bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parental anxiety and misperceptions in children with innocent murmurs
Authors: Akrivopoulou Georgia , Gkentzi Despoina , Fouzas Sotiris , Vervenioti Ageliki , Dimitriou Gabriel , Karatza Ageliki A
Published: February 2021

Background

Previous studies in children with innocent murmurs have shown that parental concern is common. Our aim was to assess the level of anxiety among parents of children referred for cardiology evaluation because of an innocent heart murmur and investigate their perceptions about innocent murmurs.

Methods

A questionnaire was completed by parents before and after consultation. The questionnaire included a six‐item short form of the state scale of the Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory. After the echocardiogram, a detailed consultation was offered including a thorough explanation that the results were normal, as well as a written report.

Results

A total of 417 questionnaires were completed by parents of 340 children. Almost half of the parents believed that a heart murmur signifies heart disease or may interfere with child’s ability to exercise; 21% of them stated that the siblings should also be investigated irrespective of the presence of a murmur. The mean Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire score before pediatric cardiology consultation was 17.1 ± 4.3 and increased to 22.6 ± 2.8 after the consultation (Wilcoxon P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Parents of infants and children with innocent murmurs exhibit moderate levels of anxiety and this condition can be ameliorated significantly after pediatric cardiology consultation. Focused parental education is of paramount importance and the role of pediatric cardiologists is crucial and decisive.
Impact of hypoxemia on pediatric liver transplantation for hepatopulmonary syndrome
Authors: Turine Neto Plínio , Seda Neto João , da Fonseca Eduardo Antunes , Porta Gilda , Pugliese Renata , Benavides Marcel Albeiro Ruiz , Vincenzi Rodrigo , Roda Karina Moreira Oliveira , Danesi Vera Lúcia Baggio , Hirschfeld Adriana Porta Miche , Feier Flavia Heinz , Chapchap Paulo , Miura Irene Kazue
Published: February 2021

Background

The treatment of choice for patients with cirrhosis and HPS is LT. The clinical manifestations associated with hypoxemia result in limitations and a poor health‐related quality of life of affected patients. The present report aims to study the differences in outcomes between patients with PaO2 < 50 mm Hg and those with PaO2 ≥ 50 mm Hg.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 21 patients under 18 years of age conducted from 2001 to 2018; the patients were divided into 2 groups: G1—PaO2 ≥ 50 mm Hg, 11 patients, and G2—PaO2 < 50 mm Hg, 10 patients. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and perioperative data; outcome variables; and post‐transplant survival were compared between the groups.

Results

In total, 2/11 (18.2%) patients in G1 and 8/10 (80%) patients in G2 required supplemental oxygen therapy at home (P = .005). Patients in G2 required prolonged MV (median 8.5 days in G2 vs 1 day in G1, P = .015) and prolonged ICU and hospital stays (P = .002 and P = .001, respectively). Oxygen weaning time was longer in G2 (median 127.5 days) than in G1 (median 3 days; P = .004). One (9.1%) patient in G1 and three (30%) patients in G2 died (P = .22). The survival at 90 months was 90.9% in G1 and 70% in G2 (P = .22).

Conclusion

The survival between groups was similar. Patients with very severe HPS required a longer MV time, longer ICU and hospital stays, and a longer O2 weaning time than those with mild, moderate, or severe HPS.
Effectiveness of constructed farm wetlands in attenuating faecal indicator fluxes to watercourses from yard runoff on livestock farms
Authors: Kay David , Clarke Aldwyn , Crowther John , Davies Cheryl , Francis Carol A. , Stapleton Carl M. , Watkins John , Wyer Mark D.
Published: February 2021

Constructed farms wetlands (CFWs) are increasingly being used to treat faecally contaminated ‘dirty waters’ from yard areas on livestock farms. The findings of the present study, undertaken at the Pwllpeiran experimental CFW, West Wales, provide empirical data on the effectiveness of CFWs in attenuating faecal indicator organism (FIO) concentrations and fluxes to the receiving waters to which they discharge; and insight into the extent to which attenuation rates are affected by retention times within the CFW and seasonal factors. Based on the maximum flows that a CFW is being designed to treat, an equation is developed to enable estimates to be made of the size of wetland required to achieve a desired level of FIO attenuation. Other aspects of CFW design to optimise FIO attenuation are considered, including the construction of frequent baffles (transverse ridges), leaving parts of cells unvegetated and incorporating an initial settling pond.
Is there an association between anemia and diabetic foot ulcers? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yammine Kaissar , Hayek Fady , Assi Chahine
Published: February 2021

Anemia was found to be prevalent in patients with diabetes mellitus. Higher rates of anemia were reported in patients having diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). With the presence of an altered microcirculation, the potential negative effects of anemia might impede ulcer healing leading to higher rates of amputation and mortality. Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, were searched for from inception to locate relevant papers reporting any association between anemia and diabetic foot ulcers. The meta‐analysis included 15 studies with 2895 patients. The weighted prevalence anemia rates of the total, mild‐to‐moderate DFU, and severe DFU groups were as follows: 69.7%, 49.5%, and 73%, respectively. For the hemoglobin level outcome, the same samples yielded the following pooled means: 11.00 ± 1.13, 12.08 ± 0.8, and 10.57 ± 0.68 g/dl. Individual studies showed association between low levels of hemoglobin and higher rates of non‐healing ulcer, amputation, and mortality. This review demonstrated (a) a clear association between the presence of anemia and diabetic foot ulcers, (b) a clear association between the severity of anemia and the severity of DFUs, and (c) that anemia could be a predictor of amputation and mortality. Whether anemia is a predictor of adverse outcomes or an independent risk factor is to be further investigated.
Assinatura Geofísica e Geoquímica do Depósito Pb-Zn-(Cu-Ag) Santa Maria – RS, Brasil
Authors: Araújo Moriá Caroline De , Silva Adalene Moreira , Barbosa Paola Ferreira , Boniatti João Henrique , Früchting Allan , Lago Samuel Bouças , Betancourt Ram Horizonte Seixas
Published: February 2021

