bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using MR elastography to assess portal hypertension and response to beta‐blockers in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Danielsen Karen Vagner , Hove Jens Dahlgaard , Nabilou Puria , Yin Meng , Chen Jun , Zhao Mirabella , Kallemose Thomas , Teisner Ane Søgaard , Siebner Hartwig Roman , Ehman Richard L. , Møller Søren , Bendtsen Flemming
Published: June 2021

Background

MR elastography can determine organ‐related stiffness, which reflects the degree of fibrosis. Liver stiffness increases in cirrhosis, and stiffness increases further post‐prandially due to increased portal blood in‐flow. Non‐selective beta‐blockers (NSBB) reduce the portal venous inflow, but their effect on liver and spleen stiffness are disputed.

Aims

To assess whether MR elastography of the liver or spleen reflects the severity of cirrhosis, whether treatment with NSBB changes liver and spleen stiffness and whether changes in stiffness can predict the effect of NSBB on portal pressure.

Methods

Fifty‐two patients with cirrhosis underwent liver vein catheterization and two‐dimensional (2D) MR elastography on separate days. Thirty‐six of the patients had a hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) of ≥12 mmHg and were tested prior to, and after, intravenous infusion of NSBB using HVPG measurement and MR elastography.

Results

HVPG showed a strong, positive, linear relationship with liver stiffness (r2 = 0.92; P < .001) and spleen stiffness (r2 = 0.94; P < .001). The cut‐off points for identifying patients with a HVPG ≥ 12 mmHg were 7.7 kPa for liver stiffness (sensitivity 0.78, specificity 0.64) and 10.5 kPa for spleen stiffness (sensitivity 0.8, specificity 0.79).

Intravenous administration of NSBB significantly decreased spleen stiffness by 6.9% (CI: 3.5‐10.4, P < .001), but NSBB had no consistent effect on liver stiffness. However, changes in spleen stiffness were not related to the HVPG response (P = .75).

Conclusions

Two‐dimensional MR elastographic estimation of liver or spleen stiffness reflects the degree of portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis, but changes in stiffness after NSBB do not predict the effect on HVPG.
Lower urinary tract symptoms among male medical students and its relationship with khat chewing habit: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Babakri Mohammed M. , Al‐Sakkaf Khaled , Basaleem Huda
Published: June 2021

Objective

To determine the prevalence of the khat chewing habit among male medical students and its relationship with urinary tract symptoms.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study on male medical students at the University of Aden, Yemen, during the period 3 to 14 April 2016. The study tool was a self‐administered predesigned questionnaire containing selected personal background information, habits of chewing khat, and the standard Arabic version of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS).

Results

A total of 220 students completed the questionnaire; 46% of them reported using khat regularly. Fifty‐four (53.5%) students who chewed khat used it on a daily basis, and the vast majority of them (76%) spent more than 4 hours in a typical khat session. The main ± SD (median) IPSS of students who reported using khat was 10.48 ± 8.39 (10) compared with students who did not chew khat 2.89 ± 3.41 (2). The majority (90%) of the non‐khat chewing students had a mild degree of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and none of them reported a severe degree, while 39.6%, 46.5%, and 13.9% of the khat chewing students reported mild‐, moderate‐, and severe‐degree LUTS, respectively. There was a significant difference between khat chewing and non‐khat chewing students in all LUTS (domains of IPPS symptoms), except the nocturia symptom.

Conclusion

The khat chewing habit is prevalent among male medical students, and it is strongly correlated with LUTS as measured by IPPS.
Testing cophylogeny between coral reef invertebrates and their bacterial and archaeal symbionts
Authors: O’Brien Paul A. , Andreakis Nikos , Tan Shangjin , Miller David J. , Webster Nicole S. , Zhang Guojie , Bourne David G.
Published: June 2021

Marine invertebrates harbour a complex suite of bacterial and archaeal symbionts, a subset of which are probably linked to host health and homeostasis. Within a complex microbiome it can be difficult to tease apart beneficial or parasitic symbionts from nonessential commensal or transient microorganisms; however, one approach is to detect strong cophylogenetic patterns between microbial lineages and their respective hosts. We employed the Procrustean approach to cophylogeny (PACo) on 16S rRNA gene derived microbial community profiles paired with COI, 18S rRNA and ITS1 host phylogenies. Second, we undertook a network analysis to identify groups of microbes that were co‐occurring within our host species. Across 12 coral, 10 octocoral and five sponge species, each host group and their core microbiota (50% prevalence within host species replicates) had a significant fit to the cophylogenetic model. Independent assessment of each microbial genus and family found that bacteria and archaea affiliated to Endozoicomonadaceae, Spirochaetaceae and Nitrosopumilaceae have the strongest cophylogenetic signals. Further, local Moran's I measure of spatial autocorrelation identified 14 ASVs, including Endozoicomonadaceae and Spirochaetaceae, whose distributions were significantly clustered by host phylogeny. Four co‐occurring subnetworks were identified, each of which was dominant in a different host group. Endozoicomonadaceae and Spirochaetaceae ASVs were abundant among the subnetworks, particularly one subnetwork that was exclusively comprised of these two bacterial families and dominated the octocoral microbiota. Our results disentangle key microbial interactions that occur within complex microbiomes and reveal long‐standing, essential microbial symbioses in coral reef invertebrates.
Functional gastrointestinal and somatoform symptoms five months after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: A controlled cohort study
Authors: Noviello Daniele , Costantino Andrea , Muscatello Antonio , Bandera Alessandra , Consonni Dario , Vecchi Maurizio , Basilisco Guido
Published: June 2021

Background

Gastrointestinal infections represent a risk factor for functional gastrointestinal and somatoform extraintestinal disorders. We investigated the prevalence and relative risk (RR) of gastrointestinal and somatoform symptoms 5 months after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection compared with a control cohort.

