bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Work function performance of a C12A7 electride surface exposed to low pressure low temperature hydrogen plasmas
Authors: Heiler A. , Waetzig K. , Tajmar M. , Friedl R. , Nocentini R. , Fantz U.
Published: December 2020

The calcium aluminate electride [Ca24Al28O64]4+(e−)4 (C12A7:e−) is chemically and thermally stable in ambient atmosphere, offers strong electron donating capabilities and exhibits an intrinsic work function of 2.4 eV. Thus, it is an attractive material for electron emitter and low work function applications. For an implementation in negative hydrogen ion sources, where the electride could serve as a converter surface for the H− production, compatibility with moderate vacuum conditions and exposure to low pressure low temperature hydrogen plasmas must be ensured. Hence, the stability and work function performance of a polycrystalline C12A7:e− sample are investigated under ion source relevant vacuum (∼10−6 mbar) and plasma conditions (electron temperature ∼2 eV, electron density ∼1016m−3). The work function is measured via the photoelectric effect, showing that long-term hydrogen plasma exposure results in a steady-state surface work function of 2.75±0.10 eV. Since the electride is very sensitive to surface contaminations, an increase of the surface work function occurs as soon as the plasma is switched off. Vacuum heat treatment of the degraded C12A7:e− surface after plasma activation leads to a work function minimum of 2.9 eV for temperatures in the range of 670–770 K. Exceeding a temperature of ∼770 K leads to an increase of the C12A7:e− surface work function. The sample is stable during long-term hydrogen plasma exposure (up to 10 h total plasma-on time tested) and no plasma-induced erosion is observed.
Successful treatment of dermato-neuro syndrome with plasmapheresis
Authors: Larios Jose Maciel , Ciuro Jordan , Sam Varghese Thomson , Lyons Susan Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

Altered mental status can have many causes ranging from emergent intracranial pathologies to more insidious, systemic toxic aetiologies. We report a rare case of dermato-neuro syndrome in a 71-year-old man with a known history of scleromyxoedema. The patient initially presented with encephalopathy which quickly progressed to generalised tonic–clonic seizures and coma. While his presentation fits with other, although rare, cases of dermato-neuro syndrome, it is imperative to rule out lethal, more common causes of altered mentation. Due to the rarity and difficulty in diagnosis of dermato-neuro syndrome, there is a significant debate regarding the optimal management as there are no standardised treatment protocols. In our case, the patient was successfully treated with plasmapheresis resulting in improved neurologic function.
Cerebral infarction due to dispersal of aortic atheromas detected by transoesophageal echocardiography during transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Koga Masashi , Izumo Masaki , Tanabe Yasuhiro , Akashi Yoshihiro John
Published: December 2020

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a rapidly evolving treatment option with an inherent risk of causing cerebral infarctions. The mechanism of cerebral infarction during TAVI mainly involves embolisms from the aortic wall and valve. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is useful for detecting aortic atheromas. We present the case of a patient in whom the dispersal of aortic atheromas was monitored by TEE during TAVI. This report demonstrates the importance of preoperatively predicting embolisms from aortic atheromas in patients with severe aortic stenosis.
Association between home insulation and hospital admission rates: retrospective cohort study using linked data from a national intervention programme
Authors: Fyfe Caroline , Telfar Lucy , Barnard  , Howden-Chapman Philippa , Douwes Jeroen
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To investigate whether retrofitting insulation into homes can reduce cold associated hospital admission rates among residents and to identify whether the effect varies between different groups within the population and by type of insulation.

Design

A quasi-experimental retrospective cohort study using linked datasets to evaluate a national intervention programme.

Participants

994 317 residents of 204 405 houses who received an insulation subsidy through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority Warm-up New Zealand: Heat Smart retrofit programme between July 2009 and June 2014.

Main outcome measure

A difference-in-difference approach was used to compare the change in hospital admissions of the study population post-insulation with the change in hospital admissions of the control population that did not receive the intervention over the same two timeframes. Relative rate ratios were used to compare the two groups.

Results

234 873 hospital admissions occurred during the study period. Hospital admission rates after the intervention increased in the intervention and control groups for all population categories and conditions with the exception of acute hospital admissions among Pacific Peoples (rate ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.90 to 0.98), asthma (0.92, 0.86 to 0.99), cardiovascular disease (0.90, 0.88 to 0.93), and ischaemic heart disease for adults older than 65 years (0.79, 0.74 to 0.84). Post-intervention increases were, however, significantly lower (11%) in the intervention group compared with the control group (relative rate ratio 0.89, 95% confidence interval 0.88 to 0.90), representing 9.26 (95% confidence interval 9.05 to 9.47) fewer hospital admissions per 1000 in the intervention population. Effects were more pronounced for respiratory disease (0.85, 0.81 to 0.90), asthma in all age groups (0.80, 0.70 to 0.90), and ischaemic heart disease in those older than 65 years (0.75, 0.66 to 0.83).