O entendimento da assinatura geofísica em depósitos torna-se essencial na prospecção mineral, uma vez que a compreensão do footprint em profundidade é cada mais necessário devido a alvos e depósitos superficiais estarem cada vez mais escassos. A integração de outros tipos de dados aos dados geofísicos pode auxiliar na criação de processos de interpretações a partir do conhecimento avançado da resposta geofísica de diferentes rochas, alterações hidrotermais e mineralizações que futuramente podem aumentar a descoberta de novos alvos ou novas abordagens na prospecção. Esta pesquisa tem como alvo o depósito epitermal de Pb-Zn-(Cu-Ag) de Santa Maria, situado no distrito de Minas do Camaquã, município de Caçapava do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Trata-se de um sistema magmático-hidrotermal distal, com mineralizações controladas por sistemas de falhas em arenitos e conglomerados, que hospedam zonas de alterações hidrotermais que contêm ilita, clorita e pirita, além de galena, esfalerita, calcopirita e bornita. O objetivo principal é mapear a assinatura geofísica do depósito a partir da integração de dados geoquímicos e geofísicos das rochas encaixantes, alterações hidrotermais e mineralizações. A metodologia inicial aplicada consiste na seleção de amostras de furos de sondagens representativas da litologia predominante, das rochas alteradas e das mineralizações hidrotermais do depósito; submissão das amostras a análises geoquímicas de elementos maiores, traço e terras raras; e aquisição de dados geofísicos para serem integrados e interpretados. A magnetometria terrestre, a resistividade e a polarização induzida mostraram-se eficientes para mapear a assinatura geofísica do Depósito Santa Maria, principalmente em termos estruturais, uma vez que se identificou o possível controlador de mineralizações da área. A geoquímica facilitou o entendimento das variações geofísicas, pois a presença de sulfetos em maiores quantidades e presença de óxidos como K2O, Al2O3 e MgO utilizados para mapear zonas de ilita e clorita, possibilitaram interpretações e associações à geofísica da área. Toda a integração de dados proporcionou uma maior confiabilidade na caracterização da assinatura geofísica do depósito.
A Concurrent Migration Model for Optimal Utilization of Existing Computer Resources
Authors: Ito Teruaki , Fukuda Shuichi
Published: February 2021

The paper describes the methodology of concurrent migration with optimal utilization of existing computer resources which has been used in organizations. Concurrent migration bypasses a transitional system which is described as migration model. Migration model includes modules for resource utilization, minimum modification, advance implementation, continuous utilization and concurrent development. Procedure for concurrent migration includes seven steps in which the migration system is included. A case study of concurrent migration of a centralized system converted to a distributed system based on remote/local (R/L) computing is presented to show the availability of the model and the procedure.
Different scenarios of shrinking surface soap bubbles
Authors: Clerget Mattéo , Delvert Alexandre , Courbin Laurent , Panizza Pascal
Published: February 2021

We discuss a simple experiment investigating the shrinkage of surface soap bubbles sitting on a thin solid plate with a circular orifice located under the apex of the bubble. We identify three different shrinking regimes, the occurrence of which depends on a combination of key parameters that include the ratio between initial bubble and orifice sizes and physicochemical properties of the fluid system. For low-viscosity liquids and/or large ratios, a bubble remains quasi-hemispherical as shrinking proceeds. In contrast, for liquids with sufficiently large viscosities and/or small geometric ratios, a bubble seeks the shape of a spherical cap while the air inside it escapes through the orifice. In this case, shrinking proceeds with a bubble foot that either recedes over time or does not move for the largest viscosities and/or smallest ratios. We use basic physical arguments to rationalize the three identified regimes and to explain the shrinking dynamics. Specifically, this model which captures observations and measurements is based on Bernoulli's principle for the air flow, volume conservation, and a friction law that accounts for viscous dissipation at the moving bubble foot.
High-speed visualization of soap films bursting dynamics
Authors: Volodko Arseny A. , Dubinov Alexander E.
Published: February 2021

High-speed (2873 fps) visualization of soap film bursting dynamics has been performed by means of equipment available to a high school laboratory. This paper presents the geometry of the experiment and description of the analysis method of the video frames. We carried out the experiments on the bursting of vertical plane soap films using a circular frame with single central and non-central puncture of the film by a needle. The studies were also performed with simultaneous puncture of the film by two needles. Similar research of the films bursting was done using a non-circular frame in the form of a nonconvex hexagon. In all cases, the rupture line has the shape of a circle. For the first time, the displacement of the circular burst center upwards is recorded and explained. Flapping oscillations of the rupture line border at its movement are confirmed. The oscillating character of the rupture line movement is recorded and explained. In addition, we detected formation of the liquid bridge and its destruction at the interaction of two circular bursts with double puncture of the film.
Relationship Between Subjective and External Training Load Variables in Youth Soccer Players
Authors: Maughan Patrick C. , MacFarlane Niall G. , Swinton Paul A.
Published: February 2021