Methods

One hundred and sixty‐four SARS‐CoV‐2 infected patients and 183 controls responded to an online questionnaire about symptoms and signs during the acute phase of the infection and after 4.8 ± 0.3 months. Presence and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms, somatization, anxiety, and depression were recorded with standardized questionnaires. Stool form and presence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were also recorded. Any association between exposure to infection and symptoms was evaluated by calculating crude and adjusted RR values and score differences with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Key Results

Fever, dyspnea, loss of smell/taste/weight, diarrhea, myalgia, arthralgia, and asthenia were reported by more than 40% of patients during the acute phase. Compared with controls, adjusted RRs for loose stools, chronic fatigue, and somatization were increased after infection: 1.88 (95% CI 0.99–3.54), 2.24 (95% CI 1.48–3.37), and 3.62 (95% CI 1.01–6.23), respectively. Gastrointestinal sequelae were greater in patients with diarrhea during the acute phase.

Conclusions & Inferences

Mild gastroenterological symptoms persist 5 months after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, in particular in patients reporting diarrhea in the acute phase. Infected patients are at increased risk of chronic fatigue and somatoform disorders, thus supporting the hypothesis that both functional gastrointestinal and somatoform disorders may have a common biological origin.
Linoleic acid and squalene are oxidized by discrete oxidation mechanisms in human sebum
Authors: Ishikawa Ayano , Ito Junya , Shimizu Naoki , Kato Shunji , Kobayashi Eri , Ohnari Hiroki , Sakata Osamu , Naru Eiji , Nakagawa Kiyotaka
Published: June 2021

Previous studies suggest that squalene (SQ) in sebum is oxidized by a photooxidation mechanism (i.e., singlet oxygen oxidation) to create SQ hydroperoxide (SQOOH), a compound that causes adverse skin conditions. However, oxidation of other lipids in sebum, such as linoleic acid (LA), has not been fully understood. Elucidating their oxidation, especially its mechanisms, may lead to a further understanding of the relationship between sebum oxidation and skin conditions. In this study, using HPLC–MS/MS, we aimed to detect LA hydroperoxide (LAOOH) directly from sebum and identify the oxidation mechanism of LA in sebum through analysis of LAOOH isomers. We developed extraction and HPLC–MS/MS analysis conditions that can sufficiently quantify each LAOOH isomer in sebum. Using this method, LAOOH was detected in samples from healthy individuals, demonstrating the presence of LAOOH in human sebum. Moreover, isomer analysis of LAOOH and SQOOH indicated that LA and SQ are oxidized in sebum by discrete oxidation mechanisms (LA oxidized by free radical oxidation, whereas SQ oxidized by singlet oxygen oxidation). Such results may further lead to the development of mechanism‐specific ways to prevent oxidation of sebum via a selection of appropriate antioxidants, ultimately leading to the promotion of skin health.
The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the 2020 pediatric anesthesiology fellowship application cycle: A survey of applicants
Authors: DiGiusto Matthew , Lupa Maria Concetta , Corridore Marco , Sivak Erica L. , Lockman Justin L.
Published: June 2021

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic created a situation with an urgent need to produce a virtual system for the 2019–2020 pediatric anesthesiology fellowship cycle. With fellowship interviews beginning in April 2020, there was minimal time to adapt. Each program rapidly developed its own platform, expectations, materials, and process for interviews, and applicants were exposed to a wide array of variability in the process—all while under the stress of interviewing for fellowship positions.

Aims

The aim of this survey‐based study was to obtain input from applicants to help guide program decisions about “best practice” for the future for both pediatric anesthesiology and other graduate medical education matches.

Methods

A 28‐question survey was developed utilizing Qualtrics. An anonymous link was sent to all pediatric anesthesiology program directors for distribution of the survey link to all recently matched applicants. Incoming fellows who were accepted outside of the match process were also invited to respond.

Results

Fifty respondents completed the survey, for a response rate of 30% based on the 167 matched fellowship positions nationwide (50/167). A majority of the respondents reported they felt virtual interviews allowed them to learn the following things equally as well compared with a traditional interview about fellowship programs: salary and benefits, available academic opportunities, available clinical opportunities, clinical schedule of the fellowship, mentorship opportunities, clinical experience and training of the fellowship, and expected work‐life balance during fellowship. Respondents report that the most important factors in making their rank list were perceived goodness of fit, desired geographic location, and perception of program leadership. Additionally, respondents ranked the types of information and interactions that they found most helpful to make decisions. All respondents reported the benefit of cost savings compared to a traditional application cycle, with the most commonly reported estimated savings being $3,000–$5,000 per respondent.