Conclusion

This study showed that a national home insulation intervention was associated with reduced hospital admissions, supporting previous research, which found an improvement in self-reported health.
Imatinib: a new chemopreventive option in adenomatous polyposis?
Authors: Tobon Angelica , Olivas Pol , Ocaña Teresa , Pellisé María , Balaguer Francesc
Published: December 2020

Patients with adenomatous polyposis, usually defined as patients with >10 adenomatous polyps in the colorectum, are at increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). Since surgical and endoscopic treatment do not completely eliminate the potential for future polyps or extraintestinal neoplasms, there is an unmet medical need to identify pharmacological agents to delay major surgical interventions. We present two cases of patients with adenomatous polyposis who developed chronic myelogenous leukaemia and were treated with imatinib as part of their chemotherapy. A sustained regression of the colonic polyps documented in both cases was observed after the initiation of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Despite the presence of potential confounders, we hypothesise the potential role of imatinib as a chemopreventive agent in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.
Field sales force model to increase adoption of a novel tuberculosis diagnostic test among private providers: evidence from India
Authors: Deo Sarang , Jindal Pankaj , Sabharwal Manisha , Parulkar Aparna , Singh Ritu , Kadam Rigveda , Dabas Harkesh , Dewan Puneet
Published: December 2020

Background

Impact of novel high-quality tuberculosis (TB) tests such as Xpert MTB/RIF has been limited due to low uptake among private providers in high-burden countries including India. Our objective was to assess the impact of a demand generation intervention comprising field sales force on the uptake of high-quality TB tests by providers and its financial sustainability for private labs in the long run.

Methods

We implemented a demand generation intervention across five Indian cities between October 2014 and June 2016 and compared the change in the quantity of Xpert cartridges ordered by labs in these cities from before (February 2013–September 2014) to after intervention (October 2014–December 2015) to corresponding change in labs in comparable non-intervention cities. We embedded this difference-in-differences estimate within a financial model to calculate the internal rate of return (IRR) if the labs were to invest in an Xpert machine with or without the demand generation intervention.

Results

The intervention resulted in an estimated 60 additional Xpert cartridges ordered per lab-month in the intervention group, which yielded an estimated increase of 11 500 tests over the post-intervention period, at an additional cost of US$13.3–US$17.63 per test. Further, we found that investing in this intervention would increase the IRR from 4.8% to 5.5% for hospital labs but yield a negative IRR for standalone labs.

Conclusions

Field sales force model can generate additional demand for Xpert at private labs, but additional strategies may be needed to ensure its financial sustainability.
Types of working-life sequences among people recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in Sweden: a nationwide register-based cohort study
Authors: Murley Chantelle , Tinghög Petter , Karampampa Korinna , Hillert Jan , Alexanderson Kristina , Friberg Emilie
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To explore sequences of annual states of activity and sickness absence (SA) or disability pension (DP) (SA/DP) among working-aged people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) as well as characteristics associated with the identified types of working-life sequences.

Design

Nationwide Swedish register-based cohort study from 1 year prior to 5 years after the year of multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis.

Setting

Sweden.

Participants

PwMS diagnosed in 2008–2011 when aged 20–55 (n=2652, 69.9% women).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Individual-level sequences spanning 7 years were constructed with annual states regarding activity (income from paid work, student allowances, parental leave or unemployment compensation) and/or SA/DP. Types of working-life sequences were identified among the individuals’ sequences using hierarchical cluster analysis with optimal matching dissimilarity measures.

Results

Six types of working-life sequences were identified. The largest cluster, Stable High Activity, represented 48.4% of the cohort. Other types were: Stable High SA/DP (14.5%); Other (4.5%); and three types with mixed activity and varying SA/DP regarding the number of days/year and timing (32.6%). Characteristics of the different identified types of sequences were subsequently investigated. All types of sequences had lower odds for university education (OR range: 0.18–0.72) compared with Stable High Activity. Increasingly higher odds of having anxiety/depression compared with Stable High Activity were observed across the types of sequences, by increasing proportions of SA/DP. Stable High SA/DP sequences were less likely than Stable High Activity to be prescribed MS drugs in the MS diagnosis year (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.47 to 0.78). All types of sequences had higher disposable income in the final study year than the first, except for Stable High SA/DP sequences (Swedish Krona 4669, 95% CI −1892 to 11 230).

Conclusions

Diversity in working life was influenced by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics resulting in different activity and SA/DP patterns across the six identified types of working-life sequences.
Care bundle to reduce readmission in patients with heart failure: a modified Delphi consensus panel in Argentina
Authors: Roberti Javier , Vita Tomás , Piastrella Jimena , Porley Carlos , Pereyra Lisandro , Diez Mirta , Renedo Florencia , Fairman Enrique , Fernández Alberto , Thierer Jorge , García Elorrio Ezequiel
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to develop consensus among Argentine cardiologists on a care bundle to reduce readmissions of patients with heart failure (HF).

Setting

Hospitals and cardiology clinics in Argentina that provide in-hospital care for patients with HF.

Participants

Twenty-four cardiology experts participated in the two online rounds and 18 (75%) of them participated in the third-round meeting.