Purpose:To quantify and describe relationships between subjective and external measures of training load in professional youth soccer players.Methods:Data from differential ratings of perceived exertion (dRPE) and 7 measures of external training load were collected from 20 professional youth soccer players over a 46-week season. Relationships were described by repeated-measures correlation, principal component analysis, and factor analysis with oblimin rotation.Results:Significant positive (.44 ≤ r ≤ .99;P < .001) within-individual correlations were obtained across dRPE and all external training load measures. Correlation magnitudes were found to decrease when training load variables were expressed per minute. Principal component analysis provided 2 components, which described 83.3% of variance. The first component, which described 72.9% of variance, was heavily loaded by all measures of training load, while the second component, which described 10.4% of the variance, appeared to have a split between objective and subjective measures of volume and intensity. Exploratory factor analysis identified 4 theoretical factors, with correlations between factors ranging from .5 to .8. These factors could be theoretically described as objective volume, subjective volume, objective running, and objective high-intensity measures. Removing dRPE measures from the analysis altered the structure of the model, providing a 3-factor solution.Conclusions:The dRPE measures are significantly correlated with a range of external training load measures and with each other. More in-depth analysis showed that dRPE measures were highly related to each other, suggesting that, in this population, they would provide practitioners with similar information. Further analysis provided characteristic groupings of variables.
Learning hierarchical sequence representations across human cortex and hippocampus
Authors: Henin Simon , Turk-Browne Nicholas B. , Friedman Daniel , Liu Anli , Dugan Patricia , Flinker Adeen , Doyle Werner , Devinsky Orrin , Melloni Lucia
Published: February 2021

Sequence learning is tracked across the human brain, and the computational systems used to parse the sequences are highlighted.
A stapled peptide mimetic of the CtIP tetramerization motif interferes with double-strand break repair and replication fork protection
Authors: Kuster Anika , Mozaffari Nour L. , Wilkinson Oliver J. , Wojtaszek Jessica L. , Zurfluh Christina , Przetocka Sara , Zyla Dawid , von Aesch Christine , Dillingham Mark S. , Williams R. Scott , Sartori Alessandro A.
Published: February 2021

A stapled peptide targets CtIP tetramers to inhibit DNA repair and exert synthetic lethality in BRCA1-mutant cancer cells.
PKA Cα subunit mutation triggers caspase-dependent RIIβ subunit degradation via Ser
114
phosphorylation
Authors: Weigand Isabel , Ronchi Cristina L. , Vanselow Jens T. , Bathon Kerstin , Lenz Kerstin , Herterich Sabine , Schlosser Andreas , Kroiss Matthias , Fassnacht Martin , Calebiro Davide , Sbiera Silviu
Published: February 2021

Mutations in PKA causative of adrenal Cushing adenomas increase cortisol secretion by triggering RIIβ subunit degradation.
Imaging the mechanisms of anti-CD20 therapy in vivo uncovers spatiotemporal bottlenecks in antibody-dependent phagocytosis
Authors: Grandjean Capucine L. , Garcia Zacarias , Lemaître Fabrice , Bréart Béatrice , Bousso Philippe
Published: February 2021

The mechanism and limitations of anti-CD20 therapy, a major treatment for B cell lymphomas, were uncovered using in vivo imaging.
Naked mole rat TRF1 safeguards glycolytic capacity and telomere replication under low oxygen
Authors: Augereau Adeline , Mariotti Marco , Pousse Mélanie , Filipponi Doria , Libert Frédérick , Beck Benjamin , Gorbunova Vera , Gilson Eric , Gladyshev Vadim N.
Published: February 2021

Naked mole rat TRF1 enhances telomeric and metabolic functions in hypoxia through an evolutionary gain of function.
The one-carbon pool controls mitochondrial energy metabolism via complex I and iron-sulfur clusters
Authors: Rosenberger Florian A. , Moore David , Atanassov Ilian , Moedas Marco F. , Clemente Paula , Végvári Ákos , El Fissi Najla , Filograna Roberta , Bucher Anna-Lena , Hinze Yvonne , The Matthew , Hedman Erik , Chernogubova Ekaterina , Begzati Arjana , Wibom Rolf , Jain Mohit , Nilsson Roland , Käll Lukas , Wedell Anna , Freyer Christoph , Wredenberg Anna
Published: February 2021

Induction of the one-carbon cycle is an early hallmark of mitochondrial dysfunction and cancer metabolism. Vital intermediary steps are localized to mitochondria, but it remains unclear how one-carbon availability connects to mitochondrial function. Here, we show that the one-carbon metabolite and methyl group donor
S
-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is pivotal for energy metabolism. A gradual decline in mitochondrial SAM (mitoSAM) causes hierarchical defects in fly and mouse, comprising loss of mitoSAM-dependent metabolites and impaired assembly of the oxidative phosphorylation system. Complex I stability and iron-sulfur cluster biosynthesis are directly controlled by mitoSAM levels, while other protein targets are predominantly methylated outside of the organelle before import. The mitoSAM pool follows its cytosolic production, establishing mitochondria as responsive receivers of one-carbon units. Thus, we demonstrate that cellular methylation potential is required for energy metabolism, with direct relevance for pathophysiology, aging, and cancer.
Suppression of dendrite growth by cross-flow in microfluidics
Authors: Ma Meghann C. , Li Gaojin , Chen Xinye , Archer Lynden A. , Wan Jiandi
Published: February 2021