Conclusions

These results allow recommendations for “best practices” for virtual interviews to include programs providing an electronic packet of information prior to the interview day, providing dedicated time for applicants to interact with current fellows, providing applicants an understanding of the city/region of the location of the program, and offering a completely optional postinterview visit, when possible. Based on the results of this survey, we recommend that programs continue to offer virtual interviews as a penalty‐free option for applicants, even when in‐person interviews may be feasible.
Float like a Butterfly, Sting like One Too
Authors: Ross Adam D. J. , Bombardier Nathan , Schuessler Donald C. , Morley Keith
Published: June 2021

Rash after contact with butterflies has not been previously reported in the medical literature to our knowledge. We describe potentially the first suspected case of a cutaneous reaction to the Compton tortoiseshell butterfly (Nymphalis vaualbum) in a young boy who developed urticaria after the modified hairs of the butterfly embedded within his finger. His urticaria improved through treatment with oral and topical steroids as well as systemic antihistamines. This case report expands the variety of insect species that may cause human disease and should raise awareness for this possible reaction.
Plasma trial: Pilot randomized clinical trial to determine safety and efficacy of plasma transfusions
Authors: Carson Jeffrey L. , Ness Paul M. , Pagano Monica B. , Philipp Claire S. , Bracey Arthur W. , Brooks Maria Mori , Nosher John L. , Hogshire Lauren , Noveck Helaine , Triulzi Darrell J.
Published: June 2021

Background

Plasma is frequently administered to patients with prolonged INR prior to invasive procedures. However, there is limited evidence evaluating efficacy and safety.

Study Design and Methods

We performed a pilot trial in hospitalized patients with INR between 1.5 and 2.5 undergoing procedures conducted outside the operating room. We excluded patients undergoing procedures proximal to the central nervous system, platelet counts <40,000/μl, or congenital or acquired coagulation disorders unresponsive to plasma. We randomly allocated patients stratified by hospital and history of cirrhosis to receive plasma transfusion (10–15 cc/kg) or no transfusion. The primary outcome was change in hemoglobin concentration within 2 days of procedure.

Results

We enrolled 57 patients, mean age 56.0, 34 (59.6%) with cirrhosis, and mean INR 1.92 (SD = 0.27). In the intention to treat analysis, there were 10 of 27 (38.5%) participants in the plasma arm with a post procedure INR <1.5 and one of 30 (3.6%) in the no treatment arm (p < .01). The mean INR after receiving plasma transfusion was −0.24 (SD 0.26) lower than baseline. The change from pre‐procedure hemoglobin level to lowest level within 2 days was −0.6 (SD = 1.0) in the plasma transfusion arm and −0.4 (SD = 0.6) in the no transfusion arm (p = .29). Adverse outcomes were uncommon.

Discussion

We found no differences in change in hemoglobin concentration in those treated with plasma compared to no treatment. The change in INR was small and corrected to less than 1.5 in minority of patients. Large trials are required to establish if plasma is safe and efficacious.
The Production, Preservation and Dissemination of Archaeological Data in Japan
Authors: Takata Yuichi , Yanase Peter
Published: June 2021

Japan is producing a vast amount of archaeological data because of the high number of rescue excavations taking place every year in the country. However, municipal administrations are struggling to cope with storing and disseminating the accumulated data. This article gives an overview of how fieldwork reports and archaeological illustrations are framed in national policies and how that affects the way they are handled locally, both in physical and digital form.
A Snapshot in Time: a review of current approaches to archaeological archiving in Scotland
Authors: McKeague Peter
Published: June 2021

Hosted by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) is the primary place of deposit for archaeological archives in Scotland. Built up over several decades, the archives hold over 1.6m items, both analogue and digital, linked to a site inventory of over 320,000 site records relating to the archaeological and architectural history of Scotland. Initially the survey archive of the former Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland, the collections now include project archives from professional archaeological companies, academic researchers and, increasingly, community projects. A range of policy and professional drivers, as well as best practice, encourage archival deposition. The digital component of the archive has grown considerably over the last decade. In response, the NRHE has invested in preservation software to manage these holdings and has submitted an application for CoreTrustSeal. The NRHE is available online through the Canmore database and web-map applications. The online presence is assessed against the FAIR Data principles.
Digital Archaeological Archiving in Sweden: the Swedish National Data Service perspective
Authors: Jakobsson Ulf
Published: June 2021

In the past, data from archaeological investigations, as well as research projects led by universities have not been archived or made publicly accessible. Synthetic publications such as papers, reports and articles have been available, but not the underlying data files containing the original data to be reused or combined with new/other datasets for further research.