Methods

This study used a mixed-method design; it was conducted between August 2019 and January 2020. The development of a care bundle (a set of evidence-based interventions applied to improve clinical outcomes) involved three phases: (1) a literature review to define the list of interventions to be evaluated; (2) a modified Delphi panel to select interventions for the bundle and (3) definition of the HF care bundle. Also, the process included three rounds of scoring.

Results

Twenty-six interventions were evaluated. The interventions in the final bundle covered four categories: medication, continuum of care, lifestyle habits, predischarge tests. These were: medication: beta-blockers, angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors or ACE-inhibitors, furosemide and antimineralocorticoids; continuum of care: follow-up appointment, daily weight monitoring; lifestyle habits: smoking cessation counselling and low-sodium diet; predischarge tests: renal function, ionogram, blood pressure control, echocardiogram and determination of decompensating cause.

Conclusion

Following a systematic mixed-method approach, we have developed a care bundle of interventions that could decrease readmission of patients with HF. The application of this bundle could contribute to scale evidence-based interventions.
Diabetes mellitus and the risk of ovarian cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort and case–control studies
Authors: Wang Lihai , Zhong Lei , Xu Bin , Chen Min , Huang Hongxiao
Published: December 2020

Objective

Emerging evidence from observational studies (cohort and case–control studies) suggests that a history of diabetes mellitus (DM) has been linked to increased risk of ovarian cancer (OC), but the association between them remains inconclusive. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was to clarify this association.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane library databases published from the inception through 9 April 2020 without language restriction. Observational studies that evaluated the correlation between DM and the incidence of OC were included in our study. Relative risk (RR) with 95% CI was pooled by use of a random-effects model.

Results

A total of 36 epidemiological articles, including 9 case–control and 27 cohort studies, were finally enrolled, consisting of 14 496 incident cases of OC. Synthesised RRs of developing OC by history of DM were 1.20 (95% CI=1.10 to 1.31) for all eligible studies, 1.08 (95% CI=0.77 to 1.53) for case–control studies and 1.22 (95% CI=1.11 to 1.33) for cohort studies. The above-mentioned positive association persisted across most of subgroup analyses, whereas it was not significant among studies from North American and European countries, level of unadjusted, and patients with low-quality and gestational DM group. The cumulative meta-analysis and sensitivity analysis showed pooled effect was stable and reliable, and no apparent publication bias was identified in this study.

Conclusions

Our study found weaker but still association between DM and OC risk. However, further well-designed prospective studies that control for potential confounders are warranted.
Predictors of electronic cigarette use among Swedish teenagers: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Hedman Linnea , Backman Helena , Stridsman Caroline , Lundbäck Magnus , Andersson Martin , Rönmark Eva
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The aim was to identify predictors of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among teenagers.

Design and setting

A prospective population-based cohort study of schoolchildren in northern Sweden.

Participants

In 2006, a cohort study about asthma and allergic diseases among schoolchildren started within the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden studies. The study sample (n=2185) was recruited at age 7–8 years, and participated in questionnaire surveys at age 14–15 and 19 years. The questionnaire included questions about respiratory symptoms, living conditions, upper secondary education, physical activity, diet, health-related quality of life, parental smoking and parental occupation. Questions about tobacco use were included at age 14–15 and 19 years.

Primary outcome

E-cigarette use at age 19 years.

Results

At age 19 years, 21.4% had ever tried e-cigarettes and 4.2% were current users. Among those who were daily tobacco smokers at age 14–15 years, 60.9% had tried e-cigarettes at age 19 years compared with 19.1% of never-smokers and 34.0% of occasional smokers (p<0.001). Among those who had tried e-cigarettes, 28.1% were never smokers both at age 14–15 and 19 years, and 14.4% were never smokers among the current e-cigarette users. In unadjusted analyses, e-cigarette use was associated with daily smoking, use of snus and having a smoking father at age 14–15 years, as well as with attending vocational education, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet. In adjusted analyses, current e-cigarette use was associated with daily tobacco smoking at age 14–15 years (OR 6.27; 95% CI 3.12 to 12.58), attending a vocational art programme (OR 2.22; 95% CI 1.04 to 4.77) and inversely associated with eating a healthy diet (OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.59 to 0.92).

Conclusions

E-cigarette use was associated with personal and parental tobacco use, as well as with physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and attending vocational upper secondary education. Importantly, almost one-third of those who had tried e-cigarettes at age 19 years had never been tobacco smokers.
Interpreting the Lancet surgical indicators in Somaliland: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Dahir Shukri , Cotache-Condor Cesia F , Concepcion Tessa , Mohamed Mubarak , Poenaru Dan , Adan Ismail Edna , Leather Andy J M , Rice Henry E , Smith Emily R
Published: December 2020

Background

The unmet burden of surgical care is high in low-income and middle-income countries. The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery (LCoGS) proposed six indicators to guide the development of national plans for improving and monitoring access to essential surgical care. This study aimed to characterise the Somaliland surgical health system according to the LCoGS indicators and provide recommendations for next-step interventions.