A cross-flow in microfluidics suppresses dendrite growth and electroconvection during electrodeposition.
Tissue regeneration: Reserve or reverse?
Authors: Shivdasani Ramesh A. , Clevers Hans , de Sauvage Frederic J.
Published: February 2021

Stem cells recover from injury by tissue dedifferentiation, not from dedicated reserves
A masing ladder
Authors: Liu Ren-Bao
Published: February 2021

A maser that amplifies emission of periodically modulated quantum states has uses in metrology
Haunting of the phantom limb pain abolished by buprenorphine/naloxone
Authors: Srejic Una , Banimahd Faried
Published: February 2021

Neuropathic opioid refractory phantom limb pain (PLP) following amputation can be a life long debilitating chronic pain syndrome capable of completely destroying a patient’s life. The pain, its associated depression and sleep deprivation can make many patients suicidal. Ever changing and relentless, it is notoriously unresponsive to traditional cocktails of strong opioids, adjuvant pain medications, antidepressants, local anaesthetics, nerve stimulators, hypnotics and psychotropics. Drug effects are seldom more effective than placebo. We describe a successful sustained rescue of a difficult 2-year-long PLP case with sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone using the drug’s potent multimodal mechanisms of action: potent long-acting mu agonist/antagonist, kapa receptor antagonist, delta receptor antagonist and novel opioid receptor-like 1 (OR-L1) agonist effects. Traditional escalating pure mu-opioid receptor agonists and adjuvant neuropathic pain cocktails often have disappointing efficacy in the treatment of resistant PLP. We suggest introducing buprenorphine/naloxone as an early effective opioid choice in PLP management.
Diabetic maculopathy: multicolour and SD-OCT versus fundus photography
Authors: Kousha Obaid , Delle Fave Martina Maria , Cozzi Mariano , Carini Elisa , Pagliarini Sergio
Published: February 2021

Objective

The English Diabetic Eye Screening (DES) programme recommends patients with M1 diabetic maculopathy to be referred to hospital eye services. DES uses flash fundus photography as the reference standard for maculopathy grading. We compared multicolour versus non-stereoscopic fundus photography at identifying M1 maculopathy, with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) identifying macular thickening.

Methods and analysis

This cross-sectional study included 345 patients with R1M1 referred from DES and reviewed in secondary care with fundus photographs, multicolour and SD-OCT. Maculopathy was graded based on DES exudate criteria on both multicolour and fundus photography in a blind fashion by two independent graders. Macular thickness was ascertained on SD-OCT.

Results

Intergrader agreement on grading maculopathy using fundus photography (Cohen’s κ=0.91) and multicolour (Cohen’s κ=0.82) was ‘almost perfect’. Agreement between fundus photography and multicolour on grading maculopathy (Cohen’s κ=0.76) was ‘substantial’. Compared with fundus photography, multicolour had sensitivity of 87% (95% CI 81% to 93%) and specificity of 90% (95% CI 87% to 94%) in detecting M1 maculopathy. SD-OCT identified 84 eyes with macular thickening, 47 of which were graded as M0 by fundus photography. 5 eyes with exudates and severe macular oedema requiring urgent intervention were also missed on fundus photography but not on multicolour. Multicolour, when complemented by SD-OCT, did not miss any clinically significant macular oedema.

Conclusion

Multicolour integrates synergistically in a single platform with SD-OCT providing effective monitoring of M1 diabetic maculopathy. The need for fundus photography is eliminated by multicolour/SD-OCT in dedicated R1M1 virtual clinics not requiring parallel diabetic retinopathy grading.
The metabolic signature of cardiorespiratory fitness: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Carrard Justin , Guerini Chiara , Appenzeller-Herzog Christian , Infanger Denis , Königstein Karsten , Streese Lukas , Hinrichs Timo , Hanssen Henner , Gallart-Ayala Hector , Ivanisevic Julijana , Schmidt-Trucksäss Arno
Published: February 2021

Introduction

A low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a strong and independent predictor of cardiometabolic, cancer and all-cause mortality. To date, the mechanisms linking CRF with reduced mortality remain largely unknown. Metabolomics, which is a powerful metabolic phenotyping technology to unravel molecular mechanisms underlying complex phenotypes, could elucidate how CRF fosters human health.