Archaeological investigations are regulated within Sweden, but it has only recently been possible for that data to be preserved and disseminated in a more streamlined way. The mandatory requirement to archive research data at universities is often not enforced, resulting in a loss of data that is very problematic. This is now slowly changing owing to requirements from both governmental bodies and funding agencies, and therefore the future of archaeological data in Sweden looks a bit brighter.
Digital Archiving and Process Management in the Bavarian State Department of Monuments and Sites
Authors: Jantos Silke , Sommer C. Sebastian
Published: June 2021

Over the last two decades, technical progress for archaeology within the Bavarian State Department of Monuments and Sites (BLfD) underwent rapid development. It began with the establishment of an information system (FIS) where the workflow of the Department of Archaeological Heritage is mapped. The next step consisted of standardisation of data capture for all institutions and companies undertaking excavation. In response, a homogeneous data model was developed and established through the application ExcaBook. In order to guarantee this solution would be used widely, an Importer was created to import data from other databases or applications. Hereafter it is also planned to process data from restoration and conservation projects, using a similar approach in order to work towards improving data exchange between all related sciences.
Taming the Beast. Approaches to Digital Archiving in Czech Archaeology
Authors: Novák David , Kuna Martin , Lečbychová Olga
Published: June 2021

As in other countries, Czech archaeology has embarked on a journey of digitisation. This creates the need to cope with the rapid growth of digital data, which must be stored securely over the long term and be accessible in a comprehensible and useful way. This causes several problems. Although there is a centralised and well-resourced digital agenda that meets the requirements of the Heritage Law, outdated legislation and the absence of comprehensive rules do nothing to regulate the management of the most valuable data - the primary documentation of fieldwork events. At present, only summary information on archaeological fieldwork and the final reports, which should contain a substantial selection of documentation, are centrally collected and stored. This is a situation that is difficult to accept as primary (raw) data with a greater information value is disappearing into thin air. The premise for change lies in supplying the existing central infrastructure - The Archaeological Information System of the Czech Republic (AIS CR) - with the tools to acquire and archive primary data on a larger scale, while at the same time, amending the legal obligations imposed on archaeological practitioners. Sustainable change requires a significant overhaul of the current concept, objectives and especially the practice of archaeological fieldwork projects, particularly in the planning and post-excavation phases.
Stewardship of Digital Archaeological Data in Greece: a landscape of fragmentation
Authors: Tsiafaki Despoina , Katsianis Markos
Published: June 2021

This article provides an overview of the current situation in Greece regarding digital archaeological data stewardship. A brief chronicle of Greek archaeology sets the scene for a better understanding of the present situation. Greek archaeology is supervised by the Ministry of Culture and Sports, with the Archaeological Service as the central organisation in charge of antiquities. However, archaeological data resulting from archaeological fieldwork are produced by several other entities. This article presents the policies governing both physical and digital documentation archives. It introduces the current practices for archaeological data preservation and the relevant digital infrastructures, attempting to showcase the existing environment. We categorise prevailing problems on three levels, all based on the fact that digital and open access arrived recently in a well-established environment formed gradually over almost two centuries.

Even so, fragmentation and variation would be the proper terms to describe the status of the stewardship of digital archaeological data in Greece. Our review shows that there is substantial effort directed towards digital archaeological data stewardship and accessibility by all stakeholders within the archaeological sector. Finally, we add a few thoughts and suggestions, and indicate the need to generate a network that could take steps towards more inclusive strategies within digital data stewardship. The key to leveraging change is raising awareness about data sustainability and reuse, and the COVID-19 outbreak indicates a clear change in mentality in this direction, since open access resources have begun to be key to education and research conducted in Greece.
Different breeding conditions affect the morphological variability in larvae of Platytrombidium fasciatum (Trombidiformes: Microtrombidiidae)
Authors: Derdak Anna , Felska Magdalena , Mąkol Joanna , Zajkowska Paula
Published: June 2021

The impact of temperature and light/dark cycle on morphological traits of Platytrombidium fasciatum was examined in larvae obtained from field-collected females. The eggs laid by 65 females at laboratory conditions were assigned to four experimental groups. Varied thermal conditions affected the values of nine out of 46 (nonparametric MANOVA) and 26 out of 37 (LDA) morphometric traits in larvae. As many as six quantitative traits differed significantly irrespective of the method (MANOVA, LDA) applied. The analysis of the metric traits within the dorsal sclerites revealed that the lower mean temperature over the period of egg incubation, translated into longer duration of development, was associated with an increase in distance between the bases of 3rd pair of non-sensillary setae on scutum at the decrease in distance between the bases of 2nd pair of non-sensillary setae as well as in distance between the level of sensilla and the posterior edge of the sclerite. In the case of 40 measurable traits in larvae of P. fasciatum, the variability going beyond the hitherto knowledge on the species was observed.
Biocontrol of Mold Growth in High-Moisture Wheat Stored under Airtight Conditions by Pichia anomala, Pichia guilliermondii, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Petersson S , Schnurer J
Published: June 2021

Volume 61, no. 3, p. 1029, Table 1, boxhead over columns 2 to 4: "(CFU/plate)" should read "(log CFU/plate)." FIG. 1 [This corrects the article on p. 1027 in vol. 61.].
Translational control of ribosomal protein synthesis during early Dictyostelium discoideum development
Authors: Steel L F , Jacobson A
Published: June 2021