Methods

In this cross-sectional nationwide study, the WHO’s Surgical Assessment Tool–Hospital Walkthrough and geographical mapping were used for data collection at 15 surgically capable hospitals. LCoGS indicators for preparedness was defined as access to timely surgery and specialist surgical workforce density (surgeons, anaesthesiologists and obstetricians/SAO), delivery was defined as surgical volume, and impact was defined as protection against impoverishment and catastrophic expenditure. Indicators were compared with the LCoGS goals and were stratified by region.

Results

The healthcare system in Somaliland does not meet any of the six LCoGS targets for preparedness, delivery or impact. We estimate that only 19% of the population has timely access to essential surgery, less than the LCoGS goal of 80% coverage. The number of specialist SAO providers is 0.8 per 100 000, compared with an LCoGS goal of 20 SAO per 100 000. Surgical volume is 368 procedures per 100 000 people, while the LCoGS goal is 5000 procedures per 100 000. Protection against impoverishing expenditures was only 18% and against catastrophic expenditures 1%, both far below the LCoGS goal of 100% protection.

Conclusion

We found several gaps in the surgical system in Somaliland using the LCoGS indicators and target goals. These metrics provide a broad view of current status and gaps in surgical care, and can be used as benchmarks of progress towards universal health coverage for the provision of safe, affordable, and timely surgical, obstetric and anaesthesia care in Somaliland.
Impact of the eye clinic liaison officer at an NHS foundation trust: a retrospective study
Authors: Menon Vaishnavi , Treen Talia , Burdon Michael A , Batra Ruchika
Published: December 2020

Objective

Vision loss has a significant impact on physical, mental and social well-being. Eye clinic liaison officers (ECLOs) have a crucial role in providing holistic care for patients with visual impairment. The aim of this study was to review the work of an ECLO over a period of 1 year at an NHS Trust to determine the volume of work and the areas of support provided by the ECLO.

Methods and analysis

A secondary data analysis of the ECLO case notes for all patients reviewed by the ECLO at University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) NHS Trust during the year 2019, was performed. Demographic data and certification of visual impairment (CVI) status were noted. The main outcome variable recorded was the categories of support provided by the ECLO. Case vignettes were chosen to illustrate the variety of support offered to individual patients.

Results

A total of 1127 consecutive participants were reviewed by the ECLO at University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) NHS Trust during the year 2019. Areas of support most commonly provided by the ECLO included aiding the process of registration for CVI, and assistance in accessing benefits,social support and low vision support. Severely sight impaired patients required significantly more areas of support than sight impaired patients (Χ2=52.7, p=2.16×10−6). Three case vignettes, chosen by the ECLO, highlighted the positive impact of the ECLO with respect to emotional support, practical advice and as a point of contact ensuring continuity of care, also during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions

The ECLO at UHB NHS Trust provides a core patient service within the ophthalmology department by being a key source of practical and emotional support and the crucial link between healthcare, social care and voluntary services.
Recurrence prediction for breast phyllodes tumours: validation of the Singapore nomogram in Korean women
Authors: Choi Jung Eun , Kang Su Hwan , Tan Puay Hoon , Bae Young Kyung
Published: December 2020

Aim

The Singapore nomogram was developed to predict recurrence risk of phyllodes tumours (PTs) of the breast based on histological features of stromal atypia, stromal mitoses, stromal overgrowth and surgical margin status. We aimed to validate the utility of the Singapore nomogram in a Korean PT cohort.

Methods

One hundred and twenty-four patients with Korean PT who underwent surgical resection between 1996 and 2015 were included in this study. Pathology reports and slides were reviewed to obtain histopathologic features and acquire Singapore nomogram scores. The probability of concordance between predicted and observed survivals by means of the Singapore nomogram was evaluated using a concordance index (C-index).

Results

Of the 124 cases, 57 (46%) were diagnosed as benign, 50 (40.3%) as borderline and 17 (13.7%) as malignant. Recurrences occurred in 25 (20.2%) patients. Univariate analysis showed PTs with higher stromal mitotic counts, marked stromal cellularity, stromal overgrowth, positive surgical margin, marked stromal atypia or a malignant grade presented higher risks of recurrence. Multivariate analysis showed stromal mitoses and surgical margin status independently predicted recurrence-free survival. Patients with high nomogram scores were at greater risk of recurrence (HR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.07, p<0.001) with a C-index of 0.762.

Conclusion

The Singapore nomogram provided a useful means of predicting PT outcomes in a Korean PT cohort.
Neutrino amplitude decomposition: toward observing the atmospheric-solar wave interference
Authors: Minakata Hisakazu
Published: December 2020

Observation of the interference between the atmospheric and solar oscillation waves with the correct magnitude would provide another manifestation of the three-generation structure of leptons. As a prerequisite for such analyses we develop a method for decomposing the oscillation S matrix into the atmospheric and solar amplitudes. Though the similar method was recently proposed successfully in vacuum, once an extension into the matter environment is attempted, it poses highly nontrivial problems. Even for an infinitesimal matter potential, inherent mixture of the atmospheric and solar oscillation waves occurs, rendering a simple extension of the vacuum definition untenable. We utilize general kinematic structure as well as analyses of the five perturbative frameworks, in which the nature of matter-dressed atmospheric and solar oscillations are known, to understand the origin of the trouble, how to deal with the difficulty, and to grasp the principle of decomposition. Then, we derive the amplitude decomposition formulas in these frameworks, and discuss properties of the decomposed probabilities. We mostly discuss the $$\nu _{\mu } \rightarrow \nu _{e}$$