Methods and analysis

This study aims at systematically reviewing and meta-analysing the literature on metabolites of any human tissue sample, which are positively or negatively associated with CRF. Studies reporting estimated CRF will not be considered. No restrictions will be placed on the metabolomics technology used to measure metabolites. PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE will be searched for relevant articles published until the date of the last search. Two authors will independently screen full texts of selected abstracts. References and citing articles of included articles will be screened for additional relevant publications. Data regarding study population, tissue samples, analytical technique, quality control, data processing, metabolites associated to CRF, cardiopulmonary exercise test protocol and exercise exhaustion criteria will be extracted. Methodological quality will be assessed using a modified version of QUADOMICS. Narrative synthesis as well as tabular/charted presentation of the extracted data will be included. If feasible, meta-analyses will be used to investigate the associations between identified metabolites and CRF. Potential sources of heterogeneity will be explored in meta-regressions.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethics approval is required. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and as conference presentation.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020214375.
Case of placental insufficiency and premature delivery in a Fontan pregnancy: physiological insights and considerations on risk stratification
Authors: Ordoñez Maria Victoria , Biglino Giovanni , Caputo Massimo , Kelly Brenda , Mohan Aarthi , Trinder Johanna , Curtis Stephanie L
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The coexistence of two complex physiologies such as Fontan and pregnancy is still not fully understood. We aim to add a unique and essential knowledge to help our colleagues in the management of Fontan patients that undergo pregnancy as well as the fetus and the placenta perfusion.

Methods and results

We analyse the coexistence of Fontan and pregnancy physiology on a complex case of a woman with hypoplastic left heart syndrome palliated with a univentricular repair who became pregnant, delivered very prematurely and had atypical placental findings.

Conclusion

Histopathological analysis of the placenta could help us to refine the understanding of Fontan physiology adaptation during pregnancy, predict women and fetal outcomes as well as to plan a better pre-pregnancy status. However, further evidence is needed in order to reach a more solid and unified conclusion.
Analysing the trend of illicit tobacco in the Philippines from 1998 to 2018
Authors: Lavares Monica Paula , Ross Hana , Francisco Ariza , Doytch Nadia
Published: February 2021

Tobacco taxation is the most effective measure to reduce cigarette consumption and consequently improve public health outcomes. It is also an important source of government revenue. The presence of an illicit tobacco market diminishes the public health and fiscal gains of cigarette levies by making cheaper non-taxed cigarettes available. To date, the research on the extent of illicit tobacco trade in the Philippines, despite its potential to inform policies for controlling the supply of illicit cigarettes, has been limited. This study provides an estimate of the size of the illicit tobacco market in the Philippines from 1998 to 2018. It employs gap analysis comparing an estimate of the survey-based adult cigarette consumption with legally sold cigarettes in the Philippines. The illicit trade estimates are contrasted with the evolution of tax changes. The results show that the illicit cigarette market share dropped by 42% from 2003 to 2008 and by an additional 79% from 2008 to 2013. In spite of the large tax increases by the Philippine government through the Sin Tax Law starting from 2013 until 2018, the illicit share in 2018 remains similar to its 1998 level of 16% of the total market. Hence, our study finds no evidence of a positive relationship between tobacco taxes and size of illicit cigarette market in the Philippines.
Methodology for seismic risk screening of existing buildings in Canada: Non-structural component scoring system
Authors: Cortés-Puentes W.L. , Cai Z. , Fathi-Fazl R.
Published: February 2021

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has recently developed a Semi-Quantitative Seismic Risk Screening Tool (SQST) to supersede the 1993 NRC Manual for Screening of Buildings for Seismic Investigation. The proposed screening tool incorporates a methodology for estimating global seismic risk of existing buildings associated with failure of their non-structural components. The methodology assesses global seismic risk using a qualitative yet comprehensive scoring system. The scoring system consists of a global non-structural component score and acceptable threshold scores. The global score is based on the most critical components. It combines a basic score with score modifiers for key parameters affecting the seismic response of non-structural components. The acceptable threshold score is based on the building’s consequence of failure, the building’s importance category, and the component factor. The scoring system is calibrated to be consistent with the seismic risk acceptance criteria previously developed for preliminary seismic risk screening of existing buildings, based on Canadian seismicity, building age, remaining occupancy time, and consequences of failure.
Old problems and new solutions: antibiotic alternatives in food animal production
Authors: Stoica Celine , Cox Georgina
Published: February 2021

The antimicrobial resistance crisis is a Global Health challenge that impacts humans, animals, and the environment alike. In response to increased demands for animal protein and by-products, there has been a substantial increase in the use of antimicrobial agents in the animal industry. Indeed, they are extensively used to prevent, control, and (or) treat disease in animals. In addition to infection control, in-feed supplementation with antimicrobials became common practice for growth promotion of livestock. Unfortunately, the global overuse of antimicrobials has contributed to the emergence and spread of resistance. As such, many countries have implemented policies and approaches to eliminate the use of antimicrobials as growth promoters in food animals, which necessitates the need for alternate and One Health strategies to maintain animal health and welfare. This review summarizes the antimicrobial resistance crisis from Global Health and One Health perspectives. In addition, we outline examples of potential alternate strategies to circumvent antimicrobial use in animal husbandry practices, including antivirulence agents, bacteriophages, and nutritional measures to control bacterial pathogens. Overall, these alternate strategies require further research and development efforts, including assessment of efficacy and the associated development, manufacturing, and labor costs.
Study of $$K^+ \rightarrow \pi ^{0} e^{+} \nu \gamma $$ decay with OKA setup
Authors: Polyarush A. Yu. , Akimenko S. A. , Artamonov A. V. , Blik A. M. , Burtovoy V. S. , Bychkov V. N. , Donskov S. V. , Duk V. A. , Filin A. P. , Filippov S. N. , Gorin A. M. , Gushchin E. N. , Inyakin A. V. , Kekelidze G. D. , Khaustov G. V. , Kholodenko S. A. , Khudyakov A. A. , Kolosov V. N. , Kravtsov V. I. , Kudenko Yu. G. , Kurshetsov V. F. , Lishin V. A. , Lysan V. M. , Medynsky M. V. , Mikhailov Yu. V. , Obraztsov V. F. , Polyakov V. A. , Romanovsky V. I. , Rykalin V. I. , Sadovsky A. S. , Samoilenko V. D. , Shapkin M. M. , Stenyakin O. V. , Tchikilev O. G. , Uvarov V. A. , Yushchenko O. P. , Zalikhanov B. Zh.
Published: February 2021