Throughout the developmental program of Dictyostelium discoideum there are substantial changes in the rates of both ribosome utilization and rRNA transcription and processing. We examined the regulation of ribosomal protein (r-protein) gene expression and found that, at the start of development, expression of these genes was drastically and specifically reduced by a block to translational initiation. An apparently separate event signals a sudden decrease in the relative amount of r-protein mRNA at about 10 h of development, a time when aggregated amoebae are forming tight cell-cell contacts. For the first 9 h of development, the relative amount of r-protein mRNA remained essentially unchanged and comparable to levels detected in growing cells. While the r-protein mRNAs were almost fully loaded on polysomes during vegetative growth, they were specifically excluded from polysomes at the start of development. The translational block was not the result of irreversible structural changes which inactivate the r-protein mRNAs since they remained translatable both in vitro, in wheat germ extracts, and in vivo, where they were recruited onto polysomes in the presence of the elongation inhibitor cycloheximide. In addition, precise measurements of poly(A) tail lengths on individual hybrid-selected mRNA species showed that there is no difference in the poly(A) tail length of r-protein mRNA isolated from growing cells and 1-h developing cells. Therefore, changes in translational efficiency cannot be attributed to cleavage of poly(A) tails.
Structural Changes in Silica Glass under the Action of Electron Beam Irradiation: The Effect of Irradiation Dose
Authors: Sidorov A. I. , Kirpichenko D. A. , Yurina U. V. , Podsvirov O. A.
Published: June 2021

Structural changes in silica glass, produced by electron irradiation, with electrons energies of 50 keV and doses of 5–80 mC/cm2 were studied by Raman spectroscopy in frequency ranges of 300–550 and of 700–1500 cm–1. It is shown that for irradiation doses less than 5 mC/cm2 the decrease of siloxane rings concentration in glass takes place. The further increase of dose results in the increase of siloxane rings concentration in glass network after irrsdiation. And for doses of more than 40 mC/cm2 the whole destruction of glass structure and its structural units takes place. The obtained results for silica glass were compared with similar results for crystalline quartz.
Lower volume throughout the taper and higher intensity in the last interval session prior to a 1500 m time trial improves performance
Authors: Spilsbury Kate L. , Fudge Barry W. , Nimmo Myra A. , Faulkner Steve H.
Published: June 2021

Eight highly trained middle-distance runners (1500 m personal best 4:01.4 ± 0:09.2 min) completed two 7-day tapers, separated by at least 3 weeks of regular training: (i) prescribed using prediction models from elite middle-distance runners, where continuous running volume was reduced by 30% and interval intensity was equal to 1500 m race pace (RP); and (ii) continuous running volume was reduced by 60% and intensity of the final interval session was completed at 110% of 1500 m race pace (HI). Performance was assessed using 1500 m time trials on an indoor 200 m track 1 day before, and 1 day after each taper. Performance time was improved after HI by 5.2 ± 3.7 s (mean ± 90% confidence limits, p = 0.03) and by 3.2 ± 3.8 s after RP (p = 0.15). The first and second 300 m segments of the 1500 m time trial were faster post-taper in RP (p = 0.012 and p = 0.017, respectively) and HI (both p = 0.012). Running faster than race pace late in a low-volume taper is recommended to improve 1500 m track performance. A positive pacing strategy is adopted after tapering, although care should be taken to avoid an over-fast start.

Novelty: A large reduction in volume during tapering and an increase in final interval session intensity improves running performance. Athletes adopt a negative pacing strategy before tapering and a positive-pacing strategy after tapering.
Poisson–Lie transformations and generalized supergravity equations
Authors: Hlavatý Ladislav , Petr Ivo
Published: June 2021

In this paper we investigate Poisson–Lie transformation of dilaton and vector field $${\mathcal {J}}$$
J
appearing in generalized supergravity equations. While the formulas appearing in literature work well for isometric sigma models, we present examples for which generalized supergravity equations are not preserved. Therefore, we suggest modification of these formulas.
Late cosmology in massive conformal gravity
Authors: Faria F. F.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we find the cosmological solutions of the massive conformal gravity field equations in the presence of matter fields. In particular, we show that the solution of negative curvature is in good agreement with the late universe.
Theoretical constraints on scalar parameters in the compact 341 model
Authors: Djouala M. , Mebarki N.
Published: June 2021

Theoretical constraints on the scalar potential of the compact 341 model with three quadruplets scalar fields are discussed. It is shown that in order to ensure the good behavior of the potential and the viability of the model, the criteria, such as copositivity, minimization, perturbative unitarity, perturbativity of the scalar couplings and no ghost scalar bosons (scalar bosons masses positivity), are imposed and bounds on the scalar couplings are obtained. Moreover, the existence of the Landau pole in the model imposes stringent limits.
Robust topological edge states from one-dimensional diatomic chain photonic crystals
Authors: Fang Yun-Tuan , Li Xiao-Xue , Yang Li-Xia
Published: June 2021

The Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) model can occur in a one-dimensional (1D) diatomic chain photonic crystal (PC) in which a unit cell includes two same slabs (atoms). With different intervals of the two slabs, the two combined 1D PCs can support topological edge states in all photonic boundary bandgaps. These topological edge states come from the inversion of topological phase of the bands through the band folding effect. When the sum of the two atom intervals in the two different 1D PCs equals to the unit cell length, these edge state frequencies keep invariant.
Topologic characteristics and sustainable growth of worldwide urban rail networks
Authors: Ding Rui , Zhang Ting , Zhou Tao , Zhang Yilin , Li Tongfei , Wu Jianjun
Published: June 2021

The urban rail network system plays a significant role in the urban transportation system and urban economic development. Further study of the urban rail network properties can provide additional guidance to related scholars and designers. This study explored urban rail network properties worldwide, including assessments of their static and dynamic network topologic characteristics. Statically, this study analyzed various related network topological indicators for all of these urban rail networks. We found that, with increasing network size, the average degree slightly increases while the complexity and connectivity decrease. Using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov goodness-of-fit, the scale of the degree interval of these cities is [3.5 12.2]. Approximately 90% of these cities have network efficiency values less than 0.12, and 78% of these cities have lower assortativity coefficients. Focusing on the sustainable growth of rail networks, this study tested some specific networks to further deliberate their network expansion ability, network growth, and network robustness properties. The network expansion capability of small networks is relatively poor, while that of large networks is relatively strong. A simulation of network growth suggests that the connection of nodes with the maximum path length will seriously affect the efficiency and characteristics of the network. The robustness of the network indicates that adopting the maximum nodal degree elimination strategy will affect the function of the network. The results provide essential reference information for the rational planning, structural optimization, safe operation and sustainable growth of rail transit networks.
THE “HIGHER” STATUS LANGUAGE DOES NOT ALWAYS WIN: THE FALL OF ENGLISH IN INDIA AND THE RISE OF HINDI
Authors: DE SILVA KUSHANI , BASHEER ALADEEN , ANTWI-FORDJOUR KWADWO , BEAUREGARD MATTHEW A. , CHAND VINEETA , PARSHAD RANA D.
Published: June 2021

Classical language dynamics explain language shift as a process in which speakers adopt a higher status language in lieu of a lower status language. This is well documented with English having out-competed languages such as Scottish Gaelic, Welsh, and Mandarin. The 1961–1991 Indian censuses report a sharper increase in Hindi/English Bilinguals compared to Monolingual Hindi speakers, suggesting that English is on the rise in India — and is out-competing Hindi. However, the 1991–2011 data show that Bilingual numbers have saturated, while Monolingual Hindi speakers continue to rise exponentially. To capture this counter-intuitive dynamic, we propose a novel language dynamics model of interaction between Monolingual Hindi speakers and Hindi/English Bilinguals, which captures the Indian census data of the last 50 years with greater accuracy, than other well-known language dynamics models. We thus provide a first example of a lower status language having out competed English, a higher status language.
New entanglement-assisted quantum MDS codes
Authors: Pang Binbin , Zhu Shixin , Wang Liqi
Published: June 2021

Entanglement-assisted quantum error-correcting codes (EAQECCs) can be obtained from arbitrary classical linear codes based on the entanglement-assisted stabilizer formalism, which greatly promoted the development of quantum coding theory. In this paper, we construct several families of [Formula: see text]-ary entanglement-assisted quantum maximum-distance-separable (EAQMDS) codes of lengths [Formula: see text] with flexible parameters as to the minimum distance [Formula: see text] and the number [Formula: see text] of maximally entangled states. Most of the obtained EAQMDS codes have larger minimum distances than the codes available in the literature.
Parabolic Equation Techniques for Seismology, Seismo-Acoustics, and Arctic Acoustics
Authors: Collins Michael D. , Siegmann William L.
Published: June 2021

After the parabolic equation method was initially applied to scalar wave propagation problems in ocean acoustics and seismology, it took more than a decade before there was any substantial progress in extending this approach to problems involving solid layers. Some of the key steps in the development of the elastic parabolic equation are discussed here. The first breakthrough came in 1985 with the discovery that changing to an unconventional set of dependent variables makes it possible to factor the operator in the elastic wave equation into a product of outgoing and incoming operators. This innovation, which included an approach for handling fluid-solid interfaces, was utilized in the first successful implementations of the elastic parabolic equation less than five years later. A series of papers during that period addressed the issues of accuracy and stability, which require special attention relative to the scalar case. During the 1990s, the self-starter made it possible to handle all types of waves, rotated rational approximations of the operator square root made it possible to handle relatively thin solid layers, and there was some progress in the accurate treatment of sloping interfaces. During the next decade, an improved formulation and approach for handling interfaces facilitated the treatment of piecewise continuous depth dependence and sloping interfaces. During the last 10 years, the accuracy of the elastic parabolic equation was improved and tested for problems involving sloping interfaces and boundaries, and this approach was applied to Arctic acoustics and other problems involving thin layers. After decades of development, the elastic parabolic equation has become a useful tool for a wide range of problems in seismology, seismo-acoustics, and Arctic acoustics, but possible directions for further work are discussed.
Acoustic Propagation in a Medium with Spatially Distributed Relaxation Processes and a Possible Explanation of a Frequency Power Law Attenuation
Authors: Pierce Allan D. , Mast T. Douglas
Published: June 2021