ν
μ

→

ν
e

channel, but a comparison with the $$\nu _{\mu } \rightarrow \nu _{\tau }$$

ν
μ

→

ν
τ

channel reveals an interesting difference.
COVID-19 in North Africa: Comparative analysis by macroscopic growth laws
Authors: Castorina P. , Carco D. , Lanteri D. , Tawfik A. N. , Trabelsi A.
Published: December 2020

A comparative analysis of the COVID-19 diffusion in North African countries, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia has been carried out with the aim to study the effects of the containment efforts in different nations and the reliability of the predictions based on the data fits by macroscopic growth laws with a small number of free parameters. The comparison with data shows that the Coronavirus spreading has often different phases: an initial exponential behavior, followed by a Gompertz one and/or by a logistic phase, due to containment effort. The study of the growth phases permits to verify the restarting of the disease spreading after a stationarity period due to new outbreaks or to the weakness of the social control measures. The response of the National Health Systems to the emergency is discussed and some short-term predictions on the cumulative number of confirmed infected, on the hospitalizations and on the total number of deaths is done. The possible correlation with immigration in other Mediterranean Countries has been analyzed. Stable (or unstable) condition of the spreading can quickly change due to a stronger or weaker application of the lockdown measures and short-term predictions turn out to be reliable.
Numerical investigation of the influence of geometrical parameters on shock wave structure of a flow over a compression ramp
Authors: Hashemi Heidar , Namazian Zafar , Yazdanpanah Simin
Published: December 2020

In this study, wall modeled large-eddy simulations (LES) were performed with a finite volume method for a 25∘ compression-expansion ramp to investigate the different aspects of the 3D interaction of shock wave with a turbulent boundary layer. The hybrid initialization and dynamic grid adaption techniques were employed to decrease the computational cost and numerical errors. Shadowgraph contours, presenting Laplacian of density, were used to analyze structures of fine flow to have a distinct illustration of shock-wave structures. The simulated results were validated against experimental data in the same geometrical and boundary conditions. According to wall pressure distribution and averaged velocity profiles, there was a good agreement between current numerical results and available data. After validating the numerical methodology, the effects of arched and curved surfaces as passive control methods on shock wave boundary layer interaction (SBLI) were investigated. The results showed that using arched and curved surface, the separation zone can diminish; therefore, these two ways are the efficient passive control methods to reduce the strength of the shock waves.
Vaccinium bracteatum Improves Spatial Learning and Memory by Regulating N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptors and Tau Phosphorylation in Chronic Restraint Stress-Induced Memory Impaired Mice
Authors: Oh Dool-Ri , Kim Yujin , Im Sojeong , Oh Kyo-Nyeo , Shin Jawon , Jeong Changsik , Kim Yonguk , Choi Eun Jin , Choi Chulyung
Published: December 2020

Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb. Leaves (VBL) are a component of traditional herbal medicines. However, molecular mechanisms of VBL in stress-related memory impairment are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the spatial memory improvement effects of VBL in an animal model of chronic restraint stress (CRS) by using Y maze test and identified possible protective mechanisms against oxidative stress inducers (e.g., corticosterone and hydrogen peroxide [H2O2]) in SH-SY5Y neuronal cells. VBL showed neuroprotective effects via reduced release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in corticosterone or H2O2-induced cell death that was mediated through the regulation of cleaved caspase-3 and Nrf2 pathways. Furthermore, CRS-exposed mice were orally administered VBL (10, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) daily for 21 days. CRS-exposed mice treated with VBL showed significantly increased spontaneous alternation in short-term memory (STM) and long-term memory (LTM) trials, and number of total arm entries in LTM trials as measured by the Y maze test. Moreover, VBL (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) decreased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the hippocampus (HC, [Formula: see text] ¡ 0.01 and [Formula: see text] ¡ 0.001, respectively) and prefrontal cortex (PFC). CRS-exposed mice treated with VBL had dramatically decreased total Tau and Tau phosphorylation in the synapse of the HC and PFC which might be mediated by the regulation of CaMKII and GSK3[Formula: see text] phosphorylation. Additionally, VBL reduced CRS-induced upregulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunits (NMDAR1, 2A, and 2B). Thus, VBL exerts spatial memory improvement by regulating CRS-induced NMDA receptor neurotoxicity and Tau hyperphosphorylation.
Ginsenoside Rg3 Suppresses Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition via Downregulating Notch-Hes1 Signaling in Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Xiao , Liu Wei , Geng Chong , Li Tingting , Li Yanni , Guo Yaoyu , Wang Chunhui
Published: December 2020