Results of a study of the $$K^+ \rightarrow \pi ^{0} e^{+} \nu \gamma $$

K
+

→

π
0

e
+

ν
γ

decay at OKA setup are presented. More than 32,000 events of this decay are observed. The differential spectra over the photon energy and the photon–electron opening angle in kaon rest frame are presented. The branching ratios, normalized to that of $$K_{e3}$$

K

e
3

decay are calculated for different cuts on $$E^*_\gamma $$

E
γ
∗

and $$cos\Theta ^{*}_{e\gamma }$$

c
o
s

Θ

e
γ

∗

. In particular, the branching ratio for $$E^{*}_{\gamma }>30$$

E
γ

∗

>
30

MeV and $$\Theta ^{*}_{e \gamma }>20^{\circ }$$

Θ

e
γ

∗

>

20
∘

is measured R = $$\frac{Br(K^+ \rightarrow \pi ^{0} e^{+} \nu _{e} \gamma ) }{Br(K^+ \rightarrow \pi ^{0} e^{+} \nu _{e})} $$

B
r
(

K
+

→

π
0

e
+

ν
e

γ
)

B
r
(

K
+

→

π
0

e
+

ν
e

)

= = (0.587±0.010(stat.)±0.015(syst.))$$\times 10^{-2}$$

×

10

-
2

, which is in a good agreement with ChPT $$O(p^{4})$$

O
(

p
4

)

calculations.
Axion monodromy inflation, trapping mechanisms and the swampland
Authors: Jin Weijie , Brandenberger Robert , Heisenberg Lavinia
Published: February 2021

We study the effects of particle production on the evolution of the inflaton field in an axion monodromy model with the goal of discovering in which situations the resulting dynamics will be consistent with the swampland constraints. In the presence of a modulated potential the evolving background field (solution of the inflaton homogeneous in space) induces the production of long wavelength inflaton fluctuation modes. However, this either has a negligible effect on the inflaton dynamics (if the field spacing between local minima of the modulated potential is large), or else it traps the inflaton in a local minimum and leads to a graceful exit problem. On the other hand, the production of moduli fields at enhanced symmetry points can lead to a realization of trapped inflation consistent with the swampland constraints, as long as the coupling between the inflaton and the moduli fields is sufficiently large.
Effects of Cornell-type scalar potential on a generalized KG-oscillator field in Kaluza–Klein theory
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin
Published: February 2021

We study a generalized KG-oscillator in the five-dimensional cosmic string geometry background with a magnetic field and quantum flux using Kaluza–Klein theory under the effects of a Cornell-type scalar potential, and observe the gravitational analogue of the Aharonov–Bohm effect. We see that the scalar potential allows the formation of bound states solution, and the energy eigenvalue depends on the global parameter characterizing the space–time. We also see that the magnetic field depends on quantum numbers of the relativistic system which shows a quantum effect.
Noncompact CPN as a phase space of superintegrable systems
Authors: Khastyan Erik , Nersessian Armen , Shmavonyan Hovhannes
Published: February 2021

We propose the description of superintegrable models with dynamical [Formula: see text] symmetry, and of the generic superintegrable deformations of oscillator and Coulomb systems in terms of higher-dimensional Klein model (the noncompact analog of complex projective space) playing the role of phase space. We present the expressions of the constants of motion of these systems via Killing potentials defining the [Formula: see text] isometries of the Kähler structure.
Three-dimensional DKP oscillator in a curved Snyder space
Authors: Hamil B. , Merad M. , Birkandan T.
Published: February 2021

The Snyder–de Sitter model is an extension of the Snyder model to a de Sitter background. It is called triply special relativity (TSR) because it is based on three fundamental parameters: speed of light, Planck mass and cosmological constant. In this paper, we study the three-dimensional DKP oscillator for spin-0 and spin-1 in the framework of Snyder–de Sitter algebra in momentum space. By using the technique of vector spherical harmonics the energy spectrum and the corresponding eigenfunctions are obtained for the both cases.
Study of the Υ(1S) → DP decays
Authors: Yang Yueling , Duan Mingfei , Lu Junliang , Huang Jinshu , Sun Junfeng
Published: February 2021

Inspired by the potential prospects of high-luminosity dedicated colliders and the high enthusiasms in searching for new physics in the flavor sector at the intensity frontier, the [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] weak decays are studied with the perturbative QCD approach. It is found within the standard model that the branching ratios for the concerned processes are tiny, about [Formula: see text], and far beyond the detective ability of current experiments unless there exists some significant enhancements from a novel interaction.
The spatial distribution of igneous centres along the Norwegian Atlantic Margin (Møre and Vøring) and their relationship to magmatic plumbing systems
Authors: Kilhams Ben , Chedburn Lauren , Schofield Nick , Løkling Lunde Ingelin , Romain Hollie , Jolley David , Haug Eide Christian
Published: February 2021