A possible medium is considered with a large number of diverse but possibly similar relaxation processes. The equations for single spatially located relaxation processes of general type are developed and extended to a large spatially extended system. Each process is characterized by a relaxation time and a relaxation strength and is excited by the local pressure in an incident acoustic wave. A constant frequency model is initially assumed with complex amplitudes associated with acoustic pressure and relaxation responses. A smearing process results in the collective relaxation responses being regarded as a continuous function of relaxation times. An expression for entropy perturbation is developed in terms of the relaxation responses. The equations of fluid mechanics then lead to an expression for the pressure perturbation in terms of the dilatation and the relaxation processes. The extended result yields a time-domain wave equation for propagation through an inhomogeneous medium with distributed relaxation processes. Expressions for frequency-dependent attenuation and phase velocity are derived in which relaxation is characterized by a single function giving strength as a continuous function of relaxation time. Possible choices for this function are discussed, and it is shown that some choices lead to an attenuation varying nearly as a power of the frequency over any fixed and possibly large range of frequencies. A model set of parameters leads to good agreement with attenuation and phase velocity measurements for a suspension of human red blood cells in saline solution, as communicated to the authors by Treeby and analogous to those reported by Treeby, Zhang, Thomas, and Cox.
The Belt and Road Initiative and Myanmar: Challenges for Responsible Investment
Authors: Li Linda Che-lan , Man Luo , Mo Phyllis Lai-lan , Chung Jeffrey Shek Yan
Published: June 2021

Chinese grand infrastructure projects in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) program are instrumental for Myanmar to bridge the voluminous bottlenecks in transportation and energy infrastructure essential for economic development. However, the high project costs as well as the project design and execution have raised skepticism over their benefits for Myanmar, in particular the economic viability and disruptive impacts for the local ecology and culture. The military coup in February 2021 in Myanmar deepened the skepticism to the Chinese and even outright hostilities to some projects. This paper reviews the broader context of the local receptions to the Chinese investment, drawing upon in-depth fieldwork in Myanmar, and suggests the potentials of leveraging Hong Kong’s managerial and professional experience in enhancing responsible investment in the BRI.
Delivery of Capecitabine by Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Amini Saeed K.
Published: June 2021

Application of the zigzag (24, 0) single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) in delivery of carbamate and imine tautomers of capecitabine is investigated via quantum mechanical geometry optimizations followed by chemical shielding calculations. Torsion angle between ribose and cytosine rings is very close to the experimental value in both tautomers. This suggests that relative orientation of these rings is independent of presence of SWCNT. Their carbon nuclei become closer to the tube’s internal surface by about 1Å, when going from cytosine ring to aliphatic tail. Their cytosine and ribose rings bend so that fluorine atoms and 2[Formula: see text]-OH group form ion-[Formula: see text] interaction with the surface. Calculated binding energies aside from observation of these sorts of interactions in these tautomers can propose SWCNT as their potent delivery tool. Most of the obtained conclusions are manifested in the observed trends for calculated chemical shielding values. They make connections among the reported experimental and computational distributions of chemical shielding values inside SWCNTs.
Planar Graphs of Maximum Degree 6 and without Adjacent 8-Cycles Are 6-Edge-Colorable
Authors: Zhang Wenwen
Published: June 2021

In this paper, by applying the discharging method, we show that if

G

is a planar graph with a maximum degree of

Δ
=
6

that does not contain any adjacent 8-cycles, then

G

is of class 1.
miR-196a-2 Promotes Malignant Progression of Thyroid Carcinoma by Targeting NRXN1
Authors: Fan Yaohua , Fei MingJian , Li Yan , Gao Zhenzhen , Zhu Yuzhang , Dai Guiping , Wu Dongjuan
Published: June 2021

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignant disease with a rising morbidity year by year. Accumulating studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a regulatory role in the progression of various tumors, but the molecular regulatory mechanism of miR-196a-2 in TC is still unknown. qRT-PCR was employed to measure the expression of miR-196a-2 and NRXN1 mRNA in TC cells, while western blot was used to detect the protein expression of NRXN1. CCK-8, colony formation and flow cytometry assays were used to measure cell proliferation and apoptosis of TC cells. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to predict and verify the targeted binding relationship between miR-196a-2 and NRXN1. Our study results manifested that miR-196a-2 was dramatically overexpressed in cells of TC, while NRXN1 was lowly expressed. miR-196a-2 could promote cell proliferation and inhibit cell apoptosis of TC. Additionally, miR-196a-2 could also target and inhibit the expression of NRXN1. Silencing NRXN1 could reverse the inhibitory effect of miR-196a-2 downregulation on cell proliferation of TC, as well as the promoting effect on cell apoptosis. In a conclusion, we found that miR-196a-2 could promote cell proliferation and inhibit cell apoptosis of TC by targeting NRXN1. Therefore, miR-196a-2/NRXN1 is potential to be a molecular therapeutic target for TC.
A Data-Enabled Business Model for a Smart Healthcare Information Service Platform in the Era of Digital Transformation
Authors: Su Yu , Hou Fei , Qi Mingde , Li Wanxuan , Ji Ying
Published: June 2021