Invasion and metastasis are the major causes leading to the high mortality of colon cancer. Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), as a bioactive ginseng compound, is suggested to possess antimetastasis effects in colon cancer. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we reported that Rg3 could effectively inhibit colon cancer cell invasion and metastasis through in vivo and in vitro studies. In addition, Rg3 suppressed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCT15 cells and SW48 cells evidenced by detecting EMT related markers E-cadherin, vimentin, and snail expression. Furthermore, inhibition of Notch signaling by LY411,575 or specific Hes1 siRNA obviously repressed colon cancer cell migration and metastasis, and induced increase in E-cadherin and decrease in vimentin and snail. Meanwhile, the expression of NICD and Hes1 was obviously decreased in the presence of Rg3. However, Rg3 failed to suppress EMT in Hes1 overexpressed colon cancer cells. In particular, Rg3 significantly reversed IL-6-induced EMT promotion and blocked IL-6- induced NICD and Hes1 upregulations. Overall, these findings suggested that Rg3 could inhibit colon cancer migration and metastasis via suppressing Notch-Hes1-EMT signaling.
Modified Chaplygin gas with viscous fluid in FRW cosmology
Authors: Singh S. Surendra , Singh Koijam Manihar , Kumrah Leishingam
Published: December 2020

Considering the modified viscous Chaplygin gas as the form of dark energy contained in the Universe, we study the interaction of dark energy with other components like electromagnetic field comprising the Universe. It is incidentally found that the interaction effect behaves like the electric charge from an electromagnetic field showing the possibility that a part of the dark energy can be utilized in the form of electrical energy. Further, from studying geometrical and physical behaviors of the evolution of this model Universe, it can be rightly said that this derived model behaves as the actual Universe.
Testing dissipative dark matter in causal thermodynamics
Authors: Cruz Norman , González Esteban , Palma Guillermo
Published: December 2020

In this paper we study the consistency of a cosmological model representing a universe filled with a one-component dissipative dark matter fluid, in the framework of the causal Israel–Stewart theory, where a general expression arising from perturbation analysis for the relaxation time [Formula: see text] is used. This model is described by an exact analytic solution recently found in [N. Cruz, E. González and G. Palma, Gen. Relat. Gravit. 52, 62 (2020), which depends on several model parameters as well as integration constants, allowing the use of Type Ia Supernovae and Observational Hubble data to perform by an astringent observational tests. The constraint regions found for the parameters of the solution allow the existence of an accelerated expansion of the universe at late times, after the domination era of the viscous pressure, which holds without the need of including a cosmological constant. Nevertheless, the fitted parameter values lead to drawbacks as a very large non-adiabatic contribution to the speed of sound, and some inconsistencies, not totally conclusive, with the description of the dissipative dark matter as a fluid, which is nevertheless a common feature of these kind of models.
Study on the optical properties for the F-type color center in BeO crystal with first-principles
Authors: Song Jiamei , Liu Tingyu , Shi Chunyu , Sun Ruxi , Wu Kaili
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we calculated the defect formation energy of oxygen vacancies with different charge states (0, +1, +2) in beryllium oxide crystal by using density functional theory (DFT). Based on defect formation energy, the positions of charge transition levels are obtained. However, there is a well-known problem that DFT will underestimate the band gap, which leads to the positions of charge transition levels are arguable. To obtain more accurate charge transition levels, we employ the hybrid functionals (HSE) to relieve the band edge problem, as well as use the finite-size corrections (FNV) to correct the defect formation energy. After obtaining the location of the charge transition level, we obtain a reliable description of the optical line shape of the F/F[Formula: see text] center containing electron–phonon coupling. The absorption spectra of the F center and F[Formula: see text] center peak at 7.1 eV and 6.3 eV, respectively. The luminescence band of the F center peaks at 4.7 eV. Furthermore, we speculate that the luminescence band near 3.7 eV is assigned to the F[Formula: see text] center.
OPTIMAL CONTROL OF NONLINEAR TIME-DELAY FRACTIONAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS WITH DICKSON POLYNOMIALS
Authors: CHEN SHU-BO , SORADI-ZEID SAMANEH , ALIPOUR MARYAM , CHU YU-MING , GÓMEZ-AGUILAR J. F. , JAHANSHAHI HADI
Published: December 2020

In this paper, a novel direct scheme to solve a set of time-delay fractional optimal control problems is introduced. The method firstly uses a set of Dickson polynomials as basis functions to approximate the states and control variables of the system. Next, the context of these basis functions and the use of a collocation method allow to transform the problem into a system of nonlinear algebraic equations. Finally, the unknown coefficients and control parameters in the original problem can be easily estimated by resolving the new system of equations. Given the high efficiency of the Dickson polynomials to deal with time-delay fractional systems, the proposed strategy involves a very tunable framework for direct trajectory optimization, according to the discretization procedure and the range of arbitrary nodes. The convergence analysis of the proposed method is presented, along with some illustrative examples which demonstrate its most relevant features.
ANALYTICAL SOLUTION OF THE FRACTAL CUBIC–QUINTIC DUFFING EQUATION
Authors: ELÍAS-ZÚÑIGA ALEX , PALACIOS-PINEDA LUIS MANUEL , JIMÉNEZ-CEDEÑO ISAAC H. , MARTÍNEZ-ROMERO OSCAR , OLVERA-TREJO DANIEL
Published: December 2020

In this work, the fractal cubic–quintic Duffing’s equation analytical solution is obtained using the two-scale transform and elliptic functions. Then, the analytical solution is used to study wave propagation in a fractal medium. Since the value of the fractal parameter adjusts the pulse frequency and wavelength propagation velocity, depending upon the fractal medium physical properties, it is found that the information contained in the pulse can be carried out faster over long distances without distortion or loss of intensities.