A series of offshore intra-basinal igneous centres have been documented across the North Atlantic Igneous Province including the UK, Ireland and Greenland. However, inconsistent cross-border terminology implies that similar features are not present in the Norwegian offshore, which, in turns, leads to misperceptions of cross-border geological differences. This paper presents evidence for a series of Norwegian igneous centres and suggests a consistent non-genetic cross-border terminology. In the Møre Basin, several igneous centres sit close to the continent–ocean boundary (COB), which have previously been identified as seamounts and/or ‘outer highs’. To provide cross-border consistency these features are consolidated under umbrella terms: igneous centres or volcanic fissures. Further centres are probably present within the Møre Basin (east of the COB) where 3D seismic data were not available. In the Vøring Basin two new igneous centres, one intrusive and one extrusive, are identified within the continental domain. Additionally, a possible deep magmatic upwelling associated with the regionally significant T-Reflector is identified. These igneous centre end-members represent the complexity of the magmatic plumbing across the Norwegian margin. With further data it is likely that further igneous centres will be identified offshore mid-Norway.
Chapter 5.1a Northern Victoria Land: volcanology
Authors: Smellie John L. , Rocchi Sergio
Published: February 2021

Neogene volcanism is widespread in northern Victoria Land, and is part of the McMurdo Volcanic Group. It is characterized by multiple coalesced shield volcanoes but includes a few relatively small stratovolcanoes. Two volcanic provinces are defined (Hallett and Melbourne), with nine constituent volcanic fields. Multitudes of tiny monogenetic volcanic centres (mainly scoria cones) are also scattered across the region and are called the Northern Local Suite. The volcanism extends in age between middle Miocene (
c.
15 Ma) and present but most is <10 Ma. Two centres may still be active (Mount Melbourne and Mount Rittmann). It is alkaline, varying between basalt (basanite) and trachyte/rhyolite. There are also associated, geographically restricted, alkaline gabbro to granite plutons and dykes (Meander Intrusive Group) with mainly Eocene–Oligocene ages (52–18 Ma). The isotopic compositions of the plutons have been used to infer overall cooling of climate during the Eocene–Oligocene. The volcanic sequences are overwhelmingly glaciovolcanic and are dominated by ‘a‘ā lava-fed deltas, the first to be described anywhere. They have been a major source of information on Mio-Pliocene glacial conditions and were used to establish that the thermal regime during glacial periods was polythermal, thus necessitating a change in the prevailing paradigm for ice-sheet evolution.
Angiotensin II-induced histone deacetylase 5 phosphorylation, nuclear export, and Egr-1 expression are mediated by Akt pathway in A10 vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Truong Vanessa , Jain Ashish , Anand-Srivastava Madhu B. , Srivastava Ashok K.
Published: February 2021

ANG II-induced histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) phosphorylation and nuclear export occurs via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway. Akt, through HDAC5, regulates ANG II-induced expression of early growth response protein-1 (Egr-1), which is a transcription factor linked with vascular dysfunction. Inhibition of HDAC5 exclusion by nuclear export inhibitors suppresses ANG II-induced Egr-1 expression. HDAC5 is an upstream mediator of Egr-1 expression and cell hypertrophy in response to ANG II in vascular smooth muscle cells.
In vivo application and validation of a novel noninvasive method to estimate the end-systolic elastance
Authors: Pagoulatou Stamatia , Rommel Karl-Philipp , Kresoja Karl-Patrik , von Roeder Maximilian , Lurz Philipp , Thiele Holger , Bikia Vasiliki , Rovas Georgios , Adamopoulos Dionysios , Stergiopulos Nikolaos
Published: February 2021

In this study, we present a novel model-based method to estimate the left ventricular (LV) end-systolic elastance ( Ees) according to measurement of the patient’s arm-cuff pressure and a routine echocardiography examination. The proposed method was validated in vivo against invasive multiple-loop measurements of Ees, achieving high correlation and low bias. This tool could be most valuable for clinicians to assess the cardiovascular health of critically ill patients.
Endothelial progenitor cells as critical mediators of environmental air pollution-induced cardiovascular toxicity
Authors: Singh Parul , O’Toole Timothy E. , Conklin Daniel J. , Hill Bradford G. , Haberzettl Petra
Published: February 2021

Environmental air pollution exposure is a leading cause of death worldwide, and with increasing industrialization and urbanization, its disease burden is expected to rise even further. The majority of air pollution exposure-associated deaths are linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although ample research demonstrates a strong correlation between air pollution exposure and CVD risk, the mechanisms by which inhalation of polluted air affects cardiovascular health are not completely understood. Inhalation of environmental air pollution has been associated with endothelial dysfunction, which suggests that air pollution exposure impacts CVD health by inducing endothelial injury. Interestingly, recent studies demonstrate that air pollution exposure affects the number and function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), subpopulations of bone marrow-derived proangiogenic cells that have been shown to play an essential role in maintaining cardiovascular health. In line with their beneficial function, chronically low levels of circulating EPCs and EPC dysfunction (e.g., in diabetic patients) have been associated with vascular dysfunction, poor cardiovascular health, and increases in the severity of cardiovascular outcomes. In contrast, treatments that improve EPC number and function (e.g., exercise) have been found to attenuate cardiovascular dysfunction. Considering the critical, nonredundant role of EPCs in maintaining vascular health, air pollution exposure-induced impairments in EPC number and function could lead to endothelial dysfunction, consequently increasing the risk for CVD. This review article covers novel aspects and new mechanistic insights of the adverse effects of air pollution exposure on cardiovascular health associated with changes in EPC number and function.
Human iPSC-engineered cardiac tissue platform faithfully models important cardiac physiology
Authors: de Lange Willem J. , Farrell Emily T. , Kreitzer Caroline R. , Jacobs Derek R. , Lang Di , Glukhov Alexey V. , Ralphe J. Carter
Published: February 2021

