuan , Xin Caihong , Zhang Yuqin , Yan Jie , Chen Zhao , Xu Huiyong , Liang Min , Wu Buling , Fang Fuchun , Qiu Wei
Published: December 2020

Background. The repair of dental pulp injury relies on the odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). To better understand the odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs and identify proteins involved in this process, tandem mass tags (TMTs) coupled with liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) were applied to compare the proteomic profiles of induced and control DPSCs. Methods. The proteins expressed during osteogenic differentiation of human DPSCs were profiled using the TMT method combined with LC‐MS/MS analysis. The identified proteins were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. Then, a protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Two selected proteins were confirmed by western blotting (WB) analysis. Results. A total of 223 proteins that were differentially expressed were identified. Among them, 152 proteins were significantly upregulated and 71 were downregulated in the odontogenic differentiation group compared with the control group. On the basis of biological processes in GO, the identified proteins were mainly involved in cellular processes, metabolic processes, and biological regulation, which are connected with the signaling pathways highlighted by KEGG pathway analysis. PPI networks showed that most of the differentially expressed proteins were implicated in physical or functional interaction. The protein expression levels of FBN1 and TGF‐β2 validated by WB were consistent with the proteomic analysis. Conclusions. This is the first proteomic analysis of human DPSC odontogenesis using a TMT method. We identified many new differentially expressed proteins that are potential targets for pulp‐dentin complex regeneration and repair.
Preferential Activity of Petiveria alliacea Extract on Primary Myeloid Leukemic Blast
Authors: Ballesteros-Ramírez Ricardo , Aldana Eliana , Herrera María Victoria , Urueña Claudia , Rojas Laura Yinneth , Echeverri Luis Fernando , Costa Geison Modesti , Quijano Sandra , Fiorentino Susana
Published: December 2020

The need for new therapeutic approaches to improve the response in acute leukemia (AL), either by directing therapy or with new therapeutic alternatives, has been a research and clinical interest topic. We evaluated whether blasts from AL patients were sensitive ex vivo to the induction chemotherapy and whether the extracts of Petiveria alliacea (Anamu SC) and Caesalpinia spinosa (P2Et) modulated the sensitivity of leukemic cells to death. Bone marrow samples were taken from 26 patients with de novo AL and 6 in relapse, and the cytotoxicity of the extracts alone or in combination with the chemotherapeutic was evaluated by XTT. Patients were classified as good (GR) and bad responders (BR) according to the ex vivo test. 70.5% of the GR patients to the ex vivo test achieved postinduction remission to induction chemotherapy with a median overall survival of 12.50 months versus 7.23 months in the two groups. Furthermore, it was found that the ex vivo response to extracts and chemotherapeutics is heterogeneous and shows an exclusive pattern between the extracts, Anamu being the more effective in inducing cell death. The combination of extracts with chemotherapeutic agents showed synergistic or antagonistic effects in the patients’ blasts. These results show that the ex vivo evaluation of the sensitivity to induction drugs using primary blasts from patients exhibits a correlation with the response to induction chemotherapy in patients. These analyses would allow establishing a system to predict response to treatment and determine ex vivo susceptibility to new therapies under development, among which is phytotherapeutics.