This paper offers a new light on the applicability of the two-scale transform of fractal theory to comprehend natural phenomena.
A FRACTAL MODEL FOR APPARENT LIQUID PERMEABILITY OF DUAL WETTABILITY SHALE COUPLING BOUNDARY LAYER AND SLIP EFFECT
Authors: WANG FUYONG , FU JIONG
Published: December 2020

The apparent liquid permeability (ALP) of shale is challenging to be characterized due to complex wettability and nanopore size distribution. The nanopores in organic matter of shale are usually hydrophobic and the nanopores in inorganic matter are hydrophilic. The flow behaviors in these two different nanopores are quite different, and accurately predicting the ALP of shale is difficult. This paper proposes a fractal model for predicting the ALP of shale with dual wettability. The nonflowing boundary layer effect of water in inorganic pores and the slip effect in organic pores are considered, and the equations for describing the flow rate in single organic pore and inorganic pore are derived, respectively. With the assumption of the fractal distributions of organic pores and inorganic pores in shale, the analytical expression for predicting the ALP of shale is derived, and the key parameters influencing shale ALP are analyzed with sensitivity study. The research results show that the nonflowing boundary layer can reduce the ALP of inorganic pores, but slip effect will increase the ALP of organic pores. ALP of inorganic pores is affected by the thickness of nonflowing boundary layer, which is determined by the displacement pressure gradient, fluid viscosity, and pore size distribution. ALP of inorganic pores is more affected by contact angle and pore size distribution.
A NOVEL PERSPECTIVE FOR THE FRACTAL SCHRÖDINGER EQUATION
Authors: WANG KANG-LE
Published: December 2020

In this work, the Schrödinger equation is described by the fractal derivative, and its variational principle is obtained by using the fractal semi-inverse method. The variational principle is helpful to research the construction of the solution. The approximate analytical solution of the fractal Schrödinger equation is obtained based on the proposed variational approach and the fractal two-scale transform method. Finally, an example shows that the proposed approach is very fascinating in deal with nonlinear fractal models.
FINITE-TIME STABILITY IN MEAN FOR NABLA UNCERTAIN FRACTIONAL ORDER LINEAR DIFFERENCE SYSTEMS
Authors: LU QINYUN , ZHU YUANGUO , LI BO
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the finite-time stability in mean for the uncertain fractional order linear time-invariant discrete systems is investigated. First, the uncertain fractional order difference equations with the nabla operators are introduced. Then, some conditions of finite-time stability in mean for the systems driven by the nabla uncertain fractional order difference equations with the fractional order [Formula: see text] are obtained by the property of Riemann–Liouville-type nabla difference and the generalized Gronwall inequality. Furthermore, based on these conditions, the state feedback controllers are designed. Finally, some examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the results.
Effect of auxiliary acceptor on D-π-A based porphyrin sensitizers for dye sensitized solar cells
Authors: Devulapally Koteshwar , Reddy Govind , Prasanthkumar Seelam , Jagadeesh Anooja , Soman Suraj , Giribabu Lingamallu
Published: December 2020

Among the tetrapyrrolic class of compounds, porphyrin based sensitizers have attracted considerable attention due to their excellent performance in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, two new donor-[Formula: see text]-acceptor (D-[Formula: see text]-A) concept based porphyrin sensitizers having donor 3-ethynylphenothiazine tethered at meso- position, zinc porphyrin as [Formula: see text]-spacer and acceptor either 3-(4-(benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazol-4-yl)phenyl)-2-cyanoacrylic acid (LG22), and 3-(4-(benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazol-4-yl)thiophene-2-yl)-2-cyanoacrylicacid (LG23) were designed and synthesized. Both sensitizers were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and electrochemical methods. Optical, electrochemical and optimized studies suggest that these dyes are suitable for sensitization of nanocrystalline TiO2. The optimized device studies showed the power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of 1.86% and 1.37% for LG22 and LG23 dyes, respectively using [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] liquid redox shuttle. Finally, Charge Extraction (CE), Intensity Modulated Photovoltage Spectroscopy (IMVS), Intensity Modulated Photocurrent Spectroscopy (IMPS) and Open Circuit Voltage Decay (OCVD) measurements were adopted to understand in detail the electron transfer properties at various interfaces in a way to understand the performance limiting processes in these novel porphyrin sensitizers.
The reduction theorem for relatively maximal subgroups
Authors: Guo Wenbin , Revin Danila O. , Vdovin Evgeny P.
Published: December 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a class of finite groups closed under taking subgroups, homomorphic images and extensions. It is known that if [Formula: see text] is a normal subgroup of a finite group [Formula: see text] then the image of an [Formula: see text]-maximal subgroup [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] is not, in general, [Formula: see text]-maximal in [Formula: see text]. We say that the reduction [Formula: see text]-theorem holds for a finite group [Formula: see text] if, for every finite group [Formula: see text] that is an extension of [Formula: see text] (i.e. contains [Formula: see text] as a normal subgroup), the number of conjugacy classes of [Formula: see text]-maximal subgroups in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is the same. The reduction [Formula: see text]-theorem for [Formula: see text] implies that [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-maximal in [Formula: see text] for every extension [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] and every [Formula: see text]-maximal subgroup [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we prove that the reduction [Formula: see text]-theorem holds for [Formula: see text] if and only if all [Formula: see text]-maximal subgroups of [Formula: see text] are conjugate in [Formula: see text] and classify the finite groups with this property in terms of composition factors.
On weighted overpartitions related to some q-series in Ramanujan’s lost notebook
Authors: Kim Byungchan , Kim Eunmi , Lovejoy Jeremy
Published: December 2020