Digital technology has promoted service innovation and provided effective technical support for public service innovation in recent years. Smart healthcare, a key element of smart city development, has gradually become an important issue in government administration. Digital technology is deeply embedded in healthcare services and reshapes value creation through digital transformation. This study combines data-enabled platform business models and value cocreation and adopts a case study approach to develop a business model for a medical information service platform that allows stakeholders to cocreate value through service exchange and resource integration in smart healthcare ecosystems, promotes efficient and coordinated applications of information, and realizes innovative development in the medical industry.
Reducing the Impact of Tinnitus on Children and Adolescents’ Lives: A Mixed-Methods Concept Mapping Study
Authors: Tegg-Quinn Susan , Eikelboom Robert H. , Brennan-Jones Christopher G. , Barabash Syndon , Mulders Wilhelmina H. A. M. , Bennett Rebecca J.
Published: June 2021

Objectives. To generate a conceptual framework describing what is done to reduce the impact of chronic tinnitus on the lives of children and adolescents. Design. Views and experiences of 32 adults from two participant groups informed this concept mapping study: (i) a tinnitus group (adults who experienced tinnitus during childhood/adolescence, and primary carers of children/adolescents with tinnitus) and (ii) a clinicians’ group (clinicians who provided care for children/adolescents with tinnitus). Participants produced statements describing what is done to reduce the impact of chronic tinnitus on the lives of children and adolescents who experience it. Through grouping and rating processes, they identified key concepts and inferred their associated benefit. Results. The participants generated 102 unique statements across four concepts: (1) Education, Support, and Counselling; (2) Support from Parents and Teachers; (3) Clinical Assessments and Management; and (4) Self-Management Techniques. Many statements highlighted the need for child-friendly and patient-centred care. Adults with personal experience of childhood tinnitus tended to perceive many of the statements as more beneficial than did the clinician group. Conclusions. Although many children will develop management strategies to assist them with their tinnitus, both the adults who experienced tinnitus as children and their parents valued strategies involving clinical care, knowledge, and expertise. Participants from the tinnitus group perceived a greater degree of benefit associated with strategies from all four clusters than the clinicians’ group. However, both groups perceived the greatest degree of benefit as being associated with activities and strategies within the Education, Support, and Counselling and the Clinical Assessments and Management clusters. Both groups identified that recognising the occurrence of tinnitus for children and adolescents, acknowledging the potential for associated distress, and initiating clinical care provide the nexus of effective management. Addressing the concerns and needs of parents was also perceived as valuable; hence, approaching the management of tinnitus during childhood and adolescence from a family-centred care framework is recommended.
Investigating the Effect of Oil Revenue Shocks on Business Cycles and the Synchronism of Cycles with Selected OECD Countries
Authors: Ganjoei Reza Ashraf , Asfiji Nouralah Salehi , Shanbeh Esmat Olad
Published: June 2021

The effect of temporary and permanent shocks of oil revenues on the concurrence of trade cycles between Iran and selected OECD countries has been investigated using the data series of the period 1985–2019. For this purpose, first, business cycles and temporary and permanent shocks of oil revenues are extracted using Hodrick-Prescott (HP) filter and Blanchard-Quah technique, respectively. Then, the relationship between business cycles and model-independent variables is evaluated by the ARDL method. The results show that the main cause of business cycle fluctuations is temporary shocks to oil revenues, also, government expenditure variables and permanent and temporary shocks to oil revenues in the short and long term have a negative and significant effect on business cycles, and the exchange rate variable has a positive and significant effect on business cycles. Estimation of business cycle synchronization index shows that Belgium, Germany, Greece, Japan, Spain, and Turkey have had business cycles synchronization with Iran. And Germany with a correlation coefficient of 0.42 has the most synchronization of business cycles with Iran.
Mouthwash with Active Oxygen (blue®m) Reduces Postoperative Inflammation and Pain
Authors: Mattei Bruna Marca , Imanishi Soraia A. W. , de Oliveira Ramos Grasieli , de Campos Paloma Santos , Weiss Suyany Gabriely , Deliberador Tatiana Miranda
Published: June 2021

The aim of this case series was to evaluate the effects of blue®m mouthwash on oral surgical wounds. Eleven patients underwent bilateral preprosthetic surgery and were instructed to apply the product only to the right side of the surgery. In this way, the right side corresponds to the test side and the left side (place without applying any type of solution) to the control side. After seven days of using the product (3 times a day), the following parameters were evaluated by means of a visual analogue scale: pain, changes in taste, and acceptance by the patient. Then, the level of tissue inflammation was assessed, by the number of pixels, using ImageJ® software. The main results show that the blue®m mouthwash was widely accepted by patients, reducing their pain. The number of inflammation pixels was lower on the test side (

p
<
0.05

), indicating improved healing. It is suggested that blue®m mouthwash positively influences tissue healing reducing pain and the postsurgical inflammatory process; however, randomized clinical trials should be done to prove this clinical observation.