This study seeks to provide an in-depth assessment of contractile performance of human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes cultured together with fibroblasts in a 3-dimensional-engineered tissue strip and compares performance both over time as the cells mature, and with corresponding measures found in the literature using alternative 3D culture configurations. The suitability of 3D-engineered human cardiac tissues to model cardiac function is emphasized, and data provided to assist in the selection of the most appropriate configuration based on the target application.
Apoptosis in resistance arteries induced by hydrogen peroxide: greater resilience of endothelium versus smooth muscle
Authors: Shaw Rebecca L. , Norton Charles E. , Segal Steven S.
Published: February 2021

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in cardiovascular and neurologic disorders including atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. Although oxidative stress can lead to apoptosis of vascular cells, such findings are largely based upon isolated vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) studied in culture. Studying intact resistance arteries, we have focused on understanding how SMCs and ECs in the blood vessel wall respond to acute oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide, a ubiquitous, membrane-permeant ROS. We find that apoptosis induced by H2O2 is far greater in SMCs compared to ECs. For both cell types, apoptosis is associated with a rise in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) during H2O2 exposure. Consistent with their greater death, the rise in [Ca2+]i for SMCs exceeds that in ECs. Finding that disruption of the endothelium increases SMC death, we address how myoendothelial coupling and paracrine signaling attenuate apoptosis. Remarkably, conditions associated with chronic oxidative stress (advanced age, Western-style diet) protect SMCs during H2O2 exposure, as does female sex. In light of intracellular Ca2+ handling, we consider how glycolytic versus oxidative pathways for ATP production and changes in mitochondrial structure and function impact cellular resilience to H2O2-induced apoptosis. Gaining new insight into protective signaling within and between SMCs and ECs of the arterial wall can be applied to promote vascular cell survival (and recovery of blood flow) in tissues subjected to acute oxidative stress as occurs during reperfusion following myocardial infarction and thrombotic stroke.
A Laboratory Approach to Measure Carbonate Rocks’ Adsorption Density by Surfactant and Polymer
Authors: Esfandyari Hamid , Moghani Abdorrahman , Esmaeilzadeh Feridun , Davarpanah Afshin
Published: February 2021

Chemical recovery techniques have always been considered as one of the efficient secondary and tertiary recovery methods to enhance the oil recovery factor. Regarding the diversity of reservoir heterogeneity and rock properties for each field, various chemical agents were taken into consideration to provide a feasible process that has the best agreement with the reservoir characterization. The objective of this paper is to investigate the considerable influence of a set of chemical agents and temperature impact on the surfactant adsorption density of carbonate rocks. According to the results of this experiment, higher temperatures provide lower surfactant adsorption density. The lowest adsorption carbonate rocks’ adsorption density had occurred at 80°C. Furthermore, it was witnessed that hydrolyzed polyacrylamide addition to the surfactant would cause a dramatic decrease in the adsorption density in comparison with the surfactant or polymer individually.
Statistical Modeling and Simulation of Online Shopping Customer Loyalty Based on Machine Learning and Big Data Analysis
Authors: Huang Jui-Chan , Ko Po-Chang , Fong Cher-Min , Lai Sn-Man , Chen Hsin-Hung , Hsieh Ching-Tang
Published: February 2021

With the increase in the number of online shopping users, customer loyalty is directly related to product sales. This research mainly explores the statistical modeling and simulation of online shopping customer loyalty based on machine learning and big data analysis. This research mainly uses machine learning clustering algorithm to simulate customer loyalty. Call the k-means interactive mining algorithm based on the Hash structure to perform data mining on the multidimensional hierarchical tree of corporate credit risk, continuously adjust the support thresholds for different levels of data mining according to specific requirements and select effective association rules until satisfactory results are obtained. After conducting credit risk assessment and early warning modeling for the enterprise, the initial preselected model is obtained. The information to be collected is first obtained by the web crawler from the target website to the temporary web page database, where it will go through a series of preprocessing steps such as completion, deduplication, analysis, and extraction to ensure that the crawled web page is correctly analyzed, to avoid incorrect data due to network errors during the crawling process. The correctly parsed data will be stored for the next step of data cleaning or data analysis. For writing a Java program to parse HTML documents, first set the subject keyword and URL and parse the HTML from the obtained file or string by analyzing the structure of the website. Secondly, use the CSS selector to find the web page list information, retrieve the data, and store it in Elements. In the overall fit test of the model, the root mean square error approximation (RMSEA) value is 0.053, between 0.05 and 0.08. The results show that the model designed in this study achieves a relatively good fitting effect and strengthens customers’ perception of shopping websites, and relationship trust plays a greater role in maintaining customer loyalty.