Motivated by certain [Formula: see text]-series of Ramanujan, we examine two overpartition difference functions. We give both combinatorial and asymptotic formulas for the differences and show that they are always positive. We also briefly discuss similar differences for some other types of partitions. Our main tools are elementary [Formula: see text]-series transformations and Ingham’s Tauberian theorem.
The Role of Intrinsic Signaling Pathways in Cell Proliferation
Authors: Coleman Holly , Abedin Muhammad Raisul , Powers Kaitlyne , Barua Sutapa
Published: December 2020

Programmed cell death, or apoptosis, and controlled cell division, or mitosis, are two highly regulated processes in the cell cycle. A balance between apoptosis and mitosis is critical for multiple distinct states including embryonic development, immune cell activation, stem cell differentiation, tissue formation (wound healing), and tumor prevention, among others. A cell undergoing apoptosis shows a series of characteristic morphological changes similar to normal mitosis and an aberrant form of mitosis. During each of these processes, nuclear chromatin condenses, the nuclear lamina and cytoplasmic membranes disintegrate, and cells decrease in volume. The morphological resemblance among cells undergoing these processes suggests that the underlying intracellular signaling pathways influence the mitotic cell fate. In this paper, the relationship of intracellular signaling pathways, cell cycle dynamics, and apoptotic cell signaling pathways is discussed. The mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal-regulated kinases (MAPK/Ras/Raf/ERK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), wingless-related integration site (Wnt), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-[Formula: see text] are major cell signaling pathways that transmit signals from multiple cell surface receptors to transcription factors in the nucleus. The pathways are stimulated by cytokines, growth factors, and external stimuli, i.e., reactive oxygen species which induce signal transduction pathways and regulate complex processes such as cell cycle progression, cell proliferation, cellular growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. Aberrant mutations in particular genes and proteins of these pathways contribute to cancers usually by inhibiting pro-apoptotic proteins (e.g., Bak, Bax, Noxa, Puma, etc.) and stimulating antiapoptotic proteins (e.g., Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, Mcl-1, etc.). The cell cycle is regulated by intracellular signaling pathways such as the MAPK/Ras/Raf/ERK and PI3K pathways to produce the synthesis of cyclin D and other mitosis regulating proteins (Myc and Jun). Cyclin D1 binds to cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 and CDK 6 (CDK4/6) to form an effective complex, activate several substrates, and initiate the cell cycle. The prominent molecules that regulate signaling pathways in normal and cancer cells are described.
The Split Feasibility Problem with Some Projection Methods in Banach Spaces
Authors: Kawasaki Toshiharu , Manaka Hiroko
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we study the split feasibility problem in Banach spaces. At first, we prove that a solution of this problem is a solution of the equivalent equation defined by using a metric projection, a generalized projection, and sunny generalized nonexpansive retraction, respectively. Then, using the hybrid method with these projections, we prove strong convergence theorems in mathematical programing in order to find a solution of the split feasibility problem in Banach spaces.
Empirical Likelihood-Based Inference in Regressive Model with Moment Restrictions
Authors: Zhiwen Zhao , Jinghua He
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we consider the parameter estimation problem of linear regression model when the auxiliary information can be denoted by moment restrictions. We use the weighted least squares method to estimate the model parameters and to obtain the weights based on the auxiliary information by using the empirical likelihood method. The limiting distribution of the estimator is established, and the simulation studies are carried out to demonstrate the feasibility of our theoretical results.
Fractional-Order Active Disturbance Rejection Controller for Motion Control of a Novel 6-DOF Parallel Robot
Authors: Shi Xinxin , Huang Jiacai , Gao Fangzheng
Published: December 2020

A novel 6-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) parallel robot driven by six novel linear motors is designed and controlled in this paper. Detailed structures of linear motors are illustrated. A control strategy based on kinematics of the 6-DOF parallel robot is used, and six linear motors are controlled to track their own desired trajectories under a designed fractional-order active disturbance rejection controller (FOADRC). Compared with the normal ADRC, two desired trajectories and three different working situations of a linear motor are simulated to show good performances of the FOADRC. Experimental results show that six linear motors can track their own desired trajectories accurately under payloads and disturbances, and the novel 6-DOF parallel robot can be controlled well.